Aarcflick

 Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller's comedy-drama series Platonic, starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, returns to Apple TV with its second season. You already know they're an epic duo, and Every time they get into a sticky situation, it turns into a laugh riot. In the first season, after their temporary separation, best friends Will and Sylvia got back together following Will's divorce. Sylvia had never liked Will's ex-wife, and that was the only reason they grew apart. Sylvia decided to reconnect, and once again they were inseparable. And just like their college days, they relied heavily on each other to solve problems they knew would be too silly for the rest of the world to worry about. In the final episode of the first season, Will announced his engagement to Jenna, and Sylvia, the new wedding planner in town, was tasked with planning her best friend's wedding in San Diego. Unlike last time, Sylvia truly considered Jenna the perfect match for Will and was ...

 Zach Cregger, director of "Barbarian," explores the fear and anger that consume an otherwise stable American community, where 17 children go missing. At 2:17 a.m. on a school day, 17 children disappear simultaneously. They roll out of bed, open their front doors, and run into the night, arms outstretched, like stealthy airplanes flying low over the lawns of their quiet suburban community. The children have one thing in common: they are all students in Justine Gandy's now-empty third-grade class, save for one shy boy named Alex, as bewildered as the town's furtive parents to have been spared such a peculiar fate. Director: Zach Cregger Writer: Zach Cregger Stars: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich It's an intriguing place to start a horror film, made all the more unusual by "Weapons" writer-director Zach Cregger's decision to have a local girl describe the film's seemingly supernatural premise. How much of the shocking and shockingly blo...

 Sketch is a fun film that I think could have been improved with some script revisions and editing. It has a lot going for it; I saw it at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the presenter mentioned that director Seth Worley has experience in visual effects, and it shows. This film—the fourth of its kind featuring imaginary creatures brought to life in 2024, weird, right?!—has some truly impressive computer graphics creations. The film may have a low budget, but the art style of these creatures lends itself well to simple creations. They have texture and make sense within the context of the story, and are, without a doubt, the best thing about the film. Director: Seth Worley Writer: Seth Worley Stars: Tony Hale, D'Arcy Carden, Bianca Belle Tony Hale is also very good in this film; it's nice to see him in a leading role, and I think he plays this character—a grieving single father—quite well. He seems to be the most balanced character, despite the film's typi...

Midway through “Panicked,” his latest HBO special, comedian Marc Maron makes a casual reference to “the show.” He doesn’t explain what he’s referring to, nor does he need to: For more than 15 years, Maron and his producing partner Brendan McDonald have run the podcast “WTF With Marc Maron,” a talk show that catapulted the once-unknown stand-up comedian to fame, an interview with President Obama, and a solid film acting career.  But “WTF” is coming to an end this fall, a fact that looms over “Panicked” even though it was recorded in May, before Maron made the announcement. So much of “Panicked” deals with themes familiar to Maron—his cats, anxiety, and frustration with his fellow “anti-woke” podcasters—that it’s largely distinguished in its catalog by the events that frame its launch.  Director: Steven Feinartz Writer:  Marc Maron Star: Marc Maron For a more holistic look at how Maron is handling this crucial juncture, fans will have to wait for "Are We Good?", a documenta...

 The series follows the twisted story of María Ángeles Molina, aka Angi, a cunning con artist who orchestrated the murder of her friend Ana Páez through a calculated plan of identity theft and financial fraud. If you think your most chaotic friend is too much, wait until you meet Angi. This woman took "fake it till you make it" and turned it into a serious crime. Netflix's Angi: Vida Falsa, Crimen Real is one of those rare true crime documentaries that gives you the feeling of witnessing a crime and more than that, being manipulated in real time, only you have the bills in your hand. This two-part Spanish docuseries delivers exactly what it promises: no drama, no stylistic excesses, no disturbing smoke machine reenactments. It simply spells it all out for you like a seasoned detective who's stopped caring about your ignorance. The story revolves around María Ángeles Molina, known as Angi, a seemingly refined woman with a legal background and a talent for manipulating ...

 The man, who appears to be in a trance, demands the money back. He drives to the rooftop of a parking garage, throws the envelope containing the money into a trash can, and sets himself on fire. Inspector Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) is called in by her boss, Calvin Baxter (Mark Benton), to investigate the case. She and her team, including her partner in the investigation, Detective Jake Hunter (Nathan Welsh), are told it's initially considered suicide, but given the victim's connections, Baxter wants to be absolutely sure. Creators: Laurent Burtin, Alexandre de Seguins Stars: Ella Maisy Purvis, Laura Fraser, Mark Benton At the same time, Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis) is waiting to board the bus to go to her job at the York police criminal records office, a routine she hasn't abandoned. A man who sees her there every day tries to ask her out. She gives him her number, but says she never answers calls from strangers because "I don't like surprises." Bea dis...

Wakanda lovers, this miniseries will transport you to a distant past. Marvel Studios brings you "Eyes of Wakanda," a visually stunning series that tells the history of the kingdom. As most of us know, Wakanda first came to our attention through the film Captain America and then through Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman. This time, here's what happens next: the miniseries revolves around Hatut Zeraze-a, a Wakandan warrior on a crucial mission.  This mission is crucial in many ways. His task is to recover vibranium, stolen by enemies. What is vibranium? you may ask. Let me explain. Vibranium is a powerful and rare metal, the source of Wakada's technology. Marvel fans know that this metal has also been a key element in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through this series, we witness the brave warriors of Wakanda traveling through time and recovering the stolen parts. To do this, we have Noni, a disgraced member of the Dora Milaje, the kingdom's female force.  S...

 Since its premiere over a decade ago, Starz's historical romantic drama "Outlander" has captivated fans around the world. The series revolves around Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), whose love story has defied time and continents. Now, with the eighth and final season of "Outlander," likely set to air in 2026, the universe expands. Based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon and adapted for television by Matthew B. Roberts, Starz's latest series, "Outlander: Blood of My Blood," follows two new love stories: one that begins on the battlefields of the Western Front during World War I and the other on the grasslands of Scotland in the early 18th century.  Lush, complex, impeccably shot and structured, this prequel is an exciting addition to a franchise that has captivated audiences from the beginning. Part of the series follows the love story between Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy), Jamie's ...

In Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Restaurant Death, we meet a younger Aurora "Roe" Teagarden at a formative crossroads. She's a graduate student diligently pursuing a master's degree, a life of academic research neatly separated from her other job as a waitress at the local RnR restaurant. This clear divide shatters when the restaurant transforms from a routine workplace into a stark crime scene. Aurora discovers that her boss, Emilio, has been stabbed; his death has left a stain on the familiar linoleum floor. Director: Jessica Harmon Writers:  Charlaine Harris, David B. Grelck Stars: Skyler Samuels, Evan Roderick, Marilu Henner The situation turns intensely personal almost immediately. When the police arrive, their investigation quickly points to a prime suspect: Daniel, the restaurant's chef and Aurora's boyfriend. With the person closest to her facing a murder charge, Aurora's academic interest in crime becomes a practical necessity. She has a clear path:...

 The brutal rape and murder of four teenagers at a frozen yogurt shop in Austin, Texas, is the subject of Margaret Brown's HBO docuseries, "The Yogurt Shop Murders." The 1991 murders of Amy Ayers, sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, and Eliza Thomas baffled police, haunted the victims' families, and, over time, became part of Austin's essence, according to Brown. Stars: Mike Huckabay, Reese Price, Barbara Ayres-Wilson "It's something you can't really escape in Austin," Brown said. Although Brown ("Descendant") was familiar with the crime, the idea for a four-part docuseries came from Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary, who lived in Austin. Brown spent more than three years interviewing the crime investigation teams and the victims' parents and siblings. The director and her production team also tracked down interrogation room footage of four teenagers who served time for the crime. Additionally, Brown interviewed "48 Hours...

 Mystery, friendship, and the excitement of the unknown come together in The Wild Man of Shaggy Creek, a film that proves that some legends are more than just stories, and that fear is meant to be overcome, not avoided. The Wild Man of Shaggy Creek is a family-friendly monster adventure film reminiscent of 1980s children's movies, reminiscent of E.T., The Goonies, and Stand By Me. Based on the first book in R.H. Grimly's FRIGHTLAND series, this nostalgia is complemented by beautiful cinematography evoking beloved coming-of-age fantasy films and an air of small-town mystery. Director: Jesse Edwards Writers: Jesse Edwards, Scott Baird, Rob York Stars: Hudson Hensley, Allee Sutton Hethcoat, Josh Futcher Jesse Edwards brings the story to the big screen in his second feature film following 2022's The Stolen Valley. From its opening moments, The Wild Man creates excellent tension and a sense of insidious unease. There's always a quiet sense that something is lurking in the wo...

 Thammudu, directed by Venu Sriram, aims to be a heartbreaking, action-packed drama, but in my opinion, it failed to achieve the desired impact for several reasons. I believe what distinguishes a protagonist or antagonist are their flaws, their weaknesses. For me, the ideal villain has some goodness, while the hero has some weakness they try to overcome. Stories can become monotonous if a flawless protagonist is presented.  Thammudu leaves no room for speculation, as everything is black and white in the narrative. The villain is cruel; he's the worst human being in the world, while our protagonist is infallible. Consider any memorable negative character in the history of cinema and you'll understand that only those who live in the grayscale, or at least driven by a strong purpose, manage to make an impact. I agree that one-dimensional characters can evoke certain emotions in the masses, but they never stand the test of time. The film failed to make the most of the talent of so...

 Episodes 1 and 2 of Beyond the Bar have already premiered, and they certainly have interesting things to say. The first episode didn't really grab me, but after finishing the second, I understand where it's going, and it seems to have some similarities with What's Wrong With Attorney Woo. Obviously, Hyo-Min isn't autistic, but she's socially awkward for her own reasons, which makes her equally endearing. However, I think it's too early to say the series are similar, although the feeling is somewhat familiar. Beyond the Bar is also about law, and Korean dramas often get extremely emotional when dealing with topics that require extreme reactions. That said, let's jump straight into episodes 1 and 2. Episode 1 of Beyond the Bar begins with Hyo-Min, a young lawyer, trying to get her first job. She's a little late for her interview because she missed the subway station where she was supposed to get off. She's an honest young woman who graduated at the to...

What renegade Japanese auteur Toshiaki Toyada claims could be his final feature is a typically bewildering and imaginative mix that is part spiritual quest, part absurdist caper, and part indefinable pipe dream. The path to enlightenment is a maze filled with traps in “Transcending Dimensions,” which cult Japanese director Toshiaki Toyoda claims could be his final feature. It can certainly be taken as a kind of summary, recapping previous recurring themes and motifs, though in some ways it constitutes more of an advanced course than a practical introduction to his work. Even the most devoted fans may occasionally take issue with a feature that is at once absurd, philosophical, violent, whimsical, satirical, and unnerving. Director: Toshiaki Toyoda Writer: Toshiaki Toyoda Stars: Chihara Jr., Masahiro Higashide, Haruka Imô Still, the unpredictability and aesthetic appeal of Toyoda’s vision have their usual stimulating effect. A precise point may be unknown, but reaching it is a playful c...

The star director's lethal kicks land, though other elements are variably accurate, in a brilliant reimagining of '70s blaxploitation clichés, which benefits from the comedic chops of his partner Method Man. Michael Jai White has participated in numerous film and television projects over the past 35 years or so. But probably the most beloved by his fans is "Black Dynamite," the 2009 parody of '70s blaxploitation films that he conceived, co-wrote, and starred in. That it remains a favorite is also evident in "Trouble Man," which isn't a parody but a relatively serious reinterpretation of the classic genre's conventions, with White (also currently a director) as the super-cool hero who constantly defeats bad guys through martial arts and gunplay, while simultaneously avoiding the attention of several beautiful women. Director: Michael Jai White Writer: Michael Stradford Stars: Michael Jai White, Method Man, Noah Fleder With no formal connection to ...

 Mr. and Mrs. Murder, the four-part docuseries, tells the story of an interesting case that occurred in 2000. It was one of those rare occasions when kind-hearted people took it upon themselves to uncover the truth and ensure the victims received justice. Typically, in criminal cases, if the perpetrator isn't caught early, it's impossible to convict. But this case defied all odds, and while some questions remained forever unanswered, the main perpetrators were imprisoned, even two decades after the crime. So, let's find out what happened in the case and how authorities uncovered the truth. Jerry Michael “Mike” Williams, a resident of Bradfordville, Tallahassee, disappeared on the morning of December 16, 2000. He had apparently gone hunting near Lake Seminole with his childhood best friend, Brian Winchester, and no one had heard from him since. That morning, Brian's wife, Kathy, noticed he was quite tired upon his return. He didn't specify whether he had met Mike tha...