Upcoming releases across various entertainment mediums are set to captivate audiences, including highly anticipated albums from John Mellencamp and Killer Mike. Moreover, fans can rejoice as Chris Hemsworth’s formidable character, the gun-for-hire anti-hero, returns in Netflix’s thrilling sequel, “Extraction 2.” These exciting developments in television, movies, music, and games are set to grace screens and devices near you.
Highlighting the discerning choices of The Associated Press’ esteemed entertainment journalists, two remarkable selections emerge. Firstly, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Season Two promises to transport viewers to uncharted territories, exploring the fascinating realms of the renowned science fiction franchise. Secondly, the long-awaited seventh season premiere of “Outlander” invites audiences to delve deeper into the timeless love story of Jamie and Claire Fraser, entangled across different eras. These offerings are sure to capture your attention and deserve your valuable time.
Chris Hemsworth’s indomitable action hero, Tyler Rake, proves that even clinical death is a mere inconvenience in the highly-anticipated “Extraction 2,” now available on Netflix. In this thrilling installment, Rake faces the perilous mission of rescuing a Georgian gangster’s family from a high-security prison. Director Sam Hargrave promises an intensified experience with double the action and deeper emotional resonance, as the film once again benefits from the creative collaboration of the Russo brothers. Notably, Hemsworth and the production team opted for practical stunts and authentic set pieces, eschewing green-screen effects. The filming process itself entailed heart-pounding sequences atop a train hurtling at 40 miles per hour through the snow-covered Czech Republic, with a helicopter flying in reverse just 23 feet ahead. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled adventure (read AP’s review here)!
In a lesser-known gem, the captivating biopic “Chevalier” recounts the untold story of Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, an accomplished Black man in the backdrop of Marie Antoinette’s France. Initially overlooked in theaters, this lush and dramatic film has found its rightful place on Hulu, allowing audiences to discover the extraordinary life of Bologne. Born to a wealthy French plantation owner and an enslaved Senegalese teenager, Bologne’s unparalleled musical talents as a composer and violinist propelled him to ascend the ranks of French society. Kelvin Harrison Jr. delivers a powerful performance in the title role, and director Stephen Williams masterfully blends fact and fiction, resulting in a worthwhile experience enriched by tense moments and a decadently beautiful production.
Disney+ offers a poignant tribute to the late Stan Lee, the legendary creator who revolutionized the comic book industry. Directed by David Gelb, “Stan Lee” delves into Lee’s remarkable life and enduring cultural impact. Lee, whose passing in 2018 left an irreplaceable void, co-created a multitude of beloved characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four, and Ant-Man, among others. Over the past 15 years, these iconic figures have become household names, thanks to the tremendous success of Marvel films, many of which feature delightful cameos by Stan Lee himself. Prepare to embark on an exploration of Lee’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on popular culture.
In the realm of music streaming, renowned heartland rocker John Mellencamp continues his prolific output with “Orpheus Descending.” Following his album “Strictly a One-Eyed Jack” released just a year ago, Mellencamp’s latest offering consists of 11 tracks, several of which tackle pressing social issues. Notably, the anti-gun violence anthem “Hey God” and the poignant exploration of the homeless crisis in “The Eyes of Portland” reflect Mellencamp’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness through his music.
Meanwhile, Killer Mike pays tribute to his late mother on his solo album “Michael.” With the single “Motherless,” featuring the soulful vocals of Eryn Allen Kane, Killer Mike intimately expresses his longing for his mother’s presence, reminiscing about the cherished moments and wisdom they shared. Another standout track, reminiscent of his work with Run the Jewels, is “Don’t Let the Devil,” showcasing Killer Mike’s rebellious nature as he disrupts the tranquility of Sunday service.
Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello crafts an emotionally charged album titled “The Omnichord Real Book.” Ndegeocello explores the theme of loss, having recently experienced the passing of both her parents. The album presents a fresh perspective on familiar subjects, with the lead single “Clear Water”
Todd Hoffman, beloved by fans of “Gold Rush,” embarks on a mission to turn his fortunes around by rehabilitating a dilapidated mine in Alaska in the Discovery Channel’s series “Hoffman Family Gold.” Season two chronicles Todd’s challenging endeavor with the assistance of his father, Jack, and son, Hunter. However, even with the support of his family, success is far from guaranteed, and the pressure mounts. Adding to the intensity, Todd and Hunter’s competitive nature fuels tension within the family dynamic. Brace yourself for the second season of “Hoffman Family Gold,” premiering on Friday.
In the realm of video games, Formula One racing gains immense popularity in America, largely attributed to the hit Netflix documentary series, “Drive to Survive.” Capitalizing on this renewed interest, EA Sports, after an extended hiatus, makes a comeback in 2021 with F1 23. This latest installment, developed by Codemasters, offers a fresh start for fans, featuring 20 real-life drivers and 10 teams from the Formula One circuit. Alongside the realistic racing experience, the game introduces a captivating fictional story mode and a career-building “F1 World” series of races. Furthermore, players can explore new courses in Las Vegas and Qatar, and a 35% race distance option caters to those seeking quick challenges. Rev up your engines and dive into the action on Friday, available on PlayStation 5/4, Xbox X/S/One, and PC.