As far as new streaming options go, you’ve got some biggies to choose from this weekend. And they ALL premiere today. Let’s start with arguably the biggest, and only series of the lot.
SERIES
The Sandman
Netflix – 5 August 2022
Creator Neil Gaiman has been heavily involved in this adaptation of his groundbreaking comic series, which originally ran under DC’s Vertigo imprint from 1989 to the mid-90s. So this live-action version has been a long time coming. Referencing the first two Sandman volumes, Preludes and Nocturnes, and The Doll’s House, this dark fantasy epic starts off with Morpheus, Lord of Dreams (Tom Sturridge), being unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for a century. Once Dream escapes, he must restore order as his absence has set off a series of events across all planes of existence. Watch all ten episodes from today.
MOVIES
Prey
Disney+ – 5 August 2022
Disregarding two Alien vs. Predator crossovers, we’re four Predator movies into the franchise. So how do you freshen things up for the fifth outing of this sci-fi survival horror series? How about going back centuries and pitting the technologically advanced alien against Comanche warriors of the American Great Plains, particular one tenacious woman (Amber Midthunder)? Presenting Prey, from 10 Cloverfield Lane director Dan Trachtenberg. Prey received a standing ovation at a special San Diego Comic-Con fan screening.
Carter
Netflix – 5 August 2022
We love Korean entertainment as is, but Kervyn tells us that Carter is especially noteworthy as it’s from the same director (Jung Byung-gil) who made The Villainess, which he describes as “a jaw-dropping action movie.” Carter looks no different. Plot-wise, Joo Won’s title character wakes with amnesia, and a voice in his ear sending him on a dangerous mission with repurcussions for a deadly pandemic.
Thirteen Lives
Amazon Prime Video – 5 August 2022
If your nerves can handle it, there’s Ron Howard’s gruelling take on the real-life survival story that had the world holding its breath back in 2018. Need a reminder? Twelve young Thai soccer players, and their coach, found themselves trapped inside flooded Tham Luang cave for almost 3 weeks. Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell and Joel Edgerton play the experienced cave divers who accept the challenge of getting everyone out alive.
Luck
Apple TV+ – 5 August 2022
It’s not just Netflix flexing in the animated movie ring. Apple TV+ snapped up the distribution rights to Luck, a fantasy comedy about the unluckiest person in the world. Continuing her misfortunes, our heroine accidentally ends up in the Land of Luck, cram-packed with magical creatures. Luck is the first movie from Skydance Animation and Skydance Animation Madrid, and it features the voices of Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, Whoopi Goldberg and Jane Fonda.