Viewers can anticipate an eclectic mix of new releases this week across streaming platforms, prominently including Dwayne Johnson's transformative role as MMA pioneer Mark Kerr in the drama "The Smashing Machine," now available on HBO Max as of Friday, January 23. Despite the film's attempt to explore themes of victory, addiction, and personal value, it has been critiqued for not fully engaging with the harsher realities of the MMA environment, instead presenting a more subdued homage to the fighters. The portrayal, however, poignantly captures Kerr’s journey toward accepting defeat.
Accompanying this is Judd Apatow’s documentary "Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!" arriving on Thursday, offering an intimate two-part exploration of the iconic comedian’s life, incorporating insights from comedy contemporaries such as Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, and Conan O’Brien.
On the biopic front, "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" debuts on Hulu and Disney+ on the same Friday. Starring Jeremy Allen White, the film centers on Bruce Springsteen during the creation of his evocative "Nebraska" album. Critics have noted the film's intimate and humbling approach, likening it to the album's complex and gritty American gothic tone.
Streaming options also expand to include niche documentaries such as "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," highlighting a Russian teacher’s covert documentation of militarization within his school amidst the Ukraine conflict, now on KINO Film. Meanwhile, Mubi audiences can access Paolo Sorrentino’s "La Grazia," featuring Toni Servillo in an award-winning performance as a fictional Italian president.
Music enthusiasts are treated to the announcement of Megadeth’s farewell self-titled album, marking the end of the pioneers’ thrash metal era, supported by intricate guitar work characteristic of the group. Additionally, Louis Tomlinson, widely recognized from One Direction, releases his third solo project, "How Did I Get Here?" on Friday, demonstrating a stylistic blend of his foundational Britpop influences with brighter pop-rock elements in singles like "Lemonade" and "Palaces." Last but not least, Lucinda Williams returns with "World’s Gone Wrong," a deeply Americana-rooted album featuring collaborations with artists including Norah Jones, Brittney Spencer, and Mavis Staples in a powerful reinterpretation of Bob Marley’s "So Much Trouble In The World."
Television offerings include FX and Hulu’s "The Beauty," a new series co-created by Ryan Murphy, which combines horror and social commentary on beauty standards. Featuring notable actors such as Evan Peters and Ashton Kutcher, who portrays a tech billionaire responsible for a drug enabling physical perfection at dangerous costs, this series launches on Wednesday. Meanwhile, "Drops of God" continues on Apple TV with its second season, exploring sibling rivalry entwined with an inheritance of an extensive wine collection. Netflix introduces "Finding Her Edge," a romantic drama focusing on the competitive world of figure skating and complex relationships.
Prime Video supplements the week’s line-up with "It’s Not Like That," a faith-centered family drama featuring Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes as single parents navigating loss and new beginnings, debuting Sunday, January 25.
On the gaming front, new releases offer immersive storytelling and gameplay drawing inspiration from classic Nintendo titles. "Escape from Ever After," debuting Friday across multiple platforms, combines storybook fantasy with a dark dystopian twist, envisioned by developer Sleepy Castle Studio in homage to "Paper Mario." "MIO: Memories in Orbit," launching Tuesday, is a 2D adventure influenced by "Metroid," employing hand-drawn pastel visuals within a sci-fi narrative where players control a small robot exploring a vast starship.
This selection of releases across multiple media forms showcases a week rich with diverse themes, styles, and genres, catering to a wide spectrum of audience interests in contemporary entertainment.