Image via Sony Pictures
It’s a bit of a slow week in the movie and TV world but there are still some new offerings worth diving into.
Head to theaters to catch the latest thriller, Missing, which has Euphoria’s Storm Reid front and center. Reid does a phenomenal job playing a teenager who puts her online detective skills to good use when her mother, played by the incomparable Nia Long, goes missing. You People will also be arriving in select theaters, but more on that next week when it hits streaming.
If staying at home is more your vibe this weekend, head to Netflix. The streamer has two debuts this week that are worth a watch for nostalgia seekers and reality TV fans, including That ‘90s Show and Bling Empire: New York.
The second episode of The Last of Us also hits HBO this weekend, and since millions of people have already tuned in, you should too. You won’t regret it. Check out our choices for What to Watch this week, and come back next week for more.
'Missing'
When: Friday, Jan. 20
Where: In theaters
Missing is one of the most thrilling movies I’ve watched in some time. The film comes from the minds behind Searching, and as the story unfolds it takes you on a wild roller coaster ride that makes you realize that maybe you don’t fully know those closest to you. When her mother (Nia Long) disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June (Storm Reid) goes into detective mode from thousands of miles away in Los Angeles searching for answers through her laptop and using social media. June proves to be a mastermind behind a keyboard and not only assists the FBI in their search through a series of internet sleuthing, but she also discovers the truth behind her mom’s past. The film takes place mostly on June’s computer screen, which is a concept that we’ve seen more of recently but directors Will Merrick and Nick Johnson found a way to make it compelling, easy to follow, and not at all annoying. Check it out for yourself in theaters today.
'Bling Empire: New York'
When: Friday, Jan. 20
Where: Netflix
After Bling Empire gave us an inside look at the lives of a group of fun and wealthy Asian and Asian-American in Los Angeles for three seasons, the show is heading east for the new season. Bling Empire: New York is introducing fans to a fresh group of wealthy, sophisticated, and entertaining Asian Americans—including billionaires, CEOs, and fashion icons—who live in New York City, where luxury and wealth are measured differently than in LA. The new season will also follow Dorothy Wang's cross-country move to the Big Apple after a lifelong experience of living in the comforts of Beverly Hills—and watching her learn how to hail a cab is far too entertaining.
We caught up with the cast at the NYC premiere earlier this week, and when we asked what was one luxury they could not live without, most of them didn’t have an answer. While most of us would think they would say facials, fine dining, spa dates, etc. to them? That sort of activity is part of their normal day-to-day lives and not at all extravagant. Instead, they said things like “fresh air,” “friends,” and “family,” which shows that there is more to them than how much they are worth. The reality show has just enough drama and laughs to make it a perfect binge-watch if you are in the mood for something easygoing and chill. As for me, I finished the season in one day and don’t regret it one bit.
'That ‘90s Show'
When: Thursday, Jan. 19
Where: Netflix
Reboots are not my thing, they never have him and probably never will be. But that doesn’t stop studios from greenlighting them. Netflix has taken on the task of continuing the That ‘70s Show story with That ‘90s Show and for fans of the original who were yearning for more, this one might be right up your alley. The show is fast-forwarding to 1995 and Leia Forman, daughter of the original’s characters Eric and Donna, is visiting her grandparents Red and Kitty, in Wisconsin for the summer. While there, she bonds with a new generation of Point Place kids in the same basement where her parents spent countless hours with their friends. The show’s original cast, including Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, and Wilmer Valderrama, are all returning for the show.
