Rebel yell 🚀
Rebel yell 🚀
We missed you, "Star Wars."
Back in the day – when it was mainly a movie franchise – the galaxy far, far away was one of my favorite things. Since its standout early years, and the prequel and sequel trilogies, "Star Wars" has become mainly a TV thing – some of it good, some of it forgettable. The second season of "Andor" is here now, however, to remind us of how vital this space opera still can be. Put that on your to-watch list, for sure, but also consider Ben Affleck's sequel "The Accountant 2" and some new movies on streaming services. (Hint: Tom Hardy + Netflix = action-flick gold.)
Now on to the good stuff:
See Diego Luna rebel against the Empire in 'Andor' (the best 'Star Wars' show!)
The "Star Wars" shows have been a mixed bag – as much as I love "The Mandalorian," other projects like "Skeleton Crew" (aka cosmic "Goonies") and "Obi-Wan Kenobi" were pretty mid. Thankfully, the best is back: The first three episodes of "Andor" Season 2 are streaming now. The prequel to the "Rogue One" movie (itself a prequel to the original 1977 jam) finds Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) helping the Rebel Alliance come together as the evil Empire increases its fascistic presence across the galaxy. TV critic Kelly Lawler is also a fan, writing in her ★★★★ review that the new season is "a deeply affecting narrative about love, sacrifice and belief."
I talked with creator Tony Gilroy and Luna about the political and psychological impact of this season – where main character are stressed to the max in an increasingly unstable world – and chatted with Denise Gough and Kyle Soller about the show's unlikely Imperial romance.
Watch Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal team up as action-hero bros in 'The Accountant 2'
Cable TV reruns made Ben Affleck's 2016 action thriller "The Accountant" a cult hit, and he's back – with way less math this time – in the sequel. "The Accountant 2" (in theaters now) isn't as good or as unconventional as the first, though it's a decently enjoyable time watching Affleck's CPA with high-functioning autism and special-forces skills solve mysteries with his hitman brother (Jon Bernthal). (Peep my ★★½ review.)
My colleague Erin Jensen talked with Affleck and Bernthal about the chemistry that sparked the sibling bond in the movie, which includes a surprising amount of country line dancing and a bunch of violent scenes chock-full of bullets and broken bones. 'Violence was always the language which was the easiest way for them to tell each other that they loved each other,' Bernthal says.
Stream 'Babygirl,' 'Havoc' and more on your fave streaming services
In my ongoing quest to make sure my Watch Party crew is never without new movies to watch, I rounded up this month's list of notable flicks on the various streaming services. There are theatrical releases that you can now watch on your couch, like Nicole Kidman's "Babygirl" and "Companion" on Max, "Wolf Man" on Peacock and "G20" on Prime Video.
The best of the bunch? Definitely watch Jude Law in Hulu's "The Order" but also don't miss Tom Hardy in Netflix's "Havoc," playing a dirty cop on a quasi-rescue mission amid chaotic car chases, ultraviolent fight scenes and Hong Kong-style martial-arts throwdowns.
Even more goodness to check out!
Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me? Email btruitt@usatoday.com and follow me on the socials: I'm @briantruitt on Bluesky, Instagram and Threads.
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