logo
'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' 'Happy Gilmore 2,' 'Materialists' and more: Your guide to this weekend's top movies to watch in theaters and at home

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' 'Happy Gilmore 2,' 'Materialists' and more: Your guide to this weekend's top movies to watch in theaters and at home

Yahoo20 hours ago
"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" shows that "Superman" was the start of a new trend.
Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Brett Arnold, film critic and longtime Yahoo editor, and I'm back with another edition of Trust Me, I Watch Everything.
This week there are a handful of movies coming to streaming services you're likely already paying for, including Wes Anderson's latest, an indie gem about baseball and a fun self-aware horror flick. The biggest new release is The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latest attempt at making the Marvel characters pop onscreen with a buzzy new A-list cast, including Pedro Pascal. If you're looking for more Pascal, make it a double feature: His rom-dram Materialists is available to rent. Read on for more, because there's something here for everyone!
What to watch in theaters
Movies newly available to rent or buy
Movies newly available on streaming services you may already have
🎥What to watch in theaters
My recommendation: The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Why you should watch it: The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves that James Gunn's Superman wasn't a one-off and instead was the start of an emerging trend of superhero movies.
Both are comic book flicks that are meant to be introduction films, as well as reboots featuring iconic characters we've already seen onscreen before. They both purposefully avoid harping much on a character's origin story. The Fantastic Four: First Steps depicts it very quickly up top, whereas Superman throws you right into the action. Both rely on the audience knowing who these people are and what they do without getting bogged down by lore.
That being said, each movie is meant to emulate the experience of reading a comic book, picking up an issue and getting caught up in that one arc without having to worry about its place in the larger universe.
The best thing about The Fantastic Four: First Steps is that it doesn't adhere to the Marvel house style and has a unique look that's decidedly its own: a retro-futuristic take on the 1960s that feels as indebted to The Jetsons as it does the comic books its based on.
Superman opened with Clark Kent having already been Superman for three years, and First Steps similarly opens with our heroes celebrating four years as America's superhero protectors. The public knows who they are and appreciates their efforts to keep them safe.
But Marvel's First Family is soon forced to balance their roles as heroes and the strength of their family bond while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).
Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is pregnant with the child of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), and the movie explores how Reed tries to 'babyproof the world,' as a character in the film puts it, and protect their kid from real and specific dangers — in this case, Galactus.
The film is at its best when its leaning into either the silliness or the scale of the sci-fi comic book world these characters inhabit, like when we get a glimpse of villain Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser, a highlight) and his underground world of Subterranea, or when the plot turns to the idea of teleporting entire planets in order to save lives.
The foreboding Galactus, who is the size of a skyscraper and more menacing than any villain I can think of in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is an undeniable selling point. Maybe it's just my love for science fiction showing, but a bad guy that's just the Death Star incarnate, destroying planets as if they were nothing, is scary, strong stuff.
If I have a major complaint, it's that the Fantastic Four's powers are never really utilized in a way that feels specific to each character. It's all just generic superhero zipping around and shooting forceful beams out of their hands. The wildly specific skillsets all feel incidental here, rather than expertly written and woven into the narrative or the action.
The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bacharach is terrific as the voice of the Thing, but the character feels like he has little to do here, and the entirely CGI creation of his being pales in comparison to the onscreen depiction 20 years ago, when Michael Chiklis was transformed into the character with extensive makeup. Joseph Quinn is fun as Johnny Storm, but he too just flies around while on fire.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps may be the latest attempt at bringing these classic comic book characters to the screen, but it's undeniably the most successful of that very cursed bunch. The speed-run character development is a barrier at first, but by the end, I was worn down and accepted that this is what comic book movies are now, nearly 20 years after Iron Man changed everything for the genre.
On paper, I love the idea of skipping the origin story, but after Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I just think more work needs to be done setting up these worlds if I'm expected to buy in. For those unfamiliar with the characters, who have never seen a Fantastic Four movie or read one of their comic books, I do wonder if the experience is meaningfully different.
What other critics are saying: Most agree that Marvel finally got it right this time. William Bibbiani at The Wrap says it's first-rate, writing, "whatever its drawbacks, feels like a real Fantastic Four movie, and that's no small achievement." The Associated Press's Jake Coyle agrees that the villains steal the show and calls it "a very solid comic book movie."
How to watch: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters nationwide July 25.
Get tickets
🤔 But that's not all!
This ridiculously bonkers horror movie starring Pete Davidson and directed by The Purge mastermind James DeMonaco was shot in early 2022 and is only now sneaking into theaters. Davidson plays a troubled man who starts working at a retirement home and realizes its residents and caretakers harbor sinister secrets. It's unpredictable in a fun way, even if it feels like you're watching a different movie in the final 10 minutes. Get tickets.
: A derivative found-footage horror vehicle for Kris Collins, aka KallMeKris, a Canadian TikToker who has a massive following on the social media platform. It's ripping off The Blair Witch Project for most of the runtime, until it gets to the third act and imitates a different popular horror movie. It doesn't amount to much, sadly. Get tickets.
💸Movies newly available to rent or buy
My recommendation:
Why you should watch it: You can get a double helping of Pedro Pascal this weekend, if you're into that sort of thing, as the controversial Materialists is now watchable from your couch. As I wrote when it debuted in theaters, it disappoints in comparison to Past Lives, writer-director Celine Song's debut film, and the script ultimately lets down the actors, even if the performances are all very good.
What other critics are saying: There are strong opinions on both sides here. Stephanie Zacharek at Time writes that it's "more bittersweet than sweet, which is what makes it so wonderful, in a wistful, elusive way." The Daily Beast's Nick Schager dubs it a disappointing letdown, calling it "the cinematic equivalent of a sugary soda gone terribly flat."
How to watch: Materialists is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms.
Rent or buy 'Materialists'
➕ Bonus recommendation
Why you should watch it: The always-great Danielle Deadwyler stars in this postapocalyptic thriller about a Black family of Canadian farmers descended from American Civil War migrants defending their homestead against cannibals trying to seize their resources. Its specific approach to the apocalypse, that it's about food scarcity and the importance of farms in that future, makes it stand out from plenty of similar fare, as does the terrific and dynamic gunplay that unexpectedly takes up the latter half. The focus on family is also very effective. Much better than you'd expect from this sort of low-budget affair.
What other critics are saying: Most agree it's worth your time! Rolling Stone's David Fear writes, "She's not better than the movie. Deadwyler just makes the movie better by every choice she's making as an actor." Amy Nicholson at the Los Angeles Times agrees, writing that "there's not one false beat in Deadwyler's performance."
How to watch: 40 Acres is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms.
Rent or buy '40 Acres'
🤔 But that's not all!
: This is a horror movie about a serial killer whose method of killing is feeding his victims to sharks. I wish I didn't have to tell you that because the opening scene is such a shocking introduction, but the trailer gives it away immediately. It's still absolutely worth watching, if that sounds like your kind of thing. Rent or buy.
Disney's live-action remake became the first and only movie to gross $1 billion this year, and now you can help it make more money by paying to rent it! As per usual with these things, it's not as nice to look at as the animated original, but it gets the job done. Rent or buy.
📺Movies newly available on streaming services you may have
My recommendation:
Why you should watch it: Our review is coming Friday!
What other critics are saying: Check back on Friday!
How to watch: Happy Gilmore 2 is streaming on Netflix July 25.
Stream 'Happy Gilmore 2'
➕ Bonus recommendation:
Why you should watch it: Sometimes, all you need is a cheap but satisfying B-movie about a creature on an island killing people in increasingly gory ways. Bonus points if the creature just so happens to be a guy in a suit.
This World War II-set throwback is as inspired by the films of Jack Arnold (specifically Creature From the Black Lagoon) as it is Predator, and it delivers on the promise. The story about two guys from opposite sides of the war forced to band together against a greater threat works quite well!
What other critics are saying: There aren't many reviews for this one yet, so you'll have to take my word for it. If you're into low-budget stuff buoyed by great practical FX work and better-than-average performances, check it out.
How to watch: Monster Island will start streaming on Shudder on July 25th.
Stream 'Monster Island'
🤔 But that's not all!
The latest film from Wes Anderson is a decidedly silly one. Imagine the usual Andersonian look and feel, now with cartoonish violence, and a terrific performance from Benicio Del Toro at its center. I wrote more about it here. Streaming on Peacock July 25
This quietly profound indie about a baseball team playing their last-ever game functions as a metaphor about life and the eventual bitter end of the things we love. How can you not be romantic about baseball?! I wrote more here. Now streaming on Mubi.
This horror flick based on a popular video game leans more Cabin in the Woods send-up than earnest horror, and fans of the genre will enjoy the way it plays with conventions. Streaming on Netflix July 24.
Steve Coogan is sensational in this cute movie inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976 and how his life is transformed when he befriends a penguin. Streaming on Netflix July 26
This A24 movie starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd is a high-concept fantastical comedy that eventually turns into goofy horror. I found it insufferable, but, hey, it's on HBO Max now, so you're not paying for it.Streaming on HBO Max July 25
That's all for this week — we'll see you next Friday at the movies!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

White House Gives 'The View' Chilling Warning After Joy Behar Claims Trump is 'Jealous' Of Obama
White House Gives 'The View' Chilling Warning After Joy Behar Claims Trump is 'Jealous' Of Obama

Yahoo

time5 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

White House Gives 'The View' Chilling Warning After Joy Behar Claims Trump is 'Jealous' Of Obama

Who knew the attempted dismantling of the First Amendment would be kind of dumb? The White House emailed an intimidating statement to Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday after the outlet reached out for comment about remarks Joy Behar made on 'The View' about President Donald Trump. During Wednesday's episode, the women of 'The View' discussed Trump's accusation that former President Barack Obama participated in a 'coup' against him in 2016 — an allegation Obama later called 'outrageous.' In response to Trump's claims, Behar immediately brought up Jan. 6, 2021, in which a horde of Trump supporters participated in an insurrection on the Capitol to overthrow the results of the 2020 presidential election. 'The thing about [Trump] is he's so jealous of Obama,' Behar said. 'Because Obama is everything that he is not — trim, smart, handsome, happily married, and can sing Al Green's song 'Let's Stay Together' better than Al Green. And Trump cannot stand it. It's driving him crazy.' In response to EW's request for a comment on Behar's remarks, the White House called the daytime talk show host 'an irrelevant loser suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.' It also alleged that the show has 'hit the lowest ratings' in recent years. The statement went on to say Behar 'should self-reflect on her own jealousy of President Trump's historic popularity before her show is the next to be pulled off air.' The Trump administration's ominous warning against 'The View' follows CBS's announcement last week that the 'Late Show with Stephen Colbert' would be ending in May 2026. The network said it would not be finding a new host for the three-decade-long franchise, which was initially helmed by David Letterman. CBS claimed the decision was 'purely a financial' one, pointing to the general decline of late-night audiences. The news that the 'Late Show' was being canceled altogether occurred shortly after Colbert criticized CBS's parent company, Paramount, for agreeing to pay $16 million to settle a ridiculous lawsuit with Trump over a pretty standard edit made by '60 Minutes.' That settlement came amid a pending multibillion-dollar merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, one that requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission. Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC, was a Trump selection. On Tuesday, Carr complained on X about the 'left's ritualist wailing and gnashing of teeth' over Colbert's cancellation. 'They're acting like they're losing a loyal DNC spokesperson that was entitled to an exemption from the laws of economics,' Carr wrote.

Zac & Dylan Efron continue to drive the gays wild, now with a steamy round of shirtless golf
Zac & Dylan Efron continue to drive the gays wild, now with a steamy round of shirtless golf

Yahoo

time5 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Zac & Dylan Efron continue to drive the gays wild, now with a steamy round of shirtless golf

The Efron brothers know exactly who their audience is — it's us, the gays — and we're hooked. A few weeks ago, Zac (High School Musical) and Dylan (The Traitors) sent the internet wild when Dylan posted a video 'describing summer in one word' that included the boys swimming around shirtless and enjoying a lake day. See on Instagram Now, they've taken it up a notch with a collab post together, getting us interested in something we would otherwise care nothing about: golf. That's it. That's the post. Just a 16-second clip of the Efrons whacking around golf clubs, driving around in golf carts, captioned 'Sticks.' Oh, and all while completely shirtless and looking far too attractive to be traipsing around the golf course. See on Instagram Naturally, the internet lost its mind as soon as the video dropped. — (@) From being concerned over how many times they watch the video to begging to be in an Efron sandwich, social media's thirst for the brothers has officially exceeded the Supernatural Sam and Dean levels. — (@) Under the Instagram post, some comments were more wholesome, like the woman who said it 'just feels right' to see the two of them on a golf cart again. Others, on the other hand, casually mentioned the, ahem effect, the golf video had on them, and their solo habits. Apart from the thirst comments, the song attached to the clip had some mixed reactions, with most people thinking it should have been Zac's 'Bet On It' from High School Musical. However, both Instagram and TikTok credit the audio as original, with TikTok saying it's from Dylan. I merely point that out in wonder if Zac isn't the only Efron to sing, and also if Dylan's about to drop some other talent on us… Anyway, let's hope these two aren't done sharing their summer together yet and keep our fingers crossed they'll keep us hydrated along the way. This article originally appeared on Pride: Zac & Dylan Efron continue to drive the gays wild, now with a steamy round of shirtless golf

The White House called Joy Behar an 'irrelevant loser' in its official rebuke of her comments on the show.
The White House called Joy Behar an 'irrelevant loser' in its official rebuke of her comments on the show.

Yahoo

time5 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

The White House called Joy Behar an 'irrelevant loser' in its official rebuke of her comments on the show.

The White House threatened to make The View 'the next show to be pulled off air' because co-host Joy Behar said Donald Trump is 'jealous' of Barack Obama. A White House spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly Wednesday after the show aired, 'Joy Behar is an irrelevant loser suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome' who 'should self-reflect on her own jealousy of President Trump's historic popularity before her show is the next to be pulled off air.' The statement to the site also claimed the popular daytime show has 'hit the lowest ratings' recently. The show would not comment to EW about the insults to Behar, but it defended its ratings, telling the site, 'season to date, The View is ranking No. 1 in households and total viewers among all network daytime talk shows and news programs for the fifth straight season.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store