Just when you’re trying to catch up to Oscar Sunday, Ghostface comes here as a contender for best kill.
This weekend, the masked villain returns alongside new “Scream” franchise stars Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera for a sixth installment of the New York City horror series. March Madness kicks off next week, so Woody Harrelson laces up his basketball shoes for another basketball comedy, while Idris Elba reprises his London detective from the British cop show “Luther” for a Netflix cinematic sequel.
Here’s a guide to new movies that will satisfy every cinema taste, plus some notable theatrical movies making their streaming and on-demand debut:
If you’ve been watching Ghostface since the 1990s: ‘Scream VI’
The young cast of the 2022 franchise’s fifth movie escapes the usual haunts of Woodsboro and heads to New York City, and of course the stable adversary follows them. Full of meta riffs and self-references, the latest chapter doesn’t break the mold, but uses its franchise history in an intriguing way, getting to know the newer main characters as they spatter blood during the most vicious “Scream” of them all.
Where to watch: In theatres
‘Scream VI’ review:Ghostface takes Manhattan on a solid but familiar stabbing outing
If You’re Feeling the March Madness: ‘Champions’
“White Men Can’t Jump” fans can watch Harrelson pick it up again, but this time he’s on the sidelines as a disgraced coach who had a drunken collision with a police car and his community service leads a team of disheveled youths with an intellectual disability. It’s a problematic minefield that director Bobby Farrelly navigates well in the engaging comedy, treating the subject matter with respect and charm, even if it leans toward formulaic.
Where to watch: In theatres
If you prefer a broody Idris Elba: ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’
We’ve recently seen Elba punch a lion, tackle monstrous alien starfish, and ride a horse, but nothing beats seeing him in action as rule-breaking British detective John Luther. After his dubious police work is publicly revealed, Luther is jailed, but must break out to stop a psychopath (Andy Serkis in total creep mode). Cynthia Erivo’s crusade detective is a fun addition to this grimly over-the-top and entertaining crime thriller.
Where to watch: Netflix
If You Think Mozart Should Have Made More Teen Movies: ‘The Magic Flute’
There’s a pleasant mix of drama, fantasy and sweet tunes in this coming-of-age adventure starring Jack Wolfe as Tim, a youngster sent to music school after the death of his father. After the pretentious headmaster (F. Murray Abraham) scoffs when the boy wants to audition for “The Magic Flute,” Tim is swept into the magical landscape of Mozart’s opera and forced to overcome obstacles in both worlds.
Where to watch: In theatres
If you dig modern survival thrillers with your heart and soul: ‘Unseen’
A breakup leads to Emily (Midori Francis) being kidnapped by her murderous ex and escaping into the woods of Michigan, breaking her glasses and leaving her nearly blind. However, a wrong number links her to Florida store clerk Sam (Jolene Purdy), who tries to help Emily get to safety via FaceTime. At less than 80 minutes of lean and mean, it’s a tense, smart and subtle comedic tale of human connection.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play, Amazon
If you’re into dark fairy tales at all: ‘Unwelcome’
After a traumatic home invasion, an expecting British couple (Hannah John-Kamen and Douglas Booth) trade their digs in the city for a rural Irish cottage they’ve inherited. But it comes with one rule: they must leave out fresh red meat daily before sunset or risk upsetting a mystical band of murderous goblins. The little weirdos become a problem, just like a family of troublesome construction workers, in this nifty indie-folk horror flick.
Where to watch: In theaters (and Apple TV and on-demand platforms Tuesday)
Even when streaming
- The sports comedy ’80s for Brady’, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field as huge Tom Brady fans, is now available on Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play and Amazon.
- The twisty mystery thriller “Missing,” starring Storm Reid as a teenage girl desperately searching online for her missing mother, can also be seen on Apple TV and on-demand platforms.
- The Oscar-nominated animated adventure “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” starring Antonio Banderas who voices the feline adventurer title, will premiere on Peacock Friday.
