Looking for the perfect movie to kick back with this weekend? Whether you’re a fan of star-studded rom-coms, nostalgic biker dramas or animated antics, we’ve got you covered. From Netflix's latest romantic comedy, "A Family Affair," featuring an all-star cast, to the sizzling performance of Austin Butler in "The Bikeriders," there’s something for everyone. We’ll also dive into the newest Minions adventure. So grab your popcorn and get ready to update your watchlist with these three must-see films.
1. "A Family Affair": A Star-Studded Netflix Delight
One of Hollywood’s hottest trends is movies about older women romancing much younger men. We’ve seen it in "The Lost City," "May/December," and "Your Place or Mine," and now it's happening in "A Family Affair," debuting on Netflix this weekend.
This romantic comedy was originally slated for fall 2023 but got delayed due to the writers' strike. At long last, it's here and it was worth the wait! It is one of the most star-studded films Netflix has released recently. Featuring three Oscar winners—Nicole Kidman, Kathy Bates, and Shirley MacLaine—alongside comeback star Zac Efron and rising star Joey King (currently in the Holocaust series "We Were Lucky"), this film promises to be a treat.
In a gender-flipped twist reminiscent of "The Devil Wears Prada," Efron plays a brawny action star who is capricious, selfish, and downright mean. He treats everyone, especially his romantic partners, like dirt, breaking their hearts before buying them jewelry as parting gifts.
King plays his personal assistant, an ambitious young woman living in the shadow of her mother, a renowned author played by Kidman. Tired of working for the insufferable star, she quits, only for him to show up at her house to win her back, meeting her mother instead. Despite the significant age difference, sparks fly, leading to an intense romance that leaves the protagonist (King) caught between her beloved mom and the man she loathes. Bates plays her grandmother, who also has a romantic subplot, and MacLaine makes a cameo that’s not to be missed.
While "A Family Affair" could have easily turned out to be a silly, low-quality film, it’s actually an enjoyable and well-made product. Director Richard LaGravenese, known for his steady career since the '90s, does a solid job here, and Carrie Solomon’s script gives each character depth. King, in particular, shines in her best role to date, convincingly portraying a young woman stepping out from her mother’s shadow.
2. "The Bikeriders" (or should we just say Austin Butler?)
Austin Butler is on fire. We knew it after his role in "Elvis," and now, after "The Bikeriders," he’s on par with Brad Pitt and James Dean. This film, based on a photo book capturing '60s biker culture in the American Midwest, stars Butler as a biker, with Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy rounding out the cast.
Though lacking a strong plot, "The Bikeriders" is all about atmosphere, with Butler’s magnetism carrying the film. Director Jeff Nichols, returning after an eight-year hiatus, delivers a visually captivating film that’s well worth watching.
3. "Despicable Me 4": Another Yellow Summer
The Minions are back! Following the huge success of previous installments, "Despicable Me 4" hits theaters, promising more family-friendly fun. This time, Gru’s young son joins the crew, proving to be a formidable little villain in his own right.
Screened in both original and dubbed versions, "Despicable Me 4" continues the series' tradition of humor and heart, making it a perfect pick for a summer movie outing.
Happy watching!
