Following in the footsteps of Beyonce this week is rapper and singer Post Malone, who releases his first country album. Then, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu and Awkwafina reunite for a comedy by Paul Feig, who gave us the brilliant Bridesmaids. Here are some of the latest music, movies and shows to stream this week.
New movies to stream
Jackpot! (Prime Video, August 15)
In Feig's latest offering, Awkwafina plays a struggling actor, Katie, who wins the lottery. But this story is set in 2030, when laws have changed, and anyone with a losing ticket is permitted to murder Katie before sunset and claim her win. Besides Liu, the film stars John Cena, rapper MGK and Filipina actress Dolly de Leon who made waves in 2022 for her breakout role in the acclaimed Palme d'Or winner Triangle of Sadness.
The Union (Netflix, August 16)
In this action comedy, a construction worker, played by Mark Wahlberg, is thrust into the world of espionage by an ex-girlfriend from high school (Halle Berry). As the pair set off on a mission to Europe, expect lots of high-octane action and sparks to fly. Julian Farino, best known for directing Entourage, helms this film.
New shows to stream
Bad Monkey (Apple TV, August 14)
Based on the 2013 novel of the same name, Apple TV+'s latest show is black comedy set in Florida about a former police detective, Andrew Yancy, who, following his suspension, is reduced to conducting restaurant inspections. But when a severed arm is found by a tourist, Yancy is pulled into a world of greed and corruption that will threaten the lives of all involved. Vince Vaughn plays Yancy in this 10-episode series alongside Jodie Turner-Smith, Michelle Monaghan and Meredith Hagner.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures season two (Disney+, August 14)
The first Star Wars series dedicated to young audiences returns for a second season following wide acclaim. Set centuries before the events of the first Star Wars films, this series follows a group of younglings as they learn the way of the Force and everything that comes with it, from compassion to teamwork and patience, on their way to become Jedi Knights.
Bel-Air season three (OSN+, August 15)
An alternate version of Will Smith's sit-com The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, this show was inspired by a fan film, which imagined a darker and more dramatic twist. Premiering in 2022, it's now on its third season and follows Smith's journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated community of Bel-Air. While The Fresh Prince's laugh-a-minute format was a massive hit, Bel-Air's take on hot-button topics including race, cultural clashes and black privilege seem to have struck a chord.
New music to stream
Post Malone's F-1 Trillion (August 16)
With guest appearances from country greats including Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Luke Combs, Malone's sixth album is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Single I Had Some Help, which he released in May and featuring country singer Morgan Wallen, is already one of the year's biggest hits, signalling another successful country move by a pop act. Will Shawn Mendes follow suite after he released his country-tinged Why Why Why from his forthcoming album?
Tinashe's Quantum Baby (August 16)
The viral Nasty singer returns with her seventh studio album, promising more TikTok-worthy hooks and tunes. Released independently, Quantum Baby is is the second installment of a planned trilogy, following BB/Ang3l, which was released last year. Nasty is the lead single on this eight-track record, followed by Getting No Sleep, which was released a month ago.
“Quantum Baby is about getting to know me on a deeper level,” Tinashe told Variety in June. “It’s about exploring who I am as a person and who I am as an artist. I’ve never been one to be put into a box, so the name Quantum Baby encompasses all the different parts that make up who I am as a creative.”
