Q Wave’s Watchlist: August 2023
"There's nothing to watch" is not a phrase that should exist in a world drowning in content. Join us every month to get curated content - from the latest and greatest to revisiting oldies - we'll help you avoid the dreaded “Netflix Block” and find something to watch!
They Cloned Tyrone (Netflix)
If you’re looking to skip the multiplex and not put up with opening night crowds for a hot new release, Netflix has you covered with their new genre-bending mystery thriller They Cloned Tyrone.
The movie’s plot has been shrouded in secrecy, and it’s best enjoyed by knowing as little as possible. In the gripping mystery caper, an unexpected trio finds themselves entangled in a web of unsettling occurrences that lead them on a relentless pursuit of a sinister government conspiracy.
Amidst this enigmatic conspiracy, we meet an unconventional trio comprising of Fontaine (played by John Boyega), a solitary hustler; Slick Charles (portrayed by Jamie Foxx), a sharp-tongued pimp; and Yo-Yo (brought to life by Teyonah Parris), a savvy sex worker. Together, they forge an unlikely alliance, embarking on a daring quest to unveil the truth by delving into the hidden depths of the city through a series of concealed elevators scattered in the most unexpected locations.
The early reviews for the film are incredibly promising, as it sports a 97% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes at the time this blog was written.
They Cloned Tyrone is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Sorry to Bother You, Copenhagen Cowboy
Runtime: 122 minutes
Genre: Science fiction, mystery
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (Amazon Prime)
Guy Ritchie is a director with an incredibly distinct style, best known for his slick and comedic gangster films that explore England’s underworld, like Snatch and The Gentlemen. He’s also taken his turn directing big-budget studio features like the Sherlock Holmes franchise and Aladdin. His newest movie, a military action thriller, represents a departure from those genres.
The film follows the journey of US Army Sergeant John Kinley, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal (Ambulance) and his Afghan interpreter, Ahmed. Ahmed displays extraordinary bravery following a harrowing ambush to ensure Kinley’s survival. However, their paths dramatically turn when Kinley discovers that Ahmed and his family were left without the promised safe passage to America.
Fueled by duty and indebtedness, Kinley sets out on a perilous mission to repay the favour. He ventures back into the war-torn zone, determined to rescue Ahmed’s family before the relentless pursuit of the Taliban puts their lives in grave danger.
While “The Covenant” is not directly adapted from a singular true story of the Afghanistan war, its narrative does draw significant inspiration from actual events and the profound relationships that blossomed during the two-decade-long conflict. Although the characters of Kinley and Ahmed are fictional, they symbolize the countless individuals whose paths intertwined amid these tumultuous times, reflecting the resilience, camaraderie, and bonds forged in the face of a complex and challenging era.
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Lone Survivor, The Outpost
Runtime: 123 minutes
Genre: Action, thriller
Ticket to Paradise (Crave)
The Queen is back! Julia Roberts returns to her rom-com throne alongside fellow Oscar winner and A-List star George Clooney for a lighthearted romp in Ticket to Paradise. Two massive stars reuniting on the big screen (they previously appeared in the Ocean’s franchise), what more could you want?
George Clooney and Julia Roberts portray former lovers who unexpectedly reunite with a common purpose: to prevent their headstrong daughter from repeating the same romantic blunder they once made. As they embark on a shared mission, they discover that life has a charming way of offering second chances, leading to heartwarming and humorous moments throughout the journey.
Ticket to Paradise has shattered the belief that old-fashioned, star-driven studio romantic comedies were lost to streaming or forgotten in today’s theatrical landscape dominated by superhero movies and sequels. The film’s remarkable success, grossing over $170 million at the global box office, clearly demonstrates that there is still a thriving audience for such classic and charming films.
Ticket to Paradise is currently available to stream on Crave.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Proposal, It’s Complicated
Runtime: 104 minutes
Genre: Romantic comedy
Ahsoka (Disney Plus)
Ahsoka is a unique property in the recent spate of live-action Star Wars stories. It is also the most highly anticipated series to date, as the plot for this series will tie together four separate series as the protagonist, Ahsoka (played by Rosario Dawson), has been a recurring character in The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Mandalorian, and Tales of the Jedi. Ahsoka is also Anakin Skywalker’s (AKA Darth Vader) former apprentice.
This iteration of Ahsoka first appeared in season 2 of The Mandalorian, where she was seeking information about Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) from Imperial Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) on the planet Corvus. Thrawn’s disappearance in the series finale of Rebels has kept fans wondering when they might see the fearsome tactician again. Also known as the “Heir to the Empire,” Thrawn is a formidable character and is one of the few villains to be even remotely on the same level as Emperor Palpatine. Not much is known about the rest of the plot other than we will be introduced to new lightsaber-wielding characters: Baylan Scoll (played by the late Ray Stevenson) and Shin Hati (played by Ivanna Sakhno). This series will also see the return of Rebels favourites Hera Syndulla (Mary Elisabeth Winstead) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). Syndulla would later go on to become a general in the Rebellion, and Sabine (a Mandalorian) has ties to the Dark Saber featured in The Mandalorian series. If you’ve watched Andor, you can also expect to see Genevieve O’Reilly reprise her role as Mon Mothma.
Sadly, this series has also been marked by tragedy as Ray Stevenson passed away in May and won’t get to enjoy his time in the limelight as the first character to wield an orange lightsaber onscreen.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Animated Series), Star Wars: Rebels, The Mandalorian
Runtime: 8 episodes, approx 45 mins each
Genre: Science fiction
The Beanie Bubble (Apple TV+)
The Beanie Bubble puts the spotlight on one of the biggest crazes of the 1990s - Beanie Babies. From iconic Air Jordan shoes to Blackberry phones and even Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, it’s clear that any wildly popular product can become the inspiration for a movie. Now, the beloved Beanie Babies have their chance to shine on the big screen.
What caused the world to elevate stuffed animals to the status of precious gold? It all began with Ty Warner, an aspiring toy salesman whose life took a remarkable turn when he joined forces with three women. Together, they birthed an ingenious concept that would ignite the most massive toy craze ever witnessed. “The Beanie Bubble” weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the essence of what and who we truly cherish, shedding light on the unsung heroes whose names never graced the heart-shaped tag.
Played by the brilliant and highly convincing Zach Galifianakis, Warner’s character is depicted as both slick and deeply compelling, portraying a man often swayed by his manic tendencies. The film also introduces three remarkable women, each claiming in their narrating voice-overs to be the true masterminds behind Ty Inc., adding an intriguing dimension to the narrative.
The Beanie Bubble is currently available to stream on Apple TV+.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Air, Blackberry
Runtime: 110 minutes
Genre: Comedy, drama