Your Weekly Entertainment Roundup: From K-Pop Comebacks to Zombie Survival
Get ready for a packed week of entertainment, with exciting new releases hitting your screens and headphones. This week’s lineup boasts the highly anticipated return of K-pop sensations Blackpink and the funk-infused melodies of Bruno Mars, alongside a deep dive into the post-Beatles era with a documentary about Paul McCartney. For fans of compelling television, the second season of “Paradise” featuring Sterling K. Brown is back, the prestigious Actors Awards are set to be broadcast live, and if you’re craving some adrenaline, a new Resident Evil instalment will have you battling bloodthirsty zombies.
New Movies Dropping This Week
“In the Blink of an Eye”
After a notable career with animated classics like “WALL-E” and “Finding Nemo” at Pixar, director Andrew Stanton ventures back into live-action with “In the Blink of an Eye.” This ambitious film weaves together a series of interconnected stories, aiming to explore the vast tapestry of human history. Starring a talented ensemble cast including Kate McKinnon, Rashida Jones, and Daveed Diggs, the movie makes its debut on Hulu this Friday, February 27th, following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Awards Season Buzz
The Actors Awards (Formerly SAG Awards)
Mark your calendars for March 1st, as the newly rebranded Actors Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, will be streamed live on Netflix. Presented by SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ guild, these awards are considered a significant bellwether for the upcoming Oscars. This year, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” leads the pack with the most nominations, setting the stage for a competitive and star-studded ceremony.
Fresh Music to Tune Into
Paul McCartney: Man on the Run
For dedicated fans of the legendary Paul McCartney, director Morgan Neville (known for “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” and “Piece by Piece”) presents a captivating new documentary series. “Paul McCartney: Man on the Run” delves into the music icon’s life throughout the 1970s, focusing on his post-Beatles journey with Wings and beyond. This intimate portrait offers a compelling look at a pivotal era in his career and will be available on Amazon Prime Video starting Friday, February 27th.
Bruno Mars Returns with “The Romantic”
Get ready to groove again as Bruno Mars makes his triumphant return on Friday, February 27th, with his fourth full-length album, “The Romantic.” This marks his first solo project since the chart-topping “24K Magic” in 2016, not counting his incredibly successful collaboration with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic. Expect a vibrant blend of retro-pop, disco, and soul, with lead single “I Just Might” already setting a feel-good tone. Mars proves once again that he’s a master of infectious, nostalgic sounds.
Blackpink Unleashes “Deadline”
The global phenomenon that is Blackpink is back with new music! After individual successes from members like Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, the quartet is reuniting for their latest EP, “Deadline,” dropping on Friday. While details have been kept under wraps, the bilingual track “Jump” offers a taste of their signature bouncy Europop sound, infused with a hint of hardstyle – perfect for a high-energy vibe. This release promises to be a fun and exhilarating addition to their discography.
Must-Watch New Series
“Paradise” Season 2
Sterling K. Brown returns as Xavier, a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting the President (played by James Marsden), in the second season of “Paradise,” premiering Monday on Hulu. Season 1 left viewers on the edge of their seats as a select group, including the President and Xavier’s family, found refuge in an underground bunker during an apocalypse, though Xavier’s wife was left behind. Season 2 sees Xavier embarking on a desperate mission to find her. The cast expands with Shailene Woodley joining, while Julianne Nicholson and James Marsden reprise their roles.
“Survivor” Season 50
Get ready for a marathon viewing experience as the 50th season of “Survivor” kicks off this Wednesday. Streaming live on Paramount+ and airing on CBS, the premiere is a whopping three hours long. This milestone season brings back a cast of all-star contestants, including “The White Lotus” creator Mike White, promising a thrilling and strategic game.
“Scrubs” Returns to Streaming
Fans of the beloved medical comedy “Scrubs” can rejoice as the irreverent series is now available for streaming on Hulu starting Thursday. Sixteen years after its finale, the show returns with its original cast, including Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, and Judy Reyes, ready to bring back the laughs and heart of Sacred Heart Hospital.
“The Gray House” on Prime Video
Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, who previously collaborated on “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” are reuniting as executive producers for a new Civil War drama, “The Gray House,” premiering Thursday on Prime Video. The series stars Mary Louise Parker, alongside Ben Vereen, Robert Knepper, and Paul Anderson. All eight episodes will be available to binge-watch.
“American Classic” on MGM+
Kevin Kline takes on the role of a washed-up Broadway actor who returns to his hometown and finds himself directing a local production of “Our Town” in the new series “American Classic.” The series also features a reunion with his former girlfriend, now the town’s mayor, played by Laura Linney. MGM+ will launch the series with its first two episodes on Sunday, April 1st.
New Games to Conquer
Resident Evil Requiem
Thirty years after its inception, the “Resident Evil” franchise continues to deliver terrifying zombie-infested adventures. The ninth main instalment, “Resident Evil Requiem,” introduces new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst fighting for survival with limited resources. Fortunately, series veteran Leon Kennedy is also on the scene with a more robust arsenal. The developers aim to satisfy both hardcore survival horror fans and those who prefer more action-packed gameplay. Prepare for the nightmare to resume on Friday, February 27th, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2, and PC.
