Dirty Pop (Netflix), illustration by Allison Aubrey
While maybe a bit quieter in comparison to other months, July 2024 featured a pretty diverse array of movies and TV shows, all premiering on streaming services like Netflix, Max, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. This included some big direct-to-streaming premieres like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F , not to mention more surprising new favorites like the genre-bending My Lady Jane and Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s Time Bandits — the sort of thing featured each week in Consequence ’s Stream On newsletter. ( Subscribe here! )
July also brought us several different sides of the music industry in an intriguing collection of documentaries: A three-part look at an epic-level Ponzi scheme, a powerful concert experience captured on film, a legendary artist attempting to regain what she’s lost, and the early days of an art form that’s now become an Olympic sport. Check out the best of July below, including the Pick of the Month selection! (All other entries are sorted alphabetically.)
Pick of the Month: Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam (TV)
Dirty Pop (Netflix)
Directed by: David Terry Fine Featuring: AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Chris Kirkpatrick, Michael Johnson, Patrick King, Erik-Michael Estrada Streaming on: Netflix
It’s the rare true crime documentary that features boy band alumni as interview subjects, yet it’s guys like AJ McLean and Chris Kirkpatrick who provide essential insight into the rise and fall of Lou Pearlman, the mastermind behind Backstreet Boys and N*Sync whose business empire was eventually revealed to be a Ponzi scheme. The story, as told across three episodes, is fascinating — a real must-see for any survivor of the boy band era.
32 Sounds (Film)
32 Sounds (courtesy of the filmmakers)
Directed by: Sam Green Streaming on: Criterion Channel
32 Sounds was instantly one of my favorite documentaries as soon as I saw it last year — it’s an incredibly nuanced look at, well, sound, while also packed with little human stories that will reach into your chest and squeeze your heart. (In a good way.) I won’t say much more about it, except to urge you to listen to the instructions at the beginning — if you have an easy way of watching the movie at home with headphones on, consider doing so.
Abigail (Film)
Abigail, courtesy of Universal Pictures
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett Cast: Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Will Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, Alisha Weir, Giancarlo Esposito Streaming on: Peacock
I really loved the previous horror-comedy by production team Radio Silence, the wild Ready or Not — their follow-up is one of those movies where a basic plot synopsis is a bit of a spoiler, but what I can promise you is a lot of blood and a stellar ensemble, with deliciously weird performances from Dan Stevens and Giancarlo Esposito. Maybe a bit more on the horror side of things than the comedy side of things, but still a fun time.
The Ark Season 2 (TV)
The Ark (Peacock)
Created by: Dean Devlin, Jonathan Glassner Cast: Christie Burke, Reece Ritchie, Richard Fleeshman, Stacey Michelle Read, Ryan Adams, Pavle Jerinić, Shalini Peiris, Christina Wolfe, Tiana Upcheva Streaming on: Peacock
My beloved post-apocalyptic “everything goes wrong in space!” sci-fi drama is back! The ragtag crew of Ark One is once again struggling to survive impossible odds while searching for a new home for humanity. And you’d better believe that the bad situation these nerds were in at the end of Season 1 continues to be bad in the Season 2 premiere, with the same fearlessness towards killing off characters that made Season 1 such a ride .
The Beekeeper (Film)
The Beekeeper (MGM)
Directed by: David Ayer Cast: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Bobby Naderi, Phylicia Rashad, Jeremy Irons Streaming on: Prime Video
When I interviewed director David Ayer earlier this year, he did not hesitate in acknowledging that yes, Jason Statham beating dudes up is a very clear and specific subgenre. His goal, he then explained, was to deliver an “elevated” example of said subgenre, which he did by surrounding his star with a strong supporting cast, while never getting in the way of what people want — which is to watch Jason Statham beat dudes up. Honestly, I think he delivered on all of that, and am very excited about the film now being available on Prime Video. It is a very good time. And the dudes, oh, do they get beaten up.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Film)
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Netflix)
Directed by: Mark Molloy Cast: Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, Kevin Bacon Streaming on: Netflix
As the wonderful Marcus Shorter writes in his review , the return of Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley is a surprisingly deeper look at the character than one might expect, but a very welcome one. Director Mark Molloy, making his feature debut, does a great job with balancing the action and comedy essential to this franchise, and both Zola star Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have some fun moments.
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story (Film)
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story (Nat Geo)
Directed by: Charlie Hamilton-James Streaming on: Disney+
It’s a title that’s also a plot synopsis: This doc follows a man from the Shetland Islands whose bond with an abandoned river otter develops into a years-long connection. It is, as the kids say, adorable af. Shout out to Billy’s wife, who demonstrates a lot of patience with her husband’s obsession with their new member of the family. They have a conversation about wifi at one point which is a real hoot.
The Boyfriend (TV)
The Boyfriend (Netflix)
Executive Producer: Dai Ota Streaming on: Netflix
The Boyfriend is my first experience with the subgenre of gentle Japanese reality dating shows, and it’s wildly charming. The premise is simple: Nine men who identify on the LGBTQ+ spectrum (or as Netflix puts it, “a group of young men who are attracted to other men”) come to live together in a house and run a little coffee truck. The dating action is pretty low-key and sweet, but every time a big plot development occurs, the show cuts to five hosts who analyze the latest twist; once I got used to it, I came to really enjoy the interplay.
This short documentary showcases vintage footage from the rise of break dancing in the 1980s, and that alone makes it such a treat — some incredible movement gets featured, alongside interviews with key players from that time. Plus, the doc lays out how something that started on the streets of New York became not just a cultural force, but an Olympic sport .
Taylor Swift and Beyoncé made a lot of noise in 2023 with their theatrically-released concert films, which makes Lady Gaga’s own self-directed opus arriving on Max feel a little quieter. Yet Gaga Chromatica Ball does exactly what you hope it would — document a Lady Gaga concert (specifically her September 10th, 2022 show at Dodger Stadium), with all the dancing and visuals and unexpected moments you might get at a live show up on the screen. A great low-key viewing experience, especially for those who appreciate Gaga not just as a performer, but as an artist.
I Am: Celine Dion (Film)
I Am: Celine Dion (Prime Video)
Directed by: Irene Taylor Featuring: Celine Dion, René-Charles Angélil, Nelson Angélil, Eddy Angélil Streaming on: Prime Video
This documentary about Celine Dion’s legacy and current health struggles can be, at times, a hard watch, especially footage of her in pain due to her recent diagnosis of Stiff-Person Syndrome . Still, it’s equally inspirational and touching, celebrating her decades of music — it even includes a segment from her wonderful music video for the Deadpool 2 theme song . “This thing only goes to 11, so beat it Spider-man!”
Kite Man: Hell Yeah! (TV)
Kite Man: Hell Yeah! (Max)
Developed by: Dean Lorey, Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker Cast: Matt Oberg, Stephanie Hsu, James Adomian, Jonathan Banks, Lance Reddick, Michael Imperioli, Natasia Demetriou, Judith Light, Janelle James, Rory Scovel, Keith David, Maria Bamford, Phil LaMarr, Andy Daly, Dee Bradley Baker Streaming on: Max
I don’t know if I love this Harley Quinn spinoff as much as I love OG Harley Quinn … Mostly because I’m not convinced I love the character of Kite Man more than I love Kaley Cuoco’s demented take on the Clown Princess. Also, I’m a bit confused by some of the cast changes from the mothership series to this one. That said, the late Lance Reddick’s take on the role of Lex Luthor is very different from Giancarlo Esposito’s, but very funny in its own way, and a lovely reminder of how gifted a comedian he was. The other new cast members include Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu as Golden Glider and Jenelle James as Queen of Fables — no complaints there!
My Lady Jane (TV)
My Lady Jane (Prime Video)
Created by: Gemma Burgess Cast: Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, Jordan Peters, Anna Chancellor, Dominic Cooper, Jim Broadbent, Will Keen, Rob Brydon, Kate O’Flynn, Máiréad Tyers, Jason Forbes, Christian Patterson Streaming on: Prime Video
This show… might be described as a lot . Overall, I mean that in a good way. Did this alternate universe period drama about a Lady Jane Grey who doesn’t become infamous for her nine-day reign as Queen also need to include a fantasy subplot? Maybe not. But it’s all part of this messy yet fun and compelling stew, along with contemporary needle drops, hardcore “girl power!” vibes, and an impressive amount of horniness.
Plus, the cast includes Máiréad Tyers from Extraordinary , Anna Chancellor from The Hour , Dominic Cooper from Preacher and Agent Carter , and Jim Broadbent from so much other classy stuff. One word of warning: There is an aggressive use of sassy narration in this show, and it can sometimes be a little much. Do what I did, though, and imagine Alan Cumming saying the words instead. It helps.
Space Cadet (Film)
Space Cadet (Prime Video)
Directed by: Liz W. Garcia Cast: Emma Roberts, Tom Hopper, Poppy Liu, Gabrielle Union, Dave Foley Streaming on: Prime Video
Probably best described as “ Legally Blonde goes to space,” Space Cadet features a solid lead performance from Emma Roberts, who plays a Florida waitress with a natural aptitude for science and engineering who stumbles her way into a training program for astronauts. There are a few silly beats in here, but a few real laugh-out-loud moments and nonstop positive vibes.
Time Bandits (TV)
Time Bandits (Apple TV+)
Created by: Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, Taika Waititi Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi, Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Kiera Thompson, Rachel House, Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement Streaming on: Apple TV+
Directed by: Joachim Rønning Cast: Daisy Ridley, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Stephen Graham, Kim Bodnia, Christopher Eccleston, Glenn Fleshler Streaming on: Disney+
This Daisy Ridley-starring biopic about the first woman to swim across the English Channel (spoilers?) knows exactly what it’s doing and how to do it. Director Joachim Rønning packs in plenty of fascinating details about what it actually takes to do the sort of long-distance swimming that drove Gertrude Ederle to break the ground she did, with a honest eye towards the reality of being a dame in the early 20th century trying to be taken seriously as an athlete. The heroes and villains of the piece are extremely clear (you’ll want to boo Christopher Eccleston on sight by the end of the film), but sometimes a simple tale of pursuing the impossible is just what you need.
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