Must-Watch New Movie Releases This Week: Award-Winning Dramas, Thrillers, and Family Favorites

Explore this week's top movie premieres with our curated guide highlighting must-see films and those you might want to pass on.

Green Book

An exquisitely crafted drama set against 1960s America, celebrated as a major Oscar contender.

• Original Title: Green Book
• Director: Peter Farrelly
• Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini

Set in the early 1960s, Tony Vallelonga, an Italian-American bouncer nicknamed 'Lipstick,' is hired as a driver for renowned African-American pianist Don Shirley during a two-month tour. Despite Tony's rough demeanor being an ill fit for the role, his protective instincts prove vital amid the era's racial segregation.

This film shines with vivid period details—classic cars, stylish costumes—and a compelling on-screen chemistry between Mortensen and Ali. Even viewers indifferent to segregation themes will find this emotional and visually stunning movie worthwhile.

Serenity

A suspenseful thriller featuring Matthew McConaughey with a surprising twist.

• Original Title: Serenity
• Director: Steven Knight
• Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Diane Lane

Baker, a fishing boat captain seeking a quiet life, faces upheaval when his ex-wife asks him to kill her new husband. This request drags Baker back into a life he hoped to leave behind.

Steven Knight, known for creating 'Peaky Blinders' and writing acclaimed screenplays, delivers his most personal film yet. Though the pacing is slow, culminating in a sharp, unpredictable finale, the stellar cast led by McConaughey makes it a compelling watch. Expect more than a typical love triangle thriller.

Grandma's Easy Behavior 2: The Elderly Avengers

A sequel to last year's comedy packed with raunchy humor reminiscent of popular comedy clubs.

• Director: Marius Weisberg
• Starring: Alexander Revva, Dmitry Nagiev, Mikhail Galustyan, Glukoza

The con artist Sasha Rubenstein seems to have landed a respectable bank job, until an oligarch causes the disappearance of his and pensioners' savings. Sasha assembles a team to seek revenge.

This sequel sticks to the original’s formula—cross-dressing antics, risqué jokes, and silly scenarios—while adding new characters speaking prison slang and an iconic villain role. Fans of the first film and the director’s previous works will enjoy it; others may want to look elsewhere.

Beautiful Boy

A powerful drama exploring family tragedy, featuring rising star Timothée Chalamet.

• Original Title: Beautiful Boy
• Director: Felix van Groeningen
• Starring: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney

David Sheff, a journalist, discovers his son Nic has developed a drug addiction despite a seemingly perfect upbringing. The film delves into their complex father-son relationship as David struggles to help Nic overcome his dependency.

Unlike typical drug addiction dramas, this film emphasizes personal bonds, with Steve Carell delivering a grounded performance far from his comedic roles, and Chalamet reaffirming his acting prowess. A touching story that’s essential viewing for fans of thoughtful cinema.

Holmes & Watson

A weak comedy with talented actors but lacking coherent plot and effective humor.

• Original Title: Holmes & Watson
• Director: Etan Cohen
• Starring: Lauren Lapkus, John C. Reilly, Will Ferrell

The brilliant yet clumsy Sherlock Holmes and his insecure partner Dr. Watson race to stop Professor Moriarty from poisoning the queen. However, their own blunders might cause disaster.

This film highlights actor antics over a cohesive story or witty jokes, resulting in few laughs mostly derived from anachronisms like 18th-century selfie sticks. Fans of parody comedies may find it disappointing compared to classics like Guy Ritchie's 'Sherlock Holmes' or 'Without a Clue.'

Astral: New Dimension

A dull horror reminiscent of 'Comatose' but lacking a solid plot.

• Original Title: Astral
• Director: Chris Mul
• Starring: Catherine Staden, Frank Dillane, Vanessa Grass

Alex, haunted by his mother's death, explores astral projection to connect with her. This film is unrelated to the popular 'Insidious' franchise despite sharing a similar title in some regions.

The story lacks momentum and tension, with the protagonist’s astral experiences depicted during sleep monitored by a webcam. The absence of scares or a gripping narrative makes it less engaging than other films in the genre. Fans are better off revisiting original 'Insidious' or 'Comatose' movies.

Backtrace

A nostalgic detective-action film featuring Sylvester Stallone’s signature style.

• Original Title: Backtrace
• Director: Brian A. Miller
• Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Matthew Modine, Ryan Guzman

After a heist gone wrong, the sole surviving robber loses his memory and is imprisoned. A new criminal forces him to escape using an experimental drug to recover his memory, while a seasoned cop pursues them.

Stallone’s attempt to revive 90s-style action offers predictable storytelling and minimal emotional range. Retro-action enthusiasts might appreciate it, but modern viewers seeking dynamic cinema may find it dull.

BEEF: Russian Hip-Hop

A documentary featuring prominent Russian rap artists recounting the genre's rise.

• Director: Roma Zhigan
• Featuring: Basta, Alexander Timartsev, Adil Zhalelov, Miron Fyodorov

Created by rapper Roma Zhigan, this documentary traces the journey of Russian hip-hop from underground culture to mainstream stadium performances. It offers insight primarily for fans of the genre.

While Russian music documentaries are still evolving in quality, this film provides valuable perspectives for dedicated followers.

BTS: Love Yourself Tour in Seoul

A concert film showcasing the South Korean boy band’s electrifying live performance.

Experience BTS's dynamic concert recorded in Seoul last August, now available in theaters worldwide. With no immediate plans to tour globally, this is a unique chance for fans to immerse themselves in the band’s vibrant stage presence.

Sheep and Wolves: Pig Deal

A children’s animated sequel continuing the adventures of the first film.

• Director: Vladimir Nikolaev

In a small town where wolves and sheep coexist peacefully, new arrivals stir trouble, prompting the community to unite against a pack of black wolves.

Nearly three years after the original, this sequel maintains the same animation style and humor, offering a familiar experience. While unlikely to captivate adults, young children will likely enjoy the charming characters.

Magic Carpet

A Danish animated film inspired by 'Aladdin' with simple animation.

• Original Title: Hodja fra Pjort
• Director: Karsten Kiilerich

Dreaming of exploring the world, the protagonist receives a magic carpet but must return the sultan’s daughter to prevent disaster.

This straightforward fairy tale offers a nostalgic vibe, though the animation is rather rough. If the trailer appeals, it’s suitable for children or adults seeking light-hearted fantasy.

Note: 'Magic Carpet' premieres on Saturday, January 26, not Thursday.

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