Holiday Streaming Guide: Festive Fun and Thought-Provoking Dramas
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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a flurry of new releases on streaming platforms. This week’s lineup offers a diverse range of entertainment, from lighthearted holiday cheer too more serious fare that sparks conversation.
Red One: Action,Adventure,and a Dash of Christmas Spirit
Red One,despite mixed initial reviews,delivers a surprisingly fun Christmas movie experience. While not a cinematic masterpiece, it’s lighthearted tone, familiar holiday tropes, and unexpected lore—featuring Krampus and Gryla, the Christmas witch—make it a charming addition to your holiday viewing list. The chemistry between Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans might be lacking onscreen, but the film’s festive charm more than compensates.
Secret Level: A Gamer’s Delight
Prime Video’s Secret Level, a video game anthology series, offers short, episodic adventures based on popular titles. while the 15-minute episode format might feel brief for some, fans of games like Dungeons & Dragons, Sifu, and Warhammer will find these glorified cutscenes a satisfying treat.Check out the first batch of episodes to see if your favorite game made the cut.
Heretic: A Divisive Drama with Stellar Performances
Heretic, a film following two Mormon missionaries on an unexpected journey, has generated considerable debate. While opinions may vary, the performances of Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East are universally praised. The film transcends a simple religious debate, offering a deeper exploration of faith and belief systems. “While this one didn’t work for me personally,” one critic noted, highlighting the film’s complexity. The dynamic between Grant and Thatcher, notably their theological sparring, is a highlight.
Great British Bake Off: Holiday Edition: Festive Baking and Warmth
For those seeking heartwarming holiday cheer, the Great British Bake Off: Holiday Edition on Netflix is a perfect choice.Returning favorites from recent seasons—mark, Maxy, Maggie, Jürgen, George, Sophie, Dan, Amelia, Linda, and Carole—bring their baking skills and festive spirits to the tent for another round of delightful competition. It’s the perfect cozy companion for a chilly evening.
This holiday season, there’s something for everyone on streaming services. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming holiday specials, these selections offer a diverse range of entertainment to suit every taste.
This Week’s Must-See Streaming and On-Demand Entertainment
The streaming landscape is constantly shifting, with titles appearing and disappearing faster than you can say “Camp Crystal lake.” As one expert noted, “This is accurate at the time of publish, as streamers hot-potato titles every 30 seconds.” For long-running horror franchises, owning the physical box set might be the most reliable way to ensure you can watch your favorites whenever you want, as licensing agreements can be notoriously unpredictable.
Friday the 13th Franchise: Where to Stream
Fans of the iconic slasher franchise can find many of the Friday the 13th films streaming on Paramount+. This includes the original 1980 film and its sequels through Jason Takes Manhattan (1989). Though, the later installments, jason Goes to Hell: The final Friday (1993) and Jason X (2002), are currently available for digital rental or purchase. Freddy vs. Jason (2003) and the 2009 remake are both streaming on Max.
- Friday the 13th (1980) — Paramount+
- Friday the 13th Part II (1981) — Paramount+
- Friday the 13th Part III (1982) — Paramount+
- Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) — paramount+
- Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985) — Paramount+
- Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) — Paramount+
- Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) — Paramount+
- Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) — Paramount+
- Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) — Rent or Buy on Digital
- Jason X (2002) — Rent or Buy on Digital
- freddy vs.Jason (2003) — Max
- Friday the 13th (2009) — max
New Releases on Streaming and on Demand
This week brings a diverse range of new content to various streaming platforms and on-demand services. From superhero action to intriguing dramas, there’s something for everyone.
- Venom: Let There Be Carnage — on Demand (December 10)
- Dream Productions — disney+ (December 11)
- Maria — Netflix (December 11)
- Joker: Folie à Deux — Max (December 12)
- Dexter: New Blood — Paramount+ w/ Showtime (December 12)
Holiday Streaming Guide: Festive Fun and Thought-Provoking Dramas
This holiday season, streaming platforms offer a diverse range of entertainment, from lighthearted holiday cheer to more serious fare that sparks conversation. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking dramas, there’s something for everyone.
We spoke with renowned film critic and entertainment journalist, Amelia Stone, about her top picks for holiday streaming.
Red One: A Fun Holiday Escape
[World Today News Senior Editor]: Amelia, let’s start with Red One. It’s got a star-studded cast and a festive premise. What did you think?
Amelia Stone: It’s definitely a popcorn film, pure entertainment. While it might not be winning any awards for originality, it delivers on the holiday fun. dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans have great chemistry, and the action sequences are entertaining.It’s not afraid to embrace classic holiday tropes, which is what makes it so charming.
[Senior Editor]: So, would you recommend it for families?
Amelia Stone: absolutely! It’s a great choice for a family movie night. The humor is lighthearted and appropriate for all ages, and there’s plenty of action to keep everyone engaged. just don’t expect a deep dive into holiday ideology – it’s pure festive escapism.
Secret Level: A Gamer’s Paradise
[Senior Editor]: Switching gears, let’s talk about Secret Level. This one seems to be targeting a niche audience.
Amelia Stone: You’re right, it’s definitely geared towards gamers. Each episode is based on a popular video game,offering a glimpse into the worlds and stories we love. It’s like playing through a beautifully animated cutscene.
[Senior Editor]: How would you describe the format?
Amelia Stone: Each episode is only 15 minutes long. While some might find that to be a bit short, fans of the games will appreciate the focused storytelling and the attention to detail. It’s a fun way to revisit familiar worlds and characters.
Heretic: A Thought-provoking Experience
[Senior Editor]: Heretic seems like a more serious film. Tell us about it.
Amelia Stone: Heretic is definitely a film that will stay with you. It explores intricate themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.Hugh Grant delivers a phenomenal performance, as do Sophie thatcher and Chloe East. While it’s not a lighthearted holiday movie, it offers a thought-provoking and ultimately rewarding experience.
[Senior Editor]: What kind of viewers would you recommend it for?
Amelia Stone: This film is for those who appreciate character-driven dramas and aren’t afraid to grapple with complex issues. It’s not afraid to challenge viewers’ perspectives, which makes it both engaging and thought-provoking.
Great British Bake Off: Holiday Edition: Sweet Delight
[Senior Editor]: And we have to mention the Great British Bake Off: Holiday Edition.
Amelia Stone: ( laughs) How could we not? It’s the perfect antidote to any holiday stress. Seeing those familiar bakers from past seasons back in the tent, spreading holiday cheer and sharing thier baking skills, is pure joy. It’s heartwarming, entertaining, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
[Senior Editor]: Sounds like the perfect cozy night in.
Amelia Stone: Exactly! Curl up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa, and let the Bake Off magic wash over you.