Whether you’re in the mood for a mystery, a musical throwback, or a coming-of-age story, this week’s streaming and entertainment arrivals have something for everyone. Here’s a look at what’s worth your time, as highlighted by entertainment journalists at The Associated Press.
First up, the film “Obsession” — which surprised everyone with its box-office performance — is now available at home. Director Curry Barker’s feature arrives Tuesday, June 30, on premium video-on-demand. Despite being made on a modest $750,000 budget, the Focus Features release has pulled in over $337 million in ticket sales worldwide since hitting theaters in mid-May. The story follows a character named Bear (played by Michael Johnston), who uses a One Wish Willow to make his crush (played by Inde Navarrette) fall in love with him.
Millie Bobby Brown is back as Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister in “Enola Holmes 3,” dropping July 1 on Netflix. In this third chapter, Enola is preparing for her upcoming wedding to Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) when her brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) goes missing after being kidnapped.
Music fans have reason to celebrate as well. Madonna is releasing “Confessions II” on Friday — a follow-up to her widely praised 2005 dance album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” making it a 21-year gap between the two records. The original was celebrated as a triumphant comeback, producing hit songs including “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together” and “Jump.” Early previews of the new album include the track “I Feel So Free,” the house-influenced “Love Sensation,” and a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter titled “Bring Your Love.”
Oscar winner Jean Dujardin, known for his role in “The Artist,” takes on the iconic role of Zorro in a new French limited series of the same name. Set in 1821 Los Angeles, the show follows Don Diego de la Vega, a wealthy nobleman who hasn’t used his Zorro persona in two decades. When he unexpectedly becomes the city’s mayor, he’s thrust back into vigilante life while juggling family and political pressures. The series begins streaming Tuesday, June 30, on MHz Choice and its subscription channels available through Prime Video and Roku.
Prime Video is also launching “Elle” on Wednesday, July 1 — a prequel series to the beloved “Legally Blonde” films. The show takes viewers back to Elle Woods’ teenage years, before her Harvard law school days. When her father lands a new job, the upbeat, pink-loving California girl is uprooted to Seattle, where she finds herself navigating a school steeped in grunge culture, complete with Nirvana on the airwaves and flannel-wearing cheerleaders. Newcomer Lexi Minetree steps into the role of the younger Elle, and the resemblance to Reese Witherspoon is striking. A second season has already finished filming.
History buffs may want to tune in Sunday, July 5, for “Ralph Lauren’s American Icons” on the History Channel app, History.com, and On Demand. The special explores the story behind a USPS stamp collection designed by Ralph Lauren to mark America’s 250th birthday. The collection features 13 stamps capturing iconic American imagery, and the program includes previously unseen archival footage along with interviews with David Lauren, Ken Burns, and others.
Finally, gamers can look forward to “Rhythm Heaven Groove,” arriving Thursday, July 2, on the Nintendo Switch. Continuing a long tradition of rhythm-based games on Nintendo platforms dating back to the Game Boy era, this new title challenges players to chop vegetables, punch fruit, and swing sledgehammers — all in time to the beat. The package includes 80 single-player minigames as well as Beatspell, a rhythm-driven role-playing adventure. Up to four players can also compete or cooperate in 30 multiplayer challenges.
