#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH SEPTEMBER 2021 – “NINE PERFECT STRANGERS”, “ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING”, “VACATION FRIENDS”, “CODA”

It’s hard to believe Summer’s almost over, so now’s your chance to get away on an escape before it’s too late. Some new releases for you to check-out including some soulful journeys, wild escapes and whodunnits!

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (DISNEY+)

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez team-up on darkly-comedic Mystery series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING. The Series, consisting of eight episodes, streams on Disney+ in Canada. Neighbours Charles (Martin) is an Actor of former glory, while Oliver (Short) is a Director and Mabel (Gomez), is a bit of a mystery how she can afford to live in their upscale building. After a death occurs in their building, the trio get into some antics trying to take matters into their own hands, sneaking into the victim’s apartment for clues. Wild on paper they might be an odd mix, the three complement each other well and there’s something for everyone here. Stars Nathan Lane and Sting also appear on this pager-turner of a Series, which is a quick watch. The first three episodes arrive August 31, 2021, with new episodes arriving weekly on Tuesdays.

NINE PERFECT STRANGERS (AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)

Based on Liane Moriarty‘s best-selling Novel, NINE PERFECT STRANGERS brings together an eclectic group of characters who unite at a wellness resort. At the center of it all is crude Russian founder Masha (Nicole Kidman) who is just as mysterious as the rest of the guests, who all uncover secrets about themselves in their stay over eight episodes. Jonathan Levine directs the Series which also stars Melissa McCarthy as Frances, a successful Writer dealing with her own personal issues; Luke Evans as Lars, a man with a hidden agenda; Melvin Gregg and Samara Weaving as Ben and Jessica, a wealthy young couple facing their own relationship problems; Regina Hall as Carmel, whose husband left her for a younger woman; Michael Shannon as Napoleon, a father at the resort with his family, coping with a loss; and Bobby Cannavale as Tony, a recovering addict. The Series is a tonal mix of grief and tragedy with Dark Comedy, feeling at times subdued, but the brilliant Ensemble come together to delve deep into their characters’ struggles to keep us engaged. Uncanny that this surfaced around the same time as similarly escapist THE WHITE LOTUS. The first three episodes arrive on Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes arriving Wednesdays.

VACATION FRIENDS (DISNEY+/STAR)

If you’re looking for some fun this weekend, look no further than the raunchy ride that is VACATION FRIENDS. This Buddy Comedy sees Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji) head off to resort to get married. They encounter a whacky couple, Ron (Jon Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hanger) who land them in all sorts of craziness, crashing on their plans. The Film is everything you’d want on a weekend romp and the chemistry between Cena and his superb Physical Comedy and Howery are comedic gold, not too mention Hanger who really brings a chaotic, upbeat energy. We have a feeling this story might continue between these buddies, and while the Film is rich in laughs, there is heart in the center of it all. VACATION FRIENDS streams now on STAR via Disney+. Read our Chat with the Film’s Director and Cast here.

CODA (APPLE TV+)

Winning tons of raves out of Sundance and also nabbing the London Award there, Sian Heder‘s CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) has arrived on Apple TV+. The Coming-of-Age story centers on Ruby (Emilia Jones), whose parents (Troy Kostur, Oscar winner Marlee Matlin) are hearing-impaired. She aspires to explore her musical side with the gift of a beautiful voice, but she never had the reassurance of her family who are unable to hear. She auditions for a school choir where Mr. V (Eugenio Derbez) quickly realizes her potential, pushing her to apply to a prestigious musical school despite her reluctance. She falls for choirmate Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) and in ways they find themselves in their Music and eachother. I cannot stress how touched I was by this beautiful story, packed with emotion, phenomenal performances, joy and amazing Music. A definite must-see, streaming now on Apple TV+. Check-out Dave Baldwin‘s review here.

Also, don’t forget to check-out the Team’s reviews of new theatrical releases like SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS, CANDYMAN, TILL DEATH, DEMONIC, RAGING FIRE, RESPECT, NINE DAYS, THE NIGHT HOUSE and more right here.