‘The Substitute Family’
In “The Substitute Family,” now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu, Brendan Fraser portrays an American actor based in Japan who discovers profound human connections through his unconventional new profession. Fraser’s character joins a company that provides actors for hire, allowing strangers to bring in stand-ins for roles like spouses, parents, and other personal connections in real-life scenarios. Praising its thoughtful approach, Globe film critic Odie Henderson awarded “The Substitute Family” 3½ stars, noting the film’s willingness to “deal with repercussions” with both “humor and intelligence.” Available on Disney+ and Hulu
‘Melody of Blue’
Though Fenway Park’s opening day is on the horizon, “Melody of Blue,” currently streaming on Peacock, will have you passionately singing “Sweet Caroline” well in advance of the season’s inaugural 8th-inning tradition. This biographical film features Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a couple whose romance blossoms after a state fair encounter, leading them to form a Neil Diamond tribute band. Hudson received the movie’s sole Academy Award nomination for her compelling performance as best actress. Available on Peacock
Latest Television Series Streaming Now
‘The Final Revelation’
Jennifer Garner returns for the sophomore season of “The Final Revelation,” premiering this Friday on Apple TV. Adapted from Laura Dave’s novel, this series casts Garner as Hannah, a woman determined to solve the enigma of her vanished husband, Owen (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), all while striving to maintain a bond with her stepdaughter, Bailey (Angourie Rice). The fresh season draws from Dave’s recent book, “The First Time I Saw Him,” depicting the family’s efforts to reunite as past conflicts resurface dramatically. Available on Apple TV
Weekend Binge-Watch Recommendation
‘The Shadow Operative’
Netflix’s acclaimed espionage action-thriller, “The Shadow Operative,” returns for its third season, with all new episodes having dropped on the streamer earlier this week. Gabriel Basso steps back into his role as FBI agent Peter Sutherland, whose latest global assignment plunges him into a race against assassins and the hunt for crucial government-shaking secrets. Available on Netflix
‘Predator: Savage Frontiers’
Director Dan Trachtenberg has revitalized the “Predator” series with his recent trio of films, and the latest installment, “Savage Frontiers,” is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu this week. The narrative centers on Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), an outcast from his Yautja clan, who embarks on a perilous journey to a lethal planet. His mission: to defeat a rumored invincible monster and prove his worth to his predator lineage. Dek receives assistance on his quest from Thia, an artificial human without legs, portrayed by Elle Fanning, whose performance was lauded by Henderson in his 3½-star review as “an absolute, hilarious joy.” Available on Disney+ and Hulu
Matt Juul serves as the assistant digital editor for The Boston Globe’s Living Arts team, bringing over a decade of expertise in arts and entertainment coverage.
Matt Juul can be reached via email at [email protected].