What to Watch This Week in Film & Television (2/5/2023-2/11/2023)

by Darian Scalamoni

    As we head closer and closer to the beginning of our big weekly releases in theaters, the second week of February has a little bit of something for everyone. Whether its male strippers, creepy weirdos in London, a documentary on an NBA legend or a Valentine's Day special featuring two of DC's most iconic female villains, this is yet another big week for content. Welcome to this week's edition of What to Watch This Week.

Magic Mike's Last Dance

Following the massive success of the first two entries, Steven Soderbergh returns to the Magic Mike franchise for one final run with Channing Tatum's Mike Lane. After a deal gone wrong in Florida leaves Mike cash strapped and bartending for a living, he meets a wealthy socialite played by Salma Hayek who lures him into coming to London with an offer he can't refuse and an agenda all her own. Despite this, Mike needs to assemble a brand-new group of dancers to put on the best show ever. Magic Mike's Last Dance hits theaters everywhere on February 10.

You: Season 4 - Part 1

With the last season of You throwing everyone for a loop, Netflix is turning to its new strategy for the fourth season of their romantic mystery series. This week, the streamer will release part one of the season while one month later, they'll release part two. They tried a similar strategy last year with the release of Stranger Things latest season to which it had great effect in prolonging the conversation surrounding the series. This season, Joe heads to London to follow his new love interest, Marienne, who is trying to avoid the psychotic lead character, however, he may have a bigger threat on the horizon as he becomes a victim himself to a new secret stalker. The first part of Season 4 of You drops on Netflix on February 9.

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special

The Harley Quinn series for HBO Max has always done well with critics and viewership, so now the streamer is testing out a special episode to celebrate Valentine's Day and the wonderful relationship between Harley and her girlfriend, Ivy (aka Poison Ivy). The special episode will also showcase other couples within the series including Hawkman & Hawkgirl, which are played by Abbott Elementary stars Tyler James Willians & Quinta Brunson. Check out Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special on HBO on February 9, just in time for the romantic holiday.

The Last of Us

This show will probably be on the list every week until the first season commences. But, yes, the hype is real, The Last of Us is easily the best show on television right now. It shouldn't be a surprise because of the talent attached with Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Nick Offerman, Murray Bartlett and now, Melanie Lynskey (pictured above) joining the series. However, the fact that a video game adaptation has evoked this much emotion, vulnerability, humor and maturity in a TV series make this a special one that you do not want to miss. The Last of Us airs on HBO on Sundays at 9 PM EST, however, due to the Super Bowl, the premium network has decided to air episode 5 this Friday instead.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Though the film released in theaters months ago, it's since shifted to streaming as its available on Disney+ currently. The sequel which shifts from the death of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa to the handing of the torch to a new Black Panther is just part of the story. There's also the new villainous sea dwelling Namor who becomes a threat to Wakanda following the loss of their leader. Angela Bassett also was recently nominated for an Academy Award for her performance as Queen Ramonda, now mourning the loss of her son. Check out Black Panther: Wakanda Forever which is streaming on Disney+ right now.

Dear Edward

I covered this show last week, however, now that I've watched the series' first 3 episodes, I can confirm that I am a fan of this program. Though the pilot has been my least favorite episode, it's obviously essential to thrust the story forward. Each episode gets better, and I believe that Connie Britton working with series creator Jason Katims is clearly a recipe for success. Additionally, Anna Uzele and Idris Debrand seem like likely breakouts in the series. Dear Edward has new episodes releasing every Friday on AppleTV+. 

Bill Russell: Legend

This documentary chronicles the unbelievable career on-and-off the court for Bill Russell. Russell is the winningest player in NBA history having won 11 championships in just 13 seasons. He recently passed away in July 2022 at the age of 88. Following his death, the NBA retired his #6 league wide, being the only player to ever have that honor. In addition to his triumphs on the court, Russell was a civil rights icon who built a magnificent legacy beyond just basketball. Bill Russell: Legend is available to stream right now on Netflix.

Your Place or Mine

Finally, we end with a timely romantic comedy from Netflix in Your Place or Mine. The film stars Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher as best friends and total opposites who demand completely different ways of life. Witherspoon plays Debbie, who craves routine with her son in LA, while Kutcher plays Peter, who thrives on the hustle and bustle of NYC. However, when they decide to swap houses, they might discover that what they want isn't necessarily what they really need. Your Place or Mine begins streaming on Netflix on Friday, February 10, just in time for Valentine's Day!