Stream, Skip, Buy: June 2019 Movie Releases
Another month, another gazillion new-to-Netflix-Hulu-and-Amazon movies to stream.
What shall you indulge in this June? It's time for another edition of "Stream, Skip, Buy," our monthly reviews of the most buzz-worthy flicks available on our favorite streaming platforms. Typically, there are more "skips," but it's a strong month for originals and documentaries.
On Netflix, Jen Aniston and Adam Sandler team up once again, this time as husband and wife, in a classic whodunnit comedy. Meanwhile, the Jonas Brothers are capitalizing on their successful comeback, releasing an Amazon documentary of their journey together...and apart. Of course, theatrical releases are also now available to stream — Hulu brings critically acclaimed Vice to small screens everywhere.
To see what you should stream, skip, or actually buy, keep reading.
Always Be My Maybe: Stream
Out: May 31 on Netflix
To say that Netflix is killing the rom-com game would be an understatement. If the platform's teenage tales of love (see: To All the Boys I've Loved Before and The Perfect Date) haven't stroked your heartstrings, its next highly anticipated, more mature romance-comedy, featuring comedian Ali Wong and Fresh of the Boat's Randall Park, aims to please. It's an age-old story of childhood-friends-turned-love-interests — a very When Harry Met Sally plot, if you will — except this movie features a mostly Asian-American cast (plus Keanu Reeves), and the title is a play on Mariah Carrey's "Always Be My Baby." If those aren't legit reasons to watch, we don't know what is.
Jonas Brothers’ Chasing Happiness: Stream
Out: June 4 on Amazon Prime
The JoBros are back...and they're maybe, possibly, definitely better than before. What is this blasphemy when such hits as "S.O.S." and "Lovebug" are forever emblazoned in our minds? Well, in this Amazon original, we meet more mature siblings, ones open to talking about life before Disney, life when Nick broke up the band and the heartbreak that ensued, and, now, life back together again — with their famous wives. It's everything a die-hard Jonas Brothers fan could wish for. If you don't follow the famous brothers, we would suggest a skip...but then, of course, you'll have no idea what everyone will be talking about come June 5.
The Black Godfather: Stream
Out: June 7 on Netflix
Snoop Dogg, Quincy Jones, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton: just a few names of the many stars recounting the legendary accomplishments of Clarence Avant. You may not be familiar with the iconic music and Hollywood executive, but this documentary follows his life and impact, branding him "the original influencer." What's more interesting is how Avant, now 88, earned clout, especially as an African American in predominantly Caucasian-run industries, including politics. Influencers of today, take note!
Vice: Buy
Out: June 10 on Hulu
Sure, you could stream this movie, which follows Dick Cheney's (Christian Bale) rise to vice presidential power, but then you won't be able to relive the incredibly nuanced performances provided by the film's leads (Bale, Amy Adams, and Sam Rockwell). Political biopic aside, it's a satire, to say the least — Bale is actually funny (a welcomed departure from his usual melancholy roles). Politics might not do it for you, but grade-A acting, smart writing, and a laugh here and there should.
Buy: Prime Video and Blu-ray ($14.99)
I Still See You: Skip
Out: June 11 on Hulu
In this post-apocalyptic thriller, Bella Thorne's high-school character goes toe-to-toe with ghosts, a mysterious killer trying to connect with said ghosts (or maybe just one specific ghost), and a whole lot in between, which frankly is not worth explaining because the plot is so convoluted. Basically, Thorne's character is intrigued in one particular "remnant," or ghost, encounter, which spirals into a dangerous investigation leading to a series of murders. The characters may see ghosts, but all we see is a weak story and terrible acting.
Murder Mystery: Stream
Out: June 12 on Netflix
If you loved Just Go With It, you'll want to partake in Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston's latest Netflix comedy. In full transparency, we haven't seen this one, but the plot sounds amusing enough. Sandler plays an NYC cop who finally takes his wife on vacation. En route, they meet some people, who introduce them to other people on a super-yacht. A murder happens and, just their luck, they become the main suspects. The tired Sandler jokes (egg head, anyone?) will probably be present, but it's worth a watch just to see two big A-listers reunite in a Netflix original.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Buy
Out: June 26 on Netflix
At a time when the market is saturated with superhero movies, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse stands apart. Even if you're not a big comic-book fan, you'll appreciate the visual innovation and storytelling it took to make a world — embedded in well-known source material (Spider-Man) — feel fresh. New York teen Miles Morales, the protagonist of this tale, gets bitten by a radioactive spider and develops powers (sound familiar?). In this story, however, there are multiple dimensions, where there may be more than one iteration of the same character (like Peter Parker, for instance). This comes in handy when you're trying to save the world and all. What makes this movie great? It's not all action; there's a balance of humor and emotional depth, which makes this computer-animated flick worthy of a permanent spot in your account history.
Buy: Prime Video ($9.99); Blu-ray ($22)
Juliet, Naked: Stream
Out: June 26 on Netflix
Do you have a "list" with your significant other? You know, a few famous people who, if by change the opportunity occurs, you're allowed to enjoy...let's say...a hall pass. It's kind of the premise of this movie, except Annie (Rose Byrne) is driven into the arms of her significant other's favorite rocker hero (Ethan Hawke) after a series of unfortunate events (cheating, breakup, heart attack, etc). This plot may sound like the foundation of a good rom-com, which it is, but somehow it manages to go a bit deeper than the typical feel-good, touching on real emotions about remorse, abandonment, and parenting — without randomly forced comic reliefs in between. It's not a critically acclaimed drama by any means, but it's got heart.
The Spy Who Dumped Me: Stream
Out: June 28 on Amazon Prime
Let us preface this by saying: Watch only if there's nothing more compelling available. It's not the best spy movie. It's not the best Mila Kunis or Kate McKinnon can do either. However, all the typical themes of an action-comedy are there, and if you're a fan of the actors, you'll stay invested in their character development...even if the jokes aren't that funny. It's an entertaining ride but at the safest speed.