If you’re a Walking Dead fan right now, we feel your pain. Ahead of you are a lot of cold, barren months without Rick and his gang of survivors. There’s also some kind of cliffhanger, yes? I wasn’t really paying attention. Anyway, here’s what’s happening on Netflix to tide you over until Game of Thrones starts again later this month.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Season Two (US & UK)
What is it: Kimmy Schmidt is the survivor of a twisted doomsday cult who’s now trying to create a new life in New York. She’s naïve and honest, and lives in a world of whimsy.
Why you should watch: The series is the brainchild of 30 Rock creator Tina Fey and Emmy winning writer Robert Carlock. If you’ve seen 30 Rock, Kimmy Schmidt‘s off brand of clever humour will feel like a comfy pair of shoes. Former star of The Office Ellie Kemper gives an endearing performance as the lead character while Tituss Burgess delivers a hilarious addition to the pop culture lexicon.
When: April 15
How To Get Away With Murder – Season Two (US)
What is it: The second season of the Shonda Rhimes produced series following a group of law student who are, ahem, trying to get away with murder.
Why you should watch: Season one was a break out hit in 2014, anchored by an excellent performance from Viola Davis. Legal dramas can be somewhat stuffy and self-serious sometimes, but this one manages to offer some interesting twists and turns along the way. If nothing else, Shonda Rhimes’ name is a seal of quality these days.
When: April 16
Maleficent (UK)
What is it: Remember Sleeping Beauty? You know the villain with the poisoned apple? This film is about that bad guy.
Why you should watch: Starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, the ‘evil’ magician who curses Sleeping Beauty, this one sees Disney attempt to make the character sympathetic. To Maleficent‘s credit it manages this with some success. The re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty cannon crossed with its incredibly dark subtext is worth a look on its own.
When: April 20
Moneyball (UK)
What is it: Brad Pitt is the washed up coach of a crappy baseball team. With his career in the toilet he takes a big risk – using maths to win baseball games.
Why you should watch: This isn’t really interested in being a run of the mill underdogs triumph sports movie. Based on the real story of Billy Beane and the Oakland Athletics, it doesn’t really have a ‘happy ending’. It’s compelling stuff nevertheless, and gave us our first glimpse of what Jonah Hill could do in a serious role. Using maths to calculate who can get him the most runs, Beane transforms the way baseball is played and managed.
When: April 20
Amazon Prime
Once again, don’t accuse us of Netflix bias. Here’s what’s coming to Amazon Prime this week (Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial).Â
Thunderbirds Are Go – Season One (US)
What is it: It’s the flipping Thunderbirds, mate. Re-imagined for a new generation, the Tracy family are saving the world again, this time in full CGI.
Why you should watch: While the character models look like dead eyed inhuman cyborgs, the writing for Thunderbirds Are Go is not as horrendous as you might be expecting. The voice acting is on point and the stories will remind you of the classic Gerry and Sylvia Anderson series. Amazon nabbed the exclusive US rights to the series recently and the first 13 episodes are landing this week.
When: April 15
The Dark Knight (UK)
What is it: Only the best Batman film ever made, you idiot. Why are you even asking such a stupid question?
Why you should watch: On a more serious note, considering the recent furore surrounding Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight looks a lot more like it defined Batman for a generation. Anchored by solid performances from Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gary Oldman – and one all-time great performance from the late Heath Ledger – this is still the best batman flick of all time (despite all the grim dark window dressing).
When: April 14
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