This weekend offers a diverse selection of films across major streaming platforms and VOD, including the critically acclaimed couples drama "The Invite," Disney's live-action adaptation of "Moana," and the charming animated feature "Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom."
Moana
The live-action remake of Disney's "Moana" is now available on Disney Plus. This latest entry in Disney's series of live-action retellings of its animated classics faithfully recreates the original story with live actors and updated visual effects. However, like many of its predecessors, it has drawn criticism for its lack of new artistic direction.
While these remakes consistently achieve significant box office success, Polygon's review notes that "The 2026 Moana is just a glossy digital clone of the original." The film features Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia in lead roles and is directed by Thomas Kail.
The Invite
"The Invite," directed by Olivia Wilde, is available on HBO Max and is highlighted as one of the year's best dramas. The film centers on Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Wilde), a couple whose marriage has become strained. A spontaneous double date with their neighbors, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, quickly escalates into a night of relationship revelations.
Finding Emily
For fans of British romantic comedies, "Finding Emily" is now available on Peacock. The story follows Owen (Spike Fearn), who embarks on a quest to find a woman named Emily after a chance encounter. His search leads him to another Emily (Angourie Rice), a psychology student who turns him into a subject for her dissertation.
Love Language
"Love Language," available on VOD, stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Lou, a ghostwriter of wedding vows. Her personal life becomes complicated when she is pursued by a new romantic interest, Anthony Ramos, and discovers that the groom for whom she is ghostwriting a wedding is also her college crush, played by Manny Jacinto.
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom
This stop-motion animated film, "Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom," is available on VOD. The latest installment in the dialogue-free franchise from Aardman, the studio behind "Wallace & Gromit," sees Shaun attempt to restore a pumpkin patch using a potion. Misunderstandings ensue when the Farmer accidentally consumes the potion, transforming into a creature.
By Any Means
"By Any Means," a thriller available on VOD, is set in 1966 and pairs a young FBI agent, Wayne Strider (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), with a mob hitman and informant, Gregory Scarpa (Mark Wahlberg). They are compelled to work together to solve a Ku Klux Klan murder, navigating their clashing methods.
Tiny Fugitives
Directed by Michael Lewen and produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, "Tiny Fugitives" is a comedy available on VOD. The film follows a group of children at summer camp who plan to stay permanently, only to be thwarted by counselor Bob (Johnny Knoxville).
The Musical
Available on VOD, "The Musical" is a comedy about Doug (Will Brill), a middle school teacher and aspiring playwright. After a breakup, he decides to stage a production to undermine his ex-girlfriend's new relationship with the school principal (Rob Lowe).
The Weight
Set during the Great Depression, "The Weight," a thriller on VOD, stars Ethan Hawke as Murphy. Tasked by Warden Clancy (Russell Crowe) at a convict labor camp, Murphy must lead a crew, including Julia Jones, on a perilous journey to transport stolen gold bricks.
One Spoon of Chocolate
"One Spoon of Chocolate," an action film directed by RZA and available on Hulu, features Shameik Moore as Randy, a U.S. veteran attempting to start a new life in a small town. When confronted by racist locals, Randy is forced to take action.
