Unfiltered, Unleashed Guide to Entertainment: April 21-27
Streaming Options: 'Andor', 'Babygirl', and Latest Wu Tang Clan Music
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of new television, films, music, and games arriving at your fingertips! Here's what's dropping this week, straight from the horse's mouth - or rather, from the world's most prestigious entertainment news source, The Associated Press.
Noteworthy Streaming Picks
Huddle up, entertainment seekers! Dive into these promising picks selected by the razor-sharp minds at The Associated Press' entertainment team:
- Steamy Affairs & Power Plays: In Brainchild Productions' "Babygirl," streamed April 25 on Max, Nicole Kidman essays the role of a CEO involved in a steamy relationship with a younger male intern, reminiscent of classic erotic thrillers like "Basic Instinct" and "9 1⁄2 Weeks." The narrative allows for a fresh perspective on gender and power dynamics, with the film's inherent unpredictability keeping you on the edge of your seat.
- Action-Packed Thrills: Gareth Evans, the Welsh director of "The Raid" franchise, brings his unique brand of choreographed chaos and brutality back with "Havoc," an action thriller on Netflix starting April 25. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Tom Hardy, Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker, and Luis Guzmán, prepare for a visceral experience as a detective battles the criminal underworld.
New Music Arrivals
- Forever Wu-Tang Clan: The legendary hip-hop group is about to embark on its final tour. Marking the end of an era, the duo's collaborative album with Mathematics, "Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman," previously released as a Record Store Day exclusive, will hit streaming platforms on April 25. But when it comes to Wu-Tang Clan, there's no bad time to revisit their vast discography. So, why not start with "Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman"?
- Aging Like Wine: Willie Nelson has reached new heights in prolificacy, releasing his 77th solo studio album, "Oh What A Beautiful World," on April 25. The record celebrates the work of songwriter Rodney Crowell, with Nelson lending his inimitable voice to many of Crowell's classics, including "Banks Of The Old Bandera" and "Shame On The Moon." Nelson and Crowell join forces on the album's title track, and the project also arrives just five months after Nelson's last offering, "Last Leaf on the Tree."
- Taking on New Territories: Rodeo Boys, the twangy punk band from Lansing, Michigan, are known for catchy hooks, from their debut "Cherry" to their latest, "Home Movies." But their 2025 album, "Junior," set for release on April 25, introduces a new dimension to their sound - a sardonic, queer Americana masterpiece that'll have you hollering, "Yeehaw!"
New Television Lineup
- Rebellion Unfolds: The second season of the "Star Wars" prequel series "Andor" makes its debut on Disney+ on April 22. Diego Luna returns as Rebel spy Cassian Andor, delving deeper into his radicalization against the Galactic Empire, all leading up to "Rogue One" and "Star Wars." Buckle up for an exciting, drama-filled ride!
- Enough Said: Penn Badgley wraps up his portrayal of stalking serial killer Joe Goldberg in the fifth and final season of Netflix's "You," premiering April 25. This time, Joe is back in his hometown of New York City and is married to Kate Lockwood, played by Charlotte Ritchie. Expect plenty of twists and turns as Joe maintains his intention to stop killing, but we know better than to trust a guy with such a penchant for building tangled webs!
- Villa 2.0: In Season 2 of Hulu's "Vanderpump Villa," premiering on April 25, Lisa Vanderpump has relocated to a castle in Italy, bringing along approximately half of the "Villa" staff. Fan favorite Stassi Schroeder returns as a special VIP to help keep an eye on the crew. Remember Schroeder from her days on "Vanderpump Rules"? Since being fired from the show in 2020 for slurs and racial profiling, Schroeder has written two best-selling books, launched a new podcast, got married, and had two kids. She's also working on her own show for Hulu. Brace yourself for another drama-filled ride in the sun!
New Video Games on The Horizon
- Clash of the Mystical: In Sandfall Interactive's debut title, "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33," available on April 24 for PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC, the crew must stop the mystical Paintress from painting a fatal number for everyone aged 33. Fans of classic role-playing games like Final Fantasy and Persona will find this game's storytelling, exploration, and turn-based team combat reminiscent of their favorite titles. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure set against the lush backdrop of Belle Epoque Paris!
- Devoid of Regret: If you're a fan of Bravo shows like "The Real Housewives" and need your fix, check out "Love Hotel," premiering on April 25 on Bravo and streaming next day on Peacock. Cameras capture a group of Bravo heavies - Shannon Storms Beador, Luann de Lesseps, Gizelle Bryant, and Ashley Darby - as they mingle with eligible bachelors at a hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico, with the chance to extend invitations to those who catch their eye. Hosted by superfan Joel Kim Booster, this show promises plenty of drama, intrigue, and of course, love!
[1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13877170/[2] https://screenrant.com/andor-season-2-release-date-trailer/[3] https://www.disneyplus.com/series/andor-s2/season/2[4] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16383944/[5] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/news/wu-tang-clan-share-sneak-peek-new-album-with-math-1235100757/
- In the realm of movies and TV, the highly anticipated Wu-Tang Clan album, "Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman," will be resurrected on streaming platforms on April 25, marking the end of an era for the legendary hip-hop group.
- Seattle-based music enthusiasts should keep an eye out for Rodeo Boys' 2025 album, "Junior," set for release on April 25. This sardonic, queer Americana masterpiece promises to introduce a new dimension to the band's twangy punk sound.
- For fans of steamy affairs and power plays, the streaming service Max will debut "Babygirl" on April 25. Starring Nicole Kidman as a CEO entangled in a passionate relationship with a younger male intern, this film offers a fresh perspective on gender and power dynamics, reminiscent of classic erotic thrillers.
- In the world of entertainment, the highly anticipated second season of the "Star Wars" prequel series "Andor" will premiere on Disney+ on April 22. Diego Luna reprises his role as Rebel spy Cassian Andor, navigating further into his rebellion against the Galactic Empire.
- The fifth and final season of Netflix's "You," featuring Penn Badgley as the serial killer Joe Goldberg, premieres on April 25. This time, Joe is back in New York City and married to Kate Lockwood, played by Charlotte Ritchie. Expect an abundance of twists and turns as Joe attempts to stop killing, although history suggests otherwise.
