Here are some top movie picks on Prime Video for this week (late September 2024):

For the next couple of weeks, Prime Video (USA and Canada) is offering various new releases across movies, TV shows, and sports:

New TV Shows & Movies:

• “Elementary” (Seasons 1-7) – Available since September 14.

• “Paddington 2” – Coming on September 26.

• “The Grand Tour: One for the Road” – Released on September 13.

• “Evolution of the Black Quarterback” – Premieres on September 24.

Upcoming Movies:

• “Killer Heat” – A desert-set thriller.

• “Jason Bourne” (2016) – Arrives on September 20.

• “What If” (2014) – Available September 23.

Sports on Prime:

• Thursday Night Football and WNBA Playoffs throughout September.

These releases offer a great mix of entertainment, from classics to sports.

Here are some top movie picks on Prime Video for this week (late September 2024):

1. “Paddington 2” (2018) – A heartwarming family comedy about the beloved bear, Paddington.

2. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (2022) – An animated adventure featuring the daring cat, Puss in Boots.

3. “What If” (2014) – A romantic comedy starring Daniel Radcliffe.

4. “The American Society of Magical Negroes” (2024) – A fresh comedy-drama exploring racial themes.

These releases offer a mix of family fun, action, and comedy. Perfect for varied tastes!

Overview of The Continental (2024)

The Continental is a highly anticipated spin-off from the John Wick universe, focusing on the backstory of the infamous Continental Hotel, a key location in the John Wick films. The show dives into the origins of the hotel as a safe haven for assassins and criminals, offering audiences a deep look into the criminal underworld first introduced in the film series. Set in 1970s New York City, it explores the rise of Winston Scott, the hotel’s eventual owner and one of the key characters in the John Wick franchise.

Plot Summary

The story follows Winston Scott in his younger years (played by Colin Woodell), charting his journey from a street-level hustler to the powerful proprietor of The Continental. The series explores how he becomes enmeshed in the underworld’s complex hierarchy of power and violence. Key plot points include:

• Winston’s Relationship with the Underworld: His tense relationship with crime bosses and his own quest for survival as he rises through the ranks.

• The Hotel’s Origins: The series delves into how The Continental became the neutral ground for assassins, featuring its strict codes of conduct.

• Action-Packed Sequences: Like the John Wick films, the series is heavy on elaborate, stylish action scenes, but with a more 1970s noir aesthetic.

Is it Watchable?

For fans of John Wick, The Continental is a must-watch. It retains the action-packed, stylish violence that made the original films a hit, while offering more backstory and world-building. The show’s 1970s setting adds a unique visual flair, and it maintains the franchise’s signature atmosphere of cool, detached violence. The show’s complex characters, especially Winston, are engaging and well-acted.

However, for viewers who aren’t already fans of the John Wick universe, the hyper-violent, stylized nature of the series might not appeal as much. Some might find it more niche due to its focus on deep lore and heavy action sequences.

Reception and Anticipation

Early buzz has been positive, especially among fans of the original series. The mix of action, retro aesthetics, and character development has been praised. However, as it’s a prequel, the pacing and depth of the story could be slower in comparison to the high-octane John Wick films. The tone is expected to be gritty, with a darker exploration of the criminal world.

Verdict

If you enjoy crime dramas with complex world-building, stylish action, and a bit of retro flair, The Continental is worth watching. It offers a fresh angle on the John Wick universe, allowing viewers to explore the origins of one of its most mysterious and iconic locations. However, be prepared for a more drawn-out narrative pace compared to the relentless action of the films.

October’s horror titles as Halloween approaches, including cult classics like Jeepers Creepers and Crimson Peak, among others. Retro favorites like The Mummy and Dracula are also trending, often revisited for seasonal themes.

Overall Summary of Killer Heat (2024)

Killer Heat is an upcoming thriller that revolves around a story of deceit, betrayal, and survival, set against a harsh desert backdrop. The film centers on two brothers who become embroiled in a tense love triangle with a mysterious woman. The plot intensifies as the three characters navigate through a web of lies, passion, and rising tensions, leading to a deadly confrontation.

Set in an isolated, scorching desert location, the film uses its desolate environment to heighten the psychological tension between the characters. The combination of high-stakes drama, intimate conflict, and physical isolation sets the stage for a slow-burning thriller, where the heat and the characters’ dark secrets both reach a boiling point.

Expectations and Tone

Killer Heat promises to be a mix of psychological thriller and survival drama, likely exploring themes of loyalty, jealousy, and the human instinct for survival. Its desert setting enhances the sense of isolation and pressure among the characters, which could lead to intense, emotionally charged confrontations. The tension builds not just from external threats, but from the characters’ conflicting desires and hidden motivations, making it a thriller grounded in personal stakes.

With strong performances expected and a suspenseful narrative, Killer Heat seems like a watchable thriller for fans of the genre who enjoy tense, character-driven stories with high emotional stakes​.

The upcoming Jason Bourne film, tentatively titled Jason Bourne 6 or simply Bourne 6, is currently in the early stages of development. Directed by Edward Berger, who won acclaim for All Quiet on the Western Front, the movie is still without a confirmed plot or release date. While Matt Damon has played the lead role in most of the previous Bourne films, it’s uncertain whether he will return for this new installment. However, it’s likely that he will be approached once the script is finalized.

The Bourne franchise, which began with The Bourne Identity in 2002, has become iconic for its gripping action sequences and complex spy plots. This sixth movie is expected to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, continuing the high-octane espionage drama. Whether or not Damon reprises his role, fans can expect an intense continuation of the saga, possibly drawing from the extensive Bourne novels written beyond the original trilogy.

At this stage, there’s no confirmed release date, but fans might anticipate a release in late 2025 or 2026​.