Find out what happens to the beloved characters from Hawkins – scattered in different locations – as volume 2 of the smash hit series “Stranger Things” premieres today!
Also noteworthy: Hiccup and Toothless’ ongoing adventures in “How To Train Your Dragon 2”; two anime series to please any manga/fantasy fan; and something-something-whatever about Katy Perry.
Today, July 1
- ‘Stranger Things 4: Volume 2’ (series)
The thrills and chills continue in the second half of the highly popular sci-fi-horror series’ fourth season. (Warning: spoilers for the ending of volume 1 ahead!)
Eleven is in the Nevada desert, reluctantly working with her “Papa” to regain her powers; Jonathan, Mike, Will and Argyle are travelling there from Salt Lake City where they’d consulted with hacker extraordinaire Suzie; Joyce, Hopper and Murray are trying to escape ”the motherland”; and Nancy has been entranced and trapped in the Upside Down by Vecna.
Volume 2 promises to be “extremely emotional while also having the most action and spectacle we’ve ever had”, according to series co-creator Matt Duffer.
- ‘Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children’ (film)
In this animated feature adaptation of the popular video game, Cloud Strife (Takahiro Sakurai) must fight a new evil as a mysterious disease affects mankind in a devastated city.
- ‘How To Train Your Dragon 2’ (film)
Hiccup and Toothless return in this 2014 sequel and are faced with the threat of Drago, a dragon trapper, who is bent on capturing and dominating over all dragons. The hapless (and toothless) heroes are determined to defeat him and restore peace on Berk.
- ‘Katy Perry: Part of Me’ (film)
In this 2012 release, pop star Katy Perry is captured on and offstage in this revealing diary of her California Dreams Tour, featuring her Los Angeles performances. Interviews with family and friends complete the picture as Perry gives her all for her fans, then faces the pressing personal challenges that await behind the scenes.
- ‘Sisters’ (film)
When their parents decide to sell their childhood home, sisters Kate and Maura host one final booze-fuelled blast with their high school friends. What could go wrong?
This 2022 comedy boasts a star-studded cast including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph.
- ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (series)
Tokyo is haunted by ghouls who resemble humans but feast on their flesh. As a ghoul-human hybrid, Ken Kaneki finds himself caught between two worlds. This anime is based on the popular manga series.
Sunday, July 3
- ‘The King of Staten Island’ (film)
Twenty-four-year-old Scott squanders his time while still coping with his firefighter father’s death years ago. When his mother starts seeing Ray, also a fireman, it causes Scott to ruminate on his choices. Judd Apatow co-writes and directs this 2020 film he calls a “reimagining” of the real-life events of star Pete Davidson.
Wednesday, July 6
- ‘Girl in the Picture’ (documentary)
A woman found dying by a road leaves behind a son, a man claiming to be her husband – and a mystery that unfolds like a nightmare. This docuseries – directed by Skye Borgman, who helmed Netflix’s other true-crime hits “Abducted in Plain Sight” and “Dead Asleep” – follows a decades-long headscratcher about the woman’s true identity and the murderous federal fugitive at the centre of it all.
- ‘Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between’ (film)
Clare and Aidan make a pact to break up before college: no regrets, no broken hearts. But will one epic goodbye date offer them a last chance at love? Only time – and this film – will tell. Based upon the novel of the same name by Jennifer E Smith.
- ‘Uncle From Another World’ (series)
After being in a coma for 17 years, Takafumi’s middle-aged uncle suddenly wakes up speaking an unrecognisable language and wielding magical powers. Intriguing.
Thursday, July 7
- ‘Not An Angel’s Love’ (film)
A volunteer working in conflict zones in the Middle East falls for a woman on her pilgrimage to Mecca – but their love encounters plenty of obstacles.