We’ve reached March and we’re starting to get into a season of blockbuster releases, but we’re still getting some smaller streaming films, too. Here’s a look at the new movies I saw this week. If you want to keep up with all that I’m watching this week, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate (Peacock)
Starring: Keith Ferguson, Laura Post, and Josh Brener
Synopsis: Megamind was a somewhat clever original animated feature with a solid voice cast when it debuted in theaters in 2010. It’s been 14 years since that film debuted, and now Peacock is trying to capitalize on the brand with a straight-to-streaming original film that leads into a new animated series. Doubtless the target audience for this film and series weren’t born when the original film aired. Perhaps they’ve seen it, but it’s also possible this is a first exposure. This new original animated feature doesn’t return the voice cast. It shows a quick recap from the first film and launches into a limp new story. It’s only 84 minutes and it feels overly long. It’s not funny or clever. The animated style is too computer-generated, and the characters all fall flat. This is one of the worst films of the year so far, and something that feels like a straight-to-streaming IP money grab. It can be safely skipped.
Rating: TV-G

Spaceman (Netflix)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Paul Dano, and Carey Mulligan
About: This new film from Netflix is something of a broad swing. It’s set in space, where a solo astronaut, Jakub (Sandler), has been alone on a mission for six months. He thinks mostly of the pregnant wife, Lenka (Mulligan). They are at a rough patch in their relationship and now, with the distance, Jakub doesn’t know how to fix it. On the cusp of the crux of his mission, he finds an alien creature, Hanus (Dano), on his ship. Hanus wants to learn more bout Jakub, sifting through his memories to get to the core of his issues and, perhaps, repair his relationship with Lenka. But is Hanus real? That’s the question for audiences. It’s a unique set up. Despite the presence of Sandler, this is a serious film, and he does quite well in a more difficult and serious role. In fact, I appreciated all the performances. There are also some unique and compelling visuals from director Johan Renek. But the film is oddly paced, and the story, at times, is just odd. I enjoyed it some, but it doesn’t quite hit the heights for which it’s aiming.
Rating: Rated R for language.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.