We’ve reached the first week in May, which kick starts the summer blockbuster season at theaters and also saw a number of streaming films. Below is my take on this week’s new releases. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me @knighthawk7734 on Letterboxd.

Rather (Netflix)
Synopsis: The latest Netflix documentary tackles newsman Dan Rather, who for years served as the anchor for the CBS Evening News. This documentary looks at his career and his approach to sharing the news of the world with the American public. It tracks his career at CBS and his second life after leaving the anchor chair. It features interviews with Rather, his collaborators, and others familiar with his work. It’s a fascinating look at a man whose spent his whole life in pursuit of the truth. I enjoyed the documentary and the story. It’s worth checking out for those who are fans of Rather’s work.
Rating: NA

Turtles All the Way Down (Max)
Starring: Isabel Merced, Cree, Felix Mallard, and Judy Reyes
Synopsis: This new film on Max comes from director Hannah Marks and writer John Green, whose novel served as the inspiration for this adaptation. In it, a young girl Aza (Merced) is struggling. Since the death of her father, her struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder have made it a struggle to interact with others. As she approaches college, her mother (Reyes) is concerned about her future. Her best friend, Daisy (Cree), struggles to push her friend out of her shell and get her to invest in others. When the father of Aza’s crush, Davis (Mallard), goes missing, she is drawn to the mystery. That re-kindles a potential romance, but is Aza ready to take the step forward? This is a beautiful and fascinating film. Fans of the novel will be grateful for the adaptation, but those that haven’t read the original book will also find something compelling here. The film runs a bit long at times, but Merced is great in the lead role. The emotional journey for Aza ends up being engaging and compelling. The film goes in some surprising directions, but the friendship between Merced and Cree really is at the heart of what keeps you hooked to this film. It’s worth checking out on Max.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving mental illness, some strong language and sexual references.

Unfrosted (Netflix)
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer, Max Greenfield, and Hugh Grant
Synopsis: One of the most anticipated Netflix films of the first half of 2024, this comedy comes from Seinfeld, who stars in it, wrote the screenplay, and serves as the film’s director. It’s a throwback comedy that is unlike anything recently released, and that’s a good thing. It follows Bob Cabana (Seinfeld), who works as the main idea man for Kellogg’s Cereal. It’s a golden time and Kellogg’s is dominating the market thanks to great cereals and even better mascots. But when Post, and its leader (Schumer), seem to be on the verge of creating a new toasted breakfast pastry, it could change the industry forever. Can Cabana and his chief creative partner, Donna Stankowski (McCarthy), meet the challenge? This film is set in the 1960s in Battle Creek, Michigan, and has a fantastic look and style. It’s a bit of a farce, purporting to tell the story of the creation of the Pop Tart but spinning a fantastic yarn. It’s full of great cameos and supporting performances from a slew of talented comedians. But at the heart is Seinfeld, McCarthy, and Gaffigan, who are clearly having a lot of fun. I loved the look and the sense of humor here. This is a fun story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fans of Seinfeld’s sitcom know how much he loved talking cereal and Pop Tarts, something that’s continued throughout his stand-up career since. This feels like the perfect exploration of the topic; a light and fun romp that doesn’t wear out its welcome. I enjoyed it for what it is!
Rating: Rated PG-13 for some suggestive references and 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.