We’re making our way through August, and we got another big blockbuster franchise in theaters, but a few different streaming options this week. Below is my take on the new movies. If you want to keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

Daughters (Netflix)
Synopsis: This documentary on Netflix dives into a unique set of daddy-daughter relationships. The epidemic of incarceration—especially in some communities—leaves a lot of brokenness. In particular are the children who are left without one of their custodial parents. In this film, which comes from Angela Patton and Natalie Rea, we follow a quartet of girls who are growing up with a father in prison. We meet the girls and their fathers and explore their relationship and struggles leading up to a unique daddy-daughter dance being held in the prison as part of a unique fatherhood program. The film is a fascinating look at the system and its wide-ranging impacts that come long after justice has been handed down. It’s at time uplifting and at times emotional, but it delivers a subject that is worth exploring.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and language.

Jackpot! (Prime Video)
Starring: John Cena, Awkwafina, and Simu Liu
Synopsis: This film, which comes from director Paul Feig, is something of a comedic take on an idea like The Purge. I know what you’re thinking, how does that work. Honestly, it doesn’t. In the film, California is desperate for money in the near future. So, they introduce a new lottery program where the winner gets a huge jackpot—if they can survive the day. But, if someone can manage to kill them, they get the jackpot. The one twist—no one can use a gun. Katie (Awkwafina), an actress, recently moved back to California after her mother’s death. She’s blissfully unaware of the new lottery program—until she wins. As she’s being hunted, an up-and-coming protection agent named Noel (Cena) offers his services. But can Katie trust Noel, and better yet can he keep her alive all day? There’s some potential in the premise and I like the cast. However, this doesn’t all come together. It’s more plodding than expected, and the humor doesn’t always land. At an hour and 45 minutes, this feels a little long. It might have worked better as a short. The cast is talented but ultimately this is just OK.
Rating: Rated R for pervasive language, violence, and sexual references.

The Union (Netflix)
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, J.K. Simmons, Jackie Earle Haley, and Mike Colter
Synopsis: The next film from Netflix is a big-budget action film with an impressive cast. It centers on Mike (Wahlberg), an everyman working a simple job and living in New Jersey. Soon, he’s recruited by a former flame, Roxanne (Berry), to join a special spy group working under-the-radar. They take on a crucial mission that leads Roxanne to cross paths with her ex-husband (Colter), a former agent who might not be what he appears. This film seems promising based on the cast and the premise. But the characters and the story fall somewhat flat. The narrative isn’t as interesting as it could be, and the execution is somewhat lacking. It’s glossy and has all the pieces but it isn’t very engaging, and it feels longer than it is. Despite the talent involved this is something of a misfire.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, suggestive material and some strong 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.