What's on Neon in January

Here's what's streaming on Neon in January 2024.

True Detective (Season 4) 

From January 14

The season is set in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska, and follows the investigation behind the disappearance of eight men from a research station. 

The season stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro. It is the first season to carry a subtitle, Night Country.

Belgravia: the Next Chapter (January 16)

Picking up in 1871, 30 years after the original series from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, Belgravia: The Next Chapter follows the love story of Frederick Trenchard, who has grown up as the third Lord Granville, and Clara Dunn, a newcomer to London society. An unhappy childhood has left Frederick deeply insecure, which challenges his courtship of and marriage to Clara.  

Starring Harriet Slater and Ben Wainwright

Prodigal Son (January 24)

Malcolm Bright has a gift. He knows how killers think and how their minds work. Why? His father is "The Surgeon," a notorious serial killer. Now Malcolm uses his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve cases. While tracking down the city's most dangerous criminals, he also battles his own demons, and his best resource for solving crimes is his dear old dad, the homicidal-yet-oddly-loving Martin Whitly, whose expertise he must reluctantly call upon. 

Starring Tom Payne, Martin Sheen and Lou Diamond Phillips. 

Movies

Transformers Rise of the Beasts (January 4)

Optimus Prime and the Autobots take on their biggest challenge yet, in a 90s globetrotting adventure. When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, the Autobots must team up with a powerful faction of Transformers known as the Maximals to save Earth. Starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback. 

Fast X (January 1)

The record-breaking Fast and Furious franchise accelerates to new heights with the last chapter in the record-breaking series. This latest feature follows the team to destinations across the globe, when Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by a vengeful threat from the shadows of the past. Starring Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Charlize Theron, and Michelle Rodriguez. 

Joy Ride (January 1)

When Audrey’s business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of her friends Lolo, Kat and Deadeye for an epic journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are. Starring Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu and Ronnie Cheng. 

What's on Prime Video in January

Here's everything that's streaming on Prime Video in January 2024.

Prime Video finishes up the year with Emerald Fennell's fantastic film, Saltburn (launching December 22) before riding into 2024 with an array of fresh, new content...

Lulu Wang’s Expats, stars Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue and Ji-young Yoo - three woman who move from America to Hong Kong where a single encounter sets off a chain of life-altering events. 

Australian Original Dance Life gives audiences a deeply personal look at the dance students of Sydney’s Brent Street, as they work their way through the cut-throat performing arts course. 

From blunts to runts…Snoop Dogg stars as a washed-up football star who is sentenced to community service coaching an unruly pee-wee football team The Underdoggs.   

James May is back in James May: Our Man In India; Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal star in a haunting exploration of marriage and identity in the film Foe; and Kaley Cuoco’s secret life is discovered by her husband in Role Play.

Prime Video finishes up the year with Emerald Fennell's fantastic film, Saltburn (launching December 22) before riding into 2024 with an array of fresh, new content...

Expats (January 26 )

Set against the complex tapestry of Hong Kong residents, Expats depicts a multifaceted group of women after a single encounter sets off a chain of life-altering events that leaves everyone navigating the intricate balance between blame and accountability.

Expats stars Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, Ji-young Yoo, Brian Tee and Jack Huston.

DANCE LIFE (January 19)

Dance Life follows a select group of students throughout their final make-or-break year at Australia’s elite dance studio, Brent Street. Bringing with them a lifetime of dance, students arrive at Brent Street single-minded in their ambition to become working dancers and stars. It won’t be easy. To make it through the year, they will need stamina and tenacity as they work tirelessly towards the year-end Grad performance. It’s there they hope to secure that all-important agent who could make their dreams of becoming a professional dancer come true. From perfectionists to prodigies, and underdogs to the entitled, each has their own inner voice of doubt battling against an insatiable drive to make it. Which will prevail? Who will succeed in an industry where your best friend is a competitor, where the possibility of career-ending injury is ever-present and where perfection is praised but baring your soul gives you an edge. All may have the spark, but who has the fire?

THE UNDERDOGGS (January 26)

Jaycen "Two Js" Jennings (Snoop Dogg) is a washed-up ex-professional football star who has hit rock bottom. When Jaycen is sentenced to community service coaching the Underdoggs, an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown of Long Beach, California, he sees it as an opportunity to rebuild his public image and turn his life around. As Jaycen works to transform the foul-mouthed Underdoggs into top-notch champions, he reconnects with his past, including an old flame and few of his ex-teammates and rediscovers his love of the game.

The Underdoggs stars Snoop Dogg, George Lopez, Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, Andrew Schulz

FOE (January 5)

Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal star in Foe, a haunting exploration of marriage and identity set in an uncertain world. Hen and Junior farm a secluded piece of land that has been in Junior’s family for generations, but their quiet life is thrown into turmoil when an uninvited stranger (Aaron Pierre) shows up at their door with a startling proposal. Are they willing to risk their relationship, and perhaps their personal identity, for a chance to continue survival in a new world? Based on bestselling author Iain Reid’s novel, directed by Garth Davis and co-written by Davis and Reid, Foe’s mesmerizing imagery and persistent questions about the nature of humanity (and artificial humanity) bring the not-too-distant future to luminous life.

Foe stars Saoirse Ronan, Paul Mescal and Aaron Pierre.

ROLE PLAY (January 12)

Emma has a wonderful husband and two kids in the suburbs of New Jersey—she also has a secret life as an assassin for hire, a secret that her husband David discovers when the couple decide to spice up their marriage with a little role play.

Role Play stars Kaley Cuoco, David Oyelowo, Connie Nielsen and Bill Nighy

JAMES MAY: OUR MAN IN INDIA  (January 5)

James May takes on his greatest adventure yet: a 3,000 mile coast-to-coast epic across India, the most populous – and perhaps most extraordinary – country in the world. Starting by the Arabian Sea and finishing at the Bay of Bengal, his journey will encompass incredible landscapes, from the baking deserts of Rajasthan to the dramatic Himalayan foothills, and explore environments as diverse as the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, through to the global megacities of Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. Trying to understand India is no mean feat, for it can be a complex and bewildering place for the uninitiated. Simultaneously cutting-edge yet deeply traditional, it’s a modern, 21st century superpower underpinned by 10,000 years of its own unique culture. As a democracy of 1.4 billion people, everything in India is magnified - the streets are busier, the food is spicier, and the car horns are relentless. James’s task is to go full immersion: meeting the locals, eating the food, and trying his hand at everything from the ancient art of kite flying through to a bit-part acting role in a regional television program. And to help him navigate this endlessly fascinating country, he’ll be joined along the way by knowledgeable guides, all strong characters who’ll act as his sounding board and who won’t be afraid to call out his (many) cultural faux pas.

LOL: LAST ONE LAUGHING IRELAND (January 19)

Using his trademark wit, host Graham Norton will oversee the 10 comedic stars, brought together to make each other laugh by using every unpredictable comedic tool in the box … without cracking a smile themselves. With the added bonus of some celebrity cameos, their performances will have viewers - but hopefully not their fellow stars - laughing out loud. As the clock counts down and the tension rises, whoever can outlast their competitors will be crowned the first winner of LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland and win a grand prize of €50,000 for their charity of choice.

Lol: Last One Laughing Ireland stars Graham Norton, Aisling Bea, Amy Huberman, Catherine Bohart, David McSavage, Deirdre O’Kane, Emma Doran, Jason Byrne, Martin Angolo, Paul Tylak and Tony Cantwell.

HAZBIN HOTEL (January 19)

Highly anticipated adult animated musical comedy Hazbin Hotel follows Charlie, the princess of Hell, as she pursues her seemingly impossible goal of rehabilitating demons to peacefully reduce overpopulation in her kingdom. After a yearly extermination imposed by angels, she opens a hotel in the hopes that patrons will be “checking out” into Heaven. While most of Hell mocks her goal, her devoted partner Vaggie, and their first test subject, adult film-star Angel Dust, stick by her side. When a powerful entity known as the “Radio Demon” reaches out to assist Charlie in her endeavors, her crazy dream is given a chance to become reality.

Hazbin Hotel stars Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz, Alex Brightman, Keith David, Kimiko Glenn, Blake Roman, Amir Talai, Christian Borle and Joel Perez.

INDIAN POLICE FORCE (January 19)

Indian Police Force is an action packed series that follows the harrowing journey of Delhi Police Officer Kabir Malik as he battles an insidious adversary, Zarar, who has chosen the path of terrorism. This cop drama unfolds a thrilling chase, capturing the relentless pursuit of justice and the sacrifices made in the line of duty.

Indian Police Force is created by Rohit Shetty and stars Siddharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Vivek Oberoi, Shweta Tiwari, Nikitin Dheer, Rituraj Singh, Mukesh Rishi, Lalit Parimoo

JANUARY 2024 TOP PICKS:

MARRY MY HUSBAND S1 (TV) 1-JAN-2024

WICKER PARK (MOVIE) 1-JAN-2024

WEST SIDE STORY (MOVIE) 1-JAN-2024

INVADERS FROM MARS (MOVIE) 1-JAN-2024

ONCE BITTEN (MOVIE) 1-JAN-2024

THE LONG RIDERS (MOVIE) 1-JAN-2024

MYSTIC PIZZA (MOVIE) 1-JAN-2024

JOY RIDE (MOVIE) 1-JAN-2024

BANK OF DAVE (MOVIE) 2-JAN-2024

BARBARIAN (MOVIE) 4-JAN-2024

FOE (MOVIE) 5-JAN-2024

JAMES MAY: OUR MAN IN INDIA  (TV) 5-JAN-2024

YNG DREAMERZ AT BLUE CHECKS (SPORT) 6-JAN-2024

JELLY FAM AT COLD HEARTS (SPORT) 6-JAN-2024

ROLE PLAY (MOVIE) 12-JAN-2024

JESUS REVOLUTION (MOVIE) 12-JAN-2024

JELLY FAM AT YNG DREAMERZ (SPORT) 13-JAN-2024

DRAG DEN WITH MANILA LUZON (TV) 18-JAN-2024

DANCE LIFE S1 (TV) 19-JAN-2024

INDIAN POLICE FORCE S1 (TV) 19-JAN-2024

HAZBIN HOTEL S1 (TV) 19-JAN-2024

LOL: LAST ONE LAUGHING IRELAND S1 (TV) 19-JAN-2024

A FATHER'S LOVE (MOVIE) 19-JAN-2024

YNG DREAMERZ AT DIAMOND DOVES (SPORT) 20-JAN-2024

BLUE CHECKS AT ROLLING LOUD (SPORT) 20-JAN-2024

SOUND OF FREEDOM (MOVIE) 23-JAN-2024

EXPATS S1 (TV) 26-JAN-2024

THE UNDERDOGGS (MOVIE) 26-JAN-2024

RESIDENT EVIL: DEATH ISLAND (MOVIE) 26-JAN-2024

BLUE CHECKS AT COLD HEARTS (SPORT) 27-JAN-2024

JELLY FAM AT ROLLING LOUD (SPORT) 30-JAN-2024

Doctor Who: The Giggle: Preview

So the final episode of the 60th anniversary specials is here and in the 1hour finale of David Tennant and Catherine Tate's return, there's much to wrap up - including the ongoing mystery of why Jodie Whittaker's Doctor regenerated into David Tennant's familiar visage.

Based on the preview of the episode provided by the BBC, there's no answers immediately forthcoming as the story launches into the continuation of Wild Blue Yonder's ending which saw the human race apparently driven mad and fighting.

But there's much commentary in what unfolds in The Giggle, both social and of the show's own history.

Parallels to Covid vaccine deniers, keyboard warriors, the delusion everyone is right and the general hostility of Earth's dwellers all feature cleverly in the background of this story that essentially pits the Doctor against the oldest of his enemies, the Toymaker (wonderfully portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris, who calls on all levels of his acting and performance background throughout).

Subtle nods to the show's past will only be picked upon by diehard fans, and perhaps the peppering of these visual cues and callbacks throughout give this episode the greatest feeling of an anniversary episode that looks back on the show. But to say more is sadly to dip toes into spoiler territory.

It's a pacy episode too, but one that's not afraid to pack in nightmarish levels of moments, some of which harken through to disturbing childhood dreams and elements of Saw's own Jigsaw puppet. 

Harris particularly exudes creepy menace throughout, and there's an implicit frisson of danger during most of his appearances. Though one sequence recalls a specific moment from the Sound of Drums and Everything Everywhere All At Once which, much like Sacha Dhawan's Rasputin in The Power of the Doctor, will either be beloved or reviled by audiences and fans.

Perhaps what's best about the episode are the callbacks to both the specials and also the show's history, but once again it's Tennant and Tate's performances within that give the episode the depth. There's a very real feeling the Doctor is outmaneuvered this time, and Tennant captures both that indignation, frustration and desperation with veritable aplomb throughout. 

There's also signature moments of the Doctor's righteous indignation in a couple of outbursts which feel like a writer's commentary on society.

But once again, what's largely clear from The Giggle is how much of a partnership the Doctor and Donna have become and remain so. 

These are the moments Tate leans more into and which the script affords her the chance to be the Doctor's compass and also the one thing that keeps him from the abyss - and Tate makes a great fist of her moments.

The Giggle is one hell of a rollercoaster ride as it wraps up the specials - it'll certainly provoke diehard fans but may also remind many that this show largely reinvents itself every few years, while staying true to its core roots - and with Ncuti Gatwa's entrance into proceedings as the Fifteenth Doctor, there's much change ahead.

The Giggle premieres on the BBC on Saturday December 9, and worldwide on Disney+

Wish: Movie Review

Cast: Chris Pine, Ariana DeBose, Alan Tudyk, Victor Garber
Directors: Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn

Disney's latest, aimed at celebrating its 100 years of creating magic and wonder, literally takes a course into its own marketing with this extension of When you wish upon a star.

Ariana DeBose plays Asha, a young woman who lives in the kingdom of Rosas, and who is hoping to become the apprentice of the seemingly benevolent chief sorcerer King Magnifico (Pine). But when Asha discovers the king hordes his subjects' wishes after they give them to him as part of a citizenship ceremony, she becomes disillusioned that nobody will ever get their true heart's desire.

Wishing upon a star one night, Asha sets in motion a series of events that will change the kingdom of Rosas forever.

Wish is a curious mix of hand-drawn and CGI animation and appears to be part of the larger Disney 100 celebrations. Look carefully in the woodland scenes and you'll see famous inhabitants from the past - though in truth, Wish doesn't need you to look carefully as it aggressively rams down your throat its echoes of the past in ways that shun any kind of subtlety.

While it's blessed with many musical elements, Disney's Wish feels like it loses its way somewhat in the narrative and becomes more obsessed in being a celebration and a marketing exercise even though the film's heart is in the right place.

Pine and DeBose make for good leads, with Pine particularly leaning into the more malevolent edges with real ease, but Wish itself feels a little flat in parts, despite the family elements being clearly on show. Some of the magic is lost in the film, which is deeply ironic given how much the movie leans on the magic.

It's not entirely a disaster and perhaps the younger end of the audience may be charmed by some of its cuter elements; but there is a message in Wish's central story that's hard to shake.

Its citizens lose part of their soul when they give up their dreams for Magnifico - perhaps in truth, Disney has lost some of its magic for older audiences and needs to get back to providing wonder and awe, rather than just leaning heavily on nostalgia to try and drive the feelings of the past into the minds of the present and future.

The Boy and The Heron: Movie Review

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Director Hayao Miyazaki's supposed last film is a mixed bag of ideas and animation that never quite congeals into anything that feels worthy of his own catalogue.

It begins as a tale of Mahito, a boy who loses his mother during a fire at her workplace in the Second World War. Forced to relocate, and with a new stepmother, Mahito is bothered daily by a heron who swoops in and seemingly mocks him.

But one day, Mahito finds himself slipping between worlds to get to the bottom of why he is continually called the "Long awaited one".

It's not that The Boy and The Heron doesn't look stunning; Studio Ghibli's animations are lush and evocative of the era.

Yet the problem persists that behind the facade, there's very little going on other than a seemingly disjointed collection of ideas that never quite gel into a stronger and more compelling narrative sadly. Whilst it's understandable that the ideas would lead the story here and the concepts are where the tale's strengths lie, there's never quite enough to grasp on to as the story appears to meander over its 120-plus minute run time.

Coupled with an overtly brusque ending, The Boy and The Heron feels like it is lacking the potential of the past and previous triumphs. Much of the film requires a leap of faith or a desire to embrace vagueries rather than definitive concept.

Maybe some of what Miyazaki intended is for people to think about the message of going off to create while he retires (a thread from the film seems to imply the passing on of the torch from one generation to the next), but with a looser sets of ideas at the helm, The Boy and The Heron feels less urgent and less compelling. 

Dicks: The Musical: Movie Review

Cast: Joshua Sharp, Aaron Jackson, Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, Megan Thee Stallion, Bowen Yang
Director: Larry Charles

A24's foray into the musical genre and collaboration with Borat's incendiary director Larry Charles should provide clues as to what to expect from a film that's supposedly here for a good time, not a long time.

Yet Dicks: The Musical aims low, hits those targets and then seems to mine lower into areas which weren't yielding particularly fruitful returns anyway. Even the film's more surreal edges feel like they're a little too deliberate and prepared, robbing the film of any spontaneity.

The story of two self-obsessed businessmen, Craig and Trevor (Sharp and Jackson respectively) who discover they're long-lost identical twins and come together to plot the reunion of their eccentric, divorced parents, Dicks: The Musical has a thin premise that's stretched about as far as it could be anyway, despite the committed performances of all.

But the film's penchant for peppy musical numbers that mix on the vulgar with the downright crass offer very limited returns as the film tries harder and harder without any real return.

Not canny enough to be a spoof of musicals and their grotesquely simple storylines and resolutions, Dicks: The Musical tries to one-up itself in absurd stakes and surreal edges. Yet, despite its push for eccentricities, it just feels like it's trying too much to provoke, that each following shock feels calculated and ultimately derisive.

Granted, there's a message here of acceptance masked under a barrage of shocking button-pressing, but Dicks: The Musical feels like it runs out of steam before it's really got much to say.

Many of the songs are less than memorable, and Mullally and Lane prove to be the most game in terms of personal debasement for their art; but Dicks: The Musical is mainly a flaccid attempt to shock that's not really coherent enough to live on forever. 

It could stand out amongst its crowd, but sadly, it's a limp movie that long outstays its welcome - unless you're a fan of musicals and weak gags.