Despite a commendably committed performance from Tom Hardy (whether it's a good or bad one will still need further evaluation), Venom's a big, stinking gooey mess of a film from Sony Pictures.
Cloak & Dagger doesn't have full control of its powers in its first two episodes, but through its commanding young lead actors and its timely and relevant themes, it's quite possible Freeform's first foray in the MCU might provide one of the better Marvel adaptations to the small screen.
With its astounding, immersive third season premiere, Mr. Robot suggests that the third time might, indeed, be the charm. More self-contained with its narrative, much like the first season, while still expanding upon its rising sense of style and visual flair which makes the vibrant series so distinctive, especially on the USA Network, not unlike the second season, Mr. Robot season 3 combines the best, most compelling elements of its first two years to finally produce the awe-inspiring series we were promised from the very beginning. Building on its themes of paranoia, societal pressures, and mental illness, while less afraid to be bold or boundary-pushing than ever before, Mr. Robot is back, and it's better and braver than ever before.
Star Trek in 2017 has the potential to be vital and important. Gene Roddenberry's original vision of inclusion, hope, acceptance and prosperity is one that feels antiquated and tragically lost amidst today's dour headlines, and a new take on the legendary sci-fi franchise seems deeply necessary. Is Star Trek: Discovery — provided on CBS All Access, the broadcast channel's new, growing streaming service — the show that we need, though?
South Park season 21 doesn't promise to be as controversial or edgy as previous years — nor is it as wild as it should be at this point — but there's still enough comedic sustainability to warrant another trip back to this Colorado town.
As Hulu continues to expand its creative horizons, it's all the more refreshing to return to Casual. The charming, laid-back, frank talking party uncle of a television series is witty, funny, heartfelt, reserved and generally amusing in almost stark contrast to the streaming service's other, bleaker original content, but that's not to suggest that it doesn't deal with its own fair share of emotional conflict. The darkly comedic drama series is melancholy, mournful and somber-eyed in its own ways, especially in its more downbeat, if still entirely delectable, third season, which finds engrossing, often touching and sometimes surprising ways to keep its low-key format fresh just as it's on the verge of becoming formulaic. The result is another cuddly, but not as warm, season that proves showrunner Zander Lehmann still knows exactly what he's doing with characters who have no clue where to go.
Gina Rodriguez made her name at the forefront of The CW's Jane the Virgin, but she'll soon add another titular character to her growing resume. For Netflix's forthcoming animated TV reboot of Carmen Sandiego, the streaming service has cast Rodriguez as the master thief herself.
