Evans' MCU Return and Beyond
This week, not only did "Red One" start streaming on Prime Video, but there were also rumors of Evans' potential return to the MCU. It's a move that has fans both excited and curious. Evans, who has starred in some of our favorite movies over the past 20 years like Danny Boyle's "Sunshine" (rentable), Edgar Wright's "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (streaming on Max), and Bong Joon-Ho's "Snowpiercer" (streaming on Tubi), seems to be at a crossroads. After leaving the Captain America shield behind, he initially aimed to focus on passion projects. But instead, he found himself in a string of movies for streaming services that range from forgettable to downright awful. Whether it's for Netflix ("The Gray Man"), Apple ("Ghosted"), or Amazon ("Red One"), his recent projects have left many wondering what went wrong.On one hand, Evans has been content with cameo appearances that require minimal effort, such as in the Massachusetts-filmed "Free Guy," "Don't Look Up," and "Deadpool vs. Wolverine." These roles allow him to dip his toes back into the entertainment world without committing too much time. But on the other hand, his fans long for him to take on more substantial roles again. After all, he's earned the right to choose the projects he wants, even if that means returning to the MCU.
Recent TV Show Recommendations
When asking Boston.com readers to share their favorite movies and TV shows of 2024, our colleagues came through with some great suggestions."Agatha All Along" (Disney+): Aubrey Plaza's chemistry with Kathryn Hahn is undeniable. The LGBTQ+ representation in this miniseries is a breath of fresh air in the masculine/het Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's a show that truly stands out.
"Say Nothing" (Hulu): Adapted from the novel by Dorchester native Patrick Radden Keefe, this story about The Troubles and the faces of the IRA is a captivating exploration of the human cost and moral complexities of war. Spanning decades, it feels both current and engaging.
"Happy's Place" (Peacock) and "Reba" (Netflix): These two series bring back mid-00's nostalgia that we all crave. Reba McEntire's return to TV in "Happy's Place" is as lovely as ever, and her original sitcom "Reba" is a perfect companion.
Queue & A: A Trivia Question
Decades before becoming a Dunkin' spokesman, a 17-year-old Ben Affleck landed one of his earliest paid acting gigs in a commercial for a certain fast food chain. This fast food chain is also the subject of one of comedian (and Arlington native) Dane Cook's most famous routines. (Fun fact: He also worked there in high school.) The first person to send the correct answer to [email protected] gets a custom streaming recommendation!PS: Congrats to reader Peter L. for being the first to send the correct answer to last week's trivia question about a high school classmate of Chris Evans who blew him away on stage. The answer: "Succession" actor Jeremy Strong.
End Credits: Awards Season and Your Picks
With the release of the Golden Globe nominations, awards season is in full swing. I'll be sharing my top 10 lists for both TV and film next week, but before that, I want to hear from you. Vote for your favorite TV shows and movies of 2024, and your picks will be featured alongside mine.That's a wrap on this edition of The Queue. If you're a fan, please recommend this newsletter to your friends. Until next time, happy streaming!
— Kevin