Binge-Worthy Entertainment
Looking for the perfect book series to read? Movie for movie night or show to binge? Look no further. We have all the new, binge-worthy titles here.
Movie Night
Universal took action to make movies currently in theaters available for digital rental at home for the time being. So how does it work? The cost is $10 for a 48-hour rental period, and the titles can be found on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video and cable systems like Comcast, which happens to be Universal’s parent company. Forget the $10 popcorn. Put on your PJs and grab a blanket, instead.
Emma (Rated PG)
In this newest adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel, Gwyneth Paltrow plays the mischievous matchmaker. Emma’s attempts at matchmaking cause more problems than love connections.
The Invisible Man (Rated R)
After staging his suicide, a scientist uses his power to become invisible and stalk and terrorize his ex-girlfriend. When the police doubt her story, she realizes she is on her own.
The Hunt (Rated R)
In a story reminiscent of The Hunger Games, 12 strangers wake up in a clearing with no understanding of what’s going on. Ruthless elitists have gathered at a remote location to hunt the 12 people for sport. They likely didn’t count on Crystal, one of the hunted, to fight back.
Trolls World Tour (Rated PG, available Apr. 10)
This one’s for the kiddos. Poppy and Branch learn that there are six troll tribes and that each is devoted to its own type of music—funk, pop, rock, classical, country and techno. When rockers King Thrash and Queen Barb set out to destroy the other types of music, Poppy and Branch try to bring the trolls together and save the music. Imagine the soundtrack with this one!
The following releases are new to Netflix this month. Check online for a complete listing of upcoming titles.
Community (Apr. 1)
All six seasons of this comedy starring Joel McHale will make an appearance this month. Follow a group of adults trying to navigate their way through Greendale Community College.
Coffee & Kareem (Apr. 3)
The Office’s Ed Helms stars in this comedy about a 12 year old who hires a criminal to scare of his mom’s new boyfriend. Along the way he unwittingly uncovers a crime syndicate and then teams up with said boyfriend to fight the bad guys.
Brews Brothers (Apr. 10)
This new sitcom series centers around two estranged brothers who start a brewing company. They know a lot about beer but not much about being brothers.
Extraction (Apr. 24)
Chris Hemsworth. Need we say more? Just kidding. The God of Thunder stars in this action thriller about a black-market gun for hire who is tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of a crime war load. Go figure that it would be a tough assignment!
Netflix For Kids
Common Sense Media says the following are ideal shows for viewers of all ages.
Ages 2-4
Beat Bugs
Engaging stories told to the music of The Beatles. What parent wouldn’t love that?
Julie’s Greenroom
Teaches young viewers about performing arts. Hosted by Julie Andrews and featuring Jim Henson’s puppet crew.
Llama Llama
This classic show brings the beloved Llama books to life with great messages for little ones.
Ages 5-7
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
This fun reboot encourages kids to take an interest in science and nature.
Pablo
This creative, insightful show for youngsters centers around Pablo, a young boy with autism.
Carmen Sandiego
Thief Carmen Sandiego is more of a Robin Hood in disguise. She takes historical items to prevent them from being taken by V.I.L.E. operatives before returning them to their rightful owners.
Ages 8-9
Dogs
This docuseries honors the special relationship between man and man’s best friend. Plus, cute dogs!
Troll Hunters
This action-filled show may have a scare here or there, but the main character has great morals.
The InBESTigators
This Australian comedy features best friends turned mystery solvers.
Ages 10-12
The Hollows
Netflix calls this a cartoon version of Lost for tweens.
Night On Earth
A docuseries showcasing animals that roam the night.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
This dark, somewhat spooky adaptation of the classic Lemony Snicket book series is a must.
Ages 13 and up
Gilmore Girls
Introduce your kids to this cult classic tale of a mother and daughter’s relationship.
Stranger Things
This drama appeals to lovers of science fiction and features some strange invaders.
Adam Ruins Everything
This geeky myth-busting show challenges everyday beliefs with facts in a fun, entertaining way.
Listen Up!
The following audiobooks are new to the market and worth a listen.
The Joy At Work (By Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein. Read by Brittany Ishibashi and Dan Woren)
Marie Kondo taught us to find joy at home by ridding our lives of clutter and unnecessary items. Now she helps us find joy at work.
Separation Anxiety: A Novel by Laura Zigman
This hilarious story centers on Judy, an overworked and underappreciated wife and mother whose life is falling apart. Her teenage son is just that, a teenager, her best friend is dying, she can’t afford to divorce her pot-addicted husband and she has begun to wear the dog in her son’s old baby carrier. The ironic part? Her job is to write self-help articles.
Devoted by Dean Koontz
Woody Bookman is an 11-year-old boy who hasn’t spoken a word. His father died in a freak accident, and Woody believes something evil was the cause of his father’s death and now is coming after he and his mom. An unlikely ally, in the form of Kipp the dog, is tuned in to Woody’s thoughts and feelings and sets out to the find the boy before it’s too late.
Just For Kids!
Check out these great reads (or listens) for your young reader.
Dragonslayer (Wings of Fire: Legends) by Tui T. Sutherland
In a world of dragons, humans are easy to forget about. But each of the main characters—Leaf, Wren and Ivy—interact with dragons in ways that could shape the future for both species.
Tyrannosaurus Wrecks by Stuart Gibbs
In his latest FunJungle book, Gibbs tells the tale of Teddy Fitzroy as he sets out to solve the mystery of the missing dinosaur skull. The 500-pound skull was found in Teddy’s backyard and was in the process of being excavated when it disappeared without a trace.
Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney (Apr. 7)
If you loved the Wimpy Kid series, check out this fantasy quest by the same author. Rowley and his friend, Garg the Barbarian, as they set out on a quest to save Roland’s mom from the White Warlock.
Sources: Insider.com, nytimes.com, audiofilemagazine.com, amazon.com
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