Marvel universe spawns Netflix series ‘Daredevil’
There will be binge-watching in the superhero universe this weekend.
Netflix launches the highly anticipated 13-episode series “ Daredevil,” the first of five announced Netflix original shows based on Marvel Comics titles. “Daredevil” is the costumed alter ego of Matt Murdoch (Charlie Cox), a blind lawyer with Batman skills and hyper-elevated senses, and the show is closer to the urban grittiness of the “Dark Knight” movies than the splashy Marvel movies. Vincent D’Onofrio is the Kingpin, the ruthless mob boss and series nemesis.
“Daredevil” will be followed by “A.K.A. Jessica Jones” (currently shooting, set for later in 2015), “Luke Cage,” and “Iron Fist,” with the fifth series “The Defenders” bringing them together as a team.
HBO Now
You say you want to see HBO’s “Game of Thrones” but don’t have cable? HBO has you covered with HBO Now, the new Web-based service that launched this week.
In addition to HBO’s current schedule, the service gives you access to their entire library of original shows and exclusive movies, from “The Sopranos” to “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” It’s $15 a month (about the same as cable) and so far it’s only available through Apple TV, iOS, and Optimum Broadband, though HBO promises more providers are coming soon.
Pay-per-view/ video on demand
“A Most Violent Year,” a smart, shadowy tribute to the crime dramas of the 70s from filmmaker J.C. Chandor (who made “Margin Call”), stars Oscar Isaac as an ambitious businessman trying to remain (relatively) honest in the crime-ridden culture of early 1980s New York City and Jessica Chastain as his fierce, fearless wife. It’s gritty and graceful and the R-rated film favors human drama over gangster spectacle. Also on DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD, and at Redbox.
Available on Cable on Demand same day as theaters is the romantic comedy “5 to 7” with Anton Yelchin and Bérénice Marlohe (rated R) and the young adult drama “The Sisterhood of Night” with Georgie Henley (of “The Chronicles of Narnia” films) (PG-13).
Netflix
AMC’s “ Halt and Catch Fire: Season 1,” set in the early days of the home computer revolution, follows a fictional Texas tech company with visionary plans for a portable computer and an enigmatic dreamer (Lee Pace of “The Hobbit” films) who isn’t above pirating his technology. The second series begins on AMC this summer.
Also new: Priests take on demonic possession in “ The Quiet Ones“ and the vampires take on werewolves in “Underworld” (2003).
Amazon Instant Prime
The 1994 “ Little Women,” starring Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Christian Bale, and Susan Sarandon, is the most faithful and mature adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel.
“Louie: Season 4” is now available to stream as the fifth season of the smart, self-aware sitcom begins on FX.
Hulu
Hulu Plus has the first season of the TNT’s end-of-the-world drama “ The Last Ship,” which cruises back for a second season this summer.