Couch Theatre: Straw
By Demi Taveras
"Straw" (R) -- Tyler Perry's films are often centered around telling underrepresented Black stories that often evoke intense emotions in their characters and their audience. His latest release, which is available to stream on June 6, puts this same formula to work with Taraji P. Henson being a force to reckon with in the lead role.
Taraji P. Henson stars in "Straw." Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
She portrays single mother Janiyah, who is at her wit's end after a series of events cause her to lose out on money for her daughter's medical bills. With nowhere left to turn, Janiyah heads to the bank, preparing to commit a robbery. Once she's there and in the thick of the action, cooler heads like bank manager Nicole (Sherri Shepherd) and Detective Kay Raymond (Teyana Taylor) attempt to talk Janiyah out of making a terrible mistake. (Netflix)
"Sinners" (R) -- This supernatural horror flick from director Ryan Coogler ("Black Panther: Wakanda Forever") has become one of the biggest film releases of the year, hopefully making it one to watch during next year's award season. Taking place in 1932 Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore, as well as their cousin Sammie, as they start up a local juke joint for the Black community in their town. Despite a pastor's warnings that the blues can summon supernatural spirits, Sammie and other local musicians perform blues songs during the juke joint's opening night. Little do they know that their entrancing tunes beckon a vampire clan closer and closer, and a massacre is sure to follow. Michael B. Jordan stuns in the dual role of Smoke and Stack, and Ludwig Goransson's soundtrack is the perfect finishing garnish to this incredible film. Available to rent on June 3. (Amazon Prime Video)
"Stick" (TV-MA) -- Owen Wilson takes on his first leading role since the trainwreck that was "Haunted Mansion" (2023), and this time, it seems like this role is a bit more his speed. Wilson plays Pryce Cahill, a "long washed up" professional golfer who lacks a purpose after both his golfing career and marriage went south. While teaching golf basics to the elderly, Pryce encounters a teen boy named Santi (Peter Dager), whose golf swing shows serious potential. So, Pryce decides to take Santi under his wing and sign him up for an amateur championship tournament to see if Santi can win it all! The first three episodes premiere June 4, with subsequent episodes releasing every Wednesday. (Apple TV+)
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.