Glow Up Returns, Thunderbolts Hits Cinemas: This Week's Entertainment Lineup

This week promises a delightful array of entertainment for fans across various genres, with the return of BBC Three's Glow Up, a thrilling new Marvel film Thunderbolts, and the release of the much-anticipated sequel Another Simple Favour. Additionally, music lovers can look forward to the latest album drop from Oklahoma singer-songwriter Samantha Crain. Lets take a closer look at what this week has in store.
Glow Up is back, bringing a fresh batch of aspiring make-up artists to the forefront. Hosted by the talented model Leomie Anderson, the show challenges contestants with diverse creative briefs and tasks aimed at showcasing their make-up artistry skills. This season, airing its first episode on Wednesday, will feature contestants diving headfirst into exciting assignments, such as working behind the scenes on HBOs hit fantasy drama House of the Dragon and contributing to a music video shoot with the dynamic duo, Nova Twins. Judge Val Garland has expressed her enthusiasm for the new talent, stating, This series truly elevates the art of make-up. She encourages viewers to expect the unexpected as the competition heats up. The stakes are high, with the winner earning a prestigious contract to assist some of the most renowned make-up artists in the industry.
Shifting gears to the cinematic world, Marvel fans are in for a treat as Thunderbolts is set to hit theaters on Friday. Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, particularly praising actress Florence Pugh for her portrayal of the assassin Yelena Belova. Film critic Matt Neglia from Next Best Picture described it as some of Marvels darkest material to date, highlighting how Pugh carries much of the emotional weight of the film. Film writer Mia Pflger echoed these sentiments on social media, asserting that the future of the new superhero generation is in good hands with her. In Thunderbolts, Yelena embarks on a perilous mission that forces her to confront her dark past, teaming up with characters like Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker. Fans are also intrigued by the mystery surrounding the film's title, particularly the asterisk that follows it.
The excitement continues with the release of Another Simple Favour, a black comedy mystery sequel available on Prime Video beginning Thursday. The film reunites Stephanie Smothers (played by Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (played by Blake Lively) on the idyllic island of Capri. However, what starts as a picturesque wedding celebration quickly morphs into a tale filled with intrigue, murder, and betrayal. Despite months of speculation about a potential feud between the co-stars, recent photographs of Kendrick and Lively laughing and enjoying a screening together in London have helped to quell such rumors. Lively, known for her role in Gossip Girl, is currently embroiled in a separate dispute with former co-star Justin Baldoni, with both parties denying allegations made in lawsuits filed against one another.
Lastly, music enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the release of Samantha Crains seventh album, titled Gumshoe, which will be available this week. Known for her introspective lyrics and melodic storytelling, Crains latest work reflects a journey of self-discovery and emotional vulnerability. Over the past three years, she has poured her experiences into this album, particularly inspired by a newfound love. In her own words, she states, I spent much of my life as a lone wolf... but as I explored vulnerability and reciprocity in my relationships, I realized we can change by the minute, and thats okay. Her album features tracks that navigate the complexities of love, including poignant reflections on her partners struggles with addiction. Notably, the title track, Gumshoe, embodies her love for detective novels, weaving a narrative about two loners finding connection amidst lifes mysteries.
As the week unfolds, fans of reality TV, superhero flicks, dark comedies, and heartfelt music are sure to find something that piques their interest.