Weekly Entertainment Digest — October 19 Highlights

The holiday season is approaching, and with it comes a flood of new movies, series, screenings, and seasonal promotions to watch for. Stay current with the latest release schedule and programming so you don’t miss family-friendly Halloween offerings or free airings of classic Peanuts holiday specials on Apple TV+.

Metro Detroit Local Events

  • Glenlore Trails Enchanted (September 20–November 3)
  • Dog Man: The Musical (October 18–19)
  • Little Goblins Trick-or-Treating at The Ford House (October 19)
  • Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert (October 20)
  • MJ The Musical (October 23–November 3)
  • Hillary Rodham Clinton Live (October 28)
  • Disney Jr: Live on Tour — Let’s Play (November 10)
  • A Drag Queen Christmas (November 13)
  • Mean Girls (November 19–24)
  • Blippi: Join The Band Tour (November 30)
  • Gregory Porter (December 12)
  • Les Misérables (December 4–15)
  • Samara Joy (December 19)
  • A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (December 24 – January 5, 2025)
  • SIX (January 7–12, 2025)
  • Golden Girls: The Laugh Continues (January 16–19, 2025)
  • Hadestown (January 28–February 2, 2025)
  • Nikki Glaser (April 11, 2025)
  • Gangstagrass (April 24, 2025)
  • The Wiggles (June 18)
  • Broadway in Detroit 2024–2025 Season

Free Activity Sheets

  • IF — free printable activity sheets
  • Inside Out 2 — free activity sheets
  • The Wild Robot — downloadable activity pack

Screenings

  • Venom: The Last Dance — early screening (10/22)
  • Wicked — early screening (11/17)

Giveaways

  • Enter to win Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Limited Series three-season collection on DVD (10/30)

Movie and Series Reviews

  • Woman of the Hour — review

Movie and Entertainment Updates

THE WILD ROBOT | On Digital October; 4K UHD & Blu-ray December 3

The Wild Robot

DreamWorks Animation’s THE WILD ROBOT, adapted from Peter Brown’s bestselling novel, arrives on digital platforms to own or rent October 15 and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray December 3. Praised by critics, the film follows Roz, a shipwrecked robot voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, as she learns to survive and form bonds with island animals — including a clever fox (Pedro Pascal) and an orphaned gosling, Brightbill (Kit Connor). Directed by Chris Sanders, the film combines heartfelt themes of belonging with gorgeous animation and an impressive voice cast, plus music by Kris Bowers and original songs by Maren Morris.

The home release includes exclusive bonus features such as a commercial-style alternate opening, recording booth moments with the cast, deleted sequences, behind-the-scenes looks at animation, featurettes on the score and songs, and how-to-draw segments led by the director and character designers.

SMILE 2 | New Featurette — In Theaters Now

Smile 2

Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a global pop star about to start a world tour, faces escalating supernatural horrors tied to her past. Overwhelmed by fame and terrifying events, she must confront what haunts her before everything unravels. The film’s final trailer and featurette highlight Naomi Scott’s performance and the intense, psychological horror at the center of the story.

ALIEN: ROMULUS | Now Available on Digital

Alien Romulus

Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez, is now available at digital retailers. Returning the franchise to its tense, fear-driven roots, the film introduces new creatures and characters and includes bonus features such as filmmaker featurettes, behind-the-scenes content, and alternate or extended scenes.

AFLOAT | Exclusively on IndiePix Unlimited

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AFLOAT follows Zeynep and her American husband as they travel from New York to a coastal Turkish town to reconnect with her estranged family and support her father, a dissident journalist awaiting appeal. Filmed largely aboard a sailboat along Turkey’s Aegean coast, the film explores family dynamics, political pressures, and the agency of its female characters. AFLOAT has screened at notable festivals and earned awards, with a personal, evocative directorial debut from Serhat Ünaldi.

SCALA!!! | 3-Disc Blu-ray Set Available Now

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Severin Films released a comprehensive 3-disc Blu-ray set for the documentary SCALA!!!, chronicling London’s legendary Scala Cinema and its cultural influence between 1978 and 1993. The collection features archival footage, interviews with notable figures influenced by Scala, a new documentary on the festival era, curated shorts, commentaries, and collectible extras. Standalone Blu-rays of Scala-screened cult films are also available.

LEGO® MARVEL AVENGERS: MISSION DEMOLITION | Now Streaming on Disney+

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The animated special LEGO® Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition is streaming on Disney+. When a new villain threatens The Avengers, a clumsy Damage Control worker named Dennis must rise to the occasion. The special features a voice cast including Will Friedle, Kevin Smith, John Stamos, and Laura Bailey, and blends family-friendly humor with superhero action.

CARVED | Premieres on Hulu October 21

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CARVED follows a heartbroken teenage playwright, her brother, and a group of survivors trapped in a historical reenactment village on Halloween night as they face a relentless, sentient pumpkin. The film blends horror and dark humor in a seasonal setting.

BEYOND: UFOS AND THE UNKNOWN | Premieres on MGM+ October 27

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This docuseries expands the conversation about UFOs beyond craft in the sky to include encounters, near-death experiences, remote viewing, and other related phenomena. Using investigative techniques and credible sources, the series explores discoveries that challenge our understanding of consciousness and the afterlife.

MEGAN THEE STALLION: IN HER WORDS | Prime Video October 31

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Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words offers an intimate look at Megan Pete’s rise to stardom, exploring her personal struggles with fame, grief, and resilience. The documentary provides unprecedented access and emotional depth.

APPLE TV+ MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL DOCUMENTARY EVENT | Streaming November 1

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Apple TV+ presents an all-access three-part docuseries that follows teams competing for the 2024 World Series, offering behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with players, coaches, journalists, and families. Produced with MLB and several established documentary teams, the series promises an intimate look at the highs and lows of a championship run.

DOC OF CHUCKY | Streaming on Shudder November 1

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Doc of Chucky traces the enduring legacy of the Child’s Play franchise, featuring interviews with cast, crew, critics, and historians, alongside archival footage and behind-the-scenes material that explore how Chucky became a horror icon.

ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES | On Demand November 1

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Set at the end of WWII, the film follows Col. Cantwell as he confronts illness and seeks solace in Venice. A chance encounter with a countess offers hope and redemption amid themes of love, youth, and aging drawn from Hemingway’s work.

BEYOND THE WASTELAND | Digital November 5

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Beyond the Wasteland follows Marko, a boy raised in isolation who ventures into a changed world after a violent event. His journey exposes him to danger and startling truths beyond the forest that sheltered him.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER | In Theaters November 8

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Based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved book, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows the chaotic Herdman siblings as they unexpectedly take center stage in a town pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins and featuring Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, and Lauren Graham, the film blends humor and heart as the misfit kids teach a community about the true meaning of Christmas.

BANGKOK DOG | Digital November 12

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Special agent Andrew Kang goes undercover in Bangkok after intercepting a drug shipment and exposing violence within a cartel. As he infiltrates the organization, the line between cop and criminal blurs, putting his life and career at risk.

LA PALISIADA | Film Movement Plus November 15

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LA PALISIADA, a dark neo-noir set in post-Soviet Ukraine, follows the fallout of a police officer’s murder and examines bureaucracy, politics, and personal demons. With a non-linear narrative and distinctive visual style, the film probes historical and contemporary tensions in Ukraine.

A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS | Theaters & Digital November 8; DVD November 19

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Starring Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell, Wilmer Valderrama, and Lucy DeVito, this charming holiday film—set in the Dolomites—follows a family trying to keep their relationships intact while celebrating Christmas in August. Directed by Peter Chelsom, the movie mixes comedy and heartfelt moments as family secrets come to light.

SILO: SEASON 2 | Apple TV+ November 15

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The second season of Silo, based on Hugh Howey’s dystopian novels, premieres November 15 on Apple TV+. Rebecca Ferguson returns as Juliette in a ten-episode season that expands the series’ world and deepens its central mysteries about the silo and those who built it.

BREAD & ROSES | Apple TV+ November 22

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BREAD & ROSES documents the consequences for Afghan women after Kabul’s fall in 2021, following three women fighting to reclaim autonomy. Directed by Sahra Mani and produced by Jennifer Lawrence, the film offers a raw, urgent portrait of resilience.

HEAVIER TRIP | Theaters & Digital November 29

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The cult metal comedy sequel follows the band Impaled Rektum on a chaotic escape and road trip across northern Europe as they chase a chance to perform at Wacken, facing a vengeful guard and industry betrayals along the way.

BEATLES ’64 | Documentary on Disney+ November 29

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Beatles ’64, produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi, streams on Disney+ November 29. The documentary captures The Beatles’ monumental first visit to the U.S. in February 1964, featuring restored 4K footage, remixed audio, new interviews, and archival material that spotlight the band’s cultural impact.

WOLF MAN | In Theaters January 17

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From Leigh Whannell and Blumhouse, WOLF MAN stars Christopher Abbott as Blake, a husband and father who returns to his rural childhood home and encounters a terrifying transformation that threatens his family. The film blends psychological horror with visceral creature suspense.

THE STRANGERS – CHAPTER 2 | Teaser Trailer — In Theaters 2025

The Strangers franchise continues with a chilling new chapter, promising more suspense and terror for fans of the original series.

HUGH JACKMAN AND KATE HUDSON TO STAR IN SONG SUNG BLUE

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson will star in Craig Brewer’s musical drama SONG SUNG BLUE for Focus Features. The film, inspired by a true story and based on the 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs, follows two struggling musicians who form a joyful Neil Diamond tribute band. The project includes a diverse ensemble cast and is produced by Davis Entertainment, with Focus Features handling worldwide rights and Universal Pictures International overseeing international distribution.