From Disney princesses to a film Richard Roeper described as “one of the strangest movies of 2026 so far,” here’s a look at new releases from the big screen to streaming at home.
And one of them even has Midwest roots.
Richard Roeper reveals his takes below:
“Moana” (in theaters)
Of the 22 Disney live-action reimaginings of the 2010s and 2020s, my top tier picks are “The Jungle Book,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “Cinderella”—and the spectacularly imaginative new take on “Moana.” Through an expertly crafted blend of location photography, animatronics and CGI/VFX, we’re treated to a colorful and vibrant visual feast as we revisit the story of Moana, the daughter of the chief of the island of Motunui, as she answers the call of the ocean in a daring quest to save her homeland. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the boastful demigod Maui and delivers his signature charm and bravado, but the real star of the film is newcomer Catherine Laga’aia in the title role. With an expressive face befitting a modern-day, do-it-yourself Disney princess and a soaring voice, Laga’aia is pure magic onscreen. Filled with catchy tunes and positive messaging, “Moana” celebrates the beautiful tradition of Pacific Island cultures while telling a universally appealing story of family, friendship, bravery and empathy.
“Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass” (in theaters)
This is one of the strangest movies of 2026 so far.
Also one of the funniest.
Some 25 years after writer/director David Wain famously lampooned the summer sex comedy with “Wet Hot American Summer,” Wain and co-writer Ken Marino serve up an inspired mash-up of cheesy rom-coms and… “The Wizard of Oz”? Somehow, it works. The ever-charming and talented Zoey Deutch is perfectly cast as Gail Daughtry, a sunny hairdresser in small-town Kansas (ahem) who on the verge of marrying her high school sweetheart (Michael Cassidy) when the dude stumbles into an encounter his “celebrity sex pass,” a famous actress. Determined to even the score, Gail heads off to Hollywood in pursuit of HER celebrity sex pass: Jon Hamm, played by…Jon Hamm.
Instead of Gail navigating the Yellow Brick Road, the adventure takes place on and around Hollywood Boulevard, with various modern-day characters displaying the personality traits of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the Wicked Witch and the Man Behind the Curtain. It’s all completely ridiculous and cheerfully bawdy, with the jokes flying everywhere and landing more often than not. The celebrity cameos are priceless, from the aforementioned Jon Hamm to his former “Mad Men” running mate John Slattery to Jennifer Aniston and Weird Al Yankovic. Suffice to say they’re all playing versions of themselves that have little to do with reality.
“The Five-Star Weekend” (streaming on Peacock)
Based on a bestselling novel, primarily set in on a breathtaking estate and featuring an all-star, female-driven cast, the eight-part Peacock series “The Five-Star Weekend” has the DNA of the modern “Wine Mom Mystery” genre, as epitomized by “Big Little Lies,” “The Perfect Couple” and “The Hunting Wives.” This time around, though, we’re watching Grief Porn rather than a murder.
Jennifer Garner is comfortably ensconced in “What’s In Your Wallet” as the popular food influencer Hollis Shaw, who is still reeling from the sudden death of her husband six months earlier when she invites a group of friends from different stages of her life for a “Five-Star Weekend” at her luxurious property on Nantucket. Serve the brie, pour the wine and let the confessions and confrontations flow freely! Garner is such an authentic and constant presence on TV that we tend to take for granted that she is a richly talented actress. When Hollis finally allows for cracks in the veneer of perfect influencer life and confronts her pain, it’s devastatingly effective.
The outstanding supporting cast is led by Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, D’Arcy Carden and Gemma Chan, all playing characters who are dealing with crises of their own. Oh, and there’s Timothy Olyphant as Hollis’ first love, who apparently has been hanging around for 25 years waiting for Hollis’ hubby to die just so he can show up and start cleaning the gutters and offering a shoulder to cry on and flashing his killer smile. “The Five-Star Weekend” isn’t the deepest examination of loss and friendship, but it’s a near-perfect mid-summer binge watch.
Richard Roeper has reviewed films and TV series for more than 25 years, most notably with the Chicago Sun-Times and on the nationally syndicated “Ebert & Roeper.” Roeper is an entertainment and culture contributor to NBC 5 Chicago. He is the host of the globally popular “The Movie of Your Life” podcast, and he writes reviews for RogerEbert.com.
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