What’s New on Netflix in June 2021
Netflix recently killed Original cartoons by nominated for “Oscar” film “over the moon” to the crazy apocalyptic surprises “Mitchells against the machines.” They’re trying again in June with the premiere of Wish Dragon , a new Sino-American co-production that tries so hard to recreate Disney Aladdin ‘s pop culture that if you play the trailer backwards I’m pretty sure. you can hear the spirit of Robin Williams making celebrity impressions from beyond the grave. Like Over the Moon, which is based on an ancient Chinese legend, Wish Dragon reflects the fact that animated films – not to mention Netflix – are becoming an increasingly global business. Although the film was written and directed by white American writer and conceptual artist Chris Appelhans, the film was filmed in China, with Sino-American dubbing, and is set in modern-day Shanghai. The story seems less culturally specific – an unfortunate working-class loser (Yang Chen) finds a magic lamp that gives birth to a cynical, witty dragon named Long (voiced by John Cho of Harold and Kumar ), who grants his wishes and helps him reconnect with his best childhood friend (in between phrases). Looks … ok! I suppose I will soon be watching it with my children, and this prospect does not cause me fear.
Also due in June is Sweet Tooth (June 4), a new series based on the acclaimed comic book by writer and artist Jeff Lemire , which has been described as Mad Max Meets Bambi. The action takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which a catastrophe known as the “great crash” has led to the emergence of hybrid creatures, half human / half animal (admit it), and follows a young deer named Gus. when he leaves the friendly confines of his protected forest to explore a wider and wilder world. June’s other standout innovations are less dramatic. Comedian Kevin Hart stars in Fatherhood (June 18), a soulful comedy-drama about losing and raising children from director Paul Weitz ( About a Boy ). The international hit ” Lupine” (June 11) returns with new episodes, as does the long- mourned “Kim Convenience” (June 2). There is a documentary called Pussy Love: A Tribute to Cats (June 5) that seems self-explanatory. Liam Neeson does his job of survival as a dependable trucker and rescue driver in Icy Road (June 25).
And then there’s America: The Motion Picture , an animated film in which “George Washington, a chainsaw owner (voiced by Channing Tatum) teams up with beer lover Sam Adams (Simon Pegg) to defeat the British.” (So I lied that the latter is pretty flashy after all.) Everything else comes (and goes) Netflix in June.