The weekend is juuuuussssst around the corner. Whether it's after a long day working, outside hiking, at the beach, or just staying inside in front of your PC or gaming console, there is nothing like winding down with a quality film, show, some music or a book.
And the wonderful writers and editors of Windows Central have put together the latest batch of media recommendations for YOU (and all our other readers). This week, we have movies about an epic battle over religion; a dark show about a cancer-riddled meth dealer; and a heavy album of country tunes packed with some serious strummin'.
We think everything featured here is well worth your time, but if you disagree and don't see anything you like, hit the link below for many more recommendations from the past.
More media recommendations from Windows Central
Movies
Recommended by Richard Devine, Reviews Editor
The UK sadly had to wait an extra month for the home release of the finale to Marvel's decade-long Infinity Saga, but now it's finally time to jump back in and watch it again. At least another half a dozen times.If, somehow, you're not aware of what happens, this remains a spoiler-free zone. But suffice to say it's a mind-blowing 3 hours that wraps up the tale of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Recommended by Sean Endicott, news writer
I love dogs. I love action movies. And I love Keanu Reeves. So, I don't see why I shouldn't check out John Wick. I know that I'm late to the party, but the John Wick trilogy is well-loved by all of my friends, and I see people referencing it all the time online. For those that haven't seen the film or its trailer, John Wick is a retired assassin who comes out of retirement to avenge the murder of his dog. The dog was a gift from Wick's dying wife, so it's quite the tearjerking set up. It features extremely well-choreographed action sequences and from what I hear, you get to watch Keanu Reeves brutally murder folks for a couple of hours which is exactly what I want from an action flick.
Recommended by Jez Corden, Senior Editor
There is nothing more quintessentially 80s than Transformers: The Movie. No, not that Michael Bay crap, we're talking OG, directed by Nelson Shin. Featuring the incredible voice work of Orson Welles, Leonard Nimoy, and Peter Cullen, the original Transformers movie bridges the gaps between two seasons of the cartoon in an epic war across the galaxy.The planet-devouring robotic entity known as Unicron has wandered into Transformer space, threatening to reduce the galaxy to ruin. A huge battle between the Autobots and Decepticons sees Unicron plunder the remains of fallen bots, creating the mighty Galvatron. This surprisingly dark movie typifies how kids shows pushed the boundaries a little further than today's kids shows. The tone and the hand-animated style feels like a bit of a lost art nowadays, and it's well worth your time if you're interested in seeing what propelled the franchise into the mainstream.
Recommended by Rich Edmonds, staff reviewer
Kingdom of Heaven from Ridley Scott (the same dude who brought us the excellent "Alien" movie) takes us to Jerusalem amidst turmoil in the middle east between western and eastern fronts, namely Christianity and Islam. After the King of Jerusalem passes, so too does the fragile peace that maintained order and prevented bloodshed. It's down to Balian (Orlando Bloom), a blacksmith haunted by his wife's suicide who gets recruited by his father to come to the Holy Land. After inserting himself into the politics of the area, it's down to Balian to shield the innocents against an invading army. Kingdom of Heaven is a superb movie that takes a deep dive into the conflicts between religion. Expect amazing visuals and action.
TV
Recommended by Al Sacco, managing editor
Chances are, you've at least heard of "Breaking Bad." It's been a while, but it was the chat o' the city for a while there. But if you're not familiar with it, the show is about a beaten-down man in an unhappy marriage who finds out he has cancer out of nowhere. His response? To sell methamphetamine and go out with a bang, of course. However, it just doesn't turn out to be that simple.As you might expect, it's a dark show and a bit of a downer at times. But Brian Cranston is unforgettable as the antihero Walter White, and Aaron Paul delivers a memorable performance as his druggie, dumbass sidekick. If you're looking for a good binge-watch, you could definitely do worse.
Music
Recommended by Cale Hunt, staff writer
Legend goes, for years you had to travel to Austin, Texas to find a cassette recording of this live collection of Blaze Foley's music. It was remastered in 1999 and released for our enjoyment. Apparently this was recorded only about a month before Foley's untimely death in 1989 … he was murdered while sticking up for his friend. Heavy stuff. I first discovered Foley while watching old Austin songwriting showcase videos, and since then I haven't been able to get enough of his poetic lyrics, beautiful guitar playing, and deep voice. If you're at all a fan of old country music, do yourself a favor and give this one a listen. {.end}
