Entertainment

Top 3 New Prime Video Movies to Enjoy This Weekend (May 1-3)

Prime Video is kicking off the first weekend of May by introducing new films featuring car races, extravagant parties, and intriguing murders. What could be better?

Leading the charge in Watch With Us’ binge list is Rush, an exhilarating sports biopic featuring Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, and a showcase of classic cars.

If high-speed thrills aren’t your thing, take a look at Gosford Park, an Oscar-winning murder mystery that includes nearly every British actor imaginable, along with Ryan Phillippe for an unexpected twist.

And if you’re in the mood for some classic horror, don’t miss Psycho II, a surprisingly engaging sequel that brings back cinema’s most notorious figure, Norman Bates.

‘Rush’ (2013)

In the 1970s, the rivalry between James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) was unlike any other in the racing world. With stark contrasts in appearance and personality, these two athletes battled fiercely both on the racetrack and in the media. However, after a devastating accident sidelines one racer, their competitive spirit evolves into a surprising friendship marked by mutual admiration. As the pivotal German Grand Prix approaches, can these legends maintain the fierce rivalry that made them famous?

Directed by Ron Howard and inspired by true events, Rush tells the captivating story of two men who shared a singular ambition — to be the ultimate race car driver. The film brilliantly illustrates their distinct paths to success; Hemsworth’s Hunt lives a glamorous, indulgent life, believing that winning unlocks life’s pleasures, while Brühl’s Lauda approaches racing with a pragmatic mindset. The exhilarating racing sequences shine, but it’s the poignant moments away from the track that resonate most.

Rush is now streaming on Prime Video.

‘Gosford Park’ (2001)

Maggie Smith in Gosford Park.
USA Films/Everett

When Sir William McCordle (Harry Potter‘s Michael Gambon) is found murdered, virtually everyone present at his opulent country estate becomes a suspect — even his pet dog, Pip (Widget). What’s eerie about the murder is that it seems William was killed twice — first by poison, then by a knife. Who could despise him enough to attempt murder not once, but twice? Are there two murderers acting simultaneously?

While Gosford Park is undoubtedly a murder mystery, its narrative encompasses more than just whodunit elements, with a shocking twist revealing the culprit. The legendary Robert Altman masterfully explores class distinctions — the bored aristocrats upstairs and the equally snobbish servants below. Rich in character and layered with numerous subplots, this film demands multiple viewings to fully appreciate its depth.

Watching it for the first time is pure enjoyment! The film is often very comedic, with Maggie Smith as the indulgent Dowager Countess Trentham, effortlessly delivering sharp quips. The dynamic between the wealthy elite and their servants brims with comedic potential, while an underlying tragedy surfaces in a climactic moment, showcasing Helen Mirren as the tightly-wound housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, solidifying her status as one of the greatest talents. Mystery, humor, tragedy, satire, and romance — Gosford Park encompasses it all, and rarely has a film matched its dramatic intensity and entertainment value.

Gosford Park is now streaming on Prime Video.

‘Psycho II’ (1983)

After spending over two decades in a mental institution, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is back — convinced he has left his psycho killer past behind. He even secures a job as a cook in a local diner and forms a romance with a young waitress, Mary (Meg Tilly), who believes he has changed for the better. But as people start to vanish, suspicions rise against Norman, including his own — he begins to wonder if Mother is still lingering in his fragmented mind.

If you set aside the notion that Psycho II may not rival its predecessor (what movie ever could?), you’ll find this sequel offers a surprisingly engaging follow-up to Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1960 film. Released during the peak of the slasher genre in the 1980s, it does contain several gruesome killings, yet these moments don’t overshadow Perkins’ unexpectedly complex portrayal of a more paranoid Norman. The film’s shocking conclusion might just leave you laughing — it’s both unexpected and chillingly funny. Overall, Psycho II defies expectations with its twists and turns, continuously surprising viewers.

Psycho II is now streaming on Prime Video.