New movies this week: Stream 'Samaritan,' skip 'Three Thousand Years of Longing'

August is going out with a bang thanks to a magical Idris Elba, a superpowered Sylvester Stallone and the high jinks-filled team-up of Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg.

This weekend, Elba plays a genie-type figure opposite Tilda Swinton's lonely academic in George Miller's new fantasy, the director's first film since "Mad Max: Fury Road." Stallone plays an aging man thought to be a superhero by a teen in an Amazon Prime action thriller, Hart and Wahlberg are best friends who get into a load of trouble in a Netflix comedy, and John Boyega has one of his most dramatic roles in a true-life crime thriller.

Here's a guide to new movies that will satisfy every cinematic taste, plus some noteworthy theatrical films making their streaming and on-demand debuts:

Idris Elba: Star talks new films 'Beast,' 'Three Thousand Years of Longing'

If you need an 'Aladdin' for grown-ups: 'Three Thousand Years of Longing'

The visually sumptuous fantasy casts Swinton as a narratologist visiting Istanbul when she cleans a bottle with an electric toothbrush and unleashes a djinn (Elba) who'll grant her three wishes. She's heard this cautionary tale before, but the two form a bond as he weaves sprawling tales of his past, including his great loves. Before the bonkers action of the iconic "Fury Road," Miller crafted an extremely effective emotional journey with the pig-led heartwarmer "Babe," and although "Years" looks fabulous, the storytelling sorely lacks the same needed soulful connection.

Where to watch: In theaters

If you think Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg are a dynamic duo: 'Me Time'

Sonny (Hart) is a stay-at-home dad and PTA president who has no life outside his two kids. His architect wife Maya (Regina Hall) takes them for spring break, a suddenly solo Sonny reconnects with his best bud Huck (Wahlberg) for one of his over-the-top birthday celebrations, and the situation gets disastrously out of hand. Much craziness ensues, involving flamethrowers, loan sharks and a turtle, in a predictable broad comedy filled with silliness and some fun moments.

Where to watch: Netflix

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If you miss Sylvester Stallone punching people: 'Samaritan'

At 76, the "Rocky" star still makes an effective action hero. In Granite City – a fictional rundown metropolis a la Batman's Gotham – teen Sam (Javon Walton) is saved from a beatdown by neighbor Joe (Stallone), a garbageman with apparent superpowers. Sam becomes convinced he's Samaritan, the city's masked champion who disappeared 25 years ago when battling his archnemesis. Although a major reveal is telegraphed almost immediately, it's a decently entertaining throwback to Stallone's ’80s/’90s fare that borrows plenty of comic book tropes.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

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If you like your horror all classy and such: 'The Invitation'

In this bland, overly serious mix of "Downton Abbey," "Get Out" and "Ready or Not," Nathalie Emmanuel plays a New York artist who, through the magic of DNA ancestry, learns she's part of a wealthy London family. She's invited to a posh wedding in the English countryside, where she's wooed by the manor's suave lord (Thomas Doherty). Once she learns the sinister truth of why she's there, the whole thing dives into complete silliness but at least has a little bloody fun in the chaotic climax.

Where to watch: In theaters

If you dig a tense thriller and/or all things John Boyega: 'Breaking'

An Iraq war veteran (Boyega) takes hostages (Nicole Beharie and Selenis Leyva) at an Atlanta bank and threatens to blow it up if he doesn't get his disability check from Veterans Affairs. However, the money isn't as important to him as telling his story. Based on a real-life story, the solid drama features a powerful performance from Boyega and a moving final role for Michael K. Williams as a police negotiator connecting with the vet on a soldier-to-soldier level.

Where to watch: In theaters

If you loved the cinematic stress of 'Uncut Gems': 'Funny Pages'

The coming-of-age comedy, with shades of "American Splendor" and "Ghost World," is produced by the Safdie brothers and slathered in their penchant for uncomfortable situations. Daniel Zolghadri plays a middle-class New Jersey teen who drops out of school and lives in squalor in order to find his identity as a cartoonist. Come for the cringe humor and comic culture, stay for Matthew Maher's delightfully unhinged performance as the kid's manic, oddball mentor.

Where to watch: In theaters and on Apple TV, Vudu

If you want to see Trace Adkins vs. a shark: 'Maneater'

Watching a country music singer face off with a Great White is somehow more fun than Elba punching a lion. Adkins growls and curses up a storm in this seabound B-movie as a boat captain out to murder a shark when it starts feasting on tourists. While the creature effects leave a lot to be desired, the attack scenes are fairly gnarly (if you're into that) and Adkins brings macho satisfaction as a vengeful, ticked-off dad.

Where to watch: In theaters and on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play

If you're a big 'Riverdale' fan: 'Jane'

Madelaine Petsch stars in the psychological thriller as Olivia, a high school senior who dreams of going to Stanford but is also haunted by the suicide of her best friend Jane (Chloe Yu). Olivia and pal Izzy (singer Chlöe Bailey) start using Jane's social media to punish classmates and college competition, which does a number on Olivia's mental state. The freaky contemporary spin on the familiar teen drama genre earns a solid B+ for the premise but a C- for execution.

Where to watch: In theaters (and on Creator+ Sept. 16)

Also on streaming

• If you're one of the five people who hasn't seen the biggest movie of the year yet, Tom Cruise's blockbuster sequel "Top Gun: Maverick" is now available on Apple TV and other on-demand platforms.

• The animated superhero comedy "DC League of Super-Pets," with Dwayne Johnson as Krypto the Super-Dog and Kevin Hart as his new canine pal Ace, is also streaming on demand.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 new movies to see this week: Netflix's 'Me Time,' 'Samaritan'