Screening guide

MARVEL’S 616 Disney+

Comic publisher turned blockbuster movie studio Marvel has a fascinating, rich history and this documentary series takes a superpowered look at the home of the world’s favourite superheroes. Each of its eight episodes is stand-alone, with the directorial baton being passed along when the credits roll. A terrific roster of directors has been assembled including Gillian Jacobs, Alison Brie and acclaimed documentary maker David Gelb. The show deep-dives into Marvel’s seismic impact on pop culture and its fans, Marvel’s storytelling methods and the work of its skilled artists, as well as dedicating an episode to Marvel’s trailblazing women. It’s a rare glimpse that shows the human element at work behind all that super spandex. Streaming now.

Mosul Netflix

This gritty war film about Iraqi fighters battling Isis is made more harrowing by the fact it’s based on a true story. The film follows rookie cop Kawa, who is rescued from a deadly firefight by an elite rogue squadron keeping the fight alive against the brutal Isis occupiers. Against all odds, they launch a guerrilla operation to attack the enemy, wipe out their base and free their town. It’s tense and relentless, with action that’s appropriately horrific due to its real-life inspiration. Mosul is produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, the brothers behind Marvel’s mega Avengers movies, so you know you’re in safe hands quality-wise. Streaming now.

Midway Neon

It’s a good week for war buffs as Neon ships off to World War II’s Battle of Midway. This battle is considered one of the most critical of the war as the US Navy and a squad of fighter pilots engaged with the Japanese Navy following the Pearl Harbour attack. Midway turns the tragic into a high-octane action flick from big-budget disaster flick director Roland Emmerich. Our reviewer called it a “special effects-laden extravaganza firmly in the action schlock camp”. Still, there’s plenty of star power, including Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson and pop stars Nick Jonas and Mandy Moore. Streaming from Sunday.