{
  "id": 1781122,
  "title": "The 3 Best Movies on Paramount+ This Week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/the-3-best-movies-on-paramount-this-week",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T18:59:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/what-to-watch/best-movies-on-paramount-plus-august-18-23/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Three standout movies are currently featured on Paramount+ this week. \"Catch Me If You Can\" (2002), a Steven Spielberg-directed con-man dramedy, is widely considered one of his best films of the 21st century. The movie, based on Frank Abagnale Jr.'s real-life story, follows a young man (Leonardo DiCaprio) who impersonates pilots, doctors and prosecutors while forging checks and defrauding the government. Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken deliver standout performances, making this heartwarming coming-of-age story both entertaining and thought-provoking.\n\n\"The Big Short\" (2015), another Paramount+ offering, presents an incisive take on the 2008 financial crisis. Based on Michael Lewis' non-fiction book, the film features an ensemble cast led by Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Christian Bale. It uses humor and celebrity cameos to explain complex economic concepts, turning a convoluted event into a legible, infuriating tragedy. Adam McKay's direction shines through in this angry yet infectious film, garnering praise for its comedic moments and powerful performances.\n\n\"Arrival\" (2016) rounds out the list, directed by the acclaimed \"Dune\" filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve. Based on Ted Chiang's novella, the movie follows linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) as she attempts to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors. A slow-burn drama with underlying tension, the film builds to an emotional climax and a twist that leaves viewers contemplative. Villeneuve's direction ensures that \"Arrival\" remains one of the greatest science fiction films of the 21st century.",
  "summary": "\"Arrival\" headlines our picks The post The 3 Best Movies on Paramount+ This Week appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}