Sahara

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Sahara is available in the US on fuboTV and Paramount Plus Premium right now. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Matthew McConaughey sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now on fuboTV — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Sahara is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Sahara from the crowd. Seasoned adventurer and treasure hunter Dirk Pitt, a former Navy SEAL, sets out for the African desert with his wisecracking buddy Al in search of a confederate ironclad battleship rumored to have vanished long ago, the main draw being the treasure supposedly hidden within the lost vessel. When the daring duo come across Dr. Eva Rojas, a beautiful scientist who is juggling an escape from a warlord and a mission to stop the spread of a powerful plague, their desert expedition begins to heat up. Matthew McConaughey and Penélope Cruz lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2005. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Sahara holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Sahara is a strong candidate. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Matthew McConaughey sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.