“Elton John: Never Too Late” (2024) is a documentary, offering an intimate look into the life and career of the legendary musician Elton John. The film chronicles Elton’s journey from his early days as a struggling musician to becoming one of the most iconic figures in pop music history. As Elton prepares for his final concert in North America at Dodger Stadium, the documentary takes viewers back through his remarkable career, highlighting key moments such as his groundbreaking performance at the Troubadour Club in 1970 and his collaboration with John Lennon. The film features never-before-seen concert footage, excerpts from Elton’s private journals, and personal moments with his family. “Never Too Late” delves into Elton’s struggles with adversity, abuse, and addiction, and how he overcame these challenges to achieve his extraordinary success. The documentary is a heartfelt tribute to Elton’s resilience and dedication to his craft, providing a unique and emotional perspective on his life story. Through the lens of personal and professional triumphs, the film captures the essence of Elton’s indomitable spirit and his enduring impact on the music industry, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. (more…)
“Maria” (2024) is a biographical psychological drama. The film stars Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, with a supporting cast that includes Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. The story is set during the final years of Maria Callas’ life in the 1970s, as she lives in Paris. The film explores her struggles with identity, her fading career, and her battle with addiction. As Maria reflects on her past glories and confronts her present challenges, she is haunted by hallucinations of a young filmmaker named Mandrax, who personifies the sedative drug she is addicted to. The film delves into Maria’s complex relationships, including her affair with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis and her interactions with her loyal butler Ferruccio and housemaid Bruna. Through stunning visuals and a powerful performance by Angelina Jolie, the movie paints a poignant portrait of a woman who was both a celebrated icon and a deeply troubled individual. The exploration of Maria Callas’ life provides a deep and introspective look at the pressures of fame and the personal demons that she battled, making the film a compelling watch for those interested in biographical dramas and stories of human resilience. (more…)
8 episodes
“Marie Antoinette” (Season 1) is a historical drama television series. The show follows the life of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution. At the age of thirteen, Marie Antoinette is forced to leave Austria for an arranged marriage with the Dauphin of France, Louis-Auguste. The series explores her struggles with the strict rules and etiquette at the French court, enforced by Madame de Noailles. Marie Antoinette’s journey is filled with political intrigue, personal challenges, and the complexities of her relationships with key figures such as Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Madame du Barry. The show offers a feminist take on her life, highlighting her resilience and the pressures she faced as a young queen. With stunning production design, costumes, and a strong performance by Emilia Schüle in the title role, “Marie Antoinette” brings the opulence and turmoil of the French court to life. The series delves into her transformation from a naive teenager into a politically astute and determined queen. It also portrays her efforts to find personal happiness and fulfillment amidst the rigid constraints of her royal duties. With its detailed depiction of 18th-century France and its emphasis on the human aspects of Marie Antoinette’s story, the series provides a captivating and nuanced portrayal of this iconic historical figure. (more…)
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” (2024) is a heartfelt documentary. The film chronicles the life of Christopher Reeve, from his rise to fame as the iconic Superman to his tragic horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed. Through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, the documentary delves into Reeve’s personal and professional struggles, his resilience, and his advocacy for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights. The film also highlights his close friendship with Robin Williams and his enduring legacy as a symbol of hope and courage. With a mix of archival footage and emotional testimonies, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” offers an intimate and inspiring look at the man behind the cape. The documentary captures Reeve’s unwavering determination to overcome his physical limitations and his relentless efforts to raise awareness and funds for medical research. Through poignant interviews and never-before-seen footage, the film paints a comprehensive portrait of a man who embodied the true meaning of heroism. The film’s powerful narrative and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of Reeve and those inspired by stories of resilience and hope. Whether you’re familiar with his work or learning about him for the first time, this documentary provides a moving and insightful tribute to a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the world. (more…)
5 episodes
“Candy” (Season 1) is a gripping true crime miniseries based on the real-life case of Candy Montgomery, played by Jessica Biel. Set in the 1980s, the plot revolves around Candy, a suburban housewife in Texas, who is accused of murdering her neighbor, Betty Gore, played by Melanie Lynskey. The story unfolds as Candy, who had an affair with Betty’s husband, Allan Gore, becomes the prime suspect in Betty’s brutal axe murder. The series delves into the investigation, the courtroom drama, and the impact of the crime on the small community. As the tension escalates, viewers are taken through a riveting exploration of the events leading up to the murder, the subsequent trial, and the complex relationships between the characters. With its intense performances and dark themes, “Candy” offers a chilling look at the consequences of jealousy, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice. The show meticulously reconstructs the 1980s setting, adding authenticity to the narrative and immersing viewers in the period. Through its detailed portrayal of real-life events, “Candy” provides a thought-provoking examination of a shocking crime that captivated the nation. The nuanced performances by the cast, particularly Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey, bring depth to the characters, making the story both compelling and emotionally charged. (more…)
“Sweetwater” (2023) is a biographical sports drama film directed by Martin Guigui. The movie stars Everett Osborne as Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African-American to sign a contract with the NBA. The film follows Clifton’s journey from being a star player for the Harlem Globetrotters to breaking the color barrier in the NBA. With the support of key figures like New York Knicks executive Ned Irish (Cary Elwes) and coach Joe Lapchick (Jeremy Piven), Clifton makes history and paves the way for future generations of African-American basketball players. The movie delves into the challenges Clifton faced both on and off the court, highlighting his resilience, talent, and determination. Clifton’s signing with the New York Knicks in 1950 marks a significant moment in sports history, showcasing the intersection of talent, opportunity, and the fight for equality. The film also explores Clifton’s personal life, including his relationships and the impact of his groundbreaking achievement on his community. “Sweetwater” offers an inspiring and heartfelt portrayal of a pioneering athlete who not only transformed the game of basketball but also played a crucial role in the broader civil rights movement. Through powerful performances and a compelling narrative, the film celebrates Clifton’s legacy and the enduring impact of his contributions to the sport and society. The film is both a tribute to Clifton’s extraordinary life and a reminder of the importance of perseverance, courage, and the pursuit of justice in overcoming barriers and creating lasting change. (more…)
“Saturday Night” (2024) is a biographical comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman. The movie centers on the night of October 11, 1975, when the first episode of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (then simply called “Saturday Night”) was set to air. The film stars Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator and producer, and follows the chaotic events leading up to the show’s debut. The film captures the frenetic energy and behind-the-scenes drama as Lorne Michaels navigates the challenges of managing a cast of comedians with oversized egos, rogue writers, and executive expectations. The ensemble cast includes portrayals of iconic figures such as Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Garrett Morris. The movie highlights the tension, humor, and last-minute hurdles faced by the team as they race against time to get the show on the air. “Saturday Night” offers a nostalgic and thrilling look at a pivotal moment in television history, showcasing the determination and creativity required to bring a groundbreaking show to life. The film is filled with references to the show’s early days and provides a glimpse into the personalities and dynamics that shaped “Saturday Night Live.” With its blend of humor, drama, and historical context, “Saturday Night” promises an engaging and entertaining portrayal of the making of an iconic television show, capturing the essence of the 1970s and the innovative spirit that launched one of the most enduring comedy programs in TV history. (more…)
10 episodes
American Sports Story (season 1) is a sports drama anthology series that premiered on FX. The first season, titled American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, focuses on the rise and fall of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez. The series explores his complex identity, family dynamics, career, and the tragic events leading to his conviction for murder and subsequent suicide in prison. The show begins with Hernandez’s early life in Bristol, Connecticut, highlighting his relationship with his father and his promising football career. It then follows his time at the University of Florida and with the New England Patriots, where he becomes insulated from consequences due to his success. The narrative delves into his criminal activities, including the shooting of his associate Alexander Bradley and the murder of Odin Lloyd, which ultimately led to his downfall. (more…)
7 episodes
“Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber” (Season 1) is a gripping drama series inspired by Mike Isaac’s book. Season 1 delves into the meteoric rise and subsequent fall of Travis Kalanick, Uber’s former CEO. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as the ambitious and controversial Kalanick, whose aggressive tactics and relentless drive propel Uber to unprecedented heights while also sparking intense internal and external conflicts. The narrative explores the turbulent journey of Uber’s expansion, highlighting power struggles, legal challenges, and ethical dilemmas. The series captures the essence of Silicon Valley’s cutthroat environment, illustrating the fine line between innovation and recklessness. As Uber navigates regulatory battles, employee unrest, and public scrutiny, Kalanick’s single-minded pursuit of success leads to both triumph and downfall. “Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber” (Season 1) provides an inside look at one of the most influential companies of the last decade, shining a light on the personal and professional challenges faced by those at the helm of a global phenomenon. (more…)
7 episodes
“Baby Reindeer” (Season 1) is a British black comedy-drama thriller miniseries created by Richard Gadd, based on his autobiographical one-man show. Directed by Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch, the series stars Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn, a struggling comedian working as a bartender in a London pub. Donny’s life takes a dark turn when he meets Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning), a former lawyer with a criminal past, who becomes obsessed with him. Martha’s obsession escalates from sending explicit emails to physically stalking Donny, leading him to report her to the police. As the series unfolds, it delves into Donny’s past, revealing his traumatic experiences with a mentor, Darrien O’Connor (Tom Goodman-Hill), who repeatedly sexually assaulted him during drug-induced blackouts. The series explores themes of trauma, obsession, and the impact of past experiences on one’s present life. With its dark humor and intense drama, “Baby Reindeer” offers a gripping and emotionally charged narrative. This is a series that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while still offering moments of levity and hope. (more…)
