“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…)
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…)
“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…)
8 episodes
“The Dropout” (Season 1) is a biographical drama miniseries that dramatizes the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. The series, based on the ABC News podcast of the same name, stars Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes, a Stanford University dropout who founded the healthcare startup Theranos with the promise of revolutionizing blood testing with just a few drops of blood. The show explores Holmes’s journey from a young, ambitious entrepreneur to a fraudulent businesswoman whose company’s value soared to $9 billion before being exposed as a scam. It delves into her relationships, including her partnership with Sunny Balwani (played by Naveen Andrews), and the intense scrutiny from journalists like John Carreyrou, who played a key role in uncovering the truth about Theranos. The series touches on themes of ambition, deception, and the consequences of unchecked power in the tech and healthcare industries. With its gripping storytelling and strong performances, “The Dropout” offers a compelling look at one of the most infamous cases of corporate fraud in recent history. The narrative is both engaging and disturbing, showcasing the lengths to which Holmes went to maintain the facade of her groundbreaking technology. Seyfried’s portrayal of Holmes captures the complexity of her character, from her initial idealism to her eventual downfall. This miniseries provides a thorough examination of the personal and professional dynamics, making it a must-watch for those interested in business scandals, technology, and the pursuit of innovation at any cost. (more…)
Reagan (2024) is a biographical film directed by Sean McNamara, based on the book “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism” by Paul Kengor. The film chronicles the life of Ronald Reagan, from his humble small-town beginnings to his rise as a Hollywood actor and ultimately, his tenure as the 40th President of the United States. The story is narrated by Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes intertwined with Reagan’s when Reagan first catches the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood. The film explores Reagan’s journey of overcoming the odds, highlighting his indomitable spirit and the support of his wife, Nancy Reagan, who stood by him throughout his career. Through the eyes of Petrovich, the audience gains a unique perspective on Reagan’s influence on the global stage and his instrumental role in the eventual fall of communism. The film depicts pivotal moments in Reagan’s life and presidency, including his battle with an assassination attempt, the strategic arms reduction talks, and his iconic “Tear Down This Wall” speech. With a focus on his personal and political struggles, the movie paints a comprehensive portrait of Reagan’s legacy. Stunning visuals, a gripping narrative, and powerful performances combine to offer an engaging and inspirational viewing experience. Reagan (2024) promises to provide an insightful look into the life of one of America’s most influential presidents, capturing the essence of his journey from Hollywood to the White House. (more…)
“Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia” (2024) is a historical racing drama directed by Stefano Mordini. The film is inspired by the true events of the 1983 World Rally Championship and showcases the intense rivalry between the German team Audi, led by Roland Gumpert, and the Italian team Lancia, led by Cesare Fiorio. The story follows the fierce competition between the two teams as they strive to outdo each other in a series of grueling rally races. Audi, with its advanced technology and resources, represents the Goliath, while Lancia, with its bold innovation and courage, embodies the David. Against all odds, Lancia battles to regain its former glory and prove that determination and ingenuity can overcome even the most formidable opponents. The film captures the thrill of the road, the high stakes of the championship, and the personal stories of the drivers and their teams. It’s an action-packed sports drama that highlights the passion, perseverance, and rivalry inherent in the world of motorsport. (more…)
