So if you are anything like me, this has not been the easiest of times in terms of entertainment. A filmgoer like myself wants that larger than life experience that the theater offers. However, due to the threat that shall not be named, we are in this situation. But to paraphrase Jane Austen, we are always in the pursuit of a new film or show to watch. And the home theatre will have to do.
If you have read any of my other articles for the last few months, there are lots of great new features out there for your home viewing. Hulu has brought the Best Picture winner “Parasite” as well as several others. I personally got a chuckle out of seeing what turned out to be the last film I was able to see on the big screen, “Portrait of a Lady On Fire,” available on Hulu, too. High recommended in my opinion, this beautiful French love story about a young woman painter and her female subject is breathtaking in its visuals and costumes.
For those in need of a Sci-fi fix, Hulu also has “Devs.” A miniseries about the investigation into the apparent suicide of a software developer, this is equal parts Ex-Machina (which the creator wrote and directed) and The Matrix. Nick Offerman of Parks and Recreation fame gives a great performance as the owner of the development company. Also, HBO has its third season of the acclaimed “Westworld.” With plans to be its final season, this is the perfect time to catch up on HBO On Demand and HBO GO. Ed Harris and Evan Rachel Wood are excellent as always. And they are backed by newcomers Tessa Thompson and Aaron Paul.
HBO is the home of other great series as well. Even though “VEEP” has ended and “Berry” is done for now, the seasons are available on multiple platform. A good comedy like those are in order right now. Same can be said of their latest series “The New Pope.” Created by Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino, we are whisked into the palace intrigue of the Vatican. John Malkovich plays the Pope after what happened to the last Pope, acted with panache by Jude Law. I dare not give away the events of the first series “The Young Pope,” only that I highly recommend checking it out on the aforementioned streaming services before checking out the follow-up. It is a definite must-watch for fans of the Tudors show on Showtime.
Moreover, in times such as these a turn to nostalgia makes good sense. TCM and Disney has been a great comfort to me. For those who have read my columns, it would come as no surprise that I am a comic book fan. But by far the best one ever made was 1990’s “Dick Tracy.” Directed and starring Warren Beaty, the look and feel is pure pulp perfection. Those colors, that lighting, the award-winning makeup; it is such a ball to watch. And the best Madonna album by far, yes I said it. It will make you grin from ear to ear. I found it flipping through cable but you can also find it on Demand or Disney Plus. TCM currently has been playing some good comedies as well. Jane Russell is the star of the month, which means “Gentlemen Prefer Blondies” and “The Paleface.” A special of Peter Bogdanovich films have been airing too. “What’s Up, Doc” with Ryan O’Neal and Barbra Streisand is a personal favorite. These could also be found on their streaming app Watch TCM. We all need a bit of an escape. Stay safe readers and happy viewing.
