The Hulu Weekend Watchlist

Emma Greenleaf

1) Bad Education (2004) - This weekend I plan to do a deep dive into the surprisingly full foreign film section of Hulu. I was shocked to learn of the selection of Pedro Almodovar films. Having already seen Talk to Her (2002) and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) (a must see if purely for a young Antonio Banderas), I know I like his style and want to see more. When I saw that he had a film with my love Gael Garcia Bernal, Bad Education (2004), I couldn't believe I had not already seen it. Because Almodovar is never one to shy away from a controversial political film, it isn't surprising that this takes a look at the religious education system in Spain and how two victims of sexual abuse navigate their lives.

Matt Linton

1) O.J.: Made in America (2016) – A combination of factors has kept this off my “to watch” list. I remember the OJ Simpson trial, it’s a really long documentary, and in my head I could never really keep this and American Crime Story straight. However, an Oscar win for Best Documentary has bumped this toward the top of my list. The miniseries was originally produced for ESPN’s 30 for 30 series as well as being released theatrically. Unlike the fictionalized ACS, this covers the life of Simpson from his days as an acclaimed athlete through his trial for murder.

2) Batman and Bill (2017) – Ask a casual comic book fan who created Batman and they’ll likely say “Bob Kane.” Ask a more hardcore fan and the answer is more likely to be “Bill Finger.” This documentary looks at the long-standing controversy over who truly deserves credit for Batman and much of his backstory and supporting cast. For that hardcore fan there isn’t likely to be a lot of new information, but the interviews and an in-depth look at a much-told story is enough for me to check this out.

3) Selma (2014) – Ava DuVernay’s film focusing on the events leading up to the marches from Selma to Montgomery during the Civil Rights Movement has been on my radar for a while. Like 13th (from last week's watchlist), or the graphic novel series March by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell, or the recent documentary I Am Not Your Negro (which is brilliant) it’s something I need to be in the right headspace for (it requires a willingness to allow yourself to experience something you know will anger you).

Shelby Cadwell

1) Last Action Hero (1993) - Directed by John McTiernan of Predator (1987) and Die Hard (1988) fame, this over the top action film follows the story of Danny Madigan (Austin O'Brien), who, thanks to a magic movie ticket, is sucked into the fictional world of his favorite action hero, Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger). With tons of in-jokes and metatextual references to '80s and '90s action flicks, this is one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies (although I honestly don't feel ~too~ guilty about enjoying it - the premise alone is just plain awesome).

2) Clue (1985) - As one of the greatest ensemble comedies, Clue features what I consider one of the funniest lines ever: "Flames...on the side of my face....". Eh, it's funnier in context. With lots of witty dialogue, physical comedy, and plot twists, this film (based on the classic board game) is infinitely re-watchable to me.

3) Charlotte's Web (1973) - In keeping with my guilty pleasure/nostalgia theme, this is one of my favorite animated films from my childhood, even though it is a bit before my time. Featuring Debbie Reynold's as the voice of the titular spider, Charlotte, the film's music is memorable, soothing, and still incredibly sad even though I've moved past my childhood attachment to talking farm animals (and probably even more so in the wake of the death's of Reynolds and her daughter, Carrie Fisher).