Weekend Watch: November 24, 2023
The history of anti-Black racism, Napoleon, and Dr. Who hitting the BIG 6-0...
Hey TGIF, TueNighters! Whether you're soaking in the festive vibes or just going with the flow, here's to hoping this weekend brings a bit of chill your way, in whatever way you define it. Let's kick things off with our weekend watchlist — here we go!
Here are this week’s picks:
Stamped From the Beginning (Netflix): Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams brings Dr. Kendi’s National Book Award winner to the screen using vivid animations that illuminate figures and moments both well-known and obscure, both historical and contemporary. Leading Black women academics and activists such as Dr. Angela Davis, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr. Jennifer L. Morgan, and Dr. Kendi guide viewers through a searing account of how racist ideas and imagery were developed and enshrined in American culture.
The documentary opens by asking its viewers a simple question: “What is wrong with Black people?” At the end of the film, Dr. Kendi provides his own answer to the question that started the movie's journey: “The only thing wrong with Black people,” he says, “is that we think something is wrong with Black people.”
Napoleon (Theaters): The checkered rise and fall of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The film captures Bonaparte's relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences.
History buffs, we’ve got a podcast recommendation for you: Check out Noble Blood, hosted by Dana Schwartz, all about the wild stories of history's most fascinating royals. From big names like Marie Antoinette to hidden gems like the imposter Tichborne claimant, Dana brings the past to life in a way that's anything but boring.
Obituary (Hulu): In this Irish dark comedy miniseries, 24-year-old Elvira Clancy is feeling unfulfilled, although she adores her job writing obituaries. When her newspaper falls on hard times, her boss tells her he is unable to keep her on the payroll and she finds herself being paid per obituary overnight. When she "accidentally" kills a nasty piece of work in the town, she discovers she might have an untapped blood lust. She relishes using ever more crafty methods to kill off the town's unpleasant residents while making them look like accidents.
Unfortunately, a wrench lands in the works — the paper hires a suspicious new crime correspondent with a penchant for conspiracy theories, and Elvira really, really likes him.
Genie (Peacock): A holiday fairytale comedy about a genie, a man, and landing one last chance to fix the mess you’ve made of your life. With his job, life and family unraveling around him, a despondent Bernard (Paapa Essiedu) dusts off a jewelry box and unintentionally releases genie Flora (Melissa McCarthy), who just might be able to help him. Maybe. It’s a long shot, frankly. In the process, Flora and Bernard will discover that love, and an unexpected friendship, can unleash a special holiday magic all its own.
Fun fact: Genie is a remake of the 1991 British fantasy comedy-drama television film Bernard and the Genie that starred Cumming and Mr. Bean star, Rowan Atkinson.
Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials (Disney+): Whovians will be stoked to learn that the first of three specials will launch this weekend as part of the iconic sci-fi series' 60th anniversary. Doctor Who: Star Beast reunites the 14th Doctor in the series, played by David Tennant, with companion Donna Temple-Noble (Catherine Tate) as they come face-to-face with their most terrifying villain yet — the Toymaker, played by Neil Patrick Harris.
The three specials are scheduled to air: November 25 (The Star Beast), December 2 (Wild Blue Yonder), and December 9 (The Giggle).
Disclaimer: While we *think* these shows and movies might be worth checking out, there are no guarantees they'll all be your jam. It's always best to trust your own instincts.