Staff Picks: Summertime Watch Party

Tue, 07/09/2024 - 11:02am by lucroe

When the Summer heat gets to be too much, it may be time to head indoors and enjoy a movie or TV show from AADL’s excellent DVD & Blu-ray collection. Here are a few things to consider watching whether you are into romance or a bit of action, we have something for everyone!

Past Lives directed by Celine Song | Request Now

Childhood friends Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) shared a special bond in Seoul until Nora's family abruptly emigrated from South Korea. Years later, their paths cross again in New York, where Nora has established a life as a married playwright. As they revisit their past, the encounter forces them to confront the what-ifs of their relationship. Greta Lee delivers a magnetic performance in this vivid tale of love and friendship that captures the defining moments of a life. Meanwhile, Celine Song's directorial debut is one of the most memorable in recent years.

Polite Society directed by Nida Manzoor | Request Now

Debuting with a thrilling blend of genres, the Manzoor’s (from We are Lady Parts fame) film follows teenage Ria (Priya Kansara), who dreams of becoming a stuntwoman. Using her formidable skills, Ria rescues her older sister, Lena (Ritu Arya), from the oppressive grip of patriarchy. This family epic/action flick pays proud homage to influences ranging from Hong Kong action movies to the works of Jane Austen and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. There is a Bollywood-style dance number to enjoy which serves as a distraction from another piece of choreography. This movie is campy, outrageous, and oh so much fun!

For All Mankind (Streaming show from Apple TV) | Request Now

This excellent alternate history series begins with the Soviet Union beating the US to land on the Moon and, consequently, the space race never ended. As the series continues it explores how the Apollo space program transformed with the inclusion of women, characters of color, and LGBTQ+ protagonists. It progresses through the establishment of long-term lunar habitats in the 1980s and eventually culminates in crewed missions to Mars in the mid-1990s—unlocking a wealth of technological advancements along the way. The series is written by Ronald D. Moore, best known for writing on various Star Trek series, the Battlestar Galactica reboot, and the Outlander series. This series is currently in production for a Season 5 with a goal of 7 seasons spanning 70 years.

Dark Winds | Request Now

Produced by Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin, the series Dark Winds retells and modernizes Tony Hillerman's award-winning mysteries. Set against the stunning New Mexico backdrop of the early 1970s, this entertaining show features a predominantly Native American cast, writing team, and directorial crew. They have expanded the roles of the female characters and portray Navajo culture not as an academic study, but as a lived experience. The excellent cast led by Zahn McClarnon (of Reservation Dogs and Westworld fame), playing Navajo police officer, Joe Leaphorn, along with his colleagues Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) and Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten), come upon a case involving two murdered members of their tribe. What they begin to uncover is a vast conspiracy that will shake their spiritual understanding. An exciting thriller/mystery that will keep you wanting more.