Stream: What to Watch this Weekend

Hi, friends. Happy Friday! 

There aren't any new releases this weekend (that I'm excited about anyway), but there's lots coming up in May and June: 

  • Tuesday, May 4 - Real Housewives of New York City returns to Bravo and the trailer looks bananas! I continue to miss Bethenny Frankel as part of the cast, but the Ramona-coaster keeps things interesting. 
  • Tuesday, May 4 - This is also the day that Netflix released the second season of Selena. If you didn't watch the first batch, do that now so you're ready to go. It's great, trust me! 
  • Thursday, May 6 - Million Dollar Listing New York City returns to our screens. Despite being bi-coastal now, Fredrik Eklund is still considered part of this cast, alongside Ryan Serhant, Steve Gold and a new female broker! 
  • Wednesday, May 19 - Rounding out the Bravo TV trifecta is the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Kyle Richards' sister, Kathy Hilton, joins this season and I can't wait to see their dynamic. We'll also witness the downfall of Erika Jayne. 
  • Wednesday, May 26 The Bold Type comes back to Freeform (formerly ABC Family). It's about three best friends who work at a magazine, based on Cosmopolitan. It's smart, funny and socially conscious.
  • Monday, June 7 - The Bachelorette returns to ABC with Katie Thurston as the woman seeking love. Chris Harrison is out as the host, replaced by franchise alums Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams. 
  • Friday, June 18 - Have you watched the Spanish high school drama Elite on Netflix? It's like Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars, set in Spain. Season four is coming in mid-June, so catch up now ahead of the premiere. 

I have two recommendations for you this week - one movie and one TV show. 

1. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix) - Ahead of the Oscars last Sunday night, I wanted to be sure to watch this movie, since it was nominated for Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin) and Best Picture. The story is based on true events. 

Many critics have described this film as a "courtroom drama." It is that, but it's also a look at a particular year in U.S. history (1968). The men on trial organized anti-Vietman War protests outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, IL. Real, archival footage of the riots is used throughout, which I found incredibly upsetting and jarring. 

Sacha Baron-Cohen was nominated for an Oscar for his performance here as Abbie Hoffman, one of the men on trial. Baron-Cohen is best known for his outlandish, over-the-top roles, so it can be easy to forget he's a brilliant dramatic actor. 

Trial of the Chicago 7

I also thought Frank Langella was amazing as Judge Julius Hoffman. He will enrage you (which is the point). 

This movie is long (2 hours and 10 minutes) and it does drag at times. But, as with every Sorkin script, it gives each actor major moments to shine. 

After you watch this and have context for the death of Fred Hampton, you'll want to watch Judas and the Black Messiah next. 

2. Cruel Summer (Hulu) - Cruel Summer is a brand new show that just debuted on Freeform (formerly ABC Family) and is available next day on Hulu. It takes place over three years - 1992, 1993 and 1994. Between the fashion and music, the 90s nostalgia is full blast. 

The story centers around a high school age girl named Jeanette. In 1992, she has just turned 15 years old. She's still in an awkward phase. A year later, she's gone through puberty and now has a boyfriend. At 17 years old, we learn she has a team lawyers, but we're not yet sure why. 

Cruel Summer

I was a bit concerned that all the jumping back and forth between years would feel confusing, but it doesn't. Jeannette looks so specific in each chapter that it's easy to tell where you are in the timeline. 

The show is equal parts high school drama and unsolved mystery. It constantly keeps you guessing. Each time the credits roll, I find myself shouting at the TV, "What? No! I need to more." 

I can't wait to see where this one goes. 

There you have it! This week's top picks. 

*Images courtesy of Unsplash, Plugged In and Entertainment Weekly

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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