Among the shuffling between Netflix, Hulu, and recently HBO (just until June), and if I update my Roku player Disney+. As a lot of us have had the opportunity to catch on all those movies and T.V Shows that we have been meaning to watch over the years, due the stay at home orders around the country. Though the timing is a little off in showbiz season terms. When the country began to lockdown in mid-March, it was the middle to end of the spring TV season and the beginning of the summer blockbuster season. Yet as the state of movie theatre's is very up in the air at the moment and the lines of paid streaming, VOD, and other online access to top tier entertainment on the internet begin to blur. It can be hard to discern what is worth your precious binge time. I haven’t seen it all and I have barely ticked off the list of movies and T.V. Shows that I do have on my list that I have gathered through the years, but I have seen some pretty inspiring and thought-provoking work during this great pause that I would like to share. For someone with similar taste, that includes woman lead, indie comedy, weird, slightly nostalgic, and informational visual entertainment.
These are shows and movies that I watched and finished completely during quarantine that has made me think, left me connecting the theme to the characters, have made me laugh on multiple levels and if you’re into it I encourage you to check out and experience it for yourself.
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER
I started watching this show shortly after it premiered on ABC in the 2014 fall T.V. season. As a never Shonda Rimer, meaning that I have never seen any of her shows that include Grey Anatomy and the coveted Scandal. I figured though I should support this Black Woman writer who is doing exactly what I aspire to. Though Shonda is an Executive Producer and not a writer on the show the storytelling is just as superior. The HTGWM season finally ended this May of 2020 with six seasons and a full circle ending that I’d say appeases the fans. Including me, the show and the characters have evolved from there worst faults through the difficult decisions made to survive. Main character, Annalise Keating played by the great Viola Davis went through the biggest change of all, challenging her whole identity just live honestly and do so while still leaving a lasting legacy. If you have some time and love a good lawyer show you can binge-watch How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix and find the most recent season on Hulu.
INSECURE
Though most network shows have ended the big T.V. spring season, HBO and other streaming platforms don’t really abide by those confides. In mid-April, the 4th season of Insecure started with high fervor by the fans. As one of them, so far this season doesn’t disappoint as dots begin to connect from previous seasons that have been laying pipe for this very moment in each relationship of Issa’s life. HBO keeping the art of anticipation alive while I analyze and nit pick Issa and Molly’s friendship throughout the week until there is a new episode on Sunday. Catch previous seasons on HBO and new ones every Sunday at 10 pm.
BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW
Another HBO show (shoutout HBO) that I totally forgot existed until I recently got the HBO NOW app. An almost no-name band of black women sketch comedy actresses, so intriguing and when I selected the show I honestly did not know what to expect nor did I have any expectation. Yet with the backing of Issa Rae’s production company and HBO, I knew it would be worth my time and so it was! I binged the first season in basically a day. Completely enamored by the casts display of an array of the black woman and the range of characters played and abilities in acting and comedic performance. With special guests that include icons like Angela Bassett and Kelly Rowland, its slightly dark undertone, and true to culture comedy is just so good and refreshing. This show is like a dream come true and so happy to hear that it has been renewed for a second season!
LOVEBIRDS
Okay, now I know it may seem that I am just Issa Rae biased but in the Netflix show LoveBirds I was actually loving Kumail’s performance the most! As well as them together, kicking back at each other with such ease and being hilarious doing it. I love everything about this romantic comedy duo the combines to different audiences that can still love this movie. Anyone can, it has action, comedy, and infiltration of a secret society of orgies. Check out the movie on Netflix.
DAVE
This is by far my favorite show of 2020 so far,( Black Lady Sketch Show is just right behind) featuring real-life rapper Lil Dickey and telling his story in a way that I have never seen before. I knew of Lil Dickey before but Dave exposes the human mastermind behind Lil Dickey and all the little quarks and characters that make this come up story bloom into a beautiful and special show. Also, not to spoil it but there is a scene that looks like actual shit coming out of ass action and it's hilarious!
BIG LITTLE LIES
Like many, I rode the Big Little Lies train and almost didn’t make it to the end of the series. Probably never would have if it wasn’t for the stay at home orders. I couldn’t see what further the show has to explore and offer but boy was I wrong. The second season of Big Little Lies which you can watch on both Hulu and HBO, reveals each woman's obstacle that they have pushed away and ignored for so long, which have led to where they are now in order to ultimately heal and be better people for their family. What I loved most was the further exploration of Zoe Kravitz’s character which I was dying for in the first season. Unveiling a deep-rooted wound between her mother and the exact situation she is in after the push. I really loved the last couple of episodes of the second season and the addition of the amazing Meryl Streep. The show has great writing and storytelling, it is definitely a must-see!
FUCK THAT’S DELICIOUS
This is my idea of a good time. FTD is an institute in our household. As foodies and hip hop lovers, this show just gives us all the right vibes. Especially in a time where patrons have become weary of dining at their favorite or new dining establishments. It is funny, cultural, and makes you hungry to try all the cuisine that is out there in the World, giving us an authentic plate of love. The new season of FTD premiered this May and will continue with new episodes every Monday on the Vice app.
LA ORIGINALS
Exploding with so much culture, LA Originals is a beautiful story of cultural artist's from L.A. whose art and perspective spilled over into the Hip-Hop and Pop music industry in the early to mid-2000's. The story of two friends that rode the most creative and artistic ride through Hollywood and the real streets of Los Angeles. If you are looking for an inspiring and decade-defining story on how true creatives can come out and be successful while injecting pure soul and talent to the ones that have the platform to spread it.
WAITING TO EXHALE
I hadn’t seen this probably since I was a kid, in a packed movie theatre with my parents and my mom shielding my eyes with her scarf on all the “sex” scenes in the movie. Before the stay at orders started I was aware that Hulu had just added the movie to their roster. I felt drawn to watch it again for really the first time since then, now the same age as characters were in the movie. Without even knowing it, realized in the first scene it was set in Phoenix, AZ (hello, I just moved to Phoenix)! This Black classic takes a look at the expectation and actualization of love for a black woman in today's World. A full circle moment for me, was in episode 5 of Insecure, Issa is sporting a vintage Waiting to Exhale movie poster t-shirt that I now HAVE to have. Some real serendipity going on!
UNCUT GEMS
I’ve been wanting to watch this Indie underdog since it was in theatre's in December of 2019. When I saw that Uncut Gems was on Netflix, I literally jumped to the moment to watch this film featuring real-life characters Kevin Garnet and The Weeknd. This movie was not what I thought it was, an interesting idiosyncratic look at fate, luck, desire, and risk. It is worth a watch and the best performance I have seen thus far of Adam Sandler, he really took his persona and throw it out the window and for that, I applaud him and this work.
If you are looking for more movie suggestions or have your own comment below. I can literally talk about movies all day! Check back for more blog posts and updates from Milan Arielle Productions.
These are shows and movies that I watched and finished completely during quarantine that has made me think, left me connecting the theme to the characters, have made me laugh on multiple levels and if you’re into it I encourage you to check out and experience it for yourself.
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER
I started watching this show shortly after it premiered on ABC in the 2014 fall T.V. season. As a never Shonda Rimer, meaning that I have never seen any of her shows that include Grey Anatomy and the coveted Scandal. I figured though I should support this Black Woman writer who is doing exactly what I aspire to. Though Shonda is an Executive Producer and not a writer on the show the storytelling is just as superior. The HTGWM season finally ended this May of 2020 with six seasons and a full circle ending that I’d say appeases the fans. Including me, the show and the characters have evolved from there worst faults through the difficult decisions made to survive. Main character, Annalise Keating played by the great Viola Davis went through the biggest change of all, challenging her whole identity just live honestly and do so while still leaving a lasting legacy. If you have some time and love a good lawyer show you can binge-watch How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix and find the most recent season on Hulu.
INSECURE
Though most network shows have ended the big T.V. spring season, HBO and other streaming platforms don’t really abide by those confides. In mid-April, the 4th season of Insecure started with high fervor by the fans. As one of them, so far this season doesn’t disappoint as dots begin to connect from previous seasons that have been laying pipe for this very moment in each relationship of Issa’s life. HBO keeping the art of anticipation alive while I analyze and nit pick Issa and Molly’s friendship throughout the week until there is a new episode on Sunday. Catch previous seasons on HBO and new ones every Sunday at 10 pm.
BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW
Another HBO show (shoutout HBO) that I totally forgot existed until I recently got the HBO NOW app. An almost no-name band of black women sketch comedy actresses, so intriguing and when I selected the show I honestly did not know what to expect nor did I have any expectation. Yet with the backing of Issa Rae’s production company and HBO, I knew it would be worth my time and so it was! I binged the first season in basically a day. Completely enamored by the casts display of an array of the black woman and the range of characters played and abilities in acting and comedic performance. With special guests that include icons like Angela Bassett and Kelly Rowland, its slightly dark undertone, and true to culture comedy is just so good and refreshing. This show is like a dream come true and so happy to hear that it has been renewed for a second season!
LOVEBIRDS
Okay, now I know it may seem that I am just Issa Rae biased but in the Netflix show LoveBirds I was actually loving Kumail’s performance the most! As well as them together, kicking back at each other with such ease and being hilarious doing it. I love everything about this romantic comedy duo the combines to different audiences that can still love this movie. Anyone can, it has action, comedy, and infiltration of a secret society of orgies. Check out the movie on Netflix.
DAVE
This is by far my favorite show of 2020 so far,( Black Lady Sketch Show is just right behind) featuring real-life rapper Lil Dickey and telling his story in a way that I have never seen before. I knew of Lil Dickey before but Dave exposes the human mastermind behind Lil Dickey and all the little quarks and characters that make this come up story bloom into a beautiful and special show. Also, not to spoil it but there is a scene that looks like actual shit coming out of ass action and it's hilarious!
BIG LITTLE LIES
Like many, I rode the Big Little Lies train and almost didn’t make it to the end of the series. Probably never would have if it wasn’t for the stay at home orders. I couldn’t see what further the show has to explore and offer but boy was I wrong. The second season of Big Little Lies which you can watch on both Hulu and HBO, reveals each woman's obstacle that they have pushed away and ignored for so long, which have led to where they are now in order to ultimately heal and be better people for their family. What I loved most was the further exploration of Zoe Kravitz’s character which I was dying for in the first season. Unveiling a deep-rooted wound between her mother and the exact situation she is in after the push. I really loved the last couple of episodes of the second season and the addition of the amazing Meryl Streep. The show has great writing and storytelling, it is definitely a must-see!
FUCK THAT’S DELICIOUS
This is my idea of a good time. FTD is an institute in our household. As foodies and hip hop lovers, this show just gives us all the right vibes. Especially in a time where patrons have become weary of dining at their favorite or new dining establishments. It is funny, cultural, and makes you hungry to try all the cuisine that is out there in the World, giving us an authentic plate of love. The new season of FTD premiered this May and will continue with new episodes every Monday on the Vice app.
LA ORIGINALS
Exploding with so much culture, LA Originals is a beautiful story of cultural artist's from L.A. whose art and perspective spilled over into the Hip-Hop and Pop music industry in the early to mid-2000's. The story of two friends that rode the most creative and artistic ride through Hollywood and the real streets of Los Angeles. If you are looking for an inspiring and decade-defining story on how true creatives can come out and be successful while injecting pure soul and talent to the ones that have the platform to spread it.
WAITING TO EXHALE
I hadn’t seen this probably since I was a kid, in a packed movie theatre with my parents and my mom shielding my eyes with her scarf on all the “sex” scenes in the movie. Before the stay at orders started I was aware that Hulu had just added the movie to their roster. I felt drawn to watch it again for really the first time since then, now the same age as characters were in the movie. Without even knowing it, realized in the first scene it was set in Phoenix, AZ (hello, I just moved to Phoenix)! This Black classic takes a look at the expectation and actualization of love for a black woman in today's World. A full circle moment for me, was in episode 5 of Insecure, Issa is sporting a vintage Waiting to Exhale movie poster t-shirt that I now HAVE to have. Some real serendipity going on!
UNCUT GEMS
I’ve been wanting to watch this Indie underdog since it was in theatre's in December of 2019. When I saw that Uncut Gems was on Netflix, I literally jumped to the moment to watch this film featuring real-life characters Kevin Garnet and The Weeknd. This movie was not what I thought it was, an interesting idiosyncratic look at fate, luck, desire, and risk. It is worth a watch and the best performance I have seen thus far of Adam Sandler, he really took his persona and throw it out the window and for that, I applaud him and this work.
If you are looking for more movie suggestions or have your own comment below. I can literally talk about movies all day! Check back for more blog posts and updates from Milan Arielle Productions.
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