Friday, June 19, 2020

What to Watch This Weekend: June 19, 2020

In honor of Juneteenth, we are highlighting movies from strong black voices or with strong black leads.

Harriet (Redbox, Digital Rental / Purchase)
Harriet tells the compelling story of an influential black woman who refused to abide by the status quo, with Oscar-worthy acting, an exciting and heartbreaking script, and a stellar score.  For more information, check out our review!

Just Mercy (Redbox, Free Digital Rental, or Purchase, TNT, TBS, TruTV)
Just Mercy is an inspiring, timely, and sadly appropriate movie for our times.  It has Oscar-worthy acting, amazing cinematography, and tells an important story about injustice and the disparity in the criminal justice system that that doesn't leave a heart untouched or an eye dry at its conclusion.

Black Panther (Disney+, TNT, TBS, TruTV)
The film is essential watching for the MCU but also has a fantastic blend of super hero themes with African-inspired culture and visuals.  It is truly a celebration of all things super!

The 13th (Netflix)
This thought-provoking documentary has scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.  It is a wonderfully crafted documentary that balances insights from talking heads with painful archival footage.

Creed II (Hulu)

The follow-up to the surprisingly good Creed, this movie manages to make the tried-and-true Rocky formula feel fresh thanks to some fantastic performances and the introduction of characters from Rocky's past.

BlackkKlansman (HBO / HBOMAX)
Spike Lee has been one of the most outspoken and influential black movie voices of our time.  BlackkKlansman is a lighter movie than some of his other works, but it still tells a compelling historical story with an amazing cast, biting commentary, and a lot of humor.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco (Amazon)
This powerful film that tells the tale of a man dreaming to reclaim his grandfather's victorian home in a rapidly changing city.

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