Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch – Nov. 3

“Monster-in-Law” (2005)

Charlotte, played by Jennifer Lopez, is thrilled when her boyfriend proposes — she doesn’t think anything can ruin their relationship. However, his mother, Viola, played by Jane Fonda, is not so fond of Charlotte and will do anything to make sure her son calls off the wedding. Charlotte and Viola both will stop at nothing to win the fight and get what they want.

Available on HBO Max | 18% Rotten Tomatoes

“In the Heights” (2021)

Based on the Broadway musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In the Heights” follows various characters from Washington Heights, a neighborhood in Manhattan that has a large Hispanic demographic. Usnavi, played by Anthony Ramos, is a bodega owner who is saving up money to move to the Dominican Republic, his home. Everyone in this tight-knit neighborhood has a dream of their own, which the film follows, voicing them through music and dance.

Available on HBO Max | 94% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Post” (2017)

“The Post” is based on the true story of Washington Post editors who attempt to publish an exposé of the U.S. government based on top-secret documents, revealing the country’s extensive involvement in the Vietnam War, now known as the Pentagon Papers. The Post’s first female executive publisher, Katharine Graham, and editor Ben Bradlee must decide whether to risk their jobs and publish the documents against actions of the government trying to silence them, leading to one of the most significant freedom of speech conflicts in history.

Available on Hulu | 88% Rotten Tomatoes

“Spirited Away” (2001)

One of the most famous anime movies of all time, this Studio Ghibli film follows 10-year-old Chihiro after her parents take a wrong turn on the way to their new house. The three of them then stumble across an abandoned amusement park with a buffet of food. Chihiro refuses to eat any and soon watches as her parents turn into pigs, cursed by the food they ate.

As she tries to find help, she discovers the park is home to a bathhouse where demons and spirits come to vacation, a place in which humans don’t belong. To prevent being found out, she gets a job at the bathhouse, and must befriend different creatures and defeat an evil witch in order to save her parents and escape before their time runs out.

Available on HBO Max | 97% Rotten Tomatoes

“Double Jeopardy” (1999)

When Libby Parsons’ husband Nick mysteriously dies, an investigation begins to find out how he was killed. The investigation discovered that he was in deep financial trouble and had a $2 million life insurance policy.

Libby is arrested and wrongfully convicted for Nick’s murder, although she later discovers he faked his own death for the insurance money. After she gets released from prison, she seeks revenge — this time with nothing holding her back.

Available on Netflix | 27% Rotten Tomatoes