Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch – Nov. 10
“Begin Again” (2013)
Disgraced former record label executive Dan Mulligan, played by Mark Ruffalo, and recently dumped songwriter Gretta James, played by Keira Knightley, are both at rock bottom when they unintentionally cross paths. When Dan sees Gretta perform at a bar in Manhattan, he is stunned by her raw talent — one that he thinks could be enhanced in a professional recording space. When the two decide to collaborate, it gives them a chance to do what they love and possibly get their lives back on track.
Available on Netflix | 83% Rotten Tomatoes
“The Bodyguard” (1992)
Starring the iconic Whitney Houston in her acting debut, “The Bodyguard” features fictional pop singer Rachel Marron, who has been receiving threatening messages and attempts upon her life from a stalker. When Marron’s manager hires a bodyguard and former Secret Service agent, played by Kevin Costner, to protect her, Marron and the agent learn to move past their differences and eventually become closer than they ever anticipated.
Available on HBO Max | 34% Rotten Tomatoes
“17 Again” (2009)
Mike O’Donnell, played by Matthew Perry, used to live the teenage dream at 17 — he was the star of his basketball team, about to be offered multiple college scholarships and was with the girl of his dreams. However, when his girlfriend reveals she’s pregnant, O’Donnell is forced to give up his dream, blaming her for the sacrifice. Years later, his life is in shambles — he’s divorced, not close to his two teenage children and is unemployed. When O’Donnell accidentally transforms into his younger self, played by Zac Efron, he gets the chance to repair his family and get the life he always wanted.
Available on Hulu | 56% Rotten Tomatoes
“Selena” (1997)
In this biographical drama starring Jennifer Lopez as the iconic Latino pop star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, “Selena” tells the story of the singer’s childhood living in South Texas, where she and her siblings performed in a band, Los Dinos. The film conveys how Selena’s career advances and how her professional goals change. As she gets older, she wants to form her own identity and eventually marry guitarist Chris Pérez, much to the dismay of her father. As Selena’s fame skyrockets later in her career, she begins to get more attention. However, not all of it is positive, eventually leading to her death.
Available on HBO Max | 65% Rotten Tomatoes
“Murder Mystery” (2019)
This film is a modern twist on the classic murder mystery theme, featuring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. They play a married couple who travel to Europe for their 15th anniversary, where they’re invited to a fancy yacht party. At the party, the billionaire host announces that none of his family members will be receiving anything in his will — except for his fiancée, who will receive everything, right before he’s murdered. Posing as a police detective, Sandler’s character must attempt to find the real killer and prove their innocence to everyone else on the yacht before the trail goes cold.
Available on Netflix | 45% Rotten Tomatoes
“All the Bright Places” (2020)
Violet and Theodore are teenagers who both struggle with dark and tragic pasts, and one day the two meet unexpectedly and become close friends. As the pair grows closer, they begin to open up to each other about the hardships that have shaped them as people, trusting and accepting each other despite their flaws. Through their struggles, they learn and grow from their relationship as they try to heal their own scars.
Available on Netflix | 64% Rotten Tomatoes
