While summer typically brings blockbuster superhero movies, some might prefer a different kind of entertainment. If you’re looking for captivating stories that delve beyond spandex and fighting, HBO Max has a treasure trove of underrated films waiting to be discovered. Here are three picks guaranteed to keep you entertained all weekend long:
Game Change (2012)
This weekend, Kamala Harris will make a crucial decision in choosing her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. The drama surrounding the selection process reminds us of the tumultuous 2008 campaign when John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. ‘Game Change’, directed by Jay Roach, offers a comedic yet insightful adaptation of the bestselling nonfiction book about this pivotal moment. Ed Harris portrays McCain as a reasonable man struggling to win a race he thought was his. He selects Palin to revitalize his campaign, and for a short time, it seems to work. However, as Palin, brilliantly played by Julianne Moore, stumbles in several high-profile interviews, McCain and his advisors face the daunting task of salvaging their presidential bid. ‘Game Change’ is both entertaining and thought-provoking, managing the impossible feat of making viewers sympathize with Palin. The film is available to stream on Max.
Wonderland (2003)
‘Wonderland’ centers around another famous John, though for entirely different reasons. James Cox’s 2003 film stars Val Kilmer as John Holmes, a real-life porn star who reached the pinnacle of his career by 1981, only to find himself facing its nadir. At this point in his life, Holmes, known for his, shall we say, talents, was heavily addicted to drugs, estranged from his wife, and entangled with shady characters. On July 1, 1981, four people were murdered in a Laurel Canyon house, and the film explores Holmes’ potential involvement in the murders. Was he an accomplice? Or an innocent bystander? ‘Wonderland’ examines these possibilities with Cox’s assured direction and compelling performances from Kilmer, Kate Bosworth, Dylan McDermott, Lisa Kudrow, Josh Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Tim Blake Nelson, and even Paris Hilton. While not quite ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘Wonderland’ is a captivating true crime movie worth checking out. It’s also available for streaming on Max.
Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed (2023)
For many years, Rock Hudson was a punchline. His name and image conjured up an era, the 1950s, viewed as square and boring, epitomizing an American male ideal that was no longer fashionable. However, after his tragic death from AIDS in 1985, he became the unwilling spokesperson for the Hollywood closet, exposing the devastating impact of the then-mysterious epidemic on even the rich and famous. The documentary ‘Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed’ aims to reclaim the star’s identity, showcasing him first as a gay man who strategically navigated his career while enjoying his private life. It also reveals him as an actor capable of displaying depth and talent, often obscured by his manufactured persona. Using never-before-seen home videos and testimonials from his friends and co-stars, the documentary paints a fascinating and intimate portrait of a complex man who carefully crafted a simple, desirable image that both captivated and mocked. Be warned; after watching this film, you’ll likely feel compelled to revisit some of Hudson’s movies like ‘Seconds’ and ‘Pillow Talk’. ‘Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed’ is available for streaming on Max.
