This Week in Streaming (July 16th)

Jerod Ra'Del Hollyfield -

Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix) Republican Vice Presidential nominees typically don’t go into the job with a Hollywood biopic in hand, but we are pretty sure Ron Howard regrets directing this adaptation of JD Vance’s runaway hit 2016 memoir. While it’s not close to the lifelong Dem’s best, Glenn Close turns in a worthy performance as Mamaw that more than justifies a viewing.

Tanner ‘88 (Prime) Party convention season is the ideal time to revisit film legend Robert Altman and Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau’s reality TV-comedy hybrid that finds fictional presidential candidate, Jack Tanner (Michael Murphy), on the campaign trail. As Tanner clashes with his campaign manager (brilliantly played by Pamela Reed)  and rubs elbows with real-life politicos from Gary Hart and Ralph Nader to Bob Dole and Chris Matthews, viewers can take heart that the political machine has always been spearheaded by deeply unserious people.

Arcadian (AMC+/Shudder) Those wanting a second helping of Nicholas Cage after his gonzo turn in Longlegs need look no further than this postapocalyptic pastoral that came and went from theaters without fanfare earlier this year. Cage plays the reserved father of two preteen boys who are hoping for adventure between the magic hours when they are free to roam the backwoods without the threat of mysterious creatures. It’s a heartfelt ode to family wrapped in a moody package that shows the true reach of Cage’s talents.