On February 23rd Disney+ will be adding Star to its line up – effectively it is a channel allowing the company to share content it has the rights to but might need an age gate or separation from Disney in some way. It’s a very smart way to do it, and will effectively double the amount of content on Disney+.
This page has a full list of everything coming to the service (about halfway down – ‘Show me the full list’). It’s a lot. And there are some big hitters on there, so I’m sure you’ll find something of interest. I wanted to highlight films that stood out to me, particularly those less well known films, or those I’m excited to get to watch.
9 to 5
Starting off with a classic that you’ve probably seen, but I can recommend watching again. Powerhouse performances from the three leads, a bizarre 70’s plot, and a great soundtrack. You can do worse than letting 9 to 5 entertain you for a couple of hours.
Belle
The history isn’t perfect in this, but the performances and drama definitely are. Based on a true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the daughter of a naval officer and Maria Belle, a slave in the British West Indies. Her father took her to England where she was raised as a gentlewoman in the late 1700s. This film has the Georgian graces and setting that are still so popular, but includes a welcome take on the slave trade to hold the humanitarian view against the economic morays.
Dead Presidents
I haven’t seen Dead Presidents, but it is one I have always heard positive things about. Whether it will hold up and still be as intense as I’ve heard, I hope it demonstrates that there will be a range of stories coming to Star.
Die Hard With A Vengeance
At this stage I would imagine most people have seen the first Die Hard. I would offer up this film as the best in the franchise. Whilst Jeremy Irons isn’t quite as good as Alan Rickman in that first movie, he does give it a good attempt. Samuel L Jackson brings more quality in a side kick role, which in some ways these films have needed. And Bruce Willis is probably at his best here, not attempting comedy as much as before, and finally having someone else to play off most of the time.
Enough Said
Having never watched Seinfeld I feel like I’m missing the thing that everyone loves Julia Louis-Dreyfus for, but this film does also have Toni Collette, who I adore. So I’ve got high hopes for what seems like a very personal film but with a fun setup.
Grosse Pointe Blank
If you want to hear us talk about this at length you can check out episode 26 of Pop Culturally Deprived. I hope that over the years I’ve talked this film up enough that everyone’s now seen it, but if you haven’t then you’re in for a treat. There are not many better films with which to start off your Star watching experience!
High Fidelity
Two John Cusack films in a row, but that’s only because of alphabetisation I assure you. Probably less universally appealing, I’ve not watched this in a number of years, but for me this is a great adaptation of a great book. Some sterling performances from pretty much everyone, John Cusack especially at his best as the not-quite-lovable protagonist trying to make sense of his romantic life.
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Another that I haven’t seen, but my Marvellous cohost Abbi has mentioned this on more than one occasion as one of the great Elizabeth Olsen appearances. So if you’re enjoying her in WandaVision and want to see what more she’s done, I think this is going to be a winner.
Night Watch
Both Night Watch (Nochnoi Dozor) and its sequel Day Watch are going to be available on Star. Another book adaptation done very very well, this is a smart, good-looking, and exciting Russian urban fantasy movie. It owes a lot to the Matrix for its stylised imagery, but it goes deep into fantasy and an eternal struggle of the light against the dark. One of my favourites, and perfect Saturday night viewing.
The Secret Life of Bees
Another adaptation, but one I’m excited to see. You probably watched The Old Guard, which was also directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and have added to your list her romantic drama Beyond The Lights. Well in lieu of that I’ve got high expectations for this director with this cast.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
There are a few good dark dramas on the list, although only one or two from the Coen Brothers. This is very much in the same style. It doesn’t let up, even at the end, and it doesn’t shy away from the darkness. But it is gripping and filled with believable characters showing a range of humanity. Maybe this is a Sunday evening watch?
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet
My other Marvellous cohost Laura has been saying I need to see this for what seems like forever. Apparently it’s central to the experience of being a teen-girl in the 90’s. Which I wasn’t, but if you like Baz Luhrmann then this will likely be a very exciting inclusion on the line up.
Working Girl
I started this list with a classic film about women in business featuring three sensational performances by great actors. Let’s finish in the same way. A very different movie, but Working Girl is just as fun and entertaining as 9 To 5, so if you’re looking for a good double bill this is the place to start.
Also it’s the third Joan Cusack movie on this list and that is not a mistake or surprise. If she’s in the film you’ll probably enjoy it.
Make sure you share here or on Twitter what you’re watching on Star. Are there films you’re now incredibly excited for and want to insist I add to my watch list and check out very soon?