A movie depicting Aretha Franklin’s journey to becoming the Queen of Soul tops the DVD releases for the week of Nov. 9.
“Respect”: Jennifer Hudson stars as the legendary singer, chosen for the part by Franklin before her death in 2018. The film also features Forest Whitaker as her father, C.L. Franklin; Marlon Wayans as her husband and manager, Ted White; and Marc Maron as producer Jerry Wexler.
“With such a talent as Hudson portraying the Queen of Soul, it’s not surprising that the best moments of ‘Respect’ are the songs,” Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh writes. “Though Hudson of course excels musically, her performance of Aretha is a bit stiff, too focused on nailing the odd voice and accent she’s chosen. It’s an unnatural performance, rendering the character a bit alien among everyone else.”
Despite the impressive cast and song catalog, Walsh writes that “unfortunately, ‘Respect’ just doesn’t capture the magic of Aretha Franklin, or even her larger-than-life personality.”
Also new on DVD
“Reminiscence”: Sci-fi noir with Hugh Jackman as a private detective who specializes in investigation via people’s memories, only to have his world turned upside down by a mysterious new client.
“Four Good Days”: Drama about drug abuse with Mila Kunis as a recovering addict who must stay clean for four days while living with her mother, played by Glenn Close.
“My Salinger Year”: A young woman working for the literary agency of J.D. Salinger in the 1990s starts penning her own responses to fan letters sent to the reclusive author. With Margaret Qualley and Sigourney Weaver.
“A Christmas Gift from Bob”: Holiday-themed sequel to the family film “A Street Cat Named Bob,” based on author James Bowen’s work.
“Ancient Aliens: Season 14”: The History series continues to explore the possibility of extraterrestrial intervention on Earth.
“Coming Home in the Dark”: A family of four are kidnapped by two drifters while on a day trip, but the seemingly random act actually relates to an incident from the father’s youth.
“Emily in Paris: Season One”: Netflix comedy series about a young woman from the Midwest who gets hired by a Paris marketing firm looking for an American perspective.
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Sixth Season”: The CW superhero show finds both the team and Sara Lance dealing with her abduction by aliens at the end of the prior season.
“Old Henry”: A farmer invites danger when he decides to help an injured man with a bag of cash who shows up on his doorstep.
“Saved By The Bell: Season One”: Reboot of the ’90s series set at Bayside High that introduces a new generation, with original cast members Elizabeth Berkley and Mario Lopez.
“Tina”: HBO documentary film about the extraordinary life and career of singer Tina Turner.
