SCREEN TIME
NEW RELEASES BY JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND DENZEL WASHINGTON AMONG BEST OF THE WEEK
Here’s a collection curated by Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of the best of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services this week.
‘Palmer’
Aside from “Trolls” and Woody Allen’s “Wonder Wheel,” Justin Timberlake hasn’t been acting much since a string of good early ‘10s performances including “Social Network” and “Inside Llewyn Davis.” In Fisher Stevens’ “Palmer,” Timberlake takes a rare leading role in a predictable but tender redemption drama. In the film, debuting Friday on Apple TV+, a bearded Timberlake plays an ex-convict and former college football star who returns home from prison and strikes up a friendship with a boy (Ryder Allen) being looked after by his grandmother (June Squibb).
‘The Dig’
An intimate melodrama set in England just before the outbreak of World War II, “The
Dig” is the kind of well-crafted, well-acted period drama not unearthed so often. Simon Stone’s adaptation of John Preston’s novel, which begins streaming Friday on Netflix, stars Carey Mulligan as a British landowner and widow
who brings in a local excavator for a provincial museum (Ralph Fiennes) to investigate what will prove to be a landmark archeological find. In her review, Associated Press Lindsey Bahr called “The Dig” “a truly beautiful piece, contemplative and melancholy, with a lovely score by Stefan Gregory and enveloping scenery shot by Mike Eley.”
‘The Little Things’
The first in Warner Bros.’ planned year-long rollout of films opening on both HBO Max and in theaters is the starry neo-noir thriller “The Little Things.” Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto star in John Lee Hancock’s ’90s-set crime drama, with Washington and Malek playing police investigators of a Los Angeles serial killer. It debuts Friday.
‘Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel’
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” returns 10 p.m. Tuesday for season No. 27 with a sidekick: “The Real Sports Podcast,” which expands on stories featured on the HBO series with further interviews and behind-the-scenes details. Among the segments featured on the debut episode of Gumbel’s show: how Minneapolis police officers helped build
a high school sports powerhouse and student trust, and profiles of athletes struggling with “long-haul” COVID-19 symptoms. The accompanying podcast’s first episode is out this week.
‘Resident Alien’
If a wacky sci-fi series sounds appealing, check out “Resident Alien.” Alan Tudyk plays Harry, masquerading as a small-town doctor — and a human — after crash-landing on Earth. He’s pulled into helping solve a murder and relationships with his new neighbors, complicating
his assignment to wipe out the planet’s population. Tudyk (“Firefly,” “American Dad!”) fully embraces the silly, along with castmates including Sara Tomko (“Once Upon a Time”) and Corey Reynolds (“The Closer”). Based on the comic book series of the same name, “Resident Alien” debuts 10 p.m. EST Wednesday on SyFy.
‘Forgotten Genius’
“Forgotten Genius” pays tribute to Percy Julian, an African American chemist whose achievements and success came despite the roadblocks
of racism. The 2007 documentary, which is being rebroadcast Wednesday on PBS’ science series “Nova” (check local listings for time), recounts his pioneering research that helped lead to the mass production of cortisone and birth control pills. Ruben Santiago-Hudson (“Billions”) portrays Julian, who became a wealthy businessman and advocate for civil rights. The documentary streams free through February on PBS.org.
Saturday ART
“Blackboard Veve Painting” Opening Reception: Local artist Femi J. Johnson show features a series of paintings, some on old blackboards, done during COVID 2020 on display through March 21. 1-6 p.m. ARTHAUS gallery, 645 Hamilton St., Allentown. Free. 610-841-4866.
KIDS & FAMILY
Fore! The Planet: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See Thurs.
Castle Inn: Tour the resort built by Dimmick Daniel Drake in 1906. 2 p.m. Through May 30. Castle Inn, 20 Delaware Ave, Delaware Water Gap. $8; $7, seniors; $5, ages 12-17; free, 11 and under. 570-730-0547, tourthecastle.com.
Holiday Train Display: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See Fri.