3 New Movies on Hulu I’m Enjoying This Weekend (November 14-16)

Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of the world? Hulu might just be the perfect escape for you.

This service offers a plethora of escapist content, available at your fingertips, all for a reasonable subscription cost.

At Watch With Us, we’re enthusiastic about Hulu, so we’ve put together a short list of three new films available for streaming this weekend.

You won’t regret diving into The Jane Austen Book Club, It Could Happen to You, or The Personal History of David Copperfield. In fact, watching all three could be the perfect antidote to your worries.

‘The Jane Austen Book Club’ (2007)

William Shakespeare may be the most renowned English author, but Jane Austen is undeniably the most cherished. The writer of Emma and Pride and Prejudice has captivated readers since the early 19th century, which makes it fitting that the 2007 film The Jane Austen Book Club centers around a group that discusses the works of a woman who penned only six novels and passed away nearly 200 years ago.

Like Austen’s heroines, the film’s protagonists are all on a quest for love, even if they’re reluctant to admit it. Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) is trapped in an unfulfilling marriage, Jocelyn (Maria Bello) has just exited one and is oblivious to the affections of fellow member Grigg (Hugh Dancy). Meanwhile, Prudie (Emily Blunt) is enamored with her husband but is increasingly drawn to a student in his art class. As the club delves into one Austen book after another, each member channels the courage of Austen’s bold heroines and dares to embrace love once more.

The Jane Austen Book Club shines with a fantastic ensemble of seasoned actresses and emerging stars. Bello, still in her prime here, portrays a woman hesitant to embrace romance again, while Blunt delivers a solid performance, even if somewhat miscast, as a timid woman tempted by the allure of Tery (Kevin Zegers). This film is a perfectly executed chick-lit story that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

The Jane Austen Book Club is available for streaming on Hulu.

‘It Could Happen to You’ (1994)

What would you do if you won the lottery? This common question finds a charming twist in the 1994 film. When compassionate NYPD officer Charlie (Nicolas Cage) lacks cash to tip struggling waitress Yvonne (Bridget Fonda) at his favorite diner, he makes a bet: he’ll return the next day with double the tip, or he’ll share his lottery winnings. It’s no secret that Charlie wins $4 million and divides it with Yvonne, drawing media attention and ire from his avaricious wife, Muriel (Rosie Perez). Complications arise as Charlie and Yvonne’s feelings for each other grow.

It Could Happen to You is a refreshingly old-fashioned romance, highlighting working-class individuals who stay true to their word. Despite hitting the jackpot, Charlie and Yvonne do not forget their roots, which deepens their connection. Cage channels his inner Jimmy Stewart, while Fonda demonstrates the charisma that should have made her a household name. However, it’s Perez’s fiery presence that truly captures the attention in each scene she graces, making it tough to dislike her character.

It Could Happen to You is available for streaming on Hulu.

‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ (2020)

Is there really a need for another Charles Dickens adaptation? Many might say no, but I wholeheartedly disagree! One of the finest adaptations is The Personal History of David Copperfield, a lively and humorous take on the author’s acclaimed 1850 novel, David Copperfield.

Dev Patel stars as the protagonist, a resourceful young man from humble beginnings who gradually ascends through London’s societal ranks. After facing various challenges during his youth, including a harrowing experience in a factory—one of Dickens’ signature themes—David grows into a lawyer-in-training. Yet, his past threatens to catch up with him, putting his current happiness, and a potential future with the lovely Dora (Morfydd Clark), at risk.

What differentiates The Personal History of David Copperfield from other adaptations is its refusal to adopt a stuffy or overly “respectful” approach. While it remains relatively faithful to Dickens’ original narrative, the film injects a vivacity that makes it incredibly accessible. This can be attributed to the talented cowriter and director Armando Iannucci, whose knack for wordplay—showcased in The Thick of It and Veep—adds sparkle to Dickens’ Victorian tale. Among the stellar cast, Patel shines as a Dickensian hero who is as relatable as he is admirable, facing numerous hurdles along the way.

The Personal History of David Copperfield is available for streaming on Hulu.