Top 3 Movies on Prime Video This Weekend

If you’re looking to unwind after your first full week of work following the holidays, there’s a wealth of content available on Prime Video this weekend. The streaming platform’s extensive library features an iconic performance from the late Gene Hackman, a standout coming-of-age film from recent years, and one of the most memorable romantic comedies of the 2010s.

Here are three exceptional movies that are perfect for your weekend binge.

"The Big Sick"

"The Big Sick" stars Kumail Nanjiani as himself—or at least a fictionalized version of him. Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon co-wrote the film, which is based on their own relationship and the challenges they faced. Directed by Michael Showalter, the movie follows Kumail as a struggling comedian who begins dating a cheerful heckler named Emily (played by Zoe Kazan) from one of his sets.

What Emily doesn’t know is that Kumail’s parents have arranged for him to marry a Pakistani woman. After Emily discovers this, the two break up—just before she falls ill and is placed in an induced coma.

The majority of the film focuses on Kumail’s growing relationship with Emily’s parents, played by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano, during her coma. The chemistry between the characters is remarkable, and both Nanjiani and Kazan deliver outstanding performances. The writing is sharp, and the film overall is a delightful and heartwarming choice for a weekend watch.

"Hoosiers"

Written by Angelo Pizzo and directed by David Anspaugh, "Hoosiers" is inspired by a true story and follows Gene Hackman as a new high school basketball coach in a rural Indiana town. The film is a classic in the sports genre, with Hackman delivering an unforgettable performance as Norman Dale, a coach who belongs in the fictional coach hall of fame. Dennis Hopper also shines as Shooter, an alcoholic father of one of Norman’s players who becomes his assistant coach.

Every performance in "Hoosiers" is compelling, and Pizzo’s script brings a range of complex and believable characters into the traditional Cinderella story. The film is patient, thrilling, and deserves its place among the greatest sports movies of all time. Hackman’s portrayal of Norman Dale is nothing short of legendary.

"My Old Ass"

I approached Megan Park’s latest film, "My Old Ass," with very little knowledge of the plot beyond Aubrey Plaza’s starring role. If you’ve made it this far without learning the story, I encourage you to do the same.

I like to think that every year brings at least one high-quality coming-of-age film that leaves a lasting impression, and "My Old Ass" was exactly that for 2024. Maisy Stella delivers a remarkable performance, balancing the film’s humor and emotional depth with ease. Percy Hynes White also gives a delightful performance, and Plaza delivers a standout moment in her final scene.

Park’s direction left me utterly charmed, and I’m eager to see what she does next. "My Old Ass" is a thoughtful and engaging film that offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre.