Selma Blair gives the performance of her life in new documentary

Critics' guide on what to watch (and avoid) on TV this weekend

October 20, 2021 at 1:00PM
Actor Selma Blair
Selma Blair gives an intimate look at her life in the documentary, “Introducing, Selma Blair,” as she struggles through the debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

'Introducing, Selma Blair'
Anyone who has watched "Legally Blonde," already knows that Blair has a gift for comedy. But you may not be prepared to see her crack jokes as she battles multiple sclerosis in this very personal documentary. There are plenty of tears as the actor gamely allows director Rachel Fleit to record the most painful moments of her treatment. That she still finds the strength to ham it up for the cameras will leave you stunned and inspired. Discovery Plus
NEAL JUSTIN

'The Next Thing You Eat'
Those of us not lucky enough to eat at David Chang's restaurants on a regular basis can at least appreciate his skills as a TV personality. His salty tongue and sweet disposition come in handy as he explores the future of food, from nonmeat burgers to healthier breakfast fare. Hulu
N.J.

'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It'
If it's "scary" you're looking for, the latest in the franchise about ghost researchers, played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, may not be the ticket. Oh, there's a demon and an exorcism but "Devil" just isn't very frightening. What's best about the movie is that it explores the motives of the main characters, a devout couple who believe in what they do and who keep turning up whenever slimy monsters intrude on the lives of nice people. That's not because they're into the occult, but because they are devoted to each other and the people they try to help. DirecTV, Amazon, iTunes
CHRIS HEWITT

'Sex, Love & Goop'
Let's hope that sometime in the not too distant future, Gwyneth Paltrow will stop trying to replace Martha Stewart and get back to making movies. Until that happens, we'll have to endure series like this one, in which the actor tries to spice up couples' love lives with the help of advisers who suck all the fun out of sex education. "Sex, Unzipped," another Netflix offering that starts streaming Tuesday, is also a bore, but at least that special has puppets. Netflix
N.J.

'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain'
The 19th-century painter has virtually no profile today but this sweetly unconventional biopic should change that. Wain's specialty was portraits of dogs and cats and his detailed, personality-filled paintings of the latter are credited with helping turn them into beloved members of Victorian households (rather than just creatures that helped with mouse problems). Benedict Cumberbatch's tender portrait of the shy, possibly neuro-atypical title character is matched by Claire Foy's work as his visionary wife, Emily, in one of those quietly romantic dramas that Brits specialize in. Amazon
C.H.

about the writers

about the writers

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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Chris Hewitt

Critic / Editor

Interim books editor Chris Hewitt previously worked at the Pioneer Press in St. Paul, where he wrote about movies and theater.

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