Why you ought to watch Alanis Morissette documentary 'Jagged'

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

November 17, 2021 at 2:00PM
Alanis Morissette played Xcel Energy Center in 2007 with
The new documentary, “Jagged,” about Alanis Morissette debuts on Thursday. (Tom Wallace/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

'Jagged'
Alanis Morissette has slammed this new documentary about her breakthrough album, "Jagged Little Pill," calling it "reductive" and "salacious." Perhaps the angst-driven rocker failed to notice that it's also an unabashed love letter. Filmmaker Alison Klayman does include tabloid-friendly fare concerning statutory rape and an eating disorder. But she's mainly interested in examining how her subject's songwriting inspired a generation of future musicians, most notably Taylor Swift. Ultimately, the film makes a strong case that Morissette belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 7 p.m. Thursday, HBO
NEAL JUSTIN

'Tick, Tick ... Boom!'
If you're a huge — and I mean huge — fan of musical theater, "Tick" will be your jam. It's a poppy love letter to that uniquely American art form and to tireless composer Jonathan Larson, who died shortly before his "Rent" became a smash. Lin-Manuel Miranda's film version is messy and overwrought in the same way "Rent" is but Andrew Garfield is an energy machine as Larson and it's fun to spot the cast of Broadway elites (icons Bernadette Peters and Chita Rivera pop up alongside original "Hamilton" and "Rent" stars in a song that pays homage to Stephen Sondheim, played by Bradley Whitford). Netflix
CHRIS HEWITT

'Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson'
The last time the New York Times documentary unit focused on a pop star, it helped to free Britney Spears. At the very least, its latest effort should lead to a reappreciation of Janet Jackson. The film doesn't let the singer off the hook for the wardrobe malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. But it provides plenty of evidence that she was being set up for a fall by certain parties who balked at the sexual empowerment she expressed in her music. It's a reminder of how even a superstar can be the victim of sexism. 9 p.m. Friday, FX. Also on Hulu
N.J.

'In the Arena'
Tom Brady is the main protagonist in the nine-part series about his journey to becoming the GOAT. But in the first three episodes, he's kind of a bore. While the quarterback's accomplishments are awesome, it's the supporting characters like Drew Bledsoe, Rodney Harrison and Lawyer Milloy who will grab your attention. ESPN Plus
N.J.

'Procession'
A warning: This poignant documentary is a really tough watch. A handful of men, all survivors of sexual abuse by priests and other officials in the Roman Catholic Church, gather decades later to share stories and try to find comfort. The latter is the surprising part of the film: A drama therapist guides them through re-enactions of their trauma in an attempt to help them understand what happened and find a healthy way out of the events that have devastated them for most of their lives. Netflix
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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