Stuck in a rut at home? Check out these shows on HBO to get you inspired with your day.
A former basketball superstar returns to his hometown to renew his faith in life and the game; a charismatic teen is in need of guidance from his mom and an unlikely mentor; a diverse group of high school students explore life and their sexuality (which could probably inspire yours too) while each living in a conservative household; a look into the life of one of the world’s intriguing inventors (played by Ethan Hawke, if that won’t inspire you, we don’t know what will); check out each shows as they now stream on HBO Go.
- The Way Back
While one would often forget how good of an actor Ben Affleck was with 2017’s Justice League (slapsticks don’t suit him in a Bat-suit), well perhaps you’re in for a double treat as not only does he finally retain the dark, uncowering figure in a Bat-suit in Zack Snyder’s Justice League currently streaming on HBO, he also stars in this drama directed by Gavin O’Connor (The Accountant, which also stars Affleck). The Way Back tells the story of a former high school basketball superstar who is on the road to a great career in College when an unfortunate incident leaves him to go on a different road. Jack is now living a desperate life, stuck in a meaningless job, and drowning his misery in alcoholism… until he gets the call that would resurrect his life: to coach a basketball team in his former high school. Will this be enough for his road to redemption? Watch it now or watch the trailer first here:
2. Charm City Kings
Fourteen-year-old Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) desperately wants to join the Midnight Clique, an infamous group of Baltimore dirt-bike riders who rule the summertime streets. His older brother, Stro, was their top rider before his tragic death – a loss that consumes Mouse as much as his passion for bikes. Mouse’s mom and his police mentor, Detective Rivers (Will Catlett), work overtime to help the charismatic teen reach his full potential, but when the Midnight Clique’s leader, Blax (Meek Mill), takes the boy under his wing, the lure of revving his own dirt bike skids Mouse toward a road way past the straight and narrow.
That might sound as the formula for *every* coming-of-age story. But what gives, we’re reliving 2020 nowadays with the recent surge of COVID-19 positives in the country, and we can only take what we can get with what streams these days. This one might just give us a little lift. Directed by Angel Manuel Sotto, co-written by Barry Jenkins (of Moonlight). Check out the trailer below:
3. Genera+ion
Premiering on Thursday, March 11, exclusively on HBO GO, Genera+ion follows a diverse group of high school students whose exploration of modern sexuality (devices and all) tests deeply entrenched beliefs about life, love and the nature of family in their conservative community. Featuring an all ensemble cast led by Justice Smith, Chloe East, and Nava Mau. The series is created by Daniel and Zelda Barns, co-produced by Lena Dunham. Quite relevant and relatable in these days when LGBTQ+ and sexual mores are still (ugh) being prejudiced by many so-called conservatives. Check out the trailer below:
4. Tesla
What an ingenious way to showcase a biopic, where some of its characters, albeit set in period times, brings out a laptop and googles its main character. Yes, you read that right. As enigmatic as Nikola Tesla was, the man who found ways to use “electricity” will find ways to inspire you to move, to think, and to think out of the box indeed by means of Ethan Hawke’s acting prowess. Watch it now on HBO and HBO Go. Or check out the trailer here first:
All shows can be streamed via HBO Go. HBO Go is the Asian equivalent of HBO Max (and if you are able to stream HBO Max then all these titles are available there too).
