I’m a huge fan of HBO and much of its original programming. In addition to the network’s terrific series that I frequently watch, I also watch as many of its miniseries and original movies—most of the newest offerings are sitting on my DVR. Here’s what I have to look forward to …

Parade’s End

While most of the US is discovering Benedict Cumberbatch for the first time thanks to his role in Star Trek into Darkness, I’ve long been a fan and am excited to see him opposite Rebecca Hall (another of my favorites) in this five-part miniseries.

Logline (courtesy of IMDb): Revolves around a love triangle between a conservative English aristocrat, his mean socialite wife, and a young suffragette.

Director: Susanna White
Screenwriter: Tom Stoppard
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall, Adelaide Clemens
Runtime: ~ 300 min.

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Phil Spector

Al Pacino and Helen Mirren are primed for Emmy consideration for their roles. I’m a bit of an awards whore, so I definitely need to see this.

Logline (courtesy of IMDb): A drama centered on the relationship between Phil Spector and defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden while the music business legend was on trial for the murder of Lana Clarkson.

Director: David Mamet
Screenwriter: David Mamet
Cast: Al Pacino, Helen Mirren, Jeffrey Tambor, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Runtime: 92 min.

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Mary and Martha

I didn’t see any promotion for this film prior to its first airing, so it flew completely under my radar. It’s an HBO film, and that’s good enough for me.

Logline (courtesy of Wikipedia): The film tells the story of two very different women, Mary and Martha, who both lose their sons to malaria.

Director: Phillip Noyce
Screenwriter: Richard Curtis
Cast: Hilary Swank, Brenda Blethyn, Sam Claflin, Frank Grillo, James Woods
Runtime: 90 min.

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Behind the Candelabra

As a general rule, I’m not a fan of Steven Soderbergh’s, but he’s called this his last movie (I somehow doubt that). This film received much buzz prior to its recent screening at Cannes, so I admit I’m curious. I also expect it to receive some Emmy love.

Logline (courtesy of IMDb): Based on the autobiographical novel, the tempestuous 6-year relationship between Liberace and his (much younger) lover, Scott Thorson, is recounted.

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Screenwriter: Richard LaGravenese
Cast: Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Dan Aykroyd, Paul Reiser, Cheyenne Jackson, Debbie Reynolds, Rob Lowe
Runtime: 118 min.