A lot of Jewish-related movies, TV series, and the Emmys

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

Editor’s Note: Persons in bold are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of this column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in, or identify with, a faith other than Judaism. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish.

This month there are an unusually large number of films and TV shows with a “Jewish connection.” There are also the Emmy awards, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15 (ABC, 8 p.m.).

Emmy nominees

This year, there is an unusually small number of Jewish nominees in all Emmy categories (acting, directing and writing). This year, I’m just covering the Jewish acting nominees: Lead actor, comedy: Larry David, 77, "Curb Your Enthusiasm;” Lead actress, comedy: Maya Rudolph, 52, “Loot.” Supporting actor, comedy: Ebon Moss Bachrach, 47, “The “Bear” and Paul Rudd, 55, “Only Murders in the Building;” Supporting actress, comedy: Hannah Einbinder, 29, “Hacks.”

Jewish-related movies

“Bettlejuice Bettlejuice” is a sequel to “Bettlejuice” (1988), a big hit fantasy/ comedy/horror flick. Michael Keaton again plays Beetlejuice. Winona Ryder, 52, who had a biggish role (“Lydia Beetz”) in the 1988 film, is a star of this sequel (opens in theaters Sept. 6).

“Wolfs” opens Sept. 20. Premise: Two pro “fixers” (George Clooney and Brad Pitt) find themselves hired for the same job dealing with dangerous and chaotic events. These "lone wolves" are forced to work together. Sarasota native Austin Abrams, 27, co-stars as the mysterious character called "Kid." Richard Kind, 57, plays his father.

“Lee” is a biopic about Lee Miller (19071977), a top fashion photographer before WWII who became a top WWII photographer and reporter. Andy Samberg, 46, has a supporting role as David E. Scherman (1915-1997), a Life magazine photographer. He frequently teamed-up on WWII photographic stories with Miller (played by Kate Winslet). She worked for other magazines (opens Sept. 13).

“Megalopolis,” which opens Sept. 27, was written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola (he’s 85!). Adam Driver stars as an idealistic architect who wants to rebuild his decaying city. His foe is the city’s corrupt mayor. Coppola’s sister, Talia Shire, has a supporting role, as does Shire’s son, Jason Schwartzman, 44 (his late father was Jewish). Also in supporting roles are ‘two more’ individuals with Jewish dads: Chloe Fineman, 36 (“SNL”) and James Remar, 70.

“His Three Daughters” will open in a few theaters on Sept. 9 (to qualify for Oscar nominations) and will begin streaming on Netflix on Sept. 20. It was written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, 51. His last three films have received mostly good reviews but didn’t “break-through” as theater hits. Critics say this film is his best.

The “Three” are estranged sisters who come together to help their dying father. They are played by Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Narasha Lyonne, 43. The Hollywood Reporter said, “The film is free of mopey melodrama that often makes the dying parent/estranged sibling screen subgenre so dire. It’s wry, vivid, and moving in unexpected ways.”

TV series

“The English Teacher” is a comedy that premieres on FX/Hulu Sept. 2 (10 p.m.). It focuses on Evan, an Austin, Texas teacher who often finds himself at the center of just about everything in his school. Jordan Firstman, 33, has a large role as Malcolm, Evan’s former boyfriend. Firstman, who is gay, “broke-through” as a well-known comedian when he posted very popular, funny skits on Instagram during the pandemic.

“The Perfect Couple” is a mystery/drama series that premieres Sept. 5 on Netflix. Premise: Anna (Eve Hewson) is about to marry into the rich Newbury family, against the wishes of Greer Newbury, the family’s matriarch (Nicole Kidman). Then, a dead body washes up on a nearby beach and “everyone” is a suspect. Live Schreiber, 56, co-stars as Tag Newbury, Greer’s husband.

“Brilliant Minds” is an NBC series which premieres on Sept. 23 (10 p.m.). It is based on several books by Dr. Oliver Sacks (1933-2015). This British neurologist deftly wrote about patients with “interesting” symptoms related to a brain injury or disease. A chapter in his first book (1985) became the basis of the hit film “Awakenings” (1989). Robin Williams played a doctor modeled on Sacks. In the NBC series, the lead character, Dr. Oliver Wolf, is based upon Sacks — Wolf was Sacks' middle name — and is played by Zachary Qunito.

“Nobody Wants This” is a 10-episode comedy series which premieres Sept. 26 on Netflix. The show publicity says: “It’s centered on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman, Joanne (Kristen Bell) and an unconventional rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody, 44).” The supporting cast (all playing Jews) include Jackie Tohn, 44 (as Esther); Paul Ben-Victor, 58 (as Ilan), and Tovah Feldshuh, 75 (as Bina).

Erin Foster, 42, the show’s creator and “top” executive said, “This show is based on the only good decision I ever made: falling for a nice Jewish boy.” She converted to Judaism before her 2019 marriage to Simon Tikhman, a businessman. The couple had a daughter this year.