Judy Garland: the legend behind the rainbow.

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Fin Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon, Richard Cordery, Royce Pierreson, Darci Shaw, Andy Nyman, Daniel Cerqueira, Bella Ramsey, Lewin Lloyd

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"They hound people in this world. Anybody who's different. They can't stand it. Well, to hell with them." – Judy

Why watch this? Judy Garland's storied life was full of beauty, wonder and ultimately, tragedy.

Plot Summary: This biopic follows the legendary performer Judy Garland as she arrives in London in the winter of 1968 for a sold-out series of concerts at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she battles with her management, reminiscences with friends and fans, and begins a whirlwind romance with Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.

Dad's Preview: As I watched this biopic on Judy's tumultuous life, I had two primary thoughts. First, Renée Zellweger is one hell of an actress. She skillfully portrayed Judy as initially fragile, then self-destructive, and finally courageous - all while singing some incredible classic songs. The Oscar was well-earned. Second, Judy Garland was the poster-child for the abuse actors, mostly female, endured during Hollywood's golden years. At the misogynistic claws of powerful studio heads, these stars were beaten down, boxed and packaged into molds that the studios demanded. MGM. RKO. Warner. Paramount. They all made millions. In their wake were many wrecked individuals and dysfunctional families. That's why she took her own life by barbiturate overdose at age 47. Such a shame for dear Dorothy, a heroine to so many young women.

Pathé, BBC Films, Ingenious Media, Calamity Films; 20th Century Fox