Holy cow, this week is absolutely packed with new releases to enjoy for Labor Day weekend (or whenever you feel like checking something out)! There are loads of offerings in numerous genres. As always, please click on any links to read detailed reviews. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
7 Minutes – What appears to be a quick, 7 minute heist goes horribly awry in this independent thriller. Not that the perpetrators are criminal masterminds; they’re three teen buddies forced into the job by a psychopathic drug lord. Reviews were weak for this effort. While some appreciated the visual style and editing tricks on display, most found the story cliched and the characters too dim-witted to get behind. Now viewers can make up their own minds. Levin Rambin, Jason Ritter, Luke Mitchell, Zane Holtz and Kris Kristofferson take on the lead roles.
Army of Frankensteins – This low-budget horror comedy features a young man who encounters a mad scientist. After a series of experiments, portals to parallel universes are opened releasing several monsters that go on a rampage during the Civil War. Why not, I suppose? There aren’t any reviews online for the title, but it has played at a few underground film festivals. Notices from screenings haven’t been very strong, but viewer enjoyment may depend on how cheesy you like your B-movie horror.
Backcountry – Here’s another little scare flick if the last title didn’t appeal to you. In this “nature gone wild” tale, a couple camping in a remote area of a wilderness park get lost. Soon after, they are threatened by not only a strange loner, but also a determined and hungry black bear. The press were actually quite complimentary to this terror film. They called it well acted and atmospheric; a gritty and simple little effort that is remarkably tense and depicts how quickly things can go south when we’re alone in the elements. It stars Missy Peregrym, Eric Balfour, Jeff Roop and Nicholas Campbell.
Bessie – This HBO Cable movie received a lot of positive word earlier this year. It is a biopic of 20s and 30s blues performer Bessie Smith and follows the personal struggles throughout her tumultuous life. The Emmy-nominated effort garnered raves from critics, who praised Queen Latifa’s performance as the best of her career. Sounds like the picture is likely to win some big awards in a few weeks. The supporting cast includes Michael Kenneth Williams, Bryan Greenberg, Mike Epps, Oliver Platt, Mo’Nique and Charles S. Dutton.
Boulevard – In this drama, the late Robin Williams plays an unhappily married family man whose life takes a dramatic turn after an encounter with a male prostitute. Most reviewers were very impressed with the actor’s subtle and emotional work in the film. However, half were significantly less taken with the filmmaking skills in display. They felt that the pacing was much too slow and that the story ultimately became predictable. Bob Odenkirk, Kathy Baker and Roberto Aguire are also featured.
Broken Horses – Gosh, it seems nearly impossible to not get oneself on the bad side of a nasty drug kingpin these days. This thriller with Western overtones follows one such man who attempts to pull his troubled cartel henchman brother away from his violent, law-breaking employers. The hero’s plan (which sounds overly complicated) involves infiltrating the organization. The press panned this effort. They called its intentions noble, but the execution rudimentary and at times unbelievable. Anton Yelchin, Chris Marquette, Vincent D’Onofrio, Maria Valverde, Thomas Jane and Sean Patrick Flanery headline the film.
The Curse of Downers Grove – Bret Easton Ellis (novelist of Less Than Zero and American Psycho) is credited as screenwriter on this independent chiller. The story follows a group of seniors at a high school with an alarmingly high death rate. In fact, they blame the annual student death on a terrible curse. With graduation coming, the teens begin to experience paranoia. Reviewers didn’t care for flick. While a few felt it was aiming a little higher than typical scare fare, many felt that silly soap-opera dramatics took over the film and so it never became scary. It stars Bella Heathcote, Helen Slater, Kevin Zegers, Lucas Till and Tom Arnold.
Dark Was the Night – Here’s another indie horror effort – this time it’s about a small logging town under the threat of a mysterious force situated within the nearby woods. Reportedly, the film’s approach emphasizes mood and atmosphere over typical scare movie tactics. However, critics didn’t find it entirely successful. While some found the character work and different tone interesting, others found it dull overall and ultimately lacking in frights. The cast includes Kevin Durand, Lucas Haas, Bianca Kajlich, Steve Agee and Nick Damici.
The D Train – A high school reunion gets really awkward in this comedy about an event organizer who becomes obsessed with finding the school’s most popular student and convincing him to attend using any means necessary. Notices were remarkably mixed for this comedy. A lot of writers admired the plot twist and appreciated the work of the two leads, but there were different trains of thought as to how well it held together. Some found it daring, others just didn’t think it was funny or emotionally involving enough. It stars Jack Black, James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn and Jeffrey Tambor. To read a full length review, click here.
Five Star – In this drama, a Brooklyn gang member is tasked with taking a new recruit under his tutelage. The younger man isn’t sure if he wants to join and the two end up discussing whether this position is the right career move. The movie features an actual gang leader in one of the central roles. It garnered solid notices from the press. While a few didn’t feel like it really delved deeply enough into its characters, many thought it was an interesting take on a well worn subject. The principal roles are played by James “Primo” Grant and John Diaz.
Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me – The farewell tour of famed country singer Campbell (perhaps most famous for “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Southern Nights”) is chronicled in this critically acclaimed documentary. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the musician takes the opportunity to share memories and express himself while he’s still able. The movie is also chock full of live footage. All reviewers have stated that it is a moving and intimate portrait that details the effects of his illness and how he copes with losing his memory. The documentary also features the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Blake Shelton and numerous family members.
Good Kill – Despite a title suggesting something akin to a Steven Seagal action picture, this drama from director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca) involves an Air Force drone pilot, fighting missions from within a control booth on the other side of the world. The film deals with the psychological toll of his work and the strain it etches on family relationships. The movie garnered a majority of positive write-ups, with many calling it an engaging and at times chilling character piece. Sounds like one worth checking out. It stars Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Zoe Kravitz and Bruce Greenwood.
The Harvest – This terror feature has a very strong cast that includes Samantha Morton, Michael Shannon and Peter Fonda. Directed by John McNaughton (Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer), the plot follows an orphaned girl who moves in with her grandmother and befriends a small boy at a nearby house. She soon learns a very dark secret about the boy’s parents that threatens her life. While some found the storytelling a bit more low-key than anticipated, critics generally found it all to be a creepy psychological thriller with a standout performance from Morton. Heck, I’m curious about this one and will definitely be checking it out.
I’ll See You in My Dreams – A widow in her early 70s decides to break her routine and start living life to the fullest in this comedy/drama. These actions in include befriending the young maintenance man working on her pool, revitalizing her relationship with her daughter, and potentially beginning a new romance. Reviews for this effort were very positive, suggesting that the fun lead actress Blythe Danner was having on camera soon becomes infectious offscreen. She appears to have plenty of help from the likes of Martin Starr, Sam Elliott, June Squibb, Rhea Perlman and Mary Kay Place.
Mad Max: Fury Road – One of the best reviewed movies of the year was this post-apocalyptic sequel that continues the adventures of the title character, as well as introducing a dynamic new co-star. As the film begins, the protagonist finds himself the captive of a wasteland emperor. However, when one of his soldiers chooses to escape with the emperor’s harem in tow, Max ends up assisting the group (and regains some semblance of his humanity in the process). Critics called the movie a phenomenally tense and thrilling two-hour chase with groundbreaking stunt-work. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult star. Read a full review here, and if you still don’t believe us, read the piece here too.
The Surface – A small plane crashes into a boating vessel in the middle of Lake Michigan. Lost at sea, the two parties must work together to reach help and survive. Reviewers claimed that the actors were quite strong in this independent thriller. Unfortunately, several felt that despite the likable cast, the material may have been stretched a bit thin as a feature length project. The cast includes Sean Astin, Chris Mulkey and Mimi Rogers.
Paranormal Island – In this low-budget indie horror effort, three college students get a job bartending on an island resort, but run into trouble when they realize that it may be haunted… Yep, it’s a haunted bar movie. There aren’t any reviews available for this one, but you may want a stiff drink beforehand. It features Lance Henriksen and Briana Evigan.
Blasts From the Past!
Like classic monster movies? Well, Universal is releasing an Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters Collection on DVD. It’s a price-friendly set featuring four creature features with the comics dating from 1948 to 1955. They include Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man, Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and finally, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy). Set features a behind the scenes documentary as well as commentaries (presumably from a noted film historian) on two of the films.
Warner Bros. have some curious releases coming on DVD from their Warner Archive line. First, there’s the documentary Directed by John Ford (1971), in which Peter Bogdanovich chronicles the famous western filmmaker, including archival interviews with numerous Hollywood stars.
Lady, Let’s Dance! (1944) is a big ice-skating musical that has fallen by the wayside since its release, but it is very well regarded. In fact, the lead roles were played by several professional and Olympic ice-dancers. And the film itself was nominated for two Oscars.
On a different tact, you can now own the gritty Dustin Hoffman/Theresa Russell drama Straight Time (1978), about ex-con tormented by a nasty parole officer. Additionally, there’s Wide Sargasso Sea (1993) an Australian production that serves as a prequel to the Charlotte Bronte classic Jane Eyre. It’s about a nobleman who moves to Jamaica and falls for a Creole woman, only to learn that she is slowly losing her mind.
Finally, Warner Archive also put out a couple of noteworthy Blu-rays. The Hunger (1983) is a stylish vampire tale from director Tony Scott (Top Gun, True Romance), starring David Bowie, Susan Sarandon and Catherine Deneuve. Finally, The World According to Garp (1982) is a quirky comedy/drama starring Robin Williams as the title character. The film follows the title writer from his birth and through the trails and tribulations of his entire lifespan (many of which involve his mother). I remember liking it back in the day. It was also nominated for two Academy Awards.
You Know, For Kids!
Here’s what kids will be able to enjoy!
Alpha and Omega: The Legend of the Saw Tooth Cave
Curious George: Season 8
LEGO Legends of Chima: Legend of the Fire Chi: Season 2, Vol. 2
Paw Patrol: Meet Everest!
Scooby-Doo Double Feature: Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King & Scooby-Doo: Abracadabra-Doo
Star Wars Rebels: The Complete Season 1
On the Tube!
With the new TV season approaching, there’s a definite increase in releases that should stay pretty constant for the next couple of months. The latest incarnation of Hawaii Five-O has a new season out. As good as it might be, I can’t help but be reminded of the original Jack Lord series (1968-1980). So at the end of the list, you’ll find the opening credits to that series.
Speaking of older programming, the long out-of-print first box-set of Mystery Science Theater 3000 is being reissued. And since this is a Warner Archive heavy week, it should also be noted that the third and final season of Spenser: For Hire (1985-1988) is arriving. Included below is the very 80s intro to the show, featuring a blaring saxophone and a heavy helping of cheese (from every single grinning cast member). Enjoy!
Bessie (HBO)
Black Jesus: Season 1
Castle: Season 7
Chicago Fire: Season 3
Chicago P.D.: Season 2
The Cosby Show: The Complete Series
Cracked: Vol.2 (BBC)
Curious George: Season 8
Hawaii Five-O: Season 5
The League: Season 6
LEGO Legends of Chima: Legend of the Fire Chi: Season 2, Vol. 2
Madame Secretary: Season 1
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. 1 (Catalina Caper, The Creeping Terror, Bloodlust, The Skydivers)
Nashville: Season 3
New Girl: The Complete 4th Season
The Originals: Season 2
Scorpion: Season 1
Spenser: For Hire: The Complete 3rd Season (Warner Archive)
Texas Rising (History Network miniseries)
The Vampire Diaries: Season 6