Wow, this week is packed with all sorts of flicks, running the gamut from independent, to Hollywood, to low-budget horror (Halloween is coming, after all). As always, click on any links to read full-length reviews to get more information. 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!
Air – In this indie thriller, two average Joes work in a sealed off building, taking care of humans in suspended animation. The air outside has turned toxic, meaning the men must take care of their cargo until the world is once again habitable. However, job stress and frustration at their cramped and miserable situation begins to threaten their sanity. Reviews weren’t were good for this effort, writing that the script wasn’t strong enough for the cast members and veered off on tangents and wild outbursts. The cast includes Djimon Hounsou and Norman Reedus.
Burying the Ex – A young man must contend with a possessive and controlling ex-girlfriend who has risen from the grave in this indie comedy-horror flick from director Joe Dante (Gremlins). It also puts a damper on the lead’s burgeoning relationship with his dream girl. A few critics called it an amusing bit of fun, but most weren’t as forgiving, suggesting the material was well below the talents of the director and cast. Now viewers can make up their own minds. It stars Anton Yelchin, Ashley Greene, Alexandra Daddario, Mary Woronov and, of course, Dick Miller.
Dead Rising: Watchtower – Initially debuting on the Sony Crackle streaming service, this zombie feature and video game adaptation tells the story of a undead invasion and the attempts by survivors to find a cure for the outbreak. There haven’t been many notices posted, but the ones that have popped up suggest it’s a good-looking, but overly familiar tale that adds nothing new to the subgenre. At least it features a lot of well known faces, including Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory, Virginia Madsen, Rob Riggle and Dennis Haysbert.
Final Girl – This independent thriller involves four creeps who decide to kidnap a young woman and hunt her for sport in the backwoods. Little do they know that their victim is a trained assassin who soon begins mercilessly hunting them instead. The movie received poor ratings – it has been described as slickly-produced but tonally awkward, mean-spirited and ultimately lacking in fun. Abigail Breslin, Wes Bentley, Logan Huffman, Cameron Bright and Alexander Ludwig essay the lead roles.
Gravy – Guess what? Here’s yet another genre film, this time about a group of costumed oddballs who take control of a Mexican cantina and force those within to take part in a series of bizarre acts. The independent title has been described as a horror/comedy and got a decent write up or two on the festival circuit. Shout! Factory picked up the distribution rights and are handling its exclusive release to video this week, so horror fans will now be able to see what the fuss is about. Lothaire Bluteau, Lily Cole and Molly Ephraim headline the movie.
In the Courtyard – Catherine Deneuve sure seems to be busy these days, appearing in foreign-language titles week after week. In this French, Parisian-set effort, a retired woman with mental issues is befriended by her new building caretaker, an ex-rocker suffering from bouts of depression. Don’t worry folks, it isn’t quite as heavy as it sounds. It’s been described as a well-acted, low-key comedy/drama and managed to garner decent, if unspectacular, reviews during its release. Gustave Kervern co-stars.
Insidious: Chapter 3 – This second sequel to the horror hit is actually a prequel that details the history of the medium character who appeared in previous films. In this tale, she helps a teenager being tormented by a supernatural entity. Reviews were mixed, but ultimately there were a few more positive write-ups than negative. While most admitted that this effort provides more of the same and doesn’t have as strong an impact as its predecessors, more felt that the numerous jolts were staged well enough to earn it a pass. The cast includes Lin Shaye, Dermot Mulroney and Stefanie Scott.
Magic Mike XXL – The first Magic Mike was a somber drama about male strippers. In this sequel the tone is considerably lighter, following the lead and his buddies as they stage one final show for their adoring fan base. Critics weren’t as enamored with this follow-up and many criticized the lack of deeper subtext, but it still managed to receive a generally positive reception. Those who liked the movie recommended it as a fun and raunchy comedic romp. It stars Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Gabrielle Iglesias, Amber Heard, Jada Pinkett Smith, Donald Glover, Elizabeth Banks and Andie MacDowell. To read a full review of the movie, click here.
Manglehorn – Al Pacino plays against type in this comedy/drama from David Gordon Green (Prince Avalance, Joe and the upcoming Our Brand Is Crisis). It’s about an introverted, heartbroken elderly man who is befriended by a bank teller and begins to slowly open up about his troubles. Reviews were mixed for this effort. Half found it to be an effective and low-key slow-burner. However, just as many claimed it was too moody and downbeat to enjoy. Guess viewers will have to decide for themselves. It also features Chris Messina, Holly Hunter and Harmony Korine.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl – This teen comedy/drama received strong critical praise upon its release earlier in the year. It involves an awkward teen in high school, striving to keep a low profile and stay physically and emotionally distant from others around him (with the exception of his pal, Earl). When a local girl from his school is diagnosed with cancer, the lead’s mom forces him to spend time with her; an unusual friendship forms. A few members of the press called it too quirky for its own good, but just about everyone else felt that it was a strongly performed effort featuring some witty observations. It also builds to a strong and emotional climax. Personally, I enjoyed the movie quite a bit – you just need to give yourself 20 minutes to get on its unique wavelength. The cast includes Thomas Mann, R.J. Cyler, Olivia Cooke, Nick Offermannm, Molly Shannon and Jon Bernthal.
People, Places, Things – An NYC professor’s life collapses after discovering his wife cheating on him with a family friend. A year later, he struggles to raise his two daughters and navigate the dating world once again. This indie film takes a subtle and low-key approach to the material, and ended up receiving generally good notices. While modest in ambition, many enjoyed the performances and heartfelt tone. It stars Jemaine Clement, Regina Hall, Stephanie Allynne and Jessica Williams.
Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! – Yep, the latest in the popular Syfy TV movie series is arriving on home video, and it’s popular so I figured it deserved a mention. This time out, a giant storm unleashes sharks in Florida. That doesn’t actually sound outrageous in and of itself, but you can bet over-the-top silliness follows. It wasn’t well thought of in the papers, with many calling it a dull sequel that doesn’t do much except roll out celebrity cameos. The extended cast features Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Frankie Muniz, David Hasselhoff, Bo Derek, Michael Winslow, Ne-Yo, Chris Jericho, Mark McGrath, Grant Imahara, Lou Ferrigno and Lorenzo Lamas (and that’s not even close to everyone who pops their head in frame).
The Stranger – Presented by Eli Roth, this English-language Chilean horror flick involves a man who shows up in a small town looking for his wife. It isn’t long before secrets are revealed and the community is awash in bloodshed. Critics didn’t care for the flick. While they admitted it was interestingly filmed and certainly took a different approach to its subject matter, most found it so dour, brooding and slow-moving that they couldn’t wait for it to end. Yikes!
Tremors 5: Bloodlines – Straight-to-video fans can now pick up this fourth sequel to the extremely entertaining 1990 comedy/horror, Tremors. This new edition takes its heroes to the wilds of South Africa, where they attempt to survive not only animals, but a new onslaught of monstrous “Graboids.” No reviews are available, but it’s hard to imagine why you wouldn’t want to just go back and revisit the original film instead (if you haven’t seen it, it’s worth your while). This follow-up includes actors Michael Gross and Jamie Kennedy.
We Are Still Here – Here’s a little independent horror effort that got very strong reviews from festival crowds and critics alike. It’s about a haunted house that demands a sacrifice every 30 years – bad timing for the family who happen to have just moved in. It has been described as a stylish and atmospheric throwback to horror titles of old, with some solid performances and an excellent sting at the tail end. Sounds like a little genre film worth checking out. Barbara Crampton, Andrew Sensenig, Lisa Marie and Larry Fessenden lead the cast.
What We Did on Our Holiday – This comedy/drama from the UK involves a couple who take their kids on vacation to Scotland in order to visit a terminally ill family member. The kids are informed not to mention that their parents are divorcing, but it isn’t long before the secret is out and complications arise. Notices were very good for this effort, calling the cast members excellent and the story unpredictable. They also suggested that it might even elicit a tear or two by the time the credits roll. It stars Rosamund Pike, David Tennant and Billy Connolly.
When Marnie Was There – A sickly young girl make friends with another while residing in a beach town in this animated effort from Japan. As it progresses, viewers learn that the pair may have more in common than they initially thought. This is the final effort from renowned production house, Studio Ghibli. The press were very taken with what they saw. In addition to praising the movie’s beautiful hand-drawn animation, they complimented its sweet and simple story, and felt that it would have just as much appeal for adults as it will to little girls.
Blasts From the Past!
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) has been a popular catalog title for Sony pictures, but the image quality of the previous Blu-ray (released during the format’s infancy) was heavily criticized. This week, a newly minted 4K transfer arrives via the studio’s Supreme Cinema Series. Reportedly, it still isn’t quite perfect, but it’s a lot better than the previous incarnation. The disc also includes loads of extras, including multiple commentary tracks, documentaries on the production (as well as the famous character himself), deleted scenes and just about everything else you could possibly want. That is, except for the “Editing Workshop” from the old Criterion Lasersdisc. If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a gorgeous-looking gothic melodrama filled with amazing in-camera special effects work courtesy of director Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Outsiders).
Warner Brothers have a couple of very interesting box sets arriving. The Horror Classics, Vol. 1 set contains four Hammer Films titles on Blu-ray. They have one genuine classic in The Mummy (1959), along with some entertaining sequels in their “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” series. Specifically, you’ll get Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (1968), Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) and Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970).
Additionally, Warner Brothers have the Special Effects Collection. The awesome science-fiction and horror movies included are Son of Kong (1933), Mighty Joe Young (1949), The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953) and Them! (1954). This reviewer says that any Blu-ray set containing a giant ape movie and killer ant flick is worth your while. They’re great flick (and you’ll quickly see that Them! had an influence on several modern day horror flicks, including Aliens).
Not to be outdone, Universal are delivering a Restored Edition Blu-ray of the Stanley Kubrick classic, Spartacus (1960). It’s about a slave and gladiator who turns revolutionary and leads an uprising against the Roman Republic. As mentioned, the Blu-ray features a 2015 transfer restored from original, 35mm large format elements. It also comes with bonus features like deleted scenes, interviews with cast members (including a brand new clip with star Kirk Douglas), as well as behind-the-scenes footage and promotional material.
If you like Lee Van Cleef movies, Kino Lorber has you set with a couple of Blu-rays from the actor’s oeuvre. Bad Man’s River (1971) is a Spanish western in which the thespian stars with James Mason and Gina Lollobrigida. Also made in Spain (probably back to back with River), Captain Apache (1971) serves as a tongue-in-cheek western/comedy in which Van Cleef shares the screen with Stuart Whitman. If you prefer horror, Kino also have a Blu-ray of the supernatural creeper Burnt Offerings (1976), featuring Oliver Reed and Karen Black.
And Criterion have a noteworthy Blu-ray to promote as well. My Own Private Idaho (1991) is a well-regarded drama from Gus Van Sant (To Die For, Good Will Hunting, Milk) about a pair of male prostitutes living on the streets of Portland, Oregon. Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix essay the lead roles. The disc includes a new director approved transfer and loads of bonuses like documentaries on the film and interviews with the director and cast.
Finally, Film Movement have a Blu-ray of the French drama Full Moon in Paris (1984). It’s about a young interior decorator who uses her wiles on various men, leading to some unexpected complications.
You Know, For Kids!
And here is what’s coming for the kids this week!
The New Three Stooges Collection (animated)
Pee Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special (Blu-ray)
Shalom Sesame: The Complete Series (Sesame Street)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete 1st and 2nd Season
On the Tube!
There’s a ton of TV releases arriving as well. This includes a complete set of the original Mission: Impossible series and a box set of The Midnight Special, a late night music show staple of the 70s that featured great musical acts (and sometimes comedians too) performing live. Below are clips from both shows. Enjoy the tunes until next time!
Agetha Christie’s Marple: The Julia McKenzie Collection
American Horror Story: Freakshow
The Code: Season 1
The Don Rickles TV Specials: Vol. 1
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (HBO Special)
Happyish: Season 1
Last of the Summer Wine: Vintage 2005
The Leftovers: Season 1
The Midnight Special – Box Set
Mission Impossible: The Original TV Series Box
The New Three Stooges Collection (animated)
Pee Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special (Blu-ray)
Penny Dreadful: Season 2
Reign: Season 2
Shalom Sesame: The Complete Series (Sesame Street)
Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (SyFy Cable Movie)
Silent Witness: Season 2
South Park: Season 18
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete 1st and 2nd Season
Tut (Spike Mini-series)
Vikings: Season 3
The Wonder Years: The Complete Series