Defending Jacob
Jacob (Jaeden Martell), the 14-year-old son of assistant district attorney Andy Barber (Chris Evans), is accused of murder in this limited series thriller based on the novel of the same name by William Landay.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“From the get-go, Defending Jacob grabs and holds your attention, hour after hour, as you try to figure out whether the kid did it, and if the parents are going to make it through the trial without imploding… It’s the best Apple original series yet, and proof that like fine wine, some stories just need time to age and breathe a little.” – Aaron Barnhart, Primetimer
“An addictive murder mystery with terrific performances, some chilling twists and turns — and a shocking finale that veers close to flying off the rails but is kinda great given everything that has already transpired.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
“It’s a well-done drama that will keep you guessing and entertained and thinking about it even when you’re not watching it.” – Lea Palmieri, Decider
Available Formats [7/6]:
DVD
Mortal Kombat
In Mortal Kombat, MMA fighter Cole Young, accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage—or why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down. Fearing for his family’s safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with. Soon, he finds himself at the temple of Lord Raiden, an Elder God and the protector of Earthrealm, who grants sanctuary to those who bear the mark. Here, Cole trains with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano, as he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe. But will Cole be pushed hard enough to unlock his arcana—the immense power from within his soul—in time to save not only his family, but to stop Outworld once and for all?
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“It might not fix videogame movies overnight, but Mortal Kombat might finally deliver their sweepingly bad reputation a devastating fatality.” – Jacob Oller, Paste
“Though the ending makes it clear that this movie’s purpose is largely to set up future Mortal Kombat movies, it still stands well enough on its own, and it benefits from not looking as cheap or as cheesy as its 1990s predecessors.” – Karen Han, Slate
“Something about Mortal Kombat‘s total lack of pretense towards nutritional value is weirdly refreshing.” – Vince Mancini, Uproxx
Available Formats [7/13]:
Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack
Wrath of Man
A mysterious and wild-eyed new cash truck security guard (Jason Statham) surprises his coworkers during a heist in which he unexpectedly unleashes precision skills. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, the marksman’s ultimate motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and irrevocable steps to settle a score.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“The completeness and sureness of the movie’s aesthetic is a joy to behold, even when the images capture human beings doing savage things. You don’t really root for anyone in this film. They are criminals engaged in contests of will. But the film is not a value-neutral exercise. There is an undertone of lament to a lot of the violent action.” – Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com
“Ritchie pulls together an impressively determined thriller that sticks. Ideal for both a certain generation of viewer who gets excited when hearing the line, ‘We’ve got eight weeks of recon,’ and for those who will watch absolutely anything starring Statham (hi!), Wrath of Man is the best, bloodiest surprise of the year so far.” – Barry Hertz, The Globe and Mail
“Ritchie reveals crucial story points with clever time-juggling editing, and keeps up the tension well into the movie’s climax, which delivers exactly what the viewer will have come to hope for.” – Glenn Kenny, New York Times
Available Formats [7/13]:
DVD
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home. As they navigate the delights and dangers on this perilous and hilarious rescue mission, SpongeBob and his pals prove there’s nothing stronger than the power of friendship.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Utterly demented and magnificent.” – Bilge Ebiri, Vulture
“This time around, writer-director Tim Hill steps in, and he’s managed to take the goofy denizens of Bikini Bottom on a road trip that is visually dazzling and almost consistently hilarious, mixing verbal and physical humor, as well as some perfectly chosen cameos, both in-person and among the voice cast.” – Alonso Duralde, The Wrap
“The movie is an act of loony generosity we shouldn’t refuse. This is ludicrous entertainment for frazzled times.” – Stephanie Zacharek, TIME
Available Formats [7/13]:
Blu-ray
Separation
A young girl finds solace in her artist father and the ghost of her dead mother.
Description provided by Metacritic.
“Bell knows how to pull dread out of the air, and he orchestrates the oppressive atmosphere and the periodic scares with masterful precision.” – Sean P. Means, The Movie Cricket
“It balances the typical ghost story plot with enough reality that people do face.” – Kevin Carr, Fat Guys at the Movies
Available Formats [7/13]:
DVD
No Man’s Land
Border vigilante Bill Greer (Frank Grillo) and his son Jackson (Jake Allyn) are on patrol when Jackson accidentally kills a Mexican immigrant boy. Bill tries to take the blame but Texas Ranger Ramirez (George Lopez) sees through the lie, spurring Jackson to flee south on horseback across the Rio Grande to become a gringo “illegal alien” in Mexico. Chased by Texas Rangers and Mexican federales, Jackson journeys across deserts and mountains to seek forgiveness from the dead boy’s vengeful father (Jorge A. Jimenez), as he falls in love with the land he was taught to hate.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“No Man’s Land comes out of the blue to comment memorably on the immigration crisis by simply giving human life its due. It’s wise and empathetic and worth a watch.” – Michael Ordona, Los Angeles Times
“There is a gentleness, both to Allyn’s performance and to the film overall, that draws the audience in. The movie’s path is as predictable as Jackson’s, but it’s beautifully shot and the idea is a good one — reversing the typical border-crosser-on-the-run idea.” – Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
“[It] achieves moments of pathos that speak eloquently to our present mood of discord, tempered with a tentative hope of reconciliation.” – Stephen Farber, Hollywood Reporter
Available Formats [7/13]:
Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack
The Magicians: The Complete Series
High school senior Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) secretly loves the fantasy novels about the adventures of five children in a magical land called Fillory. He soon is accepted into an exclusive, secret magicians university called Brakebills in upstate New York and discovers Fillory is a real place in this adaptation of Lev Grossman’s trilogy of books.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
Season 2: “In season two, The Magicians is darker, deeper, and just plain better than it was in season one, and it makes a claim for being one of the most unexpectedly great shows on television.” – Emily VanDerWerff, Vox
Season 2: “In terms of the show’s abundant and well-executed sleights of hand, this one ranks high, as does the beautifully produced, multilayered, creepy, funny, and solidly acted season it arrives in.” – Mitchel Broussard, We Got This Covered
Season 5: “The show is still snappy fun in between magical crisis after magical crisis. The Magicians has always been about trauma, grief, and pain, and Season 5 continues that journey in a cathartic and touching way.” – Rae Nudson, Paste
Available Formats [7/13]:
DVD
A Cinderella Story: StarStruck
Finley Tremaine, a small town farm girl, longs to spread her wings and soar as an aspiring performer. When a Hollywood film crew arrives in her sleepy town, she is determined to land a role in the production and captures the attention of handsome lead actor, Jackson Stone. Unfortunately, a botched audition forces her to change course. Now, disguised as cowboy “Huck,” Finley finally gets her big break. But can she keep the charade a secret from everyone, including her evil stepmother and devious step-siblings?
Description provided by IMDb.
“True to Disney tradition, StarStruck manages to spin a romantic web without the trappings of anything sexually suggestive, so it’s mild enough for the tween set. Kids who tune in will also be inundated with positive messages about self-image, self-confidence, and strong character. The movie also raises a number of issues that tweens likely will relate to, including the repercussions of celebrity obsessions and the ability of the media to affect our impression of people and events.” – Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Available Formats [7/13]:
DVD
Held
A couple’s ailing marriage is put to the test when they are held hostage in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen Voice that commands their every move and threatens harm if they don’t obey.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Cannily exploiting #MeToo themes and the opportunities for cinematic mayhem provided by technology-driven smart homes, Held proves an uncommonly thoughtful and provocative suspenser.” – Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
“The film is scary not in its extraordinary imaginings but in the mundane familiarity that underpins those imaginings.” – Anna Stafford, The Globe and Mail
“Without relying on jump scares, Held keeps the viewer on edge throughout most of the running time, even after we’ve found out what’s going on. It might be a good idea to cancel that anniversary weekend away.” – Martin Unsworth, Starburst
Available Formats [7/13]:
DVD
Spiral
A criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw. Working in the shadow of his father, an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Spiral embodies the franchise James Wan and Leigh Whannell built, while being totally refurbished for a new generation.” – Jenny Nulf, Austin Chronicle
“That a formula as well-trodden as Saw’s can still surprise, delight, and make you feel like you need a quick shower after is impressive.” – Jordan Farley, Total Film
“Chris Rock, Darren Lynn Bousman, and the rest of the creative team have heard the pleas from critics and audiences around the world and have delivered one hell of a thrill-ride.” – Caillou Pettis, AwardsWatch
Available Formats [7/20]:
DVD
Dream Horse
Dream Horse tells the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town Welsh bartender, Jan Vokes (Toni Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream in the hopes he can compete with the racing elites. The group’s investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks with grit and determination and goes on to race in the Welsh Grand National showing the heart of a true champion.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“This movie gets a real gallop on, due to the sheer warmth of its performances.” – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“We can see every plot point rounding the turn long before the finish line, but that’s OK, because we’re having a (dare I say it) jolly grand time every step of the way.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
“Dream Horse is full of heart and interest. Throughout, Collette makes us believe in the human-animal connection between Jan and Dream Alliance, which is touching, mysterious and deep.” – Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Available Formats [7/20]:
DVD
Jakob’s Wife
Anne is married to a small-town minister and feels like her life and marriage have been shrinking over the past 30 years. After a chance encounter with “The Master,” she discovers a new sense of power and an appetite to live bigger and bolder than before. As Anne is increasingly torn between her enticing new existence and her life before, the body count grows and Jakob realizes he will have to fight for the wife he took for granted.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“In Jakob’s Wife, the classic vampire theme is looped into an insightful and often very funny commentary on marriage and the limitations placed on women.” – Sheila O’Malley, RogerEbert.com
“By turns funny, grisly, tragic and insightful, Jakob’s Wife carries the smartness of years. Never has the idea that vampire and vampire hunter are caught in a codependent relationship been more elegantly and humorously framed.” – Richard Whittaker, Austin Chronicle
“While there are some serious themes at play, the movie still has plenty of gooey gory fun for horror fans.” – Lorry Kikta, Film Threat
Available Formats [7/20]:
DVD
Star Trek: Discovery: Season 3
Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the crew of U.S.S. Discovery find themselves years into the future.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“I can absolutely confirm: Season 3 of Star Trek: Discovery is poised to be the series’ best yet… It takes everything the first two seasons did best—namely, Michael and Saru’s hard-earned friendship; the deep commitment felt by everyone aboard the Discovery to both the ideals of the Federation and science; and Georgiou, just as a general agent of chaos—while dispensing entirely with all the baggage five decades of 23rd-century Star Trek storytelling that had originally weighed it down.” – Alexis Gunderson, Slate
“The temporal shift enlivens the fabled franchise with a new sense of adventure and purpose once they learn the status of a diminished Federation.” – Matt Roush, TV Guide
“Ultimately it’s the characters who shine this season, and that hold the show together. The ensemble has hit its groove in Season 3, and everyone gets time in the spotlight… The first four episodes feel sleeker and breezier; lighter, like Burnham.” – Alex Zalben, Decider
Available Formats [7/20]:
DVD
The Walking Dead: Season 10
The survivors in the Alexandria Safe-Zone face off against The Whisperers led by Alpha (Samantha Morton) and Beta (Ryan Hurst).
Description provided by Metacritic.
“[T]here’s no denying season 10 zips with an energy this world hasn’t felt in a long time. On a show this bleak, glimpses of hope like that can go a long way.” – Vinnie Mancuso, Collider
“There’s no doubt The Walking Dead can continue without its lead star Andrew Lincoln… TWD‘s strength is in its core heroes – Reedus, McBride, and Gurira – and villains, who are actually worth fearing.” – Kirsten Acuna, Insider
“…very much alive and kicking in its tenth season, which is a true return to the horror that always characterized the best of the series.” – Dominic Patten, Deadline
Available Formats [7/20]:
DVD
Bordertown: Season 3
While juggling concerns about his family’s future and a spate of new crimes, Kari squares off against an adversary who’s been studying his past cases.
Description provided by Rotten Tomatoes.
“…a visual treat… what makes each of the stories in this season stand out, is the masterful take on family dynamics and serious criminal investigation. Awkward conversations follow tender moments, and sometimes a playful poke from a distant parent can say a more than any grand gesture of love.” – Chandrima Pal, Times of India
“I don’t think I’ve seen a crime drama balance the nuances of family life or portray grief so authentically since BBC One’s River a few years ago.” – Paul Hirons, The Killing Times
Available Formats [7/20]:
Blu-ray
A Quiet Place Part II
Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Like A Quiet Place, Part II is a lean, nearly flab- and gristle-free piece of sci-fi steak.” – Michael O’Sullivan, Washington Post
“Beyond the many jump scares involving aliens and the terrifically terrified-out-of-their-wits performances, what makes A Quiet Place Part II special is the sheer joy we get from feeling like we’re in the hands of a confident filmmaker.” – Bilge Ebiri, Vulture
“It’s another breathless chamber piece, expertly crafted to pack dread into every nerve-rattling sound.” – David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
Available Formats [7/27]:
Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack
Every Breath You Take
A psychiatrist (Casey Affleck), whose client commits suicide, finds his family life disrupted after introducing the patient’s surviving brother (Sam Claflin) to his wife (Michelle Monaghan) and daughter.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“While a bumpy ride to the end, Every Breath You Take is an intriguing character study that examines grief and loneliness while infusing intensity and thrills.” – Stephanie Archer, Film Inquiry
“Affleck and Monaghan are all pro, Eisley is properly emotionally mixed up, and Claflin shows a side he hasn’t gotten to do before in movies. It is all very slick and watchable.” – Pete Hammond, Deadline
“Vaughn Stein has delivered a top-tier psychological thriller in Every Breath You Take. The film… is a twisty old-fashioned thriller – the type that Hollywood no longer makes.” – Niall Browne, Movies in Focus
Available Formats [7/27]:
DVD
Unforgotten: Season 4
DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and DS Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) try to identify a corpse found with no head or hands in the fourth season of the crime drama series created and written by Chris Lang.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“I love how the show’s creator, Chris Lang, captivatingly sketches the lives of four apparent strangers, challenging us to work out what they’ve got to do with the corpse.” – Stuart Jeffries, The Guardian
“The chemistry between Bhaskar and Walker is vital. He’s a deadpan humourist, trying to keep spirits up in the face of violent crime. She is a schoolmarmish professional, keeping it together under tremendous stress. Both actors are terrific… While it hangs on the leads, the supporting cast have grown into their roles, too, especially Jordan Long as Murray Boulting and Carolina Main as Fran Lingley.” – Ed Cumming, The Independent
“Plausibility is one of the many good things about this show. Oh, the blessed relief of watching a detective drama in which the detectives are free of quirks and the script is free of gimmicks, where colleagues can work together without simmering sexual tension or screaming rows, and where the lead character happens to be a woman without that being A Remarkable Thing.” – Anita Singh, The Telegraph