Dear Evan Hansen
The breathtaking, generation-defining Broadway phenomenon becomes a soaring cinematic event as Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt reprises his role as an anxious, isolated high schooler aching for understanding and belonging amid the chaos and cruelty of the social-media age.
Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving suicide, brief strong language, some suggestive references.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“If you’ve ever felt alone and ignored in life, Dear Evan Hansen may touch you in profound ways.” – Alan Ng, Film Threat
“The film version of the multiple Tony Award–winning hit Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen is a mixed bag and a wonky adaptation that doesn’t always quite scan. Yet I’d be lying if I didn’t say that despite its flaws, it’s also strangely affecting.” – Karen Gordon, Original Cin
“The songs are clever; the actors dig in (especially Amy Adams and Julianne Moore as Connor and Evan’s moms, respectively). And Ben Platt’s voice is undeniable, a thing of wonder, a pure emotion-delivery system. You will be moved.” – Johanna Schneller, The Globe and Mail
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
Cry Macho
Mike Milo (Clint Eastwood) is a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who, in 1979, takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man’s young son home from Mexico. Forced to take the backroads on their way to Texas, the unlikely pair faces an unexpectedly challenging journey, during which the world-weary horseman finds unexpected connections and his own sense of redemption.
Rated PG-13 for language and thematic elements.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Clint may be playing the hits in Cry Macho, but boy, are the notes lovelier than ever.” – Brandon Streussnig, The Playlist
“These small events transpire in beautifully shot, unhurried scenes. This is Eastwood’s version of pastoral. Mike pieces his ruined life back together in a sense. He finds pleasure in being of service to a community. The professed agnostic takes Marta’s hand when she prays to begin a meal, and likes it. The simple sincerity about what’s worthwhile in life is the movie’s reason for being. Nothing more and nothing less.” – Glenn Kenny, RogerEbert.com
“This one is something different — a deep cut for the die-hards, a hangout movie with nothing much to prove and just enough to say, with a pleasing score (by Mark Mancina) and some lovely desert scenery (shot by Ben Davis). If the old man’s driving, my advice is to get in and enjoy the ride.” – A.O. Scott, New York Times
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
Copshop
Tearing through the Nevada desert in a bullet-ridden Crown Vic, wily con artist Teddy Murretto (Frank Grillo) hatches a desperate plan to hide out from lethal hitman Bob Viddick (Gerard Butler): He sucker-punches rookie officer Valerie Young (Alexis Louder) to get himself arrested and locked up in a small-town police station. Jail can’t protect Murretto for long, and Viddick schemes his own way into detention, biding his time in a nearby cell until he can complete his mission. When the arrival of a competing assassin (Toby Huss) ignites all-out mayhem, mounting threats force Viddick to get creative if he wants to finish the job and escape the explosive situation.
Rated R for strong / bloody violence, and pervasive language.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Carnahan’s formal proficiency makes for a more sharpened and accomplished piece of work than many modern counterparts attempting to draw from the same well of cheap-o homage. That sense of precision doesn’t detract from the down-and-dirty fun, either; everyone on screen appears to be having the time of their lives gnawing on the rare slab of beef they’ve been thrown.” – Charles Bramesco, AV Club
“Copshop is an enjoyable, slow-burn action movie featuring a smart script, sharp direction, strong cast — and the emergence of a possible star.” – Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times
“Carnahan and co-conspirators Kurt McLeod and Mark Williams are clearly having a blast orchestrating this symphony of Grand Guignol.” – Josh Kupecki, Austin Chronicle
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
One Night in Miami…
On one incredible night in 1964, four icons of sports, music, and activism gathered to celebrate one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. When underdog Cassius Clay, soon to be called Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), defeats heavy weight champion Sonny Liston at the Miami Convention Hall, Clay memorialized the event with three of his friends: Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge).
Rated R for language throughout.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Malcolm’s manner can be didactic, but One Night in Miami is anything but. Instead of a group biopic or a ready-made costume drama, it’s an intellectual thriller, crackling with the energy of ideas and emotions as they happen.” – A.O. Scott, New York Times
“This feels like history-in-the-making, as both a fresh insight into the interior lives of historical figures and a snapshot of a future filmmaking great just getting started.” – Ellen E. Jones, Empire
“Kemp Powers’ thoughtful script gives us an insight into what might have been going on behind the sports and entertainment performances that awed us, and in doing so urges us to look at what’s still going on now. Director Regina King’s cast delivers some of the best performances of the year, unveiling the hidden pain of public figures. Through a keen focus and confident flow, she unfurls their struggles in a poignant display to show how they live on today.” – Kristy Puchko, IGN
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
13 Minutes
The day starts out as usual for residents in the small Heartland town of Minninnewah. It’s springtime and big storms are just part of life. Nothing to get worked up about… until they are. Inhabitants will have just 13 Minutes to get to shelter before the largest tornado on record ravages the town, leaving the inhabitants searching for their loved ones and fighting for their lives. In the wake of total devastation, four families must overcome their differences and find strength in themselves and each other in order to survive.
Rated PG-13 for peril, bloody images, thematic elements, and some strong language.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Written and directed with an overload of talent by Lindsay Gossling, it rarely falters and leaves a viewer grateful for a whirlwind of character-driven suspense and humanity instead of the usual Hollywood cliches.” – Rex Reed, Observer
“For an emotionally-grounded disaster movie, I found it a harrowing recreation of the real thing, emotionally affecting and not bad. Not bad at all.” – Roger Moore, Movie Nation
“An intense and personal character study not only of individuals but of them collectively and as a community, as a town; a slice of life in Anytown, USA. Powerful. Heartbreaking. Hopeful.” – Debbie Lynn Elias, Behind the Lens
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
Surge
Quiet and demure Joseph (Ben Whishaw) leads a modest life in London, shuttling between his solo apartment and the airport where he forms part of the security team. His birthday goes unnoticed by his colleagues and only mildly celebrated by his irritable parents. Something seems to be simmering in Joseph just under the surface. It only takes a few strange incidents to unlock his impulse to go on a reckless, frantic, and unbelievable journey through the streets of the city as he determines that boundaries and niceties will no longer govern his life.
Not Rated. Contains strong language, violence, sexual content, and nudity.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Still see this film, but see it for what it is: a ferocious showcase for Whishaw, who’s never been nervier, and a promising first feature from a filmmaker with energy to spare.” – Isaac Feldberg, RogerEbert.com
“Surge is a penny plain concept executed with skill and acted with real verve.” – Roger Moore, Movie Nation
“Karia hasn’t made a deep film or even a particularly unique one, but he’s made one that has enough to get by. It’s not just good—it’s good enough.” – Matt Cipolla, The Film Stage
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
Werewolves Within
After a proposed pipeline creates divisions within the small town of Beaverfield, and a snowstorm traps its residents together inside the local inn, newly arrived forest ranger Finn (Sam Richardson) and postal worker Cecily (Milana Vayntrub) must try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature that has begun terrorizing the community.
Rated R for some bloody violence, sexual references, and language throughout.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“A new comedy classic whodunnit in the honored tradition of Clue, Werewolves Within finds the laughs in the jump scare, and brings back the uproarious joy of the ‘it’s behind you!’ creeping fright.” – Richard Whittaker, Austin Chronicle
“This goofy horror comedy, based on an online game of the same name, just goes to prove that if you have a great cast, smart direction and witty script you can just about get away with murder.” – Leslie Felperin, The Guardian
“With Werewolves Within, Ruben further proves his skills as a director who knows how to walk that delicate line between horror and comedy, deftly moving between genres to create something that isn’t just scary, but genuinely hilarious.” – Mary Beth McAndrews, Paste
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
Call the Midwife: Season 10
Sister Julienne seeks new ventures to keep Nonnatus House running as the Sisters welcomes four new pupil midwives in 1966.
Rated TV-PG for thematic content.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“This is a heady concoction of trauma, but there is, of course, plenty of light relief, and it is to the credit of the writing that we never feel an inappropriate lurch in mood.” – Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian
“The themes of women’s rights and sociological progress are strong throughout this season. Contraception, that was so controversial in earlier seasons is becoming commonplace… Call the Midwife stays in step with its times. Only seven episodes this season is simply not enough.” – Lily Moayeri, Under the Radar
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
Rick and Morty: Season 5
It’s more adventures for Rick and Morty in the fifth season of the animated comedy.
Rated TV-MA for violence, language, and thematic material.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Just as rambling, hyper-specific, and brilliantly dumb as this series always has been.” – Kayla Cobb, Decider
“The opening salvo of the new season is spectacular: insane joke density, an ever-present silliness brushing up against bad taste, awkward social situations laid bare, and hilariously tearing classic sci-fi and genre conventions a new one.” – Jeremy Nisen, Under the Radar
“The show knows how to upend its own expectations, but it’s just as satisfying to see it harness some of the manic sitcom energy it thrives on without having to be a rehashing of some unrelated property.” – Steve Greene, IndieWire
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
The Comeback Trail
In debt to the mob and in need of a new money making scheme to save his skin, greedy grind-house film producer, Max Barber (Robert De Niro), decides to produce a dangerous new film, all for the sake of killing his lead actor in a stunt so he can rake in the insurance money. But when he casts Duke Montana (Tommy Lee Jones), an aging, washed up movie star as the lead, Max never expects the depressed old drunk to be revitalized by being in front of the camera again. Unable to kill Duke in a basic stunt, Max ups the stakes, putting Duke into ever more dangerous situations. And as Duke survives stunt after stunt, Max unwittingly starts making the best movie of his career.
Rated R for language throughout and some some violence.
Description provided by Metacritic.
“I won’t risk calling this movie a miracle, but if this year has left you in desperate need of a good laugh, look no further.” – Stephen Romei, The Australian
“Robert De Niro has not been this amusing in a humorous setting for many years.” – Leigh Paatsch, The Herald Sun
“Unlike so many of his recent crimes against cinema, De Niro here appears engaged, enthusiastic and is genuinely funny.” – James Marsh, South China Morning Post
Available Formats [12/7]:
DVD
The Last Duel
Based on actual events, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France’s last sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), two friends turned bitter rivals. Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court. When Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands.
Rated R for strong violence including sexual assault, sexual content, some graphic nudity, and language.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“The Last Duel, directed by Ridley Scott, gives us the texture of life in 14th century France, so much so that we feel that we are there, in this place that’s desperate and foreign and yet human and familiar.” – Mick LaSalle, San Franciso Chronicle
“The Last Duel is a testament to male self-delusion and self-mythologizing, and the impact it has on the women around them.” – Clint Worthington, Consequence
“The Last Duel is a thematic gold mine, one that sits nicely alongside some of Scott’s best work to date.” – Matthew Monagle, Austin Chronicle
Available Formats [12/14]:
DVD
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Venom (Tom Hardy) faces off against Carnage (Woody Harrelson).
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some strong language, disturbing material, and suggestive references.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a bold and brisk superhero story, unlike any other mainstream Hollywood film in the genre. It crams a heck of a lot of movie into an hour and a half, but it doesn’t feel like it needed to be longer. It just feels like we need more movies like it.” – William Bibbiani, The Wrap
“It’s not the promised spectacle that cements Venom: Let There Be Carnage as touching, wild entertainment. It’s the themes of home, love, and companionship that make Serkis’ sequel another reason to want more ‘Venom’ movies, and quickly.” – Robert Daniels, Los Angeles Times
“If you liked the first movie, you’re going to love this sequel. And if you weren’t totally sold on the original Venom, there’s every chance you’ll like this movie a lot more.” – Russell Holly, c|net
Available Formats [12/14]:
DVD
The Card Counter
William Tell (Oscar Isaac) is a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Tye Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda (Tiffany Haddish), Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino until the unlikely trio set their sights on winning the World Series of poker in Las Vegas. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging Tell back into the darkness of his past.
Rated R for some disturbing violence, graphic nudity, language, and brief sexuality.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“You’ll leave the film unable to stop thinking about its dimensions.” – Cassie da Costa, Vanity Fair
“With The Card Counter, Schrader has a sub-theme he can toss off like a light cloak, and when he does, the movie swerves into a semi-surreal realm not entirely like that of the climax of First Reformed. But then it swerves back into a variation on Bresson that constitutes one of the most brilliant shots of his career.” – Glenn Kenny, RogerEbert.com
“William is a strong character on his own, but he is also a metaphor for America’s struggle to overcome its grimmest failures and to break free from cycles of violence. Schrader understands that those are nigh-impossible tasks; still, he shows the value in trying nonetheless.” – David Sims, The Atlantic
Available Formats [12/14]:
DVD
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
It all starts when creative outsider Katie Mitchell is accepted into the film school of her dreams and is eager to leave home and find “her people,” when her nature-loving dad insists on having the whole family drive her to school and bond during one last totally-not-awkward-or-forced road trip. But just when the trip can’t get any worse, the family suddenly finds itself in the middle of the robot uprising! Everything from smart phones, to roombas, to evil Furbys are employed to capture every human on the planet. Now it’s up to the Mitchells, including upbeat mom Linda, quirky little brother Aaron, their squishy pug, Monchi, and two friendly, but simple-minded robots to save humanity.
Rated PG for action and some language.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Both a thrilling, giddy family adventure, and the solidification of a radical new visual language in feature animation.” – Ben Travis, Empire
“The Mitchells vs the Machines is like an encounter with a sentient doodle pad, crammed with ideas that might be the cleverest things anyone’s ever thought of, or the most ludicrous, or probably a jumble of both.” – Robbie Collin, The Telegraph
“It’s a movie that commands attention, with everything going on across the screen and in the script. The action plot augments the family conflict and vice versa, with every moment of the story pushing those plots forward. It’s an utter delight from start to finish that brings the best of animation and the internet to life.” – Petrana Radulovic, Polygon
Available Formats [12/14]:
Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack
No Time to Die
Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images, brief strong language, and some suggestive material.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“By whatever metrics you measure a Bond movie – tight plotting, gnarly villains, emotional sincerity – Craig’s final outing is a rip-roaring success.” – Phil de Semlyen, Time Out
“In general No Time To Die does exactly what it was intended to do, which is to round off the Craig era with tremendous ambition and aplomb. Beyond that, it somehow succeeds in taking something from every single other Bond film, and sticking them all together.” – Nicholas Barber, BBC
“No Time to Die is a terrific movie: an up-to-the-minute, down-to-the-wire James Bond thriller with a satisfying neo-classical edge. It’s an unabashedly conventional Bond film that’s been made with high finesse and just the right touch of soul, as well as enough sleek surprise to keep you on edge.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety
Available Formats [12/21]:
DVD
The Many Saints of Newark
Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities—and whose influence over his nephew will help make the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we’ll later come to know: Tony Soprano.
Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content, and some nudity.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“It’s a sharply honed, darkly funny, ultra-violent and wildly entertaining late 1960s period piece about the making of future made man Tony Soprano, the early criminal escapades of many key characters from the HBO series — and the blood oaths and ruthless betrayals that would set the checkered table for virtually everything that would happen to the Sopranos, their extended family and their associates some three decades later.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
“Violent, gripping, darkly funny and deeply human… everything, in other words, you’d expect from a Sopranos story.” – James Mottram, Total Film
“Saints can’t be what Sopranos was — without the time or the ones who’ve been lost to tell it, fuggedaboutit. But for a hundred-something minutes, it feels close enough to coming home again.” – Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly
Available Formats [12/21]:
DVD
The French Dispatch
The French Dispatch brings to life a collection of stories from the final issue of an American magazine published in a fictional 20th-century French city.
Rated R for graphic nudity, some sexual references, and language.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“In the past, the director has been accused of making overly contrived dollhouse movies, and while he repeats many of his favorite tricks — toying with aspect ratios, centering characters in symmetric compositions, revealing a large building in intricate cross-section — this time it feels as if there’s a full world teeming beyond the carefully controlled edges of the frame.” – Peter Debruge, Variety
“The French Dispatch feels like a confident and even vulnerable exploration of Anderson’s own psyche; it’s his best film in at least a decade.” – Vince Mancini, Uproxx
“The French Dispatch is perhaps Anderson’s best film to date. It is certainly his most accomplished. And, for all its whimsical humor, it is an action film, a great one, although Anderson’s way of displaying action is unlike that of any other filmmaker.” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker