This week, we feature a classic World War II espionage film and a hilarious comedy about a foster kid and his grumpy new dad.
New Release
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Based on the titular novel by American journalist David Grann, this historical film details a string of mysterious murders of wealthy Osage Nation tribespeople, after oil was discovered beneath their lands. Will the newly formed F.B.I. be able to crack the case?
Although this is an important chapter in American frontier history, director Martin Scorsese’s sprawling whodunit is overly long and convoluted at times. It’s a technically sound film with decent acting performances but nothing groundbreaking.
Crime | Drama | History
Release Date: Oct. 20, 2023
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone
Running Time: 3 hours, 26 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 2.5 stars out of 5
Indie Pick
‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’
Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) is a boy who has had trouble adjusting to foster homes and is given a last shot with New Zealander couple Hec (Sam Neill) and Rima Te Wiata (Bella Faulkner). When rambunctious Ricky and ornery Hec get lost in the woods, they must work together to find their way out.
The rather simplistic plot belies the fact that it’s a multifaceted drama with compelling characters and lots of laughs. Although it has some sad moments, its peppy pace and positive messages make this an excellent endeavor.
Adventure | Comedy | Drama
Release Date: July 1, 2016
Director: Taika Waititi
Starring: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata
Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Redbox, Hoopla, Plex
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Desperate Fight for Survival
‘Tunnel’
Lee Jung-Soo (Ha Jung-woo) is a salesman who is traveling home for his daughter’s birthday when the tunnel he is driving through suddenly collapses on him. When he awakens, he finds himself buried under tons of rubble. His hopes of survival now lay in rescue lead Capt. Kang (Shin Jeong-geun) and his loving wife Se-Hyun (Bae Doona).
This is one of the more gripping “race-against-time” survival flicks, with lots of excellent acting, nerve-wracking suspense, and jaw-dropping special effects to keep your attention.
Drama | Thriller
Release Date: Aug. 26, 2016
Director: Seong Hun Kim
Starring: Ha Jung-woo, Bae Doona, Dal-su Oh
Running Time: 2 hours, 6 minutes
MPAA Rating: TV-14
Where to Watch: Amazon, Hoopla, Vudu
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
A Spectacular Triumph of Cinema
‘To Be or Not to Be’
Joseph (Jack Benny) and Maria Tura (Carole Lombard) manage a theater company in Poland. When it is invaded by the Germans, they must stop a traitorous Polish military officer from committing a dangerous act of espionage.
Sadly the last film with the great Carole Lombard, this unique comedy features superb performances by its stellar cast, as well as a fascinating premise. A must-see!
Comedy | Romance | War
Release Date: March 6, 1942
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Starring: Carole Lombard, Jack Benny, Robert Stack
Running Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Amazon, The Criterion Channel
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
