This week, we feature a drama that exemplifies the loyalty of man’s best friend and one of Charles Chaplin’s greatest films: a rom-com.
New Release
‘The Other Zoey’
When popular college athlete Zach MacLaren (Drew Starkey) is in an accident that induces amnesia, he suddenly thinks arrogant co-ed Zoey Miller (Josephine Langford) is his girlfriend. However, Zoey seems to have more in common with Zach’s cousin Miles (Archie Renaux) and hatches a plan to get closer to the latter. Will Zoey’s scheme work out?
Although this breezy rom-com has a rather far-fetched plotline and a less-than-likeable main character in Zoey, it’s a relatively harmless movie with some genuinely funny moments.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: Oct. 20, 2023
Director: Sara Zandieh
Starring: Josephine Langford, Drew Starkey, Archie Renaux
Running Time: 1 hour, 26 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 2.5 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’
Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) is a college professor who finds an Akita puppy at the train station he commutes from. When Parker can’t find anyone to claim the puppy, his family adopts the dog and names him Hachi. One day, a tragic event happens—but that doesn’t alter Hachi’s undying loyalty.
This heartfelt man’s-best-friend tale is gently nudged forward by the understated performances of its excellent cast. Its simple storyline belies a powerful emotional undercurrent that leads up to a tear-soaked crescendo. Based on a true story.
Biography | Drama | Family
Release Date: June 13, 2009
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
Protecting the Innocent Against All Odds
‘The Man from Nowhere’
Won Bin stars as Cha Tae-sik, a man with a mysterious past who strikes up a friendship with Jeong So-mi (Kim Sae-ron), a young girl. When So-mi is suddenly kidnapped by a vicious cartel, Tae-sik goes on a one-man crusade to save her life.
Although billed as an actioner, this South Korean film has a surprising amount of character development. The realistic dialogue between the main characters underscores its multifaceted storyline. Although violent, this is much more substantive than your typical John Wick flick.
Action | Crime | Drama
Release Date: Oct. 1, 2010
Director: Jeong-beom Lee
Starring: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron, Kim Tae-hoon
Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Redbox, Tubi, Roku
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
Charles Chaplin’s Masterpiece
‘City Lights’
A good-hearted tramp (Charles Chaplin) falls for a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill), whose family is in dire financial shape. He decides to try to help the girl and her family however he can.
This film lives up to its reputation as one of the greatest motion pictures ever made, with peppy pacing, a delightfully romantic plotline, and phenomenal performances by its stellar cast.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: March 7, 1931
Director: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee
Running Time: 1 hour, 27 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Apple TV, Vudu
Rated: 5 stars out of 5
