This week, we feature a modern-day classic based on one of Shakespeare’s tragedies and a powerful drama about a professional wrestling family.
New Release
‘The Iron Claw’
During the professional wrestling boom of the early 1980s, wrestling pioneer Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) develops his emerging promotion in World Class Championship Wrestling using his sons Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons) to fuel his aspirations of industry dominance.
This moving biopic, based on the real-life story of the Von Erich family, is expertly produced and tells a cautionary tale of what happens when unrealistic expectations are hoisted upon young men.
Biography | Drama | Sport
Release Date: Dec. 22, 2023
Director: Sean Durkin
Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson
Running Time: 2 hour, 10 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘A Bug’s Life’
Flik (David Foley) is part of a larger ant colony that is forced to offer annual food rations to a menacing group of grasshoppers, led by Hopper (Kevin Spacey). But when Flik accidentally ruins the colony’s food offerings, he must journey forth to find help to defend them against the grasshoppers.
One of Pixar’s best animated films, this one not only has an inspiring story, but it’s also easy for kids to grasp while still being engaging for adults. It’s an entertaining underdog story about standing up against tyranny.
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
Release Date: Nov. 25, 1998
Directors: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton
Starring: Voices of Kevin Spacey, David Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: AMC on Demand, Vudu, Amazon
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Fun, Nostalgic Viewing
‘Hot Pursuit’
Dan Bartlett (John Cusack) is a teenager who thinks he’s found the perfect girl in Lori Cronenberg (Wendy Gazelle). He plans to travel with her and her family to the Caribbean, but when he misses the flight, he tries to find them on his own—resulting in mayhem.
This film throws everything and the kitchen sink at the viewers. While it may start off as a breezy teen comedy, it soon transforms into an adventure flick with full-on action sequences. It’s an oddly distracting movie that is worthy of a single watch.
Comedy
Release Date: May 8, 1987
Director: Steven Lisberger
Starring: John Cusack, Robert Loggia, Jerry Stiller
Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV
Rated: 2.5 stars out of 5
Gripping Cinematic Tension
‘The Wages of Fear’ (‘Le salaire de la peur’)
Deep in the jungles of South America, four desperate souls are hired to transport nitroglycerine to a remote site. As they drive their trucks over rough roads, they know that a simple bump could spell instant death.
This taut thrill ride (literally and figuratively) features interesting characters and keeps you engaged with its oppressive sense of escalating tension.
Adventure | Drama | Thriller
Release Date: Feb. 16, 1955
Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot
Starring: Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck
Running Time: 2 hours, 11 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Max, Kanopy
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
