This week, we feature an enchanting animated tale about two young Japanese sisters, and a classic Western about standing up for others.
New Release
‘Float’
Before her medical residency begins, young Waverly (Andrea Bang) wants to relax for the summer in a small Canadian town. While attending a party, she almost drowns but is rescued by handsome lifeguard Blake (Robbie Amell). Will their tangled lives derail their blossoming attraction?
Based on a novel by author Kate Marchant, this romantic drama is pretty engaging. Some of the dialogue is a little hard to understand (due to Bang’s vocal fry), but the film should please hardcore fans of the genre.
Drama | Romance
Release Date: Feb. 9, 2024
Director: Sherren Lee
Starring: Robbie Amell, Sarah Desjardins, Andrea Bang
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘My Neighbor Totoro’
A young girl named Satsuki (voiced by Noriko Hidaka) moves with her family to a rural area to be closer to her ill mother. In their new home, Satsuki and her younger sister Mei (Chika Sakamoto) encounter friendly spirits, including a large protective one named Totoro.
This gently stirring animated tale doesn’t have any antagonists. Instead, it focuses on the importance of family, community, and the natural world. It also emphasizes the inherent beauty in everyday life—an appreciation of the profound within the seemingly mundane.
Animation | Comedy | Family
Release Date: 1988
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Starring: voices of Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto
Running Time: 1 hour, 26 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Max
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Whimsical, Early ‘90s Romcom
‘L.A. Story’
Harris K. Telemacher (Steve Martin) is a meteorologist who has grown tired of his humdrum life in Los Angeles and his annoying girlfriend Trudi (Marilu Henner). However, when a freeway sign gives him some helpful guidance on how to liven up his life, he embarks on an unusual journey.
This nostalgic trip back to the 1990s is filled with hilarious takes on some of the silly clichés L.A. is known for. Although sappy in some places, it’s a feel-good romcom that ultimately culminates in a satisfying ending.
Comedy | Drama | Fantasy
Release Date: Feb. 8, 1991
Director: Mick Jackson
Starring: Steve Martin, Victoria Tennant, Richard E. Grant
Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon, AMC on Demand, Apple TV
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
The Stars Shine in an Engaging Western
‘El Dorado’
When a kind family is threatened by land baron Bart Jason (Edward Asner), gunfighter Cole Thornton (John Wayne) shows up to support local lawman J.P. Harrah (Robert Mitchum) to resist the evildoers.
This uproarious Western flick features wonderful chemistry between Wayne and Mitchum, backed by lots of two-fisted action, romance, and a surprisingly amount of comedy.
Drama | Romance | Western
Release Date: June 30, 1967
Director: Howard Hawks
Starring: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan
Running Time: 2 hours, 6 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Hoopla, Vudu, Amazon
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
