This week, we feature an animated comedy about rebellious chickens and a quirky Japanese film about a widow who struggles with her ramen shop business.
New Release
‘Lights Out’
Michael “Duffy” Duffield (Frank Grillo) is a veteran who is down on his luck until he meets Max Bomer (Mekhi Phifer), a fast-talking conman who offers to help him. However, Duffy soon discovers that his new life—competing in underground fights—may lead to lethal consequences.
This is an engaging actioner anchored by strong performances of its able cast and is packed with adrenaline-pumping fights. It also sports a peppy soundtrack that complements the action and unfolding drama.
Action | Thriller
Release Date: Feb. 16, 2024
Director: Christian Sesma
Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins, Frank Grillo
Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Chicken Run’
On an egg farm in England, a group of chickens plot to escape their prison-like coop. After seeing fellow chicken Rocky (voiced by Mel Gibson) almost escape by flying over the coop’s fences, the birds begin to hatch new schemes on how to make their big exodus.
This fun, family-friendly flick uses a brilliant mixture of computer-generated images along with old school Claymation to deliver some great visuals. It’s also well-paced, and although the film’s narrative is action-packed, there are enough slower, dramatic scenes to create emotional resonance.
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
Release Date: June 23, 2000
Directors: Peter Lord, Nick Park
Starring: Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels
Running Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
A Delightful Feel-good Romp
‘Tampopo’
When truck driver Goro (Tsutomu Yamazaki) stops to eat at a ramen shop called Lai Lai, he meets its proprietor Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto), who is struggling to keep it open. Goro decides to help Tampopo upgrade her noodle-making skills, which leads to discoveries beyond food.
This film not only showcases some incredible acting by its stellar cast but also some positive messages (along with a lot of laughs) about helping others in distress and doing the right thing, no matter the challenge.
Comedy
Release Date: September 1987
Director: Juzo Itami
Starring: Ken Watanabe, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto
Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Vudu, Apple TV
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
An Engrossing Romantic Tale
‘Homecoming’
When Dr. Ulysses Johnson (Clark Gable) joins World War II for self-centered reasons, he meets Jane “Snapshot” McCall (Lana Turner), a nurse who challenges him to be a better man. Sparks begin to fly, but Johnson is a married man.
This sweeping romantic tale depicts realistic characters dealing with relatable situations that many folks have been through. A true classic.
Drama | Mystery | Romance
Release Date: May 1, 1948
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Starring: Clark Gable, Lana Turner, Anne Baxter
Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: TCM, Vudu, Amazon
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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