This week, we feature an emotional postwar drama of a troubled Marine who seeks forgiveness and a modern take on a Mark Twain classic involving switched identities and young love.
New Release
‘Atonement’
During the Iraq War, Marine Lou D’Alessandro (Boyd Holbrook) fires on civilian vehicles, killing several members of the Khachaturian family. Years later, Lou turns to journalist Michael Reid (Kenneth Branagh) in hopes of meeting Mariam Khachaturian (Hiam Abbass), who survived the attack.
Holbrook gives Lou a convincing mix of guilt and determination, with Abbass and Branagh providing strong support. The film can be hard to watch at times, but its ideas about responsibility, mercy, and making amends still come through powerfully.
Drama | War
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2026
Director: Reed Van Dyk
Starring: Boyd Holbrook, Kenneth Branagh, Hiam Abbass
Running Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘The Nut Job’
Banished from Liberty Park, self-serving squirrel Surly (Will Arnett), and rat pal Buddy (Rob Tinkler), discover a nut shop loaded with food. Fellow squirrel Andie (Katherine Heigl) wants the haul for the colony, while Raccoon (Liam Neeson) has plans of his own.
There’s enough energy here to keep younger viewers occupied, with plenty of physical comedy, although some of the cruder humor pushes it toward older kids. Surly’s gradual shift from selfish schemer to someone willing to help others gives the story a positive payoff.
Comedy | Crime | Family
Release Date: Jan. 17, 2014
Director: Peter Lepeniotis
Starring: Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson
Running Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
A Surfer and a Prince Trade Lives
‘The Prince and the Surfer’
When surfer Cash Canty (Sean Kellman) runs into his royal look-alike, Prince Edward (also Kellman), switching places sounds like harmless fun. Soon, Cash is mixing with Princess Galina (Katie Johnston), Edward is falling for Melissa (Linda Cardellini), and crooked minister Kratski (Robert Englund) threatens to spoil the ruse.
This is the kind of breezy rom-com that works when you’re in the mood for something undemanding. The mistaken-identity setup and cheerful performances keep the whole thing lively.
Comedy | Family | Romance
Release Date: Dec. 21, 1999
Directors: Gregory Gieras, Arye Gross
Starring: Sean Kellman, Robert Englund, Vincent Schiavelli
Running Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: YouTube, Tubi TV, Hoopla
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Discovering a Deadly Talent
‘Ace of Aces’
After his fiancée Nancy Adams (Elizabeth Allan) calls his courage into question, sculptor Rocky Thorne (Richard Dix) signs up for World War I and soon turns into one of his squadron’s most feared fighter pilots.
Although Rocky initially revels in his newfound skills and reputation, subsequent events eventually force him to confront how ugly his obsession with violence has become.
Drama | War
Release Date: Oct. 20, 1933
Director: J. Walter Ruben
Starring: Richard Dix, Elizabeth Allan, Ralph Bellamy
Running Time: 1 hour, 16 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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