This week, we feature a coming-of-age film where the protagonist looks back at a transformative summer of firsts and a modern take on a beloved childhood fairy tale.
New Release
‘American Summer’
Looking back on his boyhood, older Mikey (Steve Guttenberg) recalls a summer when his younger self (Logan Gray) fought for a place on the baseball field, grew close to Kelly (Mia Talerico), and waited with his family for news of his missing father, a soldier.
The talented cast has an authentic chemistry, and the humor feels closer to a classic family comedy than many of the more current releases. I also appreciated its straightforward respect for family, friendship, and the sacrifices made by military service members and their loved ones.
Comedy | Family
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2026
Director: Michael W. Gray
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Dan Lauria, Mia Talerico
Running Time: 1 hour, 23 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Indie Pick
‘Wendy’
Wendy (Devin France) and her twin brothers follow the mysterious Peter (Yashua Mack) to an island where children can remain young, although staying that way proves harder than they expect.
Benh Zeitlin’s earthy take on Peter Pan features lots of striking scenery and an appealing sense of adventure, with enough imagination to keep the film moving, even when the pacing wanders. Its wilder passages are often the most enjoyable, and although the story never reaches the heights of its setting, there’s still plenty here to admire.
Drama | Fantasy | Thriller
Release Date: Feb. 28, 2020
Director: Benh Zeitlin
Starring: Devin France, Yashua Mack, Gage Naquin
Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Immortals Loose in New York City
‘Highlander’
A bizarre New York sword fight puts forensics expert Brenda Wyatt (Roxanne Hart) on the trail of Russell Nash (Christopher Lambert). Wyatt soon discovers that Nash is actually Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scotsman caught up in a centuries-old war.
The band Queen, clashing swords, and Russell Mulcahy’s restless directorial style power this strange fantasy tale into pure 1980s excess. Some of it barely holds together, but Sean Connery seems to be having the time of his life as MacLeod’s immortal mentor Ramirez.
Action | Adventure | Fantasy
Release Date: March 7, 1986
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Starring: Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown
Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Amazon
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
A Screwball Romantic Mix-Up
‘The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer’
Teenager Susan Turner (Shirley Temple) develops a big crush on artist Dickie Nugent (Cary Grant), dragging her older sister, Judge Margaret Turner (Myrna Loy), into an increasingly ridiculous scheme to put an end to it.
The ridiculous premise works surprisingly well thanks to Grant’s timing, Loy’s dry humor, and a screenplay that keeps things moving at a brisk pace.
Comedy | Romance
Release Date: Sept. 1, 1947
Director: Irving Reis
Starring: Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Shirley Temple
Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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