This week, we feature a biopic about a tight-knit community recovering from tragedy and an interesting rom-com set in the City of Lights.
New Release
‘The Painter’
Peter (Charlie Weber) is a former CIA agent, who lives a quiet life as a painter. However, that all changes when someone from his shadowy past emerges. Soon, he finds himself hunted by malevolent forces.
Like so many other “man with a mysterious past” movies, this one is formulaic, at least regarding plot. However, it sports some excellent cinematography (a great use of vibrant colors), and visceral, well-choreographed action sequences. Overall, it’s a pretty decent actioner.
Thriller
Release Date: Jan. 5, 2024
Director: Kimani Ray Smith
Starring: Charlie Weber, Marie Avgeropoulos, Madison Bailey
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Indie Pick
‘Midnight in Paris’
Gil (Owen Wilson) is a successful writer who is traveling with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams), and her parents in France. On their trip, he begins to discover that perhaps Inez isn’t the woman for him—while also realizing that Paris is a magical place that inspires him to write his first novel.
The “City of Lights” serves as a truly stunning backdrop for this thought-provoking rom-com about a man finding himself and what is important to him. Director of photography Darius Khondji’s cinematography is also a feast for the eyes.
Comedy | Fantasy | Romance
Release Date: June 10, 2011
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates
Running Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, AMC on Demand
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
An Inspiring Sports Film
‘We Are Marshall’
On Nov.14, 1970, a DC-9 domestic commercial jetliner crashed into a hillside, killing all 75 of its passengers, which included almost all of Marshall University’s football team members. New coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) is hired to develop a new team of players and to help heal the damaged heart of the local community.
Although this sports drama does contain some tragedy, it’s also an ultimately uplifting film that shows there is sometimes hope to be found beyond calamity.
Drama | Sport
Release Date: Dec. 22, 2006
Director: McG
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie
Running Time: 2 hours, 11 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Fun-Filled Western
‘The Fighting Kentuckian’
John Breen (John Wayne) is a Kentuckian militiaman, who meets Fleurette De Marchand (Vera Ralston) on his way home from the War of 1812. When he learns of a dastardly plot to steal land from her and her fellow French exiles, he dashes to their aid.
This film has everything—lots of fighting, loving, and plenty of laughs provided by Oliver Hardy of “Laurel and Hardy.”
Adventure | Drama | Romance
Release Date: Sept. 15, 1949
Director: George Waggner
Starring: John Wayne, Vera Ralston, Philip Dorn
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Vudu, Hoopla, Amazon
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
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