News: Warner Brothers ENTIRE 2021 Movie Slate To Debut On HBO Max Alongside Theaters

In a huge shift for a movie studio, Warner Brothers announced that it is debuting its entire 2021 movie slate, not just Wonder Woman 1984, on HBO Max.  The films will have a one month window on HBO Max to view before they leave the service for traditional distribution times (meaning finishing theatrical, then digital purchase, then disc, and eventually back on the service).  This is a huge shift and a calculated bet that Warner is making that the COVID-19 vaccine will not be as widely distributed as some think or that even with a vaccine, consumers might not return to theaters quickly.

And what a movie slate you will get if you have HBO Max.  This makes the service a no brainer if you were planning on seeing even one of these movies in theaters during 2021.  The films you will see include Wonder Woman 1984, Denzel Washington’s The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4.

We will wait to see if this bet pays off but one thing is certain, 2021 is going to be a very interesting year as movie studios and theaters try to convince consumers to come back to the movies!

Class Action Park Review: A Dangerously Good Time

Release date: August 27, 2020
Running time: 90 minutes

Class Action Park is the first-ever feature-length documentary to explore the legend, legacy, and truth behind a place that long ago entered the realm of myth. To some, New Jersey's infamous Action Park was the most spectacularly fun amusement park on Earth: A place where unruly 1980s teenagers were given free rein to go gonzo on strange contraptions that seemed to violate the laws of common sense (and perhaps physics). To others, it was an ill-conceived death trap. One thing is sure: It's the type of place that will never exist again. Class actin park documents the accounts of those that worked there, those that had fun there, and those whose lives were permanently altered by that place to reveal the true story behind this dangerous amusement park.  

Class Action Park tells a pretty insane story, but backs it up with some amazing archival footage and accounts.  The footage shows both the thrilling rides and perils of some of the more questionable decisions that the park made.  And the interviews with the former park employees are enlightening.  They describe some of the terrible events that occurred in such frank detail that it is a little shocking.  There is one scene where people end up getting scratched up in a ride and the description for why was so shocking, you would think it would be the plot of a new horror movie.  And the fact that they lived through some of these accidents and deaths is even more shocking to see.  But it is when the emotional scenes occur that you really get your heartstrings pulled.  Some of the victims of Action Park have some heartbreaking stories to tell, which are laid bare in this documentary.  

The combination of the footage and witness accounts makes for a compelling story, but it is some of the reveals in the film that really make this a special documentary.  The ways that the founder was able to avoid liability and operate for so long are scary to see.  It really does harken back to different time and one that we will likely never see again.  And another thing that was interesting was to hear some of the employees describe the park with a sort of nostalgia, despite knowing that it was a death trap.  Maybe it is the time that has passed or the fondness of youth, but many of the former employees definitely remember their time at Action Park fondly.  And this is a central tension in the film: Action Park was decidedly dangerous and poorly maintained, but it also allowed for youth to be young and have fun.  Now often that fun would result in some sort of injury, but it still was a place with no rules.  It is an interesting dichotomy that this place lives in, a thrilling abusement park but also a place that never should have opened.

Class Action Park tells an unbelievable story with fantastic archival footage and first-hand accounts by those most affected by this fun and dangerous abusement park.

Watch it.

If you liked this review and want to see more from Watch or Pass, please consider 

following us on our various social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.  Class Action Park premieres on HBO Max on August 27.

What to Watch This Weekend: July 31, 2020

The Poignant Family Drama: Ice Cream in the Cupboard (Digital)

Ice Cream in the Cupboard ultimately depicts a beautiful relationship, even if you have to view it through a painful lense.  It is touching, beautiful, and brutal and should not be missed.  For more information, check out our review!

The Quarantine Zoom Horror Movie: Host (Shudder)
Host dials in the scares with a clever use of technology, references to the current predicament, and enough jump scares to keep you from dropping out of this zoom meeting.  For more information, check out our review!

The Modern Political Thriller: The Hater (Netflix)

The Hater explores a timely issue with an amazing performance by Musialowski, stellar sound design, and a dark, engaging story.  Make sure to Like this one!  For more information, check out our review!

The Scary Weekend Getaway: The Beach House (Shudder)

It may not be a perfect time to do a beach trip, but The Beach House is a great way to spend your afternoon with its strong performances and many explanations for this impending threat.  For more information, check out our review!

The Emotional And Violent Family Affair: The Shadow of Violence (Digital)

Shadow of Violence is an emotional tour de force, with great characters, a powerful, impactful soundtrack, and a story that hits you early and hard.  For more information, check out our review!

The Atmospheric Horror Movie: Amulet (Digital)

Amulet tells a strange tale through its amazing sense of dread, unsettling sound effects, and simmering, complex story.  It won't be for everyone but there is plenty here for those looking for an atmospheric horror experience to appreciate.  For more information, check out our review!

The Documentary That Goes On A Rampage: Tread (Netflix)

Tread tells the story of Marvin Heemeyer, a master welder who quietly fortifies a bulldozer and systematically destroys numerous businesses and homes in the small mountain town of Granby, Colorado.  The man basically built himself a tank and went on a rampage.

The Edward Norton Crime Thriller: Motherless Brooklyn (HBO)

Motherless Brooklyn is an experience, with a fantastic setting that captures the lights, sounds, and soul of 1950’s New York and fills it with a cast of interesting characters to meet along the way.  For more information, check out our review!

Scoob! (Redbox)
Scoob! tries to play on the nostalgia for the franchise and if it would have stuck to this, it might have been an entertaining reboot of the Scooby Doo franchise.  For more information, check out our story!

What to Watch This Weekend: July 24, 2020

The Social Justice Drama With Tough Issues And Amazing Acting: Clemency (Digital, Redbox)
An outstanding cast led by Alfre Woodard, Clemency brings tough social issues to the big screen.  Woodard plays a state sanctioned executioner who must confront her own demons that connect her to the men she is authorized to execute. Clemency is available for free at pretty much all major digital retailers so make sure to check this one out!  For more information, check out our story!

The Star Studded Animation Documentary: Spike & Mike: Animation Outlaws (Digital)

Spike & Mike: Animation Outlaws is an animated documentary that highlights some amazing animators and animation, and what these two did for the overall community.  For more information, check out our review!

The Unconventional Musical Drama: Fisherman's Friends (Digital)
Fisherman's Friends reels you in and hits the right notes, with its great music, relatable and likable characters, and heartwarming story.  For more information, check out our review!

The Young Adult Light-Hearted Nostalgia Trip: The Kissing Booth 2 (Netflix)
expect exactly what you expect for all teenage love drama and the two hour runtime will just breeze by.  And even if you are punching your first ticket to the kissing booth and going in blind-folded, you will find an enjoyable teenage romantic dramady.  For more information, check out our review!

The Irreverent Soon To Be Parenting Comedy: The Babysplitters (Digital)

The Babysplitters delivers a hilarious, unconventional comedy with a fantastic cast, frank dialogue, and laugh-out-loud situations.  For more information, check out our review!

The Gritty, Stylish Chinese Crime Noir: The Wild Goose Lake (Digital)

The Wild Goose Lake is a gritty, stylish Chinese crime drama with some beautiful cinematography, strong characters, and a slow burning story.  It won't be for everyone because of this, but there is plenty to admire about this film.  For more information, check out our review!

For The Martial Arts Enthusiast: Ip Man 4: The Finale (Netflix)

Ip Man 4 finishes the epic story of Master Ip Man, with a wonderful love letter to classic martial arts film, with the exaggerated scenarios and amazing fights that you would expect from the Wing Chun master.  For more information, check out our review!

The Historical Action Film About An Important and Fearless Woman: Harriet (HBO, Redbox)

Harriet tells the compelling story of an influential woman with Oscar-worthy acting, an exciting and heartbreaking script, and a stellar score.  For more information, check out our review!

News: HBO Max To Develop Animated Series YOUNG LOVE, based on the Academy Award®-winning short film HAIR LOVE

HBO Max has ordered a 12-episode season of an all-new, 2D animated series, Young Love, based on the characters introduced in the Academy Award®-winning short film, Hair Love from Oscar® winner Matthew A. Cherry and Sony Pictures Animation. The new series for HBO Max is created by Cherry, who will showrun with long-time animation creative Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). The series will be executive produced by Blue Key Entertainment's Monica A. Young (producer of Hair Love) along with Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.

Hair Love centers around the relationship between an African-American father, his daughter Zuri, and the most daunting task a father could ever come across – doing his daughter’s hair for the first time. The short resonated with people everywhere, especially fathers who found themselves in similar situations.

The all-new animated series Young Love seeks to expand on the family introduced in Hair Love, as they juggle their careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues, and multi-generational dynamics all while striving to make a better life for themselves.

News: HBO Max Debuts Trailer for Seth Rogen's An American Pickle

HBO Max just debuted the trailer for Seth Rogen's An American Pickle, which is coming to HBO Max later this summer.  The new WarnerMax film starring Seth Rogen will premiere Thursday, August 6th on HBO Max.

The film, directed by Brandon Trost, is based on Simon Rich’s New Yorker novella and stars Seth Rogen as Herschel Greenbaum, a struggling laborer who immigrates to America in 1920 with dreams of building a better life for his beloved family.  One day, while working at his factory job, he falls into a vat of pickles and is brined for 100 years.  The brine preserves him perfectly and when he emerges in present day Brooklyn, he finds that he hasn’t aged a day.  But when he seeks out his family, he is troubled to learn that his only surviving relative is his great grandson, Ben Greenbaum (also played by Rogen), a mild-mannered computer coder whom Herschel can’t even begin to understand.

Watch the Trailer: https://youtu.be/JBC0pTh6GDM

What to Watch Independence Day

This 4th of July, beat the heat and the virus, stay indoors and stream some movies.  We have a collection of patriotic and holiday movies to help keep you entertained.

Jaws (HBO Max)
One of the original movies that shows the consequences of not listening to medical advice and the advice of experts, Jaws is a good reminder that sometimes, it is better to stay indoors and safe.

Hamilton (Disney+)
Celebrate America's independence with the Broadway musical detailing the life of one of the Founding Fathers.  Hamilton is simply one of the best Broadway musicals around and is a great choice for the fourth.  For more information, check out the review!

Band of Brothers (HBO Max)
One of the best war series ever, Band of Brothers tells the stories of soldiers in World War II, with amazing acting and booming special effects.  It is gritty, entertaining, heart wrenching, and inspring. 

Captain America (Disney+)
Celebrate America with America's ass.  All the Captain America movies are available to stream on Disney+, so take your pick.  Many think Winter Soldier is the best, but I'm always a fan of the original.  

Forest Gump (Starz)
Tom Hanks's American epic about a man who runs through much of American history is the perfect film to watch on the Fourth.  I'm sure you've seen it many times already but give it another watch for old times sake.

Air Force One (Netflix)
Harrison Ford as the president fighting terrorists on Air Force One?  Sign me up.  This is a classic action movie that I'm sure you've already seen, but watch it again for the holiday.

Glory (Roku Channel)
A film about the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first all-black military unit that fought in the Civil War.  The movie stars Denzel Washington (who took home an Oscar for best supporting actor) and put him on the map.  

Miracle (Netflix, Disney+)
The story of USA hockey's amazing Olympic run in 1980 is an inspirational sports film that will gt your blood pumping and have you rooting for team USA.  

What to Watch This Weekend: July 3, 2020

Amazing Broadway Musical: Hamilton (Disney+)
Possibly the biggest, most popular Broadway musical of all time comes to the home on Disney+.  Hamilton will entertain you while teaching you about history and social justice.  It is a smart, wonderful, and thoroughly enjoyable experience, made even better in the comfort of your own home.  

Glitter-Filled Kids Movie: Trolls World Tour (Digital)
Trolls World Tour keeps the same style and characters that made the first movie a surprise hit, and adds a bunch of new and interesting music trolls and locations to the band, while also providing an avenue to talk to your kids about diversity and tolerance.  For more information, check out our review!

Serious, Thoughtful Documentary: Athlete A (Netflix)
Athlete A is a thoughtful, thorough look into the worst sports story in recent memory, as well as the failings of USA Gymnastics that led to this scandal.  For more information, check out our review!

Hilarious Girls Trip: Desperados (Netflix)
Desperados's strong cast, hilarious moments, and wonderful personalities will keep you invested and entertained throughout this crazy girls trip.  For more information, check out our review!

Entertaining Genre Film: Becky (Redbox)
Becky wins with its smart casting and gruesome, creative fight sequences.  You have an angsty teen fighting against a gang of Nazis led by Kevin James!  What is not to like.

Shining Sequel: Doctor Sleep (HBO)
Doctor Sleep pairs a stellar cast, with a big score, and enough nostalgia from the original movie to keep you entertained.  Whether you are a fan of the novel or have seen Kubrick's original masterpiece, you will thoroughly enjoy Doctor Sleep.  For more information, check out our review!

Creature Feature: Crawl (Amazon and Hulu)
Crawl is a fun creature feature that goes a little over the top, but will leave you holding your breath as a father and daughter team try to avoid some seriously dangerous predators during a hurricane.  

Anime: Mirai (Netflix)
The Oscar nominated animation film, Mirai is an enchanting tale about family and a child's wonder that should not be missed.

News: Scoob! Heads to HBO Max Next Week - June 26

Scoob!, which was originally set to release in theaters on May 15 before heading direct to home rental / purchase, is set to start streaming on HBO Max next week!  It will be available starting June 26 to those subscribers of HBO's new offering. 

“HBO Max is the perfect home for these ‘meddling kids’ and their dog,’” said Kevin Reilly, chief content officer, HBO Max, president TNT, TBS, and TruTV. Scoob! tells the backstory of how these beloved friends met and formed Mystery Inc.  It’s a perfect addition to our kids and family offering and will sit alongside beloved original Scooby-Doo episodes.”

Scoob! had an interesting, and in my opinion more realistic, release offering where it was $20 to rent for 48 hours, but $25 to purchase outright.  So basically, you pay what you would at the theater or pay $5 more and own it.  This seems to bridge the gap between the new wave of theatrical at home releases and the standard digital purchase model, which usually has new movies retail for $20 or less.  Those that held off can check out this animated mystery soon!

News: HBO Max To #ReleaseTheSnyderCut in 2021

Breaking news!  After global passionate fan calls to action and the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that it will exclusively world premiere Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the Warner Bros. Pictures/DC feature film Justice League in 2021. Snyder surprised fans with the news this morning during a live online commentary of his film Man of Steel with Henry Cavill.

#ReleaseTheSnyderCut first became a passionate rallying social media cry among fans in 2017 and has not let up. From countless press articles and hundreds of thousands of social media mentions, it has been a constant request from comic book fans and film buffs.  However, up until now Warner Bros. was tight lipped on whether we would ever see this version.

“I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality,” said Snyder.

“Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut has been a daily drumbeat in our offices and inboxes. Well, the fans have asked, and we are thrilled to finally deliver. At the end of the day, it really is all about them and we are beyond excited to be able to release Zack’s ultimate vision for this film in 2021. This could never have happened if it weren’t for the hard work and combined efforts of the teams at HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer.

“When Zack and Debbie shared the extraordinary vision of where Zack wanted to take Justice League, my team and our counterparts at Warner Bros. took it as a mission to solve the many issues that stood in the way,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer at HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS and truTV. “Thanks to the partnership at Warner Bros. and the relentless pursuit of the entire WarnerMax team we are able to deliver this incredibly exciting moment for Zack, the fans and HBO Max.”

“Thanks to the efforts of a lot people, we’re excited to bring fans this highly anticipated version of Justice League,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “This feels like the right time to share Zack’s story, and HBO Max is the perfect platform for it. We’re glad the creative planets aligned, allowing us to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.”

No specifics on when the film will debut other than 2021, but you can bet the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut fanbase will be pleased when it does.

Review: The Sleepers

Release date: November 17, 2019 (U.S. Release May 18, 2020)
Running time: 60 minute episodes (6 episodes)
Starring: Tatiana Pauhofová, Martin Mysicka, Jan Vlasák

The Sleepers is a six-part drama series from HBO Europe that follows a story from 1989 Czechoslovakia when the Soviet Empire was crumbling.  In the midst of the Velvet Revolution, which brought 40 years of Moscow’s dominance in the country to an end, an ordinary woman gets caught between the two worlds of State Security and the dissidents. She is gradually forced to uncover unexpected secrets kept by both in order to save herself and find out what happened to her husband.

As with all HBO series, the Sleepers has top notch production values.  1989 (and 1977 for some scenes) Europe is completely recreated for this series.  The towns, the cars, the dress, and the technology all look spot on and really transport you to this time.  The cast are likewise very well done.  Each character is convincing and seems to be playing multiple angles in this tense spy thriller.  Although the episodes are mostly in a foreign language, the emotion and influences are perfectly conveyed from the characters and I did not find it distracting at all to follow along through subtitles.  

And this series is very much a thriller.  Everyone has an angle that they are playing and everyone is trying to discover the others' secrets.  However, this series doesn't try to overdramatize it; the spies and police go about their business in a matter of fact way without some of the hyperbole you would find in a Hollywood cold war movie.  And the thriller aspect is helped immensely by some amazing camera work that captures both the tension and the feel of observing someone surreptitiously.  The camera will zoom in on subjects as it is following them and moves freely.  It really helps to set the stage that this is going to be a film about observation and espionage.  And the music, although scant, really helps to emphasize the mood when it is used.  It is a nice touch to have some music come on screen and lets you know that something is going to happen or feeds the emotion already in the scene. 

However, the story in this series is very slow to develop, especially the first episode.  It started off interesting enough, but the follow up did not grab me like I expected it to.  But make sure to stick it out as the second episode really gets the story moving and some of the characters that we meet initially start to get larger roles.  This is a time and an area that does not get much attention on film, so make sure to stick it out and enjoy every tension-filled shot and this nuanced, engaging story.  

The Sleepers is a slow, deliberate espionage drama with stellar production values and a layered, nuanced story that will keep you guessing throughout. 

Watch it.

What to Watch This Weekend: November 28, 2019 (Thanksgiving)

In Theaters: Knives Out

Since you are spending time with family (or avoiding time with family), why not check out this dysfunctional one?  Knives Out assembles a killer cast of characters and pairs it with Rian Johnson's amazing style and wonderful, witty writing to create an amazingly entertaining whodunit. .  For more information, check out our review!

At Redbox: Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw

Although it doesn't have the Fast & Furious "family," this film does still attempt to keep the family spirit of the main series alive.  Hobbs and Shaw is the fast summer movie that we expected, so jump into an exotic car, buckle up, and enjoy the ride.  For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (HBO): Crazy Rich Asians

Another movie about dysfunctional families, Crazy Rich Asians focuses on a wealthy guy with a heart of gold trying to introduce his fiancee to his Singaporean family, with mixed results. The acting and humor are a lot of fun, as are the spectacular set pieces.  And the overall family message is heartwarming to see.

Streaming (Netflix): The Irishman

A different kind of family movie, the Irishman is getting all the Oscar attention for its long, compelling story and Scorsese's amazing filmaking.  Stay indoors during the during this long, cold weekend, devote three hours to this epic film, and reward Netflix for releasing a streaming movie so close to the box office debut.