Watch or Pass: Just Mercy

Showing posts with label Just Mercy. Show all posts

Friday, September 25, 2020

What to Watch This Weekend: Remembering RBG, Shortcut, All Roads to Pearla, Gutterbug, Judy, Addams Family, Just Mercy

For the Barrier Breakers - RBG (Hulu)

Remember RBG's legacy by watching this phenomenal documentary about her life and everything she did for this country. The world is a sadder place today, but it was made all that much better by the strength, intelligence, and grit of this phenomenal, larger than life jurist.

For the Barrier Breakers Part 2 - On the Basis of Sex (Showtime)

If documentaries aren't your thing, check out this dramatization of how RGB broke some of her first barriers to entry, and argued one of the most important cases of her career. Felicity Jones and Arnie Hammer make a great pair in this dramatization of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's early life.

For the Horror and Stranger Things Fan - Shortcut (Theaters)

Shortcut is a thoroughly enjoyable creature feature that gets its claws into you early with its wonderful cinematography, young talented cast, perfectly toned style, and Stranger Things vibes. For more information, check out our review!

For the Horror and Stranger Things Fan - Shortcut (Theaters)

For the Drama Fan - All Roads to Pearla (Digital)

All Roads to Pearla is a beautiful noir film fueled by Timlin's powerful, dramatic performance, beautiful cinematography and music, and a complicated story. For more information, check out our review!

For the Rebel - Gutterbug (Digital)

Gutterbug tells a very human story, with complicated characters, plenty of youthful rebellion, and a satisfying conclusion. For more information, check out our review!

For the Drama Fans - Judy (Amazon)

Renee Zellweger takes on the difficult role of portraying the iconic Judy Garland. Zellweger captures the beloved performer's personality with poise and emotional care.

For the Kids - The Addams Family (Amazon)

The Addams Family is a nostalgic animated feature that captures the style and characters of the main show. For more information, check out our review!

For the Justice Seekers - Just Mercy (HBO)

Friday, June 19, 2020

What to Watch This Weekend: June 19, 2020

In honor of Juneteenth, we are highlighting movies from strong black voices or with strong black leads.

Harriet (Redbox, Digital Rental / Purchase)
Harriet tells the compelling story of an influential black woman who refused to abide by the status quo, with Oscar-worthy acting, an exciting and heartbreaking script, and a stellar score. For more information, check out our review!

Just Mercy (Redbox, Free Digital Rental, or Purchase, TNT, TBS, TruTV)
Just Mercy is an inspiring, timely, and sadly appropriate movie for our times. It has Oscar-worthy acting, amazing cinematography, and tells an important story about injustice and the disparity in the criminal justice system that that doesn't leave a heart untouched or an eye dry at its conclusion.

Black Panther (Disney+, TNT, TBS, TruTV)
The film is essential watching for the MCU but also has a fantastic blend of super hero themes with African-inspired culture and visuals. It is truly a celebration of all things super!

The 13th (Netflix)
This thought-provoking documentary has scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. It is a wonderfully crafted documentary that balances insights from talking heads with painful archival footage.

Creed II (Hulu)
The follow-up to the surprisingly good Creed, this movie manages to make the tried-and-true Rocky formula feel fresh thanks to some fantastic performances and the introduction of characters from Rocky's past.

BlackkKlansman (HBO / HBOMAX)
Spike Lee has been one of the most outspoken and influential black movie voices of our time. BlackkKlansman is a lighter movie than some of his other works, but it still tells a compelling historical story with an amazing cast, biting commentary, and a lot of humor.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco (Amazon)
This powerful film that tells the tale of a man dreaming to reclaim his grandfather's victorian home in a rapidly changing city.

News: TNT, TBS, and TruTV to Air Black Panther and Just Mercy Today (June 19)

On Friday, June 19th, TNT, TBS, and truTV will host a special one-night-only on-air roadblock showcasing critically acclaimed films BLACK PANTHER and JUST MERCY, along with reflections from distinguished guests about the personal impact these films had on their lives and the culture.

Host Anthony Anderson will be joined by guests, including Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative (whom JUST MERCY is based on), Senator Kamala Harris and CNN’s W. Kamau Bell. Additionally, Andra Day will perform her Grammy-nominated song “Rise Up.” Reginald Hudlin, who wrote for the BLACK PANTHER graphic novel series, serves as executive producer of the special content, along with executive producer Phil Gurin and co-executive producer Byron Phillips.

With limited commercial interruption, Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER will air at 7pm ET/PT, followed by JUST MERCY. These are both great movies and will make for an entertaining and informative Friday night.

Friday, June 5, 2020

What to Watch This Weekend: June 5, 2020

This past week, the world has come together in unity to protest racial inequality behind the movement of #Blacklivematters. We have seen people go to the streets and protest for the notion that black lives do in fact matter and that systemic racism is a very real problem in our society. Due to their efforts, the country and the world are focused on an issue that is often ignored in our current society. This has happened despite an unprecedented pandemic and economic slowdown. In order to help raise awareness of systemic racism and the very real problems that our black brothers and sisters experience on a day-to-day basis, here is a selection of recommended movies that highlight this inequality. For those that experience these injustices on a day-to-day basis, these films are a powerful reminder of everything that the current protests are fighting against. And for those that have not grown up experiencing these racial biases, seeing these injustices--if only for a brief moment--is important to try and understand the perspective of our friends and neighbors, and in some way try to empathize with the anger and frustration that has led to these recent protests.

Queen & Slim (Redbox, Digital Rental / Purchase)
Queen & Slim takes a very real--and unfortunately increasingly common in America today--situation and builds an eye opening, empowering Bonnie and Clyde-esque movie around it. It gives a window into racial injustice in America, told through stellar performances, strong writing, and a commitment to realism that preaches a powerful message.

Just Mercy (Redbox, Free Digital Rental, or Purchase)
Just Mercy is an inspiring, timely, and sadly appropriate movie for our times. It has Oscar-worthy acting, amazing cinematography, and tells an important story about injustice and the disparity in the criminal justice system that that doesn't leave a heart untouched or an eye dry at its conclusion.

The Banker (Apple TV+)
The Banker tells an important, timely story about inequalities in the 1950s and 1960s that made it nearly impossible for African Americans to become landowners. This story has great charisma between its stars and manages to entertain while educating about complex issues.

Blindspotting (HBOMAX)
Blindspotting blends buddy comedy with powerful social commentary to tell another story of race in our country. It highlights that inequal justice in our country can be based on skin color, and how that system can target one individual and affect their lives.

Fruitvale Station (Tubi)
Fruitvale Station tells the story of Oscar Grant, a young black man who was shot by a police officer at a Bart station on New Years Day in 2009. This shooting shook the nation, and seeing Oscar's day and his plans to change his life make his death all the more tragic.

The 13th (Netflix)
This thought-provoking documentary has scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. It is a wonderfully crafted documentary that balances insights from talking heads with painful archival footage.

If Beale Street Could Talk (Hulu)
If Beale Street Could Talk is another painful look at the justice system and the inequal administration of that justice. The popular play turned movie has powerful performances and artistic cinematography that only heighten the sense of injustice portrayed in this wonderful film.

Do The Right Thing (Digital Rental / Purchase)
Spike Lee's classic movie about racial tension was controversial when it came out and is sadly still relevant today. Although it has aged, the nerves it touches are still exposed and painful.

Selma (Free Digital Rental)
The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. Selma draws inspiration and dramatic power from the life and death of King, but doesn't ignore how far we remain from the ideals his work embodied.

Deal: Selma, Brian Banks, Antwone Fisher, and The Secret Life of Bees Free to Rent

Following in the footsteps of Just Mercy being free to rent, several movies highlighting social justice and tolerance are free to rent on various platforms. Those movies include Selma, Brian Banks, Antwone Fisher, and the Secret Life of Bees.

Free Digital Rentals:

Just Mercy
Selma

Brian Banks

Antwone Fisher

The Secret Life of Bees

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Deal: Rent Just Mercy for Free or Own for $4

The phenomenal film Just Mercy is available for free to rent today, or for $4 or 5 to own! Choose where you want to rent it, and if you want to buy it, I would suggest the Microsoft Store. It is only $3.99 for 4K, and because this movie is Movies Anywhere, it will port to your linked accounts. It is a powerful drama that details the life of Bryan Stevenson and the fight for justice for one man. It is an inspiring, timely, and sadly appropriate movie for our times. It has Oscar-worthy acting, amazing cinematography, and tells an important story that that doesn't leave a heart untouched or an eye dry at its conclusion. It is also Movies Anywhere compatible, so it will port to your linked accounts.

Free to Rent

Own

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Friday, April 17, 2020

What to Watch This Weekend: April 17, 2020

Redbox: Just Mercy

Just Mercy is an inspiring, timely, and sadly appropriate movie for our times. It has Oscar-worthy acting, amazing cinematography, and tells an important story that that doesn't leave a heart untouched or an eye dry at its conclusion. For more information, check out our review!

Redbox: Underwater
Underwater's intense action, climactic score, and good characters are sunk by a plot that dives into nonsense halfway through this short film. However, it is still worth a rental to see the interesting premise and suspenseful action. For more information, check out our review!

Digital: Pigeon Kings
PigeonKings explores the competitive aerobatic pigeon scene in south central LA through two men's passion for the sport and community. For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Netflix): #BlackAF

#BlackAF provides a great balance of comedy and storytelling, while taking risks in being unfiltered, bold, and honest. For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Amazon): The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse has a distinctive and recognizable style, along with Oscar-worthy performances from its two leads. For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Netflix): Sergio

The Lighthouse has a distinctive and recognizable style, along with Oscar-worthy performances from its two leads. For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Netflix): School Life

School Life teaches some valuable life lessons about growing up and finding your place in life, with an enjoyable cast of characters in a French high school drama. For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (HBO): It: Chapter 2
It Chapter Two reunites the Losers with the iconic clown, but does so in an unnecessarily long way. The film has a fantastic cast and a ton of tension, but the long run time and ridiculous CG effects spoil the overall experience. For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Showtime): A Dog's Journey

If you want something uplifting this weekend, check out this audience-loved movie about a dog who lives multiple lives to try and come back to his original owner.

Digital Movie Deals: April 17, 2020

Here is a collection of digital movie deals to help keep you entertained while you quarantine. The movies listed as Movies Anywhere will port to your linked iTunes, Amazon, Microsoft, Google Play, and VUDU accounts.

Movies Anywhere Movies:

This site contains affiliate links. //Commerce or this site may be compensated when you click through links on our site.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

News: More Movies Going Early Digital

In the wake of theater closures (AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Alamo, and the newly opened Showplace ICON in Tyson's Corner) and more and more people being told to isolate and quarantine, movie studios are pushing up digital releases to try and appeal to newly sedentary moviegoers. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was made available for digital purchase last week, much earlier than the original plan. Warner Bros. is the latest to push up a digital release, announcing that Just Mercy is now available for digital purchase (VUDU, iTunes, FandangoNOW). Renting will be available starting March 24.

Additionally, the fantastic movies Birds of Prey and the Gentlemen were both had their digital releases pushed early, and both will be available starting next week. It seems like movie studios are moving quickly to adapt to the #QuarantineLife and it will be exciting to see what else comes from this monumental shift in daily life.

Friday, January 10, 2020

What to Watch This Weekend: January 10, 2020

In Theaters: Just Mercy

At Redbox: Joker

Joker is a dark and disturbing tale about one man's descent into madness and rebirth as an iconic villain. It is not going to be for everyone, but this brilliant, unpredictable, and uncomfortable film should not be missed. For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Starz): Family

I saw this film on a plane because I had literally seen everything else. I expected t his to be terrible but laughed harder than I had in a long time. The film has a fantastic dry sense of humor and a great message. Make sure to check out this hidden gem!

Streaming (Amazon): The Kid

Combine two of my favorite actors (Dane DeHaan and Ethan Hawke) in a western bio-drama and you already have my interest. Make it about one of the most famous outlaws in history and I'm sure it will please many movie fans!

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Review: Just Mercy

Release date: January 10, 2020
Running time: 136 minutes
Starring: Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx

Just Mercy is an inspiring, timely, and sadly appropriate in our times movie about a young lawyer's fight to overturn a wrongful death penalty conviction. The movie is a powerful reminder of the flaws in the legal system and how slowly and reluctantly the wheels of justice can turn. In it, a young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) takes the case of Walter McMillian (Foxx), a man on death row who was convicted of a brutal killing after a trial that lasted a day and a half. This black inmate was convicted by a jury with no black jurors, who looked at no physical evidence, and only the testimony of two shaky individuals.

Just Mercy will be lauded for its acting and for the most part it is well deserved. Jamie Foxx completely transforms into Walter McMillian, to the point where the actor is barely recognizable. He takes on all of his mannerisms and portrays the man perfectly. There is only one part where you can see Jamie Foxx the actor, and it's actually in a part where I wish they had kept him as McMillian. Brie Larson is fantastic, as usual. And the supporting characters are all amazingly cast and acted. Images of the real life individuals are shown during the credits and many of the actors portrayed these characters flawlessly. Unfortunately, Michael B. Jordan is my only disappointment from this film. He is a fine actor and is really great in his dramatic takes, but his delivery often feels forced. This was definitely an opportunity for him to really elevate his career and acting dynamics, but for whatever reason his performance just didn't rise to the occasion.

But what really stood out was the cinematography. There are shots that are so perfectly composed that it conveys the dread and hopelessness of the situations without having to overtly say it. There are so many small scenes like this that really give the audience a feeling for how unjust this situation was, how dire the consequences facing these individuals were, or just how dreadful this fight was. Each of these help to build an amazing portrait of justice in America, and the need to fight for that justice one step at a time. And all of this is helped along by some amazing musical selections that really set the tone. Be it period pieces, important songs to the characters, or music to set the mood, this film perfectly conveys its message both visibly and audibly.

Just Mercy is an inspiring, timely, and sadly appropriate movie for our times. It has Oscar-worthy acting, amazing cinematography, and tells an important story that that doesn't leave a heart untouched or an eye dry at its conclusion.

Watch It

Friday, December 20, 2019

Screening: JUST MERCY

JUST MERCY

Wide release: January 10

Rated: PG-13

Run time: 137 minutes

www.justmercyfilm.com

Facebook.com/JustMercyFilm | instagram.com/justmercyfilm/ | twitter.com/justmercyfilm |
#JustMercy

Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

A powerful and thought-provoking true story, “Just Mercy” follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan had his pick of lucrative jobs. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or who were not afforded proper representation, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley (Larson). One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian (Foxx), who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite a preponderance of evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds—and the system—stacked against them.

Michael B. Jordan (“Black Panther,” “Creed,” “Creed II”) and Oscar winners Jamie Foxx (“Ray,” “Baby Driver,” “Django: Unchained”) and Brie Larson (“Room,” “The Glass Castle,” “Captain Marvel”) star in “Just Mercy,” an inspiring drama that brings one of the most important stories of our time to the big screen.

Award-winning filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton (“The Glass Castle,” “Short Term 12”) directed the film from a screenplay he co-wrote, based on the award-winning nonfiction bestseller by Bryan Stevenson.

Screening Details:

Monday, January 6
7:00pm

AMC Mazza

5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Screening Link: http://www.wbtickets.com/HJkXr46591

Be sure to Like and Follow Watch or Pass on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and share with your friends!

As always, screenings are first-come, first-served so please arrive early to ensure you get a seat.

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