What to Watch This Weekend: September 4, 2020 - Chadwick Boseman Films, The Argument, David Arquette, Robin's Wish, Tom of Your Life, Irresistible, The Way Back

For The Comedy Lover - The Argument (Digital)

The Argument's wonderful cast of characters, escalating and entertaining situations, and laugh out loud moments make this a dinner party you will want to attend over and over.  For more information, check out our review!

For The 90s Kid or Robin Williams Fan - Robin's Wish (Digital)

Robin's Wish is a wonderful reminder of what made Robin Williams so special, and how much his life and work touched his family, friends, fans, and the world.  For more information, check out our review!

For 90s Kid or Wrestling Fan - You Cannot Kill David Arquette (Digital)

You Cannot Kill David Arquette is a documentary that provides a window into both Arquette and wrestling, with all the highs, lows, drama, and production of a professional wrestling main event.  For more information, check out our review!

For The Person Without Much Time - Tom of Your Life (Digital)

Tom of Your Life's accelerated mechanic lets you experience a life from start to finish, with all the emotions, bumps, bruises, and love that you would expect.  For more information, check out our review!

 

For the Political Scientist - Irresistible (Redbox)

Irresistible will make you laugh, cringe, and think a lot about our political system, in this hilarious dark comedy that sheds a satirical light on our political process.   For more information, check out our review!

For the Fan of Sports Drama - The Way Back (HBO)

The Way Back is a slam dunk, with a passionate and authentic performance by Ben Affleck that scores with drama and an inspiring message.  For more information, check out our review!

Chadwick Boseman at his best - Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

The story of four Vietnam war vets who return to Vietnam is an energy filled and impactful film that should not be missed!  And as one of Chadwick Boseman's last films, you can watch to appreciate this man's amazing acting.  For more information, check out our review!

Wakkanda Forever - Black Panther (Disney+)

The film that showed Chadwick Boseman was more than just a man, Black Panther 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!  

Chadwick Boseman Elevating a Thriller - 21 Bridges (Showtime)

21 Bridges has a charismatic star, a well-paced story, and a climactic score that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the film's end game.  For more information, check out our review!

What to Watch This Weekend: May 22, 2020

Redbox: The Way Back

The Way Back tells a story that has you rooting for the man down. With scenes that will make you hold your breath, cry, and cheer, this is a journey that you will be glad you took.  And as with all sports movies, the journey is the most important part of the story.  Be sure to be ready for an emotional roller coaster here. For more information, check out our review!

Redbox: Onward
Pixar's Onward will cast a charm spell on you with it's wonderful cast, beautiful animation, and story that has all of the heart and magic that we have come to expect from this studio.  For more information, check out our review!

Digital: Tokyo Godfathers
Tokyo Godfathers is a beautifully animated classic that has been fully restored for a modern release.  However, it is a testament to this film being ahead of its time that its unconventional main characters, engaging story, and subject matter feel completely at home in modern times.  For more information, check out our review!

Digital: Dalai Lama Scientist
Dalai Lama Scientist is a surprising look into the Tibetan leader's little known interest in science, with wonderful historical footage and insights from top scientists and the Dalai Lama himself.   For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (HBO): 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 (Showtime): Hustlers

Hustlers provides an unreal story about some slick and resourceful women.  It is a female wolf of wall street, with a decent amount of craziness, high risk scams, and strong personalities.  For more information, check out our review!

What to Watch This Weekend: March 6, 2020

In Theaters: Onward

Onward will cast a charm spell on you with its wonderful cast, beautiful animation, and story that has all the heart and magic we have come to expect from Pixar.  For more information, check out our review!

In Theaters: The Way Back

The Way Back is a slam dunk, with a passionate and authentic performance by Ben Affleck that scores with drama and an inspiring message.  For more information, check out our review!

At Redbox: Queen & Slim

Queen & Slim gives a window into racial injustice in America, told through stellar performances, strong writing, and a commitment to realism that preaches a powerful message.  For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Disney+): Black Panther

Black Panther is finally on Disney+, so make sure to watch it to to prepare yourself for the sequel (coming in 2022).  The film is essential watching for the MCU but also has a fantastic blend of super hero themes with African inspired visuals.  It is truly a celebration of all things super!

Streaming (HBO): Alita: Battle Angel

Alita: Battle Angel is a special effects force; the animation and sound are awe-inspiring, and the effort that the filmmakers went to to realize this world is great to see.  For more information, check out our review!

Streaming (Netflix): Good Time
Robert Pattinson's earlier serious movie that showcased his acting talent and and shed some of the Twilight typecasting is on Netflix.  This film has universal critical and audience acclaim and much of that is due to Pattinson's performance.  Check it out to get a sense of the actor who is set to play Batman in the next movies!

Review: The Way Back

Release date: March 6, 2020
Running time: 108 minutes
Starring: Ben Affleck, Janina Gavankar, Michaela Watkins

After totally losing control of his life, former basketball star Jack Cunningham (Affleck) is given an opportunity to turn it around and find The Way Back. Jack is regarded as the best High School basketball player to come out of Bishop Hayes High School in California. But, despite his skill opening up opportunities for him, such as a full scholarship to Kansas University, he decided to forego all that and work a construction job and drink to deal with past traumas.  When, the current head coach of his alma mater suffers a heart attack, the only suitable person to replace him is Jack.  But can Jack find a path to mold this team and deal with his own life problems?  


Now I know many would want to label this movie as a sports movie, but the film itself is less about the sports and more about the struggle.  Sure there are aspects of basketball inherent in the film, but it wasn't the focal point.  Basketball is on the periphery of this film, and the real meat is in Jack's personal demons and dealing with his past choices.  Even certain dialogue explains to its viewers that its not about the game and or who wins but its about turning these young boys into better men.  The basketball that they do show tend to be in spurts, and any theatrics regarding the games were surprisingly basic.  

But what is important to take from this film is its redemption story and life lessons about perseverance and resilience. The Way Back tells a story of what can happen if mental health isn't discussed or handled properly and the consequences from that.  Without a doubt Ben Affleck is the star of this movie as he channels some of his real life struggles into this role, allowing him to portray Jack with a passionate and authentic performance.  Afflecks performance turns this into both a good movie with an inspiring message. The rest of the cast especially the younger members does a fantastic job in their limited spaces and truly compliments Ben in all scene no matter the intensity of them. Not to mention, Gavin O'Connor its truly remarkable when it comes down to film revolved around athletics and drama combining them into practical real life lesson. And without a doubt. his chemistry with Been Affleck is on full display yet again!

The Way Back tells a story that has you rooting for the man down. With scenes that will make you hold your breath, cry, and cheer, this is a journey that you will be glad you took.  And as with all sports movies, the journey is the most important part of the story.  Be sure to be ready for an emotional roller coaster here. Be sure to be ready for an emotional roller coaster here.

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