Deal: UHD Movies - Little Women 2019 + Bonus Movie, Joker, or Hobbs & Shaw for $9.99

Deal Alert!  There are some relatively new movies available for $10 in 4K / UHD from VUDU and other retailers.  One of these, Little Women, just got released on digital and is a fantastic film adaptation of the classic novel.  Additionally, make sure you buy Little Women from a MoviesAnywhere connected account to take advantage of this bonus movie offer: if you buy it from a store that you have connected to your MoviesAnywhere account you will receive an email and be eligible to pick one of the following for free: Julie and Julia, Riding in Cars with Boys, Steel Magnolias, Friends with Money, Easy Virtue, The Runaways, Mrs. Winterbourne, or Ladies in Black!

Joker and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw are relatively recent and have both had previous deals, but this is a great time to jump on some new movies.

All these movies are Movies Anywhere compatible so will port to your connected Amazon, iTunes, VUDU, Google Play, FandangoNOW, and Microsoft accounts if you link them.

• Little Women 2019 (UHD) - $9.99
• VUDU
• Little Women 2019 and Little Women 1994 (UHD) - $19.99
• VUDU
• Joker - $9.99
• iTunes
• Microsoft
• VUDU
• Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw - $9.99
• iTunes

Review: Baaghi 3

Release date: March 6, 2020
Running time: 143 minutes
Starring: Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh

In Baaghi 3, Ronnie (Shroff) has always been overprotective of his brother (Deshmukh).  He helps him succeed in life and is always there to get him out of trouble.  And when he gets kidnapped by a warlord, Ronnie will again come to his aid using only his wits, arms, and abs. 

Being a Tiger Shroff movie, I expected there to be some overdramatic lines, slow motion fighting, and disappearing shirts.  However, this movie took that to an extreme.  Although there was not a lot of action until the last bit, the fights that did occur seemed to be entirely in slow motion.  It was disappointing given that I had just seen Tiger in War, and really loved his skill and dance-style fighting.  But in this movie, that is hampered by fights that seem to be more about showing Tiger doing slow motion moves and highlighting trying to make the fights even more ridiculous.  From superhuman jumping, to sliding under a tank doing the splits, to using a helicopter door as a shield (that doesn't cover his legs but still manages to block multiple machine guns), everything about this is over the top but not in a good way.  I guess there is a certain amount of fun ridiculousness to the fights but it was tough to appreciate with the amount of overproduction going on.  

On top of the sub par action, the story of this film made very little sense.  It both took too long to develop and when the main story finally occurred, it was very disjointed.  The build up to the main part of the movie took a full hour.  Once the main part started, there was little action and a lot of detective work to set up characters.  It was an odd choice for a movie that bills itself as the ultimate action movie.  And to top this all off, the ending itself was unfulfilling.  I understand what they tried to do with it, but the ending felt ridiculous and then topped that with an even more ridiculous final scene.  

Baaghi 3 has over the top action, but it both does not have enough action and the action it does have strays into ridiculousness very quickly.  

Pass On It

What to Watch: Best of February and Most Anticipated of March

Our selection of the best movies of February and our most anticipated movies of March.

Best of February:

Sonic the Hedgehog: Sure it is not a great movie, but I have been waiting a very long time for both a good video game movie and a good sonic adaption.  Sonic the Hedgehog keeps just enough of the Sonic properties to give you that nostalgic hit, but also changes enough to make it into a fun movie.  Jim Carrey's performance is just flat out funny and crazy, and I can't wait to see where this next movie goes.

Sonic the Hedgehog: As a true fan and consumer of this franchise there were a ton of reservations going into this movie. That first trailer's horrible animation left a bad taste in many mouths and very low expectations.  However from the opening studio scene to the stingers at the very end, this movie delivered like no other.  Achieving the best ever box office opening for a video game movie, this film gave its die-hard and new fans all that they wanted and then some with amazing performances, animation, and comedy.

Most Anticipated of March:

Mulan: I have not been a fan of Disney's live action / computer generated remakes of their old properties because they tend to just be the same stories with a coat of touch up paint.  However, Mulan looks like it will truly redefine the original movie, with a redone story and more serious, gritty tone of the film.  I'm excited to see where this one goes, and the PG-13 rating makes me think that this one is going to places that the animated classic wouldn't dare to go.

Bloodshot: VIN DIESEL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, I guess I have to say more than just that to justify this.  I am a sucker for a Vin Diesel action film and the that fact is, this movie is based on a comic book that I am very familiar with.  The combination of the two is a win win for me!  I can't promise it will be good but it will be entertaining for sure. And the trailer absolutely looks intriguing enough to draw a bigger audience.

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!

News: Antebellum Official Trailer & New Poster!

Celebrate this Friday with a new trailer and poster for Antebellum, from the producer of Get Out and Us.  See the poster above (link to download here) and the trailer below (link to trailer here).

Synopsis

Successful author Veronica Henley (Janelle Monáe) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late.

ANTEBELLUM is a terrifying new thriller from the producer of the acclaimed films GET OUT and US, and groundbreaking directors Gerard Bush and Christoper Renz (Bush+Renz) - an exciting new voice in filmmaking. 

Release Date

April 24, 2020

Cast

Janelle Monáe, Marque Richardson, Eric Lange, Jack Huston, Kiersey Clemons, Tongayi Chirisa, Gabourey Sidibe, Rob Aramayo, Lily Cowles, and Jena Malone

Written and Directed by

Gerard Bush & Christopher Renz          

Produced by

Gerard Bush, Christopher Renz, Raymond Mansfield, Sean McKittrick, Zev Foreman, Lezlie Wills                

Facebook:                                 @AntebellumFilm

Twitter:                                     @AntebellumFilm

Instagram:                                @AntebellumFilm

Hashtag:                                   #Antebellum

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.

Watch It

Review: Las Piladoras De Mi Novio

Release date: February 21, 2020
Running time: 100 minutes
Starring: Jaime Camil, Sandra Echeverría, Jason Alexander

After a series of men who fell just short, Jess (Echeverria) is looking for the perfect man when she finds Hank (Camil), who appears to tick all her boxes.  The relationship goes so well that she invites him to a weekend island getaway that Jess's work is putting on.  However, what Jess doesn't know is that although Hank appears calm and collected, he actually suffers from a number of mental conditions and uses medication to balance all this out.  But a packing mishap causes him to forget his pills, leading to an unpredictable and hilarious weekend retreat.

Although the movie starts off with a somewhat serious dating sequence, this film is a comedy through and through.  Once Hank is off his meds, he completely changes and as a result, causes a lot of wild antics.  Camil does a great job as Hank, and goes to great lengths to get a laugh or truly make a situation ridiculous.  Echeverria is sympathetic as Jess, and her reactions to the shenanigans of her boyfriend are fun to see.  This movie has a strong cast and Jason Alexander in particular was a welcome surprise.  He plays Hank's therapist and although he is not on the screen much, he is fun to see; it is the perfect Jason Alexander role!  The movie has plenty of other quirky characters that Hank and Jess meet along the way and they all have different and funny reactions to Hank's antics. 

Hank's conditions are exaggerated mental conditions, and the way that he mixes and matches them are enjoyable for the screen, but probably not the most accurate or sensitive depictions of mental illness.  If you are going to this movie, I doubt you will be that concerned about a film's ridiculous treatment of mental illness, but it is just something to keep in mind.  When they list his phobias, some are inherently contradictory (by design I imagine), and they seem to come in and out when convenient.  For example, one of the phobias is agoraphobia, yet he spends most of the movie outside.  The story moves at a decent pace, and I never felt like I was bored, but it also seems like Hank's ordeal was over too quickly.  It would have been nice to have a few more awkward, ridiculous situations to experience.  And although the overall lesson of this film is a good one, it doesn't approach that with a lot of care or real world grounding.  

Las Piladoras De Mi Novio has a spirited performance by Jaime Camil providing plenty of ridiculous situations and laugh out loud moments.   

Rent It