Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. So, if you can’t make it out to the cinema this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW
RELEASES!
GODS OF MEXICO: This documentary takes viewers to rural communities in Mexico, where the population is resisting modernization. Using striking photography, the filmmakers capture individuals at work and play, living a life free from modern technology. The synopsis states that the film shows it is still possible to live in tune with our essence as human beings.
This picture did well on the festival circuit and received a positive response from the press. A small number critiqued the film for focusing on visuals and not thoroughly interviewing the subjects or getting their insights, in the process keeping viewers at a distance. However, the majority were wowed by the imagery and resourceful citizens featured. They suggested the observational approach allowed them to sit back and contemplate a different lifestyle choice.
LOLA: Ever wondered what a World War II picture blended with science-fiction elements might look like? This independent effort from Great Britain follows two sisters living during wartime. The pair build a machine that can capture radio and TV broadcasts from the future. They decide to find a way to record the intel they hear and get it into the hands of the military and others who can help stop Nazi forces. But along the way the pair discover that the instrument’s power can also have a negative impact on the future.
The majority of reviewers enjoyed this unique tale, which was released last year in the UK. One or two complained that the cinematography was impressive but the script didn’t develop its lead characters properly. Regardless, the consensus was that the feature had good performances, a strong message and left viewers with plenty to think about.
Emma Appleton and Stefanie Martini headline the film.
LOVE LIFE: In this foreign-language Japanese melodrama, a happily married couple are enjoying life while raising their son (who is from the wife’s previous marriage). A big wrinkle is put into their relationship when the husband’s ex-girlfriend appears out of the blue. Things become even more tense and challenging after the wife’s ex-husband appears, now deaf and homeless, asking the leads for assistance.
Overall, the press was taken in by this feature. A small group commented that the story added a few too many exaggerated elements and was so low-key that it didn’t muster up much drama. However, the consensus was that the picture was heart-wrenching and managed to make viewers understand the unique pain felt by its characters.
It stars Fumino Kimura, Kento Nagayama and Atom Sunada.
MADAME WEB: The latest Marvel comic book adaptation is this tale of a lesser-known character in the Spider-Man universe. It begins with a researcher of rare spiders in Peru being injured and giving birth just before her death. The orphaned child grows up to be a paramedic in New York. One day, she begins having visions of the future. After having a premonition of three teenage girls being killed by a menacing figure, the protagonist decides to use her powers to save them. She also tries to understand the nature of these visions by traveling back to Peru.
In general, the press savaged this superhero title. A handful liked the lead actress and claimed to be amused by how strange and off-kilter the final product was. Everyone else thought the dialogue was corny, the story full of plot holes, the editing jarring, the sound design clunky and the overall tone baffling.
This title will be available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or as a standalone Blu-ray. The cast includes Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts and Adam Scott.
MEAN GIRLS: Based on a stage musical inspired by the 2004 film, this reimagining tells the story of a teen entering an American high school after time abroad. She’s introduced to various female cliques and decides to infiltrate the institute’s most powerful group. Of course, witnessing their horrible behavior encourages her to try and dismantle the power of these cruel leaders.
Overall, critical reaction was more positive than negative toward this musical. Nearly one-third asserted that the film was no match for the original and felt like a tame, duller take on the story. Still, more appreciated the music and thought it was a decent modernization that delivered enough laughs to earn a recommendation.
The movie will be available either on 4K Ultra HD or as a standalone Blu-ray. Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Aulii Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood, Christopher Briney, Jenna Fischer, Busy Phillips, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Jon Hamm and Lindsay Lohan headline the picture.
MY DIVORCE PARTY: A woman about to finalize a divorce brings some of her friends together for a celebration. She tells them that since her ex will receive half of her estate in 48 hours, the group should do all they can to spend her savings on a wild bash. The worried friends go along with the plan but show concern for the divorcee’s well-being as the weekend progresses, creating conflict in the process.
As of this writing, almost no critics have seen the film. There is only one online review stating that it’s nice to see a movie about women and their support network. Otherwise, there isn’t any way to gauge whether or not this is a party to catch or to miss.
For the time being, it will be a DVD-only and streaming release. Rumer Willis, Kimia Behpoornia, Michelle Meredith, Dionne Gipson and Laith Ashley take on the lead roles.
ORDINARY ANGELS: Inspired by true events that took place in 1994, a Kentucky-based hairdresser and recovering alcoholic struggles to find a sense of meaning in her life. When the lead hears about a local widower caring for his critically ill daughter and carrying a huge financial debt, she decides to try and help him out. The woman ultimately rallies the entire community to raise funds and help the youngster get treatment.
This faith-based feature earned generally upbeat notices. A handful suggested that the motivations for the main character’s behavior weren’t made as clear as needed and that the pacing was problematic. However, the majority thought the lead performance was so good that it made up for the story issues. They also wrote that it wasn’t as heavy-handed as anticipated and that viewers would find it positive and inspiring.
It stars Hilary Swank, Alan Richson, Emily Mitchell, Skywalker Hughes and Nancy Travis.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
If you’re looking for something for tykes, you only have one option this week…
Strawberry Shortcake’s Spring Spectacular (nCircle Entertainment) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.
An American Family 50th Anniversary Edition (PBS) DVD
Andor Season 1 (Disney) 4K Ultra HD Steelbook and Blu-ray
Colonel March of Scotland Yard The Complete 26-Episode Series (Film Chest) DVD
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Season 1 (Disney) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray or Blu-ray
VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun
