Rating: «««

out of ««««

Running Time: 118 minutes

This motion picture is playing in select markets and will be available to stream on Netflix on Friday, Dec. 9.

In North America, it’s unusual to see an animated film that isn’t aimed directly at kids. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a real anomaly of sorts. The classic story has not only been given a darker edge, but it also includes a new and somewhat grisly subplot.

While changes have occurred, the movie doesn’t alter the most important elements of the original tale. Primarily, ideas about the definition of humanity, as well as the joy and sacrifice experienced in life. It’s a visually dazzling and memorable...

Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. This is a remarkably busy edition with plenty of interesting studio pictures and independent fare vying for your attention. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors, be sure to give one of these titles a try!



BIG NEW RELEASES!



AMSTERDAM: Inspired by a true story, this period piece is set in the 1930s and follows a trio of leads who have been friends since World War I. When two of them are asked to investigate a strange death, they witness another murder and are framed for it. After locating the last member of their group, they all try to determine who was responsible for...

This week sees the release of two movies with genre film elements. Violent Night from Universal Pictures features David Harbour as Santa Claus. When Saint Nick encounters mercenaries on his holiday rounds, he decides to put them on his naughty list and wipe them out.

The other movie coming out is Darby and the Dead from 20th Century Films. It involves a teen who develops the ability to see ghosts and decides to counsel them. This title is geared towards young audiences and will be available to stream on Hulu.

Unfortunately, this reviewer wasn’t able to screen them in time. Still, this creates an opportunity to take a peek at some other titles arriving this month.

Dec. 9 sees the...

Welcome to another look at the latest titles arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. Once again, there is a big studio release, as well as plenty of interesting independent fare. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors, be sure to give one of these movies a try!



BIG NEW RELEASES!



AMITYVILLE KAREN: My goodness, there are an awful lot of “Amityville” films. Since the 1979 original (based on the bestselling book), there have been more than 35 titles with the word in the title. The latest appears to have little to do with the original location or story.

It’s a low-budget, independent effort about a nasty and entitled middle-aged woman...