Another six-pack of releases hit the DVD shelves and this week’s batch is less appealing than last week’s choices. The options include the latest Jennifer Lawrence/David O. Russell collaboration, the most recent Nicholas Sparks conversion, yet another YA dystopian tale and three films that received no box office love. Keep reading as MHT gives recommendations on what to buy, rent, stream or skip for the week of May 3rd:
Joy (See our Movie Hot Take from last year)
Super Simple Synopsis: Here’s further proof David O. Russell loves directing Jennifer Lawrence.
Why Buy?
You love Jennifer Lawrence as much as David O. Russell and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Why Rent?
You saw Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle and thought one of the two were amazing but the other left a little to be desired so you’re not ready to fully commit to Joy.
Why Stream?
You look at the cast and no matter how much the movie doesn’t strike your interest, you can’t deny this cast is worth a view.
Why Skip?
You prefer Palmolive.
MHT Verdict: Rent it!
Joy wasn’t a complete miss but it’s far inferior to the last two David O. Russell films.
The Choice (See our Movie Hot Take from earlier this year)
Super Simple Synopsis: Yet another Nicholas Sparks novel transformed to the big screen.
Why Buy?
You own every Nicholas Sparks novel transformed to the big screen, even The Last Song.
Why Rent?
You’re feeling kind of sappy and don’t want to think.
Why Stream?
You’re feeling kind of sappy, don’t want to think and don’t want anyone to see you at Redbox choosing The Choice.
Why Skip?
You’ve heard if you’ve seen one Nicholas Sparks conversion, you’ve seen them all and you’ve seen one so you’re good.
MHT Verdict: Skip it!
The Choice starts off innocently annoying and grates at you until you are filled with frustration. Unlike the characters in the film, you won’t suddenly realize that feeling is love. Choose to pass on The Choice.
Remember (Did Not Review)
Super Simple Synopsis: Auschwitz survivor learns the Nazi guard who killed his family is hiding in America. Revenge is the answer if he doesn’t forget the question first.
Why Buy?
You are fascinated by Holocaust films and can’t believe you’ve had to wait seven whole days since you had the opportunity to buy one.
Why Rent?
You are a fan of Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau. You’re intrigued by the premise of a Holocaust revenge film.
Why Stream?
You just watched Son of Saul and feel the need for some payback and maybe this movie will give you the satisfaction.
Why Skip?
You had a good reason but you forgot.
MHT Verdict: Buy it!
While there’s never a shortage of films with the central theme being the Holocaust, this film looks to at least have a unique angle on the story. The “Buy it” tag is earned solely on this week’s complete lack of options.
400 Days (Did Not Review)
Super Simple Synopsis: Four astronauts are sent on a simulated mission to prepare for a visit to a distant planet. The lose their minds and communication and then discover the mission might not be simulated after all.
Why Buy?
You’re a Sci-Fi junkie. You loved Gravity, Interstellar and The Martian and are thrilled to see the astronaut flicks are still coming.
Why Rent?
You’re interested but skeptical after seeing Dane Cook amongst the cast members.
Why Stream?
You figure a film with as little buzz as 400 Days can wait until you trip over it on Netflix.
Why Skip?
You prefer 1 year, 1 month and 5 days.
MHT Verdict: Stream it!
The film looks to have an interesting premise and the trailer is well done but there are too many red flags waving to invest too much interest in the movie.
The 5th Wave (See our Movie Hot Take from earlier this year)
Super Simple Synopsis: Yet another YA dystopian tale. This one has aliens!
Why Buy?
You love the YA dystopian genre. (Yes, there’s enough YA dystopian films to be considered a genre.)
Why Rent?
You like alien invasion flicks but are tired of the YA/end of the world angle. You like YA dystopian flicks but aren’t really all that into aliens.
Why Stream?
You want to wash away the bad taste left behind by The Divergent Series.
Why Skip?
You didn’t even see The 4th Wave yet.
MHT Verdict: Stream it!
It’s adequate enough to watch even if it isn’t great. Chloe Grace Moretz is solid in the lead spot.
A Royal Night Out (Did Not Review)
Super Simple Synopsis: Princess Elizabeth has a wild night out with her sister at the end of World War II.
Why Buy?
You love period pieces.
Why Rent?
You remember Bel Powley from The Diary of a Teenage Girl and are excited to see what she’s moved on to.
Why Stream?
You’re surprised Rupert Everett still exists and need visual proof.
Why Skip?
You’d rather watch A Royal Netflix and Chill.
MHT Verdict: Stream it!
Even though the film looks a little unnecessary, the film boasts a solid cast mixed with up-and-coming performers and a few experienced actors.