With 15 new titles headed to DVD this week, BuRStS has been split into three parts. There’s enough entertainment worth watching to keep you busy for a while as only 3 of the 15 make the “Skip” list (although 2 of those are currently ranked 105 and 106 of 106 on MHT’s Top Movies of 2016). Read on to see what to buy, rent, stream and skip for the week of August 2nd:
The Lobster —MOVIE HOT TAKE REVIEW—
Super Simple Synopsis: Find a mate or turn into an animal… at least you get to choose.
Why Buy?
It’s so strange and unusual, there’s no way it can really sink in in one viewing.
Why Rent?
This isn’t for everybody and while it was critically successful, audiences weren’t as enthused.
Why Stream?
It’s going to make some Top 10 lists so you’ll eventually give in.
Why Skip?
You’re a vegetarian.
MHT Verdict: Buy it!
Super strange and one that attempts to have deep meaning. There’s a chance you won’t like it but even if you don’t, you’ll probably want to watch it at least one more time just to see if it’s you and not the movie.
April and the Extraordinary World –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: Animated sci-fi adventure of a girl and her talking cat in 1941 Paris.
Why Buy?
Do you trust Rotten Tomatoes? It has a 98% Tomatometer and 87% of audiences recommend it.
Why Rent?
While it has a lot going for it, it’s animated and French. I can’t think of another time that combination worked well together. Can you?
Why Stream?
You thought it said, “Stream, punk!” not “Steampunk” in the description.
Why Skip?
Subtitles… need I say more?
MHT Verdict: Stream it!
While it isn’t on the “must see” list, it definitely makes the “see when you get a chance” list.
High-Rise –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: Life in a 40 story high-rise tower in the outskirts of London isn’t as rosy as it seems. Ask that Siberian husky.
Why Buy?
Isn’t that Taylor Swift’s boyfriend in the starring role? Yup. #TeamTaylor
Why Rent?
It was nominated for 4 British Independent Film Awards (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Screenplay).
Why Stream?
It didn’t win.
Why Skip?
You’re more country than city.
MHT Verdict: Rent it!
While the buzz isn’t all good, the movie has an intriguing trailer and a strong cast. Tom Hiddleston, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans, Jeremy Irons, Elisabeth Moss and James Purefoy make for a watchable cast.
Louder Than Bombs –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: A family coping with the sudden loss of their matriarch.
Why Buy?
You were one of the few to catch it in theaters (it scraped together $601,999 in ticket sales) and one of the 58% of audiences who enjoyed it.
Why Rent?
It would help to see Jesse Eisenberg do something else to wash the thought of him as Lex Luthor out of your mind.
Why Stream?
While they haven’t been box office successes, director Joachim Trier’s first two films were well received critically.
Why Skip?
Jesse Eisenberg… enough said.
MHT Verdict: Stream it!
Described as a movie with subject matter that feels like a novel but cinematically up to the task of telling the story, Louder Than Bombs may be one of those hidden gems.
Sniper: Ghost Shooter –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: Snipers sniping someone to protect something.
Why Buy?
You own the other five installments in this franchise. Wait! There are six Sniper movies now? Holy shit, Hollywood might truly be running out of ideas.
Why Rent?
It’s easier to watch this than a “Whatever Happened to Billy Zane?” documentary.
Why Stream?
Hey, isn’t that the guy from those Allstate commercials?
Why Skip?
You’ve lived this long without seeing one of the now 6 Sniper movies and you’ve survived.
MHT Verdict: Skip it!
The only way to stop them from making a 7th one is by not supporting the 6th one. You can do it!