It’s a rare double digit release week for the home viewer with box office giant The Fate of the Furious finding its way onto the small screen less than 90 days since it hit theaters. The rest of the releases — including The Lost City of Z — failed to make half of what the 8th installment into The Fast and the Furious franchise did at the cinema pulling in a combined $61 million vs. the $223.8 million of the Vin Diesel/The Rock vehicle. There’s plenty to see (and not see) this week. Here’s what to buy, rent, stream and skip for the week of July 11th:
Buy It!
The Lost City of Z —MOVIE HOT TAKE REVIEW—
Super Simple Synopsis: Percy the Explorer.
Why Buy?
Charlie Hunnam turns in one of the best performances of the first half of the year and the film has beautiful cinematography. It’s the best film this week has to offer although it is admittedly a soft “Buy It!” recommendation.
Rent It!
Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: Doesn’t’the title do enough explaining?
Why Rent?
With an 89% Tomatometer, it’s safe to say critics enjoyed it. Richard Gere stars. That’s a plus, too. You’ll also be well equipped to answer the question, “What’s the movie with the longest title you’ve ever watched?” once you see this one.
A Quiet Passion –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: The life of Emily Dickinson.
Why Rent?
From most reports, Cynthia Nixon’s portrayal of Emily Dickinson is masterful. Like Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer, A Quiet Passion struck a chord with critics with a 92% Tomatometer.
Their Finest –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: A woman, propaganda films and World War II.
Why Rent?
Their Finest completes the trio of rent-worthy films which come highly recommended by the Rotten Tomatoes’ certified critics. This one scored 87% on the Tomatometer and also did well with audiences at 77%.
Stream It!
Devil’s Domain –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: A girl who is cyberbullied makes a deal with the devil to rid herself of her bullies and harassers in exchange for a baby. Yup! That’s real.
Why Stream?
This might be the most ridiculous description for a film I’ve read in some time. The trailer looks equally ridiculous and this “Stream It!” recommendation is the same as when you can’t help but look at a car accident as you drive by in traffic.
The Fate of the Furious —MOVIE HOT TAKE REVIEW—
Super Simple Synopsis: There’s 8 of them, now.
Why Stream?
You need a few mindless car chases and some over the top acting although you could get that from one of the other 7 installments, too. Except for The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, that one sucked.
London Heist –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: 4 men steal $4 million but after one of their fathers is murdered and the money is stolen, they must get revenge.
Why Stream?
Robberies, chases and British accents… what more could you ask for?
Skip It!
The Horse Dancer –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: The latest “a girl and her horse” movie.
Why Skip?
My guess is if you’ve seen one “a girl and her horse” movie, you’ve seen them all. This one is a gymnast who dreams of horseback riding.
Savannah Sunrise –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: The odd couple takes a road trip.
Why Skip?
Maybe if it’s on Lifetime or The Hallmark Channel, otherwise, this is one sunrise you don’t need to see.
Smurfs: The Lost Village –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: The biggest secret in Smurf history (a village full of female Smurfs) is the promise here.
Why Skip?
I thought this franchise ran its course at one installment and now it’s on a third.
Spark: A Space Tail –NO REVIEW–
Super Simple Synopsis: A teenage monkey must save his planet.
Why Skip?
There’s something annoying about the spelling of “Tail” when you mean “Tale” even though I know the attempt at humor is there. It just failed.
Not even gonna go there. Will only suggest some larger print, click it up a bit or two, and maybe a font just a little easier to read.
No smurfs!!! Skip skip skip. Skip.