It’s that time of the month, time to tell you about the October movies you should check out. October is a strong month for limited theatrical, Blu-ray and On Demand releases. This list contains some under-the-radar films you should check out and Blu-ray’s with awesome bonus content. Don’t miss the following October releases:
LIGHTS OUT
A movie starring Teresa Palmer is an immediate buy for me, personal bias or not, she’s terrific on all accounts. No different in this horror thriller produced from horror mastermind James Wan. Rebecca’s (Palmer) little brother is in danger, their family home is is haunted by a mysterious spirit who comes out when the lights go out. To make matters more complicated, their mother is attached to this evil spirit. Rebecca must discover a way to stop the spirit before it ruins her families lives. What I loved about the film was how smart it was. It played on some of the horror stereotypes and acted against them. The premise might sound basic, but the execution is slick and impressive. There are genuine moments that will make you jump out of nowhere (it happened to me). Lights Out is suspenseful, thrilling and entertaining. One of the best scary movies of the year. Perfect movie to turn off the lights (no pun intended) and watch on Halloween weekend.
The only special feature included are the deleted scenes.
Lights Out is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN
The king of the jungle gets a proper big screen showcase in The Legend of Tarzan. The story of Tarzan has been told multiple times, but the latest version seems to be the best one. Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard) has left the jungle to live a civilian lifestyle with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie). He’s called back to the jungle for all the wrong reasons unbeknownst to him. Skarsgard is the ideal Tarzan. He’s got a commanding presence and look of the character. The special effects are slick and crisp looking. The supporting cast is strong, consisting of Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz playing an excellent manipulative villain. Top notch CGI and intriguing plot are just a couple of the many good things about this film.
The special features on the Blu-ray include: Tarzan Reborn, Creating the Virtual Jungle, Battles and Bare-Knuckle Brawls.
The Legend of Tarzan is available now on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand.
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE
Bryan Singer as rebuild the X-Men franchise completely. Apocalypse may the grandest of all the films in the series. A new younger generation of X-Men is introduced as they join the veterans to battle the most dominant villain in the X-Men universe–Apocalypse. The film is loaded with star names and familiar faces. It’s hard to find a popular X-Men character not represented in the film. The plot is developed nicely and isn’t rush, even with the addition of all the new characters. Every character seems to have a purpose. The visuals are as good as it gets. The CGI made me gasp a few times. It’s an exciting set-up for a new era of X-Men, while doing justice to the previous and present crew. The story takes place in the 80’s and it very much feels and looks like it from costumes to commentary. Not only is it an exciting and very enjoyable X-Men film, but exciting and enjoyable film in general.
Special features on the Blu-ray include: X-Men Apocalypse Unearthed, Wrap Party Video, Deleted/Extended Scenes, Gag Reel, Gallery and Audio Commentary.
X-Men: Apocalypse is available now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD and On Demand.
BLUE JAY
Jim (Mark Duplass) and Amanda (Sarah Paulson) are former high school sweethearts that reconnect in their hometown after not seeing each other for two decades. What transpires is a trip down memory lane for them. Such a fun and honest film, with authentic and transparent characters. It’s so much fun watching Duplass and Paulson connect together on-screen. The film is black and white, which almost went unnoticed to me due to the strong character connection that takes up the focus of the film. The film has romance, humor, heartbreak all woven into it. A simple, yet highly affective film.
Blue Jay is currently out in select theaters and On Demand.
NERVE
Dave Franco has made a big name for himself in some mainstream comedies. Emma Roberts has gained notoriety with her indie dramas. Neither has really stepped foot in the adventure thriller genre, until this film. The plot revolves around a virtual online version of a truth or dare game, where Franco and Robert’s characters immerse themselves in and put their lives on the line. It’s an online underworld where you’re either a “watcher” or a “player”. There characters are constantly wrapped up in high-stakes situations they need to get out of, which makes it a compelling watch. Franco takes on a bit of a hero status, which is a bit different than what he’s usually cast in. Roberts and Franco compliment each other nicely. This is a new-age exciting and fast-paced film that has enough of the right suspense to keep up the intrigue. The Blu-ray includes a good amount of bonus features divided by the “player” and “watcher” sections. It’s a cool movie with interactive bonus features.
Nerve is available on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand.
KIDS IN LOVE
A British coming of age film about young love. Set in London, a group of friends exploring romantic connections, living life on the edge and indulging in in the night life. Will Poulter plays a kid named Jack that’s searching for more in his life. He finds new meaning to life when he meets the free spirited Evelyn (Alma Jodorowsky) and her friend Viola (Cara Delevingne). It’s a refreshing take on youthful romance and self-discovery. I liked how the film was set in London, it gave it a different take than an American coming of age film might have by depicting a bit of a difference in culture and lifestyle these teens live in. The freshness of the movies is embedded in the conversations between the characters and the portrayal of their everyday lives.
Kids in Love is available On Demand
SKIPTRACE
Outrageous fun action comedy is what Skiptrace is. Very similar to the Rush Hour movies, the unlikely buddy duo of a Hong Kong top cop and a American top fugitive join forces to take down a dangerous Chinese mob. Lot of funny slapstick moments, with some solid action. Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville are a bit of an uncommon pairing, but one that works in this film. If you were longing for Rush Hour 4, this is the movie that you’ve been waiting for.
Skiptrace is out now on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand.
COMING THROUGH THE RYE
This is a movie about a book that can’t be turned into a play. Nice play on the subject matter. This is a really neat coming of age and discovery kinda movie. Nat Wollf’s brother Alex does a fantastic job as the kid in search of author J.D. Salinger (Chris Cooper) in hopes of getting permission to turn his book into a play. Just a well constructed movie with good characters, story and acting. The story is set in 1969 and the look of the film really honors the time period nicely.
Coming Through the Rye is out now in limited theaters
MARTIN LAWRENCE: DOIN’ TIME UNCUT
Maar-tynn is back doing stand up! For the first time in 14 years, Lawrence is back on stage and doing good work. It was refreshing to see Lawrence back in his element. He gets really personal and self-deprecating in this comedy special. Lawrence talks about what’s been going on in his life. Commentary about some celebrity news of recent years. There is a whole lot to enjoy in this one hour special. He definitely goes raw and uncensored. Doin’ Time had me laughing a lot, plus it was cool just seeing Lawrence try stand up again.
Martin Lawrence: Doin’ Time is out now on DVD and Digital HD.
6 PLOTS
This movie combines elements of movies such as 12 Rounds, SAW, Unfriended and Buried with an Aussie flavor. There are seven friends, but quickly six of them go missing. It’s up to one of them to play the game and save her friends. She’s being navigated by an evil and creepy looking smiley face that pops up on her phone. The movie kept me engaged and the pace was flowing nicely throughout, always something going on. A creatively put together slasher film that’s worth checking out.
6 Plots is out now on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand
THE GOOD NEIGHBOR
James Caan is chilling in this film. In a way this film is a combination of Rear Window and Don’t Breathe, which is a good thing. Two young guys decide to do an experiment, by controlling an older man’s home from their computers at home. They can turn off his lights, open doors and windows, etc. What they don’t realize that the prank is about to bite them in the ass big time. The old man played by Caan has a scary silence to him, reminiscent of Stephen Lang in Don’t Breathe. The film is thrilling, suspenseful and chilling. It had me engaged early on and kept my attention. This is a well done thriller that is sure to make you think twice about every pulling any pranks.
The Good Neighbor is available on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand.
APPROACHING THE UNKNOWN
Before you get to see The Space Between Us before the end of the year, there is this movie to check out. Mark Strong is headed to Mars…alone. Strong plays an American astronaut on a one-way journey to Mars with the goal of starting up a civilization. With the recent success of The Martian, this is the right time and right movie to follow. Space junkies should get a thrill out of this Sci-Fi thriller. Personally I’m always fascinated by movies about outer space, and this one didn’t do anything to change my perception. Strong does really nice work here. The visuals aren’t corny or choppy. Sometimes the subject matter sells, but this movie offers a good plot to go along with it.
Approaching the Unknown is available on DVD and Digital HD.
LATE BLOOMER
Off the bat, this film has a fresh concept that I don’t remember seeing before. A young adult male has never had an erection in his life. A visit to the hospital reveals a tumor on his pituitary gland (go look it up), after surgical removal he begins to experience puberty for the first time, but as an adult. As you can imagine there are many awkwardly funny moments that ensue. Late Bloomer is an outrageous comedy that’s sure to give you some much needed laughter. It did for me. The supporting cast is strong, lead by J.K. Simmons, Maria Bello, Brittany Snow, Paul Wesley and Jane Lynch. Lots of crude sexuality in the film (think American Pie).
Late Bloomer is available in select theaters, Digital HD and On Demand.
JOSHY
The films has a terrific cast of young comedic talent featuring Jenny Slate, Nick Kroll, Adam Pally, Thomas Middleditch and Aubrey Plaza. The plot revolves around a guy whose engagement comes to a unexpected end and his friends deciding to take advantage of his impending bachelor party. The apparent tamed guys getaway turns into a drug, booze and sex filled debacle. This is one of these indies that has the right kinda writing and cast that makes this film a worthwhile experience. It’s raucous, offbeat and funny.
Joshy is available on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand.
INTO THE FOREST
Not the be confused with the recent horror movie The Forest, Into the Forest stars Ellen Page and Rachel Evan Wood as sisters stranded without power in a home isolated in the middle of the woods. They don’t know the reason for the outage and what or who may be causing it. The film is a well shot thriller that poses a legitimate question about our dependance on electricity in our everyday lives. The characters are tasked with developing new and alternate methods for survival. I like the concept of this film and the suspense of it was nicely executed. This is a good film with clever cinematography and a nice blend of multiple genres.
Into the Forest is available on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand.
BLOOD FATHER
Mel Gibson is back to being a badass. He plays an ex-convict who is tasked with protecting his estranged daughter from a cartel. This is vintage Gibson doing what he does best, action thrillers. There is a ton of hard action with guns at a limitless disposal. This is a satisfactory movie that delivers on its premise. Majority of the action takes place in the desert, which adds to the dangerous and isolated setting of the story. I liked the fact the film gets to the point and doesn’t drag, at only 88 minutes, it’s the ideal length to keep you on the edge throughout.
Blood Father is available on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand.
TV SERIES:
BANSHEE: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON
Sex, murder, action, fighting, twists and turns, there’s all that and more in the final season of the kick ass Cinemax series Banshee. The fourth season takes place two years after Lucas Hood gives up his badge, Banshee is a revamped town with a new sheriff taking over. Scores are settled and the past is exposed in the best season of this show to date (the other seasons did not disappoint). You really can’t ask for more in a show, too bad this is the final season, but one that fans of the show and newbies have to see. If you haven’t seen Banshee yet, start watching from the beginning to take in the awesome conclusion that this final season delivers. Extra features included on the Blu-ray.
Banshee: The Complete Fourth Season is available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
GUILT: SEASON ONE
Just as Banshee came to a close, Guilt got started. Murder, mystery and scandal are just a few of the components that this show is based on. It’s one of those crime whodunit sorta shows, set in London, but centered on an American girl. The show debut on Freeform in June, but now it’s available on home video. The show has some good cliffhangers and the murder mystery is tangled in many webs. The DVD features include a featurette, bloopers and deleted scenes.
Guilt: Season One is available on DVD.
THROWBACK FILMS:
TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH
Fear of commitment. A topic that comes up often in relationships. I enjoyed the Jim Hemphill’s film for the interesting conversations the characters were having over love and relationships. Differing perspectives and approaches. After moving on from each other, Robert (John Shea) and Emily (Lea Thompson) get together to discuss their failed marriage and the impending wedding of their daughter. It’s not two people trying to get back in a cliche way, I appreciated that. The characters appear very truthful and opinionated, but also fair to each other. The topic of independence and the meaning of it is relatable. There is a lot of good and interesting content to ponder while watching this. Ultimately you may find some of the things relatable and give you a new perspective.
Trouble With the Truth is available on DVD, Amazon Prime and iTunes.
SUDDENLY
The Frank Sinatra film noir thriller is finally digitally restored from the original 35 mm and available on Blu-ray for the first time. In this 1954 classic, Sinatra plays a crazed war vet on a mission to kill the president. This is a heck of a film. For those that might be surprised or doubt Sinatra’s acting abilities, this film is a good display of his fine acting abilities. Just a really cool classic. The old-school mystery film noir thrillers were the best. The Blu-ray looks crisp and clean with enhanced audio.
Suddenly is available on Blu-ray.
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