In the monthly movie series of “movies you should see,” September offers some intriguing Blu-ray/DVD, On Demand and select theatrical releases. Here are the movies that our out this month. Some of these movies are under-the-radar, others more mainstream. This is a strong month of sequels. Either way these are the movies worth checking out and getting the Blu-rays for the bonus content. Here is the list:
VAXXED: FROM COVER-UP TO CATASTROPHE
Autism and vaccines is what this movie is all about. The main topic that the documentary explores is the alleged Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) cover-up of a 2004 Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) study that linked it to autism. While it’s a fairly one-sided documentary, they do make a lot on interesting points to support their theory. The film is just over 90 minutes, containing a variety of interviews with medical professionals, parents of autistic children, scientists and others well versed in the field. Whether you agree or disagree with the film, it’s still an interesting and thought provoking take on a controversial topic that’s worth checking out.
Vaxxed: From Cover-Up To Catastrophe is available on DVD
ALL THE WAY
It’s hard to find a better top heavy cast to match that of this film. All The Way stars Bryan Cranston, Melissa Leo, Anthony Mackie and Frank Langella in the story of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s first year in office after the assassination of JFK. Directed by Jay Roach, the film takes you inside and behind-the-scenes of Lyndon B. Johnson taking over the presidency in times of turmoil in the country. A heavy focus is put on LBJ attempt to pass the Civil Rights Act. Johnson’s scenes with Martin Luther King (Mackie) are dynamic. This is a well told story that doesn’t get the historical attention that it probably deserves, but Roach captures the important moments and conversations and delivers them with an entertaining flare. This isn’t only a film that will cater to historical junkies, but to all Americans.
All The Way is available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand
NOW YOU SEE ME 2
The crew is back–most of it. Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo and Woody are back again, this time around they are joined by new additions Daniel Radcliffe and Lizzy Caplan. Fans of the first film will be happy that the formula hasn’t changed and the film is just as entertaining and fun as the first one. This time around The Four Horsemen return for a comeback performance, but they are facing their most improbably heist yet. I liked Radcliffe playing the bad guy. It’s a change-of-pace role for him. The Blu-ray offers a few neat features (“Bringing Magic to Life”, “You Can’t Look Away”, “The Art of the Ensemble”).
Now You See Me 2 is available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand
THE CONJURING 2
The Conjuring was one of my personal favorite horrors in the last few years. Rarely does a sequel surpass a successful original, but Conjuring 2 does surpass the first one. The main core led by director James Wan, Patrick Wilson and Verga Farmiga are back. The sequel chronicles the haunting in Enfield, England. A malicious spirit takes over a young girl and the Warren’s travel to London to investigate the cause of the evil spirit. This movie is very well shot. The suspense is turned up to another level. The scares are unpredictable. Most importantly the story is very good. All the makings of a great horror movie. There is a scene where Patrick Wilson pulls out the guitar and delves into an Elvis song, it’s an awesome scene. A must see movie.
The Conjuring 2 is available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand
NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING
Another successful original turned sequel is Neighbors 2. Aided with the return of Seth Rogan, Zac Efron and Rose Byrne. This time around the tables have turned. A sorority moves next door to Mac (Rogan) and Kelly’s (Byrne) home, so they enlist the help of a familiar frenemy Teddy (Efron) to take down the sorority. It has the tone and feel of the first film, while adding new outrageous humor and bringing back some of the funny pranks from the first one. It’s hard not to laugh watching this movie, it doesn’t disappoint. The Blu-ray is worth checking out due to the variety of of special features (“Girl Rule”, “The Ultimate Tailgate”, “Deleted Scenes”, “Gag Reel”, “Line-O-Rama”, “Nu Neighbors”, “The Prodigal Bros Return” and “Feature Commentary”).
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS
The month of sequels delivers on Michael Bay’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2. The first one was mediocre with plenty to be left desires, however, Out of the Shadows has a lot better action, better plot, and a lot more new characters. Stephen Amell is introduced as Casey Jones, Bebop, Rocksteady, and Krang make their Ninja Turtles film debut. Even Tyler Perry has a role in the movie. It was cool to see all these characters in one movie together. The turtles deal with inner turmoil that they must individually overcome. The film is a lot more improved it’s predecessor and get the franchise back on track and where it should have been from the start. The Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with an extensive amount of extra features (“We Are Family”, “Whoa! Expanding the Turtleverse”, “House Party”, “It’s Tricky: Inside the Van”, “ILM-The Effects Beneath the Shell”, “Did You Catch That? Turtle Eggs!” and “Deleted Scenes”.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows is available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand
MY BLIND BROTHER
A tale of two brothers vying for the same woman. Sounds cliche, but it’s far from it. Adam Scott plays the accomplished and self-absorbed brother, who happens to be blind. Nick Kroll plays the younger guilt stricken brother. Jenny Slate is the girl in the middle. This movie stands out due to the uncommon nature of it. The blind brother is the douche in the movie. The non-handicap brother is the powerless victim. I like the comedy that this set-up delivers on. It’s a very blunt movie. The interaction between the characters is authentic in the sense where they say and do things that people would have on their mind, but wouldn’t ever say. The all-star cast of really good underrated comedians gels nicely.
”My Blind Brother” is out now in select theaters and On Demand
I.T.
I.T. is a slick and clever movie. Pierce Brosnan plays a successful slick guy who is engaged in a chess war (not literally) of mind games with a coworker. Brosnan is in this element, but not over-the-top. It’s a great role for him. It’s fascinating to see the way technology is used against people in this film. It has small elements of Sully and Snowden, mainly due to the technological and security aspects. I usually enjoy the cat-and-mouse thrillers that keep you on the edge, this one fits that mold.
I.T. is out now in select theaters and On Demand
KICKBOXER: VENGEANCE
Today’s top MMA & Wrestlers turned actors star in the title Jean-Claude Van Damme made famous in the 80’s. This time around stunt actor Alain Moussi plays Kurt Sloane (the character name that Van Damme played in the original) and he’s going up against Drax The Destroyer a.k.a Dave Bautista. It has the tone of the original, it’s obviously modern, but still feels like it could have taken place in the 80’s. Tong Po (Bautista) is a menacing and intimidating force to be reckoned with, and a viable opponent for Sloane. The fight choreography is solid. The fights were reminiscent of the original. Movies like this don’t come around often enough, it’s a nice flashback to the 70’s and early 80’s where martial arts movies were a huge attraction.
Kickboxer: Vengeance is out now in select theaters and On Demand
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are a hoot in this legitimately laugh-out-loud comedy. I loved this film. Johnson plays a former fat kid who returns to seek the help of a former high school jock in solving a top secret CIA mission. There are a handful of awesome big name cameos, who play significant characters in the movie. Aside from the clever and funny dialogue, it’s the chemistry between Hart and Johnson that makes this movie a surefire hit. There have been many spy comedies over the years, but can match the entertainment that these dual leads provide. If you’re in a mood for laughs, Central Intelligence is the movie to see. The Blu-ray and DVD offer additional funny bonus feature content (“Gag Reel”, “Alternate Scenes”, “Line-O-Rama”, “Couch Scene”, “Dance-Off” and “Director Commentary”).
Central Intelligence is available on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand
HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
Hunt For The Wilderpeople is one of those festival favorites that somehow doesn’t gain enough word of mouth until it ends up on DVD. Well if you missed it during the limited theatrical phase, now is your chance to catch it on DVD. This is a funny and wild movie about a troubled kid who along with his uncle find themselves on a manhunt in the woods. The kid, played by Julian Dennison is as entertaining as it gets. He’s wildly fun on-screen. Dennison’s chemistry with Sam Neil is ideal for this film. It’s a wild ride through the woods, full of discovery and emotion. The DVD has a blooper reel and a behind-the-scenes featurette.
Hunt For The Wilderpeople is available on DVD and On Demand
FREE STATE OF JONES
Based on a true story (I love those), Matthew McConaughey plays Newton Knight, a man that leads a rebellion against the Confederates. McConaughey is great in this role playing this outspoken, bold and brave character who leads dozens of slaves and women into battle against the unjust Confederate government. It reminded me of the Denzel Washington movie Glory. The film is well shot and executed. It’s lengthy, but the story is compelling. The Blu-ray has an informative bonus feature titled, “The History of Jones County” that is a must see after viewing the movie.
Free State of Jones is available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand
WHO GETS THE DOG
Couples break up, but what happens when there is a pet involved? Who gets the dog? Well, the movie addresses that scenario in a comedic and entertaining way. The dog, Wesley is super adorable. Looks like a bigger version of Marley. Alicia Silverstone and Ryan Kwanten star as the couple on the verge of divorce who can’t agree on the custody of Wesley. There are many cute and fun moments involving the couple and dog. It’s a charming slapstick comedy that is sure to appeal to any animal and dog lover. It’s a romantic comedy with a lovable pooch that’s hard not to enjoy.
Who Gets The Dog is available now on DVD and Digital HD
WARCRAFT
I missed Warcraft during its theatrical release, but got to check it out recently on Blu-ray. The film is tremendous visually and fun. The special effects and costumes look really cool. The action and visuals just ”pop”. The battles between humans and “beasts” are exciting and full of action. Warcraft isn’t just a film for fans of the game, any Sci-Fi and adventure film fan will have a good time seeing this film. The Blu-ray offers a good amount of special features (Deleted/Extended Scenes, Gag Reel, The World of Warcraft on Film, The Fandom of Warcraft, Warcraft: The Bonds of Brotherhood Motion Comic, Warcraft: The Madame Tussauds Experience, ILM: Behind the Magic of Warcraft, Origin Story).
Warcraft is available now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD
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