Murder at the Hotel (A&E) Rated NR

This show features personal stories of victims in motels and how the investigations unfolded from the perspective of family members and law enforcement. Starring Brian Dives.

The show knows the formula for true crime. They have both the law enforcement and family members telling the stories of solving a crime in a motel. These crimes are more difficult to solve because of the access to the motels. It’s not a contained crime scene. Thus, the detectives have to start with the little they know. The producers also know how to tell a story as the start to unweave the events from the first call. I enjoyed watching this true crime series; there aren’t many plot holes, and there is a conclusion to the puzzle. This series is worth the watch.

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New This Week on DVD, June 25, 2024

 

 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13)

When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. Starring Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon

 The Boys in the Boat (PG-13)

The triumphant underdog story of the University of Washington men’s rowing team, who stunned the world by competing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Starring Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, Peter Guinness

 Monkey Man (R)

Kid is an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him. Starring Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash

 The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (R)

During World War II, the British Army assigns a group of competent soldiers to carry out a mission against the Nazi forces behind enemy lines… A true story about a secret British WWII organization the Special Operations Executive. Founded by Winston Churchill, their irregular warfare against the Germans helped to change the course of the war and gave birth to modern black operations. Starring Henry Cavill, Eiza Gonzalez, Alan Ritchson, Henry Golding, Cary Elwes

 The First Slam Dunk (PG-13)

Shohoku’s ‘speedster’ and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School. Starring Shugo Nakamura, Jun Kasama, Kenta Miyake

 Ancient Aliens Season 19 (NR)

There are many mysteries in the world, and trying to explain them often leads to dead ends. One set of theories has proven surprisingly promising and has taken hold of the imagination of the general public. These theories involve the idea that some of the great societies and structures of the past were created under the influence of aliens who visited the planet. The Pyramids, Stonehenge and many other seemingly implausible artifacts from these ancient days may have been built by aliens or with alien instruction. Why aliens would want to intervene in human history this way is another matter… Starring Robert Clotworthy, Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, Ariel Bar Tzadok

 Lights Out (R)

A drifting ex-soldier turns underground fighter with the help of a just-released ex-con, pitting him against corrupt cops and hired killers now gunning for him and all those he cares about. Starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King

 Uproar (PG-13)

A 17-year-old student is forced to get off the fence he has actively sat on all his life to stand up for himself, his whanau (family) and his future in this heartwarming story of identity. Starring Julian Dennison, Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby

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Kirtland: America’s Sacred Ground (2017) Rated NR

This film looks at the events around the Kirtland Temple’s construction and dedication. Starring Mason Mac, Morgan Gunter, and Gabriel Casdorph.

This film uses eyewitness accounts to recreate the miracles surrounding the building of the Kirtland Temple. While occasionally pointing to Jesus Christ, the temple was created for the Latter-Day Saint movement. Thus, it’s not just for Christ but for Joseph Smith. During this construction they encountered various miracles. While I don’t like to discount miracles as I believe they can still happen, I question some of the miracles mentioned here. I appreciate that they try to focus on Christ, but I also know that they believe there is more than one God. So, to me it’s hard to see the sincerity. The film is a great educational feature, even though it lacks the high production value that other films have. Ultimately, it’s not worth the watch.

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Murder, She Wrote: A Story to Die For (2000) Rated TV-PG

 A Russian writer is murdered at a writers’ conference that is attended by Jessica Fletcher. Starring Angela Lansbury, Richard Crenna, and Robert Mailhouse. 

I watched this film with the eyes of a new generation. I know Jessica Fletcher is an icon. She is well beloved. While the premise of Murder She Wrote has a crime writer always helping the police out in criminal investigations, it’s quite evident that in this day and age, she wouldn’t be near the crime scene, let alone helping with the investigation. They also make the investigators look unintelligent. This is all typical of the show, Murder She Wrote. The crime in itself takes you on a ride of twists and turns as they look at all the potential criminals. That, too, is typical of the show. It’s as well written, and it kept my attention. Although, I would still say it is not worth the watch. 

 

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New This Week in Theaters, June 20, 2024

 

The Bikeriders - Wikipedia The Bikeriders (R)
Opens on Friday, June 21
Starring: Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy

After a chance encounter at a local bar, strong-willed Kathy is inextricably drawn to Benny, the newest member of Midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals led by the enigmatic Johnny. Much like the country around it, the club begins to evolve, transforming from a gathering place for local outsiders into a dangerous underworld of violence, forcing Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.

The Exorcism (2024) - IMDb The Exorcism (R)
Opens on Friday, June 21
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ryan Simpkins, Sam Worthington

A troubled actor begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film, leading his estranged daughter to wonder if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play.

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Meg 2: The Trench (2023) Rated PG-13

 A research team encounters many threats at the bottom of the ocean. Starring Jason Statham, Jing Wu, and Shuya Sophia Cai.

This is a typical  action film. It has action, a little plot, and a lot of CGI. I’m still trying to figure out what the plot really was other than fighting the megalodons. As usual with these films that are all action, there are plot holes throughout. The film also includes the usual, unrealistic technology and behavior of animals. So, the film is fine if you’re looking for a mindless action night, but if you are looking for anything that has intelligence, it’s not worth the watch.

 

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New This Week on DVD, June 18, 2024

 

 American Fiction (R)

A novelist fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain. Starring Jeffrey Wright, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander

 Nowhere Special (NR)

John, a 35-year-old window cleaner, has dedicated his life to bringing up his 4-year-old son, Michael, after the child’s mother left them soon after giving birth. When John is given only a few months left to live, he attempts to find a new, perfect family for Michael, determined to shield him from the terrible reality of the situation. Starring James Norton, Daniel Lamont, Eileen O’Higgins

 Call the Midwife: Season Thirteen (TV-PG)

In 1957, Jenny Lee, a 22-year-old, recently-educated midwife, leaves home to live and work at the Nonnatus House Anglican convent in the Poplar district of the East End of London. There she helps both nurses and nuns to deliver and protect newborns and make the world better for the women who come to them for help. Jenny quickly learns during her time at Nonnatus House about the hardships that face mothers who live in the slums. As she aids in the delivery of 80 to 100 babies a month, the experience helps her to appreciate the important role of midwives. Starring Vanessa Redgrave, Helen George, Jenny Agutter

 LaRoy, Texas (UR)

A man named Ray discovers his wife is cheating on him and decides to kill himself. Before he can pull the trigger, he is mistaken for a low-rent hired killer. Desperate for a little respect, and with nothing else to live for, Ray decides to take the job — and soon begins to question whether he made the right choice. Starring John Magaro, Steve Zahn, Galadriel Stineman

 NCIS: Sydney – Season One (TV-14)

The brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS Agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are grafted into a multi-national taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet. Starring Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance, Sean Sagar

 Penitentia (NR)

Alejandro ‘Ale’ Villacano is a young associate lawyer who has landed a job at a prestigious law firm. Even though he was top of his class, he is also a former convict and an acquitted felon, which makes him an unlikely pick for this firm. Intent on forgetting his past and forging a new identity, he dedicates himself to being the top associate at the firm. He is reluctant to take on a pro bono case to help an old friend, but ultimately does so at the prodding of his mentor. For Ale, it’s filing a few grievances against the local prison and then back to his new life. But for his client, it’s a matter of life and death. No matter how much Ale tries to resist, the pull to do the right thing, to fight the good fight is too strong. Ensnared now in a case rife with corruption, corporate negligence, and abuse of power, Ale must decide what kind of lawyer he is really meant to be. Starring Glenn Stanton, Kate Flanagan, Michael W. Schwartz

 Romance with a Twist (NR)

Luna is a former dancer, who left that dream behind for a grounded life managing her family’s construction business and gets the opportunity to transform a gymnasium into a studio for aerials. As she sneaks a moment to try dancing in the silks, she is surreptitiously discovered by Bennet, a professional aerialist, who has returned home from performing around the world. Bennet is none too pleased to walk in to find his contractor messing around on the silks, but when his partner for an upcoming show drops out, he soon recruits Luna to perform with him. As the hard work of this dynamic sport and the joys of Luna returning to her roots as a dancer bring them closer together, will their relationship crash or will they find a way to reach new heights? Starring Jocelyn Hudon, Olivier Renaud, Candice Lidstone

 The Present (NR)

A brilliant boy discovers he can manipulate time using an enchanted family heirloom, then teaming up with his siblings to go back to the eve of their parents’ separation in hopes of changing the outcome. As their schemes become more elaborate, the siblings will learn about family bonds and what they can and can’t control. Starring Isla Fisher, Greg Kinnear, Ryan Guzman

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9JKL (CBS) Rated TV-PG

Josh lives in the apartment building that he grew up in, living between his parents and his brother with his sister-in-law. Starring Mark Feuerstein, David Walton, and Liza Lapira.

This show has promise of being a good comedy show, with the family all being into each other’s lives. While that can be comedy gold, this show doesn’t endear the chararcters to us. There are humorous moments, but then there are others that aren’t so funny. The characters, on the other hand, just don’t blend well together. Granted, sometimes that can take time. I just don’t see an interest in this show. It’s not worth the watch.

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McFarland, USA (2015) Rated PG

 After losing his football coaching job, Coach Jim White takes on the new cross country team. Starring Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, and Carlos Pratts. 

I question the historical accuracy of this film. Disney created it with the formula that seems to work well for sport films: the cliché of having a coach that gets fired everywhere, to a town of minorities, and to creating a team. Add in the racial tension, and voila, you have a film that’s politically correct. However, it has a good story even if it’s not based on facts. Of course, real life is never as interesting as the fictional story, meaning when White started teaching at McFarland, the town was mostly Caucasian. The story does bring us to a group of boys just trying to make a better life for their families. Thus, the film is worth the watch. 

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New This Week in Theaters, June 13, 2024

 

Inside Out 2 (2024) - IMDb Inside Out 2 (NR)
Opens on Friday, June 14
Starring: Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith

Teenager Riley’s mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.

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