New in Home Entertainment
October 4, 2016
X-Men: Apocalypse
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, action and destruction, brief strong language and some suggestive images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 48%
While the X-Men First Class trilogy had been moving along nicely, director Bryan Singer made a humongous error with this final chapter, posing Oscar Isaac as the all-powerful Apocalypse, a seemingly immortal villain capable of doing pretty much anything. While there are some enjoyable moments and dazzling special effects, the story bogs down while trying to throw too much fuel into fire behind a villain that turns out to be quite dull. The only good news is that all three films are being released in 4k Ultra HD, for those with the ability to watch them, and the visuals are stunning, making the experience (for this newest film at least) far better than the movie deserves. C
Mike and Dave need Wedding Dates
Rated R for crude sexual content, language throughout, drug use and some graphic nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 36%
Two brothers (Adam Devine and Zac Efron) put up an online ad to get wedding dates for their sister’s wedding in Hawaii and two uncontrollable girls (Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza) try to manipulate their way into the free trip. The plot isn’t bad, but the execution is awful. It had a feel like they were improvising their way through the entire picture and the result is an unfunny mess that makes the very talented cast look like hacks. So far this is my worst movie of 2016 and it could be hard to beat. F
Into the Forest
Rated R for a scene of violence involving rape, language and some sexuality/nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%
Set in the near future, two sisters (Evan Rachel Wood and Ellen Page) who have moved off the grid must figure out how to stay alive after an apocalyptic event takes place. As intense as it is creative, the project is a true nail biter, that, while tough to watch at times, is worth a view. The performances are both believable and mesmerizing as the struggle to survive becomes more and more intense for the siblings. B+
Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action throughout
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 13%
Set as a prelude to the upcoming Final Fantasy video game release, Kingsglaive follows the war between two magical cities in a plot that has something that feels Shakespearian with huge demons tagging along. Honestly, after watching I still don’t know what the plot is exactly. It’s very downfall is how confusing it will be to the average Joe. It looks as if the ambition is fully engaged, but maybe too much so. The artistry is unique and worth a look, but by the end it just isn’t an easy tale to comprehend or enjoy. C
The Last King
Rated R for violence and a scene of sexuality
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
Game of Thrones actor and Wyndham Hotels spokesman Kristofer Hivju stars in this Norwegian true story about a team of soldiers who, in 1206, try to save a baby from being assassinated when it is discovered that the child is the heir to the throne of the recently killed king. It’s a fairly predictable action pic but well done still. My biggest shock came from how well the Norwegians must have been able to ski 800 years ago. B-