Popcorn Perspectives with Danny Minton
Week of September 14, 2026
The Weight
Rated R for language, some violence and bloody images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
In Theaters
In this decent little indie, Ethan Hawke plays a down on his luck veteran who is sent to a work camp after a regretful altercation. Wanting nothing more than to return to his daughter, he strikes a deal with the corrupt warden, played by Russell Crowe, to smuggle gold bricks through the Oregon wilderness. So along with a few other prisoners, they set off on a dangerous journey in order that he might have a chance at seeing his child again. While Hawke has been in his fair share of bigger budget films over the years, it’s indies like this that he really digs into and there’s a good reason why – he’s really good at playing unconventional characters that don’t usually exist in bigger pictures. There’s nothing particularly great about this project in regard to story or production, but Hawke manages to give you something worth caring about in a flawed character with bad fortune. While Crowe has second billing, his part is relatively small. But he doesn’t just phone in the role, which helps the project in the few minutes he’s there. You could call this an action film, but it’s the drama and performance that become most memorable. And in this pre-fall movie season, it might just be a film that catches a small but entertained audience. B
American Doctor
Unrated
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
In Theaters
Getting a small theatrical release is this documentary about three American Surgeons who travel to Gaza to help with medical efforts to save lives from the massive amount of violence being committed upon the Palestinian population. Part medical drama and part cry for help, the movie gives a compelling look at the atrocities being committed while still focusing on the resolve to not give up hope. It is a very challenging film and one that made me more mad than sad. At only 90 minutes, the movie is quickly paced and drives to show you the dire outlook without being unfairly judgmental. But be aware that the film seems to exist mainly to show you the last remaining minutes, which will tear you apart as you bear witness. Likely to get an Oscar nomination this year, if not a win, this film is as gripping a motion picture as you will see all year. A