What to Watch for April 28–May 4
This week, we feature a classic ’50s musical that features wonderful dancing and a dramedy about an American family’s hardships and triumphs.
New Release
‘Somewhere in Queens’
In his directorial debut, Ray Romano plays the role of Leo Russo, a loving husband to his wife, Angela (Laurie Metcalf), and father to his athletically gifted son, high-schooler Matthew “Sticks” (Jacob Ward). When Matthew gets the opportunity to play for a college team, Leo goes all out to make sure that happens.
This is one of those slice-of-life films that chronicles what American families go through on a regular basis. It features witty dialogue and shows the importance of having a strong family and a network of friends.
Comedy | Drama
Release Date: April 21, 2023
Director: Ray Romano
Starring: Ray Romano, Laurie Metcalf, Jennifer Esposito
Running Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘The Little Mermaid’
Young mermaid Ariel (Jodi Benson) hails from the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, but she wants to live on land with humans. When she falls in love with Prince Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes), a human, she makes a precarious pact with a wicked sea witch (Pat Carroll) that enables her to transform into a human.
This is a delightful, family-friendly fantasy-adventure with great animation, charming music, and a sense of light drama. Based on the original story by Hans Christian Andersen, it’s a throwback to the Disney films of yore.
Animation | Adventure | Family
Release Date: Nov. 17, 1989
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois
Running Time: 1 hour, 23 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Redbox, Vudu
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
A Gripping, Mysterious Thrill-Ride
‘The Game’
When wealthy, arrogant banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) receives an invitation to a game from his younger brother, Conrad (Sean Penn), he agrees to play even though he doubts its validity. But soon, bizarre occurrences begin to pull him into a sinister web of deception.
This slow-burn thriller gradually builds up its tension while making you question all the awful things happening to the protagonist. The many twists and turns will have your head spinning by the time it reaches its climactic conclusion.
Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Release Date: Sept. 12, 1997
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger, Sean Penn
Running Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Starz, Vudu, Redbox
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
A Musical for the Ages
‘An American in Paris’
Vincente Minnelli directs this timeless musical romance about Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly), a struggling painter, who comes to the attention of a wealthy heiress—but he has eyes for Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron), a French girl.
If you want to enjoy top-flight dancing, along with memorable music (by the Gershwins) and skilled direction, you can do no better than this.
Drama | Musical | Romance
Release Date: Nov. 11, 1951
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Starring: Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant
Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Redbox, Vudu
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
