What to Watch for July 7–13
This week, we feature an Akira Kurosawa epic set in feudal Japan and a rousing lesser-known World War II drama about the Canadian Air Force.
New Release
‘The Flash’
In yet another retread of a popular fleet-footed comic book superhero, Ezra Miller stars as The Flash, who accidentally travels back in time after using his speed powers. Things become complicated when he realizes that his time-traveling has unforeseen consequences.
This film features a bizarre, convoluted storyline, corny dialogue, and some underwhelming acting performances (mainly on the part of Ezra Miller). If you need any further proof that the comic book superhero film genre is beginning to wear out its welcome—this is it.
Action | Adventure | Fantasy
Release Date: June 16, 2023
Director: Andy Muschietti
Starring: Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle
Running Time: 2 hours, 24 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 1.5 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘The Big Green’
When Miss Anna Montgomery (Olivia d’Abo) comes to a small Texas town from England on a foreign exchange program, she finds that her new underachieving students lack enthusiasm. Although it’s an uphill battle, she tries to improve the kids’ lives through soccer.
This film features plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy, and underneath its rather typical underdog-team storyline are some wholesome messages about selflessness, teamwork, and the benefits of hard work—themes that are all the more valuable for kids in these challenging times.
Comedy | Family | Sport
Release Date: Sept. 29, 1995
Director: Holly Goldberg Sloan
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Olivia d’Abo, Jay O. Sanders
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Redbox, Vudu
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
A Dazzling Japanese Epic
‘Kagemusha’
In feudal Japan, the life of a petty thief (Tatsuya Nakadai) is spared because he resembles the powerful but ailing daimyo Takeda Shingen. To prevent powerful enemy clans from sensing a weakness when Shingen does pass away, his clan hatches a plan to have the thief impersonate the leader.
This is one of famed director Akira Kurosawa’s most affecting epics, featuring exquisite cinematography, beautiful costumes with sumptuous colors, and a premise that keeps one wondering what will happen next.
Drama | History | War
Release Date: Oct. 10, 1980
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kenichi Hagiwara
Running Time: 2 hours, 42 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Vudu
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Rousing Wartime Drama
‘Captains of the Clouds’
When cocky bush pilot Brian MacLean (James Cagney) joins the Royal Canadian Air Force, he discovers that his superior is the ex-boyfriend of the woman he married.
The first part of this war movie features a believable love triangle between its main characters, while the rest forms a gripping World War II tale about the brave, selfless pilots who fought the German Luftwaffe.
Action | Drama | War
Release Date: Feb. 21, 1942
Director: Michael Curtiz
Starring: James Cagney, Dennis Morgan, Brenda Marshall
Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: DirecTV, Amazon, Vudu
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
