What to Watch for May 5–11
This week, we feature a hilarious satire about the world’s first notable smartphone and an immersive animated fantasy about a unicorn’s quest.
New Release
‘BlackBerry’
Before the iPhone, Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton) of the Canadian technology company Research in Motion, paved the way for one of the first smartphones, the BlackBerry. Although the two men revolutionized the mobile phone market, certain forces led to the BlackBerry’s eventual extinction.
This satire certainly delivers laughs and also adds a sense of nostalgia for those old enough to remember the once-ubiquitous device. Baruchel and Howerton virtually disappear into their respective leading roles.
Biography | Comedy | Drama
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Director: Matt Johnson
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson
Running Time: 2 hours, 2 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘The Last Unicorn’
A sheltered unicorn (Mia Farrow) discovers that she’s one of the only remaining unicorns still in existence; the creatures have been nearly driven to extinction by evil King Haggard (Christopher Lee). She joins forces with bumbling magician Schmendrick (Alan Arkin) and embarks on a journey to save her fellow unicorns.
This animated family flick is a story of redemption, as well as a search for truth and inner peace. Its fantastic writing immerses viewers in a magical world, making it great entertainment for both kids and adults.
Animation | Adventure | Drama
Release Date: Nov. 19, 1982
Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury
Running Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Plex, Redbox, Tubi
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
A Courtroom Drama With Nuanced Performances
‘A Few Good Men’
At the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba, a Marine is found dead in his bed with signs of bodily trauma. Two Marines are suspected of murder, and Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) is assigned to defend them. But JAG lawyer Joanne Galloway (Demi Moore) suspects corruption behind the scenes.
With pitch-perfect performances by its outstanding cast, this is a riveting courtroom drama built entirely on excellent dialogue. It’s a fascinating watch that will keep you guessing until the dramatic finale.
Drama | Thriller
Release Date: Dec. 11, 1992
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore
Running Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Redbox
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Rousing Action Adventure
‘The Vikings’
Viking King Ragnar’s (Ernest Borgnine) son, Prince Einar (Kirk Douglas), seeks the affection of captured Welsh princess Morgana (Janet Leigh). But she’s attracted to Eric (Tony Curtis), a slave.
This is a splendid swashbuckling epic full of excellent action scenes, a multifaceted plot, and intense acting performances—particularly by Douglas as a merciless warrior prince.
Action | Adventure | History
Release Date: June 28, 1958
Director: Richard Fleischer
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine
Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Pluto, Amazon, Apple TV
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
