Opening in the next few weeks are Oscar nominated films from Best Picture to Best Actors. It’s an exciting time of the year with awards being passed out at the end of February. In the three months ahead the genre’s range from action thriller, horror to comedy and include some blasts from the past. We will be reviewing select titles so check back to get opinions from our writing staff. You might also discover an indie gem that you didn’t know existed or a hilarious comedy to brighten your day. Whether you’re on the lookout for horror, action-adventure, drama, comedy, crime or lifestyles— the list below has a lot to offer.
MARCH 2016
March 1, 2016
Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales- DVD
LEGO® STAR WARS™: DROID TALES following the victory celebration in the Ewok village on Endor, at the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. R2-D2 and C-3PO have gathered to regale Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca and the other Rebels with the tales of their adventures that led to the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. An accidental kidnapping occurs while the droids are reminiscing, and suddenly you’re taken on a new journey that leads to the retelling of the entire Star Wars saga, as told by R2-D2 and C-3PO! It’s hilarious and playful, packed with all your favorite interlocking characters.
The North Star- DVD
THE NORTH STAR For black slaves Big Ben (Jeremiah Trotter) and Moses (Thomas C. Bartley, Jr.), the only thing worse than the daily cruelty of life on a Virginia plantation is the fear of being hunted down and tortured as runaways. But when Ben learns he is about to be sold to a new owner, he and Moses make the desperate choice to run. Evading brutal slave hunters and with only the light of the North Star as their guide, the pair make the grueling journey across hostile land to the free state of Pennsylvania.
The Danish Girl- Blu-ray/DVD
THE DANISH GIRL When Gerda (Alicia Vikander) asks her husband Einar Wegener (Eddie Redmayne) to fill in as a portrait model, Einar’s long-repressed feelings surface and she begins living her life as a woman. Embarking on a groundbreaking journey that’s only made possible by the unconditional love of her wife, Einar fights to become the person she’s meant to be, transgender pioneer Lili Elbe.
Legend- Blu-ray/DVD
LEGEND the true story of London’s most notorious gangsters, twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray (Tom Hardy, Mad Max: Fury Road). As the brothers rise through the criminal underworld, Ronnie advances the family business with violence and intimidation while Reggie struggles to go legitimate for local girl Frances Shea (Emily Browning, Sucker Punch). In and out of prison, Ronnie’s unpredictable tendencies and the slow disintegration of Reggie’s marriage threaten to bring the brothers’ empire tumbling to the ground.
March 8, 2016
In the Heart of the Sea- Blu-ray/DVD
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story. “In the Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation, panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first mate still seeks to bring the great whale down.
Macbeth- Blu-ray/DVD
MACBETH Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.
Victor Frankenstein- Blu-ray/DVD
VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (James McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Daniel Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences. Only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation.
The Peanuts Movie- Blu-ray/DVD
THE PEANUTS MOVIE good ol’ Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved Peanuts gang appear as you’ve never seen them before in a brand-new feature film from the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of Ice Age. Join everyone’s favorite eternal optimist, Charlie Brown, as he embarks on a heroic quest, while his beagle pal Snoopy takes to the skies to pursue his arch nemesis, the Red Baron. It’s a hilarious and heart-warming adventure!
March 15, 2016
Brooklyn- Blu-ray/DVD
BROOKLYN An Irish immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a romance with a local. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.
The Big Short- Blu-ray/DVD
THE BIG SHORT Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.
Sisters- Blu-ray/DVD
SISTERS Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunite in Sisters, the story of two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.
Along Came Polly- Blu-ray/DVD
ALONG CAME POLLY Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) is a guy who’s spent his entire life playing it safe. Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston) is irresistible as a free-spirit who lives for the thrill of the moment. When these two comically mismatched souls collide, Reuben’s world is turned upside down, as he makes an uproarious attempt to change his life from middle-of-the-road to totally-out-there! Along Came Polly is the most hilarious comedy smash to come along in years!
Game of Thrones: The Complete Fifth Season- Blu-ray/DVD
GAME OF THRONES: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON Season 5 begins with a power vacuum that protagonists across Westeros and Essos look to fill. At Castle Black, Jon Snow struggles to balance the demands of the Night’s Watch with those of newly-arrived Stannis Baratheon, who styles himself the rightful king of Westeros. Meanwhile, Cersei scrabbles to hold on to power in King’s Landing amidst the Tyrells and the rise of a religious group led by the enigmatic High Sparrow, while Jaime embarks on a secret mission. Across the Narrow Sea, Arya seeks an old friend while a fugitive Tyrion finds a new cause. And as danger mounts in Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen finds that her tenuous hold on the city requires some hard sacrifices. This season features some of the most explosive scenes yet, as the promise that “winter is coming” becomes more ominous than ever before.
March 22, 2016
All Hell Breaks Lose- DVD
ALL HELL BREAKS LOSE A story of love, leather … and brutal violence! When the Satan’s Sinners, a vicious biker gang, attack a bride and groom on their wedding day, they get a fight they never imagined. Now, armed with some divine intervention and firepower, the murdered groom is out to save his wife any way he can before she is sacrificed to Satan… even if it means dying over and over again until the job is done.
Daddy’s Home- Blu-ray/DVD
DADDY’S HOME Stepdad, Brad Whitaker, is a radio host trying to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when the biological father, Dusty Mayron, returns.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part II- Blu-ray/DVD
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART II As the war of Panem escalates to the destruction of other districts, Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant leader of the rebellion, must bring together an army against President Snow, while all she holds dear hangs in the balance.
The Letters- DVD and VOD
THE LETTERS Based on the true story of Mother Teresa (Juliet Stevenson), THE LETTERS explores the life’s work of Nobel Peace Prize recipient and one of the greatest humanitarians of all time. Her selfless devotion to helping the poor changed hearts, transformed lives and inspired millions throughout the world. Told through a series of personal letters written to her longtime friend and spiritual advisor (Max von Sydow), this powerful film is an unforgettable journey of faith, courage and compassion.
March 29, 2016
Forsaken- Blu-ray/DVD
FORSAKEN John Henry returns to his hometown in hopes of repairing his relationship with his estranged father, but a local gang is terrorizing the town. John Henry is the only one who can stop them, however he has abandoned both his gun and reputation as a fearless quick-draw killer.
Cartel Land- Blu-ray/DVD
CARTEL LAND A physician in Michoacán, Mexico leads a citizen uprising against the drug cartel that has wreaked havoc on the region for years. Across the U.S. border, a veteran heads a paramilitary group working to prevent Mexico’s drug wars from entering U.S. territory.
Point Break- Blu-ray/DVD
POINT BREAK A young FBI agent infiltrates an extraordinary team of extreme sports athletes he suspects of masterminding a string of unprecedented, sophisticated corporate heists. Deep undercover, and with his life in danger, he strives to prove these athletes are the architects of the mind-boggling crimes that are devastating the world’s financial markets.
Concussion- Blu-ray/DVD
CONCUSSION a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu’s emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.
Archer: Season 6- Blu-ray/DVD
ARCHER: SEASON 6 This animated half-hour comedy revolves around an international spy agency and the lives of its employees. Although their work of espionage, reconnaissance missions, wiretapping and undercover surveillance is daunting and dangerous, every covert operation and global crisis is actually just another excuse for the staff to undermine, sabotage and betray each other for personal gain.
APRIL
April 5, 2016
Curveball- DVD/Digital Video
CURVEBALL Smart, popular and star pitcher of his high school team, Nolan has managed to put his troubled childhood behind him with the help of the two things he could always depend on: his love of baseball and his best friend, Sam. But just as Nolan’s future is looking bright, Sam starts leading him into trouble – playing hard and partying harder. Even with the help of people who love him and will risk everything to save him, it’s up to Nolan to keep his head in the game before he strikes out for the last time.
The Hoarder- DVD
THE HOARDER Ella (Barton) sneaks off one night to snoop through her fiancé’s storage unit on the seedy outskirts of town. But deep in the lower levels of the warehouse, Ella and a half dozen storage unit customers discover there’s more than old furniture and memorabilia being locked away here. A relentless psychopath has started his own “collection,” and unless Ella and the others can survive the blood-soaked rampage of the Hoarder, and find a way out of the maze-like building, they’ll never see the light of another day.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens- Blu-ray/DVD
STAR WARS Episode VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS 30 years after the defeat of Darth Vader and the Empire, Rey, a scavenger from the planet Jakku, finds a BB-8 droid that knows the whereabouts of the long lost Luke Skywalker. Rey, as well as a rogue stormtrooper and two smugglers, are thrown into the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the daunting legions of the First Order.
By the Sea- Blu-ray/DVD
BY THE SEA Set in France during the mid-1970s, Vanessa, a former dancer, and her husband Roland, an American writer, travel the country together. They seem to be growing apart, but when they linger in one quiet, seaside town they begin to draw close to some of its more vibrant inhabitants, such as a local bar/café-keeper and a hotel owner.
#Horror-Blu-ray/DVD
#HORROR Inspired by actual events, a group of 12 year old girls face a night of horror when the compulsive addiction of an online social media game turns a moment of cyber bullying into a night of insanity.
The Hallow- Blu-ray/DVD
THE HALLOW A family who moved into a remote mill house in Ireland finds themselves in a fight for survival with demonic creatures living in the woods.
Mojavi- DVD
MOJAVE Conflicted about his life and family, Tom (Garrett Hedlund) a film producer, takes a drive into the nearby Mojave Desert to think over his future. Riding through a canyon he crashes his car. Now on foot he sets up camp where Jack (Oscar Isaac), a mysterious traveler, asks to join him by the fire. Jack makes an offhanded remark that upsets Tom and an altercation ensues leaving the drifter unconscious. Tom walks away heading for the nearest sign of civilization followed by Jack who keeps his distance. When an accidental shooting occurs, Jack ups his pursuit, now with a vengeance.
April 12, 2016
The Forest- Blu-ray/DVD
THE FOREST When her twin sister disappears in Japan, a young American named Sara (Natalie Dormer) becomes determined to find out what happened to her. Sara’s investigation leads her to the legendary Aokigahara Forest, located at the base of Mount Fuji. Accompanied by expatriate Aiden, she enters the mysteriouswilderness after being warned to “stay on the path.” Her investigation plunges her into a dark world where the angry and tormented souls of the dead prey on those who dare to explore the forest.
Standoff- Blu-ray/DVD
STANDOFF Carter (Thomas Jane), a troubled veteran gets a chance at redemption by protecting a 12 year-old girl from a deadly assassin (Laurence Fishburne) after she witnesses a murder. Holding a shotgun with a single shell, he engages in physical and psychological warfare in a desperate fight for the girl’s life.
Flight 7500- DVD
FLIGHT 7500 Vista Pacific flight 7500 departs Los Angeles International Airport bound for Tokyo. As the overnight flight makes its way over the Pacific Ocean during its ten-hour course, the passengers encounter what appears to be a supernatural force in the cabin.
April 19, 2016
Love is a Verb- DVD
LOVE IS A VERB
Lady in the Van- Blu-ray/DVD
LADY IN THE VAN Based on the true story of Miss Shepherd (played by a magnificent Maggie Smith), a woman of uncertain origins “temporarily” parks her van in Alan Bennett’s (Alex Jennings) London driveway and proceeds to live there for 15 years. What begins as a begrudged favor becomes a relationship that will change both their lives. Acclaimed director Nicholas Hytner reunites with iconic writer Alan Bennett to create this rare and touching portrait.
The Revenant- Blu-ray/DVD
THE REVENANT While exploring the uncharted wilderness in 1823, legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) sustains injuries from a brutal bear attack. When his hunting team leaves him for dead, Glass must utilize his survival skills to find a way back home to his beloved family. Grief-stricken and fueled by vengeance, Glass treks through the wintry terrain to track down John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), the former confidant who betrayed and abandoned him.
Norm of the North- Blu-ray/DVD
NORM OF THE NORTH When a real estate development invades his Arctic home, Norm and his three lemming friends head to New York City, where Norm becomes the mascot of the corporation in an attempt to bring it down from the inside and protect his homeland.
April 26, 2016
Ride Along 2- Blu-ray/DVD
RIDE ALONG 2 Rookie lawman Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) aspires to become a detective like James Payton (Ice Cube), his future brother-in-law. James reluctantly takes Ben to Miami to follow up on a lead that’s connected to a drug ring. The case brings them to a homicide detective and a computer hacker who reveals evidence that implicates a respected businessman. It’s now up to James and Ben to prove that charismatic executive Antonio Pope is actually a violent crime lord who rules southern Florida’s drug trade.
Krampus- Blu-ray/DVD
KRAMPUS While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max (Emjay Anthony) to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to the Engel home, mom (Toni Collette), pop (Adam Scott), sister (Stefania LaVie Owen) and brother must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate.
Son of Saul- Blu-ray/DVD
SON OF SAUL During World War II, a Jewish worker (Géza Röhrig) at the Auschwitz concentration camp tries to find a rabbi to give a child a proper burial. Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.
MAY 2016
May 3, 2016
The Fifth Wave- Blu-ray/DVD
THE FIFTH WAVE Four waves of increasingly deadly attacks have left most of Earth in ruin. Against a backdrop of fear and distrust, Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal fifth wave, Cassie teams up with a young man who may become her final hope – if she can only trust him
Joy-Blu-ray/DVD
JOY A story of a family across four generations, centered on the girl who becomes the woman (Jennifer Lawrence) who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Facing betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, Joy becomes a true boss of family and enterprise. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy’s inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces.
Emelie- Blu-ray/DVD
EMELIE As their parents head out for a date in the city, the three young Thompson children immediately take to their new babysitter, Anna (Sarah Bolger, Into the Badlands, Once Upon a Time), who seems like a dream come true: she’s sweet, fun, and lets them do things that break all of their parents’ rules. But as Anna’s interactions with them take on a more sinister tone, the kids realize that their caretaker may not be who she claims to be. Soon it’s up to big brother Jacob to protect his siblings from the increasingly nefarious intentions of a very disturbed woman whose weapon is trust, and whose target is innocence.
Royal Night Out- DVD
ROYAL NIGHT OUT Inspired by true events, A Royal Night Out is a charming romantic comedy that recounts the glorious celebration of the end of World War II in Europe — and the singular evening when Princess Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) and Princess Margaret (Bel Powley) leave the confines of Buckingham Palace to join the festivities. Quickly giving their chaperones the slip, the young royals venture out into London for a whirlwind adventure filled with excitement, danger and the flutters of first love.
Remember-Blu-ray/DVD
REMEMBER With help from a fellow Holocaust survivor (Martin Landau), a widower (Christopher Plummer) who struggles with memory loss embarks on a cross-country odyssey to find the former Nazi responsible for the deaths of their family members.
The Choice-Blu-ray/DVD
THE CHOICE Travis Shaw (Benjamin Walker) is a ladies’ man who thinks a serious relationship would cramp his easygoing lifestyle. Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer) is a feisty medical student who’s preparing to settle down with her long-term boyfriend (Tom Welling). Fate brings the two together as Gabby moves next door to Travis, sparking an irresistible attraction that upends both of their lives. As their bond grows, the unlikely couple must decide how far they’re willing to go to keep the hope of love alive.
May 10, 2016
The Boy- Blu-ray/DVD
THE BOY A young American named Greta (Lauren Cohan) takes a job as a nanny for an 8-year-old boy in a remote English village. To her surprise, Greta learns that the child of her new employers is a life-size doll. They care for the doll as if it was human, which helps the couple to cope with the death of their own son 20 years earlier. When Greta violates a list of strict rules, a series of disturbing and inexplicable events bring her worst fears to life, leading her to believe that the doll is alive
Where to Invade Next- Blu-ray/DVD
WHERE TO INVADE NEXT Filmmaker Michael Moore visits various countries to examine how Europeans view work, education, health care, sex, equality, and other issues. From cafeteria food to sex ed, Moore looks at the benefits of schooling in France, Finland and Slovenia. In Italy, he marvels at how workers enjoy reasonable hours and generous vacation time. In Portugal, Moore notes the effects of the decriminalization of drugs. Through his travels, we discover just how different America is from the rest of the world.
Deadpool- Blu-ray/DVD
DEADPOOL This is the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
Regression- Blu-ray/DVD
REGRESSION Minnesota, 1990. Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) investigates the case of young Angela (Emma Watson), who accuses her father, John Gray (David Dencik), of an unspeakable crime. When John unexpectedly and without recollection admits guilt, renowned psychologist Dr. Raines (David Thewlis) is brought in to help him relive his memories and what they discover unmasks a horrifying nationwide mystery.
May 17, 2016
Dirty Grandpa- Blu-ray/DVD
DIRTY GRANDPA Uptight lawyer Jason Kelly (Zac Efron) is one week away from marrying his boss’s controlling daughter, putting him on the fast track for a partnership at his firm. Tricked by his grandfather Dick (Robert De Niro), Jason finds himself driving the foulmouthed old man to Daytona Beach, Fla., for a wild spring break that includes frat parties, bar fights and an epic night of karaoke. While Jason worries about the upcoming wedding, Dick tries to show his grandson how to live life to the fullest.
The Witch- Blu-ray/DVD
THE WITCH New England, 1630: William and Katherine lead a devout Christian life, homesteading on the edge of an impassible wilderness, with five children. When their newborn son mysteriously vanishes and their crops fail, the family begins to turn on one another. ‘The Witch’ is a chilling portrait of a family unraveling within their own fears and anxieties, leaving them prey for an inescapable evil.
A Perfect Day- Blu-ray/DVD
A PERFECT DAY Aid workers (Benicio Del Toro, Tim Robbins, Olga Kurylenko) in the Balkans try to retrieve a man’s body from a well before it contaminates the water for nearby villagers.
May 24, 2016
Finest Hours- Blu-ray/DVD
FINEST HOURS In February of 1952, one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast struck New England, damaging an oil tanker off the coast of Cape Cod and literally ripping it in half. On a small lifeboat faced with frigid temperatures and 70-foot high waves, four members of the Coast Guard set out to rescue the more than 30 stranded sailors trapped aboard the rapidly-sinking vessel.
May 31, 2016
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies- Blu-ray/DVD
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES In the 19th century, a mysterious plague turns the English countryside into a war zone. No one is safe as the dead come back to life to terrorize the land. Fate leads Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James), a master of martial arts and weaponry, to join forces with Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), a handsome but arrogant gentleman. Elizabeth can’t stand Darcy, but respects his skills as a zombie killer. Casting aside their personal differences, they unite on the blood-soaked battlefield to save their country.
Race- Blu-ray/DVD
RACE Jesse Owens’ quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy.
JUNE 2016
June 7, 2016
The Spoils Before Dying- DVD
THE SPOILS BEFORE DYING is the second book, based on fictional famous author Eric Jonrosh’s (Will Ferrell) first best-selling epic novel The Spoils of Babylon. Season two from the “Spoils” franchise premiered on IFC on July 8, 2015, and includes six half-hour episodes. The series centers on Michael Kenneth Williams as Rock Banyon, who becomes the prime suspect in the double murder of his occasional lover Fresno Foxglove (Maya Rudolph) who is found dead with another man. Panicked, Rock splits for Mexico where he reunites with his one-time big band singer Delores DeWinter (Kristen Wiig). With 72 hours to clear his name or fry in the electric chair, Rock and Delores embark on a dangerous quest for the truth that takes them into an abyss of sex, drugs, betrayal, and of course, jazz. While his world crumbles, Rock’s hard-charging manager Alistair St. Barnaby (Haley Joel Osment) pressures him to record a mainstream jazz album.
Anomalisa- Blu-ray/DVD
ANOMALISA An inspirational speaker (David Thewlis) becomes reinvigorated after meeting a lively woman (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who shakes up his mundane existence.(Animated)
Touched with Fire- Blu-ray/DVD
TOUCHED WITH FIRE Two bipolar patients meet in a psychiatric hospital and begin a romance that brings out all of the beauty and horror of their condition.
Colonia- Blu-ray/DVD
COLONIA Lena and Daniel, a young couple become entangled in the Chilean military coup of 1973. Daniel is abducted by Pinochet’s secret police and Lena tracks him to a sealed off area in the South of the country, called Colonia Dignidad. The Colonia presents itself as a charitable mission run by lay preacher Paul Schäfer but, in fact, is a place nobody ever escaped from. Lena decides to join the cult in order to find Daniel. Based on true events.
Everything with be Fine- Blu-ray/DVD
EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE While driving aimlessly after a quarrel with his girlfriend, a writer accidentally runs over and kills a child. The accident and its aftermath deeply traumatizes him. Over the next 12 years, he struggles to make sense of what happened and continue on with life, but when he looks in the mirror, he sees a murderer.
June 14, 2016
45 Years- Blu-ray/DVD
45 YEARS As their 45th wedding anniversary approaches, a woman (Charlotte Rampling) learns that her husband (Tom Courtenay) was once engaged to someone else.
