As this month began, the promise of movie theaters reopening has given us some pause. How will things change in this new world we find ourselves? What safety measures have the staff put in place to make for a comfortable experience? The studios have held back a great deal of their slate until later in 2020 or even next year. With âTenetâ the only major release that seems worth it (and I may still review it later), the resounding feeling of disinterest may have you feeling the small screen to be the better choice. Luckily, we donât need to give up big budget storytelling in the exchange.
A holdover from the summer, Netflixâs âThe Old Guardâ is here to scratch that superhero itch until âBlack Widowâ is released. Adapted by Greg Rucka from his own graphic novel, we follow the exploits of immortal mercenaries led by Charlize Theron. Her questioning of her own purpose comes just as a new recruit emerges to her dismay. Also a pharmaceutical executive has discovered their powers and plans to use them for his own devices. Unlike the typical Marvel film, the action scenes are more akin to âJohn Wickâ and âAtomic Blondeâ in which the main star was also featured. The attention to character and motivation is above the usual for the genre.
Earlier this spring, we were eagerly awaiting the latest Disney live-action remake. Questions had been raised as to when âMulanâ would be released. Back a month ago, there was an announcement of a premium release on their streaming service. A fair criticism of these remakes were their reliance on their original source material too much. Here director Nikki Caro has created a historical war epic with shades of âCrouching Tigerâ style action. Newcomer Yifei Liu plays the mythical warrior along a strong supporting cast including Gong Li, Jason Scott Lee, Donnie Yen and martial arts legend Jet Li as the emperor. Yes, the songs and comic relief have been sacrificed for realistic drama making this not for the little ones. At a pricey $29.99 for the unlimited viewing as a Disney Plus member, one might want to wait for the free access the studio promises in December.
With Halloween around the corner, horror films may be just the ticket. Available on most premium on-demand cable services, âAntebellumâ is taking the place of other creepy flicks that that have been shifted until next year. Little has been revealed about the plot, however what we know is that time travel dimensions are involved. A successful author played by Janelle MonaĂ© finds herself within a horrifying reality that includes plantations and nefarious kidnappings to the past. Fans of Jordan Peele (âGet Outâ, âUSâ) and âCandymanâ will rejoice.
Also on HBO currently, âLovecraft Countryâ tells the tale of a tightly knit African-American community in Chicago and their adventures. Based the novel of the same name by Matt Ruff, the show is equal parts domestic drama and supernatural mystery. A young soldier played by Jonathan Majors comes back to find his father missing and must go in search of him. The horrors of this show range from monsters to ghosts to the reality of Jim Crow era itself. Similar to another HBO show âTrue Bloodâ, the plot is interwoven with social commentary with genre fiction making a beautiful pastiche. All these features make for a great selection going into the fall. Happy viewing!
