This week, we feature an engaging animated take on a Shakespeare classic an early Western by director Samuel Fuller on the Jesse James legend.
New Release
‘F1: The Movie’
Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a washed-up F1 legend pulled from retirement by teammate Ruben (Javier Bardem) to save a failing team. Paired with rookie hotshot Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), Sonny learns the toughest race isn’t always on the track.The film has star power but under the hood it’s more cliché than character. Some engines roar while others stall, and by the finish, it’s coasting on fumes. Pitt looks like he’s having way more fun than we are.
Action | Drama | Sport
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem
Running Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 2 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Gnomeo & Juliet’
In neighboring yards where Red and Blue garden gnomes feud behind their oblivious human owners, a forbidden romance blooms between Gnomeo (James McAvoy), a daring Blue, and Juliet (Emily Blunt), a spirited Red. As their secret bond grows, the rivalry between their clans threatens to tear them apart.This comedy finds its own charm, ditching Shakespearean tragedy for rousing comedy. While not all the jokes land, the playful tone and bright animation make it hard to resist. The theme is positive and Elton John’s music adds bounce.
Adventure | Animation | Comedy
Release Date: Feb. 11, 2011
Director: Kelly Asbury
Starring: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Maggie Smith
Running Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Fake Guns, Real Trouble
‘Three Amigos!’
Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short play unemployed silent film cowboys mistaken for real heroes by a Mexican village. Hired by Carmen (Patrice Martinez) to defeat the villain El Guapo (Alfonso Arau), the trio must turn their act into reality.Goofy yet full of heart, this film follows the clueless trio as they stumble into actual heroism. The veteran actors shine with a playful charm, and the film’s easy pace lets the humor unfold naturally. It’s silly, sincere, and surprisingly sweet.
Comedy | Western
Release Date: Dec. 12, 1986
Director: John Landis
Starring: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short
Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Philo, YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
An Outlaw’s End and a Traitor’s Burden
‘I Shot Jesse James’
Bob Ford (John Ireland) shoots outlaw Jesse James (Reed Hadley) for a reward and a new life with Cynthy (Barbara Britton). But instead of freedom, he’s met with scorn by the public.Samuel Fuller’s brooding take on the Jesse James tale finds Ireland compelling as a guilt-ridden Ford. With tight close-ups and quiet tension, it’s an early glimpse of the director’s bold touch.
Drama | Western
Release Date: Feb. 26, 1949
Director: Samuel Fuller
Starring: Preston Foster, Barbara Britton, John Ireland
Running Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: YouTube, Max, The Criterion Channel
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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