This week, we’ll look at Liam Neeson’s latest action thriller and at a fascinating indie film that explores the world of mundane work.
New Release
‘Blacklight’
When Dusty Crane’s (Taylor John Smith) politician girlfriend is mysteriously murdered, he links up with an intrepid reporter who is hungry to uncover the story. But black ops veteran Travis Block (Liam Neeson) warns the pair against being too curious. That advice goes unheeded.It’s good to see older people in action roles if they’re capable of pulling it off. Despite Neeson’s talent, however, this cinematic stinker is yet another clichéd action yarn with a derivative plot, wooden acting, and is as forgettable as they come.
Action | Thriller
Release Date: Feb. 11, 2022
Director: Mark Williams
Starring: Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Taylor John Smith
Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 1.5 stars out of 5
Indie Pick
‘In the Aisles’
Christian (Franz Rogowski) has a new job at a huge wholesale store. An older man takes Christian under his wing and helps the newcomer learn about this new world of long aisles and stacks of goods. Christian becomes smitten by co-worker Marion (Sandra Hüller), but a secret she holds prevents them from taking things further.The realistic acting in this film is fantastic and draws you into its world. It celebrates the “work family”—workers who form deep bonds through the simple virtue of work, no matter how mundane it seems.
Drama | Romance
Release Date: June 14, 2019 (U.S.)
Director: Thomas Stuber
Starring: Andreas Leupold, Franz Rogowski, Peter Kurth
Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Where to Watch: Kanopy, Ovid, Vudu
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Heartfelt Dramedy
‘Breaking Away’
Dave (Dennis Christopher) and his small group of friends are from working-class families and are looked down upon by the wealthier families of their Midwest town. Dave begins to fall for a local college girl, but learns that she’s already dating a more popular guy. Undeterred, Dave devises a plan to win her over.This amazing film manages to have a lighter tonality while simultaneously touching on deeper issues such as class friction and going for one’s dreams no matter what obstacles stand in the way.
Comedy | Drama | Sport
Release Date: July 20, 1979
Director: Peter Yates
Starring: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern
Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Max GO, Redbox, Vudu
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Classic Thriller
‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’
When traveling American couple Ben and Jo McKenna (James Stewart and Doris Day) witness a murder in exotic Marrakesh, Morocco, Ben learns of a scheduled assassination plot in the UK.This brilliant thriller by director Alfred Hitchcock has an interesting, multifaceted plot that contains various twists and turns. It will keep viewers guessing up to its final, climactic end.
Drama | Thriller
Release Date: June 1, 1956
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: James Stewart, Doris Day, Brenda de Banzie
Runtime: 2 hours
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Redbox, DirectTV, Vudu
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
