By Kam Williams
There are a number of action films whose opening scenes alone are well worth the price of admission. Taken (2008), District B-13 (2004) Super 8 (2011) and Dawn of ...
FilmReview by Kam WilliamsKids Hunt Killer Clown in Creepy Adaptation of Stephen King Classic Written by master of suspense Stephen King, It was the best-selling book in the U.S. during 1986. The riveting page-turner was set in...
By Kam Williams, Special to The New Tri-State Defender
BIG BUDGET FILMS Star Trek Beyond (PG-13 for action and violence) 13th episode in the intergalactic, sci-fi franchise finds Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and the crew of the USS Enterprise stranded on an uncharted planet after being forced to abandon ship following an alien attack. With Idris Elba as the new nemesis, and Zachary Quinto as Dr. Spock, John Cho as Lt. Sulu, Simon Pegg as Scotty, Zoe Saldana as Lt. Uhuru, Karl Urban as Bones and the late Anton Yelchin as Chekov. Ice Age: Collision Course (PG for mild rude humor, action and scenes of peril) 5th installment in the prehistoric fantasy franchise finds woolly mammoth Manny (Ray Romano), ground sloth Sid (John Leguizamo) and smilodon Diego (Denis Leary) and company on an epic trek to prevent impending asteroid strikes inadvertently triggered by saber- toothed squirrel Scrat’s (Chris Wedge) pursuit of that ever-elusive acorn. Voice cast ensemble includes Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez, Simon Pegg, Michael Strahan, Keke Palmer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Wanda Sykes, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nick Offerman and Adam DeVine. Lights Out (PG-13 for violence, mature themes, disturbing images, incessant terror and brief drug use) Haunted house horror flick revolving around a family which finds itself preyed upon by a malevolent ghost (Alicia Vela-Bailey) which only attacks in the dark. With Maria Bello, Gabriel Bateman, Alexandra DiPersia and Billy Burke. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Absolutely Fabulous (R for profanity, sexuality and drug use) Adaptation of the British TV sitcom revolving around a couple of flamboyant, aging fashionistas (Jennnifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley) who flee London for the French Riviera after creating a media storm by accidentally knocking now-missing supermodel Kate Moss off a balcony and into the River Thames. With Rebel Wilson, Joanna Lumley, John Hamm and Alexa Chung, with cameos by Jerry Hall and Joan Collins. Don’t Think Twice (R for profanity and drug use) Ensemble dramedy about the emotional fallout vis- ited upon a fledgling, im- prov comedy troupe when one of its members (Kee- gan Michael-Key) gets a big break on a Saturday Night Live-type TV show. Cast members include Gl- lian Jacobs, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher and the film’s writer/director Mike Birbiglia. Don’t Worry Baby (Unrated) “Who’s the daddy?” dramedy about a philandering husband (Christopher MacDonald) who unknowingly cheats on his wife (Talia Balsam) by sleeping with the same woman (Dreama Walker) as their son (John Magaro), only to learn that one of them is the father of her daughter (Rainn Williams). With Tom Lipinski, Britt Lower and Phil Burke.
BIG BUDGET FILMS Star Trek Beyond (PG-13 for action and violence) 13th episode in the intergalactic, sci-fi franchise finds Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and the crew of the USS Enterprise stranded on an uncharted planet after being forced to abandon ship following an alien attack. With Idris Elba as the new nemesis, and Zachary Quinto as Dr. Spock, John Cho as Lt. Sulu, Simon Pegg as Scotty, Zoe Saldana as Lt. Uhuru, Karl Urban as Bones and the late Anton Yelchin as Chekov. Ice Age: Collision Course (PG for mild rude humor, action and scenes of peril) 5th installment in the prehistoric fantasy franchise finds woolly mammoth Manny (Ray Romano), ground sloth Sid (John Leguizamo) and smilodon Diego (Denis Leary) and company on an epic trek to prevent impending asteroid strikes inadvertently triggered by saber- toothed squirrel Scrat’s (Chris Wedge) pursuit of that ever-elusive acorn. Voice cast ensemble includes Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez, Simon Pegg, Michael Strahan, Keke Palmer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Wanda Sykes, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nick Offerman and Adam DeVine. Lights Out (PG-13 for violence, mature themes, disturbing images, incessant terror and brief drug use) Haunted house horror flick revolving around a family which finds itself preyed upon by a malevolent ghost (Alicia Vela-Bailey) which only attacks in the dark. With Maria Bello, Gabriel Bateman, Alexandra DiPersia and Billy Burke. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Absolutely Fabulous (R for profanity, sexuality and drug use) Adaptation of the British TV sitcom revolving around a couple of flamboyant, aging fashionistas (Jennnifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley) who flee London for the French Riviera after creating a media storm by accidentally knocking now-missing supermodel Kate Moss off a balcony and into the River Thames. With Rebel Wilson, Joanna Lumley, John Hamm and Alexa Chung, with cameos by Jerry Hall and Joan Collins. Don’t Think Twice (R for profanity and drug use) Ensemble dramedy about the emotional fallout vis- ited upon a fledgling, im- prov comedy troupe when one of its members (Kee- gan Michael-Key) gets a big break on a Saturday Night Live-type TV show. Cast members include Gl- lian Jacobs, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher and the film’s writer/director Mike Birbiglia. Don’t Worry Baby (Unrated) “Who’s the daddy?” dramedy about a philandering husband (Christopher MacDonald) who unknowingly cheats on his wife (Talia Balsam) by sleeping with the same woman (Dreama Walker) as their son (John Magaro), only to learn that one of them is the father of her daughter (Rainn Williams). With Tom Lipinski, Britt Lower and Phil Burke.
 Dear Friends, September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I have stage 4 cancer. It's the most common lethal cancer diagnosed in men. 1 in 6 men will get it.I am asking a simple thing -First, re-post this and share...
By Kam Williams, Special to The New Tri-State Defender
BIG BUDGET FILMS Ghostbusters (PG-13 for action and crude humor) Gender-bent reboot of the classic comedy revolving around a scientist (Melissa McCarthy), a professor (Kristen Wiig), a nuclear engineer (Kate McKinnon) and a subway token booth clerk (Leslie Jones) who join forces to save Manhattan from a demonic disembodied spirit (Neil Casey). Ensemble cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Cecily Strong, Andy Garcia and Michael Kenneth Williams, with cameo appearances by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and Ernie Hudson. The Infiltrator (R for pervasive profanity, graphic violence, drug use and some sexuality) Bryan Cranston plays the title character in this fact-based drama, set in 1985, about a U.S. Customs Agent who posed as a money- launderer in order to infiltrate Pablo Escobar’s Colombian drug cartel. With Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger and Amy Ryan. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS C Street (R for sexuality and drug use) Freewheeling farce about a U.S. Senate intern (Evan Hall) who pimps out his crib to sex-starved politicians only to catch his boss (Dylan Walsh) in bed with the object of his affection (Shaun Licata). Cast includes Bruce Altman, Carey Lowell and Don Stark. Cafe Society (PG-13 for violence, suggestive material, smoking and a drug reference) Woody Allen romantic dramedy, set in the 1930s, revolving around a New Yorker (Jesse Eisenberg) who relocates to Los Angeles hoping to work for his uncle (Steve Carell), only to fall in love with the powerful Hollywood agent’s secretary (Kristen Stewart). With Sheryl Lee, Jeannie Berlin and Richard Portnow. Don’t Blink: Robert Frank (Unrated) “Say cheese!” biopic chronicling the enduring career of 91 year-old Robert Frank, legendary photojournalist and independent filmmaker. Equals (PG-13 for sensuality, mature themes, partial nudity and disturbing images) Futuristic tale of forbidden love, set in a dystopia devoid of disease and human emotion, about a couple of co-workers (Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart) who find themselves falling head- over-heels for each other after becoming infected with a mysterious new virus. Cast includes Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver, Scott Lawrence and Kate Lyn Sheil. Free to Run (Unrated) Fitness documentary revisiting the rise of running as a popular form of exercise 50 years ago. (In French and English with subtitles) Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party (PG-13 for violence, mature themes and smoking) Political documentary, written and directed by arch-conservative Dinesh D’Souza, incriminating Hillary Clinton while uncovering shady skeletons in the Democrats’ closet. Featuring commentary by D’Souza, Jonah Goldberg and Peter Schweizer.
BIG BUDGET FILMS Ghostbusters (PG-13 for action and crude humor) Gender-bent reboot of the classic comedy revolving around a scientist (Melissa McCarthy), a professor (Kristen Wiig), a nuclear engineer (Kate McKinnon) and a subway token booth clerk (Leslie Jones) who join forces to save Manhattan from a demonic disembodied spirit (Neil Casey). Ensemble cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Cecily Strong, Andy Garcia and Michael Kenneth Williams, with cameo appearances by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and Ernie Hudson. The Infiltrator (R for pervasive profanity, graphic violence, drug use and some sexuality) Bryan Cranston plays the title character in this fact-based drama, set in 1985, about a U.S. Customs Agent who posed as a money- launderer in order to infiltrate Pablo Escobar’s Colombian drug cartel. With Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger and Amy Ryan. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS C Street (R for sexuality and drug use) Freewheeling farce about a U.S. Senate intern (Evan Hall) who pimps out his crib to sex-starved politicians only to catch his boss (Dylan Walsh) in bed with the object of his affection (Shaun Licata). Cast includes Bruce Altman, Carey Lowell and Don Stark. Cafe Society (PG-13 for violence, suggestive material, smoking and a drug reference) Woody Allen romantic dramedy, set in the 1930s, revolving around a New Yorker (Jesse Eisenberg) who relocates to Los Angeles hoping to work for his uncle (Steve Carell), only to fall in love with the powerful Hollywood agent’s secretary (Kristen Stewart). With Sheryl Lee, Jeannie Berlin and Richard Portnow. Don’t Blink: Robert Frank (Unrated) “Say cheese!” biopic chronicling the enduring career of 91 year-old Robert Frank, legendary photojournalist and independent filmmaker. Equals (PG-13 for sensuality, mature themes, partial nudity and disturbing images) Futuristic tale of forbidden love, set in a dystopia devoid of disease and human emotion, about a couple of co-workers (Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart) who find themselves falling head- over-heels for each other after becoming infected with a mysterious new virus. Cast includes Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver, Scott Lawrence and Kate Lyn Sheil. Free to Run (Unrated) Fitness documentary revisiting the rise of running as a popular form of exercise 50 years ago. (In French and English with subtitles) Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party (PG-13 for violence, mature themes and smoking) Political documentary, written and directed by arch-conservative Dinesh D’Souza, incriminating Hillary Clinton while uncovering shady skeletons in the Democrats’ closet. Featuring commentary by D’Souza, Jonah Goldberg and Peter Schweizer.
Blu-rayReview by Kam WilliamsBawdy Girls Trip Comedy Comes to Home Video Jessica (Scarlett Johansson) and Peter (Paul W. Downs) are on the verge of tying the knot. But prior to walking down the aisle together,...
By Kam Williams, Special to The New Tri-State Defender
BIG BUDGET FILMS The Purge: Election Year (R for profanity and disturbing, graphic violence) Third episode in the horror franchise finds a U.S. presidential candidate (Elizabeth Mitchell) and her bodyguard (Frank Grillo) on the run from government operatives during The Purge because of her campaign promise to discontinue the gruesome annual ritual. Cast includes Edwin Hodge, Kyle Secor and Mykelti Williamson. The BFG (PG for action, peril, scary images and rude humor) Steven Spielberg directed this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel about the unlikely friendship forged between a little girl (Ruby Barnhill) and the only member of a hostile race of invading giants (Mark Rylance) who won’t eat children. With Rebecca Hall, Bill Hader and Rafe Spall. The Legend of Tarzan (PG-13 for action, violence, sensuality and brief crude dialogue) Alexander Skarsgard handles the title role in this adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs adventure about a British boy born an aristocrat but raised in the Congo by apes. Ensemble includes Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, Jim Broadbent and Djimon Hounsou. (In English and Bantu wuth subtitles) INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Buddymoon (Unrated) Road comedy about a just-jilted groom-to-be (David Giuntoli) who honeymoons anyway, but with his incessantly-optimistic best man (Flula Berg). Cast includes Claire Coffee, Brian T. Finney and Jeanne Syquia. The Innocents (PG-13 for disturbing mature themes, sexual assault, bloody images and brief suggestive content) Post-World War II saga, set in Poland in 1945, about a Red Cross intern (Lou de Laage) who discovers a convent containing a number of liberated Benedictine nuns impregnated while imprisoned in a concentration camp. With Agata Buzek, Jaonna Kulig and Anna Prochniak. (In French, Polish and Russian with subtitles) Life, Animated (PG for mature themes and a suggestive reference) Heartwarming documentary chronicling how Disney cartoons and supportive parents helped an autistic boy overcome a host of his challenges. Microbe & Gasoline (R for teen sexuality) Coming-of-age comedy about a couple of high school outcasts (Ange Dargent and Theophile Baquet) who embark on a summer road trip across France in an automobile they built themselves. With Diane Basnier, Audrey Tautou and Vincent Lamoureux. (In French with subtitles) Our Kind of Traitor (R for violence, sexuality, frontal nudity, brief drug use and pervasive profanity) Adaptation of the John le Carre international thriller of the same name about a naive Britsh couple (Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris) duped into helping a powerful Russian mobster (Stellan Skarsgard) while vacationing in Morocco. With Damian Lewis, Alicia von Rittberg and Mark Stanley. Roseanne for President! (Unrated) Prestige biopic recounting comedienne Roseanne Barr’s unsuccessful run for president during the 2012 campaign. Featuring Michael Moore, Rosie O’Donnell and Sandra Bernhard.
BIG BUDGET FILMS The Purge: Election Year (R for profanity and disturbing, graphic violence) Third episode in the horror franchise finds a U.S. presidential candidate (Elizabeth Mitchell) and her bodyguard (Frank Grillo) on the run from government operatives during The Purge because of her campaign promise to discontinue the gruesome annual ritual. Cast includes Edwin Hodge, Kyle Secor and Mykelti Williamson. The BFG (PG for action, peril, scary images and rude humor) Steven Spielberg directed this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel about the unlikely friendship forged between a little girl (Ruby Barnhill) and the only member of a hostile race of invading giants (Mark Rylance) who won’t eat children. With Rebecca Hall, Bill Hader and Rafe Spall. The Legend of Tarzan (PG-13 for action, violence, sensuality and brief crude dialogue) Alexander Skarsgard handles the title role in this adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs adventure about a British boy born an aristocrat but raised in the Congo by apes. Ensemble includes Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, Jim Broadbent and Djimon Hounsou. (In English and Bantu wuth subtitles) INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Buddymoon (Unrated) Road comedy about a just-jilted groom-to-be (David Giuntoli) who honeymoons anyway, but with his incessantly-optimistic best man (Flula Berg). Cast includes Claire Coffee, Brian T. Finney and Jeanne Syquia. The Innocents (PG-13 for disturbing mature themes, sexual assault, bloody images and brief suggestive content) Post-World War II saga, set in Poland in 1945, about a Red Cross intern (Lou de Laage) who discovers a convent containing a number of liberated Benedictine nuns impregnated while imprisoned in a concentration camp. With Agata Buzek, Jaonna Kulig and Anna Prochniak. (In French, Polish and Russian with subtitles) Life, Animated (PG for mature themes and a suggestive reference) Heartwarming documentary chronicling how Disney cartoons and supportive parents helped an autistic boy overcome a host of his challenges. Microbe & Gasoline (R for teen sexuality) Coming-of-age comedy about a couple of high school outcasts (Ange Dargent and Theophile Baquet) who embark on a summer road trip across France in an automobile they built themselves. With Diane Basnier, Audrey Tautou and Vincent Lamoureux. (In French with subtitles) Our Kind of Traitor (R for violence, sexuality, frontal nudity, brief drug use and pervasive profanity) Adaptation of the John le Carre international thriller of the same name about a naive Britsh couple (Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris) duped into helping a powerful Russian mobster (Stellan Skarsgard) while vacationing in Morocco. With Damian Lewis, Alicia von Rittberg and Mark Stanley. Roseanne for President! (Unrated) Prestige biopic recounting comedienne Roseanne Barr’s unsuccessful run for president during the 2012 campaign. Featuring Michael Moore, Rosie O’Donnell and Sandra Bernhard.
by Kam WilliamsThis Week’s DVD Releases The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks    Rough Night    The Wedding Plan    Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In    Megan Leavey    The Churchills    Lowriders    Smithsonian: The Real...
By Kam Williams, Special to The New Tri-State Defender
BIG BUDGET FILMS Now You See Me 2 (PG-13 for violence and some profanity) Mind-bending sequel finds the Four Horsemen (Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco and Lizzy Caplan) reuniting for another illusion-driven adventure in order to clear their names while exposing the unethical practices of a young tech magnate (Daniel Radcliffe). A-list ensemble includes Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Sanaa Lathan and Mark Ruffalo. The Conjuring 2 (R for violence and terror) Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as peripatetic investigators of paranormal activity in this suspense thriller, set in London, where the couple comes to the assistance of a family whose house is haunted by evil spirits. With Frances O’Connor, Lauren Esposito and Franka Potente. Warcraft (PG-13 for intense violence) Fantasy adventure, inspired by the video game series of the same name, revolving around an epic showdown between the peaceful inhabitants of an idyllic realm and a race of warlike invaders from a dying world facing extinction. Starring Paula Patton, Travis Fimmel, Ben Foster and Dominic Cooper. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Be Somebody (PG for mature themes, suggestive comments and mild epithets) Romance drama about a jaded pop star (Matthew Espinosa) burdened by fame who finds love with an ordinary, small-town girl (Sarah Jeffery) while taking a break from the limelight. With Allison Paige, LaMonica Garrett and Mahaley Patel. De Palma (R for sexuality, profanity, violent images and graphic nudity) Reverential portrait of iconoclastic filmmaker Brian De Palma, director of such screen classics as Scarface, The Untouchables, Carlito’s Way, Carrie, Blow Out and Mission Impossible. Genius (PG-13 for mature themes and suggestive content) Prestige biopic chronicling the career of Max Perkins (Colin Firth), the legendary editor at Scribner’s who discovered such literary giants as Ernest Hemingway (Dominic West), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Guy Pearce) and Thomas Wolfe (Jude Law). Supporting cast includes Nicole Kidman, Laura Linney and Vanessa Kirby. Germans & Jews (Unrated) Truth and reconciliation documentary chronicling the cultural transformation of Berlin, the European city with the fastest growing Jewish population. King Jack (Unrated) Charlie Plummer plays the title character in this coming-of-age tale, set over the course of a very eventful weekend, about an ostracized 15 year- old outcast being bullied by a sadistic, bigger boy (Danny Flaherty). With Cory Nichols, Christian Madsen, Chloe Levine and Erin Davie. Last Cab to Darwin (Unrated) Bittersweet dramedy about a terminally-ill loner (Michael Caton) who embarks on a long trek to the Australian Outback in order to pass away on his own terms. Featuring Ningali Lawford, Mark Coles Smith and Emma Hamilton and Jacki Weaver. The Music of Strangers (PG-13 for brief profanity) Multicultural documentary in which renowned cellist Yo- Yo Ma and members of the Silk Road Ensemble expound upon their musical philosophies. Puerto Ricans in Paris (R for profanity and sexual references) Fish-out-of-water comedy about a couple of Latino NYPD detectives (Luis Guzman and Edgar Garcia) who travel to France to track down some stolen designer handbags. With Rosario Dawson, Rosie Perez and Ravi Patel.
BIG BUDGET FILMS Now You See Me 2 (PG-13 for violence and some profanity) Mind-bending sequel finds the Four Horsemen (Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco and Lizzy Caplan) reuniting for another illusion-driven adventure in order to clear their names while exposing the unethical practices of a young tech magnate (Daniel Radcliffe). A-list ensemble includes Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Sanaa Lathan and Mark Ruffalo. The Conjuring 2 (R for violence and terror) Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as peripatetic investigators of paranormal activity in this suspense thriller, set in London, where the couple comes to the assistance of a family whose house is haunted by evil spirits. With Frances O’Connor, Lauren Esposito and Franka Potente. Warcraft (PG-13 for intense violence) Fantasy adventure, inspired by the video game series of the same name, revolving around an epic showdown between the peaceful inhabitants of an idyllic realm and a race of warlike invaders from a dying world facing extinction. Starring Paula Patton, Travis Fimmel, Ben Foster and Dominic Cooper. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Be Somebody (PG for mature themes, suggestive comments and mild epithets) Romance drama about a jaded pop star (Matthew Espinosa) burdened by fame who finds love with an ordinary, small-town girl (Sarah Jeffery) while taking a break from the limelight. With Allison Paige, LaMonica Garrett and Mahaley Patel. De Palma (R for sexuality, profanity, violent images and graphic nudity) Reverential portrait of iconoclastic filmmaker Brian De Palma, director of such screen classics as Scarface, The Untouchables, Carlito’s Way, Carrie, Blow Out and Mission Impossible. Genius (PG-13 for mature themes and suggestive content) Prestige biopic chronicling the career of Max Perkins (Colin Firth), the legendary editor at Scribner’s who discovered such literary giants as Ernest Hemingway (Dominic West), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Guy Pearce) and Thomas Wolfe (Jude Law). Supporting cast includes Nicole Kidman, Laura Linney and Vanessa Kirby. Germans & Jews (Unrated) Truth and reconciliation documentary chronicling the cultural transformation of Berlin, the European city with the fastest growing Jewish population. King Jack (Unrated) Charlie Plummer plays the title character in this coming-of-age tale, set over the course of a very eventful weekend, about an ostracized 15 year- old outcast being bullied by a sadistic, bigger boy (Danny Flaherty). With Cory Nichols, Christian Madsen, Chloe Levine and Erin Davie. Last Cab to Darwin (Unrated) Bittersweet dramedy about a terminally-ill loner (Michael Caton) who embarks on a long trek to the Australian Outback in order to pass away on his own terms. Featuring Ningali Lawford, Mark Coles Smith and Emma Hamilton and Jacki Weaver. The Music of Strangers (PG-13 for brief profanity) Multicultural documentary in which renowned cellist Yo- Yo Ma and members of the Silk Road Ensemble expound upon their musical philosophies. Puerto Ricans in Paris (R for profanity and sexual references) Fish-out-of-water comedy about a couple of Latino NYPD detectives (Luis Guzman and Edgar Garcia) who travel to France to track down some stolen designer handbags. With Rosario Dawson, Rosie Perez and Ravi Patel.
 FilmReview by Kam WilliamsMasked 9/11 Hero Memorialized in Inspirational Biopic Sometimes, substance trumps low-production values. Case in point, Man in Red Bandana. Minutes after the World Trade Center was struck by United Airlines Flight 175 on the morning...