Now in Theaters:
Inside Out 2 – The long awaited sequel to the 2015 animated smash where human emotions took center stage as the characters-a conceit that felt, to me, like an overlong educational short of the type I used to regularly be subjected to in elementary school-has now arrived to much fanfare.
Inside Out 2
New to Streaming:
Hit Man (***) The always dependable Richard Linklater’s latest is an inspired true-life tale that succeeds on many levels. Glen Powell stars as the teacher by day/undercover cop by night who gets in over his head when he falls for a woman (Adria Arjona turning in a sizzling performance) attempting to hire him as the hit man of the film’s title. The film manages to be sexy, funny and suspenseful in equal turns and is a nice way to spend two hours.
Brats (***) Andrew McCarthy, the star of such 80s cinematic landmarks as Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire, attempts to reunite his fellow actors known as “The Brat Pack” in this amusing documentary. Judd Nelson and Molly Ringwald (The Breakfast Club) are no shows but pretty much everyone else has something relevant to say during the film’s unspooling. Not as revelatory as it could have been but more than a little interesting for those of a certain age.
New to Disc:
Paramount:
Chinatown (1974) One of the greatest films of the 1970s, as well as a contender to the throne of all time greats, makes its way to 4K disc this week in a new limited edition set that also includes the film’s sequel, The Two Jakes, on a separate Blu-Ray. Nearly three hours of extras also accompany the film. A must for physical media collectors.
Shout/Scream Factory:
Robocop 2 (1990) Peter Weller and Nancy Allen return in the first Robocop sequel now getting a 4K upgrade. Archival extras have been retained.
Criterion:
Bound (1996) The film debut of the Wachowski sisters (The Matrix, Speed Racer), a terrific neo-noir starring Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly as romantic partners attempting to get rid of the latter’s husband, makes its way to the 4K UHD format this week. Both new and archival extras are included.
Victims of Sin (1951) This classic of Cuban cinema, the tale of a dancer who adopts a baby she found in a trashcan and her struggles to raise it, comes to Blu Ray for the first time. Extras include interviews and an archival documentary.
Arrow:
American Gigolo (1980) Paul Schrader’s tale of an LA hustler (Richard Gere) attempting to clear himself of a false murder charge, while romancing a woman (Lauren Hutton) trying to break free from her husband, comes to 4K UHD as well this week. Along with the splendid audio/video upgrade there are multiple extras and a booklet.
Sony:
The Karate Kid (1984) The 80s staple that launched multiple sequels and a TV series comes to 4K UHD this week in a new edition that also includes archival extras.
Warner Brothers:
American Fiction (2023) The 2024 multiple Oscar nominee and winner for adapted screenplay comes to disc for the first time in a new Blu Ray edition.
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