NOW IN THEATERS:
Jurassic World Rebirth (** ½) In the seventh (!) installment of the seemingly never-ending franchise, Scarlett Johansson joins a group of researchers intent on extracting dino DNA for purposes of obliterating heart disease. Dinos, we are told in a prologue, have now migrated to an island near the equator and that’s where the group finds themselves stranded during their mission, fending off the predictable creature attacks one expects in this sort of film. The creature designs and effects are superb but there is not one moment of spontaneity or surprise to be found in the entire film, despite the return of the scribe (David Koepp) of the first two films in the series. Less discerning moviegoers will enjoy it well enough. Everyone should be prepared for a feeling of tiredness that permeates the entire proceedings.
Photo: Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey in Jurassic World Rebirth
NEW TO STREAMING:
My Mom, Jayne (*** ½) The life of 50s/60s movie starlet Jayne Mansfield is recounted is this wonderfully moving documentary portrait, helmed by the late actress’s daughter, Mariska Hargitay. Extremely well done and highly recommended. (MAX)
NEW TO DISC:
Criterion:
The Big Heat (1953) Fritz Lang’s classic film noir concerning a homicide detective’s (Glenn Ford) quest for vengeance while investigating a crime syndicate, comes to the 4K format for the first time this week. New bonus materials on the release include an audio commentary and video essay. Archival interviews have also been retained.
Shout/Scream Factory:
Primary Colors (1998) Mike Nichols’ adaptation of the thinly veiled portrait of Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign comes to the 4K format as well this week. John Travolta and Emma Thompson star. Several new interviews are included on the release along with the film’s trailer.
Alexander Revisited: The Final Cut (2004) Oliver Stone’s preferred cut of his portrait of Alexander the Great makes its 4K UHD debut as well. The release includes several new interviews as well as multiple archival features that have been retained.
A24:
Warfare (2025) Alex Garland, director of the contender for worst picture of 2024, Civil War, returns with the true story of a group of Navy Seals who were trapped in a house during the US Iraq invasion in 2006. The recent film is getting a 4K and Blu-Ray release with a few new bonus featurettes.
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