What to Watch in the Theater:
Mary Queen of Scots (R) is in theaters now. This movie is based on the true story of two strong female rulers. Performances by Saoirse Ronan (in the title role) and Margot Robbie (as Queen Elizabeth I) are the best things about this movie. For a modern retelling, the film delves more deeply into the personal lives of the queens than any film has before. Interest in the subject matter depends upon the level of fascination (or lack thereof) for the time period or historical films in general. Interestingly, this movie shows that while females were allowed to rule (based solely on birthright), patriarchal government and society did their best to control every aspect of women’s lives, and often pit them against each other.
Our rating: 2.67 out of 5
The Kid Who Would Be King (PG) is in theaters now. Here’s a modern story, based on the Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Twelve-year-old Alex is able to pull a sword from a stone, and learns it could be the real Excalibur. He meets Merlin and learns that Morgana and her evil minions will be trying to take over the world in just four days. It’s up to Alex to assemble his modern-day knights and journey to the underworld, to save the world. This film combines elements of magic with messages about perseverance and hope, rallying unlikely heroes to overcome their differences and unite against a common foe. It’s a fun family movie, that deserves more attention at the box office.
Our rating: 3.83 out of 5
What to Watch at Home (Or Not):
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (NR) is on DVD. This movie, which takes place in 1993 details how teen Cameron (played by Chloe Grace Moretz) is sent to a religious treatment center to overcome her same sex attraction. As Cam deals with therapy and her own feelings and dreams, she bonds with other kids whose lives are in turmoil.
Our rating: 3.5 out of 5
Angie Tribeca season 4 (TV14) is now airing on TBS and On Demand. This spoofy detective comedy returns, and 20 years have passed since the end of season 3. The squad (including newcomers Bobby Cannavale and Kiersey Clemons) now works for the Special Division Force, which is run by the Vice President. As always, everything is a pun, with pop culture references and making light of serious issues as the norm. Although the general plot is even more far-fetched because of the time shift, and we miss some key former cast members, the new format allows them to delve more into spy plots and feature some full-episode movie homages. We find we’re not enjoying this season quite as much as the first three, but it’s still fun.
We recommend this show.
Future Man season 2 (TVMA) is a Hulu exclusive series. One of the things we loved about season 1 was all the time travel, with Josh/Joosh (Josh Hutcherson) as a janitor who bonds with rebels from the future, and becomes a hero/terrorist. The time jumps are less frequent this season, but the adult fun (mature themes, violence, language) continues, as our heroes find themselves living very different separate lives in a dystopian future. They have to figure who to trust, what kind of life they each want, and whether it’s worth re-grouping to once again try to save the world from an egomaniac scientist.
We recommend this show.
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