By Chris Kavan - 05/20/20 at 12:26 PM CT
Another week stuck inside, but, perhaps, there is relief on the horizon. For Unhinged, which looks like a modern-day retelling of Falling Down, is (for now) looking to be the first theatrical wide release in July. Now that could all change, but as it stands, audiences starved for a theatrical experience could readily support that - even with social distancing in place. On the other side of things, with theaters down, streaming is picking up, which is why Netflix and The Old Guard are getting recognition this week. I may as well highlight the major streaming releases, because what else are people going to watch?
Russell Crowe has played many parts, from a gladiator to Robin Hood to a singing police officer to Superman's father - but in Unhinged he plays perhaps the most realistic character of his entire career - a really angry white guy. That's right, when Rachel (Caren Pistorius) is running late to work, she unwittingly cuts off the wrong guy and The Man (Crowe - and, yes, that is his name in the film) takes out his road rage to great extremes. As I said, like Michael Douglas in the greatly unappreciated Falling Down - Crowe is a man who feels the world has dealt him a losing hand, so much so that the smallest thing can push him over the edge and give him a reason to lash out to the extremes he does. And, hey, this world is filled with plenty of angry, white men - so something tells me this story isn't going to be such a stretch. Rated R for strong violent content, and language throughout.
With streaming becoming a more and more viable option for those stuck at home, I may as well start pointing out the bigger steaming options. Netflix certainly doesn't hold back on their offerings and the upcoming film The Old Guard fits right in there with more recent offerings like 6 Underground and Extraction. Old Guard is based on the comic book by the same name and follows a group of immortal mercenaries led by Andy (Charlize Theron) aka Andromache of Scythia - who have fought throughout the ages to protect humanity. Their latest mission leads them to another immortal, Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne) but also exposes their secret - and forces quickly move in to seek their power for money and power. The film features a strong cast as, besides Theron, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Harry Melling, Van Veronica Ngo, Matthias Schoenaerts and Chiwetel Ejiofor all star. I mean, this film is right up my alley - and I admit I found 6 Underground goofy fun. If this is a bit more gritty and grounded, I don't see why audiences won't eat this right up. Rated R for sequences of graphic violence, and language.
Those are the two biggest film of this week, but be sure to check out the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and macabre images.
INDELATINO'S EL MUERTO
Rated R for violence/bloody images.
JUNGLE BEAT: THE MOVIE
Rated G
LET THEM ALL TALK
Rated R for language.
A NICE GIRL LIKE YOU
Rated R for sexual content throughout and language.
THE OLD GUARD
Rated R for sequences of graphic violence, and language.
SPY CAT
Rated PG for some language, action and rude humor.
UNHINGED
Rated R for strong violent content, and language throughout.
