A decent line-up for movie buffs this week with overweight martial arts bears, comedic adventures in war zones and a fond look back at some people behind one of the most influential films of all time. These are your new releases for June 28, 2016.
The first film this week stars Tina Fey and is a bit of a new direction for her. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is the story of journalist Kim Baker (Fey) who after covering only low profile stories accepts a short assignment as a war correspondent in Afghanistan. Once there she gains a camaraderie with other more seasoned journalists and finds her reports gaining popularity. Staying for months she finds herself becoming entrenched not only in the stories of the war and gaining new perspectives but building new relationships that will change her life abroad and back home.
While Fey is best known for more slapstick comedy roles, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot gives her the vehicle she needed to prove she has what it takes for dramatic roles as well. There are still great comedic elements in the film but Fey is really compelling as the real life Baker and really conveys her personality with emotional heft and authenticity. And writer/directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, whom last helmed the criminally underseen Focus with Will Smith, do a fantastic job of blending the humor with the intimacy of Baker’s life in contrast with the war in Afghanistan.
Next up is the third instalment in one of the most successful animated franchises around, Kung Fu Panda 3. Jack Black returns to voice the amiable Po, the rather large dumpling loving Kung Fu master panda. When Po is reunited with his long lost father Li (Bryan Cranston), he gets to travel to his father’s home, a secret panda paradise full of family Po has never known. But when an evil and supernatural foe named Kai (J.K. Simmons) begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, it is up to Po to train his entire village to learn Kung Fu and save their country.
The Kung Fu Panda movies are unique in that not only are they hilarious and great for kids, and have great jokes built in for adults, but they are also full of wonderfully choreographed action and adventure. Kung Fu Panda 3 is no exception. Every voice actor is top notch, especially Jack Black who not only knows this character inside and out by now but does the voice with a fantastic multi layered style that has anchored these amazing films. You can’t lose with Kung Fu Panda 3, I am willing to bet I will be rewatching it even when my daughter is not around.
Lastly this week is a wonderful new documentary called Elstree 1976. In 1977 a film hit theatres that would not only change the face of filmmaking but would help form an entire generation of kids. That film was George Lucas’ Star Wars and this new documentary, Elstree 1976, is a look back at that film through a very unique perspective; that of the men and women who played the vast array of creatures and extras in the film. From Jawas to Rebel pilots to stormtroopers to Darth Vader himself, director Jon Spira conducts in depth interviews that delve deep into the making of a low budget sci fi epic that would change the way people look at movies.
Elstree 1976 is nostalgic yes, but it is a unique angle to see the film from in that many of the actors in these roles did not see the film as anything special at the time. Most of them just took it as another job. But some had a feeling that Star Wars was going to be something different, memorable and game changing. It is funny, touching and very insightful as to what goes into making a film of such scope with limited resources. For fans of Star Wars or just fans of filmmaking in general, Elstree 1976 is essential viewing.
Also of note this week is the new Helen Mirren thriller Eye in the Sky, the new Disney Channel remake of Adventures in Babysitting and just because you have to see it based on the title alone, Shark Exorcist.
Until next week movie lovers.
DVD and Blu-ray Releases for Tuesday June 28, 2016
15 Till Midnight
Adventures in Babysitting
Aferim!
At Granny’s House
Babygirl
Cemetery of Splendour
Circus of Fear/Five Golden Dragons*
Clouds of Sils Maria* - Criterion Collection
DCI Banks: Season Four
Devoured
Diary of a Cheating Man
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb – Criterion Collection
Elstree 1976
Eye in the Sky
Fastball
Forgotten Tales
Hotel Inferno
Kung Fu Panda 3
Made in Cleveland
Precious Cargo
Rabin: The Last Day
Raising Cain*
Rams
Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan
Remote Control
Return of the Killer Tomatoes*
Roland and Rattfink
Shark Exorcist
The Bible Stories: Jacob
The Bible Stories: Joseph
The Gods
Tijuana Toads
Two Guys and a Girl: The Complete Series
Two Minute Warning*
Whiskey Foxtrot Tango
*Catalog Blu-ray debut