Probably realizing that most people are watching horror flicks right now in anticipation of Halloween’s imminent arrival, the major studios have chosen to not release many titles on DVD and Blu-ray this week. But just because the pickings are lighter than usual doesn’t mean that each of the following is not without merits. From the latest installment in a sci-fi franchise favorite to a classic Brucesploitation flick from the 1980s, these new releases are still worth your time. Take a break from the scary films to check these out, you won’t be disappointed!
War for the Planet of the Apes
The third chapter in the rebooted sci-fi film franchise finds ape leader Caesar’s (Andy Serkis in a voice and motion-capture performance) forces locked in a desperate conflict with the Colonel (Woody Harrelson), a ruthless human whose army also includes a group of traitorous primates. As the war reaches its apex, the virus that decimated much of humanity begins to cause some of the remaining survivors to slowly devolve into more primitive creatures. With Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Amiah Miller.
For Maureen Cartwright (Kristen Stewart), serving as a fashion gofer for a spoiled Parisian celebrity (Nora von Waldstätten) was drudgery…but just a day job. She found her side gig as a medium far more rewarding…but her attempts to make contact with her late twin brother may cause her worlds to converge in uncanny ways. Singular chiller from Olivier Assyas co-stars Lars Eidinger, Sigrid Bouaziz.
Inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s song “Highway Patrolman,” Sean Penn’s directorial debut takes an unsparing look at the volatile relationship between two brothers in 1968 Nebraska. Ex-con and Vietnam veteran Frank Roberts (Viggo Mortensen) returns to his small hometown where his inability to stay out of trouble puts him at constant odds with his brother, Joe (David Morse), a local deputy sheriff. Charles Bronson, Sandy Dennis (in her last role), Dennis Hopper, Patricia Arquette, Valeria Golino also star.
Lilith (Isa Jank) is a gorgeous model few have the strength to resist. She’s also an ancient malevolent spirit risen from the grave. Her plan? To spread evil across the world by taking over a high-end fashion magazine while using her seductive charms to lure unsuspecting men to their deaths. Does anyone have the power to send this sexy she-beast back to the fiery depths of hell? Linden Ashby, Debra Feuer, Helen Martin, and Karen Black co-star in this slick and stylish shocker.
Crazy kung-fu parody stars Johnny Yune as a Los Angeles cook referred to by everyone as “Bruce” due to his uncanny resemblance to a certain martial arts legend. When “Bruce” unwittingly becomes a cocaine smuggler for the mob, he finds himself on a zany cross-country trek as he tries to move his stash of “Chinese flour” to New York City. Margaux Hemingway, Pam Huntington, Ralph Mauro co-star.