WTWTW (8/16/13)

What To Watch This Weekend (8/16/13)

The River Wild (1994)

★★★ (Cole & Jesse)

Currently, on Free Movies on Xfinity On Demand, lies a hidden gem: a more subtle, exciting film about river rafting (more subtle in comparison to Deliverance, a movie of similar happenings). It boasts a cast of veteran actors (Kevin Bacon, Meryl Streep, and John C. Reilly (in his best role)), and each one gives an utterly convincing and frequently powerful performance. Yes, it’s a PG-13 thriller, so there are a few minor plot holes, but nothing that will stop you from savoring every second of this well crafted, involving, and unmistakably enjoyable motion picture that can and should be viewed by a family (with kids that are at least eight/nine) on a movie night that won’t disappoint.

Free on Xfinity On Demand 
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Bringing Out The Dead (1999)

★★★ (Jesse)

In the late 90's, Nicolas Cage made it his dream to emerge as a bona fide action star. When Martin Scorsese got on board to helm his latest flick, the former Oscar winner decided to take a short break. Bringing Out the Dead is a nightmarish drama about anxiety ridden Manhatten ambulance paramedics. If you've viewed most of Scorsese's work, you'll know that his best films are ones that don't have much of a plot. This claustrophobic caricature of a movie truly hammers that notion home. It has the blatant feel of Marty's most comfortable attributes. All the essential trademarks are evident (unique camerawork, stellar soundtrack, rapid editing) and Cage (as paramedic Frank Pierce) delivers a performance that suggests that he's tailor made for his role. This is definitely one of the top ten best films of 1999.

Available on Netflix Instant Streaming
MPAA Rating: R

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

★★★ (Jesse)

Jeremy Renner takes the reins from Matt Damon in this entertaining fourth Bourne entry that, in my mind, resembles the first film in the series (The Bourne Identity). He doesn't play the actual character of Jason Bourne. It's more like a subdued version. In fact, Renner plays CIA agent Aaron Cross. He's being hunted down based on the previous actions of  Bourne (in the previous 3 films of course). Bottom line: Renner steps into the lead role with no trouble at all. He easily handles the physical demands as well (the fights are very well choreographed and they're as good as anything in the previous outings). Ultimately, this is a satisfying entry and based on the popularity of these films, a 5th one may be on the way. I have one question though: because Renner is not Bourne, are the studio execs gonna keep tying that name to the series? 

Available at Redbox (Cost: $1.20 Per Day)
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Lethal Weapon (1987)

★★★★ (Jesse) ~ ★★★ (Cole)

With visceral, breathtaking action sequences and a shockingly good performance from Aussie bred Mel Gibson, Lethal Weapon stands as possibly the greatest buddy cop film ever made. After three star making performances in the Mad Max movies, Gibson (as suicidal cop Martin Riggs) built a whole new character niche for himself here. He is paired with the perfectly cast Danny Glover (L.A.P.D. Sergeant Roger Murtaugh) and the two of them become involved in taking down a ruthless drug dealer/murderer of the daughter of one of Murtaugh's closest friends. The very popular Lethal Weapon franchise went on to produce three more sequels. The fact that the first one stays away from the comedic element (this was overdone on the next 3 installments) makes it more atmospheric, more tension-filled, and vehemently more effective. Watch out for Gary Busey (a.k.a. Joshua) as a side villain who's pure, nasty fun. Richard Donner of The Goonies and Superman fame directs at a fast, workmanlike clip.

Available At Your Local Video Store

MPAA Rating: R

-All Reviews Written by Cole Pollyea & Jesse Burleson