From the Big Screen to the Home Screen
Movies in theaters like “Emma,” “Bloodshot,” “Just Mercy” and more are just a couple of the binge-worthy films that have been released to online streaming sites accessible at home.
With the ongoing quarantine forcing a statewide order to stay at home during this coronavirus pandemic, all movie theaters have shut down. While most upcoming film releases are being pushed back, some studios are releasing their newest movies on streaming and on-demand services for quarantined viewing. Here’s what to watch in your increasing free time.
“Emma,” a 2hr 12m adaptation from Jane Austen’s novel, represents an outstanding comedy and drama about a young woman, Emma (Anya Taylor-Joy), who meddles in her friends’ and family’s love affairs as a misguided matchmaker. Directed by Autumn de Wilde, the motion picture perfectly adapts Austen’s elegant scene in 1800’s England. The promise of this witty, PG-rated film sets the tone with beautiful scenery, magnificent architecture and grand costumes to bring the audience right into the scene. “Emma” is available to purchase on Google Play, Amazon Prime and Youtube for 19.99.
“Bloodshot,” an 1hr 49m action-packed sci-fi thriller, follows Ray Garrison, played by Fast and Furious actor Vin Diesel, a slain soldier who is re-animated as a superhero by a suspicious corporation. In this PG-13 film, Ray struggles to complete his mission because the corporation controls his mind and memories. Directed by Dave Wilson and starring Sam Heughan, Michael Sheen and Eiza González, the cast creatively embodies the best-selling comic from Valiant Comics- a change from the usual DC or Marvel rendition. “Bloodshot” is available to purchase on Google Play, Amazon Prime and Youtube for 19.99.
“Just Mercy,” a 2hr 17m biography, is about a world-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson that works to free a wrongly condemned death row prisoner, starring Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), Jim Wilkes (Christopher Wolfe) and Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan). Warner Bros has moved up the digital release date for “Just Mercy,” a fiery Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated film from Short Term 12 director Destin Daniel Cretton. “Just Mercy” is available to rent Google Play, Amazon Prime, Vudu and Youtube for 5.99.
“Trolls World Tour,” a 1hr and 30m PG fun animated DreamWorks’ sequel sing-along, stars Poppy (Anna Kendrick), Branch (Justin Timberlake), Biggie (James Corden) and Thrash (Ozzy Osbourne) as they set out to visit all the other lands to unify the Trolls in harmony against an evil queen. This family favorite will be released on April 10.
Disney began streaming “Frozen II” on Disney+ three months ahead of schedule (June 26) and will do the same with the just-released “Onward,” now available to rent but on Disney+ April 3.
New binge-worthy shows to stream on Netflix are “All the Bright Places,” “Pandemic” and “Tiger King Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” “All the Bright Places,” follows Violet Markey (Elle Fanning) and Theodore Finch (Justice Smith) in an 1hr 47m romance film about mental illness and the healing power of love directed by Brett Haley. “Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak” is an inspiring and informative six-episode tribute to the doctors and scientists on the front lines of the pandemic. They explore how to prevent the spread of a global pandemic making it a very relevant watch. “Tiger King Murder, Mayhem, and Madness” is seven-episode investigative documentary series about a zoo-keeper in a true murder-for-hire story from the underworld of big cat breeding. This exotic provocative series is a must-see.
Overall, cuddle up in some fuzzy blankets, grab the popcorn bowl and enjoy quality time with the family while watching a movie everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s the action and adventure in “Bloodshot,” the funny drama in “Emma,” or the family fun for all ages in “Frozen II,” stay home and have a relaxing break.