Low-profile titles you shouldn’t miss

The July fireworks have gone up in red, white and blue, and many folks may feel like sitting back and taking the time to enjoy a title they might have overlooked.
Some low-profile titles that provide some entertainment value and should be discovered include:
“3 Days to Kill,” with the often-underrated Kevin Costner in an old-school thriller about an aging CIA agent who will be given an experimental drug to cure his cancer if he will undertake a dangerous final assignment. (Rating: PG-13 and Unrated)
“All Is Lost,” with Robert Redford (who should have received more attention on his performance) in a one-person drama about a man alone on a sinking boat in the Indian Ocean. Redford is at his best, and the outcome of the narrative never becomes predictable. (Rating: PG-13)
“The Best Man Holiday,” with Taye Diggs and Regina Hall in an ensemble comedy in which the characters from the original deal with their emotional baggage. Think of it as a Christmas in July title. (Rating: R)
“Don Jon,” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore and Scarlett Johansson in an erotically charged comedy drama about a single guy who seems to have found the perfect woman. Be warned the picture features frank sexual issues.
Gordon-Levitt made his directing debut. (Rating: R)
“Her,” with Joaquin Phoenix in a romantic fantasy about a man attempting to have a virtual relationship with a computer (voice by Scarlett Johansson). It’s certainly not for everyone, but those seeking something decidedly different will find it here. (Rating: R)
“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” with Idris Elba delivering a towering performance as the great leader Nelson Mandela. (Rating: PG-13)
“Philomena,” with Dame Judi Dench in a heartfelt factual drama about a woman searching for her child, who was taken at birth. This is not to be missed. (Rating: PG-13)
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” with Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig and Sean Penn in a feel-good fantasy about a meek guy who daydreams himself into outrageous situations.
With so many raunchy comedies in the marketplace, it’s refreshing to watch this charming film, which is a modern fable based on a story by James Thurber. Stiller also directed. (Rating: PG)
“Veronica Mars,” with Kristen Bell in a big-screen version of her popular TV series about a former high school sleuth who has gone on to bigger things, returns home for her 10th high school reunion and investigates a murder that may involve an old flame.
Certainly it’s an advantage to be familiar with the general plot and numerous characters of the TV series, but it’s not necessary. Those who really want to appreciate and understand the movie can watch the series, which is easily available on DVD.
(Rating: PG-13)
New arrivals
The following titles will soon arrive or recently arrived. For prices, extras, formats and other information, go to www.amazon.com or www.moviesunlimited.com.
“Afflicted,” with Derek Lee and Cliff Prowse in an R-rated fright film about a man who wakes up while on vacation and is covered in blood for no apparent reason.
“Falling Skies: Season 3,” with Noah Wyle in a three-disc set with all 10 episodes of the alien-invasion melodrama.
“Like Father, Like Son,” with Masaharu Fukuyama in an unrated import about a Tokyo architect who learns his baby was mistakenly switched at birth some time ago.
“Pretty Little Liars: The Complete Fourth Season,” with Laura Leighton in a five-disc set with all 24 episodes from the fourth year of the series in which a murder rocks the town of Rosewood.
“The Returned,” with Emily Hampshire in an unrated Canadian horror import about a couple who remain alive due to a medicine that prevents them from becoming zombies.
“The Unknown Known,” with documentarian Errol Morris tracing the life of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld beginning with his time as an Illinois congressman in this PG-13 picture.