Time on your hands? Get a load of these seven films
This time of year, vacations get under way and those with some time off may be interested in movies they might have heard about and missed a short time ago.
Here are seven recently released titles that weren’t blockbusters but have entertainment value and are worth tracking down:
“Don Jon,” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore and Scarlett Johansson in an edgy comedy drama about a sexually driven single guy who seems to have found the perfect woman. Levitt also made his directing debut with this adult-oriented tale about modern relationships. (Rated: R)
“The Family,” with Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer in an underrated mob satire that was totally ignored during its theatrical release. Despite some shortcomings, the spoof is worth seeing just to watch De Niro, who hasn’t been challenging himself lately, deliver an on-target performance. (Rated: R)
“Fruitvale Station,” with Michael B. Jordan in a disturbing factual drama about a 22-year-old man killed by a transit police officer. It’s timely and unsettling and should be seen. (Rated: R)
“In a World …,” with Lake Bell in a charming picture about the competition for voice-over work. Bell, who also wrote and directed, turns that rather offbeat subject matter into an insightful and delightful independent film. (Rating: R)
“The Lone Ranger,” with Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the masked man in a $250 million frontier epic that became an industry joke and fizzled. Certainly, “The Lone Ranger” falls short, but the huge budget provided the opportunity to create some eye-popping special effects, and Depp, who is known for his eccentric approach to roles, gives Tonto a cool factor that helps, if not saves, the film. (Rating: PG-13)
“Rush,” with Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Niki Lauda in a factual tale about the legendary rivalry between two Formula 1 drivers. Ron Howard (“A Beautiful Mind”) directed the intense picture, which industry insiders predicted would receive numerous Oscar nominations. That didn’t happen, but don’t let that stop you from seeing his beautifully mounted production about the highs and lows of these dangerous races. (Rating: R)
“The Spectacular Now,” with Shailene Woodley in a romantic drama about a high school jock drawn to a quiet girl who is his opposite. This title marks a major step toward stardom for the talented Woodley. (Rated: R)
New arrivals
The titles that recently arrived or soon will debut include:
“Dan Curtis’ Dracula,” with Jack Palance as the bloodthirsty vampire in an unrated TV movie that costars Fiona Lewis as Lucy.
“Endless Love,” with Alex Pettyfer and Gabriella Wilde in a PG-13 romantic drama about a wealthy young woman who is attracted to a working-class guy over the objections of her father.
“Longmire: The Complete First and Second Seasons,” with Robert Taylor as Walt Longmire, a sheriff in a fictional area of Wyoming.
“Poppy Cat: Birthday Treasure and Other Adventures,” an 80-minute DVD based on the children’s book series by Lara Jones.
“Sleepaway Camp: Collector’s Edition,” with Felissa Rose in an R-rated slasher movie (1983) about a madman terrorizing those at Camp Arawak.