“JERRY & MARGE GO LARGE”
Though stars on the order of Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening might suggest that this comedy was intended for theaters, it actually was commissioned for streaming from the start by Paramount+. The talents
play a Michigan couple, with Cranston’s
character a recent retiree who figures out how to game the system when it comes to winning a lottery. He and his wife use the profits to try to revitalize their town. Rainn Wilson, Larry Wilmore, Michael McKean and Anna Camp also appear for director
David Frankel (“The Devil Wears Prada”) in the film, which was inspired by a HuffPost article. (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Bluray)
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“JEEPERS CREEPERS: REBORN”
Indeed, a horror franchise gets a revival with this thriller, casting Sydney Craven and Imran Adams as a young couple who attend a horror-themed festival in Louisiana. As one might expect from an entry in this series, the sinister Creeper (Jarreau Benjamin) soon shows his hand, turning what was meant to be a fun event into an occasion for terror. Interestingly, though the production began by filming on location, it moved to England (where star Craven is from) for completion. Dee Wallace, who has cred in this genre thanks to “The Howling” and “Cujo,” also is featured. (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray
›› and On Demand)
“BLUE HAWAII”
One of Elvis Presley’s most popular and scenic movies makes its debut in the Bluray and 4K Ultra HD formats. The 1961 film casts him as a recent military veteran (which Presley actually was at the time) who wants to pave his own path upon returning home, though his mother wants him to follow in the family’s career footsteps as a fruit-company manager. It’s well worth noting that Mom is played by Angela
Lansbury, and she’s not too thrilled about her son’s decision to become a tour guide. Much happier are the teacher (Nancy Walters) and teenagers who become his first clients, though his girlfriend (Joan Blackman) isn’t pleased about his being in their company. Though the title song was moderately successful for Presley, the most enduring tune on the soundtrack is “Can’t
Help Falling in Love.” Howard McNear, alias barber Floyd on “The Andy Griffith
Show,” has a sizable supporting role.
(Not rated)
“GIGI & NATE”
Many years ago, the suspense movie “Monkey Shines” focused on the connection
between a quadriplegic man and a monkey trained to assist him. This fact-inspired drama centers on a similar relationship but without the horror aspect, as Charlie Rowe plays a youth whose health and life are changed radically by an illness. His mother (Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden, also starring currently in the CBS series
“So Help Me Todd”) helps match him to an animal companion, and though a strong bond is forged relatively quickly, that is soon threatened by others who want the monkey banned. Josephine Langford, Jim Belushi and Diane Ladd also are featured. DVD extras: theatrical trailer; photo gallery.
(PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray,
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Digital and On Demand)