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This week, we feature a fun family film about a pampered macaw and a warm romcom about restoring both homes and hearts.
New Release
‘The Amateur’
Rami Malek stars as Heller, a grief-stricken CIA codebreaker who forces his way into the role of field operative after losing his wife in a London bombing and watching the agency do nothing.
Malek is solid in the lead, and Laurence Fishburne adds real presence in a rare weighty role. But while the film delivers on mood and tension, it slips with underdeveloped characters and a murky finale. Sharp in parts, but overall a bit uneven, it’s still an intriguing, cerebral look at what happens when intellect and emotion collide under pressure.
Action | Thriller
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Director: James Hawes
Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal
Running Time: 2 hours, 3 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 2 1/2 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Rio’
Jesse Eisenberg voices Blu, a pampered macaw raised by bookshop owner Linda (Leslie Mann) in snowy Minnesota. When quirky ornithologist Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) invites them to Brazil to meet Jewel (Anne Hathaway)—the last female of Blu’s kind—things get chaotic.
This fun film dazzles with vibrant energy and lush animation. It’s one of those movies that feels alive in every frame. The music grooves and the Brazilian setting practically dances off the screen. This isn’t just a kids’ movie—there’s something here for all ages.
Animation | Comedy | Family
Release Date: April 15, 2011
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez
Running Time: 1 hour, 36 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Fixer-Upper, Hearts Included
‘Falling Inn Love’
Gabriela Diaz (Christina Milian) wins a rundown New Zealand inn and teams up with charming contractor Jake Taylor (Adam Demos) to restore it. Amid renovations, culture shocks, and small-town warmth, she finds more than just a fixer-upper—she finds a new beginning.
It’s charming romcom with stunning New Zealand scenery and a likable lead couple. The small-town charm and feel-good romance make it an easy watch. It’s sweet and refreshingly free of crude humor—perfect if you know what you’re signing up for.
Comedy | Romance
Release Date: Aug. 29, 2019
Director: Roger Kumble
Starring: Christina Milian, Adam Demos, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman
Running Time: 1 hours, 38 minutes
MPAA Rating: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Netflix
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Above the Frontlines
‘Men of the Fighting Lady’
A famous writer (Louis Calhern) joins a U.S. aircraft carrier during the Korean War, offering a close-up look at the fighter pilots’ perilous missions and the strong bonds forged amid the chaos of battle.
A gripping and intense Korean War drama that vividly captures the valor and skill of carrier pilots, highlighting their bravery, camaraderie, and sacrifices in intense aerial battles.
Drama | War
Release Date: Dec. 16, 1954
Director: Andrew Marton
Starring: Van Johnson, Walter Pidgeon, Louis Calhern
Running Time: 1 hour, 19 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc
