Streaming or theatres? That is the question with 3 new movies

is interesting to note that, in conversation with friends, I have come to realize that many of them, when discussing a current movie, are most interested in knowing when it will be available on a streaming service.

Of course, the advantage of streaming services is that for little more than the price of a single admission to a theatre, one can access films for a month that the whole family can view in the convenience of their own home – and they can even make their own popcorn (which, at the price charged at concession stands, is no small consideration!)

The downside, however, is that when hoping to view a particular film, it may not be available on the service to which one subscribes. Some people choose to subscribe to more than one service, especially when a whole family can benefit from this. If, however, like me, one lives alone, the subscription prices may be far too daunting. People simply have to manage their entertainment budget according to their means and their desire to see a particular film.

This dilemma is underscored by three current movies, all of which are of considerable merit. Coincidentally, all three seem to have been inspired by previous popular releases.

Wild Robot, based on the popular children’s book, is a brilliantly executed animated film that carries echoes of ET. It tells the story of a robot stranded on an island due to an accident. The robot is forced to interact with the creatures on the island, most of which prey on others while they themselves are preyed upon. The robot accidentally wipes out a family of geese but finds itself confronted with a newly hatched gosling.

What follows is intended to be a fable about setting aside one’s own self-interest to care for others, nurture them, and help them realize their potential. It’s a fine message for all to learn, and the film has garnered wide praise not only for its superb execution but also for its timely lesson in these days of considerable strife and stress. I did, however, wonder if the frequent violence, excitingly portrayed as it is, might at times overshadow the heartwarming thrust of the narrative. Nevertheless, it is certainly a film that will appeal to the entire family, particularly as it lends itself to much worthwhile discussion of its admirable message. However, it will apparently only be streamed on Peacock in late January, so those anxious to see it before then may need to make a trip to the movie theatre.

A similar situation arises with the movie Juror #2, directed by Clint Eastwood and in limited release at Vancouver’s Park Theatre until it becomes available for streaming on Max (not available in Canada) in late December.

As becomes apparent very early in the film, it is, in fact, a riff on the classic Twelve Angry Men. However, despite the popularity of the latter, one has to admit that much of what is revealed is clearly the sort of thing that any semi-efficient police investigation should have uncovered. Similarly, police inefficiency is central to the plot of Juror #2, but here it is accompanied by a much more intriguing and believable set of twists, so that, familiar as the basic situation may be, it is much more suspenseful and involving. What is more unusual is that the film has the courage to lead to an intriguing open-ended finish. Well-acted, addressing the questioning of police procedure, and with emotional conflict at its core, this is another film that will doubtless be enjoyed by the family and lead to much discussion.

Yet another film inspired by an earlier work, Rebel Ridge clearly draws on the first of the Rambo series. Here, an innocent young black man is pulled over by police in a southern town. He is subjected not only to the customary racial profiling but soon finds himself a victim of a corrupt small-town police force.

What follows is largely predictable, though with considerably less violence than one might expect. Under writer/director Jeremy Daulmier’s talented control, it remains entertainingly suspenseful. At the same time, Aaron Perce’s performance in the lead role is truly outstanding, making it a “must-see.” Here the film has an advantage over the two aforementioned titles in that it is already available on Netflix.

So there we have it: three worthwhile films. I leave it to readers to decide if and when to watch them, or whether they can afford them now or later.

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