Couch Theater – October 13, 2022

#Middlebury #Movies

“Dark Places” (R) – Here’s another horror/mystery book-to-film adaptation that seems to have gone under the radar. “Dark Places” stars Charlize Theron as Libby Day, a woman still wrecked with trauma from the day she discovered her mother and two sisters murdered in their home. Libby, who was 8 at the time, gets pressured by the police to name her teenage brother, Ben, as the perpetrator of these crimes. Decades later, Ben is still in prison, but Libby gets approached by the head of a true crime club who, after studying the case in depth, believes that there’s much more to the story and that her brother is innocent. At first hesitant, but in need of the cash that the club can supply her with, Libby follows the club’s leads with every person connected to that night until she finally uncovers the complex truth. (HBO Max)

Jaeden Martell and Donald Sutherland star in “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone.” (Courtesy of Netflix)

“Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” (PG-13) – Spooky movie season continues with this new release out now. Based on a novella from Stephen King’s “If It Bleeds” collection, this film follows Craig (Jaeden Martell), a boy who befriends an elderly man named Mr. Harrigan (Donald Sutherland). As their friendship grows, Craig gifts Mr. Harrigan with a cell phone. After the elderly man passes away, Craig gets beat up by a bully. In order to soothe his own spirit, Craig calls Mr. Harrigan’s old phone number, confessing that he wishes revenge on the bully. Little does he know, Mr. Harrigan hears him from beyond the grave and is willing to help Craig get exactly what he desires … with very deadly consequences. (Netflix)

“Shantaram” (NR) – Releasing Oct. 14, this 12-episode thriller TV series features Charlie Hunnam (“Sons of Anarchy” and “The Gentlemen”) as Lin, an ex-convict who escaped prison to reach the city of Bombay, India, where he plans to start anew. However, amid trying to start a new life, crime continues to find him, and he quickly gets himself wrapped into elaborate schemes, leading to a partnership with a crime boss in Afghanistan. Longing for freedom, but unable to find it along the dangerous path he continues to walk, Lin battles with severe internal conflict and must eventually decide between doing what’s right versus what’s easy. (AppleTV+)

“The Lost City” (PG-13) – This comedy-adventure can provide a bit of a break from the more-intense entertainment choices right now. Sandra Bullock portrays Loretta Cage, a romance novelist who lives a life opposite of the passionate ones her characters live. To promote her latest novel set in a “lost city,” Loretta goes on tour with her book’s cover model, Alan (Channing Tatum), who the fans are much more interested in. But, in a sudden turn of events, not unlike the ones in her novels, Loretta gets kidnapped by billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), who thinks Loretta can help him decipher a map leading to a real lost city that is full of treasure. Alan, heavy on looks and low on brains, is the only person who sees Loretta get taken and therefore becomes her only chance of salvation. (Prime Video)
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