Couch Theater – October 3, 2024

#MiddleburyCT #Movies #Series

“Ezra” (R) – Max (Bobby Cannavale) is a stand-up comedian yet to hit it big, who lives with his father, Stan (Robert De Niro). Besides his comedy, the light of Max’s life is his autistic son, Ezra, even though Max often disagrees with his co-parent, Jenna (Rose Byrne), on how to help Ezra get accustomed to the outside world. After Ezra’s actions accidentally cause a scare, his doctor transfers him to a special-needs school and gives him medication, much to Max’s dismay. So, Max haphazardly decides to “kidnap” his son and embark on a road trip that will hopefully bring Ezra out of his own world into the real one. Tony Goldwyn (“Scandal”), who also co-stars in the film, directed this heartwarming drama out now to rent. (Amazon Prime Video)

Naomi Ackie, left, and Channing Tatum star in “Blink Twice.” (MovieStillsDB photo)

“Blink Twice” (R) – Zoe Kravitz, who recently portrayed the alluring Catwoman in “The Batman” (2022), has decided to make her directorial debut after a decades-long career in acting, and it’s safe to say that we didn’t know how badly we needed Kravitz as a director until now. In the age of Netflix films and Marvel blockbusters, this psychological thriller is a palette-cleanser that makes you wonder why more directors aren’t making films this original, thought-provoking and refreshing. Naomi Ackie (“I Wanna Dance with Somebody”) excels as timid cocktail waitress Frida, who gets whisked away with her best friend, Jess, to a billionaire’s private island. Once there, Frida and Jess are showered with anything they could possibly want, but as the days start to blur together and their recreational activities catch up to them, the girls wonder if they’re caught in a trap. Remember, girls, blink twice if you’re in danger! Out now to rent. (Apple TV+)

“Hold Your Breath” (R) – Premiering Oct. 3, this psychological thriller takes place in 1930s Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl that ravaged American farmlands. A young mother named Margaret, played by the ever-expressive Sarah Paulson (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”), works tirelessly to protect her family against the dust storms. One night, Margaret’s oldest daughter, Rose, reads the harrowing tale of The Grey Man – a spirit who travels in the dust that makes you do terrible things if you breathe him in. Although Margaret dismisses the story at first, certain signs of a sinister presence appear throughout her rural community, eventually trickling down to her family. So, Margaret must brace herself to hold her breath and fight if she’s to weather the storm. Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”) co-star in this selection from the Toronto International Film Festival. (Hulu)

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.