New Movies -- Also Rans

I posted yesterday on the week's new movies, but in fact there were a bunch of others that got very little attention.

This happens every week, for several reasons.  Some films are given slow rollouts in the hope that positive word of mouth will generate interest over time.  Some are pitched to particular audiences.  And some of them are so bad that no distributors are willing to spend time and money promoting them.

Just for the heck of it, here is one week's collection of movies you may never hear of again.



I Origins

Two scientists "uncover startling evidence that could fundamentally change society as we know it and cause them to question their once-certain beliefs in science and spirituality."

An ambitious premise, to say the least.  Fox Searchlight bought it at Sundance this year.

In Manhattan and Los Angeles.

Persecuted

A mystery with the theme of Christianity under attack.  This seems to be by, for and about Christians.  Reviews say it preaches to the choir.  (Nothing wrong with that -- it works for Michael Moore.)

Broadly available, most likely marketed to religious people through churches and their publications.

Aftermath

Survivors of a worldwide nuclear holocaust.

Is it just me, or is this getting to be a same-old same-old theme?

Maybe at some theaters somewhere, findable now on video on demand.

Among Ravens

Another dysfunctional family/friends reunion movie set near a beautiful lake in Idaho.

Much, much worse than that Osage County thing a few months back.

Watch it on VOD if you must.

A Five Star Life

An Italian film about a woman whose job is reviewing fancy hotels.  Against this backdrop, appealing perhaps to folks who don't get out much, the plot focuses on the crackup of her personal life.

Movies that make it to the U.S. from other countries are probably among the better ones;  I doubt that crappy American films are exported very often either.

Anyway, tough luck; it's not showing anywhere near you.

An American in Hollywood

A talented young African-American filmmaker moves from New York to Los Angeles, and the scales fall from his eyes as he confronts the Entertainment Empire.  Beautiful young people, rap music.

Targeted for an audience, more broadly available than most on this list.

Video Games: The Movie

A serious documentary on the history and rise of video games, executive produced by Zach Braff.  My guess here is that video gamers already know the story and that movie distributors think nobody else is all that interested.

Straight to Google Play.