Episode 254 of CinemAddicts features reviews of movies coming out the week of August 9, 2024. Four featured films (“The Instigators,” “Cuckoo,” “Happy Campers,” “Running On Empty”) are discussed. Bruce Purkey also covers the new Apple TV+ series “Sunny” and the cult horror feature “Lisa Frankenstein.” Listen to our latest episode and thanks for your support!
Matt Damon stars in “The Instigators” as Rory, an ex-Marine who is desperate to make money for the benefit of his son. He teams up with ex-con Cobby (Casey Affleck) and hotheaded hoodlum Scalvo (Jack Harlow) to rob a corrupt politician (Ron Perlman). Hong Chau co-stars as Rory’s concerned and dedicated therapist.
Directed by Doug Liman, “The Instigators” is an engaging, entertaining action comedy that benefits from the chemistry among Affleck, Damon and Chau. The stellar ensemble (Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones) each have their individual moments to shine. Liman (“The Bourne identity,” “Edge of Tomorrow”) knows how to direct action scenes, and there are a couple of standout sequences in “The Instigators.”
The Instigators streams on Apple TV+ starting August 9th.
I had the pleasure of watching “Cuckoo” several weeks ago at a Beverly Hills screening room. Being a total hermit, going out to screenings is a rare thing for me, but “Cuckoo’s” trailer had me hooked.
Hunter Schafer was perfect as the 17-year-old American who is forced to live with her father (Márton Csókás), stepmother (Jessica Henwick), and sister in the German Alps. Dan Stevens co-stars as the father’s eccentric employer. It’s a totally weird and visually immersive movie that is worth a watch. That said, not all of the weird stuff is explained in detail and that may frustrate some viewers.
“Cuckoo” hits theaters August 9th.
“Running on Empty” centers on Mortimer (Keir Gilchrist), a San Fernando Valley denizen who receives life changing news. Determined to find the meaning of existence in a short time frame, Mortimer goes on a spirited journey that may lead him to love! The ensemble includes Lucy Hale, Francesca Eastwood and Jim Gaffigan.
***Check out Eric’s interview with “Running on Empty” director Daniel André:
CinemAddicts co-host Eric Holmes absolutely recommends what André calls an “anti-romantic comedy.” Feature hits theaters August 9th and is available on VOD August 27th.
Directed by Amy Nicholson, “Happy Campers” centers on the residents of a trailer park located in a campground off the Virginia coast. This acclaimed documentary is playing at New York’s IFC Center through August 13 and then it will have a Los Angeles run starting August 21. It hits iTunes on September 10 (US and Canada markets).
Nicholson talked to Eric Holmes about her documentary:
Eric Holmes and Bruce Purkey both recommend “Happy Campers.” Check out their review:
