This week, we feature a new adventure movie involving a gold run in exchange for freedom and a romantic drama in which a young man finds his footing at an Australian ranch.
New Release
‘The Weight’
Samuel Murphy (Ethan Hawke), a widower desperate to get back to his daughter, accepts and offer of freedom from Warden Clancy (Russell Crowe) for a dangerous gold run across 1933 Oregon. Anna (Julia Jones) joins him as the prisoner crew begins turning on itself.
This movie sends us across raw timber country with the look of an old-school wilderness adventure. Hawke brings real dignity to an upright widower who remains too saintly for his own good, making this a satisfying afternoon watch. Contains strong language and some violence.
Action | Adventure | Thriller
Release Date: Sept. 18, 2026
Director: Padraic McKinley
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Julia Jones
Running Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘The Secret Life of Pets’
Terrier Max (Louis C.K.) lives lavishly until his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper), brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a rescue dog. A disastrous walk leaves the rivals lost among alley cats, animal control officers, and Snowball (Kevin Hart), a white rabbit plotting revenge against humans.
The bright animation gives every apartment, rooftop, and back alley a childlike sense of discovery. I also liked how the actors vanished into their animal roles, helped along by composer Alexandre Desplat’s lively, jazz-inflected orchestral score.
Adventure | Comedy | Family
Release Date: July 8, 2016
Director: Chris Renaud
Starring: Louis C.K, Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart
Running Time: 1 hour, 26 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Proving Oneself in Australia’s High Country
‘The Man From Snowy River’
Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson), an 18-year-old from the Australian mountains, loses his father Henry (Terence Donovan) and heads to the lowlands to work for cattleman Harrison (Kirk Douglas). While falling for Harrison’s daughter Jessica (Sigrid Thornton), Jim is falsely blamed for releasing a prized colt.
Douglas has fun as estranged brothers, although the double role can be distracting. Still, the mountain vistas, dangerous riding, and genuine romance make this a handsome, wholesome adventure tale.
Adventure | Drama | Romance
Release Date: Nov. 5, 1982
Director: George Miller
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Tom Burlinson, Terence Donovan
Running Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Private Life on Trial
‘My Reputation’
Jessica Drummond (Barbara Stanwyck), a recent widow raising two boys, falls for Army Maj. Scott Landis (George Brent), only to find friends, family, and gossip turning her private life into public business.
Stanwyck gives her role real warmth, as well as a backbone, and her chemistry with co-star Brent keeps the love story convincing even when the plot gets a little strained.
Drama | Romance
Release Date: Jan. 26, 1946
Director: Curtis Bernhardt
Starring: Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent, Warner Anderson
Running Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon, Apple TV
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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