This week, we feature an inspiring new biopic about an underdog fighting for his future and a classic musical about a woman chasing her Broadway dreams.
New Release
‘I Play Rocky’
Struggling actor Sylvester Stallone (Anthony Ippolito) writes a story about Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa but refuses to sell it unless he can play the titular lead. His girlfriend, Sasha Czack (AnnaSophia Robb), stands by his side as he stakes his future on a role Hollywood doesn’t want him to have.
There’s an easy, feel-good vibe to this account of Stallone fighting tooth-and-nail for his creation, and Ippolito suits him well, even as the film hurries through the years that could’ve made the eventual win feel less certain.
Biography | Drama
Release Date: Nov. 6, 2026
Director: Peter Farrelly
Starring: Anthony Ippolito, AnnaSophia Robb, P.J. Byrne
Running Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’
Tom Popper (Jim Carrey) can charm his way through Manhattan real-estate deals, but his two children don’t see much of him. Then a gift from his late father grows from one into six unruly penguins, and suddenly even his ex-wife Amanda (Carla Gugino) has reason to wonder what’s going on in his apartment. Tom’s biggest discovery concerns his children, who’ve been waiting for their dad to make time for them.
Carrey’s comic timing is entertaining as always, although the six feathered freeloaders nearly walked off with the movie.
Comedy | Family | Fantasy
Release Date: June 17, 2011
Director: Mark Waters
Starring: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury
Running Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Dreams Don’t Have Expiration Dates
‘The Natural’
Pop Fisher (Wilford Brimley) has enough trouble managing the hapless New York Knights without being handed a rookie old enough to be a veteran. Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) arrives with his homemade bat and a baseball gift nobody saw coming.
Randy Newman’s rousing orchestral score helps cheer on the protagonist, and Redford makes this unlikely hero worth rooting for. The grand finale does get a tad bit extravagant, the film’s old-fashioned optimism leaves viewers with a feel-good spirit.
Drama | Sport
Release Date: May 11, 1984
Director: Barry Levinson
Starring: Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close
Running time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Apple TV, BYUtv, Amazon
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
A Big Voice From a Small Town
‘Presenting Lily Mars’
A dreadful audition leaves Broadway producer John Thornway (Van Heflin) regretting his encounter with aspiring actress Lily Mars (Judy Garland), who’s determined to prove herself onstage and make her way into his heart.
Garland’s enthusiasm, especially when Lily barrels ahead despite having no idea how much she still has to learn is charming. The story’s rather basic, but the musical numbers kept viewers entertained.
Comedy | Musical | Romance
Release Date: April 29, 1943
Director: Norman Taurog
Starring: Judy Garland, Van Heflin, Fay Bainter
Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, HBO Max
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc.
