This week, we feature a thrilling high-speed chase involving a veteran accused of murder and a story of love involving forgiveness between a widow and a Confederate soldier.
New Release
‘The Mongoose’
Ryan “Fang” Flanagan (Liam Neeson) survived combat, but a murder accusation sends the decorated veteran racing across America in a muscle car. His former cohort, Tanker (Ving Rhames), helps him stay ahead of the police as the pursuit draws nationwide attention.
This film has some good old-fashioned car-chase fun, courtesy of director Mark Vanselow, who spent years doubling for Neeson. There’s little mystery about where things are headed, although the camaraderie among the veterans adds a human element to all the horsepower.
Action | Thriller
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2026
Director: Mark Vanselow
Starring: Liam Neeson, Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames
Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Cadet Kelly’
For Kelly (Hilary Duff), trading fashionable outfits for military fatigues is hardly her idea of fun. But her stepfather, an academy commandant (Gary Cole) has enrolled her in his military school. Between drills, run-ins with a cadet captain, and a crush, Kelly’s school days become quite an adventure.
The military school antics are amusing, with Duff making an entertaining fish out of water in a world of strict rules. Some situations are a bit far-fetched, but the rivalries are enjoyable, and the story offers a welcome reminder about respect and understanding.
Comedy | Drama | Family
Release Date: March 8, 2002
Director: Larry Shaw
Starring: Hilary Duff, Christy Carlson Romano, Gary Cole
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
MPAA Rating: TV-G
Where to Watch: Amazon, Disney Plus, YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Love Finds a Refuge During Wartime
‘Civil Love’
Still mourning the death of her husband, Civil War widow Rachel Taylor (Elise Groves) struggles to raise her children when an injured Confederate fugitive, Daniel (Paul D. Hunt), arrives at her farm. Harboring him could put her family in danger, but an unexpected affection begins to develop between them.
The central romance is pleasant and the story develops with genuine sincerity. I particularly appreciated its emphasis on forgiveness, compassion, and the possibility of finding happiness again.
Drama | Romance
Release Date: Aug. 7, 2002
Director: Bryan Carzan
Starring: Matthew Bellows, Joshua Bendoski, Bryce Bishop
Running Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes
MPAA Rating: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Tubi TV, YouTube
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Romance and Regret
‘Some Came Running’
Veteran Dave Hirsh (Frank Sinatra) returns home hoping to reconnect with his past, only to become entangled with lovestruck Ginnie Moorehead (Shirley MacLaine) and the gambler Bama Dillert (Dean Martin).
Sinatra and Martin have an easy rapport and MacLaine’s vulnerable performance is fascinating to watch. The colorful photography also lends this small-town drama significant appeal.
Drama | Romance
Release Date: Dec. 25, 1958
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine
Running Time: 2 hours, 17 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Amazon, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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