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The monster clash: Godzilla battles Kong in the action adventure “Godzilla vs. Kong.”
COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
The beasts of ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ head (back) to small screen
The latest entry in the MonsterVerse franchise, pitting two beloved film titans against each other, tops the DVD releases for the week of June 15.
“Godzilla vs. Kong”: Though it debuted on HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously at the end of March, the movie marked the return of the blockbuster to the big screen after a year of pandemic-driven delays and postponements.
“Director Adam Wingard knows how to deliver what a movie titled ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ should be” writes Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh in her review of the fourth MonsterVerse entry, which follows “Godzilla” (2014), “Kong: Skull Island” (2017) and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019).
“As befitting the franchise, entirely too many actors have been cast to run around the feet of Godzilla and Kong spouting vaguely scientific dialogue,” Walsh writes, and the film does indeed boast a considerable cast, including Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Eiza Gonzalez and Kyle Chandler.
While the movie’s story may be lacking, the action lives up the billing. “Wingard knows the appeal of this film is two beloved movie giants pulverizing a city, and offers that spectacle dripping in neon and techno,” writes Walsh. Break out the glow sticks, it’s time for the kaiju rave that is ‘Godzilla vs. Kong.’”
ALSO NEW ON DVD JUNE 15
“French Exit”: Michelle Pfeiffer is an aging New York socialite on the verge of being broke, so she moves into a small Paris apartment with her adult son and cat.
“Voyagers”: A multi-generational spaceship carrying the future of humanity descends into chaos and madness. Stars Colin Farrell, Tye Sheridan and LilyRose Depp.
“SAS: Red Notice”: It’s up an SAS agent who was just along for the ride to save the day when a group of mercenaries betrayed by the British government take a Chunnel train hostage.
“Anything for Jackson”: A grieving Satanist couple summon more than they bargained for as they find themselves battling demonic forces.
“Rock Dog 2: Rock Around the Park”: Animated feature follows canine rockers True Blue, who leave their small town home to tour with pop star Lil’ Foxy and learn that there’s always a price to fame.
“The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Season 1”: “Walking Dead” spinoff set a decade after the zombie apocalypse focuses on the first generation to grow up with the terrifying new normal.
“The Space Between”: Kelsey Grammer stars as an eccentric washed-up musician in this inspiring coming-of-age story set amid the ‘90s Los Angeles music scene.
“Enforcement”: Danish drama examining police brutality follows two officers trapped in a riot after the police killing of a young Muslim man.
OUT ON DIGITAL HD JUNE 15
“H.P. Lovecraft’s The Deep Ones”: A couple rents a beachside Airbnb, but the reviews didn’t say anything about a mysterious cult or ancient sea god.
“Lost Airmen of Buchenwald”: Documentary about the 168 Allied airmen sent to Nazi Germany’s Buchenwald concentration camp during World War II and their fight for survival.
“The Misfits”: Pierce Brosnan is a renowned thief recruited for an elaborate gold heist. Also starring Jamie Chung and Tim Roth.
“Night Walk”: Framed for murder and now behind bars, a man seeking revenge partners with a dangerous gang to break out of prison.
5 THINGS TO DO
Robin O’Herin, left, and Marylou Ferrante PHOTO COURTESY VICTORIA FERRANTE
FIVE THINGS TO DO WITH MARYLOU FERRANTE & ROBIN O’HERIN, STEVE SWEENEY AND MORE
Richard Duckett, Veer Mudambi and Victor D. Infante Worcester Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK
In a free virtual musical and interactive program with Marylou Ferrante and Robin O’Herin, “The Melting Pot of American Music” explores early American instruments, songs and songwriters. Instruments will range from Appalachian dulcimers, banjos and diddlybows to resonator guitars and mandolins. Music will range from Appalachian and old time music, all the way to Delta and Piedmont blues with a focus on the men and women who created this seminal American heritage. There will also be time for questions, and requests. This program is made possible through a Southbridge Cultural Council grant, which is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. (RD) Continued on next page
What: The Melting Pot of American Music with Marylou Ferrante and Robin O’Herin When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 24 Where: Virtual Zoom, from Jacob Edward Library, Southbridge How much: Free. Registration required: https://zoom.us/.../tJAufuqrTMuGN2mq3Ta8O6OEEJWvvOLBs3j
Comedian Steve Sweeney PROMOTIONAL IMAGE
Comedy legend
Whether he’s harnessing “The Power of Negative Thinking,” or mimicking locals checking Lotto numbers at a Boston packie, or just explaining why he doesn’t care that it’s the humidity, not the heat, that’s bothering him, Steve Sweeney proves over and over again why he’s a regional comedy legend. (VDI) What: Comedian Steve Sweeney When: 7:40 p.m. June 18 and 19 Where: The Beer Garden, 64 Franklin St, Worcester How much: $25 The Celtic group Banda Gan Ainm SUBMITTED PHOTO
A Celtic Treat
In the mood for some Celtic folk music? Then you have the luck of the Irish. Head over to Douglas Orchard and Farm tomorrow evening for your regular dose of outdoor music from Banda Gan Ainm. This Celtic music group, whose name translates to “band without a name,” will perform traditional Irish songs such as “Cliffs of Moher,” “Galway Girl,” and others with fiddles, cello, guitars and flutes. As per usual, hot dogs, burgers and other BBQ by EB Flats. Bring your own chair. (VM) What: Live Music at the Pavilion — Banda Gan Ainm When: 6 to 8 p.m., June 19 Where: Douglas Orchard and Farm, 36 Locust Street, Douglas How much: $10 per person, kids under 16 are free, pay at the door
The Forge Theater Lab will present “Past Tense,” an online showcase of short plays about people coming face-to-face with their past selves. By turns comic, poignant and powerful, these stories explore the challenge of living in the present when you can see the past in the mirror. Featuring works by Steven William Beck, Matt Cogswell, Cayenne Douglass (two), Ken Green and Ashley Lauren Rogers. The Forge Theater Lab, in residence at Fitchburg State University, “develops new plays that ignite passionate conversations.” This online event is supported in part by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council. (RD) What: “Past Tense” When: June 18-27 Where: Online. “Pay What You Can.” Check for the link and more information at www.theforge.ink.
A scene from a rehearsal for the short play, "Black Lipstick," part of the Forge Theater Lab's "Past
Tense." PROMOTIONAL IMAGE Aquanett PHOTO/BRIAN EVANS
Rock On!
Aquanett is anchored by the sound of 1980s bands but calls itself “One of the most decadent and colorful tribute acts today.” You’re back in a time when Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi and Whitesnake ruled the world. With a complement of lights, special effects and costumes (and hair), the full production of an ‘80s rock concert is brought to life. You may not have seen anything like it since … 1991. (RD) What: Aquanett When: 1 p.m. June 20 (doors 11:30 a.m.) Where: Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road, Webster How much: $20. www.indianranch.com
