This week, we feature the finest dramatic interpretation of a beloved classic novel and throwback Western that highlights friendship and redemption.

New Release

‘Carlos’

This is an insightful documentary that chronicles the life of legendary musician Carlos Santana—from his younger years as a street performer to his recognition early in his career and subsequent mercurial rise to stardom—and beyond.

The production values of this film are outstanding. It features a veritable plethora of fascinating interviews and archival footage that are seamlessly blended together with overlays of Santana’s music. This is a highly inspiring, real-life rags to riches tale that you won’t want to miss!

Documentary Release Date: Sept. 29, 2023 Director: Rudy Valdez Running Time: 1 hour, 27 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Western

‘Open Range’

Aging free-range cowboy Boss Spearman (Robert Duvall), his right-hand man Charley Waite (Kevin Costner), and crew are driving their herd to the market when they run afoul of the local rancher (Michael Gambon). He controls the sheriff, runs everything in the area, and hates free-ranging cowboys.

“Open Range” is a good old-fashioned Western that reminds us that flawed people can sometimes redeem themselves through acts of kindness and rise to defend innocents against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Action | Drama | Romance Release Date: Aug. 15, 2003 Director: Kevin Costner Starring: Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall, Diego Luna Running Time: 2 hours, 19 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: AMC on Demand, FuboTV, Vudu Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Best Version of the Classic

‘Jane Eyre’

When governess (Mia Wasikowska) Jane Eyre comes to work at Thornfield Hall, she and Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender), the master of the hall, fall in love. But what happens when she discovers his terrible secret?

Not a “chick flick” in any sense of the term, this version of “Jane Eyre” explores old-school female empowerment. The production, perfectly cast, is not just a condensed version of the classic novel but a well-wrought film experience.

Drama | Romance Release Date: March 11, 2011 Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell Running Time: 2 hours MPAA Rating: PG-13 Where to Watch: Vudu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5

A Drama that Digs Deep

‘Gentleman’s Agreement’

Journalist Philip Green (Gregory Peck) goes undercover as Jewish “Greenberg” to report firsthand on any antisemitism he discovers. He learns that prejudice goes much deeper than he ever would have suspected.

Based on Laura Zametkin Hobson’s novel, director Elia Kazan’s film won three of its eight Oscar nominations. It was produced when the Nuremberg trials were lulling everyone into believing that antisemitism was dead and buried.

Drama Release Date: Nov. 11, 1947 Director: Elia Kazan Starring: Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, Ann Revere Running Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Vudu Rated: 5 stars out of 5