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