From a low-budget horror flick to the high-caliber acting of Bryan Cranston, this month's video-on-demand releases certainly run the gamut. All titles are available on all cable and satellite systems.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" (available now) The ninth installment in the usually beloved "X-Men" franchise met with utter disdain from critics and fans. Is that because Jennifer Lawrence gets too-little screen time? Or because Oscar Isaac is barely discernible under all that CGI? At any rate, it's a serviceable superhero flick, with plenty of noise and action.
"The Purge: Election Year" (available now) Movie No. 3 in James DeMonaco's series of low-budget social allegories follows a presidential candidate (Elizabeth Mitchell) and her bodyguard (Frank Grillo) as they try to survive a night of government-sanctioned murder. Cruddy, yet satisfying.
"The Legend of Tarzan" (premieres Tuesday) Alexander Skarsgard plays the titular ape-man, running shirtless through the jungle to rescue his Jane (Margot Robbie). This ridiculous movie offers a chuckle or two, but not enough to merit camp status. Christoph Waltz is memorable as a Belgian villain who twirls a lethal rosary.
"Ghostbusters" (Tuesday) You've read the headlines, heard the outcry and maybe even tweeted about it. Now see the movie _ or don't. Despite the combined talents of Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon, this controversial, all-female remake is just another so-so comedy.
"The Infiltrator" (Tuesday) The true story of U.S. Customs agent Bob Mazur (Bryan Cranston), who went after drug kingpin Pablo Escobar by targeting his favorite international bank. It's a rock-solid crime drama anchored by an excellent Cranston and supporting actors Diane Kruger, Benjamin Bratt and John Leguizamo.
"Nerve" (Oct. 25) Shy high-schooler Venus (Emma Roberts) is drawn into an online game of derring-do with deadly consequences. It's a quintessential teen movie with a preposterous but alluring premise, a likeable cast and a hokey ending _ which is to say, it's super fun. Dave Franco plays the mysterious gamer Ian.
"Cafe Society" (Oct. 18) How do you feel about Woody Allen? His latest movie is like the recent presidential debate: It ain't gonna change your mind. Fans will find this period romance fairly sweet and touching. Others will balk at Jesse Eisenberg "doing" Woody and trying to woo Kristen Stewart.
