Movie Review Weekly Roundup: August 22 – August 28, 2021

The following is part of a weekly compilation of movie reviews from The Buzz Track staff. These movies were watched in the previous week, and the reviews were originally posted on Letterboxd.

---

The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson (2019)

DIRECTOR: Daniel Farrands.
WRITERS: Michael Arter.
MPAA RATING: R – Viewer discretion is advised.
GENRES: Crime, Horror, Mystery.
LENGTH: 1h 22min.
LANGUAGE: English.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★☆☆☆ | WATCHED: August 22, 2021.

Meh. This movie is a nice little ‘What If’ scenario. It could be more way more a work of hypothetical fiction than anything substantially resembling factual truth. The movie intended to be dramatic with a bit of darkness in its tone. Its execution does not stick to the landing. I only watched it because I have a crush on Mena Suvari.

---

Please Stand By (2017)

DIRECTOR: Ben Lewin.
WRITERS: Michael Golamco.
MPAA RATING: PG-13
GENRES: Comedy, Drama.
LENGTH: 1h 34min.
LANGUAGE: English.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★★★☆ | WATCHED: August 22, 2021.

I sure as heck enjoyed the movie. The story arc is clearly the traditional three-act structure. There is the appearance of a proper character motivation at the end of the first act, which sets up the remainder of the story. The usual ups and downs are littered throughout the second act, as one would expect. Then the movie is well wrapped up in the third act with its final conflict and resolution. I had fun viewing it and appreciated the simplicity of the story.

---

The Water Man (2020)

DIRECTOR: David Oyelowo.
WRITERS: Emma Needell.
MPAA RATING: PG
GENRES: Adventure, Drama, Family.
LENGTH: 1h 31min.
LANGUAGE: English.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★★☆☆ | WATCHED: August 23, 2021.

I believe this movie might be fondly remembered by young viewers when they grow up and begin to reflect upon the nostalgia of their childhood. The Water Man has that certain appeal to it. I enjoyed watching this family-friendly movie and would definitely recommend it. I would not say it is an all-time favorite, but definitely worth some time to watch it.

---

Rebel in the Rye (2017)

DIRECTOR: Danny Strong.
WRITERS: Danny Strong (screenplay), Kenneth Slawenski (book).
MPAA RATING: PG-13
GENRES: Biography, Drama, Romance.
LENGTH: 1h 46min.
LANGUAGE: English.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★★★☆ | WATCHED: August DD, 2021.

What is the deal with Nicholas Hoult portraying famous writers in biopics? This movie is about J.D. Salinger. Then he also portrays J.R.R. Tolkien a couple of years later in Tolkien (2019). I enjoyed this movie just as much as I did Tolkien.

---

Nighty of the Sicario (2021)

DIRECTOR: Joth Riggs.
WRITERS: Ernesto Melara, Matthew Eason.
MPAA RATING: R – Viewer discretion is advised.
GENRES: Action, Drama, Thriller.
LENGTH: 1h 23min.
LANGUAGE: English, Spanish.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★☆☆☆ | WATCHED: August 28, 2021.

It is not the best movie nor the worst I have ever seen. Its entire existence is on par with a straight to video release or an endless run on basic cable. The story seems like a hodgepodge collection of material taken from a bunch of other movies. It does not feel like an original story. It is nice to see Natasha Henstridge still acting. Even if it seems this movie is just another paycheck job for her.

---

Affiliate Referral Links Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate referral links embedded within its content. This means The Buzz Track may be monetarily compensated when a visitor clicks on a third-party referral link and makes a qualifying purchase on the affiliated website.