Welcome back movie lovers! I’m back again for another look at the home video releases for the week for all you faithful FTS readers. This week we have a couple exciting releases to talk about so lets just get started.

Ex Machina

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDB: 7.8

Who’s in it?
Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander

What’s it about?
A young programmer, Caleb, wins a competition and is whisked away to the private paradise of the company CEO. He has been selected as the human component in a Turing Test between himself and a lovely A.I., Ava. Things become more complex than either of the two could have imagined in this “sure to be classic” Sci-fi thriller.

Nate’s Two Cents?
The Sci-fi releases each year are much like the horror releases, as in there aren’t very many great ones each year. Ex Machina ended up being just what I wanted and I left the theatre with a smile. First time director Alex Garland did an amazing job at giving the viewers a beautiful film, with performances that really made the film work. Gleeson and Isaac were amazing, as well as newcomer Vikander, who played Ava. I think any true sci-fi fan will enjoy this movie and fall in love with it, so if that’s you, then make sure to pick it up this week.

It Follows

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDB: 7.0

Who’s in it?
Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, Jake Weary, Daniel Zovatto

What’s this thing about?
After a bizarre sexual encounter, young Jay finds herself on the run from nightmarish beings that seem to be plaguing her. With the help of her friends and siblings, they set out to find answers and put a stop to the endless nightmare.

Nate’s Two Cents?
For starters, this movie is not for everyone. If you’re into torture-porn or one jump-scare after another, then this probably isn’t the film for you. It Follows takes inspiration from suspense horror classics like John Carpenter and gives viewers that eerie feeling that someone is always watching. The film looks absolutely gorgeous aesthetically and is accompanied by an eerie synth-driven score composed by Disasterpeace, who is better known for his video game scores. If “creepy night in” is what you’ve been looking for and you enjoy a good suspense thriller/horror, then definitely pick up your copy this week as I will be doing.

The Longest Ride

Rotten Tomatoes: 30% | IMDB: 7.2

Who’s in it?
Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood, Alan Alda, Jack Huston

What’s this thing about?
A young bullrider, Luke, looking to make a comeback meets a young college student, Sophia, looking to pursue a career in the world of art. One night while on a date the couples paths cross with an elderly man, Ira, who shares stories of his past love life with young Sophia.

Nate’s Two Cents?
Once again we have yet another Nicolas Sparks adaptation making its way to home video. I recently viewed the movie and actually thought it was pretty good. If you’re a fan of Sparks, then you will for sure like it. This was the first time I’ve seen Scott Eastwood, son of Clint, in anything and I felt he did a fine job and hope to see more from him. If you are looking for a date night flick, then check this one out, it’s sure to please.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

Rotten Tomatoes: 6% | IMDB: 4.2

““After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation. He heads to Vegas with his teenage daughter before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers.” – Sony

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Rotten Tomatoes: 62% | IMDB: 6.7

“Now that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is full up with its long-term residents, co-managers Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) and Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) have a dream of expansion, and they’ve found just the place: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. With plans underway, Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) venture into the Jaipur workforce, wondering where their regular breakfast dates will lead. Meanwhile, Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) navigate the swirling waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two very eligible suitors, and recent arrival Guy Chambers (Richard Gere) finds a muse in Sonny’s mother, Mrs. Kapoor (Lillete Dubey) for his next novel. As his marriage to Sunaina (Tina Desai), the love of his life, quickly approaches, Sonny finds his plans for the new hotel making more claims on his time than he has available. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is Muriel, the keeper of everyone’s secrets. As the big day nears, family and guests alike find themselves swept up in the irresistible intoxication of an Indian wedding.”​ – Fox Searchlight

Before I Disappear (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes: 33% | IMDB: 7.2

Who’s in it?
Shawn Christensen, Fatima Ptacek, Emmy Rossum, Paul Wesley, Ron Perlman

What’s this thing about?
A troubled young man and his straight-laced niece embark on a thrilling odyssey through New York City in this heartrending drama based on an Oscar-winning short. As his life hits rock bottom, 20-something Richie (Shawn Christensen) decides to end it all-only to have his half-hearted suicide attempt interrupted by an urgent request from his sister (Emmy Rossum) to babysit her precocious daughter (Fatima Ptacek). So begins a madcap tour of Manhattan after dark, as uncle and niece find unexpected bonds in the unlikeliest of places. Ron Perlman co-stars in this hugely moving adaptation of up-and-coming director/star Christensen’s own 2013 Academy Award-winning short Curfew. – IFC Films

Nate’s Two Cents?
I rented this off Apple TV when it was first released last year and really enjoyed it. It received a lot of critical acclaim from the festival circuit so I gave it a view. It’s a dark drama for most of the film and I can’t really say why without giving things away, but I recommend giving this a watch next time you find yourself flipping through the Netflix library.