Dragons, Demons & Dracula, Oh My!
This month at Redbox we have a trio of films that will transport you to fantastical realms, test your beliefs, and submerge you into the darkest corners of the human psyche—while also making you laugh. And that trio consists of:
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – This might come as a shocker if you’ve been reading Unscripted for a while, because although I love everything having to do with 1) dragons, fantasy and mythology and 2) am an unabashed dork, geek, nerd or whatever other term you want to use, I have never played the tabletop role-playing game (RPG) Dungeons & Dragons. Thankfully, prior knowledge of the RPG isn’t needed to enjoy this adaptation, though rest assured there’s no shortage of easter eggs for hardcore fans.
So if you’ve have ever been into the realms of sword and sorcery—or are just down for a funny, action-packed adventure with excellent performances (think The Princess Bride)—join Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Regé-Jean Page and more on their quest for… for so many things. And you can bet along the way they encounter the biggest dragon you’ve ever seen on the screen. He’s glorious. (For D&Ders, it’s Themberchaud!)
Evil Dead Rise – This one has been out for quite some time, but this movie still haunts my dreams. Now you may be thinking ‘there’s no way that the fifth installment in a franchise can be good’, but let me tell you, this one will blow your mind. The twisted horror story tells a the tale of a reunion of two sisters that takes a wild turn when flesh-eating demons show up and change this family dynamic forever. Seriously, watch this one with the lights on because this one takes scary to a whole new level.
Renfield - If vampires are more your thing, from the shadows of Transylvania emerges this twisted tale about Dracula's (Nicolas Cage) loyal servant, Renfield (Nicholas Hoult). This horror-comedy gives a new take on world’s most notorious vampire through Renfield’s backstory and vantage point, so you’re definitely rooting for the poor guy when—after attending a 12-step program—he decides he’s not willing to take the fanged one’s abuse anymore. Awkwafina along for the ride as a cop who ends up helping Renfield in his quest for freedom.