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OLD SCHOOL VIDEO PICK OF THE MONTH

Title: SOUNDER
Year Released: 1972
Running Time: 105
Production Company: 20th Century Fox
Director: Martin Ritt
Director of Photography: John A. Alonzo
Screenwriter: Lonne Elder III
Author: Lana K. Wilson-Combs

REVIEW: "SOUNDER"-- A STORY THAT STILL SPEAKS

I remember the first time I saw the movie "Sounder"--back in 1972, when it first came out--at a downtown Los Angeles theater with my older brothers.

I was just a 11-years-old but watching that powerful story unfold on screen left a lasting impression.

I was captivated by the powerful performances of the late, great Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield,...

NEW ON DVD

THE MIDWAY POINT Title: THE MIDWAY POINT
Year Released: 2024
Running Time: 87
Production Company: Hillin Entertainment/Level 33 Ent.
Director: Lucca Vieira
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs

"THE MIDWAY POINT" FINDS HOPE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP

I was completely drawn into "The Midway Point" from its opening scene all the way to its heartfelt conclusion.

Director Lucca Vieira, whose award-winning work includes the shorts "Parkland: Stories from the Survivors" and "Silhouette," delivers a deeply affecting coming-of-age drama that is far more layered than the typical teen boy-meets-girl story.

The film explores loneliness, depression, insecurity, and the struggle to feel understood in a world that often overlooks quiet young people who are fighting battles internally. Vieira handles the material with sensitivity and realism.

Sean Ryan Fox (TV's "The Righteous Gemstones") plays Jake, a withdrawn 17-year-old battling depression, social anxiety, and traits that place him somewhere on the autistic spectrum. He has the love and support of his caring mother (Thora Birch, "Thirsty"), but she feels lost at times because she can't often reach or connect with Jake.

Fox captures Jake's awkwardness and vulnerability authentically and makes the character instantly sympathetic.

Jake retreats into himself and his sketch art, unsure how to relate with the people around him. Then one day at school he crosses paths with Alice, played by Catharine Daddario ("Second Chances"). Alice initially appears to be the confident and carefree classmate who pulls Jake out of his shell, but the film wisely reveals that she carries emotional baggage and loneliness of her own. Their growing friendship becomes the emotional backbone of the story as they slowly learn to trust each other and confront the pain they have both been hiding.

Jake and Alice make mistakes, stumble through immature decisions, and occasionally hurt one another the way real teenagers often do, but the film never judges them harshly for it.
Instead, it focuses on growth, compassion, and the importance of having someone who truly sees your worth.

"The Midway Point" also deserves praise for its thoughtful depiction of neurodiversity and mental health, presenting Jake not as a stereotype, but as a likable young man discovering confidence in himself and his artistic talent. This is a touching, inspiring, and exceptional drama.
(Highly Recommended).

Take A Look At This Trailer For "THE MIDWAY POINT"

Editor's Note: "The Midway Point," from Level 33 Entertainment is currently available On-Demand.

AN ENEMY WITHIN Title: AN ENEMY WITHIN
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 87
Production Company: Saban Films
Director: John Michael Kennedy
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs

IN "AN ENEMY WITHIN" TRUST IS THE ULTIMATE WEAPON

"An Enemy Within," from director/screenwriter John Michael Kennedy ("David") is a promising, twisty whodunit that quickly proves there is far more than meets the eye beneath its wedding-night setup.

What begins as a tense race against time steadily unravels into a layered, sometimes cluttered mystery filled with buried family secrets, shifting loyalties, and mounting paranoia that keeps both the characters and the audience off balance.

The film juggles psychological tension with bursts of violence, making the mystery compelling enough to keep audiences invested in nearly every character, particularly William Moseley ("Home Sweet Home: Rebirth"), who stars as groom Caleb Wingate.

On his wedding night, Caleb is ordered to kill his father-in-law before midnight or his bride, Julia (Kim Spearman, "The Last Breath”) will die. It's a chilling ultimatum that turns celebration into survival.

Meanwhile, the shadowy figure known as "The Wolf" (Harrison Daniels, "Mission: Impossible--The Final Reckoning") emerges as the ringleader of the chaos and killings, orchestrating events with a cold, calculated menace. The question of why "The Wolf" is pulling the strings is the big question.

In addition, Alexander Lincoln ("A Night Like This") delivers a memorable turn as a drunken, obnoxious loose cannon whose unpredictability injects both discomfort and dark humor into key scenes.

His presence adds an unpredictable edge, often disrupting moments just when the story seems to regain its footing.

Together, this wild ensemble turns "An Enemy Within" into an entertaining, and occasionally chaotic, puzzle with enough surprises to satisfy even the most persnickety suspense fans.
(Recommended).

Watch This Trailer For "AN ENEMY WITHIN"

Editor's Note: "An Enemy Within," from Saban Films is currently available on Digital and On Demand.

THE YETI Title: THE YETI
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 93
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Gene Gallerano and William Pisciotta
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs

"THE YETI" IS AN OLD-SCHOOL CREATURE FEATURE

If you miss the days when creature features relied more on atmosphere and mystery than overblown CGI spectacle, then "The Yeti" should satisfy that craving.

Directed and co-written by Gene Gallerano ("Thank You for Listening") and William Pisciotta ("Skim"), this indie horror outing embraces the spirit of old-school monster movies with icy locations, mounting tension, and a looming sense of dread.

While the film works with a modest budget, it wisely leans into suspense and anticipation, saving its biggest thrills for the terrifying reveal of the massive, Bigfoot-like beast stalking the frozen Alaskan wilderness.

Set in 1947, "The Yeti" follows oil tycoon Merriell Sunday Sr. (Corbin Bernsen, TV’s "Your Friends and Neighbors") and seasoned adventurer Hollis Bannister (William Sadler, "Salem’s Lot"), who vanish without a trace during an expedition.

Their disappearance sends Ellie Bannister (Brittany Allen, TV’s "The Pitt") and Merriell Sunday Jr. (Eric Nelsen, "The Wolf and the Lamb" and TV's "The Bay") on a dangerous rescue mission deep into the unforgiving wilderness.

What begins as a desperate search soon spirals into a terrifying fight for survival when the group realizes they are being stalked by a prehistoric predator lurking in the snow-covered mountains.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its setting. The bleak, wind-whipped Alaskan terrain becomes more than just scenery, it functions as a silent threat hanging over every scene. The endless snow, bitter cold, and isolated landscape create an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread, where danger feels unavoidable and help is nowhere in sight.

Fans of vintage horror films will appreciate the movie's slow-burn approach.

Brittany Allen shines and gives the audience something to root for. Eric Nelson adds believable tension as distrust and panic begin spreading through the group, and veteran actor Corbin Bernsen understands the tone of the material, playing his role with just enough seriousness to keep the film from slipping into camp.

Without question, the standout attraction is the creature itself. The Yeti is imposing, menacing, and effectively designed without depending too heavily on flashy visual effects.

The filmmakers smartly tease the monster throughout much of the movie, offering brief glimpses that heighten curiosity and suspense before finally revealing the beast in all its terrifying glory.

While some of the dialogue occasionally slips into familiar horror-movie territory, the film's pacing, eerie atmosphere, and practical-style scares keep the tension alive. For fans of survival thrillers and legendary beast stories, "The Yeti" is worth tracking down.
(Recommended).

Editor's Note: "The Yeti," from Well Go USA Entertainment is currently available on Blu-ray/DVD.

Take A Look At This Trailer For "THE YETI"

YOUNGBLOOD Title: YOUNGBLOOD
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 104
Production Company: Well Go USA
Director: Hubert Davis
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs

"YOUNGBLOOD" SKATES PAST EXPECTATIONS WITH HEART AND GRIT

Although I am not a hockey fan, I enjoy all underdog sports dramas, and since seeing the outstanding 2022 documentary "Black Ice" from director Hubert Davis--who also helms this movie "Youngblood"--I've gained a deeper appreciation for the game and for the Black athletes still fighting for space within it today.

"Youngblood," from screenwriters Kyle Rideout, ("There's Something in the Barn"), Seneca Aaron, (TV's "Saint-Pierre), and Josh Epstein ("Knight's Camp"), reimagines the spirit of the 1986 film--which stars Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze-- with a contemporary lens, grounding its story in emotional authenticity and timely social relevance.

The movie follows Detroit hockey prodigy Dean Youngblood (Ashton James, "Boxcutter"), raised by his father Blane (Blair Underwood, TV's "Doc") on a steady diet of toughness, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of greatness on the ice.

What I particularly liked about the movie was its layered portrayal of family. Dean and his brother Kelly (Emidio Lopes, “Welcome") are guided by two passionate but very different parents: their father Blane, who believes in tough love and standing up to adversity at all costs, and their mother Ruby (Olunike Adeliyi,"The Running Man"), whose compassion offers a vital emotional counterbalance.

Ruby encourages resilience without sacrificing humanity, while Blane--shaped by his own experiences with racism and lost opportunities--pushes his sons to never appear weak in a world that already judges them harshly.

Dean finds himself caught between these philosophies, trying to honor both perspectives while forging his own identity.

Tragedy shifts that balance when Ruby suddenly dies, leaving a void that reverberates through the entire family. Blane, consumed by grief, turns increasingly to alcohol, and his guidance becomes harsher, more volatile.

The love that once anchored his "toughness" feels distant, and Dean begins to internalize that pain. His anger spills onto the ice, culminating in a pivotal moment during a minor league game when he retaliates against a racist taunt with a violent strike, earning himself a full-season suspension. It's a heartbreaking but believable turning point, showing how unresolved pain and systemic pressure can derail even the brightest talent.

Even with this setback, Dean's potential remains undeniable. Coach Murray Chadwick (Shawn Doyle, "Star Trek: Discovery") is wary but still invested, recognizing both the risk and promise in the young player. Team Captain Denis Sutton (Henri Richer-Picard, "The Dishwasher"), also becomes an important ally, seeing leadership qualities in Dean that extend beyond raw skill.

Off the ice, Dean's relationship with Jessie Alexandra McDonald ("Sharp Corner"), the coach's daughter, adds another dimension. Their connection is awkward yet sincere because they both understand the pressures that come with living and breathing hockey. Together, these relationships help Dean begin to process his grief and rebuild his sense of purpose.

"Youngblood" is a powerful coming-of-age story about perseverance, identity, and the cost of chasing a dream in an imperfect world. Dean's journey through loss, anger, and self-discovery leads him to a place of growth, where he learns to channel both his parents' teachings into something uniquely his own.

The result is not just a comeback, but a breakthrough and one that sets the stage for his hockey career to truly take off.

With strong performances, thoughtful writing, and a message that resonates far beyond the rink, "Youngblood" stands as a compelling sports drama that earns its emotional victories every step of the way.
(Highly Recommended).

Watch This Trailer For "YOUNGBLOOD"

Editor's Note: "Youngblood" is currently available on Blu-ray/DVD.