AD ASTRA

Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. His journey will uncover secrets that challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos. 

Blinded by the Light

It’s 1987 in Luton, England. A British teen with a Pakistani heritage named Javed feels like he can’t be his true self. He wants to be a poet, but his conservative father thinks that writing won’t get him far. The two argue regularly about Javed’s future. He must also deal with racism both at school and in public. Javed believes that he’ll never be able to achieve his dreams. One day, another student insists that he needs to listen to the music of Bruce Springsteen because the lyrics about the working class reflect the struggles of Pakistanis living in Britain. Javed discovers that they do more than mirror his life. They also inspire him to pursue his dreams. 

Downton Abbey

The beloved characters of Downton Abbey take to the big screen, and it turns out that they’ve got a major event to prepare for. After all, it’s not every day that royalty makes an appearance. Of course, it’s not long before tensions are running high. The property isn’t even close to ready when it becomes clear that Carson the butler will need to come out of retirement to help run this sinking ship before it’s too late.

Judy

Judy is a British biopic recounting the life of legendary Hollywood star, Judy Garland. The actress is a beloved icon in the United States where she starred in such musical classics as “The Wizard of Oz” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The action takes place during a 1969 European concert tour in which the star sold out shows in London for five consecutive weeks. 

The Reliant

When an economic crisis rears its ugly head, social uproar ensues. As panic sets in, riots fill the streets, leaving the world in a state of utter turmoil. In the throes of all this mayhem, one 19-year-old girl must care for her siblings on her own. Only a kid herself, the task proves rather challenging. As the rigors of economic downfall continue to reveal themselves, everyone is wondering why a higher power would ever kick-start such destruction.

Overcomer

High school basketball coach John Harrison receives unfortunate news that will change his life. The largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down, forcing many families to leave in search of other job opportunities. John and his family are faced with an uncertain future, and his dreams of winning the state basketball championship are in jeopardy. He agrees to coach the cross-country team where he meets a runner who is on her journey of discovery. John and his wife are inspired by their new friend while John attempts to help the runner win the biggest race of the year.

The Hustle

Two hard scrabble con artists challenge each other to a contest to scam a wealthy mark into matrimony, with the loser promising to leave town. Smooth moves fail, sure fire cons go haywire, and nothing turns out the way anyone expects. Based on the 1988 movie “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, the competing female protagonists in “The Hustle” put a feminist spin on the game, and discover in the process that love and money are more elusive than they ever could have imagined.

Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.