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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

#Anne Frank Parallel Stories (Netflix)
Synopsis: This documentary, led by Helen Mirren, features history and diary passages from Frank along with interviews and stories of real survivors who were close to Frank's age. It's meant to help broaden the experience of those who suffered during World War II. The stories aren't easy to hear, but seeing the survivors offers its own kind of hope. That being said, there are so many of these stories, that this doesn't feel as much like the new wrinkle that it's supposed to be. It's an interesting concept and executed well, but it's just OK as a film.
Rating: TV-MA
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Greyhound (Apple TV+)
Starring: Tom Hanks and Stephen Graham
Synopsis: This World War II drama, based on the novel "The Good Shepherd" from C.S. Forester, features a script written by star Tom Hanks. It's set on a destroyer guarding a convoy of supplies crossing the Atlantic during the early phase of the war. They have a stretch of ocean where air cover isn't possible, meaning the destroyers like Greyhound are the only line of defense against German U-Boats. This is a well made film that has a cinematic quality. It would have been a good film to see on the big screen due to its scope, but it's a big get for Apple TV+. Hanks is quite good in this movie, and I enjoyed the production as well. It tells an interesting story that's part of the fabric of WWII in a way I hadn't seen before. I thought the direction from Aaron Schneider was solid and this was one of my favorite films of the year so far. It's well worth checking out.
Rating: PG-13 for war-related action/violence and brief strong language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Old Guard (Netflix)
Starring: Charlize Theron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kiki Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Harry Melling
Synopsis: This one is based on the graphic novel from Greg Rucka, who wrote the screenplay here. It centers on a group of warriors who can't die. They take jobs no one else can, and they've had a powerful impact on the world. The leader is Andy (Theron), who's a no non-sense kind of leader. The group has been discovered by some nefarious elements, led by a scientist (Melling) that wants to exploit their gift. Meanwhile a new member of their fraternity (Layne) has also emerged and needs to be taught the ropes. Can the group stay safe, and stay off the radar long enough to continue its mission? That's part of the journey of this film, from director Gina Prince-Bythewood. Prince-Bythewood does a nice job with the action and look of this film, and Theron once again proves she's one of the most skilled action stars around. She's done a lot of interesting, physical roles in recent years, and she brings great presence and depth to these parts. This film clearly is setting up a potential franchise, and I'm here for it. This was a lot of fun.
Rating: R for sequences of graphic violence, and language.
Verdict: Three Stars out of four.

Only (Netflix)
Starring: Leslie Odom, Jr., and Frieda Pinto
Synopsis: This film was released early this year in theaters and now comes to Netflix. It centers on a couple (Odom and Pinto) who are trying to survive together in a world ravaged by a pandemic that leads to the death of almost all women. With that, naturally, would come the death of humanity, making women who survive and can bear children a rare and precious gift often seized by the government. It's tough watching a film about a deadly pandemic during this season, so that makes for some unfortunate timing. Aside from that, this film wasn't exactly memorable. It's told in dueling timelines so that by the time you get to the ending it's a pretty big gut punch. I like the performers here, but the movie was just OK.
Rating: TV-MA
Verdict: Two Stars out of four.

Palm Springs (Hulu)
Starring: Andy Samberg, Christin Milioti, J.K. Simmons, Peter Gallagher, Meredith Hagner, and Tyler Hoechlin
Synopsis: There have been a lot of films that have borrowed the time loop concept since "Groundhog Day" set the standard in 1993. Sometimes the twists have helped them to stand out. For instance, I quite enjoyed "Happy Death Day," which brought a "Scream"-like element to it. From that standpoint, "Palm Springs" borrows a familiar concept and puts enough of its own twist on it to be a solid and enjoyable comedy. The script from Andy Siara is OK, dropping folks right into the middle of this concept, though you don't realize it at the time. The direction from Max Barbakow works OK as well, but mostly this is about an insanely talented cast being set free to do what they do best. Samberg plays a character similar to what you've seen before, but he works well in this story. And he's blessed with two excellent co-stars who steal the show. Simmons, who won an Academy Award for "Whiplash," shows there isn't a project that can't benefit from his excellence. His character starts out as wild but just when you least expect it becomes one of the softest hearts of the film. Meanwhile Milioti is incredible. I have loved her in a number of projects, but she's a delight here and a big part of what helps make this work. I enjoyed this film quite a bit, but it has a somewhat slow start. Still, it's worth checking out and making it to the end.
Rating: R for sexual content, language throughout, drug use and some violence.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.