Andrew Scott and Liam Neeson Bring Niche Films to Western Slope

Aspen —What does it mean for the Western Slope when a local film enthusiast is championing movies that might seem too niche or too specific for our small-town screens?

It means we’re paying attention to the craft, not just the spectacle. This week, the conversation isn’t about blockbuster explosions; it’s about character depth and narrative precision. And according to local coverage, the math holds up for audiences willing to look closer.

Andrew Scott is the anchor of Pressure, a World War II drama currently streaming on Peacock. The question most viewers ask is whether they can stay engaged with a story that relies heavily on dialogue and weather reports. To hear the critics tell it, Scott makes it easy.

“Andrew Scott would probably be fascinating reading the phone book,” the Vail Daily reported. “I do know he’s incredibly watchable predicting the weather, which many would say is almost as boring.”

The film focuses on the days leading up to D-Day. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, played by Brendan Fraser, needs perfect weather for the invasion. He has two meteorologists to consult: Irving Krick (Chris Messina) and James Stagg (Andrew Scott). One says the weather will be great; the other disagrees.

The script provides minimal backstory for Stagg and isn’t particularly interested in making him likable in the traditional sense. Yet, Scott’s performance remains deeply nuanced. He brings real drama to what should be simple historical fact. Fraser communicates Eisenhower’s intensity well, sprinkling in moments of vulnerability that keep the stakes high. Messina serves as an excellent foil — fun and jovial, yet matching Scott’s stubborn certainty.

Kerry Condon adds another layer as Eisenhower’s personal secretary, Kay Summersby, bringing a fresh energy to the ensemble. Still, it is Scott’s performance that lingers longest in your memory. The film earned a three-star rating, suggesting it is a solid choice for those who appreciate acting over action.

Then there is Cold Storage, available on Kanopy. This horror-comedy presents a different challenge: balancing genre expectations with character likability. The film bets that if the audience cares about the protagonists, they will forgive the zombies.

“‘Cold Storage’ bets the answer is likability,” the report noted. “Stars Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell make a surprisingly good argument for that.”

Their interplay is low-key and charming, even when fighting off mind-controlling space fungus. The premise involves a public storage facility in modern times, where global warming threatens to release the frozen threat. It’s not just about gore; it’s about government incompetence and the fear of what happens when things go wrong.

Liam Neeson appears in a role that showcases both his comic timing and his action chops. The special effects are CGI, looking as though they came straight out of a B-movie, which might disappoint purists seeking high-end realism. But for those who vote comedy over horror, the film delivers.

For neighbors here on the Western Slope, these films offer a reprieve from the noise of larger markets. They require attention, but they reward it. You don’t need to be a film scholar to appreciate Scott’s weather predictions or Neeson’s zombie-slaying. You just need to be willing to watch.

The local film scene continues to prove that quality content doesn't require a stadium-sized audience. As long as the acting is strong and the stories are clear, folks around here will keep showing up.