"We're not critics. We're professional fan-girls." --- This blog is dedicated to movies and the entertainment industry. We use random selection to bring into light the best and worst of streaming films and entertainment news.
Streaming Service: Netflix Movie Name/Year: The 2nd (2020) Genre: Action, Drama Length: 1h 33min Rating: Unrated Production/Distribution: Daniel Grodnik
Productions, Front Row Filmed Entertainment, Fury Film Franchise, GEM
Entertainment, Leonine Distribution, Lucid Film, Momentum Pictures, Première TV
Distribution, Source 1 Media, The Movie Partnership, Turbo Panda Productions, Voltage
Pictures, Wonderfilm Media, WOWOW Cinema Director: Brian Skiba Writer: Eric Bromberg, James Bromberg, Paul Taegel Actors: Ryan Phillippe, Casper Van Dien, Jack Griffo, Lexi Simonsen Blurb from IMDb: An Army Delta Force officer
is late picking up his son at college. His son and a Supreme Court Justice's
daughter are the last there. A gang of terrorists are there to abduct her and
force her dad's hand on a Second Amendment vote.
Selina’s Point of View: The
2nd definitely had an
agenda. There was nothing subtle about it. In fact, it bordered on propaganda at
times. This isn’t the
first time we’ve mistakenly scheduled a flick that wound up having a propaganda
feel to it. Usually, we just opt to skip the day and not platform it at all. By
the end of The 2nd, though, I decided it was just preachy and
distasteful instead of full-on propaganda. So, here we go. One of my big actor-related
hot takes, is that I really like Casper Van Dien (Mad Heidi, Daughter, A
Tale of Two Guns). I think he is capable of much better roles than he gets.
I fell for him in Starship Troopers (1997) and my opinion has never changed.
The problem is, where I like him, I very rarely like the movies he’s in. The
2nd was not an exception. I just don’t understand why he can’t seem to land
parts in flicks that are actually good.
Aside from Van Dien,
The 2nd had absolutely nothing going for it. The acting was obnoxious,
you could hear the microphone rubbing against something sometimes, and I cannot
believe anyone approved the script. Nothing about the dialogue was natural. I think they
might have had a ten-year-old watch Die Hard (1988) a few times and then
had him write something as close to it as he could remember. Then they took out
all the good parts and released it. I would not sit
through The 2nd again for any reason. It was absolutely awful.
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 0% Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 11% Metascore – None Metacritic User Score – 4.0 IMDB Score –3.8/10 Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 1/5 Trust-the-Dice’s
Parental Advisory Rating:
R Movie Trailer:
Streaming Service: Netflix Movie Name/Year: Lou (2022) Genre: Action, Crime, Drama Length: 1h 47min Rating: R Production/Distribution: Bad Robot, Netflix Director: Anna Foerster Writer: Maggie Cohn, Jack Stanley Actors: Allison Janney, Jurnee Smollett, Logan Marshall-Green, Ridley
Asha Bateman, Matt Craven, Greyston Holt, Daniel Bernhardt, Ozzie & Jersey Blurb from IMDb: A storm rages. A young girl
is kidnapped. Her mother teams up with the mysterious woman next door to pursue
the kidnapper, a journey that tests their limits and exposes shocking secrets
from their pasts.
Selina’s Point of View: I tend to enjoy thrillers
like this one that have quick action, but a slow-burn story. It gives me
something to feast my eyes on while waiting for every twist and turn. Now, when I say ‘quick
action’ I’m not trying to say it’s got any kind of John Wick-ness about it. If
anything, the fight choreography in flicks like that lean toward fantasy. In
the case of Lou, the combat felt extremely realistic. Where the titular
character was always shown as great at what she does, she never seems
invulnerable. Not only do they play up her arthritis, but she gets hurt. There’s a real
sense of danger in all the action. Not just the fights. The characters
battle against the environment as well, and at no point does there seem to be a
‘convenient’ answer to a problem. Every victory is hard won.
It’s a very
gritty, bloody story, that is exceptionally written and well-acted. Allison Janney (The
Help, Lazy Susan, Bad Education) and Jurnee Smollett (Spiderhead, Birds
of Prey, Sofia the First) have a tense, forced-cooperation, chemistry. Logan
Marshall-Green (The Invitation, Upgrade, Spider-Man Homecoming) has a
creepy-calm demeanor that really sells that final twist. Even 10-year-old
Ridley Asha Bateman (Shattered, Shelter in Place) brought something to
the screen that I think any other child actor would have been hard-pressed to
accomplish. I thought Lou
was going to be an alright film. I underestimated it. There was a lot to enjoy
about this flick. I highly recommend it.
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 70% Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 62% Metascore – 51% Metacritic User Score – 3.9 IMDB Score –X/10 Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 5/5 P.S. If you go through reviews on Lou,
be careful where you get them from. It got review-bombed upon release. Movie Trailer:
Production/Distribution: Universal Pictures, Annapurna
Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, United International Pictures, Universal
Pictures Argentina, Universal Pictures Germany, Universal Pictures
International Director: Maria Schrader Writers: Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Jodi
Kantor, Megan Twohey, Rebecca Corbett Actors: Adam Shapiro, Anastasia Barzee,
Andre Braugher, Anita Sabherwal, Carey Mulligan, Dalya Knapp, Elle Graham,
George Walsh, Hilary Greer, Jennifer Ehle, Maren Lord, Patricia Clarkson,
Samantha Morton, Seán Cullen, Tom Pelphrey, Zoe Kazan Genre: Drama Rated: R Length: 2h 8min IMDb Blurb: New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor break one of the
most important stories in a generation — a story that helped launch the #MeToo
movement and shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault
in Hollywood. We’ve
finally hit the home stretch to “The Holiday Season” now that Halloween is
behind us. It’s usually a time for Thanksgiving – both the holiday and the sentiment
– and warm fuzzy feelings to be shared with friends and family.
With the
amount of crazy going on in the world, I’ve been shying away from heavy
subjects lately when it comes to movies and shows I watch. There’s enough drama
on the news and my anxiety levels just don’t need extra ammunition. If I’m
watching movies or a TV show, I am looking for escapism and to be entertained.
For that reason, I really don’t have many of the more heavy titles releasing in
November on this list – save two.
She Said is one of these. I placed it at
this end of the list not because I don’t have much faith in the movie, I’m
simply making sure that this one is addressed first. The story in She Said is important and bears
repeating. The
#MeToo movement has been crucial to manifest change in our society – we just
need to remember that it applies to everyone. Abuse is not reserved for a
singular gender or ethnicity – it could happen to anyone. Hopefully, the
message of productions like She Said
might help current victims find their voice to speak out and find justice, or
at least begin the road to healing.
She Said will release exclusively to
theaters. On-Demand and streaming information are not known at this time. 19 - Devotion (11/23)
Production/Distribution: Black Label Media, STX
Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Stage 6 Films, STX Entertainment,
Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Searchers Director: J.D. Dillard Writers: Jake Crane, Adam Makos,
Jonathan Stewart Actors: Aleks Alifirenko Jr., Boone
Platt, Christina Jackson, Daren Kagasoff, Emily Brinks, Glen Powell, Joe Jonas,
Jonathan Majors, Joseph Cross, Logan Macrae, Matt Riedy, Nick Hargrove, Serinda
Swan, Spencer Neville, Thomas Sadoski Genre: Action, Drama, War Rated: PG-13 Length: 2h 18min IMDb Blurb: A pair of U.S. Navy fighter pilots risk their lives during the Korean
War and become some of the Navy's most celebrated wingmen. Devotion is the second of the heavier
dramas to make it to this month’s list. Though, admittedly, I do seem to have a
thing for aerial combat movies; so this fits right in anyway. Lt.
Jesse L. Brown was the first African-American pilot for the US Navy. He was a
trailblazer that kicked down the gate of racial bias in naval air.
This is
the sort of story I don’t remember learning in my history classes but
absolutely deserves to be told.
Devotion’s production team was on point
when they made their casting decisions. Jonathan Majors (Captive State, Lovecraft Country, The Harder They Fall) was an
excellent choice to portray Lt. Brown,. Glen
Powell (The Expendables 3, Hidden
Figures, Top Gun: Maverick) is also a great actor who has even had recent
extensive training in the cockpit while filming the Top Gun (1986) sequel. The
trailer for Devotion was gripping and
I can’t wait to see the action unfold.
Devotion is set to for a wide theater
release. It is not clear at this time when it will be available for On Demand
rental or streaming services. 18 - Blood Relatives (11/22)
Production/Distribution: Paper Street Pictures, Nocturnal
Kid, Shudder Director: Noah Segan Writer: Noah Segan Actors: Akasha Villalobos, Ammie
Leonards, Brian Villalobos, C.L. Simpson, Doug Benson, Jon Proudstar, Josh
Ruben, Noah Segan, Tracie Thoms, Victoria Moroles Genre: Horror, Comedy Rated: Unrated Length: 1h 28min IMDb Blurb: A vampire's loner lifestyle is
thrown into disarray when a teenager shows up claiming to be his daughter, and
she's got the fangs to prove it. On a road trip across America's blacktops,
they decide how to sink their teeth into family life. I found
the trailer for Blood Relatives
pretty hilarious.
This
full-length feature directorial debut by Noah Segan (War Pigs, Knives Out, The Pale Door) looks like it’s really sinking
its teeth into the horror-comedy sub-genre, and I love it. Not only is Segan at
the helm of this production, but he also wrote and is starring in it.
The
concept of a getting-to-know-you road trip with a parent you’ve just met is
already something a little dicey. When you factor in the teenage angst and the
whole vampire situation, that’s a volatile situation ripe with the possibility
of hilarity and shenanigans.
If done
right, I adore it when everyday problems are presented with a bit of a
supernatural twist.
Blood Relatives is releasing as a Shudder Original
movie, so I’m also excited I’ll be able to watch this one right away. 17 - Deborah (11/1)
When you
pair that concept with an AI virtual assistant, the resulting story has the
potential to be absolutely terrifying – or comedy gold. Here’s to hoping
there’s a little bit of both. When you stick a group of coupled-up friends in a
remote cabin and toss a revealed (and exploitable) secret into the mix, it is
automatically a recipe for shenanigans and drama.
Deborah is writer and director Noga
Pnueli (The Last Days of TJ Staggs, Meet
Cute, Deb) feature-length film directorial debut. I’m excited to get a
chance to take a peek at her storytelling style. You also can’t go wrong with
the cast lineup here. I’ve been a die-hard fan of Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill, Chicago P.D., Incredibles 2)
since her Tree Hill days. Deborah Ann Woll (True
Blood, Daredevil, Ida Red) is definitely a talented ginger to remember.
Among the guys cast in Deborah, Scott
Michael Foster (Greek, Crazy
Ex-Girlfriend, 5 Years Apart) is a stand-out for me. It
appears that Deborah is releasing
straight-to-digital and On-Demand services. Information for any potential
theater release or possible streaming services was not available at the time of
this article.
16 - Tom and Jerry: Snowman’s
Land (11/15)
Production/Distribution: Warner Bros. Animation Director: Darrell Van Citters Writers: Will Finn, Jase Ricci Actors: Carlos Alazraqui, Kimberly
Brooks, Joey D'Auria, Regi Davis, Laraine Newman, Kevin Michael Richardson,
Kath Soucie, Stephen Stanton, Rick Zieff Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Animation Rated: Unrated Length: 1h 16min Rotten Tomatoes Blurb: Jerry and his nephew, Tuffy, make a snow mouse that miraculously comes
to life. To keep their new friend from melting, they must bring him to the
fabled Snowman's Village, but Tom and the devious Dr. Doubleday have their own
plans. The last
Tom and Jerry (2021) movie, which
mixed live-action and animation, had mixed reviews. Critics panned the
production, but audiences generally seemed to enjoy it. (We all know it’s the
audience that matters, though, right?) For those that didn’t appreciate the new
flashy style, this new Tom and Jerry:
Snowman’s Land is a return to form for the iconic animated duo.
I felt
that the trailer showed a really cute story and had all of the elements of
cartoon catastrophes and literal cat-and-mouse games that we’ve come to expect
from Tom and Jerry over the years.
Director
Darrell Van Citters (Tom and Jerry:
Santa's Little Helpers, The Tom and Jerry Show, Tom and Jerry in New York)
has overseen nearly 150 episodes of this furry odd couple, so I think it’s safe
to say this new iteration is in safe hands. Tom and Jerry: Snowman’s Land is set to release directly to
digital and DVD. It is unclear when it will become available on a streaming
service. Considering Warner Brothers is tied to HBO Max, however, it would be a
good bet to check there occasionally. 15 - My Father’s Dragon (11/11)
Production/Distribution: Aniventure, Cartoon Saloon, HB
Wink Animation, Higher Ground Productions, Laughing Wild, Mockingbird Pictures,
Netflix Animation, Parallel Films, Superprod Animation, Netflix Director: Nora Twomey Writers: Ruth Stiles Gannett, Meg LeFauveN Actors: Judy Greer, Leighton Meester,
Jackie Earle Haley, Jacob Tremblay, Dianne Wiest, Gaten Matarazzo, Ian McShane,
Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Brody, Alan Cumming, Chris O'Dowd, Rita Moreno,
Golshifteh Farahani, Charlyne Yi, Mary Kay Place, Spence Moore II, Yara
Shahidi, Eric Tiede, Maggie Lincoln, Jack S.A. Smith Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Animation Rated: PG Length: 1h 39min IMDb Blurb: Elmer Elevator searches for a captive Dragon on Wild Island and finds
much more than he could ever have anticipated. At first
blush, My Father’s Dragon seems to be
another kid’s movie with simplistic animation. Sure, it looks cute. Then it
flashes through that this movie is brought to us by the same studio responsible
for WolfWalkers (2020) and The Secret of Kells (2009). Now it’s
really snagged my attention. That same studio is also responsible for Song of the Sea (2014) and some of the
background art in Belle (2021).
The
awesome doesn’t stop there, though.
This
cast is unreal, really. The dragon is voiced by none other than Gaten Matarazzo
(The Angry Birds Movie 2, Honor Society,
Stranger Things) and Elmer by Jacob Tremblay (The Book of Henry, Good Boys, Luca). Ian McShane (John Wick, Hellboy, American Gods) has
loaned his voice to the gorilla character, and Iris is voiced by one of the best
movie mom’s ever, Dianne Wiest (The Big
Year, I Care a Lot, Mayor of Kingstown). We’re talking about the mom from some of
the best movies of my childhood, such as the original Footloose (1984), The Lost
Boys (1987), and Edward Scissorhands
(1990). That’s really just scratching the surface. There are so many other
excellent actors attached to this production, I could ramble on and on.
Moving
past all those puzzle pieces that put this film together, let’s talk about one
of the most important of all - the story.
The tale
looks touching; full of adventure as well as lessons in friendship and courage.
If
you’re looking for a wholesome movie for the kids this Thanksgiving season,
this might just be among your go-to choices. Gather the family with some hot
cocoa or popcorn and catch My Father’s
Dragon on Netflix from the comfort of home.
14 - The Menu (11/18)
Production/Distribution: Alienworx Productions,
Hyperobject Industries, Forum Hungary, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Argentina, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Germany, Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures International, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures Italia Director: Mark Mylod Writers: Seth Reiss, Will Tracy Actors: Aimee Carrero, Anya Taylor-Joy,
Arturo Castro, Christina Brucato, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, John Leguizamo,
Judith Light, Nicholas Hoult, Paul Adelstein, Ralph Fiennes, Rob Yang Genre: Horror, Comedy, Thriller Rated: R Length: 1h 46min IMDb Blurb: A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive
restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking
surprises. I’ll
confess, I’m slightly a foodie. I love cooking, even though I rarely have much
energy for it these days. I also love watching cooking-related shows on Food
Network and the like. I think the idea of molecular gastronomy is cool –
though, I couldn’t see myself eating at one of the high-end restaurants that
feature that as a theme. It’s just not enough food for the price tag. Though,
in the case of places such as those featured in The
Menu, it’s all about the prestige of going to such an establishment rather
than what you actually eat there. In that regard, it’s not something that would
be my thing anyway.
The Menu, however, is a movie that plays
with the premise of one such restaurant. I got the impression from the trailer
it’s poking fun at the concept a little. I’m down for that. I’m also curious as
to what the overall culinary experience is going to be for these upper-crust
patrons. The head chef of The Menu
seems to take the food as an art form to an entirely new level with an
immersive experience… that quite likely will prove deadly to many of the
guests. Talk
about a meal to die for. (I couldn’t resist.)
Aside
from the intriguing concept, it’s the cast that really sells The Menu for me. At the center of
everything, we find Ralph Fiennes (The
Dig, No Time to Die, The King's Man) as the head chef. Among the patrons
are John Leguizamo (The Night Clerk,
Critical Thinking, Encanto) and Judith Light (Digging for Fire, Transparent, tick tick...BOOM!). The trailer
seems to focus on a particular couple attending the restaurant on a date. Those
two actors are none other than Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit, Last Night in Soho, The Northman) and Nicholas
Hoult (Rebel in the Rye, Tolkien, Those
Who Wish Me Dead). I’d watch just about anything with any of the cast I
mentioned involved.
The Menu has intrigued me and looks like
it will be a fun watch for fans of horror comedy. It will be released
exclusively to theaters. It is unclear at this time when it will become
available On Demand or via a streaming service. 13 - On the Line (11/17)
Production/Distribution: BondIt Media Capital, CaliWood
Pictures, R-Lines Productions, Three Point Capital, Global Film, Icon Film
Distribution, Fortitude International, Gravel Road Distribution Group, Saban
Films, Second Gen Pictures, Signature Entertainment Director: Romuald Boulanger Writers: Romuald Boulanger Actors: Mel Gibson, William Moseley, Kevin
Dillon, John Robinson, Nadia Farès, Enrique Arce, Carole Weyers, Alia
Seror-O'Neill, Yoli Fuller, Paul Spera, Avant Strangel, Yann Bean Genre: Mystery, Thriller Rated: R Length: 1h 44min IMDb Blurb: A host takes a call, where an unknown person threatens to kill the
showman's entire family on air. To save loved ones, the radio host will have to
play a survival game and the only way to win is to find out the identity of the
criminal. Mel
Gibson (Fatman, Father Stu, Bandit)
is making a comeback and I’m absolutely here for it.
On the Line promises to be quite the
suspenseful thriller as Gibson’s character faces his worst fear – his family in
danger because of him. The crazy caller seems to allude to some big secret that
Gibson’s Elvis needs to confess to. I’m very curious as to what that might be,
though it might be small potatoes in the grand scheme of things. There’s
likely more than meets the eye going on with this story, as the caller is
evidently not working alone – given the fact that he’s calling from Elvis’
house and the trailer showed evidence of mischief at the radio station
building.
This is
the 2nd movie Gibson has worked with Kevin Dillon (Dirt, Buddy Games, Hot Seat) on this
year. I’m intrigued as to how Dillon fits into the framework of the narrative since the snippet given in the trailer seemed to paint him as not a fan.
I’m also
excited to see William Moseley (Friend
Request, Raven's Hollow, Medieval) involved with this production as well,
apparently playing the studio sound engineer working the board for the radio
show – and thus sucked into the events unfolding.
I’m
really curious as to how it all plays out.
On the Line is scheduled for a limited
theater release. Further details regarding digital and On Demand release, as
well as future streaming plans, are unclear at this time. 12 – Slash/Back (11/13)
Landscapes
dotted with rugged mountains and so much snow are the stuff of dreams and
fantasy for me, as well; considering that I live in Northwest Louisiana. I’m
almost as South as you can get in the continental US. Snow is something that
just doesn’t happen here – until it does. Those instances are few and far
between – and are practically apocalyptic events for those who can’t drive in
the stuff or who have structures not designed with snow accumulation in mind.
My carport was one such structure during the last “snowmageddon” about a year
or so ago. I digress…
What I
was taking the long road to get to is that settings such as in Slash/Back are already fantastical to
me, so it makes it easier to suspend disbelief regarding any other element of
the story. Aliens? Check. A group of kids are up to the task of hunting the
body-snatching monsters down? Check.
Count me
in. It sounds like a hell of a good time.
Further,
this is the feature film debut for writer and director Nyla Innuksuk (Stories from Our Land Vol. 2: Finding Home,
Breaths, Future History). The girls starring in Slash/Back as the alien hunters were cast from the local area where
the movie was filmed, as well. It’s not surprising, however, considering that
Innuksuk’s prior work has largely been in documentary work featuring her home
region.
Slash/Back is set to release on Shudder,
and you can bet I’ll be watching it right away – in fact, you can bet we’ll be
offering a review here later. 11 - The Magic Flute (11/17)
This
young man is ‘the new kid’ and apparently has a hard time fitting in with his
peers. I relate to that deeply in my bones. I’ve been that ‘new kid at school’
several times in my life, and it was generally uncomfortable.
Of
course, we can’t forget the magic clock that transports the boy into the world
of the story in Mozart's opera of "The
Magic Flute." Ordinary household objects transporting people to
fantastical places have long been a literary device that has brought me joy,
ever since I first read about the wardrobe to Narnia.
The Magic Flute looks like it will be a fun
adventure full of music and madcap, and I can’t wait to watch it. This film is
getting a theater release in Germany, though should also be available digitally
via the Pluto TV channel or on Roku devices.
10 - Blue’s Big City Adventure (11/18)
Production/Distribution: Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon
Movies, 9 Story Media Group, Nickelodeon Network, Paramount+ Director: Matt Stawski Writers: Liz Maccie, Angela Santomero Actors: BD Wong, Alex Winter, Steve
Burns, Ali Stroker, Steven Pasquale, Joshua Dela Cruz, Donovan Patton, Taboo,
Jacob Soley, Ava Augustin, Amanda Dela Cruz, Brianna Bryan, Traci Paige Johnson Genre: Comedy, Musical, Family Rated: TV-Y Length: 1h 22min IMDb Blurb: Josh and Blue head to New York City to audition for a big Broadway
musical. The
original Blue's Clues (1996-2020) hit
the small screen the same year I graduated from high school. I wasn’t exactly
in the demographic to watch on a regular basis. Though, through relatives and
friends with little ones, I was vaguely aware of its existence. Fast forward
several years and Blues Clue’s was still running when my daughter was born in
2003. She enjoyed it, for the most part, when she was a toddler.
It was
such a wholesome and fun show, while at the same time reinforcing critical
thinking and problem-solving for young kids. There were even episodes about
working through feelings and things of that nature.
Sufficed
to say, even though Blue’s Clues
wasn’t a part of my childhood, I get it why the show is so special to so many.
I couldn’t help but feel touched when the former host, Steve, played by Steve
Burns (Netherbeast Incorporated,
Christmas on Mars, Blue's Clues & You) left a heartfelt message
to fans on Twitter regarding his departure from the show.
Well,
fans of all ages get ready for a treat! (Okay, to be fair this movie is geared
toward the regular age demographic of the shows.) It seems all of the prior
hosts (minus, from what I can tell, the UK guy) have reunited for a special Blue’s Clues movie! That’s right, Steve
is back along with his “brother” Joe, played by Donovan Patton (Team Umizoomi, Super PupZ, Gabby's Dollhouse),
and the new host, Josh, played by Joshua Dela Cruz (Point Man, Adam Bloom, The Tiny Chef Show). The one and only voice
of Blue, Traci Paige Johnson (Blue's
Biggest Stories, Super PupZ, Blue's Clues & You) herself, is helming
her iconic blue pupper for the movie, as well.
This
film looks like a lot of fun, and a great watch for little kids. We don’t
generally find ourselves listing very many productions geared to this
particular age range, so I was also really jazzed to have this chance to do so.
Blue’s Big City Adventure will be releasing directly to
Paramount+. 9 - Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (11/4)
Production/Distribution: Funny or Die, Tango Entertainment,
The Roku Channel Director: Eric Appel Writers: Eric Appel, 'Weird Al' Yankovic Actors: Andrew Steven Hernandez, Daniel
Radcliffe, David Bloom, Dot Jones, Evan Rachel Wood, James Preston Rogers,
Jimmy Walker Jr., Julianne Nicholson, Paloma Rabinov, Quinta Brunson, Rainn
Wilson, Spencer Treat Clark, Thomas Lennon, Toby Huss, Will Forte Genre: Biography, Comedy, Music Rated: Unrated Length: 1h 48min IMDb Blurb: Explores every facet of Yankovic's life, from his meteoric rise to fame
with early hits like 'Eat It' and 'Like a Surgeon' to his torrid celebrity love
affairs and famously depraved lifestyle. Where to
I even begin with this one? 'Weird Al' Yankovic (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Milo Murphy's Law, Lego Star Wars
Summer Vacation) is practically a pop culture staple. It’s been said that
you really know you’ve made it in the music industry if Weird Al turns one of
your songs into one of his signature parodies. I’ve grown up with Yankovic’s
quirky sense of humor blasting over the airwaves, and his work has brought
me and countless others many laughs and fun memories. I still adore and
occasionally listen to the first song I remember hearing from Yankovic - "Dare
to be Stupid" from The Transformers:
The Movie (1986).
If
anyone has any questions as to whether or not Weird Al, himself, has approved of
this movie, fear not. Yankovic was heavily involved with this production from
writing to even casting. Daniel Radcliffe (Guns
Akimbo, Miracle Workers, The Lost City), who is playing Yankovic in the
film, explained in an interview that Weird Al had called him directly to pitch
the role after seeing an appearance of Radcliffe on the UK’s Graham Norton Show (2007-). After
watching the trailer, I get it why he was chosen for the part. Though,
Radcliffe’s vocals won’t be who you’re hearing when his Weird Al sings on
screen. Yankovic is even singing his own music to be dubbed onto Radcliffe’s
performance.
Radcliffe
isn’t the only big name joining the Weird:
The Al Yankovic Story cast. Jack Black (The
Polka King, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight)
is playing DJ and Radio Hall of Fame member Wolfman Jack (1938–1995). Rainn
Wilson (The Office, Shimmer Lake, The Meg)
is taking on the role of the quirky Dr. Demento, and Evan Rachel Wood (Into the Forest, Kajillionaire, Westwood) is playing a young Madonna
(Swept Away, Die Another Day, Arthur and
the Invisibles). That’s really just scratching the surface.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story just looks like a lot of fun. It
will be releasing directly to the Roku channel. It is unclear at this time what
other platforms will have this film available. 8 - Disenchanted (11/18)
Production/Distribution: Walt Disney Pictures, Josephson
Entertainment, Right Coast Productions, Andalasia Productions, Metropolitan
Films International, Disney+, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Director: Adam Shankman Writers: Brigitte Hales, J. David Stem,
David N. Weiss, Richard LaGravenese, Bill Kelly Actors: Amy Adams, Ann Harada,
Gabriella Baldacchino, Griffin Newman, Idina Menzel, James Marsden, James
Monroe Iglehart, Jayma Mays, Karen Sampford, Kolton Stewart, Maya Rudolph,
Oscar Nuñez, Patrick Dempsey, Rachel Covey, Yvette Nicole Brown Genre: Family, Fantasy, Adventure,
Comedy Rated: PG Length: 2 hours IMDb Blurb: Ten years after her happily
ever after, Giselle questions her happiness, inadvertently turning the lives of
those in the real world and Andalasia upside down in the process. It’s
about time, right? Disenchanted
is the direct sequel to Enchanted
(2007), and has been in various stages of development since 2010.
Worry
not. Amy Adams (Arrival, Nocturnal
Animals, The Woman in the Window), James Marsden (Into the Grizzly Maze, Dead to Me, Sonic the Hedgehog 2), Patrick
Dempsey (Made of Honor, Bridget Jones's
Baby, Grey's Anatomy), and Idina Menzel (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Uncut Gems, American Murderer) are
reprising their roles.
We are
going to see some new villains in the mix, and I’m interested in seeing how it
will all play out! A couple names I recognized out of the malevolent trio of
baddies featured in Disenchanted were
Maya Rudolph (Luca, Bless the Harts, Big
Mouth) and Yvette Nicole Brown (The
Loud House, DC League of Super Pets, Big Shot).
I really
like the premise that things aren’t always ‘happily ever after’ and life
happens, and can be tiring a lot of the time. It’s easy to see how someone from a fairy tale land could feel the grind of everyday life and lose a good bit of
their shine. I’m curious how things turn around again once Giselle gets a
reality check.
Disenchanted will be releasing directly to
Disney+. 7 - Slumberland (11/18)
Production/Distribution: Chernin Entertainment, Netflix Director: Francis Lawrence Writers: Michael Handelman, Winsor
McCay, David Guion Actors: Ava Cheung, Chris O'Dowd,
Humberly González, India de Beaufort, Jason Momoa, Kyle Chandler, Marlow
Barkley, Mercedes Blanche, Michael Blake, Tonya Cornelisse, Weruche Opia Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy,
Family Rated: PG Length: 1h 57min IMDb Blurb: A young girl discovers a secret map to the dreamworld of Slumberland,
and with the help of an eccentric outlaw, she traverses dreams and flees
nightmares, with the hope that she will be able to see her late father again. There
are many good reasons to watch Slumberland
this month. My main reason? I can unabashedly say it is Jason Momoa (Frontier, Dune, See). He brings good
energy to all of his roles, he’s a genuinely cool guy and is also an advocate
for taking care of our planet. I’m not cheering because of the eye candy he
usually provides for his projects. His character in Slumberland, Flip, actually has a bit of a dad-bod. It’s all good –
that’s not what this story is about, after all.
I’m also
jazzed about the director. I’ve generally really enjoyed the films of Francis
Lawrence (I Am Legend, Water for
Elephants, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire). He was, of course, the
director for Constantine (2005) and
most of The Hunger Games movies. He
will be, in fact, directing the next one with The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which is
currently filming; and he is slated to direct Constantine 2 at some point in the near future.
The
story of Slumberland is based
somewhat on the comic strip series Little
Nemo in Slumberland by Winsor McCay (1871–1934). He was one of America’s
first well-known animators, and while he didn’t invent the animated cartoon, he
was the first to bring the medium to wide audiences. There have been some
notable changes to some of the characters. Considering, however, that the comic
strip came out in the very early 1900s, it’s unlikely that most audiences today
would be familiar enough to mind. For others that do, well, please take it with
a grain of salt.
I think
this looks like a wonderful flight of fantasy into the world of dreams and
nightmares and I can’t wait to watch it with my family.
Slumberland is releasing as a Netflix
exclusive. 6 - Strange World (11/23)
Production/Distribution: Walt Disney Animation Studios,
Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures,
Forum Hungary, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Argentina, Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures Germany, Disney+ Directors: Don Hall, Qui Nguyen Writer: Qui Nguyen Actors: Alan Tudyk, Dennis Quaid,
Gabrielle Union, Jaboukie Young-White, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lucy Liu Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation Rated: PG Length: Unknown IMDb Blurb: The legendary Clades are a family of explorers whose differences
threaten to topple their latest and most crucial mission. I’m a
sucker for Disney animated movies. That’s really the primary reason Strange World would have always made it
onto my list. There is a matter of the story piquing my interest with its
sci-fi and fantasy elements, as well.
Okay, so
Strange World has a lot going on for
it – especially the cast. Dennis Quaid (Midway,
Blue Miracle, American Underdog) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Southpaw, Everest, Spider-Man: Far from Home) are once more playing
on-screen father and son, respectively. Gabrielle Union (The Lion Guard, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Inspection) and Lucy Liu
(Future World, Elementary, Why Women Kill)
are also kick-ass and amazing.
Then
there’s Alan Tudyk (M.O.D.O.K., Resident
Alien, Harley Quinn). He’s one of my absolute favorites of all time. IMDb
doesn’t list exactly what part he’s playing; however, my money is on the odd
little blue alien blob-creature from the trailer. (It’s either that or the
family dog – or both!) You never know what you’re going to get with him, and
it’s always spectacular and hilarious – even when he’s playing a crazy chicken.
Strange World will be released exclusively to
theaters, initially. It is unclear at this time when it will become available
on digital or On Demand. Look for it to take 40 days or more for it to reach
Disney+. Of course, they could surprise us with early drops for the Holiday
Season, however, that is unlikely. 5 - Enola Holmes 2 (11/4)
Production/Distribution: Legendary Entertainment,
Netflix, PCMA Productions, Warner Bros. Director: Harry Bradbeer Writers: Jack Thorne, Nancy Springer,
Harry Bradbeer Actors: Adeel Akhtar, David Thewlis,
David Westhead, Hannah Dodd, Helena Bonham Carter, Henry Cavill, Louis
Partridge, Millie Bobby Brown, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Susan Wokoma Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery,
Crime Rated: PG-13 Length: 2h 9min IMDb Blurb: Now a detective-for-hire, Enola Holmes takes on her first official case
to find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery
that requires the help of friends - and Sherlock himself - to unravel. I am
eagerly counting down the hours until the release of Enola Holmes 2. I absolutely adored the first movie and was
ecstatic when they announced the sequel.
The trio
of Millie Bobby Brown (Intruders,
Stranger Things, Godzilla: King of the Monsters), Helena Bonham Carter (Ocean's Eight, Dragonheart Vengeance, The
Crown), and Henry Cavill (Man of
Steel, Night Hunter, The Witcher) have great chemistry together. I’d also
watch them in just about anything.
I’ve
always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and mysteries. I really appreciate how
these stories featuring his little sister, Enola, put a new spin on things but
also keep Mr. Holmes in the peripheral just in case. In this sequel, it seems
that Sherlock and Enola might just be teaming up to solve their respective
cases. I’m excited to see how that turns out.
There’s
far more to love about these movies, but I could ramble on forever. The
important thing to know is that Enola
Holmes 2 is also a Netflix original and will be releasing directly to the
streaming service.
4 - Glass Onion: A Knives Out
Mystery (11/23)
Production/Distribution: Lionsgate, T-Street, Cineworld
Group, Netflix Director: Rian Johnson Writer: Rian Johnson Actors: Daniel Craig, Dave Bautista,
Edward Norton, Ethan Hawke, Janelle Monáe, Jessica Henwick, Kate Hudson,
Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Madelyn Cline Genre: Drama, Comedy, Crime Rated: PG-13 Length: 2h 19min IMDb Blurb: Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest
case. Director
Rian Johnson (Looper, Star Wars: Episode
VIII- The Last Jedi, Poker Face) returns along with lead Daniel Craig (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Logan
Lucky, No Time to Die) to this new Knives
Out tale. Craig will be reprising his role as detective Benoit Blanc,
though this time he’ll be traveling to Greece for his latest case.
The cast
is star-studded, and I can’t wait to see what they all bring to the table. I
loved the original movie and was super jazzed to learn that there will be
another sequel following Knives Out 2,
which Johnson and Craig will also return for.
Another
reason Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
is a must-watch for me is that it features the final performances of both
legendary Oscar-winning composer Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021) and the
phenomenal Angela Lansbury (Nanny McPhee,
Mr. Popper's Penguins, Mary Poppins Returns).
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery will have a single-week limited
theater run before it is pulled from screens. It will return to Netflix on
December 23rd after that. If you have an AMC, Regal, or Cinemark
theater near you, check your local listings to see if your city has one of the
600 or so screens that Knives Out 2
will appear on briefly. 3 - A Christmas Story Christmas (11/17)
Production/Distribution: Legendary Entertainment, Rotten
Eggs Productions, Toberoff Productions, Warner Bros., Wild West Picture Show
Productions, Warner Bros. Pictures Germany, HBO Max Director: Clay Kaytis Writer: Nick Schenk, Clay Kaytis, Peter
Billingsley Actors: Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes,
Gracen Newton, Ian Petrella, J.R. Esposito, Julianna Layne, Mark Arnold, R.D.
Robb, River Drosche, Sam Parks, Scott Schwartz, Zack Ward Genre: Comedy, Family, Drama Rated: PG Length: Unknown IMDb Blurb: Follows Ralphie, now adult, who returns to the house on Cleveland
street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child,
reconnecting with childhood friends, and reconciling the passing of his Old
Man. The
moment that I saw A Christmas Story
Christmas was going to be a thing, I was giddily excited to the point I was
fairly bouncing in my chair. I absolutely love A Christmas Story (1983) and have watched it so many times, I’ve
lost count. It’s one of my go-to holiday movies. I think I’ve made my daughter
sick of it (which is blasphemy, I tell you) – but to each, their own, right?
The
concept doesn’t work, however, if it didn’t call back to the original. Worry
not, though, because none other than Peter Billingsley (Elf, A Case of You, Spider-Man: Far from Home) helped write the
script and is starring in this long-awaited sequel.
Sadly,
not all of the original cast could return. This film was made partially as a
tribute to the late Darren McGavin (1922–2006), who played Ralphie’s dad in the
original movie.
Ralphie’s
school friends and at least one of his school yard bullies will be returning to
reprise their roles in A Christmas Story
Christmas, though.
This
movie is on a countdown for me, too. I can’t wait for it to release. A Christmas Story Christmas will be
available on HBO Max.
2 - Spirited (11/11)
Production/Distribution: Gloria Sanchez Productions,
Maximum Effort, Mosaic, Apple TV+ Directors: Sean Anders, John Morris Writers: Sean Anders, Charles Dickens,
John Morris Actors: Aimee Carrero, Anastasia
Sanidopoulos Mousis, Heidi Garza, Jen Tullock, Joe Tippett, Marlow Barkley,
Octavia Spencer, P.J. Byrne, Ryan Reynolds, Sunita Mani, Will Ferrell Genre: Comedy, Family, Musical Rated: PG-13 Length: 2h 7min IMDb Blurb: A musical version of Charles Dickens's story of a miserly misanthrope
who is taken on a magical journey. The
answer to why Spirited is on my list
is, honestly, ‘shut up and take my money’ – as the saying goes.
Ryan
Reynolds (Free Guy, Red Notice, The Adam
Project) is playing a version of Scrooge and Will Ferrell (Zeroville, Eurovision Song Contest: The
Story of Fire Saga, The Shrink Next Door) is playing the spirit of
Christmas Present in this latest Dickins adaptation.
It is,
indeed, a Christmas present for us all. I know what I’m asking my husband for,
for our anniversary this year – a night at the movies for the whole family,
watching Spirited.
Spirited will have a theater run
initially, and will then transition to AppleTV+. 1 - Black Panther: Wakanda
Forever (11/11)
Production/Distribution: Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures,
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Forum Hungary, HKC Entertainment,
Kinomania, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Argentina, Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures Germany Director: Ryan Coogler Writers: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole Actors: Angela Bassett, Chadwick
Boseman, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Dominique Thorne, Dorothy Steel,
Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Marlon Hayes, Martin Freeman,
Michaela Coel, Richard Schiff, Tenoch Huerta, Winston Duke Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi,
Drama, Thriller Rated: PG-13 Length: 2h 41min IMDb Blurb: The nation of Wakanda is pitted
against intervening world powers as they mourn the loss of their king T'Challa. Chadwick
Boseman (Black Panther, 21 Bridges, Ma
Rainey's Black Bottom) will never be forgotten. From what I can tell from
the trailer, a good deal of this new Black
Panther movie will be in tribute to his contribution to Wakanda and the
MCU.
There’s
really no need to further explain. We carry on with the stories because he’d want
us to, and Marvel is synonymous with a fun time at the movies.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will have an initial theater run
before releasing on Disney+.
