The release year is winding down and, with only a few weeks remaining in 2022, the push toward awards season is in full swing. Thankfully, it’s a less crowded week than usual so I may have a chance to catch up on some things I want to see and actually get a chance to review them.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (Select Theaters + Netflix)
Directors: Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson
Writers: Guillermo del Toro, Patrick McHale, Carlo Collodi (book)
Stars (voices): Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann
Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited animated version of the classic Pinocchio is finally upon us. He must have signed a deal with Netflix because he also has his branded Cabinet of Curiosities debut this year, but good for him and good for them. As far as adult-oriented animation goes, this is about as close as you could get with this intellectual property but it maintains the dark and twisted hallmarks of its director. This may be one that I may opt to check out while it has a limited theatrical run.
Empire of Light (Theaters)
Written & Directed by: Sam Mendes
Stars: Olivia Colman, Michael Ward, Colin Firth
Sam Mendes has established himself as a fantastic filmmaker over the past two decades and has shown a lot of range in the process. So, it’s not a surprise to see his latest film being buzzed about. I love that the trailer is vague here, but I could understand that being a turnoff for a lot of people. One thing you know for sure is Olivia Colman is in the film and she’s been nominated for an Oscar in three of the last four years, so follow her guiding light. Early reviews and ratings have been mediocre, but that only makes me more curious to see it.
*The Whale (Theaters) – Editor’s Pick*
Director: Darren Aronofsky | Writer: Samuel D. Hunter
Stars: Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins
When you talk about vague and elusive trailers, that’s spot on with Darren Aronofsky’s latest. He too has a reputation that proceeds him as a filmmaker, so there’s a type of gravity that comes with it, but the primary reason I want to see this is because of Brendan Fraser in the lead. The praise for him here has been wonderful to see, and growing up a huge fan of him in The Mummy films, I am 100% on board and giving this one my Editor’s Pick.
Christmas Bloody Christmas (Theaters + Shudder)
Written & Directed by: Joe Begos
Stars: Riley Dandy, Sam Delich, Jonah Ray
What I’m reading today about Shudder going through layoffs and cutbacks today is sad. I’ve been a subscriber for years because they provide a home for movies just like this, that may not get seen by a large audience theatrically. Joe Begos’ latest is basically The Terminator but he’s an animatronic Santa. That’s right up my alley and I may be even more interested thanks to Violent Night. There are a lot of us who love Shudder and are sad to see some longtime higher-ups at the company get let go, especially at this time of the year.
Loudmouth (Theaters)
Written & Directed by: Josh Alexander
Stars: Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Barak Obama, Chuck Schumer
Regardless of how you may or may not feel about Al Sharpton, he has been at the front edge of the civil rights movement for generations. The man often referred to as “The Reverend” has been a public figure for essentially 50 years and has never stopped his pursuit of justice. In this documentary, filmmaker Josh Alexander looks back over his life and career, talking to some of his most notable allies.
Matilda the Musical (Theaters)
Director: Matthew Warchus
Writers: Dennis Kelly, Tim Minchin (musical), Roald Dahl (book)
Stars: Alicia Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch
If there was going to be a new version of Matilda this is the way to do it. Rather than a remake of the 1996 classic, this is an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical that was adapted from Roald Dahl’s book. Yes, it’s all a little confusing but if you like the general story concept, the original movie, or the stage musical, then this one looks like it’s for you too. If I were a kid, this would be on the menu but even as an adult, the set pieces look awesome and I’ll watch Emma Thomspon do anything.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW…
To the End (Theaters)
Director: Rachel Lears | Writers: Robin Blotnick, Rachel Lears
Stars: Rhiana Gunn-Wright, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Varshini
Political activism is interesting to document but, just looking at the trailer, this “documentary” appears to be very much guided and focused on the political agenda it wants its viewers to rally behind. As a movie that could/should potentially sway opinion, this isn’t going to reach those people. It doesn’t even seem like it’s interested in reaching those people. What I am getting from this is very insular and doesn’t seem like it’s even really about climate change at all, but rather about the politics of the game.
Spoiler Alert (Expands)
Director: Michael Showalter
Writers: David Marshall Grant, Dan Savage, Michael Ausiello (book)
Stars: Jim Parsons, Ben Aldridge, Josh Pais
This holiday romance, based on Michael Ausiello’s true story memoir, is moving into wide release this weekend as the Christmas Holiday draws nearer. It hasn’t received great reviews or ratings so far, but this is the one I am starting the weekend off with for date night. I think that’s the sweet spot for this one anyway.
Emancipation (Apple TV+)
Director: Antoine Fuqua | Writer: Bill Collage
Stars: Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa
This movie made it to Apple TV+ so fast that I almost didn’t even have time to register that it went to theaters for a week. At least we can all suffer through Smith’s accent from the comfort of our couches. This one was supposed to be awesome but so far word of mouth says the exact opposite, and emphatically so.
Father Stu: Reborn (Re-Release)
Written & Directed by: Rosalind Ross
Stars: Mark Whalberg, Mel Gibson, and Jacki Weaver
I don’t know why this movie is getting a re-release but my guess is that Sony Pictures is sensing blood in the water when it comes to the Best Actor category and trying to get Whalberg in that conversation. I didn’t see it, and I won’t go to theaters for it, but I am curious. I can still say with full confidence that he won’t win Best Actor, but it would be a good feather in the cap for him and the film to get it nominated this year.
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