It’s Friday once again and that means it’s time to check out the Release Radar. Since I have been using a new resource I have found some movies I wouldn’t have heard of otherwise but there is also some redundancy and a lack of clarity on what is considered a “movie” on this list. Anyway, this increases the number of stuff I’ve gotta sift through, so let’s get to it.
New in Theaters
*Cocaine Bear – Editor’s Pick*
Director: Elizabeth Banks | Writer: Jimmy Warden
Stars: A CGI Bear, Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr.
I have absolutely no misconceptions about what this film is and I think that likely helped draw me in. Plus, there has been the weird film bro culture trying to act like this movie is unoriginal, and when that hasn’t stuck they pivot to it just being too dumb to exist. Well, me and the #CocaineBearArmy as marching into theaters this weekend, happy to watch a film that is completely self-aware and doesn’t wreak of pretentious BS. I am giving it my Editor’s Pick because it’s been a movie I have been backing even without seeing it, just for the culty kind of experience.
Jesus Revolution
Directors: Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle
Writers: Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn, Greg Laurie (book)
Stars: Jonathan Roumie, Nicholas Cirillo, Kelsey Grammer
I was told this movie was good and the 7.2 on IMDB checks out but the 46 on MetaCritic says the opposite. Either way, it doesn’t change the fact that nothing about it really interests me. The true story nature has some appeal, but I am going to pass until I maybe get worn down and see it streaming somewhere down the line.
Mummies
Director: Juan Jesús García Galocha
Writers: Jordi Gasull, Javier López Barreira
Stars (voices): Sean Bean, Joe Thomas, Eleanor Tomlinson
I caught the trailer for this before some movie I watched recently all I could think was “why?”. It looks completely bland in every way and none of the humor in the preview worked. I guess this was a Spanish WB project that got dubbed over in English, so maybe I am missing something but add this one to the pile of things I won’t be watching.
My Happy Ending (Theaters)
Directors: Tal Granit, Sharon Maymon | Writers: Rona Tamir, Anat Gov (play)
Stars: Andie McDowell, Tom Cullen, Miriam Margolyes, Tamsin Greig
I miss Andie McDowell so this is a good chance to see her again if the idea avoids some of the campy cliche pitfalls of other movies in the same realm. I also really like Tamsin Greig and am happy to see her get a role like this. I’m not rushing to see it, but it could work it’s way to me.
Limited Release
Luther: The Fallen Son (Limited – March 10th Netflix)
Director: Jamie Payne | Writer: Neil Cross (original series creator)
Stars: Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis
I have not watched the show but I have heard good things. I also don’t know if this is meant to be a follow-up to the show, or a stand-alone project based on the same idea. Idris Elba is always compelling so I am inclined to give it a chance, but I also don’t want to have to watch the whole series to get ready for it.
The Quiet Girl (Theaters)
Director: Colm Bairéad | Writers: Colm Bairéad, Claire Keegan (story)
Stars: Carrie Crowley, Andrew Bennett, Catherine Clinch
Nothing like releasing an Oscar-nominated International Feature a couple of weeks before the show. I can’t help but be annoyed by this tactic. I’m over here trying to chip away at all the 2022 stuff that I missed to prepare for my own awards, and this is coming out now? It was released on December 16th in New York and LA just to qualify for the Oscars and now it sits in the limited release where it will be tough to find. I am both interested and annoyed.
God’s Time
Written & Directed by: Daniel Antebi
Stars: Jared Abrahamson, Segun Akande, Harry Bouvy
If I hadn’t already promised my heart to Cocaine Bear this weekend, there’s a 99%. chance this is where I would have placed my Editor’s Pick. So, if I get a runner-up vote this is it. The premise alone of two friends, both in love with the same woman trying to stop her from committing a murder hits a lot of my buttons. And it’s very clearly a dark comedy with indie style splashed all over it. I am going to find a way with this one!
Bunker
Director: Adrian Langley | Writer: Michael Hunstman
Stars: Roger Clark, Luke Baines, Kayla Radomski
I’ve long had an interest in the psychological of isolation on the mind, whether that be with individuals or groups. This one kind of reminds me of Overlord which I wasn’t sold on at first but ended up liking quite a lot once I saw how it wanted to use it’s war history to make a different kind of movie.
Linoleum
Written & Directed by: Colin West
Stars: Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon, Tony Shaloub
This has got some major Brigsby Bear energy and I mean that as the utmost compliment, taking aim at the imaginary hurdles we give ourselves and reminding us that it’s never too late to start something new. The cast is excellent and I’m really excited to see Jim Gaffigan stretch his legs this way. On many other weeks, this would be my Editor’s Pick, so I’ll give it an honorable mention tag.
Ambush
Director: Mark Burman | Writers: Mark Burman, Johnny Lozano, Michael McClung
Stars: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Aaron Eckhart, Connor Paolo
Not much to say about this one. It doesn’t appear to be a historic war film, so when the tag line say “change the fate of the war” I have no idea what that means.
The Year of the Dog
Directors: Rob Grabow, Andrew McGinn, Michael Peterson | Writer: Rob Grabow
Stars: Rob Grabow, Michael Spears, Jon Proudstar
“If there’s a cure for addiction, it’s someone you care for saying you’re not alone.” That’s quite the pull quote from the trailer but I think it sums up the spirit of this film and how it covers themes of struggle, redemption, and belonging. Plus, bonus points for a dog. I’m interested.
Juniper
Written & Directed by: Matthew J. Saville
Stars: Charlotte Rampling, Marton Csokas, George Ferrier
Grandma has a drinking problem but that doesn’t mean she isn’t cool. I’m mostly kidding, but I do assume there is more to this story of an angsty teen who is punished for acting out at school by being tasked with looking out for Granny. Charlotte Rampling is a force though and she alone can make this one worth it.
Who Are You People
Written & Directed by: Ben Epstein
Stars: John Ales, Xzavier Beacham, Ayanna Berkshire
There have been a lot of movies about adoption lately. I don’t know how trying to seduce your teacher as a 16-year-old fits into the narrative, but it does seem to be the catalyst for this story. Gravitas Ventures has been doing some interesting work, but in a crowded week I just can’t get to this one.
Give Me Pity!
Written & Directed by: Amanda Kramer
Stars: Cricket Arrison, M. Diesel, Reshma Gajjar
Okay, this one spiked the needle on my curiosity meter. This movie is a fake TV special but told as if this were real. Stylized found footage in a way. It is listed as comedy thriller, but also has “psychedelic nightmare” int he tag line. I’ve gotta see this one somehow!
Streaming & Digital
Bruiser (Hulu)
Director: Miles Warren | Writers: Ben Medina, Miles Warren
Stars: Jalyn Hall, Trevante Rhodes, Shamier Anderson
This one looks really intriguing. It certainly has the kind of visual aesthetic of indie films I like and has a kind of Moonlight energy to it. It’s Miles Warren’s feature debut and he is going right into some heavy lifting with the family drama and notions of not just fatherhood but manhood as well. I’m really glad this is streaming.
The Strays (Netflix Feb 22nd)
Written & Directed by: Nathaniel Martello-White
Stars: Ashley Madekwe, Bukky Bakray, Jordan Myrie
This looks like something that would have Jordan Peele’s fingerprints on it, but alas it does not. When a couple of strangers show up, a Black woman’s carefully manicured life begins to unravel. I like the bonus accessibility and it seems to continue on some themes from Martello White’s previous film.
We Have a Ghost (Netflix)
Director: Christopher Landon
Writers: Christopher Landon, Geoff Manaugh (short story)
Stars: Jahi Di’Allo Winston, David harbour Anthony Mackie
I didn’t think I was going to be interested in this one but I’ve changed my mind. The cast is so good and it’s okay to just enough some simple family comedies. Definitely some The Frighteners vibes which doesn’t hurt either, but I am most excited to see Niles Fitch. I watched him grow on This Is Us and I look forward to seeing his career trajectory.
Die Hart The Movie (Amazon)
Director: Eric Appel | Writers: Tripper Clancy, Derek Kolstad
Stars: Kevin Hart, John Travolta, Tyler Antonius, Josh Hartnett
Kevin Hart has entered a weird phase in his career where he plays himself or some fictional version of himself on screen. This time he’s on a mission to become an action star, and in the process of he stars in an action movie. Yeah, it’s very circular. However, Hart has shown some acting chops and him and Travolta could be fun together.
Rosebud Lane (VOD)
Written & Directed by: John Lacy
Stars: Tess Harper, Josh Daughtery, Tyne Stecklein
An estranged father meets his son for the first time and then there’s some existential questions about god. Honestly, I wasn’t going to be the demo for this one regardless but this trailer does nothing for the film.
FP 4EVZ (VOD)
Written & Directed by: Jason Trost
Stars: Jason Trost, Art Hsu, Mike O’Gorman
What is going on in this movie? I have absolutely no idea, but there’s a guy in a duck mask with a laser blaster and it looks like it has something to do with saving the world via Dance Dance Revolution. I love all-in projects and Jason Trost is certainly all in with this. I love the mix of animation styles with the live action despite some obvious budgetary considerations. It’s okay to just have fun with stuff like this and I am all for it!
Thanks for reading! I still believe word of mouth is the best way to help, so if you enjoy what I’m doing, please tell somebody. And if you have a comment, I’d love to hear it! Liking, subscribing, and sharing go a long way too. As usual, be well, be safe, and have fun no matter how you get your movies!