It is another full week of releases, but who are we kidding? It’s John Wick’s world and we are all just living in it this weekend. Still, I cover the bases and provide some counter-programming options if are interested.
New in Theaters
*John Wick: Chapter 4 (+ IMAX) – Editor’s Pick*
Director(s): Chad Stahelski | Writer(s): Shay Hatten, Michael Finch, Derek Kolstad
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bills Skarsgård
I had initially planned to see this on its Thursday release but had some other stuff to check off the list, so I caught it Friday morning instead because who needs coffee when you have John Wick? This was one of the best-looking films I have seen in a long time and filled as much style as it had brutality. The more I think about it, the more this exists as a kind of superhero franchise that exists outside of reality. A lot of fun though and I think I will rewatch the first three before I put pen to paper on a review.
Limited Release
The Five Devils
Director(s): Léa Mysius | Writer(s): Paul Guilhaume, Léa Mysius
Stars: Adèle Exarchopoulos, Swala Emati, Sally Dramé
This one looks pretty intense and the visual aesthetic is very warm but gives off some other energy I can’t pinpoint. This is the sophomore feature for director Léa Mysius and the trailer speaks my language, so I am hoping the film can match that tone.
A Good Person
Written & Directed by: Zach Braff
Stars: Florence Pugh, Morgan Freeman, Celeste O’Connor
This is one of the banalest and most forgettable titles I can think of and I have struggled to commit it to memory, but the cast is really good and the substance seems to be pretty heartfelt. It also has the added mystique of what went on behind the cameras as Zach Braff and Florence Pugh were in a relationship for years and most likely at some point in the creative process for this film.
The Lost King
Director(s): Stephen Frears | Writer(s): Steve Coogan, Philippa Langley, Jeff Pope
Stars: Sally Hawkins, Shonagh Price, Helen Katamba
Sally Hawkins is great and this one looks cute, but it’s not the thing that’s going to get me out of bed in the morning. Seeing Steve Coogan was one of the writers alongside Philippa Langley, and Jeff Pope gives me some confidence that this will be funny but it also doesn’t look like an outright comedy, despite the kind of bizarre nature of the story. I’ll see it at some point.
The Tutor
Director(s): Jordan Ross | Writer(s): Ryan King
Stars: Garret Hedlund, Victoria Justice, Noah Schnapp
It’s cool to see Noah Schnapp getting some work as he’s grown up on Stranger Things and I am getting some serious 90s-era thriller vibes from this: Single White Female, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Fear, The Crush. I am totally here for it! Probably won’t even be able to find it this weekend while John Wick reigns supreme, but I will make an effort.
School of Magical Animals
Director(s): Gregor Schnitzler | Writer(s): Viola Schimdt, John Chambers, Margit Auer
Stars: Emilia Maier, Leonard Conrads, Loris Sichrovsky
What I am seeing is a Harry Potter knockoff of sorts but more colorful and child-oriented. It is not in the cards for me, but it you have some kids to entertain then this could be the ticket for you.
Stalker
Director(s): Steve Johnson | Writer(s): Chris Watt
Stars: Stuart Brennan, Bret Hart, Sophie Skelton
You had me at Bret Hart! It’s been a long time since I have seen the Hitman act but there is no way I can’t see this one.
My Happy Ending
Director(s): Tal Granit, Sharon Maymon | Writer(s): Anat Gov, Rona Tamir
Stars: Andie MacDowell, Tom Cullen, Miriam Margolyes
A famous actress is diagnosed with cancer and has her world turned upside down. As she is forced to embrace treatment, she meets some other women struggling with the disease and takes control of her life back. I am happy for Andie MacDowell and Tamsin Greig but I don’t know if it’s the kind of movie I am going to theaters for.
20 Minutes
Written & Directed by: Timothy A. Chey
Stars: Dia Frampton, Michael Camp, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi
It might be based on a true story, but this looks a lot more like an after-school special than it does a feature film. It’s an interesting idea to see what people would do in the final moments of their lives but you are asking for some heavy lifting from your actors. I don’t know of anyone involved in this and the trailer didn’t do it any favors.
Tori and Lokita (New York)
Written & Directed by: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Stars: Pablo Schils, Joely Mbundu, Alban Ukaj
The Brothers Dardenne are back with their latest film. I am going to see their film The Son on Sunday and they will be there for a Q&A, so I think I will wait until afterward to check this out but word of mouth has been strong so far.
The Worst Ones (New York)
Director(s): Lise Akoka, Romane Gueret
Writer(s): Lise Akoka, Romane Gueret, Elénore Gurrey
Stars: Mallory Wanecque, Timéo Mahaut, Johan Heldenbergh
I love the simplicity of the trailer. Just a bunch of kids from a neighborhood chosen to act in a movie. Judging by the title though, there is going to be more to it than that. It’s been a strong start to 2023 for French releases.
Chantilly Bridge (Theaters + VOD)
Director(s): Linda Yellen | Writer(s): Michael Leeds, Linda Yellen
Stars: Talia Shire, Ally Sheedy, Helen Slater
This is an interesting experiment in filmmaking as director Linda Yellen revisits the characters from her 1993 film Chantilly Lace. Since I have never seen the first film, there is sure to be a lot that I wouldn’t be able to get out of this one but the concept is interesting.
Last Sentinel (Theaters + VOD)
Director(s): Tanel Toom | Writer(s): Malachi Smyth
Stars: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Kretschmann, Lucien Laviscount
Is that a giant tidal wave I see in the first few seconds?!? And this is set in a post-apocalyptic 2063? Is that a nuclear bomb? And I can rent this one at home?!? I’m listening a lot more than I thought I would. Let’s go!
Streaming & Digital
Furies (Netflix March 23rd)
Director(s): Veronica Ngo
Writer(s): Nha Uyen Ly Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Nguyen Troung Nhan
Stars: Veronica Ngo, Song Luan, Thuan Nguyen
One unintended positive side-effect of the streaming content wars is that, even with all of their many issues, Netflix is investing a lot in foreign films and we are getting to see a bunch of fun and interesting stuff from around the world like this.
Reggie (Prime Video)
Director(s): Alex Stapleton
Stars: Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter, Bill Russell
Reggie Jackon is a baseball legend and even though I don’t really watch the game itself anymore, the history of his legacy is very valuable. Mr. October earned that name and I am very curious to check out this documentary and how he has impacted the Yankees organization.
The Disappearance of Mrs. Wu (VOD)
Director(s): Anna Chi | Writer(s): Anna Chi, Donald Martin
Stars: Lisa Lu, Michelle Krusiec, Rochelle Ying
On her 88th birthday, Grandma cooks up a plan to fly the coop. The trailer lets you in on the secret that she didn’t really disappear and that’s kind of sad. However, seeing Granny orchestrate her own kidnapping at the hands of her grandkids is kinda sweet. I don’t know if the movie can work at length, but hey, what’s the worst that could happen?
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