With the Academy Awards coming early this year, there’s only one film going into wide release this week and there’s a lot on the line for Warner Bros.
Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn
Written by Christina Hodson, Directed by Cathy Yan
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, & Mary Elizabeth Winstead
To their credit, DC and Warner Bros have decided to change directions in their cinematic universe. Yan is an unproven commodity and this is only her second feature film. Hodson is mostly unfamiliar as well, but Bumblebee helped put her on the map and gave WB execs enough faith to bring her on to several DCEU projects. It’s a risk but at least it won’t be more of the same. Having just seen this, it definitely has entertainment value. The cast is solid and the plot works in context, unlike Suicide Squad. The R-rating is well earned but could be a turnoff for some but it is the only film opening in wide release this week.
The Lodge *Limited*
Written by Sergio Casci, Veronika Franz, & Severin Fiala
Directed by Severin Fiala & Veronika Franz
Starring: Riley Keough, Alicia Silverstone, & Jaeden Martell
This is really on the second feature film from Franz and Fiala, although they have worked on short films and a documentary together. Casci has never written for or with them, and this looks like it’s only his third feature screenplay. Unfortunately, I can’t point to any of their collective work and provide an example of quality. There are a lot of variables in play, including Keough as an unproven lead and Silverstone as a tertiary character. The psychological and environmental horror look promising and the trailer was cut well to highlight some of the cinematography and the setting. There’s a surprising number of horror films on the market right now but if that’s your thing, there’s plenty to choose from.
Horse Girl *Limited* *NETFLIX*
Written by Jeff Baena & Alison Brie, Directed by Jeff Baena
Starring: Alison Brie, Molly Shannon, Debby Ryan
Part horror, part psychological thriller, the title may be more than a bit deceiving but there is a horse pictured in the trailer. Baena wrote I Heart Huckabees back in 2004 but has since moved on to more niche projects such as this one. He wrote the screenplay with Brie who also stars in the lead role, so the relationship between director and lead performer is firmly in place. Thanks to Netflix, this is one of those low-risk/high-reward opportunities for the consumer. Compared to the other offerings this week, it’s easily accessible and fairly original.
Come to Daddy *Limited* *Editor’s Pick*
Written by Toby Harvard, Directed by Ant Timpson
Starring: Elijah Wood & Stephen McHattie
Harvard developed the story based on an idea from Timpson and the pair made what looks to be a future indie cult hit. The trailer is intentionally vague but there’s more than enough to get you on board. Wood has taken on many odd films in recent years in an attempt to distance himself from the Hobbit world. In this instance, he gets to play opposite Stephen McHattie whose a wonderful character actor. The two play an estranged and possibly deranged father/son tandem that has a lot of catching up to do. If nothing else, it’s going to be a weird and entertaining ride.
And Then We Danced *Limited*
Written & Directed by Levan Akin
Starring: Levan Gelbakhiani, Bachi Valishvili, & Ana Javakishvili
A foreign dance film isn’t typically in my wheelhouse but there’s a lot of positive buzz surrounding this project. Here’s the tagline, ” A passionate coming-of-age tale set amidst the conservative confines of modern Tbilisi, the film follows Merab, a competitive dancer who is thrown off balance by the arrival of Irakli, a fellow male dancer with a rebellious streak. ” It appears to have a similar vibe to Call Me By Your Name which went on to do pretty well. Without any knowledge of the director or cast, it’s tough to have an idea of what you’re walking into but sometimes it’s pretty fun to let your guard down as well.
Have fun at the movies!