2024 MINI-REVIEWS:
By Nico Beland
I.S.S.:
Movie Review: *** out of 4
BLEECKER STREET AND LD ENTERTAINMENT
It probably won't follow in the footsteps of 2001, Moon, or Gravity as a space movie classic, but I.S.S. is still a decent sci-fi film with solid acting, tense scenes, and an engaging enough storyline that doesn't overstay its welcome!
The film stars Ariana DeBose (West Side Story (2021), Wish, Argylle), Chris Messina (Rounders, Julie & Julia, Argo), John Gallagher Jr. (Short Term 12, 10 Cloverfield Lane, The Belko Experiment), Costa Ronin (The Americans, Homeland, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), and Pilou Asbæk (Ghost in the Shell (2017), Overlord, Uncharted); and is directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish, Our Friend, The Grab).
IN A VIOLENT NATURE:
Movie Review: *** ½ out of 4
IFC FILMS
Filled with gruesome kills, incredible makeup effects, and moments of humor, In a Violent Nature is a gloriously gory ode to classic slasher movies that proves the genre still has plenty of fresh blood!
The film is directed by Chris Nash in his directorial debut. (Seattle International Film Festival)
HITCHCOCK’S PRO-NAZI FILM:
Movie Review: *** out of 4
DARK STAR PICTURES
Hitchcock’s Pro-Nazi Film is an insightful and well-crafted look at a controversial work from one of the most iconic filmmakers of all time though its subject matter and title will likely be polarizing among audiences!
The film is directed by Daphné Baiwir (King on Screen). (Seattle International Film Festival)
THE NEW BOY:
Movie Review: *** out of 4
ROADSHOW FILMS
The New Boy’s plot and overall execution leave a lot to be desired, but its phenomenal acting especially from Cate Blanchett (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Thor: Ragnarok, Tár) and unique premise make it a fascinating and captivating viewing!
The film also stars Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires) and Wayne Blair (X: Night of Vengeance, The Turning (2013), Extraction); and is directed by Warwick Thornton (Samson and Delilah, The Darkside, Sweet Country). (Seattle International Film Festival)
KNEECAP:
Movie Review: *** ½ out of 4
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
With a unique visual style, outstanding performances by its cast, bold storyline about rebellion, and catchy songs, Kneecap successfully becomes a new rap biopic classic that celebrates its titular group’s native language!
The film stars Liam Óg “Mo Chara” Ó Hannaidh, Naoise “Móglaí Bap” Ó Cairealláin, and JJ “DJ Próvaí” Ó Dochartaigh as themselves, Josie Walker (Belfast, The Wonder, In Camera), Jessica Reynolds (The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw), Adam Best (Holby City, Waking the Dead, Blooded), Simone Kirby (Alice Through the Looking Glass, Artemis Fowl, His Dark Materials), and Michael Fassbender (X-Men franchise, 12 Years a Slave, Steve Jobs); and is directed by Rich Peppiatt (One Rogue Reporter).
SING SING:
Movie Review: **** out of 4
A24
Led by an electrifying Colman Domingo (If Beale Street Could Talk, Rustin, The Color Purple (2023)) and an equally stellar supporting cast, Sing Sing is a powerful and moving love letter to theater and performing arts that cannot be missed!
The film also stars Paul Raci (Parks and Recreation, Sound of Metal) and the real-life Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin as himself; and is directed by Greg Kwedar in his directorial debut.
DIDI:
Movie Review: **** out of 4
FOCUS FEATURES
Didi is a hilarious, touching, and beautifully told coming of age story helped by its massively talented cast and passionate direction from Sean Wang (in his directorial debut) that’s surprisingly timeless despite it taking place in the late-2000s!
The film stars Izaac Wang (Good Boys, Raya and the Last Dragon, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai) and Joan Chen (The Last Emperor, Twin Peaks, Judge Dredd).
HIT MAN:
Movie Review: **** out of 4
NETFLIX
Packed with witty dialogue, thrills, and an insanely charming Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, Twisters), Hit Man is easily the most entertaining film from director Richard Linklater (Daze and Confused, Beforetrilogy, School of Rock) in years!
The film also stars Adria Arjona (Emerald City, 6 Underground, Blink Twice), Austin Amelio (The Walking Dead, Everybody Wants Some!!, Song to Song), Retta (Parks and Recreation, Sex Ed, Good Girls), and Molly Bernard (Pay It Forward, Younger, Sully).
SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY:
Movie Review: **** out of 4
WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND HBO DOCUMENTARY FILMS
Bold and captivating, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is an inspiring and touching tribute to an icon and hero both on and offscreen!
The film features interviews with Jeff Daniels, Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Christopher’s children Alexandria Reeve Givens, Matthew Reeve, and Will Reeve, and the late Superman (1978) director Richard Donner and archival footage of Reeve and Robin Williams; and is directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui.
THE APPRENTICE
Movie Review: *** ½ out of 4
BRIARCLIFF ENTERTAINMENT
The Apprentice doesn’t really offer anything new or insightful, but it’s a fascinating look at one of the most powerful and controversial men in the country with a remarkable Sebastian Stan (Marvel Cinematic Universe, I, Tonya, Dumb Money) performance who practically disappears into the role and even has some genuine moments of sympathy regarding the person in question!
The film also stars Jeremy Strong (Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty, The Trial of the Chicago 7), Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3), Martin Donovan (The Opposite of Sex, Insomnia, BlackBerry), and Charlie Carrick (Cedar Cove, Reign, The Wolf and the Lion); and is directed by Ali Abbasi (Shelley, Border, Holy Spider).
MY HERO ACADEMIA: YOU’RE NEXT:
Movie Review: *** ½ out of 4
CRUNCHYROLL
Like the previous MHA movies, My Hero Academia: You’re Next offers very little for newcomers (such as myself) and those already familiar with the anime and/or manga will get the most out of it, but fans will surely enjoy the film’s gorgeous animation, non-stop action, and seeing their favorite characters on the big screen again!
The English dub features the voices of Justin Briner (YU-NO: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World, Fairy Tail, Attack on Titan), Clifford Chapin (Black Butler, Attack on Titan, One Piece), David Matranga (Appleseed XIII, Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie, Spy x Family), Luci Christian (Full Metal Panic, Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater), J. Michael Tatum (Dragon Ball Z, Black Clover, RWBY: Ice Queendom), Colleen Clinkenbeard (One Piece,Dragon Ball Z Kai, Ace Attorney), Justin Cook (Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball franchise, Evangelion 1.0 and 2.0), Caitlin Glass (Fullmetal Alchemist, Black Cat, One Piece), Monica Rial (Dragon Ball franchise, Soul Eater, Tokyo Ghoul), Brina Palencia (Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, Black Butler), Jessie James Grelle (Attack on Titan, Dr. Stone, Psycho-Pass), Trina Nishimura (Attack on Titan, Steins; Gate, Fire Emblem: Engage), Christopher Bevins (Dragon Ball franchise, One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), Christopher Sabat (Dragon Ball franchise, Yu Yu Hakusho, One Piece), Patrick Seitz (Bleach, Naruto, Hunter x Hunter), Zeno Robinson (Demon Slayer, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, Pokémon), and Kayli Mills (The Seven Deadly Sins, Digimon Adventure, Jujutsu Kaisen).
WE LIVE IN TIME:
Movie Review: **** out of 4
A24
A beautifully told, captivating, and heartbreaking story about marriage heightened by Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, The Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2, Hacksaw Ridge) and Florence Pugh (Little Women (2019), Marvel Cinematic Universe, Oppenheimer)’s incredible onscreen chemistry, We Live in Time is a bold and delicate romantic comedy-drama that will stand the test of “Time”!
The film also stars Adam James (Johnny English Strikes Again, Hunter Killer, Wicked), Marama Corlett (The Watch), Aoife Hinds (The Long Call, Scoop, Dune: Prophecy), Heather Craney (Torchwood, Life of Riley, EastEnders), Douglas Hodge (Vanity Fair, The Descent: Part 2, Joker), Niamh Cusack (In Love with Alma Cogan, Unwelcome, In the Land of Saints and Sinners), Lucy Briers (Gentleman Jack, Emma (2020), My Policeman), Robert Boulter (Donkey Punch, Mercenaries, Star Wars: The Force Awakens), and Kerry Goodliman (Derek, After Life, Trigger Point); and is directed by John Crowley (Intermission, Boy A, Brooklyn).
CONCLAVE:
Movie Review: *** ½ out of 4
FOCUS FEATURES
With stellar performances by its cast and a thoroughly intriguing story, Conclave is a fascinating look at Christianity and the procedures for electing a new Pope that even makes a few unexpected turns along the way!
The film stars Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List, Harry Potter franchise, The Menu), Stanley Tucci (Road to Perdition, Julie & Julia, Spotlight), John Lithgow (3rd Rock from the Sun, Shrek, Love Is Strange), Sergio Castellitto (Paris, je T’aime, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, In Treatment) Isabella Rossellini (Big Night, Enemy, Joy), Lucian Msamati (The International, The Good Liar, See How They Run), Brían F. O’ Byrne (Million Dollar Baby, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, Brooklyn’s Finest), Merab Ninidze (Paper Soldier, Hostages, The Courier), and Jacek Koman (Children of Men, Breath, Talk to Me); and is directed by Edward Berger (All My Loving, All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)).
ANORA:
Movie Review: **** out of 4
NEON
Anora adds a bold, fresh twist to the Cinderella Story romance with a tension-filled and darkly comical bite thanks to Mikey Madison (Better Things, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Scream (2022))’s dominating performance as the titular character and masterful, genre-breaking direction from writer-director Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket) in a fascinating and wild deconstruction of when a fairytale romance meets harsh reality!
The film also stars Mark Eidelstein (The Land of Sasha, Monastery, One Hundred Years Ahead), Yura Borisov (The Bull, The Riot, The Master and Margarita), Vache Tovmasyan (Lost & Found in Armenia, Stone Cage, Golden School), Aleksei Serebryakov (Eternal Call, McMafia, Nobody), Darya Ekamasova (The Land of Oz, The Americans, White Snow), Lindsey Normington (The Idol, Blindspotting), and Ivy Wolk (Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, The Bubble, Friendship).
A REAL PAIN:
Movie Review: *** ½ out of 4
SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
A Real Pain’s laidback tone that doesn’t shy away from its heavier moments, witty dialogue, and endearing performances by Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland 1 and 2, The Social Network, Now You See Me 1 and 2) and Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down, Scott Pilgrim VS The World, Succession) make it a superb and very personal directorial debut for Eisenberg!
The film also stars Will Sharpe (Casualty, Black Pond, The White Lotus), Jennifer Grey (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Dirty Dancing, The Wind Rises), Liza Sadovy (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Midsomer Murders, EastEnders), Daniel Oreskes (Law & Order, The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), Only Murders in the Building), and Ellora Torchia (The Split, Midsommar, In the Earth); and is produced by his Zombieland co-star, Emma Stone (Superbad, The Favourite, Poor Things).
NIGHTBITCH:
Movie Review: *** out of 4
SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
Nightbitch will likely be divisive amongst moviegoers, but its unapologetically bizarre and chaotic premise, darkly comical tone, and Amy Adams (The Fighter, American Hustle, Arrival)’ unhinged performance make it a unique take on monster transformation horror and look at the difficulties of parenting!
The film also stars Scoot McNairy (Argo, Speak No Evil, A Complete Unknown), Zoë Chao (Where’d You Go, Bernadette, Downhill, The High Note), Mary Holland (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Happiest Season, Senior Year), Ella Thomas (Surrogates, Nina, Desperation Road), Jessica Harper (Suspiria (2018), Bones and All, Memory), and Rosalyn Gentle (Suing the Devil); and is directed by Marielle Heller (The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood).
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