Category: Reviews

  • Movie Review: ‘Wicked: For Good’

    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    In theaters on November 21 from Universal Pictures is ‘Wicked: For Good’, the second half of director Jon M. Chu’s ambitious adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s source novel and the long-running stage musical.

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    The movie sees the return of Ariana Grande (‘Don’t Look up’), Cynthia Erivo (‘Bad Times at the El Royale’), Jeff Goldblum (‘Independence Day’), Michelle Yeoh (‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’) and Jonathan Bailey (‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’) with new additions including Colman Domingo (‘Sing Sing’) as the Cowardly Lion.

    Related Article: ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ Box Office Success Makes the Industry Thankful

    Initial Thoughts

    Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    Following a pop cultural behemoth such as ‘Wicked’ was never going to be an easy feat, and the challenges were more than the simple fact that the second film was shot at the same time as the first with no room for course correction if anything didn’t click with audiences.

    As with the second half of the show, which doesn’t feature quite the same level of memorable music as the first (save perhaps the emotional finale which gives this new movie its name), ‘Wicked: For Good’ suffers some in comparison with the 2024 movie, but it still manages to be a fitting, heartfelt adaptation.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Ariana Grande (as Glinda), Director Jon M. Chu, and Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), on the set of 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    (L to R) Ariana Grande (as Glinda), Director Jon M. Chu, and Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), on the set of ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    Screenwriters Winnie Holzman (who wrote the book for the musical) and Dana Fox have once again expanded on the stage show’s basic plotline, taking advantage of the different medium to flesh out certain elements. Some work wonderfully –– the characters of Nessarose and Boq in particular get meatier material, while others feel less necessary, such as flashbacks that feel like filler and, in one moment, what is meant to be a callback to Elphaba’s glimpse of her younger self during “Defying Gravity” that here comes off as a repetitive rip-off.

    The two new songs by composer Stephen Schwartz are good but don’t really hold a candle to the original showstoppers.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero in 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    Once again, and unsurprisingly, this is really all about Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, with the former given more of a character arc this time. Both actors are excellent, offering powerhouse musical performances but also finding the nuance when needed.

    Of the supporting cast, Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard is still a quirky delight, while Marissa Bode and Ethan Slater take full advantage of more to do with Nessarose and Boq. Dorothy, meanwhile, is treated much like the stage version: very much a shadow presence.

    Final Thoughts

    Jeff Goldblum is The Wizard of Oz in 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    Jeff Goldblum is The Wizard of Oz in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    To say ‘For Good’ isn’t as good as ‘Wicked’ is not to try and tear it down. Make no mistake, this is another soaring, spectacular trip to the land of Oz, and nails the landing.

    ‘Wicked: For Good’ receives 85 out of 100.

    Ariana Grande is Glinda in 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    What’s the story of ‘Wicked: For Good’?

    As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Wicked: For Good’?

    • Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
    • Ariana Grande as Glinda
    • Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
    • Ethan Slater as Boq
    • Marissa Bode as Nessarose
    • Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
    • Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
    • Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion
    (L to R) Jeff Goldblum is The Wizard of Oz and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in 'Wicked For Good', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    (L to R) Jeff Goldblum is The Wizard of Oz and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    List of Movies and TV Shows Based on the ‘Wizard of Oz’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Wicked: For Good’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Movies On Amazon

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  • TV Review: ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’

    (L to R) Stephen Lang and Director James Cameron on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo by Mark Fellman. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Stephen Lang and Director James Cameron on the set of 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo by Mark Fellman. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    On Disney+ on November 7 is ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films,’ a hefty promotional effort bigging up the technical (and performance) and performance achievements of the James Cameron-led team behind the sci-fi epics.

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    The new documentary series features Cameron, producer Jon Landau, plus a host of crewmembers and cast including Kate Winslet (‘Titanic’), Zoe Saldaña (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’) and Sigourney Weaver (‘Aliens’).

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    Initial Thoughts

    Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    With the third ‘Avatar’ movie, ‘Fire and Ash,’ headed our way next month, the promotional efforts on behalf of the franchise as a whole are ramping up.

    And chief among them is this new behind-the-scenes documentary, which, thanks to its being commissioned by James Cameron, has full access to the production and the many talented people involved in these giant undertakings.

    The big issue, of course, is that it’s almost entirely laudatory, the various cast and crew enthusing about how much technology is used in service of performance, to the point where it can become grating.

    Script and Direction

    Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo: Disney.
    Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.

    This is your basic Disney documentary format –– lots of footage of people working out the various of shooting performance capture in and under water, development trials, many, many shots of divers, all interspersed with talking heads about the process.

    It doesn’t push boundaries the way Cameron tends to when he makes movies, but then, it doesn’t really need to.

    Cast and Performances

    Varang (Oona Chaplin) in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    Varang (Oona Chaplin) in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    As the documentary itself endlessly argues, it’s the people that make the film itself work –– the various experts in diving, stunts, cameras and more, plus the actors who were the benefit of their hard work and put their own graft in to imagining everything while acting against almost nothing.

    The highlights include Kate Winslet discovering a heretofore unknown talent for holding her breath and Sigourney Weaver explaining her joy at performing certain scenes.

    Final Thoughts

    Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Perhaps the biggest issue here is that it’s all so basic; in stark contrast to the huge leaps in technology and the many inventions of Cameron especially. While a lot of the footage will be catnip (Na’vi-nip?) to those who love behind-the-scenes documentaries, it also gets awfully repetitive, battering home the message that the invention was in service of the actors’ work.

    And given that it’s confusingly broken up into a 55-minute chunk and a roughly 30-minute one (plus a brief clip of ‘Fire and Ash’), some judicious editing could have squeezed this all down into little more than an hour. But since when does James Cameron do anything small scale?

    ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’ receives 68 out of 100.

    A scene in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    A scene in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    What’s the story of ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’?

    This new two-part documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the making of the Oscar-winning box office phenomenon ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and a first look at the upcoming ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ and features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, concept art, and interviews with cast and filmmakers.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’?

    • James Cameron as himself
    • Zoe Saldaña as herself
    • Kate Winslet as herself
    • Cliff Curtis as himself
    • Jon Landau as himself
    Poster for documentary 'Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films'. Photo: 20th Century Studios/Disney.
    Poster for documentary ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’. Photo: 20th Century Studios/Disney.

    List of Movies Directed by James Cameron:

    Buy ‘Avatar’ On Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Keeper’

    Tatiana Maslany in 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    Tatiana Maslany in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    Opening in theaters November 14 is ‘Keeper,’ directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland, Birkett Turton, Claire Friesen, Christin Park, and Eden Weiss.

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    Related Article: Director Osgood Perkins and Maika Monroe Talk Horror-Thriller ‘Longlegs’

    Initial Thoughts

    Rossif Sutherland in 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    Rossif Sutherland in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    For his sixth directorial effort (and third in 16 months, following ‘Longlegs’ in 2024 and ‘The Monkey’ earlier this year), director (and one-time actor) Osgood Perkins swerves again, pivoting from the horror-comedy of the latter to a darker, more foreboding tale set against a backdrop of nature and featuring almost a folk horror vibe. Notably, he did not write ‘Keeper’ – it was penned by Canadian scribe Nick Lepard, who was able to work on it during the 2023 writers’ strike in Hollywood – but the film does bear Perkins’ trademarks as a director, with unsettling imagery, creepy sound design, and the use of both darkness and silence all in abundance.

    While the story is a fairly gripping, slow-burn affair, it still feels like it gets stretched out despite the relatively brief 100-minute running time. Padded by Lynchian dream sequences (which admittedly raise a few goosebumps), ‘Keeper’ can be quite scary – but also can’t quite make this tale feel like it fits in a feature-length movie.

    Story and Direction

    (Center) Director Osgood Perkins on the set of 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    (Center) Director Osgood Perkins on the set of ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    ‘Keeper’ opens with a dread-inducing montage of images of women, progressing from flirtatious to romantic to angry to fearful to finally screaming in terror, all set to Mickey and Sylvia’s ‘Love is Strange.’ Cut to Liz (Tatiana Maslany) in the car with her boyfriend Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland), as they head for Malcolm’s family cabin deep in the woods to celebrate their one-year anniversary of dating.

    Liz is still unsure about the relationship – her friend is sure that Malcolm is hiding a wife and kids somewhere – and it seems difficult for Malcolm to earn her trust completely, despite his apparently sincere affection for her and willingness to do anything to make her comfortable. But comfort is the last thing she finds at the Westbridge family cabin: the woods are deathly silent around them, the next-door neighbor is Malcolm’s obnoxious cousin Darren (Birkett Turton), who’s there with his non-English speaking model squeeze (Eden Weiss), and the house seems to reverberate with muffled sounds from somewhere above. Then Liz wakes up on their first night there with an unquenchable urge to consume an entire chocolate cake ostensibly left behind by the property caretaker, and things only get weirder.

    Tatiana Maslany in 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    Tatiana Maslany in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    Neon has largely held ‘Keeper’ back from critics, officially to avoid spoilers, but of course we’d honor that under any circumstances. So we’ll refrain from discussing much more of the plot, except to say that it’s fairly basic once all the cards are on the table. There are portions of the film where very little seems to happen, but Perkins makes a strenuous effort to fill the screen with all kinds of surreal images and frightening portents – and his efforts do pay off. Even by the time we reach the third act, where certain plot elements become murky and less of the story makes sense, the director still manages to come up with some truly nerve-rattling visuals.

    Atmosphere, imagery, and often jocular or haunting needle drops are Perkins’ strong points, particularly as seen in his last couple of outings, and they don’t fail him here. Story and character, not so much this time out. Liz and Malcolm are barely sketched in as people, and in the case of Liz – being the protagonist – that leaves her and the viewer a bit lost in the woods (pardon the pun). There is some subtext here as well — and a sense of comeuppance later — which manifests late in the proceedings and brings a little humor with it as well.

    Cast and Performances

    Rossif Sutherland in 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    (L to R) Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    The cast is quite small in this one, and the characters are not especially filled out, but Tatiana Maslany is excellent as Liz – a woman who’s not afraid to say what she feels but is on unsure footing with a possible love in her life. Maslany makes us care enough about Liz to want her to survive, although strange things start happening so quickly that we’re not sure why she waits so long before deciding she wants to leave. Her wry humor gives way to abject terror (which Maslany is quite good at) and she holds the screen for nearly the entire running time of the film.

    Less successful is Rossif Sutherland (yes, Donald’s son) as Malcolm, who speaks in a whisper for much of the movie and also sports an odd half-accent that perhaps makes sense toward the end of the film. He’s supposed to be a bit mysterious but Sutherland’s work is a bit too flat – although his monologue near the end is effective. The only other actors with any real screen time are Birkett Turton and Eden Weiss, but the minimal characterization leaves them giving one-note performances.

    Final Thoughts

    Tatiana Maslany in 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    Tatiana Maslany in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    With half a dozen films in 10 years, Osgood Perkins has firmly established himself as a genre auteur, crafting a sort of literary brand of horror movie that finds inspiration, directly or indirectly, in authors like Shirley Jackson (‘I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives in the House’), Stephen King (‘The Monkey’), and H.P. Lovecraft (to which ‘Keeper’ owes a debt).

    His films are odd, frequently surreal, and not particularly large-scale, and their narratives are often clouded – perhaps a deliberate choice on his part, but one that leaves them with a vague feeling of incompleteness. ‘Keeper’ falls squarely in line with the rest of his filmography, but he continues to mine the story and production resources at hand to generate some truly terrifying imagery and a sustained level of dread even if the material doesn’t always keep up its end of the bargain.

    ‘Keeper’ receives a score of 70 out of 100.

    Tatiana Maslany in 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    Tatiana Maslany in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    What is the plot of ‘Keeper’?

    A romantic anniversary trip to a secluded cabin turns sinister when a dark presence reveals itself, forcing a couple to confront the property’s haunting past.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Keeper’?

    • Tatiana Maslany as Liz
    • Rossif Sutherland as Malcolm
    • Birkett Turton as Darren
    • Eden Weiss as Minka
    • Claire Friesen as Ada
    • Erin Boyes as Julia
    • Christin Park as Leslie
    • Tess Degenstein as Maggie
    • Glen Gordon as Teen Malcolm
    • Logan Pierce as Teen Darren
    A scene from 'Keeper'. Photo: Neon.
    A scene from ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.

    List of Osgood Perkins Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Keeper’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Osgood Perkins Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘In Your Dreams’

    A scene from 'In Your Dreams'. Photo: Netflix.
    A scene from ‘In Your Dreams’. Photo: Netflix.

    In theaters on limited release November 7 (and November 14 on Netflix) is ‘In Your Dreams,’ a new animated adventure from first-time feature director Alex Woo.

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    The new movie features the voices of Simu Liu (‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’), Cristin Milioti (‘The Penguin’), Craig Robinson (‘This is the End’), Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (‘Watchmen’), Elias Janssen (‘Jane the Virgin’) and Gia Carides (‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’).

    Related Article: Netflix’s ‘In Your Dreams’ Sneak Peek With Alex Woo And Craig Robinson

    Initial Thoughts

    'In Your Dreams' Netflix
    (L to R) Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Stevie, Cristin Milioti as Mom, Simu Lui as Dad, Elias Janssen as Elliot in ‘In Your Dreams’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    You might be more used to hearing about the Sandman –– particularly on Netflix –– via the work of a certain controversial author. But the concept of the mythological figure who can weave dreams has been used in stories for centuries, which also presents something of a challenge when someone wants to use it.

    Fortunately in the case of Netflix’s new animated charmer ‘In Your Dreams’, it’s a recipe for wild adventures, silly characters and a storyline that only occasionally dips into treacly sentiment.

    Script and Direction

    A scene from 'In Your Dreams'. Photo: Netflix © 2025.
    A scene from ‘In Your Dreams’. Photo: Netflix © 2025.

    Director Alex Woo (‘Rex Steele: Nazi Smasher’) and co-director Erik Benson (‘Toy Story 4’) worked alongside Stanley Moore (‘Finding Dory’) and Rita Hsiao (‘Mulan’) to crack the story before the two main filmmakers wrote the script.

    While it runs on some fairly predictable lines –– tensions between siblings, potential family ruptures as successful mother and slacker musician father face a crossroads –– ‘In Your Dreams’ still manages to find new things to say on the subjects.

    The highlights, though, are certainly the surrealistic worlds within dreams and the characters lurking within, including talking breakfast food, a nightmarish threat and one very talkative stuffed toy.

    Woo and Benson shake off an initially odd-looking facial structure for the human characters in an introductory flashback, fashioning appealing leads and even tapping into anime for one effective moment of the kids realizing their powers within the dreamscape.

    Cast and Performances

    A scene from 'In Your Dreams'. Photo: Netflix © 2025.
    A scene from ‘In Your Dreams’. Photo: Netflix © 2025.

    Hoang-Rappaport and Janssen do solid work as the leads, and you’re happy to follow them along this journey. While Liu and Milioti naturally have less to do (until later in the movie), they’re both good.

    Robinson’s giraffe-like Baloney Tony (a toy from the real world who finds his voice in dreams) is the stand-out: a funny, sometimes cowardly type who comes through in the end.

    Final Thoughts

    A scene from 'In Your Dreams'. Photo: Netflix.
    A scene from ‘In Your Dreams’. Photo: Netflix.

    ‘In Your Dreams’ won’t be challenging the best family movies any time soon, but it’s cute and diverting, full of enjoyable imagery and worth checking out if the kids have watched ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ once too often.

    ‘In Your Dreams’ receives 75 out of 100.

    'In Your Dreams' will be available on November 14th. Photo: Netflix © 2025.
    ‘In Your Dreams’ will be available on November 14th. Photo: Netflix © 2025.

    What’s the story of ‘In Your Dreams’?

    Stevie and her brother Elliot journey into the absurd landscape of their own dreams, and if the siblings can withstand a snarky stuffed giraffe, zombie breakfast foods, and the queen of nightmares, the Sandman will grant them their ultimate dream come true… The perfect family.

    Who is in the cast of ‘In Your Dreams’?

    • Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Stevie
    • Elias Janssen as Elliot
    • Craig Robinson as Baloney Tony
    • Simu Liu as Dad
    • Cristin Milioti as Mom
    • Gia Carides as Nightmara
    A scene from 'In Your Dreams'. Photo: Netflix © 2025.
    A scene from ‘In Your Dreams’. Photo: Netflix © 2025.

    List of Craig Robinson Movies and TV Shows: 

    Buy Craig Robinson Movies On Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Jay Kelly’

    George Clooney as Jay Kelly in 'Jay Kelly'. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.
    George Clooney as Jay Kelly in ‘Jay Kelly’. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.

    In Theaters on limited release on November 14 (before landing on Netflix December 5), ‘Jay Kelly’ is the new movie from Noah Baumbach, who tends to specialize in putting his characters into emotional crisis. Here, he’s turned his attention to Hollywood.

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    The new movie stars George Clooney (‘The Ides of March’), Adam Sandler (‘Happy Gilmore 2’), Laura Dern (‘Marriage Story’), Billy Crudup (‘Almost Famous’) and Greta Gerwig (‘Barbie’).

    Related Article: George Clooney and Adam Sandler to Star in Noah Baumbach’s New Movie

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Ron Sukenick and George Clooney as Jay Kelly in 'Jay Kelly'. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.
    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Ron Sukenick and George Clooney as Jay Kelly in ‘Jay Kelly’. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.

    Noam Baumbach’s movies usually find characters at some sort of dramatic crossroads –– the marital fireworks of ‘Marriage Story’ or the family dynamics of ‘The Meyerowitz Stories.’

    ‘Jay Kelly’ is no different, even if the crises seem less urgent when focused on a wealthy movie star whose biggest issue is that his youngest daughter is about to fly the nest and he’s also reconsidering his life and career in the light of his mentor’s death.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) George Clooney as Jay Kelly and director Noah Baumbach on the set of 'Jay Kelly'. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.
    (L to R) George Clooney as Jay Kelly and director Noah Baumbach on the set of ‘Jay Kelly’. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.

    Baumbach in some ways feels like he’s on autopilot here, the story (he co-wrote the script with Emily Mortimer, who has a small role in the movie) fueled by some very familiar beats and feelings. This is a plotline we’ve seen done before and, honestly, better.

    Oddly, the real story, and the one that is much more compelling is between Sandler’s Ron and Dern’s Liz, Jay’s longtime manager and publicist, who have their own history and find themselves seeing their relationship complicate despite Ron’s seemingly happy marriage to Greta Gerwig’s Lois.

    Baumbach keeps the direction mostly light on its feet, though some repetitive touches (such as Kelly’s rider containing cheesecake he doesn’t even like) weigh things down.

    And the use of clunky flashbacks to explore our hero’s conflicted feelings doesn’t help.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Greta Gerwig as Lois Sukenick and Adam Sandler as Ron Sukenick in 'Jay Kelly'. Cr. Netflix © 2025.
    (L to R) Greta Gerwig as Lois Sukenick and Adam Sandler as Ron Sukenick in ‘Jay Kelly’. Cr. Netflix © 2025.

    Clooney brings his considerable star wattage to the title role, and is always watchable. It’s just an issue that the role never breaks free of a basic movie structure.

    Sandler and Dern are superb in their supporting roles that have more nuance and flavor to them, while Greta Gerwig is also great as Sandler’s character’s wife.

    Final Thoughts

    George Clooney as Jay Kelly in 'Jay Kelly'. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.
    George Clooney as Jay Kelly in ‘Jay Kelly’. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.

    ‘Jay Kelly’ is far from Baumbach’s best, even with the cast giving their all. It’s emotionally formulaic, but wanders along amiably enough that you won’t be insulted you gave it a shot.

    ‘Jay Kelly’ receives 65 out of 100.

    'Jay Kelly' opens in theaters on November 14th and premieres on Netflix December 5th.
    ‘Jay Kelly’ opens in theaters on November 14th and premieres on Netflix December 5th.

    What’s the story of ‘Jay Kelly’?

    The film follows famous movie actor, Jay Kelly (George Clooney), as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).

    Who is in the cast of ‘Jay Kelly’?

    George Clooney as Jay Kelly in 'Jay Kelly'. Cr. Netflix © 2025.
    George Clooney as Jay Kelly in ‘Jay Kelly’. Cr. Netflix © 2025.

    Other George Clooney Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Jay Kelly’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy George Clooney Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘The Running Man’

    Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures' 'The Running Man'.
    Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures’ ‘The Running Man’.

    In theaters on November 14 from Paramount Pictures is ‘The Running Man,’ co-writer/director Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel.

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    The movie stars Glen Powell (‘Top Gun: Maverick’), Josh Brolin (‘Avengers: Endgame’), Colman Domingo (‘Sing Sing’), Lee Pace (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’), Emilia Jones (‘CODA’), William H. Macy (‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’) and Katy O’Brian (‘Love Lies Bleeding’).

    Related Article: Josh Brolin Joins Edgar Wright’s New Take on ‘The Running Man’ as a Villain

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo star in Paramount Pictures' 'The Running Man.'
    (L to R) Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo star in Paramount Pictures’ ‘The Running Man.’

    ‘The Running Man’ is not necessarily the movie you might expect director Edgar Wright to make; he’s brought his own zippy visual style to genre comedies set in the horror, cop and alien invasion world, but has also plowed his own lane with the likes of ‘Last Night in Soho.’

    Still, he does everything he can to liven up a fairly –– yet not completely straightforward studio wannabe blockbuster.

    Script and Direction

    Director Edgar Wright on the set of Paramount Pictures' 'The Running Man,' starring Glen Powell.
    Director Edgar Wright on the set of Paramount Pictures’ ‘The Running Man,’ starring Glen Powell.

    Wright, working alongside Michael Bacall (with whom he adapted the box office flop-turned-cult favorite ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’) here sets his sights on Stephen King’s darkly dystopian tale of a working man trying to help his family by entering America’s most dangerous game show.

    In places, it’s almost surprising that Paramount, with its recent, shall we say, political moves, is still putting this one out, since it takes the prescient King book as its basis and mostly smartly updates it for our trying times.

    There is a problem inherent in movies such as this which the new ‘Running Man’ (let’s not forget there was a much looser adaptation in the 1980s starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) in that it is tempted to batter you over the head with its message as much as possible. Wright and Bacall don’t entirely escape that particular sinkhole, but they do at least inject plenty of dark humor in to the screenplay.

    And as a director, Wright has always been a dynamic craftsman –– while he tones things down here from the days of ‘Shaun of the Dead,’ there is plenty of his flare on display.

    Cast and Performances

    Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures' 'The Running Man'.
    Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures’ ‘The Running Man’.

    Glen Powell is really the only person who gets much screentime, and he’s a charismatic central figure who can get across the burning anger of his character.

    But on the supporting front, the likes of William H. Macy, Colman Domingo and particularly the director’s ‘Scott Pilgrim’ star Michael Cera have fun in different types of roles.

    Final Thoughts

    Colman Domingo stars in Paramount Pictures' 'The Running Man'.
    Colman Domingo stars in Paramount Pictures’ ‘The Running Man’.

    ‘The Running Man’ certainly delivers on the action side of things, and some of its satirical message really hits home. It’s just a problem that it goes on too long with diminishing returns and ultimately wimps out (no spoilers) on King’s big finish.

    ‘The Running Man’ receives 70 out of 100.

    Josh Brolin stars in Paramount Pictures' 'The Running Man'.
    Josh Brolin stars in Paramount Pictures’ ‘The Running Man’.

    What’s the story of ‘The Running Man’?

    Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by The Running Man’s charming but ruthless producer to enter the deadly competition game as a last resort.

    But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite – and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Running Man’?

    • Glen Powell as Ben Richards
    • Josh Brolin as Dan Killian
    • Colman Domingo as Bobby “Bobby T” Thompson
    • William H. Macy as Molie Jernigan
    • Lee Pace as Evan McCone
    • Michael Cera as Elton Parrakis
    • Emilia Jones as Amelia Williams
    • Katy O’Brian as Laughlin
    (L to R) Josh Brolin and Director Edgar Wright on the set of Paramount Pictures' 'The Running Man'.
    (L to R) Josh Brolin and Director Edgar Wright on the set of Paramount Pictures’ ‘The Running Man’.

    Other Edgar Wright Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Running Man’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Edgar Wright Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’

    (L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Ariana Greenblatt as June, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Dave Franco as Jack Wilder in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
    (L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Ariana Greenblatt as June, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Dave Franco as Jack Wilder in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.

    Opening in theaters November 14, ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t‘ is directed by Ruben Fleischer and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Ariana Greenblatt, and Dominic Sessa.

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    Related Article: Rosamund Pike Joins The Cast Of ‘Now You See Me 3’

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Justice Smith as Charlie in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
    (L to R) Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Justice Smith as Charlie in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.

    It has been nearly ten years since ‘Now You See Me 2‘, which means that the third film needed to prove itself as having a reason to return. Bringing back most of the original cast, while adding in a group of young actors to play up and coming magicians who look to the Four Horseman as inspirations is the perfect way to do it.

    This not only keeps the franchise alive, it keeps it young and adds in a bit of generational humor in the process. Fans of these movies enjoy elaborate illusions and want to see justice done to someone who deserves it. ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ delivers exactly that.

    Story and Direction

    Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    The weakest part of this movie is easily the writing. That said, no one really goes to these movies for the writing anyways. As mentioned above, fans want to see grandeous magic tricks done by charasmatic, and slightly cocky, magicians. ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ knows its audience and plays into their hands perfectly.

    The pressure was on for ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. While Isla Fisher’s return was a welcome one, she was already explained away in the second film. Bringing her back could have easily gone horribly wrong, but this is the part of the movie where the writing really shined. Every missing cast member was given a believable reason to not be there, something that is important, especially for beloved actors like Lizzy Caplan and Mark Ruffalo.

    As with the previous films, there is a big twist towards the end. Even though viewers will be expecting it, chances are they will not figure it out. This is because of the direction – or should I say misdirection – which is handled brilliantly. The fun of these films is not knowing what to expect and being shocked at the end.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Dave Franco as Jack Wilder, Justice Smith as Charlie, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Ariana Greenblatt as June in 'Now You See Me, Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
    (L to R) Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Dave Franco as Jack Wilder, Justice Smith as Charlie, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Ariana Greenblatt as June in ‘Now You See Me, Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.

    Just take one look at the cast list and it is clear that this movie is filled with star power. Of course the returning cast is fantastic at what they do – Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco all deliver incredible performances – but the new cast fits right in without blinking an eye.

    Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith, and Ariana Greenblatt are perfect additions to the cast. They bring that young, fresh meat, attitude that is important in making ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ not feel repetative. They are integral to the story being told, and work well with the veteran cast. Their inclusion also allows for laugh-out-loud jokes about social media and how different generations handle different situation.

    Final Thoughts

    Rosamund Pike as Veronika in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
    Rosamund Pike as Veronika in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.

    ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ gives fans of this franchise exactly what they are looking for. The writing might be on the weaker side but the cast delivers on both humor and heart. There and multiple twists and turns, and a whole lot of fun to be had.

    Filled to the brim with delightful illusions, ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ is bigger than ever, and more than worth the ticket price.

    ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ receives a score of 78 out of 100.

    'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t' opens in theaters on November 14th.
    ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ opens in theaters on November 14th.

    What is the plot of ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’?

    The Four Horsemen return along with a new generation of illusionists performing mind-melding twists, turns, surprises, and magic unlike anything ever captured on film.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’?

    • Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas
    • Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney
    • Dave Franco as Jack Wilder
    • Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves
    • Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley
    • Justice Smith as Charlie
    • Ariana Greenblatt as June
    • Dominic Sessa as Bosco
    (L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, and Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
    (L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, and Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.

    Other Movies in the ‘Now You See Me’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Now You See Me’ Movies On Amazon

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  • TV Review: ‘Pluribus’

    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.
    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.

    Arriving on Apple TV on November 7 with its first two episodes is ‘Pluribus,’ the new show from ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’ creator Vince Gilligan and stars ‘Saul’ veteran Rhea Seehorn.

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    The cast for the new show also includes Carlos Manuel Vesga (‘The Luckiest Man in America’), Karolina Wydra (‘Europa Report’), Miriam Shor (‘American Fiction’) and Samba Schutte (‘Our Flag Means Death.’)

    Related Article: Vince Gilligan Leaving the ‘Breaking Bad’ Universe Behind For New Show

    Initial Thoughts

    Karolina Wydra and Samba Schutte in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.
    Karolina Wydra and Samba Schutte in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.

    Given the sterling quality and awards haul of both ‘Breaking Bad’ and its prequel ‘Better Call Saul,’ there are naturally a lot of eyes on what creator Vince Gilligan does next. Can it live up to the zeitgeisty power and acting quality of either?

    The good news with his new series, Pluribus, is that it definitely feels of a par with those shows. The bad news for reviewers at least is that it’s very difficult to talk about without broaching spoiler agreements.

    Script and Direction

    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.
    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.

    Gilligan, who kicks off the series writing and directing at least the first two, has pulled off a minor miracle here, creating a drama with dark comedy running through it that manages to be both high concept and emotional.

    And he has built a powerhouse central character for lead Rhea Seehorn, who plays Carol Sturka, a misanthropic romance writer who is confronted with a very confusing, challenging situation that makes her even more of an outsider than usual.

    Gilligan and his fellow directors employ the measured, deliberate style of the previous shows, beautifully shot and superbly acted.

    Cast and Performances

    Karolina Wydra in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.
    Karolina Wydra in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.

    Seehorn is the anchor here and the actor, who was unbelievably snubbed for awards during her ‘Saul’ run, puts in a truly impressive performance. While some might be turned off by the rampant negativity of her character, she brings such depth and layers to the role and is endlessly watchable.

    Around her, the likes of Karolina Wydra, Miriam Shor and Samba Schutte also impress, but to say any more about their characters would be to risk giving too much away.

    Final Thoughts

    Carlos Manuel Vesga in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.
    Carlos Manuel Vesga in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.

    It’s frustrating not to be able to talk more about the show, but believe me when I say, this one is definitely worth watching. And if you like shows such as ‘The Twilight Zone,’ it’s even more highly recommended.

    ‘Pluribus’ receives 90 out of 100.

    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.
    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.

    What’s the plot of ‘Pluribus’?

    The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.

    Who stars in ‘Pluribus’?

    • Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka
    • Karolina Wydra as Zosia
    • Carlos Manuel Vesga as Manousos
    • Miriam Shor as Helen
    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.
    Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus,’ premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV.

    Other TV Series Written by Vince Gilligan:

    Buy Vince Gilligan Movies and TV on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Die My Love’

    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in 'Die My Love'. Photo Seamus McGarvey/Mubi.
    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in ‘Die My Love’. Photo Seamus McGarvey/Mubi.

    Opening in theaters November 7 is ‘Die My Love,’ directed by Lynne Ramsay and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, Sissy Spacek, LaKeith Stanfield, Gabrielle Rose, and Nick Nolte.

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    Related Article: Robert Pattinson Being Considered for Cast of Third ‘Dune’ Movie

    Initial Thoughts

    Jennifer Lawrence in 'Die My Love'. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.
    Jennifer Lawrence in ‘Die My Love’. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.

    Lynne Ramsay has written and directed only five feature films in 26 years, and ‘Die My Love’ comes eight years after her previous effort, 2017’s ‘You Were Never Really Here.’ Based on Ariana Harwicz’s 2012 novel of the same name, ‘Die My Love’ treads similar psychological ground as some of Ramsay’s earlier films, with this one portraying both postpartum depression and the dissolution of an unhappy marriage.

    But despite an incendiary performance from Jennifer Lawrence, and strong support from Robert Pattinson and Sissy Spacek, ‘Die My Love’ never really takes off. It’s filmed incredibly well – by now a Ramsay trademark – and has a string of powerful moments, yet at some point it settles into a kind of cyclical structure that just ends up repeating itself, making for an initially absorbing but frustrating viewing experience.

    Story and Direction

    Director Lynne Ramsay on the set of 'Die My Love'. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.
    Director Lynne Ramsay on the set of ‘Die My Love’. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.

    The film opens inside the decaying, shabby farmhouse that Grace (Lawrence) and Jackson (Pattinson) are moving into, which we learn belonged to Jackson’s uncle before he offed himself upstairs. But the only ghosts in the house are the ones in Grace’s head. They’ve moved to the middle of nowhere in Montana to get out of city life and let Grace concentrate on writing a novel, while one-time musician Jackson settles into a job as a truck driver that takes him away for days at a time.

    At first they romp around the house like playful, overgrown children, sexing and drinking with relish, but once Grace gets pregnant and gives birth, all that comes to an end – even though Grace is still horny, Jackson doesn’t want anything to do with that and his trips get even longer. That leaves Grace alone with the baby and her own increasingly fractured and tormented thoughts – which soon turn into increasingly destructive actions that seem to tip into full-blown psychosis.

    Director Lynne Ramsay on the set of 'Die My Love'. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.
    Director Lynne Ramsay on the set of ‘Die My Love’. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.

    Is it the loneliness or the postpartum depression that does Grace in? It’s left ambiguous, but we suspect the former more than the latter. Either way, whether she literally tears the bathroom apart or has a quick (possibly imaginary) fling with the biker down the road (a barely there LaKeith Stanfield), Grace is on a downward spiral – until she isn’t. She gets better for a bit, and then does it all again, rinse and repeat.

    And that’s ultimately the problem with ‘Die My Love’: it ends up chasing its own tail, becoming more stylized and self-indulgent as it goes along and less interesting to watch. Jackson and his mom, Pam (Sissy Spacek) try to help but seem hapless in the face of Grace’s force-of-nature rush to set her whole life on fire (dog lovers beware: things don’t end well for the family pet). There are moments of clarity and beauty and profundity, but they’re fleeting in an otherwise exhausting catalog of erratic behavior that portrays mental illness as a kind of Grand Guignol.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in 'Die My Love'. Photo: Kimberley French/Mubi.
    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in ‘Die My Love’. Photo: Kimberley French/Mubi.

    Jennifer Lawrence is at her best when she just lets raw emotion and impulse pour out of her, which makes ‘Die My Love’ something of a tour de force. Unafraid to bare her flesh and equally fearless about getting it dirty and bloodied, Lawrence plunges headlong into the role of Grace with fervor, keeping your eyes glued on her even when the rest of the movie falters. She approaches the character with both dark humor and grim abandon, daring the viewer to stay with her on the ride – and succeeding through her strength as an actor alone.

    Robert Pattinson does his best here, but Jackson is simply not as present, either physically or psychically, and the character is merely reactive to whatever Grace throws at him. Sissy Spacek injects some empathy into the proceedings, but in a similar fashion, the role of Pam is not developed enough. It’s also a shame we don’t see more of Nick Nolte as Jackson’s dementia-addled father, whose few moments onscreen are moving.

    Final Thoughts

    Jennifer Lawrence in 'Die My Love'. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.
    Jennifer Lawrence in ‘Die My Love’. Photo Kimberley French/Mubi.

    ‘Die My Love’ is the second movie this season about a young mother cracking under the strain, with ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ also making the experience a harrowing one. The films both use dark humor and surreal imagery, but differ in important ways: Grace, in her own fashion, embraces motherhood, while Rose Byrne’s Linda in ‘If I Had Legs’ admits at a pivotal moment that she didn’t want to be a mother in the first place.

    It’s up to the individual viewer how relatable each performance is, but the work by both actors is Oscar-worthy even if neither film develops a clear narrative or theme. In the meantime, ‘Die My Love’ is Lynne Ramsay’s most internalized film since her early efforts ‘Ratcatcher’ and ‘Morvern Callar,’ and perhaps her most difficult to embrace – and even a harder one to love.

    ‘Die My Love’ receives a score of 65 out of 100.

    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in 'Die My Love'. Photo: Kimberley French/Mubi.
    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in ‘Die My Love’. Photo: Kimberley French/Mubi.

    What is the plot of ‘Die My Love’?

    Grace and Jackson move from New York City to Jackson’s rural childhood home in Montana in search of a quieter life. As they adjust to their new surroundings and become parents, Grace begins to struggle with feelings of isolation and psychological distress. Her deteriorating mental health gradually drives their marriage into unsettling and unpredictable territory.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Die My Love’?

    • Jennifer Lawrence as Grace
    • Robert Pattinson as Jackson
    • Sissy Spacek as Pam
    • LaKeith Stanfield as Karl
    • Nick Nolte as Harry
    • Gabrielle Rose as Jen
    • Debs Howard as Marsha
    • Sarah Lind as Cheryl
    Director Lynne Ramsay on the set of 'Die My Love'. Photo: Mubi.
    Director Lynne Ramsay on the set of ‘Die My Love’. Photo: Mubi.

    Other Lynne Ramsay Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Die My Love’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Jennifer Lawrence Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Sentimental Value’

    (L to R) Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning in 'Sentimental Value'. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
    (L to R) Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.

    Opening in theaters November 7 is ‘Sentimental Value,’ directed by Joachim Trier and starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Anders Danielsen Lie, Cory Michael Smith, Catherine Cohen, and Elle Fanning.

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    Related Article:  ‘A Different Man’ Tackles Issues of Identity with Compassion and Humor

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in 'Sentimental Value'. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
    (L to R) Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.

    Easily one of the best films of the year, ‘Sentimental Value’ is Joachim Trier’s follow-up to 2021’s ‘The Worst Person in the World,’ a character study disguised as a bittersweet rom-com. ‘Sentimental Value’ is also bittersweet, but it’s no romantic comedy: instead, it dissects the complicated relationship between a narcissistic but aging filmmaker and his two daughters in the wake of their mother’s death.

    ‘Sentimental Value’ gets at some universal truths about all families, parents, and children, and presents each of its four main characters in nuanced shades, letting us see them at their best and not so finest. While the film might be too casually paced and narratively loose for some, this is ultimately a rich, engrossing, deeply moving tale of what happens when family becomes fodder for art, and everything that spins out of that.

    Story and Direction

    (L to R) Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning in 'Sentimental Value'. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
    (L to R) Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.

    Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgård) is a once highly-regarded filmmaker whose best years are behind him and who hasn’t been able to get a film financed for 15 years. He returns to his family home in Oslo, Norway for the funeral of his ex-wife, where he attempts to reconnect with his two daughters, actor Nora (Renate Reinsve) and her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) who has a more stable job as a historian and a husband and child.

    But Gustav is also after more than just re-establishing the tattered relationship he has with the two daughters he left behind: he has written a new film – apparently an incredible script – and wants Nora to star in it. However, she wants nothing to do with the film or her father. Thanks to a fortuitous meeting, he instead enlists a young American star named Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning). With Rachel attached, Netflix comes calling – but something about the entire project feels off.

    Renate Reinsve in 'Sentimental Value'. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
    Renate Reinsve in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.

    Through a string of beautifully composed scenes, Joachim Trier (working from a script he co-wrote with Eskil Vogt) slowly peels back the layers of each of these characters, revealing the multi-dimensional people at the heart of a very intimate story about how the compulsion to create art can be both healing and disruptive. We find out that Gustav’s script is about his mother, who survived Nazi atrocities only to take her own life in the very home in which he wants to film – a personal expression of anguish he’s held all these years. But the screenplay is also about his daughters, and as we find out more about them, we learn that this family has been shattered in multiple ways.

    All this is eloquently and elegantly shot in gorgeous Oslo, with the Borg house at the center of the story both a place of stability and a ghost from the past. With warmth, some sly humor (mostly poking fun at the movie business), and a story that lays bare some raw emotions while not providing easy solutions, ‘Sentimental Value’ is an engrossing drama that makes one want to spend more time with the Borg family.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve in 'Sentimental Value'. Photo: Christian Belgaux.
    (L to R) Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Christian Belgaux.

    All four leads in this film are impeccable, starting with the great Renate Reinsve and the global treasure that is Stellan Skarsgård. Coming off ‘The Worst Person in the World’ and last year’s ‘A Different Man,’ Reinsve once again displays her ability to make the work of acting literally invisible, while fully inhabiting the character she portrays. Nora is complicated and troubled – she is an exceptional actress but has extreme anxiety attacks before going onstage – and unable to get everything in her life lined up, but also possessed of charm, wit, and an underlying darkness that is hinted at but perceptible.

    As for Skarsgård, this may be the Swedish veteran’s masterpiece: Gustav is also charming, talented, and witty, but possessed of a high self-regard, a condescension toward others, and an almost childish temper. A scene in which he visits his one-time cinematographer, only to realize that the man might be too old to work anymore, is acting perfection: just with the subtle expression on his face, Skarsgård shows us both Gustav’s disappointment and fear – he’s seeing his own potential future. And underneath his still-cocky surface lies a deep grief – which he is unable to express without a camera. This is brilliant, Oscar-worthy stuff all the way.

    Credit also to Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as the practical sister from whom Nora is somewhat estranged as well, but who still has a deep love for both sibling and parent, and Elle Fanning (having a heck of a fall with this and ‘Predator: Badlands’), whose Rachel Kemp exhibits depth and sensitivity that, in a lesser film, would be replaced by a simple Hollywood brat.

    Final Thoughts

    Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in 'Sentimental Value'. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
    Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.

    Joachim Trier keeps mining everyday human relationships for maximum complexity while presenting his stories with an easygoing clarity that’s hard to not enjoy. ‘Sentimental Value’ continues that tradition, and while it’s ironically not sentimental at all, it’s still deeply moving in its understanding of how grief and sadness can be both fodder for great art and fuel for slow self-destruction.

    ‘Sentimental Value’ receives a score of 95 out of 100.

    'Sentimental Value' opens in theaters on November 7th.
    ‘Sentimental Value’ opens in theaters on November 7th.

    What is the plot of ‘Sentimental Value’?

    The fractured relationship between an acclaimed director and his two estranged daughters becomes even more complicated when he decides to make a personal film about their family history.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Sentimental Value’?

    • Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav Borg
    • Renate Reinsve as Nora Borg
    • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as Agnes Borg Pettersen
    • Elle Fanning as Rachel Kemp
    • Anders Danielsen Lie as Jakob
    • Cory Michael Smith as Sam
    • Catherine Cohen as Nicky
    • Andreas Stoltenberg Granerud as Even
    Stellan Skarsgård in 'Sentimental Value'. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
    Stellan Skarsgård in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.

    List of Stellan Skarsgard Movies and TV Shows

    Buy Tickets: ‘Sentimental Value’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Stellan Skarsgård Movies on Amazon

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