I had a blast at the movies this September and I’m ready to keep the momentum going. I feel good about most of my initial predictions. Of course, I was wrong about was Hustlers – it wasn’t just a fun movie. It was a genuinely good movie where we all left ready for JLo’s Supporting Actress Oscar run. People are also speculating a potential Maggie Smith Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her role as Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, another movie I suspected would be merely just for fun. Dame Maggie Smith has already won multiple Oscars as well as multiple Emmys for her role in Downton Abbey and didn’t show up to any of the awards shows! I’m far more pro-JLo in this scenario but always respect Professor McGonagall. The Goldfinch was a flop but Ad Astra, the Brad Pitt produced and starred in space epic is also poised to make a run for the Oscars despite Brad’s insistence that he “isn’t running.” Sure, Jan. James Gray and Hoyte Van Hoytema should also be in the running for Best Director and Best Cinematographer for their work in Ad Astra. Judy has been greeted with medium reviews but with 100% assurance that Renee Zellweger is certainly running for Best Actress. With movies that have already made a lot of noise during the September festivals like Joker and JoJo Rabbit, I’m looking forward to what October has to bring. Let’s check them out:
Weekend of October 4th:
Joker
Plot: “In 1981, Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian, turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City” – Warner Bros. Pictures
Main Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert DeNiro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy,
My Commentary: I am extremely excited for this movie. The Joker is probably one of the best villains in all of the comic book world and possibly the extended fantasy world besides, in my opinion, Darth Vader and Voldemort. Joaquin Phoenix might be one of the strangest people alive but he also is one of the most talented character actors of our time other than Daniel Day-Lewis. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the movie and it hasn’t even come out yet. There’s the inherent controversy that comes from the uncomfortable feeling of the late Heath Ledger being the last one to play a “serious” version of the Joker (sorry Jared Leto) and winning an Oscar for it – after all, the role famously and tragically caused him to die after he accidentally overdosed on sleeping pills due to the trauma of immersing himself so deeply into the Joker’s psyche. Additional controversy was sparked by a letter written by the families and friends of the 12 people killed at “The Dark Knight Rises” screening in Aurora, Colorado in 2012 requesting the movie not be screened at that theater out of respect. Other warnings have been issued saying the violence and mental illness portrayed in the movie could be triggering. Director Todd Phillips (of “The Hangover” fame) asked why this film is being subjected to such scrutiny when there are tons of other action movies that display just as much violence. The drama already seems never-ending and for a movie that seems to be angling for multiple Oscar noms – including Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor – I suspect we’ll be in the Joker controversy spin cycle for the foreseeable future.
Lucy in the Sky
Plot: “Astronaut Lucy Cola returns to Earth after a lengthy space mission where she begins an affair with fellow astronaut Mark Goodwin. Due to her experience far from home, Lucy heads into a downward spiral as she loses connection to her family, and when her lover begins an affair with an astronaut trainee, the bottom drops out. The film is loosely based on astronaut Lisa Nowak’s criminal activities around her romantic involvement with fellow astronaut William Oefelein.” – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Main Cast: Natalie Portman, Jon Hamm, Zazie Beetz, Dan Stevens, Colman Domingo, Ellen Burstyn, Nick Offerman, Tig Notaro
My Commentary: Yet ANOTHER space movie. Didn’t I just request for these to stop?! The movie seems to deal with pretty emotional topics, has an incredible cast and is produced by Reese Witherspoon. Sadly, the movie has gotten pretty terrible reviews despite Natalie Portman’s best efforts. If you love Natalie Portman and space, this movie might be for you, but I don’t see it taking home any awards.
Other movies coming out this weekend: The Woman in the Window, El Coyote, Cuck, Pain and Glory, Wrinkles the Clown, The Battle of Jangsari, The Climbers, In The Tall Grass, Pretenders
Weekend of October 11th:
Parasite
Plot: “Greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the weathly Park family and the destitue Kim clan.” – CJ Entertainment
Main Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik and Park So-dam
My Commentary: This movie has gotten rave reviews and I can’t wait to see it – something I rarely say about foreign movies. It’s not because I’m against foreign movies but limited access and language barriers can be frustrating. This South Korean dark comedy thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho has already been chosen as South Korea’s entry for Best International Feature Film at this year’s upcoming Oscars (and is poised to win). It premiered at Cannes in May and became the first Korean film to win the Palme d’Or award. It’s framed as insightful thriller about inequality, telling the plight of a family. The story may feel familiar but is told in a thought-provoking, unique way reminiscent of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out.” I will definitely go out of my way to see this movie.
The King
Plot: “Hal, a wayward prince, ascends the English Throne upon his father’s death, and must navigate the palace snake pit of inherited war and chaos.” – Netflix
Main Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, Ben Medelsohn, Sean Harris, Lily-Rose Depp, Tom Glynn-Carney, Tomasin McKenzie, Dean-Charles Chapman
My Commentary: Anything having to do with Timothee Chalamet means I’m inherently all-in, especially if his co-star is his current girlfriend Lily-Rose Depp. The two gave us these amazing, if extremely uncomfortable, pictures while they were promoting the film at the Venice Film Festival. The movie is directed by David Michod, written by Michod and Joel Edgerton (also starring), and produced by Brad Pitt’s production company “Plan B Entertainment” alongside Netflix. That’s a power team if I’ve ever heard one. The movie is based on Shakespeare’s plays “Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2” and “Henry V” and looks extremely dark. To be honest, if this movie didn’t have Timothee and Robert Pattinson in it, I’m not sure it would be my cup of tea. Reviews have been relatively favorable explaining that the strong source material and incredible performances make this a period drama worth watching. Netflix has been going all in on prestige dramas this year and I’m here for it – if you don’t have time to get out and see this movie in theaters, it’s being released to the digital streaming service on November 1st. I’m not expecting any nominations but I do love a Timothee Chalamet red carpet so I hope he gets a nod.
Honorable Mention: “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie”. This movie is only being distributed in a very limited amount of theaters as the real intention is to premiere on Netflix’s streaming service. The movie is a follow up to the incredibly popular TV show “Breaking Bad” and is written and directed by Vince Gilligan, the genius behind the show. The movie will follow Jesse Pinkman (Emmy-winner Aaron Paul) in the wake of his escape at the end of “Breaking Bad.” I bet they’re going to somehow get Bryan Cranston (Walter White) in this through flashbacks or dreams – how could they not? In addition, Bryan and Aaron just came out with their own tequila “Dos Hombres” together – suspicious timing. I’m definitely looking forward to this next installment of the story – “Breaking Bad” is one of the best shows of all time in my opinion and I trust Vince Gilligan.
Other movies coming out this weekend: Gemini Man, The Addams Family, High Strung Free Dance, Jexi, The Current War, Fractured, Polaroid, Mary, Union
Weekend of October 18th:
Jojo Rabbit
Plot: “During World War II, lonely German boy Jojo “Rabbit” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) has his worldview turned upside down when he discovers that his single mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend in the form of an idiotic version of Adolf Hilter (Taika Waititi), Jojo must confront his ideology.” – Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures
Main Cast: Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson, Tomasin McKenzie, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen
My Commentary: So Taika Waititi is certainly taking a large risk with this movie. Not just because he is the writer, director and star, but specficially because he happens to be starring as a stupid Hitler? This movie could work or it could really… not. I think a lot of people probably saw this trailer or heard about the plot and were immediately turned off – to most (hopefully all), the Holocaust isn’t funny and Hitler is the epitome of evil, not a lovable bafoon. However, “JoJo Rabbit” has incredible reviews so far. The film won the audience award at the Toronto FIlm Festival in September, which has been a litmus test for Oscar Best Picture nominations / winners (previous year’s winners include: Green Book (2018), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), La La Land (2016), Room (2015), The Imitation Game (2014), 12 Years a Slave (2013), Silver Linings Playbook (2012)) Not a bad list – good work Toronto. I’m a big fan of Taika’s since I absolutely loved “Thor: Ragnarok.” He brought so much humor and light to a story that desperately needed it. The cast of the movie is also great; I’m happy to see Alfie Allen on the big screen after his incredible season 8 performance in Game Of Thrones as Theon Greyjoy. No surprise that Sam Rockwell is playing a Nazi – the man really has typecast himself as the go-to actor to play a horrible person. I will be interested to see the ongoing reactions to this movie, including my own. As a Jewish woman myself, with family who died in the Holocaust, I’m looking forward to seeing how I feel about a “funny, heartwarming” tale about such a tragic time in history.
The Lighthouse
Plot: “The Lighthouse chronicles the gritty adventures of two lighthouse keepers as they are faced with loneliness, friendship and their worst fears, including how long it has been since they have been in the lighthouse.” – A24
Main Cast: Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson
My Commentary: As I’ve told you all before: I don’t do horror so I probably will not be seeing this movie. The Lighthouse stars Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe as two lighthouse keepers faced with loneliness, friendship and their worst fears. The movie chronicles their descent into madness as their solitude makes them lose track of time and their own minds. The film has been praised by most critics who have seen the Robert Eggers-directed black-and-white horror film, highlighting the technical aspects, direction and the performances of the two leads; plus who doesn’t love an A24 film. Probably before, but especially since Get Out, A24 is the studio that has been churning out A+ smaller budget movies since 2013. They’re always extremely high quality “indie” movies; A24 is the studio behind Lady Bird, Moonlight, MidSommar, Hereditary, Eighth Grad and so many more incredible films.
Other movies coming out this weekend: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Zombieland: Double Tap, Miss Virginia, Greener Grass, Unlikely
Weekend of October 25th:
Dolemite Is My Name
Plot: “The story of performer Rudy Ray Moore, who assumed the role of an iconic pimp named Dolemite during the 1970s.” – Netflix
Main Cast: Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Wesley Snipes, Chris Rock, Ron Chephas Jones, Tip “T.I.” Harrison, Aleksandar Filimonovic
My Commentary: Eddie Murphy’s triumphant return! Ever since he was passed over for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Dream Girls (2006), we haven’t seen much of the comedy legend besides some smaller movies here and there and a little voice acting. Eddie is producing and starring in this movie, embodying the sexually-explicit, boundary-pushing, eccentric comedian from the 70s. With a fabulous and famous supporting cast, excitement for this movie is extremely high. Murphy’s performance has been called “electric” and anyone who is a fan of his should be lining up to see what he’s going to bring to this film. Hopefully it leads all the way to an Oscar nomination. The movie is having a very limited release in theaters October 4th but will become available for streaming on October 25th.
Other movies coming out this weekend: Terminator: Dark Fate, Countdown, Black and Blue, Western Stars, The Reliant, The Great Alaskan Race, Frankie, Full Count, The Cat and the Moon, The Last Full Measure
