Anatomy of a Fall (Justine Triet, 2023). At a remote home in the French Alps, a man named Samuel (Samuel Theis) is found dead atop the snow-packed ground in front of his house. The cause is clearly a plummet from … Continue reading Then Playing — Anatomy of a Fall; Tina; Remember the Night
Stamped from the Beginning (Roger Ross Williams, 2023). Somewhat adapted from and somewhat inspired by Ibram X Kendi’s book of the same name, this documentary by Roger Ross Williams pointedly traces the creation and enforcement of racial identity as a … Continue reading Then Playing — Stamped from the Beginning; Bell, Book and Candle; Rustin
The Killer (David Fincher, 2023). Following the prestige passion project Mank, David Fincher returns to the sort of glossy pulp that seems to most stir his cinematic heart. The Killer focuses on a hitman (Michael Fassbender) whose previously perfect professional … Continue reading Then Playing — The Killer; Maestro; Poor Things
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Sam Fell, 2023). The first Chicken Run, which was also the first feature-length outing for Aardman Animation, was released almost a quarter-century ago. Of course, clay doesn’t really age, so, sure, why not circle … Continue reading Then Playing — Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget; American Symphony; I Wouldn’t Be in Your Shoes
The Main Event (Howard Zieff, 1979). Barbra Streisand stars as Hillary Kramer, the owner of a major perfume corporation who goes bust after her accountant embezzles all of her money and absconds to South America. One of the only assets … Continue reading Then Playing — The Main Event; A Thousand and One; Black Angel
Ladies of the Chorus (Phil Karlson, 1949). This backstage drama about burlesque performers is pedestrian in its most basic particulars, but it has just enough flinty spirit to keep it interesting. Peggy Martin (Marilyn Monroe) is a performer who rises … Continue reading Then Playing — Ladies of the Chorus; Paris, Texas; Reality
Theater Camp (Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, 2023). This affectionate spoofing of arts education summer camps where young thespians find their hit-the-back-row voices is too raggedy to be wholly satisfying. As directed by first-timers Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, Theater … Continue reading Then Playing — Theater Camp; Inherit the Wind; Sweet Revenge
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (James Gunn, 2023). Writer-director James Gunn officially concludes his run with the star-spanning, misfit heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as one of the few filmmakers who was able to prevent his creative sensibility … Continue reading Then Playing — Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3; Days of Wine and Roses; The Terminal Man
The Adults (Dustin Guy Defa, 2023). This barbed dramedy settles in with three siblings who muddle through a strained reunion when Eric (Michael Cera) treks to the hometown where his two sisters, Rachel (Hannah Gross) and Maggie (Sophia Lillis), still … Continue reading Then Playing — The Adults; The Cheap Detective; Thief
Talk to Me (Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou, 2023). This horror film, the feature debut by twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, employs the sturdy concept of a cursed object that wreaks deadly havoc on a group of foolhardy souls … Continue reading Then Playing — Talk to Me; Scream; Messiah of Evil
Coffee for Two 