By Tony Beal

IN THEATERS

“A Different Man”
After a surgery that fixes his facial deformity, a man finds a play about his story colliding with his life.

A very funny film about oneself and perception, with Sebastian Stan’s greatest performance to date. Watching his character, Edward, bottle up his insecurities before they leak out, whether it’s in basic conversations or his own quiet parts, is truly great. All the while, Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson’s supporting work show how versatile the two are as they enhance the grounded but odd world it has. From a filmmaking perspective it’s stunning, some great lighting here to add to the mood of the film. That said, the movie does end on a rather strange note, a result of the film perhaps not stopping at the right moment. Still, it doesn’t ruin what was an hour and forty minutes of unnerving and thoughtful humor.
“Saturday Night”
The chaos surrounding the 90 minutes leading up to the first Saturday Night Live episode.

One of the most self-congratulatory pieces of film in a while, one that can’t bother to actually explore the people behind SNL beyond an easy and consumable level. There’s no examination of how Lorne Michaels sees his cast or the actual impact the show had for its time period, just about how wacky everything is. This is a highly talented cast but most of them don’t get to do much with the material given, just imitations of these people. The only exceptions are Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris and Willem Dafoe who give the film energy. The most insulting thing is how the film builds tension about whether the show will come together – not because we know it will, but because it acts like these future stars may not be. It goes for the easy option.

ON PARAMOUNT+
“Apartment 7A”
A young dancer finds herself at the center of a horrifying conspiracy when she moves into a new apartment.
It’s an enormous task to follow up a classic like Rosemary’s Baby, but that’s still no excuse to deliver such a dull waste of time. Apartment 7A offers nothing new as a prequel or as its own experience, more a retread with less interesting moviemaking and with nothing new to say from 56 years ago. It moves at a snail’s pace, with nothing of interest happening beyond odd antics and the occasional jump scare. The actors do their honest best with the material but are unable to rise above it. There’s little that makes the film even feel like a distinct and new entry from its predecessor. It’s as if it was its own script that was slapped into the universe as a quick cash-grab.

ON APPLE TV+

“Wolfs”
Two lone-wolf fixers find themselves forced into the same job together.

Clooney and Pitt’s long awaited reunion lacks energy and personality for a stereotypical streamer movie. There is no real movement to the film, just events happening for the sake of the plot rather than any real story motivation, and in a world that feels dead (which is odd for a city like New York). It would be made up for if the main duo were as fun as expected, but the script and direction give neither much to do which results in the two seeming to be bored throughout the film. Ironically, for a movie all about unexpected twists and turns, it’s very predictable in terms of filmmaking and plot. A disposable film, one that will be forgotten about by the time you read this.

NEW RELEASES
November 1
“Juror #2”
“Here”
“Hitpig”
“Absolution”
“Weekend in Taipei”
“My Dead Friend Zoe”
“Blitz” (Limited)

November 8
“Heretic
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
“Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom”
“Bird” (Limited)
“Small Things Like These” (Limited)

November 13
“Emilia Perez” (Netflix)

November 15
“Red One”
“All We Imagine As Light” (Limited)

November 22
“Gladiator II”
“Wicked”
“Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.”
“Blitz” (Apple TV+)
“The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
“Spellbound” (Netflix)
“Joy” (Netflix)

November 27
“Moana 2”
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Limited)