By Tony Beal
IN THEATERS
Queer
A 1950’s expat living in Mexico searches for meaning in life and is eventually upended after making a deep connection with a young man.
Queer is devastating in its most quiet moments. Daniel Craig’s character, Lee who is searching for any form of entertainment or thrill in his life leading him to a heartbreaking lifestyle of excess. Luca Guadagnino captures the beautiful and lively backdrops of Mexico and South America, bolstering the films overall presentation. The characters who enter Lee’s life, are brought to life by each actor in unique ways regardless of their screen time, emphasizing how Lee’s world has become. It cannot be underestimated how terrific the soundtrack is. From the original score by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross to the shockingly well-placed procured music. It’s arguably Guadagnino’s most ambitious film to date and could easily be considered his most impactful.
Gladiator II
16 years after the death of Maximus, the former heir Lucius returns to face a Rome he doesn’t recognize.
I found Gladiator II disappointing, not in its craft mind you, the action scenes are impressive and you can feel its overall scale. Much of the cast are quite good despite their lack of complete material. I find this particularly true in actors Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn, who showcase their acting abilities. The film falls short beginning with Paul Mescal who lets us down as Lucius. A role that becomes little more shadow play on the original Maximus. Not even capturing any of the charisma or brutality that Russell Crowe brought to the role. This same “shadowesque” quality is found throughout the whole film. Eventually leading me to believe this was nothing more than a feint attempt to copy its predecessor. Adding only a slightly twisted storyline, new actors and updated effects. Completely glossing over the true potential to showcase the fall of Rome. There truly is nothing new here, making for a rather tedious watch at times. By the time the credits roll, you may wonder where the last 148 minutes of your life had gone.
Flow
A heroic feline’s journey to survive after a sudden flood.
The film so clearly parallels the destructiveness of real-world climate change that its lack of dialogue from its animal leads is not even noticed. The animation is astonishing, capturing the beauty and danger of quickly changing and dangerous world. Gints Zilbalodis’s (director) use of traditional animal sounds are enough to tell the audience everything they need to know. Using them to manipulate the viewers emotions in a way that any who has ever loved a pet will be quick to forgive. The film is a wonderful representation of an all-ages approach to animation that is rarely seen in mainstream films in this medium. Providing us with a story that avoids talking down to younger viewers, while still being engaging for adults.
The Order
The true story of a 1980’s Neo Nazi group that conspired towards a greater revolution.
The simplicity of The Order is where its strengths lie. The film shows us how average the people involved were and how terrifying it is that they were real life. Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult are two men driven towards different purposes, both play into different layers of determination and self-destruction. Throughout the film we are take on a journey showcasing local communities and how they are affected by the group. One such event is a horridly gruesome murder dropped halfway into the movie. The action is to the point, clear and reminiscent of 70s cinema in a way that doesn’t feel derivative. By the end of the film, you will be left speechless by the mostly untold true life horrors this film brings to light.
NEW RELEASES
January 3
The Damned
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix)
January 10
Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera
January 17
Wolf Man
One of them Days
Presence (Limited)
Back In Action (Netflix)
January 24
Brave The Dark
Flight Risk
The Colors Within
Love Me (Limited)
Inheritance (Limited)
January 30
You’re Cordially Invited (Amazon Prime Video)
January 31
Companion
Dog Man
Valiant One
