Jeffrey Wright & director Cord Johnson excel in American Fiction
Television writer Cord Johnson delivers a stunning directorial debut in American Fiction from Orion Pictures. The film is an adaptation of the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett. Jeffrey Wright top lines the film as Monk, a Black novelist and professor who needs a hit. After an incident with an overly privileged student in class, Monk takes a break to visit his sister, Lisa (Tracee Ellis Ross), and mother, Agnes (Leslie Uggams). While on a relaxing vacation, Monk, stumbles upon the latest book by his fellow melanin author, Sinatra Golden (Issa Rae), which has become an overnight sensation due to its exaggerated use of stereotypes. Monk, who prides himself on writing about authentic Black experiences, is disappointed by this discovery.
Solid direction and a strong lead performance don’t save A Creature Was Stirring
As the holiday season approaches, director Damien LeVeck hopes to give horror fans the latest horror holiday treat in A Creature Was Stirring from Well Go USA. Shannon Wells wrote the screenplay for the film, and it takes us on a journey to meet Faith (Chrissy Metz), a dedicated nurse looking after her troubled teenage daughter Charm (Annalise Basso) during the holiday season.
The Iron Claw is an engaging biopic of one the first families of wrestling
The Iron Claw, the latest film from A24, directed by Sean Durkin, tells one of the most heart-wrenching wrestling stories. The screenplay, written by Durkin, depicts the true story of four of the five inseparable Von Erich brothers – Kevin (played by Zac Efron), Kerry (played by Jeremy Allen White), David (played by Harris Dickinson), and Mike (played by Stanley Simons) – who achieved great success in the highly competitive world of professional Wrestling in the early 1980s.
Dream Scenario is Nic Cage at his best
Nicolas Cage teams up with director Kristófer K. Borgli for the trippy comedic drama Dream Scenario, produced by A24. Paul Matthews (Cage) is an unfortunate family man and professor living with his wife Janet (Julianne Nicholson) and daughters Sophie (Lily Bird) and Hannah (Jessica Clement) amid the bane of his existence. One day, he runs into Claire, a journalist ex-girlfriend who tells him he’s been in her dreams.
Pierce Brosnan delivers the action good in Fast Charlie
Following a lukewarm response to his previous films, director Philip Noyce aims to return to glory with his latest Fast Charlie from Vertical. Richard Wenk pens the film’s screenplay, which is an adaption of Victor Gischler novel Gun Monkeys.
Eli Roth carves up the gory goods in the holiday slasher Thanksgiving
One year after the stampede, a mysterious killer named John Carver starts terrorizing the town to avenge the incident. He picks off those who were involved in the tragedy one by one. Together with Sheriff Nelson (played by Patrick Dempsey), Jessica and her friends realize that there is a more sinister holiday plan in motion, and they must identify the killer before they all become his latest victims.
Cliches withstanding Run Nixon is a promising debut from Sky Directs
Rising filmmaker Sky Directs taps into the hood filmmaking guide for his debut feature, Run Nixon. The director also edits the film and pens the screenplay with Michelle Vital. Dre, played by Lil’ Fizz, is a father who faces a race against time to save his son Nixon, played by Emperor Kaioyus.
Napoleon loses the cinematic war
DISCLAIMER: Before I delve into my review, I’d like to address a point that some historians have raised about the accuracy of certain events portrayed in the movie. For example, some have questioned the depiction of the battle at the Pyramids of Giza and Marie Antoinette’s appearance at her execution. While these critiques are worth noting, it’s essential to remember that historical movies often take creative liberties to make the story more engaging for the audience.
Next Goal Wins is a by the number sports film and that’s just fine
Director Taika Waititi ventures away from the MCU for an inspirational sports film for his latest film, Next Goal Wins, from Searchlight Pictures. Waititi pens the film with Iain Morris, which follows the down-on-his-luck coach, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, and his journey with the underdog soccer team as they strive to win their next game and restore their lost glory.
Share explores the dark side of social media with ease
Director Ira Rosensweig examines social media’s impact in Share?, his latest feature from XYZ Films. Benjamin Sutor adapts the screenplay from a story he co-wrote with Rosensweig.
It’s a Wonderful Knife is an early holiday treat for slasher fans
Horror director Tyler MacIntyre combines two genres for his latest film, It’s A Wonderful Knife, from RJE Entertainment. Michael Kennedy pens the film’s screenplay, utilizing plot elements of a slasher flick and a Christmas movie.
Squealer oinks its way into of 2023’s worst
Stunt man Andy Armstrong ventures away from the action genre to true crime for his directorial debut in Squealer from Lionsgate. Armstrong and Danielle Burgio craft the script that vividly fictionalizes the terrifying and gruesome reign of Robert “Willy” Pickton, one of Canada’s most infamous serial killers. Pickton’s atrocities were previously explored in last year’s Pig Killer.