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Trust Me, I Watch Everything: New Releases in Theaters and at Home
Key Takeaways:
- In Theaters: "Predator: Badlands" offers a different take on the franchise, focusing on a Predator protagonist, while "Christy" features a powerful performance by Sydney Sweeney in a biographical sports drama with domestic abuse themes.
- For Rent/Purchase: "Black Phone 2" takes a supernatural turn, though it may lean too heavily on "Nightmare on Elm Street" influences, and "The Smashing Machine" provides a glimpse into MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s life, highlighted by Dwayne Johnson’s performance.
- Streaming: Guillermo del Toro’s "Frankenstein" arrives on Netflix with Jacob Elordi’s standout portrayal of the creature, and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" aims to finally deliver a successful cinematic interpretation of the iconic Marvel team on Disney+.
This week’s roundup of movies and shows includes theatrical releases, rentals/purchases, and streaming options. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview catering to diverse tastes.
In Theaters
Predator: Badlands: Dan Trachtenberg, known for "Prey," directs this installment. The film shakes up the formula by making a Predator the protagonist, teaming him with a robot ally (Elle Fanning) on a quest. However, the author feels that Disney’s influence to make the R-rated franchise more family-friendly by giving it a PG-13 rating is a misstep, softening the brutal essence of the Predator series. While the practical effects for the main Predator are commendable, the abundance of CGI creatures detracts from the franchise’s signature monster-on-human violence. Despite these concerns, other critics have generally praised the film as the best Predator installment since the original.
Christy: Sydney Sweeney shines in "Christy," a sports drama based on the real-life story of boxer Christy Martin. The film traces her rise in boxing, guided by her trainer-turned-husband Jim (Ben Foster), while she confronts personal struggles including a controlling and abusive relationship. Foster delivers a chilling performance as the manipulative Jim. Though some elements are cliché, Sweeney’s performance, capturing both the strength and vulnerability of Christy, makes this film stand out. Reviews are mixed, but Sweeney’s work is a significant point of interest.
Available for Rent or Purchase
Black Phone 2: This sequel takes a supernatural direction, with Gwen (from the first film) experiencing disturbing visions and phone calls. She and her brother Finn investigate, confronting a more powerful version of The Grabber (Ethan Hawke). While it may rely heavily on Freddy Krueger-esque elements, the strong atmosphere and visuals compensate for the weaker storyline. Critical reception is divided, with some finding it unconvincing, while others appreciate the deliberate pacing and dreamlike atmosphere.
The Smashing Machine: Dwayne Johnson delivers a standout performance as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." The film explores Kerr’s personal struggles with substance abuse and relationship issues, as documented in a 2002 HBO documentary. However, the author feels that the film doesn’t quite surpass the documentary and struggles to justify the need for a biopic about Kerr. Emily Blunt’s portrayal of Kerr’s girlfriend falls into familiar tropes. Despite these shortcomings, Johnson’s performance is generating awards buzz.
Streaming
Frankenstein: Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of "Frankenstein" is finally available on Netflix. Jacob Elordi is praised for his portrayal of the Creature, capturing the tragedy of the character. Oscar Isaac plays Dr. Frankenstein, with a performance that some find disconnected from Elordi’s. The film’s structure allows Isaac to dominate the first hour before Elordi takes center stage. It explores themes of fathers and sons and the repetition of sins, and is visually stunning.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Disney+ offers "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," which has been hailed by many as the most successful attempt yet at bringing the Marvel team to the screen. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s setting, the film quickly establishes the heroes: Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and introduces Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) as the villians. While the rushed character development is a drawback, the film is considered a solid comic book adaptation.
Additional Recommendations
Nuremberg: This film, reminiscent of the "Mindhunter" series, depicts the Nuremberg trials. Rami Malek portrays a psychiatrist engaging in psychological battles with accused Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe).
Good Fortune: Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, starring Ansari, Keanu Reeves, and Seth Rogen, is a class-conscious comedy about a struggling gig worker (Ansari) whose life is altered by a well-meaning angel (Reeves).
Sovereign: Based on a true story, "Sovereign" on Hulu tells the tragic story of a father and son involved in a deadly confrontation with police. Nick Offerman delivers a strong performance, drawing on his "Parks and Recreation" persona.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale: The third installment in the popular franchise, now streaming on Peacock, has grossed over $100 million at the box office.
