DALLAS — The year might be winding down, but there's a slew of new movie releases, both of the holiday and non-holiday nature.
Eileen
If you don't know New Zealand actress Thomasin McKenzie, you should! I've never seen the 23-year-old be anything but emotionally on point. Once again, as the title character, "Eileen," she's perfect. Based on the novel, it's the 1960s. Thomasin plays a clerk at a correctional institute. One day, in walks Anne Hathaway, a newly-hired psychologist named 'Rebecca.' She's glamorous, dangerous, and a beacon for Eileen, who lives a dull life with her alcoholic father and dresses in her late mother's fancy clothes. Eileen becomes infatuated. On Christmas Eve, Rebecca invites her over for drinks and drops a bombshell we never saw coming! It's a pivotal time for both of them.
I rave about Thomasin, but Hathaway is on fire here. This is a taught, moody psychological thriller, directed by William Oldroyd, who also directed Florence Pugh in "Lady Macbeth." He knows how to draw raw performances out of young women! He includes some shocking fantasy flashes. In fact, all throughout, you're never sure where the film will take you. And I love that!
(NEON. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 37 mins. In Theaters Only)
The Boy and the Heron
Hiyao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films are must-see viewing for his fans. And there's a reason they're so faithful and enraptured. He's a master of animation and storytelling. And in what might be the 83-year-old’s final film, (he's retired before) it's beautiful. A tween boy's mother dies in a hospital fire. (Yes, these films can be dark!) He's sent to live with extended family in the country and strikes up an odd friendship with a heron. He experiences fantastical sights as he comes to grip with his grief.
Here's my one warning. A few parents took their young kids to the screening I attended. Sure, it's visually stunning, but the themes are over their heads. If you do include them, prepare to have a discussion afterwards. By the way, this is the first of Miyazaki's films available on IMAX! And if you choose to see the version dubbed in English, you'll be treated to voice work by the likes of Willem Dafoe, Christian Bale and Rob Pattinson.
(GKIDS. Rated PG-13. Running Time 2 hrs. 4 mins. In Theaters Only)
Merry Little Batman
This animated movie is more kid-friendly, but still fun for the parents. It's Christmas-themed. In fact, think of "Home Alone" superhero style, and you get the idea. Batman (voiced by Dallas actor Luke Wilson) is called away on a mission. His son, Damian, desperately wants to prove he can fill his bat-suit. But he gets in a heap of trouble with Gotham City's top villains -- who are trying to steal Christmas.
This is fast-paced, high energy fun, and Batman is a different kind of action guy: a bearded overprotective dad. And finally, that rendition of "Jingle Bells" we all sang as kids kinda makes sense: "Jingle Bells, Batman smells..." only in this case, I'm sure Luke's Batman smells just fine!
(Prime Video. NR. Running Time 1 hr. 32 mins. Streaming Only)
The Shepherd
The 1975 novella "The Shepherd" by Frederick Forsyth has never been out of print but has also never made it to the screen -- until now. It's the story of a young World War II pilot's last-minute Christmas Eve flight home to England. All his instruments go out. It's too foggy to see. He thinks he'll never see his family again, then suddenly, a rescue pilot comes out of nowhere to guide him. That's John Travolta, who also executive producers. He'd been interested in the project for three decades, wanting to play the young pilot originally, but it all worked out.
Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron also executive produces, and Iain Softley adapted the story and directs. It's a short film, and it will touch your heart.
(Disney+. Rated PG. Running Time 38 mins. Streaming Only)
Baby Shark's Big Movie
It's the song that sticks in your head from the videos that your little kids can't get enough of. Now 'Baby Shark' has his own big, animated movie! His family moves away from their home when Mommy Shark gets a job opportunity in 'Chomp City.' Mommy meets up with her bestie from college (‘SNL's’ Ego Nwodim). She and her own pup (‘SNL's’ Chloe Fineman) take the Shark family by the fins. But Baby meets up with a pop star (Ashley Tisdale) who threatens to upend their happiness for her own selfish pursuits. There are new songs in this, so you don't have to hear that same thing on a loop. My favorite voice casting, by the way? Lance "Bass." Kid you not!
(Nickelodeon/Paramount+. TV-Y. Running Time 1 hr. 18 mins. Streaming Only)
