DALLAS — WISH
So, how would Disney mark its 100th anniversary? They've had their park celebrations, but for an animated movie, it's "Wish." Ariana DeBose, Oscar winner for "West Side Story," voices the main character 'Asha,' who lives on the island kingdom of Rosas. The King of Rosas is also a sorcerer. And he's lured immigrants with the promise of a great life if they surrender their wishes to him. Once a month, he grants one wish. The others won't know what they're missing because he's wiped their wishes from their psyche. Asha applies to be his apprentice ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice," get it?) She's not chosen, but now that she's on to the King, she works to expose him. Of course, in true Disney fashion, she's wished upon a star! And her feisty, shiny new friend helps her with her quest.
"Wish" is an original story, which makes it fresh. There are plenty of Disney 'easter eggs' to spot including Asha's very own seven dwarfs. DeBose wonderfully voices Asha. Chris Pine is decent as the villainous king. The music, though, is pretty forgettable, except for "This Wish," which you might catch yourself singing. This is a nice movie but surprisingly dark for a celebration. I anticipated something on the level of "Frozen" for the centennial. The good news -- It looks like Disney will develop two more installments of that franchise. So, you won't have to wish upon a star much longer.
(Walt Disney Pictures. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hr. 35 mins. In Theaters Only)
SALTBURN
Emerald Fennell won an original screenplay Oscar for the 2020 dark comedy "Promising Young Woman" - Carey Mulligan seeking revenge against misbehaving men. Her follow-up pulls a similar thread. "Saltburn" is a twisted gothic class satire set about 15 years ago. Barry Keoghan plays 'Oscar,' a newbie at Fennell's alma mater, Oxford. He's a scholarship kid on the outside looking in and yearns to be part of the elite circle surrounding the oh-so-privileged and handsome 'Felix.' He's played with disarming charm by Jacob Elordi. Felix ends up taking Oscar under his wing and invites him to spend the Summer at his eccentric family's posh estate, 'Saltburn.' We always want who, or what, what we cannot have. And Oscar ingratiates himself with family members -- one by one -- growing bolder and more wicked with each social conquest.
I'm not gonna lie, there are shocking moments here that you've never seen on film before. There will be gasps and likely some walk-outs by the uninformed. ("Downton Abbey," this ain't!) There will also be lively conversations as you drive home. No one creates full characters quite like Fennell. Keoghan tops himself again. He's exceptional here, and Rosamund Pike as the narcissistic mom, is priceless. For me, "Saltburn" is one of the best, most provocative and entertaining films of the year, and I can't wait to see what this auteur does next.
(Amazon MGM Studios. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs. 7 mins. In Theaters Only)
NAPOLEON
Also battling for your box office dollar, "Napoleon." When a movie begins with Marie Antoinette losing her head, literally, you know you're in for a ride! It's an epic about the French military leader who was elevated to Emperor until he wasn't anymore (that darned Waterloo!). In the title role, Joaquin Phoenix. Ridley Scott directs and does a terrific job. If anyone could helm a battle scene with military precision, it's him. One battle where Napoleon lures his opponents onto ice, then blasts cannons so the troops fall through, is visually and viscerally stunning. Phoenix would seem to be the perfect casting, but his Napoleon comes off as boorish. If he was that way in real life, it's hard to believe he could inspire troops to do anything beyond take an early lunch. The standout here is Vanessa Kirby as Napoleon's wife Josephine. She was actually a replacement for Jodie Comer (from Scott's prior film, "The Last Duel”) and fills the French bill with emotional fullness. But overall, this is a grand film that sorely lacks passion.
(Columbia Pictures. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs. 38 mins. In Theaters Only)
DREAM SCENARIO
Nicolas Cage starred in a clever movie last year called "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" in which he pokes fun at himself by channeling some of his well-known characters. Get ready to add another character to that list. In "Dream Scenario," he plays a college biology professor who discovers, for whatever reason, that people can't stop dreaming about him! He's flattered at first when the revelation comes from his ex-girlfriend. But the obsession grows out of control when it includes millions of perfect strangers, and their dreams grow increasingly hateful. Now, that's a nightmare! So, what's a guy to do? Consult with a PR firm run by Michael Cera (Hello, 'Alan' from "Barbie." You still make me laugh.) and, of course, write a memoir.
With the feels of a Charlie Kaufman movie, Cage abandons all vanity -- appearing bald -- to deliver a truly dark comedy about the trapping of fame. You can tell he’s proud of this surreal film. In fact, he thinks it’s his best performance ever and probably the best movie he’s ever made! You know what? He might be right
(A24. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 42 mins. In Theaters Only.)
