TEXAS, USA —
RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCE
The Beyhive is buzzing!
Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour movie is in now in theaters. I was all set to go then saw the ticket price - $28 dollars! Let me repeat that, $28 bucks! So, should we buy a Christmas gift for Mom, or buy ourselves a movie ticket? Queen Bey sounds more like Queen Marie Antoinette - "let them eat cake!" Last time I heard, she and the hubby were pretty well off! (By comparison, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour tickets cost $19.89 - just a few bucks over a regular movie.)
At nearly three hours, "Renaissance" features concert performances but also behind the scenes moments and a look into her creative process. I'm sure it's beautiful and insightful. But you won't see me there. #BoycottBeyoncé? I'll wait 'til it streams.
(AMC Theaters. NR. Running Time 2 hrs. 48 mins. In Theaters Only)
MAESTRO
I've been waiting for this one since it was projected to come out last Winter. (Cate Blanchett also released a movie about a conductor, "Tar" last season, and perhaps Bradley Cooper chose to defer?)
Cooper directs himself in the starring role of iconic conductor Leonard Bernstein in "Maestro." He took six years to learn how to properly conduct Mahler's 2nd (a Bernstein favorite). To say this is a passion project of his is an understatement. Carey Mulligan co-stars as his wife in this complicated love story ... both personal and of the arts. I'm about to screen the film. Watch this space for commentary.
(Netflix. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs. 9 mins. In Theaters Only - Streaming December 20)
SILENT NIGHT
"Silent Night" is not the sweet holiday film the title makes it sound like. But look who's back! Legendary filmmaker John Woo directs a revenge thriller after a man's son is hit in a drive-by shooting.
Joel Kinnaman stars as the dad who's shot in the throat himself. That's why he's silent. Expect ultra violence and brilliant action because that's what Woo is known for. Kinnaman is an interesting choice for a lead, but I kinda like it. We haven't seen much from him lately, either.
(Thunder Road Films. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 44 mins. In Theaters Only)
GODZILLA MINUS ONE
Another legendary director brings "Godzilla" back to the big screen. "Godzilla Minus One" is a Japanese-made movie by master writer-director Takashi Yamazaki and produced by the famed Toho studios. The 'Minus One' refers to the effect the monster has on Japan.. already decimated by World War Two.
This looks visually incredible. If the storylines reach the same level, you could be in for quite an experience.
(Toho. NR, Rated PG-13. Running Time 2 hrs. 5 mins. In Theaters Only)
CANDY CANE LANE
Eddie Murphy reunites with director Reginald Hudlin for the first time since their rom-com "Boomerang" three decades ago.
It doesn't take much to figure out "Candy Cane Lane" is a holiday movie. Murphy's character loses his job and hopes to make a quick buck by winning the neighborhood yard decoration contest. When he goes to shop at 'Kringle's,' the elf who runs the place tricks him into signing his life over to her. The '12 Days of Christmas' goes awry, and Eddie's gotta get things in order, or a curse will befall him. Tracey Ellis Ross co-stars as his wife. This is exactly the sort of cute family adventure you'd expect. (Fun fact: Arlington's a capella group, 'Penatonix,' are portrayed as carolers in a miniature village.)
(Prime Video. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hr. 57 mins. Streaming Only)
MAY DECEMBER
Julianne Moore stars in a story loosely based on the late Mary Kay Letourneau who had an affair with her young student and ended up marrying him. Natalie Portman co-stars as an actress who comes to do research as she's about to portray her on screen. Todd Haynes directs. If you remember he was behind "Far From Heaven," co-starring Moore and Dennis Quaid.
I'm really eager to watch this one, as well, and will report back.
(Netflix. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 57 mins. Streaming Only)
FALLEN LEAVES
This might be the first Finnish movie I've ever seen. Hey, there's always a first!
"Fallen Leaves" is about two shy working class folks who look to be each other's person, but can't quite seem to get on the same page. Both have a dry sense of humor, though the woman is much more responsible at work than the guy. It's set in recent times, as the news about Ukraine is always on the radio ... unless it's drowned out by music standards like, aptly, 'Autumn Leaves." Charming, and check out that running time!
(MUBI. NR. Running Time i hr. 21 mins. In Theaters Only)
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