DALLAS —
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is Martin Scorsese's latest epic, and it's a masterpiece. Based on a true and little-known story told in a best-seller, Leonardo DiCaprio plays 'Ernest.'
Just back from World War One, he moves to Oklahoma. There, he learns from his uncle, Robert De Niro, that the Osage indigenous people are incredibly wealthy, thanks to the oil rights they own. He meets and marries an Osage woman, 'Mollie.' Soon you see her family and others of the Osage Nation systematically killed for their inheritance.
Has Ernest's love turned to evil? Was he ever in love at all? How far does the conspiracy go? Will Jesse Plemmons (excellent as an agent of the fledgling FBI) solve the crimes decimating the native community?
"Killers" is among the best work of DiCaprio's career, and that's saying a lot! But the quiet strength of indigenous actress Lily Gladstone as 'Mollie' is the emotional glue that holds all 3 1/2 hours of this film together. It's Scorsese. His films are always long, but he's earned that right and has a big story to tell. It was filmed in Oklahoma and features every older character working in the region. It's just part of the authenticity that Scorsese insisted on and achieves.
This movie is well worth your time and will no doubt figure big come awards season!
(Paramount Pictures. Rated R. Running Time 3 hrs. 26 mins. In Theaters Only)
***** THE MUSICAL
Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp created and starred in a hit New York underground musical. Hollywood took notice, now it's expanded into a feature film. And it's depraved enough, it would make the guys on "The Book of Mormon" blush! We'll just call it "The Musical." The full title, a little too risque'.
Two identical twins, who look nothing alike, were separated at birth, each raised by an eccentric, divorced parent. They hatch a plan to switch places and reunite them. (Sound like "The Parent Trap?" It's not!) Their folks are played by comedy gold, Megan Mullally and Nathan Lane. There's another Megan in the movie, too: Megan Thee Stallion in her feature film debut as the twins' no-nonsense boss.
Listen, this is insane, profane, but also crazy fun. Larry Charles, of "Borat* fame, directs. The producer of "The Greatest Showman" and the music producer of "LaLa Land" are also involved. Musical and comic pedigree abounds, yet it's so naughty, it's sure to get some walkouts. It's also destined to be a midnight movie with cult status.
(A24. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 26 mins. In Theaters Only)
FOE
How many films have we seen about a dystopian society with an influx of aliens. It's been a lot lately, and here's one more. Oscar nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal star as Hen and Junior, who appear to be among the last folks on Earth... somewhere in the Midwest (filmed in Australia, by the way).
As you can imagine, such dire straits would cause a rift in any marriage. Soon a distraction arrives... a stranger to tell the couple they've been chosen to go to an Outer Space colony for a couple of years. Did I say 'they?' It's just Junior. But don't worry, they'll supply an identical robot to fill in for him. She'll never know when he's left.
"Foe" is directed and co-written by Garth Davis, whose 2016 movie, "Lion," received multiple Oscar nominations. Here he stages a dramatic contrast between cinematic and intimate, but the film just moves too slowly and sometimes doesn't make sense.
(Amazon Studios. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 50 mins. In Theaters Only.)
JOAN BAEZ: I AM NOISE
The Taylor Swift concert movie is one thing: a big bold pop music production. But remember, Taylor considers herself a songwriter above all else. So even she might be intrigued by this documentary about Joan Baez.
The very private artist and activist opens up about multiple personal issues including multiple personalities and abuse by her dad. We also observe how much Bob Dylan meant to her emotionally and MLK, inspirationally. Almost more melancholy than celebratory, but cool insight into a one-of-a-kind talent.
(Magnolia Pictures. NR. Running Time 1 hr. 53 mins. In Theaters Only)