DALLAS — THE FIRST OMEN
It's been nearly 50 years since "The Omen" set a standard for supernatural horror ("The Exorcist" would follow).
A baby acquired in a secret swap becomes a couple's worst nightmare: Damien' -- the son of Satan! Now, "The First Omen" serves as a prequel to that classic with a course correction.
Arkasha Stevenson co-wrote and directed the film. No longer is the "Antichrist" born of a jackal. Instead, a young woman arrives at a convent in Rome and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy involving forced reproduction (and that's all I'll say).
The novitiate is played by Nell Tiger Free. I spoke to both of them who told me they're proud to own the narrative ... staying true to the theme of body horror but seen through a female lens.
I was set to dislike "The First Omen" because the similar "Immaculate" which came out a couple of weeks ago was so average. This is actually well-made and sufficiently creepy. Nell is refreshing and relatable, and there's good casting in supporting roles, too: her mentor played by Bill Nighy, the Mother Superior by Sonia Braga. There's also a nice nod to the original at the end, and a twist that would allow for a sequel.
I'd look forward to it.
(20th Century Studios. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs. In Theaters Only)
MONKEY MAN
Remember sweet Dev Patel, teen star of the Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire?" He's evolved over the years and was ready to become an auteur with "Monkey Man."
Horror genius Jordan Peele lent his talents as a producer. But this is Patel's film as a first-time director as well as writer and star. His character "Bobby" sets his sights set on avenging his mother's death which he witnessed as a young boy. So, he fights for money in his monkey mask - based on Indian mythology his mother taught him. But he methodically moves up in service jobs- infiltrating a criminal organization and hoping to deal a blow to two men who brought such tragedy to his life.
Move over, John Wick.
There's a lot of fighting here, and Dev does not shirk from bringing the bloody violence. Knives, fists, martial arts, you name it. The one thing I would question: why are all the shots so tight? But overall, an impressive debut as a filmmaker. I always knew he had it in him.
(Universal Studios. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs. 1 min. In Theaters Only)
WICKED LITTLE LETTERS
And I thought I was the only woman who talked like this!
"Wicked Little Letters" is based on the true of a buttoned-up British spinster (Olivia Colman) in the 1920s who suddenly becomes the target of a poison pen, receiving letters with incredibly foul language. Bluer than blue. Suspicion naturally goes to her next door neighbor (Jessie Buckley) who speaks that way herself, plus the two have had a recent falling out.
The single mother is even arrested and put on trial. But the only female police officer on the small town force (Anjana Vasan) believes she’s innocent. And she sets out to prove it with the help of a couple supportive townswomen. Who do they believe is responsible? We find out midway through the film. So, it becomes less of a "who dunnit" and more of a "can they prove it before it's too late."
This is exactly the kind of comedy where Brits excel. Hats off to director Thea Sharrock. I've mentioned some of the cast, but the character work here is top notch, too. Not one to see if you're easily offended by language, but oh so sassy and fun!
(Studio Canal. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 40 mins. In Theaters Only)
MÚSICA
You know what it's like when you can't get a song out of your head? Well, imagine if every little sound you hear becomes a symphony - but only to you. That's the world of YouTube musician and puppeteer Rudy Mancuso who has a medical condition known as 'Synesthesia."
Here, he creatively embraces it - writing and directing his first feature film, the 'true-ish' story "Música." As his character ponders his future, he's torn between two young woman. One wants to start a new life with him in New York. The other ("Riverdale's" Camila Mendes) works in a fish market in his New Jersey neighborhood. Rudy calls it, not a lovers' triangle, but a lovers' square, because his mother (played by his own mom) is always butting in.
Don't expect "La La Land," "Música" a non-musical musical. No breaking into song. No sumptuous score. This is far more understated, yet very clever and effective. The only the rhythms are those Rudy feels - and the pitter patter of his own heart. He and Mendes fell in love filming the movie and are still together.
(Prime Video. Rated PG-13. Running Time 1 hr. 31 mins. Streaming Only.)
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