Aero rides along with ‘Ford vs.’
The shrewd programmers at the American Cinematheque have dreamed up an engaging way to riff off the Oscar-nominated success of “Ford v Ferrari” by putting together a series called “Ford vs. …” that pairs a John Ford film with a similarly themed work by another director.
On Jan. 31, Ford’s “Young Mr. Lincoln” is paired with Frank Capra’s equally political “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” On Feb. 1, Ford’s action epic “The Searchers” shares the screen with Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan.” And on Feb. 2, Ford’s socially conscious “The Grapes of Wrath” screens with William Wellman’s “The Ox-Bow Incident.” Great pairings every one.
“Ford vs. …,” American Cinematheque at the Aero Theater, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 7:30 p.m., Friday-Sunday, $12. (310) 260-1528, americancinemathequecalendar.com
Movie recommendations from Times critics Justin Chang (J.C.) and Kenneth Turan (K.T.). All titles are in general release unless otherwise noted.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
A deeply moving companion piece to last year’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” Marielle Heller’s subtly directed drama casts an excellent Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers and Matthew Rhys as a cynical journalist who is transformed by their encounter. (J.C.) PG.
Limited
Clemency
Chinonye Chukwu’s gripping new movie, starring Alfre Woodard as a deathrow prison warden, is a sterling piece of American realism, powered by the transfixing spectacle of a great actor at the peak of her powers. (J.C.) R.
Limited
Ford v Ferrari
A barnburner of a motion picture that mainlines heart-in-mouth excitement and tug-at-the-heart emotion in a career-defining effort by director James Mangold, this glorious throwback combines a smart, modern sensibility with the best of traditional storytelling, plus sterling acting by stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale and a tip-top supporting cast. (K.T.) PG-13.
I Lost My Body
As inventive a piece of animation as you’re likely to see, this extraordinary film is about a hand with a mind of its own, and if that sounds a little crazy, this dark, strange and altogether wonderful feature will make you believe. Directed by France’s Jérémy Clapin. (K.T.) NR. Netflix
Knives Out
Rian Johnson’s deliriously entertaining country-house murder mystery brings together a splendid cast (led by Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas), an ingenious script and a razorsharp indictment of class inequality and moral rot in contemporary America. (J.C.) PG-13.
Little Women
As written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring a transcendent Saoirse Ronan, the seventh and latest big-screen version of Louisa May Alcott’s novel is here and it’s a pip, with its strong, unmistakable message and even stronger emotions reinforcing each other to splendid effect. (K.T.) PG
Marriage Story
An emotionally lacerating experience, a nearly flawless elegy for a beautifully flawed couple played by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, both in peak form. Writer-director Noah Baumbach, a peerless observer of domestic pettiness and passive-aggressive behavior, puts every unflattering detail under his dramatic microscope. (J.C.) R.
Netflix
Parasite
Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, Bong Joon Ho’s deviously entertaining thriller about two very different families is an ingenious weave of domestic dark comedy, class allegory and, ultimately, devastating tragedy. (J.C.) R. Limited
The Two Popes
Who knew that serious talk about the future of the Catholic Church could be the source of so much fun? Written by Anthony McCarten, directed by Fernando Meirelles and starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, this sprightly film offers spirited conversations as well as a playful side. (K.T.) PG-13
Netflix
Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler gives the performance of his career as a Manhattan jewelry dealer and gambling addict pinballing from one bad decision to the next in Josh and Benny Safdie’s relentlessly tense thriller. (J.C.) R.
Limited