The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Movie Minis
NEW THIS WEEK “Being the Ricardos”
DThis fake documentary looks at the Most Dramatic Week of the “I Love Lucy” show Ever: when Lucy is accused of being a Communist, Desi’s partying has landed him in the tabloids, and Lucy finds out she’s pregnant. While the dialogue does snap and crackle, the script’s overly fussy and navel-gazing structure flops, and the climatic stakes are a joke. Starring Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and Jake Lacy. Directed by Aaron Sorkin. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 5 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE: This one won’t appeal to younger audiences, but all in all, it’s pretty tame for an R-rated movie. OK for teens and mature kids.
“Don’t Look Up”
B
A graduate student and her adviser discover a comet that’s headed straight for Earth and must convince the president that the event that is scheduled to arrive in six months is extinction level and is worth her attention. The film delivers swift, stinging kicks to everything from anti-intellectualism to the excesses of celebrity culture, social media and infotainment-ized news and eventually goes deeper than cheap and easy snark. Starring Leonardo Dicaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Rob Morgan. Directed by Adam Mckay. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated R for language throughout, graphic nudity, drug content and some sexual content. At Landmark’s Midtown Art and GTC Merchants Walk. 2 hours, 25 minutes.
“The Lady of Heaven”
Review not available in time for publication. An Iraqi child loses his mother in a war-torn country and a loving grandmother narrates the historical story of The Lady and how her suffering as the first victim of terrorism spun out of control into the 21st century. Starring Ray Fearon, Mark Anthony Brighton and Gabriel Brighton. Directed by Eli King. Rated R for strong/bloody violence. At AMC Classic North Dekalb, AMC Barrett Commons and SMC Southlake. 2 hours, 21 minutes.
“The Sleeping Negro”
Review not available in time for publication. A young Black man struggles with a sense of shame when he goes through with an illegal act ordered by his white boss. When he discusses his unease with a Black former friend and his white fiance, it only leads to further confusion and frustration. Starring Skinner Myers, David Fumero and Nican Robinson. Directed by Skinner Myers. Unrated. At Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 12 minutes.
STILL SHOWING “Belfast”
B
This is a personal memoir of growing up during the early years of The Troubles in Belfast’s civil war. The director bares his soul in this film, which richly rewards the audience willing to take this trip down memory lane. Starring Caitriona Balfe and Judi Dench. Directed by Kenneth Branagh. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for strong language and some violence. At Tara Theatre, AMC Hiram and GTC Merchants Walk. 1 hour, 37 minutes.
“Benedetta”
C+
In this adaptation of the 1986 book “Immodest Acts,” a young nun in a convent is spiritually transformed by her vivid and bloody visions of Christ, as well as her scandalous sexual awakening with another young novice who has sought sanctuary at the convent. The film tackles themes of fear and lies, good and evil, God and the devil and the director continues to push boundaries with the subject matter. Starring Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling and Lambert Wilson. Directed by Paul Verhoeven. In French with English subtitles. (Adam Graham, Detroit News) Unrated but has graphic nudity, graphic violence, sex, language and adult situations. At AMC Phipps Plaza and Plaza Theatre. 2 hours, 11 minutes.
“Christmas With The Chosen: The Messengers”
Review not available in time for publication. Artists perform new and classic Christmas songs from the set of “The Chosen.” Starring Alican Barlas, Maverick City Choir and Phil Wickham. Directed by Dallas Jenkins and Jacob Schwarz. Unrated. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 50 minutes.
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” C
A girl adopts a regular-size dog but when she wakes up the next day, the pup has grown into the size of an elephant. Luckily, the computer animation behind the dog is relatively solid and the film holds together even though it is a bit of a mishmash. Starring Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall and Tony Hale. Directed by Walt Becker. (Kirsten Page-kirby, Washington Post) Rated PG for thematic elements, mild action and impolite humor. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 37 minutes.
“C’mon, C’mon”
B+
A man is asked by his sister to take care of his nephew while she takes care of the boy’s father during a bipolar episode. The man and his nephew form a special bond. It is a purposeful, thoughtful film, structured along the classic lines of a hero’s quest. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann and Jaboukie Young-white. Directed by Mike Mills. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated R for language. At metro theater. 1 hour, 48 minutes.
“Dune” B+
A young man, training in mind control, travels to a dangerous planet to help take over spice-mining operations and his psychic connections to the people there indicate he may be their messiah. This is not an adventure romp laced with humor, but it is approached with almost religious reverence, creating an intoxicatingly mysterious and immersive world. Starring Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Fergson and Oscar Isaac. Directed by Denis Villeneuve. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG13 for some disturbing images, sequences of strong violence and suggestive material. At Regal Atlantic Station and Tara Theatre. 2 hours, 35 minutes.
“Encanto”
B
All the children who live in the mountains of a charmed place called Encanto are blessed with a unique gift. All the children except Mirabel, but she may be the family’s last hope when she discovers that the magic is in danger. It’s a simple but resonant tale, but “Encanto” is charmed and charming film that just might offer a bit of healing too. Starring the voices of Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero and Diane Guerrero. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for some thematic elements and mild peril. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 39 minutes.
“Eternals”
C+
The ancient aliens who have secretly been on earth for 7,000 years now much come out of the shadows and defend the planet against the Deviants. It’s a dense, heavy fantasy that asks the audience to suspend their irony addiction for two-and-a-half hours, which is perhaps too tall an order. Starring Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Kit Harrington. Directed by Chloe Zhao. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, brief sexuality and some language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 37 minutes.
“For the Love of Money”
Review not available in time for publication. Shadowy figures threaten a woman’s daughter and she gets pulled back into a life she never wanted. Starring Keri Hilson, Rotimi and Jason Mitchell. Directed by Leslie Small. Rated R for language, violence and some sexual content/nudity. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 38 minutes.
“The French Dispatch”
C
An editor’s funeral provides the frame for a collection of stories in the (fictional) Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun magazine. There are some charming conceits, but this film strands every
sort of good and great actor in the cinematic equivalent of a design meeting. Starring Benicio
del Toro, Adrien Brody and Tilda Swinton. Directed by Wes Anderson. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for language, graphic nudity and some sexual references. At Landmark’s Midtown Arts and Regal Hollywood 24. 1 hour, 47 minutes.
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” D+
A single mom inherits her father’s farm and when she travels there, she finds all sorts of mysterious artifacts and ghost-hunting gear. This project is so dedicated to the original that it’s cringeworthy yet it doesn’t manage to capture the essence of what made that supernatural slacker comedy appealing at the time. Starring Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace. Directed by Jason Reitman. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for supernatural action and some suggestive references. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 4 minutes.
“The Green Knight”
B+
A knight goes on a quest to behead a giant green stranger in the forest. There’s an astonishing variety of natural and human-made light to help tell the story, and there’s a lot here, either on the surface or bubbling beneath it. Starring Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton. Directed by David Lowery. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for graphic nudity, violence and some sexuality. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 2 hours, 5 minutes.
“The Hand of God”
C
In 1980s Naples, there are rumors an Argentine soccer legend is coming to town, thereby resurrecting the beleaguered local team and a local teen boy is caught up in the excitement as well as his own sensual awakening and intimations of what life may have in store for him. For all its beauty and poignancy, the film suffers from a strange paradox: It goes on too long but somehow doesn’t go far enough. Starring Filippo Scotti, Toni Servillo and Teresa Saponangelo. Directed by Paolo Sorrentino. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated R for some graphic nudity, brief drug use, sexual content and language. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 2 hours, 10 minutes.
“House of Gucci” D+
This is the true story for the 1995 murder of fashion heir Maurizio Gucci by hitmen hired by his ex-wife. The film is overly long and the sin it’s most guilty of is taking itself too seriously. The costumes are fabulous though. Starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver and Jared Leto. Directed by Ridley Scott. (Michael O’sullivan, Washington Post) Rated R for some sexual content, language, brief nudity and violence. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 37 minutes.
“King Richard”
B+
The father of the Williams tennis sisters fends off local gangs and disapproving neighbors before taking the girls to the country clubs and assuring them they had every right to be there. The film isn’t perfect — it’s overlong and repetitive, but Will Smith refuses to conceal the father’s darkness which is there simmering just under the blustery bravado. Also starring Aunjanue Ellis and Saniyya Sidney. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for brief drug references, a sexual reference, some violence and strong language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 26 minutes.
“My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission”
Review not available in time for publication. Japan’s heroes must track down the mastermind behind a deadly chemical attack. Starring the voices of Tetsu Inada, Yuki Kaji and Kenta Miyake. Directed by Kenji Nagasaki. Rated PG-13 for bloody images, violent material and some language. At AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 44 minutes.
“No Time To Die”
B
James Bond is trying to retire in Jamaica but the gig finds him and he is back into a world he thought he left behind. The script is often delightfully light and saucy and the film is a beautifully shot and epic adventure. Starring Daniel Craig, Rami Malek and Lea Seydoux. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, brief strong language, some disturbing images and some suggestive material. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 43 minutes.
“The Power of the Dog”
B
A macho rancher in 1920s Montana verbally abuses everyone to keep a secret until his step-nephew catches him in what was supposed to be a private moment. There’s plenty to admire here, from the gorgeous Western photography to ferocious performances. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. Directed by Jane Campion. (Adam Graham, Detroit News) Rated R for full nudity and brief sexual content. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 2 hours, 7 minutes.
“Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City”
Review not available in time for publication. A pharmaceutical company left a Midwestern town in ruins with evil below the surface that a group of survivors must work together to contain. Starring Kaya Scodelario, Hannah John-kamen and Robbie Amell. Directed by Johannes Roberts. Rated R for strong violence and gore and language throughout. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 47 minutes.
“Spencer”
B
Princess Diana Spencer is staying at the queen’s Christmas retreat in 1991, where she is stressed from her husband’s infidelity and the strains of tradition and obligation. For better or for worse, the film conveys the feeling of living in a rarefied, indifferent world that doesn’t seem to value independent women. Starring Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall and Jack Farthing. Directed by Pablo Larrain. (Hau Chu, Washington Post) Rated R for some language. At AMC Phipps Plaza, Landmark’s Midtown Art and AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 51 minutes.
“Sword Art Online: Progressive — Aria of a Starless Night”
Review not available in time for publication. A newbie gamer thinks her dream has come true, but she quickly realizes it’s a nightmare when she learns the only way to escape the virtual world is to beat all 100 levels and “game over” means you die in the real world. Starring the voices of Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Haruka Tomatsu and Inori Minase. Directed by Ayako Kawano. Unrated. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 37 minutes.
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage”
C+
The character springs into action when notorious serial killer Cletus Kasady transforms into the evil Carnage. The sequel doesn’t have that sense of joyful discovery and gleeful mischief that the first film did, because it’s obviously now a comedy on purpose. Starring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams and Naomie Harris. Directed by Andy Serkis. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for disturbing material, action, intense sequences of violence, some strong language and suggestive references. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 37 minutes.
“Wolf” C
Several children are afflicted with a made-up malady called Species Identity Disorder — which makes them think they are animals — and are receiving treatment for it. It’s perplexing and not especially nuanced. Starring George Mackay, Lilyrose Depp and Paddy Considine. Directed by Nathalie Biancheri. (Michael O’sullivan, Washington Post) Rated R for some abusive behavior, language, sexuality and nudity. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 38 minutes.