The Mercury News

Indie, Netflix films only competitio­n for ‘Jurassic’ this week

- By Randy Myers Correspond­ent Randy Myers is a freelance correspond­ent covering film and is the president of the San Francisco Film Critics Circle.

It’s best to simply acquiesce to angry T. rexes.

That’s what most studios are doing this week, sitting it out to to allow “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” a wide berth.

But let’s hope this installmen­t is better than that goofy-plotted last one. Advance word is that it’s just OK. Hopefully, Bryce Dallas Howard’s character will at least be allowed to ditch the heels so she can run away from hungry dinosaurs. Chris Pratt costars.

Indie releases

“Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist” is a playful documentar­y about colorful fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, an influencer who helped make punk a fashion statement. Lorna Tucker’s film is almost, with a big emphasis on the almost, as interestin­g as her subject.

“The Doctor from India” looks fondly — some say too fondly — into the career and life of Vasant Lad and his nontraditi­onal practices for dealing with health issues.

Streaming selections

Netflix delivers another rom-com winner. “To Each, Her Own” is wistfully freespirit­ed and ever so French. An indecisive Sophie (Sarah Stern) is fed up with being relentless­ly hounded by her conservati­ve Jewish family to get hitched, especially since she’s secretly in love with a woman. At least that’s true until she meets a charismati­c Senegalese chef (Jean-Christophe Folly, you’ll fall for him too!). Myriam Aziza’s breezy dramedy encourages shrugging off labels and stereotype­s. Available Sunday.

The other Netflix original is “Brain on Fire,” an adaptation of a memoir by a New York Post journalist detailing her ordeal combating a rare disease. Chloë Grace Moretz stars. It’s been greeted with bad early reviews. Available Friday.

 ?? PIERRE VERDY ?? “Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist” highlights the life of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
PIERRE VERDY “Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist” highlights the life of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

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