What even IS normal?

Jun 10, 2020

Keeping the "interruption" of the Does it Hold Up thing going for another week. I use quotes because this whole damn email is an interruption until theaters get back to... normal? Which I'll get to in a minute. But until things are back to some form of what they were, this is a bit of a freeform space, hope you're cool with that. I appreciate you sticking with me.

If you look at the larger national situation, there's a lot of passion and discussion around changing the structure of well, almost everything right now. Unfortunately, the status is very much going to keep on quo"ing" as it were wrt to movies, at least for the immediate and likely medium future - that is to say, the majority of "big" movies you'll see released in theaters when "normal" returns will still have mostly been directed, written and produced by (white) dudes. So yeah, I think it's more than fine we take another week to check out some more movies (new and old) directed by some black directors.

So what the hell is going on with theaters now that places are opening back up? It's still fluid, but AMC (the nation's largest theater chain) has said it expects to have most theaters open by July (albeit with restrictions, e.g. space between seats, cleaning regiments & more). Other theaters have expressed a similar timeline.

The immediate attention is being paid to the next Christopher Nolan movie, Tenet (starring John David Washington and Robert Pattinson). The July 17th release looks to be on track and will be the first "major" movie (it reportedly cost $200+ million) to come out post shutdown. As for the rest of the lovely yarns you might've seen spun whilst drenched in free AC this summer? Well, as you know, most of them moved. :/ But the publication Quartz created a handy little chart that covers all of the major summer releases if you're curious what's happening with your most anticipated - check it out below.

Also, two movies that were intended for theatrical release are coming out this Friday on digital platforms. Artemis Fowl, the Marvel inspired take on a series of teen sci-fi novels is debuting on Disney+. Then there's The King of Staten Island directed by Judd Apatow and starring Pete Davidson (from SNL) coming to VOD. In Davidson's own words, it's his "8 Mile moment." There's no rapping mind you, but you can bet there will still be wrapping, just of the weed and rolling paper variety. It's reviews are mostly solid, but not what you'd call stand out.

Oh and in the "I'm not sure if it's good or bad news" category, the trailer for Bill and Ted Face the Music (aka Bill and Ted 3) just dropped. Decide for yourself!

Cutoff? Go here, click "most recent edition."

BELLE
(2013)

Based on a true story, it's set in late 18th century England and follows a young woman who was born to a white father and black mother, and is "entrusted" (da fuq?) to her father's uncle. She's treated neither as an aristocrat nor poorly as others with her skin color. A fancy pants romance movie (see above photo), but according to most reviews, also deftly addresses issues of race and slavery.

Directed by: Amma Asante

LITTLE WOODS
(2019)

Starring the prolific (that woman works) and prolifically awesome Tessa Thompson, it's a story about sisters who have been stuck with a shit situation most of their lives and there's more coming their way. Lily James' plays Thompson's estranged sister who becomes pregnant, but is looking for an abortion, and to escape her ex. Thompson had been dealing pills to help her ailing mother and figures getting back into it is the best way to help her and her sister. Supposed to be real good - 96% on them RT's.

Directed by: Nia DaCosta

HALE COUNTY
THIS MORNING
THIS EVENING
(2018)

Oh man, this movie gets me excited. Now, before you go and watch the trailer, know that it may not get you excited. But maybe it should? Idk, I haven't seen it, but I'm gonna watch it. It's a documentary that was shot over 5 years and focuses on (black) people in a rural Alabama town where "life" happens. It does not look to be your typical talking head doc, but more an experience where you sit with other people's experiences (fitting for the times?). It was nominated for best documentary at the Oscars and enjoying its 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Directed by: RaMell Ross

LITTLE
(2019)

Hey, who said all these movies had to be heavy or critical raves? It's got Issa Rae who's darn funny and plays off the well beloved Hollywood trope of body switching. Plus, it was pitched by the star of the movie - nope, not Rae, Marsa Martin (from Black-ish). Hint: she's the little one.

Direct by: Marsa Martin! (jk), Tina Gordon

What's In Theaters +

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