Do you know what it feels like...

Oct 14, 2020

"This... is my boomstick!"

PINNED: this newsletter is supposed to be a friendly recapping of the movies in, and coming to, theaters. But things be real weird right now. So until that changes in earnest, I'll either be suggesting old favorites to revisit, pointing out recent flicks you may have missed or calling out notable new VOD / streaming options.

The aftermath of the last week is in full effect. Soon after I sent last week's email, Disney announced they are moving Pixar's Soul to Disney+ (no pun intended) for a Xmas Day release. It makes a lot of sense based on the circumstances. Makes even more sense when you add in that Disney also announced a reorganization of their entire business to put extra focus on streaming. Btw, looks like you will not have to pay the extra $30 for Soul, like you did for Mulan. Indication that pricing strategy didn't work? Hard to say for sure, but if I had to bet, I'd bet yes.

Elsewhere, Paramount is apparently planning on selling the Eddie Murphy sequel Coming 2 America, which had been set for a Xmas theatrical release, to Amazon Prime. Paramount has already sold Kumail Nanjiani / Issa Rae's Lovebirds and Aaron Sorkin's The Trial of the Chicago 7 to Netflix because of "the bullshit." FYI Trial is actually streaming this Friday and reviews are saying it's solid.

So of the six notable movies I mentioned that were set for theatrical releases, two are gone. You can bet more will either be moved to streaming or have their release dates shifted. Those six aren't the only movies still set with theatrical release of course, just the bigger ones - but when the big movies are moved off the calendars, it hurts theaters the most.

Speaking of... AMC came out yesterday saying their cash will be gone by "year's end" and they may file for bankruptcy soon after. So yeah, things are going from worse to awful.

On the plus side (not that plus)! Loooots of great trailers this week. But more importantly, trailers for movies that look great.

This Week's Theme: abortion, or, on being a woman in three films

SAINT FRANCES
(2020)

This seems like the kind of movie where if it had a cast of stars in it, you'd probably already know about it, possibly even seen it and decent chance it might've gotten some awards nominations. But it doesn't, you (almost surely) haven't and it won't.

But that doesn't mean it still couldn't be one of your favorite films released this year. I mean, who knows?! That's right. You do. Post watching it.

Because we need more movies where the effects of vaginal bleeding being shown on screen is normal, because it is very normal. And things like aliens, ghosts or superheroes, which get all sorts of screen time, are not.

But there are lots of things about being a woman that aren't commonly shown in movies and TV. And while this movie can't cover them all, it is able to include postpartum depression, abortion, same sex coupledom, overt feminism, sex, but like actual sex - not soft glow tongue touchy sex, and more.

But don't get it twisted, this isn't a seriously weighty movie that'll leave you feeling heavy. It looks to address these things as most people have to, while addressing everything else life throws at you - oh, and with jokes.

The movie focuses on Maya (played by Kelly O'Sullivan - she wrote the movie too) who is in in her mid-thirties and in the midst of figuring her shit out. She's sick of being a waitress so she applies to work as a nanny, a job she (eventually) gets and her relationship with her charge, six year old France, which starts off frosty, is one that changes her life.

So yeah, the basic coming-of-age premise sounds pretty normal, but with the added elements the movie brings, it's (hopefully) more like the new-normal.

Give It a Shot If: the old way just isn't working for you anymore

Details: 99% on RT (83 reviews)
NR, 1 hrs 46 mins, Oscopelabs

NEVER RARELY
SOMETIMES ALWAYS
(2020)

I wrote about this movie when it first came out and I think what I wrote still applies...

With difficult subjects there often comes the preaching of ideals or the designs of politics, and then, there's the reality. This is a movie about the latter.

A high school aged (but not quite considered an "adult") young woman becomes pregnant, but chooses she's not ready to have a baby. Problem is, she lives in Pennsylvania, where women under the age of 18 need parental consent to have an abortion. So she goes to New York with her supportive cousin along with what little money they pool together to try and reach a clinic in Brooklyn that can help.

And while the story centers on the logistical precariousness around getting an abortion in certain parts of the US, per reviews, the heart is around the lead character's loneliness as well as the strength and need for female bonds in the face of both omnipresent culture forces and real in your face male oppression / aggression.

You probably gathered, but this is the kind of movie that doesn't look to tell the viewer how to feel with big speeches and sweeping music, but instead relays its message from watching humans go through entirely human experiences.

Give It a Shot If: you really want to feel like you're there

Details: 99% on RT (189 reviews)
PG-13, 1 hr 41 mins, Focus Features

OBVIOUS CHILD
(2014)

If you thought abortion couldn't be funny, well, you're probably right. But the things surrounding abortion? Like say, the awkward moments before, during and after sex that can result in pregnancy? Or tragic moments where all you can do is laugh. See, that shit can be hilarious.

Well, at least when you get to watch Jenny Slate do it all. She's the very funny person you likely know from Parks and Rec where she plays Mona-Lisa, sister of Jean-Ralphio, and a bunch of voice stuff, including Big Mouth.

Slate plays what is likely a version of herself, a stand up comedian struggling with both comedy and l.i.f.e. life. And as life happens sometimes, she gets drunk, has sex, incorrectly uses the condom as a thumb toy (wait, they're not thumb toys....?) and oop, gets pregnant. She doesn't oscillate about her choice of whether to get an abortion, but she does go back and forth on if, and how, to tell the guy she slept with. It becomes even more complicated as she realizes she may even like him. Add in a few familiar learnings and you have the makings for nice lil rombortion-com.

See, yeah, not funny.

Give It a Shot If: you like to laugh while dealing with the hard things (not that kind)

Details: 90% on RT (204 reviews)
R, 1 hr 23 mins, A24

Highlights

Promising Young Woman - second trailer for the movie I may be most excited about this year. Carey Mulligan is a (promising young?) woman seeking revenge on men after her experiences with sexual assault. Highly recommend

Mank - teaser for David Fincher's next film (script was written by his, now passed, father) about the co-writer of Citizen Kane and his battles with Orson Welles.

I Carry You With Me - two men who are Mexican and in love move to the US to be able to live openly.

Nine Days - a man interviews people / souls to be given life. Looks weird and pretty darn good. Zazie Beetz, Winston Duke, Bill Skarsgård.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie - British teen works towards his dream of becoming a draw queen. Looks super fun.

I'm Your Woman - Rachel Brosnahan (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) is married to a thief and it forces her to go on the run. Looks kinda great.

What's In Theaters +

Discussion about this post