"I'm shocked, shocked!
To find gambling is going on in here."
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.
So NATO (not that one - the National Association of Theater Owners) did a version of a few months back. They made an ad for going to the movie theaters again. But I think they did it poorly.
Instead of recruiting the best storytellers in the world to come up with original ideas (or maybe just original ideas from anyone) to convey how awesome the theatrical experience can be, they just had an editor piece together a bunch of footage from upcoming movies with one of the voice over guys saying "the wait is over" and "the big screen is back" while everyone they're trying to reach is all like "huh? what'd you say? sorry, I was contentedly watching Netflix."
They're acting as if all they have to do is swing open their doors and people will stream in. And in truth, some people will. But pretending like everybody has been waiting solely to do this one thing feels a bit idk, lacking awareness? As if the world isn't different. But it is.
I'd liken it to as if Apple made an ad somewhat haphazardly showcasing all of the features that makeup their phones, instead of what Apple actually does, which is make ads to get across how all those features are going to make you feel. And in an industry where creating emotion is kind of the point, I just think the whole saying "we're back" and shoving the product in my face without reminding me in some fashion how enjoyable the experience of consuming that product is, misses that point.
(from top, left to right)
Black Widow: At this point I'm pretty sure every human child is simply born with an innate understanding of what a "Marvel movie" is. It's kinda like how deer can start walking 7 hours after they're born. Yeah, definitely the same thing. Don't even question it. Which is to say, I shan't need to feed you too many movie morsels in order to help you decide if you're going to let your eyes feast on this orgy of action (too many food references?).
But what I can say is that while Black Widow (B Dub henceforth) is sure to be classified as a shoot 'em up movie like all its brethren, what's kept the franchise (I believe the longest running if you factor in story continuity) successful and fresh, is an ability to keep an overarching style, yet allowing the characters and the directors telling their stories, some level of creative freedom. And while B Dub bears the same weight as all Marvel movies (see: making money) it also carries the expectations of a fanbase that's been asking for the titular character to have a movie since, well, she was introduced in Iron Man 2 (2011). Because while Captain Marvel may have had the distinction of being the first female led Marvel movie, B Dub is the first, and longest serving non-male member of the worldwide (universe?) wrecking crew known as The Avengers.
The character's sex was not lost on the director Cat Shorthand, and in fact she's said the movie talks to how women are often the victims of violence and she wanted to reflect that in her portrayal. Which, is clearly heavy stuff, but remember, Marvel movie, so Shorthand goes on to say that while the characters have plenty of trauma, they love to deal with it via jokes. So don't worry, we (the audience) still get that easy out.
As for the particulars, this movie is a sort of prequel to the more recent Avengers movies - it's actually set right after Captain America: Civi War where our oft leather clad hero runs away from her chosen family, only to eventually get caught up with her old family - who technically isn't her birth family. Got it? I wouldn't sweat it, the plot will sort it self out. I'd pay closer attention to who will be moving the beats forward, namely: David Harbour (from Stranger Things) and Rachel Weisz as B Dub's "parents" and Florence Pugh as her "sister." You'll understand the quotes if you watch, but you'll also understand why reviews say the these three additions to the Marvel universe are (yet more) welcome ones - some go so far to say that Pugh outshines Johansson.
Which, is actually a good thing in the long term, because while this is very likely Johansson's last Marvel movie, it definitely ain't the last Marvel movie.
Vibe Be Like: a spy movie with that Marvel sheen as applied by another indie darling
Out Friday!
Watch Theaters & Disney + (for $30)
The Trailer | 2 hrs 13 mins | PG-13 | 🍅: 82%
Fear Street: Part Two - 1978: Did you watch Part One: 1994? No?! Well go on then, do your homework and join class after. I'll wait.
*opens TikTok*
*two hours passes in what seems like 5 minutes*
Jesus, you're back already?
*makes mental note to delete TikTok*
Now that you're caught up, you of course already know this 1978 summer camp set sequel to Fear Street Part One is a flashback, as told to the survivors of that neon-hued murder-fest. Which would also make it the middle movie of Netflix's horror film trilogy, to be followed next weekend by the finale, set in 1666, the year the witch, who is supposedly wreaking havoc on the poor town of Shadyside, was killed.
Yes, I'm (not so coyly) giving you all this back story, because what The Flix is doing is a bit unprecedented, and necessitates a bit of hand holding. Yes, all three of these movies are technically unique (just like aaallll of you 🥰), they're inextricably linked due to their connected storyline. Which, one could argue makes it more of a "TV series" with three long episodes, buuuut bygones.
With that out of the way, I can tell you Part Two looks to continue the series' competition between body count and the number of positive reviews. And if that was unclear, critics say director Leigh Janiak does well in pivoting the series to the Friday the 13th and Halloween era of slashers. They also mentioned that just like the first film, you'll get a strong focus on character, which makes it all the more messed up when one of your new besties gets introduced to the sharp end of an axe.
But that's why we watch... right?
Vibe Be Like: no no no no, don't go in there! Cuz horror movie characters always... oh damn, she didn't go in there. Ohp! Aaaaand she still dead.
Out Friday
Watch Netflix
The Trailer | 1 hr 49 mins | R | 🍅: 88%
NOTABLES
(from top, left to right)
Beckett - kind of looks like a modern day Fugitive, with John David Washington running from authorities in Europe after he and his gf (Alicia Vikander) get into a gnarly car crash.
Val - a documentary by and about the famous, but a lot less so now, actor. Already some reviews out and they're really positive, noting Kilmer's penchant for recording his entire life (before it was popular?), along with a heavy does of self-awareness, has made for a unique look at celebrity, drive and the ability to heal.
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