Michael, Michael, wherefore art thou Michael? 🔪
When I started writing this newsletter, I focused exclusively on theatrical releases. Ya know, hence the name. But then "the bullshit" happened and I added the + (part joke that now no longer seems funny - was it ever? - and part legitimate signal for what the publication has evolved into).
In the most 🐜 to ☀️ sized comparison ever, Netflix seems like it's on a similar journey. Sure, it, started with DVDs, but they did combine "Net" and "Flix" in the name for a reason - the intention was always to stream content to homes via the series of tubes that is the internet. And it worked. They became huge, made lots of money and changed the industry. For a long time the company has adhered to the notion that its customers should get the content they want to watch all at the same time and without delay. This is the reason they (usually) drop all episodes at once and also why for their movies they've refused to participate in the "windowing" major theater chains have long adhered to (i.e. time periods where a movie is exclusive to theaters). But as mentioned, "the bullshit" happened and it kinda mucked that all up, the glass of windowing got shattered. Traditional movie studios were now going "day and date" (released on streaming the same day it released in theaters) with their movies and theater chains basically had to let them do it because, well, what the hell else were they gonna to do? They needed product.
And while "the bullshit" was great for Netflix, it was also great for other streaming services, and competition increased. Whether that, or other reasons were to blame, earlier this year Netflix said they lost some subscribers. Ok, a lot of subscribers. The situation added some spit to the sheen the company had had for years. They announced layoffs and projected more losses. They also said they'd start giving users an ad supported option soon, something that had always been a massive no go area for them. But in maybe the biggest turn, this last week it was announced that Netflix had come to a deal with the three biggest theater chains in the US to play the Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion in theaters across the country for one week (but still only 600 theaters), a month before it drops on the streaming service. This was a big deal. Maybe more in what it signals than the specific instance. Because while The Flix has done theatrical releases for other big name titles like The Irishman and Roma, none were nationwide and none at the country's biggest theaters. Depending on how it goes, it could lead to more and more Netflix movies (and shows??) playing in cinemas.
Although it's all a little weird that this is even notable in the context of this weekend's big theatrical release, Halloween Ends. That movie, just like the previous in the series, is releasing in nearly 4,000(!!) theaters. But again, like the last one, it is also streaming on Peacock the same day (and is reportedly going to make a bunch of money). So why doesn't Glass Onion get the same treatment? Honestly, it's hard to know for sure, but it just seems like inertia and bad relationships. For years Netflix was able to spurn the demands of theater chains because it was murdering it otherwise. But now both Netflix and the chains are each in slightly more vulnerable positions, which might've allowed the deal making to have a softer edge? Whatever the case, I'm glad for it. Big fan of options of over here. 🙋♂️
But it's also got me wondering if this means Netflix will have to add a + to their name? Or would it be a - ? Hmmmm.
Note: Till, the historical drama about how the mother of Emmett Till responds to the awful murder of her son is releasing in limited theaters this weekend. But as I did with Tár last weekend, I'm going to wait until the nationwide release (Oct 28th) to feature it.
Extra Credit Movies:
The Curse of Bridge Hollow - Netflix needs easily consumable candy coated Halloween content. This is that content. This time instead of Adam Sandler, its Marlon Wayans (and Priah Ferguson - the stand out lil sis from Stranger Things). If you are reading reviews for this movie, you're doing it wrong. Very very wrong. Streaming on Netflix this Friday.
Stars at Noon - Faimed French director Claire Denis has been on a bit of a tear these last few years. The reviews say everyone from the director to the actors do a very good job, it's just that the film on the overall feels a bit staid. Playing in Limited Theaters this Friday.
Decision to Leave - A visually exciting looking romantic thriller from Park Chan-wook, the director Oldboy (the original) and The Handmaiden. Has some very good reviews, which mostly highlight the skill of the director over anything else. Playing in Limited Theaters this Friday.
I know what you're thinking. Because I'm thinking it too. It's the question we all want to ask, but for fear of deadly retribution, have avoided thus far. But I think it's finally time we address what has been staring us all in the face for over forty years. *big breath* Here goes...
How fucking awful does that mask smell?! Like, has it ever been washed? And what kind of insidious rash has it inflicted upon Michael Myers' face? Is that why he won't take it off?? Maybe it's become attached to his skin and he's wandering around with a knife in his hand simply hoping he can find someone to help him cut it off but people just respond in abject terror, which in turn scares the bajeebus outta him and he reacts by stabbing them in the chest. 🤷♂️
........????
Um. So that's not what you were thinking? You were actually wondering if this will really truly be the last Halloween movie? And / or if this is actually the last time Jamie Lee Curtis will step into the role of Laurie Strode (her seventh time)? Or if this, the finale of the reboot trilogy that ties a direct line to the 1978 original will conclude with an amazing goosebump inducing scream (good) or a hoarse dying whisper (bad)? Well, I can't answer all those questions, most specifically the quality one as reviews are still hiding in the closet, but if you're to believe Curtis, yes, this is the last time. And to quote John Carpenter, the creator of the series and director of the first movie (who has also worked on the scores and as an executive producer for many others, including this recent trilogy), on whether the killing will continue - "I will have to see how much money it makes!"
So I guess if you want more Halloween, go see Halloween Ends. If you don't, then, well, don't!
Vibe: don't look now, oh wait, you can't, cuz you're dead
Out: Friday
Where: Theaters & Peacock
The Trailer | 1 hr 51 mins | R | 🍅: TBD
I had a really good hook for this overview, but I can't remember what it was. Some amazing, and amazingly ridiculous analogy I'm sure (I'm suuuuure). But sometimes we have to forget and move on. Which is a lesson yet to be learned by Ms Rosaline, the oft mentioned, but rarely seen former flame of Romeo Montague. As in that Romeo? Indeed! You see, in this story that runs parallel to Shakespeare's masterpiece, Romeo wasn't spurned by Rosaline, he rejected her. Well, at least from Rosaline's POV. And she's pissed. In part because Romeo is dropping the same lines on her cousin, Juliet, that less than a fortnight ago, he laid on her. The pure gall of the man (er, boy?)! So, as jilted lovers do, she goes out for some breakup revenge.
But as you'll discover if you give this a watch, Rosaline will learn other lessons as well, and all while speaking very modern English, acting in very modern ways and with very modern music accompanying her on her coming of age journey.
Reviews say (for the most part) it's bright, light and well lead by Kaitlyn Dever, whom you may know from Booksmart.
Vibe: like totally not your daddy's Shakespeare 💘
Out: Friday
Where: Hulu
The Trailer | 1 hr 35 mins | PG-13 | 🍅: 76%
Ryan Reynolds likes to do it all. And "all" includes singing and dancing in a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol alongside buddy ol' pal Will Ferrell.
And speaking of dancing, do you want to watch a weird ass creepy Chucky like doll that murders people throw in some TikTok dances in the middle of its eponymous trailer? Of course you do.
And in a sharp turn from the zany to serious, there's also a trailer for Women Talking, which is based on a book (which itself is based on a true story) about women deciding how to deal with extremely traumatic events in their closed religious community. Lots of great actors, and early reviews are quite positive.
And keepin' the serious vibes going, there's Causeway, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry (from Atlanta) who both look like they're dealing with a lot.
You can also check out second trailers for the stop-motion animated Wendell & Wild which re-pairing Key and Peele as the title (demon) characters and the Little Nemo inspired Slumberland, which lets Jason Momoa show us that HE CAN BE FUNNY TOO.
And while I can't add it to the playlist cuz it is "kid content" (yah, whatever, I'm a kid then I guess), there's a teaser for the long awaited The Super Marios Bros. Movie.