Actors who play superheroes often get pigeonholed into playing the same sort of character, and Tom Holland seems to know that. The 24-year-old actor stars in Anthony and Joe Russo's CHERRY, now playing on Apple+. Holland is intentionally choosing roles that showcase his acting range so as to avoid the same pitfalls, and he's succeeding with very mature roles lately. Let's take a look at how the babyfaced actor's choices will cement a career in Hollywood.
Join myself and fellow Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) critic Morgan Rojas as we discuss new films premiering on streaming services this weekend, and other recommendations including where to watch two classic titles like THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998) and WEST SIDE STORY (1961).
In our weekly "What to Stream" podcast (brought to you by the Hollywood Critics Association), Megan Rojas of Cinemacy, Rama Tampubolon of RamaScreen.com and myself reviewed new movies and series hitting streaming platforms. Watch as we review the following movies.
You won't be able to take your eyes off of RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON with the beautiful palette of colors that make this Disney movie pop off your television screen. While the storyline doesn't break ground, women as the heroes and villains make it all the more interesting.
The theme for 2021's Black History Month is “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” When it comes to film and television, there have been strides with 2020 being a great year for movies starring black actors, made by black filmmakers. More films were directed and written by Black Americans than ever before, and many of them are in the running this award season. Below are the 14 current films you can stream online.
There's a reason why Kristen Wiig's latest film went straight to rental. BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR is like a live version of a DESPICABLE ME movie or feature length SNL skit. It borders on stupidity but Wiig and her costar/writing partner Annie Mumolo are endearing enough to keep your attention as long as your expectations remain low. It doesn't deliver on the belly laughs we've come to expect from Wiig's comedy but you will get some chuckles. Unfortunately Jamie Dornan feels out of place in this silly comedy.
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH is not only entertaining but educational with a fabulous ensemble and standout performances by Daniel Kaluuya and Dominique Fishback. The film dispels much of the negative perception of the Black Panther party as simply a radical militant group which the FBI categorized as a terrorist organization.
You would think a psychological thriller starring Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek is a sure bet, but unfortunately the great casting can’t save this uneventful film, THE LITTLE THINGS.
Marvel’s fourth episode of WandaVision appropriately titled “We Interrupt This Program” provides some answers to dozens of questions we’ve been clamoring for since WandaVision premiered. Here’s the lowdown on episode 4 in case you don’t have Disney+.
Zendaya and John David Washington star in the new Netflix movie, MALCOLM & MARIE premiering February 5. It's not exactly your go-to movie for Valentine's Day, and it may be too inside Hollywood for the general public, but it is an interesting experiment.
WandaVision arrives to Disney+ January 15 with Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen reprising their roles as Vision and Wanda. It’s nothing like we’ve seen before from the MCU, and it’s a trippy road down memory lane that’s nostalgic but the gag gets old by episode two when no answers are provided.
TENET finally arrives for home release after only screening in limited movie theaters since September. Nolan insisted on the theatrical release to support exhibitors as they experience a massive decline in business because of the pandemic. Many like myself didn't dare attend an enclosed space for over two hours. After finally watching the mind-bending film at home, I realized Nolan is right that this film required a theatrical viewing with a captive audience to follow the convoluted storyline. At home, the constant distractions and need to rewind scenes made it a difficult watch.
Chloe Zhao delivers one of the most striking films of 2020 with NOMADLAND starring Frances McDormand in another award-winning turn. NOMADLAND is a devastating look at one woman's life as a nomad living out of her van traveling from seasonal job to another to make ends meet. While McDormand's character is fictional, it's a tragedy told through McDormand's adventure while bringing to light real-life nomad's personal stories.
Regina King takes to the director's chair for her second feature film with ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI starring famous figures from the 60s - Muhammad Ali, football player Jim Brown, Malcolm X, and the King of Soul Sam Cooke. With a script from Kemp Powers and based on his stage play, King delivers a powerful and compelling movie that delivers on all fronts including the ongoing conversation about social injustices and the role of the black man.
Look no further for the best film and best actress of 2020. PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN starring Carey Mulligan is a film that will linger in your thoughts long after it's over.
Is WONDER WOMAN 1984 a worthy follow-up? Gal Gadot and Chris Pine return in WONDER WOMAN 1984 with Patty Jenkins once again at the helm. Pedro Pascal and Kristen Wiig join the cast as the villains. The sequel may not have the same impact as the first film but the DC superhero still represents something special.
LET THEM ALL TALK features a phenomenal cast with Meryl Streep, Lucas Hedges, Dianne Wiest, Candice Bergen and Gemma Chan starring. Steven Soderbergh's latest flick for HBO MAX is a lot of talk and little action. The characters talk circles around each other with no progression in the story. It's a missed opportunity to see Streep, Wiest and Bergen exude girl power. Instead we get an awkward and tepid relationship that's uncomfortable to watch which might be Soderbergh's intent in his latest experimental project.
Tons of new movies this week features men leading the charge at the movies. Mel Gibson (FATMAN) and Nicolas Cage (JIU JITSU) return in action flicks while Dev Patel (A PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD), Marc Marron (STARDUST)and Riz Ahmed (SOUND OF METAL) go the indie way with smaller but effective fair. SOUND OF METAL by new visionary Darius Marder is my pick of the week. How do the other movies stack up? Check out the video reviews below.
Iconic director William Friedkin, now 85, recounts the making of THE EXORCIST in the 103 min documentary LEAP OF FAITH: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN ON THE EXORCIST airing on Shudder starting November 19th. If you're a fan of the EXORCIST, LEAP OF FAITH is very insightful and if you're a filmmaker, it's a master class in Friedkin's aesthetic and process.
