"Wealth, Travel, Fame…I can take you to movies that have all of that." -Me and Orson Welles
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Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway return to portray their iconic roles as Miranda Priestley and Andy Sachs. While some may have been skeptical at first, this...
Featuring 1,200 synchronized illuminated drones moving in perfect harmony with the unforgettable music, this extraordinary experience celebrates 25 Years...
“Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary (Anne Hathway) reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume...
Have you ever dared to ask yourself, what’s the worst thing you have ever done? In the new dark comedy, The Drama, the answer rocks the lives and...
In the latest ICTN movie review, we check out the new film by Judd Apatow, “The King of Staten Island.” We also have a preview of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s intense, new thriller, “7500” and Kevin Bacon’s new horror film, “You Should Have Left.”
“The King of Staten Island” is available On Demand now.
“7500” is available to stream on Amazon Prime June 18th.
“You Should Have Left” is available On Demand June 19th.
Judd Apatow is responsible for some of the best comedies of our time including, “Knocked Up”, “40 Year-Old Virgin”, and “Trainwreck”. His films typically dive deeper than the usual comedy. He takes the time to have audiences understand his leads and provides a sincere character study. We continue to gain perspective on another lost soul in Apatow’s new heartfelt comedy, “The King of Staten Island”.
This time Apatow has teamed up with Saturday Night Live standout, Pete Davidson. Together, alongside co-writer Dave Sirus, they bring Davidson’s personal experiences to life.
“The King of Staten Island” is about a young man named Scott (Davidson) who’s still living in his mother’s basement, and seems to be going nowhere in life. Scott has had issues ever since his father passed away on the job responding to a fire when he was seven. Since then, he hasn’t been able to grow up and become an independent adult. Everything changes when his younger sister Claire (Maude Apatow) goes off to college, and his mother Margie (Marisa Tomei) starts dating another firefighter named Ray (Bill Burr).
Margie is finally able to move on and think about her own happiness. This forces Scott to get a job, and look for a new place to live. Unfortunately, Ray gets the blame for this sudden shift in Scott’s life, and naturally he hates him. The two butt heads and carry on a hilarious banter throughout the movie; which eventually leads to a powerful and emotional realization of unresolved grief.
What I have always loved about Apatow’s movies is the writing. Not only is it authentic and honest, but it’s also so damn funny. The dialogue is awkwardly realistic and witty. And his always talented casts help elevate the script.
Apatow’s daughter is a knock out; and Tomei does a fantastic job, as usual, playing an endearing, sweet mom. But it’s Davidson and Burr who shine. Davidson solidifies his career by bringing humor and genuine emotion without ever appearing to try too hard. Burr is obviously funny and sarcastic, but he also has depth and just the right amount of heart to make you understand why Margie could fall for him so quickly.
“The King of Staten Island” tells a unique story about grief, loss, and love. Showing that for your own health, it’s important to confront your issues, and allow the people around you to help in the healing process.
Some may be discouraged by the nearly two and half hour runtime, but don’t let the semi-slow pace deter you from this beautiful, well made, coming-of-age film.
Rating: 4/5
I’ve got a couple of new film reviews for ya! First is “The High Note”, another mentor/mentee film that makes the most of its’ cast and should hit the right note with its’ audience.
Then there is the new Amazon Studios movie, “The Vast of Night”, which plays as a wonderful homage to “The Twilight Zone”. This film will satisfy that sci-fi itch with suspense, mystery, wonder and nostalgia.
“The High Note” is available on various On Demand platforms May 29.
“The Vast of Night” is available on Amazon Prime May 29.
This week, I review the Netflix animated film, “The Willoughbys”. It’s a dark comedy about four kids looking to get rid of their horrible, selfish parents. What follows is a wild adventure that uncovers the true meaning of family. Then enjoy a preview of the zany, new David Spade comedy, “The Wrong Missy”.
“The Willoughbys” is available on Netflix now
“The Wrong Missy” is available on Netflix May 13.
Universal Pictures’ big fancy announcement!
THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND will premiere on demand June 12.
Watch Judd Apatow and Pete Davidson’s announcement and download #TheKingofStatenIsland poster.
This summer, Judd Apatow directs Saturday Night Live breakout Pete Davidson in a bracing comedy about love, loss and laughter on Staten Island.
Over his storied career, Judd Apatow has elevated a series of promising young comedy talents to their first major big-screen performance, including Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig, Amy Schumer and Kumail Nanjiani.
This summer, Apatow directs Saturday Night Live breakout Pete Davidson in a bracing comedy about love, loss and laughter on Staten Island.
Scott (Davidson) has been a case of arrested development ever since his firefighter father died when he was seven. He’s now reached his mid-20s having achieved little, chasing a dream of becoming a tattoo artist that seems far out of reach. As his ambitious younger sister (Maude Apatow, HBO’s Euphoria) heads off to college, Scott is still living with his exhausted ER nurse mother (Oscar® winner Marisa Tomei) and spends his days smoking weed, hanging with the guys—Oscar (Ricky Velez, Master of None), Igor (Moises Arias, Five Feet Apart) and Richie (Lou Wilson, TV’s The Guest Book)—and secretly hooking up with his childhood friend Kelsey (Bel Powley, Apple TV+’s The Morning Show).
But when his mother starts dating a loudmouth firefighter named Ray (Bill Burr, Netflix’s F Is for Family), it sets off a chain of events that will force Scott to grapple with his grief and take his first tentative steps toward moving forward in life.
The film also stars Steve Buscemi as Papa, a veteran firefighter who takes Scott under his wing, and Pamela Adlon (FX’s Better Things) as Ray’s ex-wife, Gina.
The King of Staten Island is directed by Apatow (Trainwreck, Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) from a script by Apatow, Davidson and former SNL writer Dave Sirus. It is produced by Apatow for his Apatow Productions alongside Barry Mendel. Together, the duo shared producing credits on the Academy Award®-nominated films The Big Sick and Bridesmaids, as well as This Is 40, Trainwreck and Funny People. The film’s executive producers are Pete Davidson, Michael Bederman and Judah Miller.
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Maude Apatow and Steve Buscemi
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Written by: Judd Apatow & Pete Davidson & Dave Sirus
Producers: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel
Executive Producers: Pete Davidson, Michael Bederman, Judah Miller
In 2018, the hilarious political comedy “The Oath” showed audiences how harsh extremist on either side (Conservative or Liberal) can be. The film was about a politically divided family, trying to make it through Thanksgiving. Things got rough quick, and at times, it got violent. But in the new action/horror film, “The Hunt”, they take the violence and politics to a whole new level; while still trying to prove the same point, just not as effectively.
“The Hunt” caused a lot of controversy before it was ever released. It was originally slated to open in theaters last fall, but was halted due to the film’s premise and mass shootings during that time.
The film opens with a group text thread among liberal friends. They make a joke about taking out their anger on “deplorables” during an upcoming hunt at the Manor. The next scene shows a rich group of people on a plane with people they have drugged and stowed away. Soon 12 of them are all spread out, unconscious, and in a field with gags in their mouths. Once they are all awake, they see a big box with various weapons for them to have a fair fight. We eventually find out, these chosen conservatives are being hunted like animals by liberal elitists.
Before anyone gets heated or offended, this thriller has no real insight into politics. It is too afraid to pick a side. Instead they make both the Republicans and Democrats equally dumb, with the exception of two women (Hilary Swank and Becky Gilpin).
The film features a talented all-star cast including Swank, Gilpin, Emma Roberts, Justin Hartley, and Ike Barinholtz. Though everyone adds to the hilarious humor of the film, it’s Swank and Gilpin who steal the show. Gilpin is quietly comical, while impressing with her kickass survival instincts. But it’s her nail-biting showdown with Swank that will have you cringing and cheering. However, the gore is not for the faint of heart. At times, I couldn’t even watch. There’s a bloody, graphic death at every turn.
While the purpose of the film might be lost, the humor and action is easily found. There is a lot of fun to be had with these idiotic characters (on both sides) and the gruesome, sometimes, shocking deaths they experience. It encompasses the same kind of satire and excitement from last year’s “Ready or Not”. Sadly, the premise is not as unique.
Ultimately, “The Hunt” feels like a funny version of “The Purge” films with a role reversal. It’s an entertaining, fast-paced, mindless thriller that provides plenty of laughs and shrieks.
Rating: 3.5/5
“The Hunt” opens in theaters March 13.
Jaime Camil and Sandra Echeverria star in the hilarious new comedy “My Boyfriend’s Meds” (LAS PÍLDORAS DE MI NOVIO). Jess (Echeverria) is a talented marketing executive for an upscale tequila company who is super picky when it comes to dating. She finds something wrong with everyone. That is until she meets Hank (Camil), a charming and handsome mattress store owner. She is convinced she’s finally found Mr. Right and invites Hank on a very important work retreat on a remote island. Only problem, Hank hasn’t told Jess about all of his medical issues. This could be an easy secret to hide for a little while, but when he forgets all his medications his symptoms begin show.
I sat down with Jaime Camil and Sandra Echeverria to discuss presenting the “best” version of yourself at the start of your relationship, the music that calms them, what type of drink they are, what they use to think were dating deal breakers and much more. This was a conversation I did not want to end.
Listen to the full interview below and be sure to watch “My Boyfriend’s Meds” when it opens in theaters nationwide February 21st.
Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough to achieve your dreams? That is was safer to just hide in the background and hope to go unnoticed?And that is best to not want something in life because that way you’re never disappointed? Well, clearly that’s no way to live your life and in the new Amazon Original film, “Troop Zero” we’re taught it’s better to make the effort, put yourself out there and go after what you want.
“Troop Zero” is set in rural 1977 Georgia and follows Christmas Flint (McKenna Grace). She is a peculiar little girl who spends her time dreaming of outer space. So, naturally she is thrilled to learn of a competition that would give her the chance to have her voice recorded on NASA’s Golden Record. Only problem is, she needs to be part of a Birdie Scout Troop to qualify for the contest. Christmas quickly rounds up a band of misfits and they become Troop Zero. The group face obstacles, get in fights and form an unusual, yet, extraordinary friendship.
I sat down with stars of the movie, McKenna Grace, Charlie Shotwell, and Milan Ray to discuss the courage of following your dreams, bullying, and much more. We even play a little would you rather game! Listen to the interview below and make sure to see the film! Available now on Amazon Prime.
Right off the bat, I’m already intrigued by any film about Charles Manson and the infamous murders. But if you slap on Tarantino’s name and his all-star cast, I’m pretty much sold. “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” is hilarious, surprising and a whole lot of fun. Not to mention, Brad Pitt is my favorite male supporting performance this year.
“Honey Boy” is a therapy session we have no business sitting in on, but we’re grateful to be there. The film gradually reveals the tragedies and misdeeds that shaped Shia LaBouf. We gain a better and beneficial understanding of the actor, as well as empathy for his father, who ended up being a blessing and a curse in his life. “Honey Boy” is still my favorite original screenplay of the year. It’s intense, powerful, and an all-around great film.
Okay, before anyone gets political about this movie, let me remind you that the film is about the lawsuit again Roger Ailes and the other men involved in sexually harassing certain female employees at Fox News. It’s a gripping “ripped from the headlines” story that depicts abuse of power and the struggles women face in the work place. Theron, Robbie, and Kidman shine, while Charles Randolph’s script pulls you in and holds you tight.
“Knives Out” showcases Rian Johnson’s remarkable artistry as a writer/director. The film follows a fairly standard murder mystery formula in its initial set up. But as the mystery begins to unfold, there’s enough twists and turns to prove nothing is what it seems. Audiences are left guessing till the very end. Throw in a stellar cast and great social commentary, and you’ve got one of the best whodunit movies.
At first glance you may be thinking that this is just a female version of “Superbad”. While there are times that it feels reminiscent of that film, “Booksmart” is its own kind of wonderful. There’s a great message about balancing hard work and a social life, and through Kaitlyn Dever’s and Beanie Feldstein’s chemistry and quick-witted performance, we also learn that if you can go through life with just one good friend then you can count yourself lucky. Olivia Wilde succeeds in making a hilarious, raunchy teen comedy from a female perspective. It’s a rarity that’s a true pleasure to watch.
Why make another “Little Women” adaptation? Because we all needed Greta Gerwig’s magical touch on this delightful tale. Gerwig taps into the same honest vulnerability she succeed in through her Oscar nominated film, “Lady Bird”. Because the truth is, she knows how to write complex and emotional characters.”Little Women” is a beautiful and uplifting movie with a message that women’s stories and their endeavors are worth telling.
I’ve said this before, but romantic comedies are a dying genre. So when there’s actually a refreshing spin on one with a good story, I have to give it credit. Honestly, I just enjoyed the hell out of “Long Shot”. And believe it or not, Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen make a great couple. The film goes beyond the clichés of a “Pretty Women” storyline. Fred (Rogen) doesn’t get some big makeover to become a socially acceptable partner for Charlotte (Theron). Instead, the film is about being with someone who you’re truly yourself with and loves you for YOU. Whether it be at a raging night club or elegant gala, the two are always goofing around in a flirty/romantic manner that everyone can admire.
This one doesn’t need much of an explanation, because this film was AWESOME! After 10 years and 21 films, Marvel carefully weaved all these characters and storylines together to create one of the best super hero movies of all time. Watching these beloved characters fight together in the battle we’ve anticipated for so long brought me tears of joy and sadness. More than anything, I’m proud of “Avengers: Endgame”.
Yes, this film is about a couple, Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) getting a divorce. But, there’s so much more to this movie. First off, Driver and Johansson give two of the best performances of the year. There is a screaming match between these two that makes me want to give them both the Oscar right now. There’s also so much to learn. You can take “Marriage Story” as a lesson in love. Get to know these characters, understand why they didn’t work as a couple and avoid their mistakes. A major one being lack of communication. And remember, this is a dark comedy. So, even though there’s dark times, there’s also some laughs and sweet, lighthearted moments.
Director/writer/actor, Taika Waititi, plays an imaginary friend version of Hitler to a young boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis). Jojo is a Nazi fanboy who idolizes Adolf Hitler like a celebrity. But things change for Jojo when he discovers his mother (Scarlett Johansson) has been hiding a teenage Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. “Jojo Rabbit” is a satire that reminds audiences how comical and ridiculous it is to discriminate against people who are different from you. The film also does a wonderful job at relaying the message that kindness can prevail over evil. Stop the hate and open your hearts. “Jojo Rabbit” is an enlightening story with uplifting and positive values.
The Rest of the Best:
11. The Peanut Butter Falcon
12. The Perfection
13. Late Night
14. The Art of Self-Defense
15. Dolemite is My Name
16. Brittany Runs a Marathon
17. Parasite
18. Fighting with My Family
19. Blinded by the Light
20. Waves
5. Greta – One of the worst Lifetime movies I’ve ever seen.
4. Dumbo –This was just so boring.
3. Godzilla: King of the Monsters – Lots of people died in this movie, but I can’t remember who any of them were.
2. Lucy in the Sky – The 3 men who made this might as well have blamed everything on Lucy’s period. God awful script.
1. Dora and the Lost City of Gold – No! Just no!
The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association voted the war epic 1917 as the best film of 2019, according to the results of its 26th annual critics’ poll. Following is a complete list of award winners, with choices listed in order of votes received.
BEST PICTURE
Winner: 1917
Runners-up: MARRIAGE STORY (2); PARASITE (3); THE IRISHMAN (4); ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (5); JOJO RABBIT (6); LITTLE WOMEN (7); THE FAREWELL (8); THE TWO POPES (9); KNIVES OUT (10)
BEST ACTOR
Winner: Adam Driver, MARRIAGE STORY
Runners-up: Joaquin Phoenix, JOKER (2); Antonio Banderas, PAIN AND GLORY (3); Leonardo DiCaprio, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (4); Robert De Niro, THE IRISHMAN (5)
BEST ACTRESS
Winner: Scarlett Johansson, MARRIAGE STORY
Runners-up: Renee Zellweger, JUDY (2); Charlize Theron, BOMBSHELL (3); Saoirse Ronan, LITTLE WOMEN (4); Awkwafina, THE FAREWELL (5, tie); Lupita Nyong’o, US (5, tie)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Winner: Brad Pitt, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
Runners-up: Willem Dafoe, THE LIGHTHOUSE (2); Joe Pesci, THE IRISHMAN (3); Al Pacino, THE IRISHMAN (4); Shia LaBeouf, HONEY BOY (5)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Winner: Laura Dern, MARRIAGE STORY
Runners-up: Margot Robbie, BOMBSHELL (2); Florence Pugh, LITTLE WOMEN (3); Jennifer Lopez, HUSTLERS (4); Annette Bening, THE REPORT (5)
BEST DIRECTOR
Winner: Sam Mendes, 1917
Runners-up: Bong Joon-ho, PARASITE (2); Martin Scorsese, THE IRISHMAN (3); Quentin Tarantino, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (4); Noah Baumbach, MARRIAGE STORY (5)
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Winner: PARASITE
Runners-up: PAIN AND GLORY (2); THE FAREWELL (3); LES MISERABLES (4); PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (5)
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Winner: APOLLO 11
Runners-up: ONE CHILD NATION (2); AMERICAN FACTORY (3); HONEYLAND (4); FOR SAMA (5)
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Winner: TOY STORY 4
Runner-up: I LOST MY BODY
BEST SCREENPLAY
Winner: Noah Baumbach, MARRIAGE STORY
Runner-up: Steven Zaillian, THE IRISHMAN
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner: Roger Deakins, 1917
Runner-up: Hong Kyung-pyo, PARASITE
BEST MUSICAL SCORE
Winner: Thomas Newman, 1917
Runner-up: Alexandre Desplat, LITTLE WOMEN
RUSSELL SMITH AWARD (best low-budget or cutting-edge independent film)
Winner: THE LIGHTHOUSE
The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association consists of 32 broadcast, print and online journalists from throughout North Texas. For more information, visit dfwcritics.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @dfwfilmcritics.
