With the post-holiday hangover subsiding, there is only one new wide-release hitting theaters this week. But the film giving you a reason to emerge and head to the theaters for a night out happens to be one of the most anticipated of January releases.
Flight Risk
Mark Wahlberg stars as a pilot/hitman who is transporting an Air Marshal, played by Michelle Dockery, and the fugitive she’s escorting, played by Topher Grace, over the Alaskan wilderness. Flight Risk also marks Mel Gibson’s first directorial effort since 2016’s Hacksaw Ridge, which earned him an Oscar nomination. Flight Risk is Rated R with a runtime of 1 hour 31 minutes.
Along with Flight Risk, there are several other A Cute Film Addict Favorites still playing in theaters. Check them out here:
Current A Cute Film Addict Favorites in Theaters
(Some spoilers included going forward)
A Complete Unknown
James Mangold, the filmmaker who brought us the 2005 Johnny Cash film Walk the Line, is back with another music biopic. This time the story is based on the life of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The film is a clear-eyed, straightforward musical drama, beginning in 1961 with a young Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) looking to pay tribute to his hospitalized folk-singing hero Woody Guthrie (Scott McNairy). Soon afterward he’s nestled under the wings of veteran folk singer Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) and finds creative and/or romantic connections with Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), and Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook).
The strength of A Complete Unknown lies in the performances of its stars. Chalamet is superb, foregoing a cartoonish impression for something more naturalistic and somewhat boyishly arrogant; Norton is a sweet and gentle soul who eventually finds himself outpaced by his protege; Fanning and Barbaro offer humanistic counterpoints. And for those that might be looking for a best-of-Dylan tribute show, the film has you covered, as Chalamet’s musical talent is impeccable.
Adapted from the book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald, if there’s one knock on the film, it’s that anyone with a passing knowledge of the Bob Dylan story, will find few surprises here. Nonetheless, it is still a wonderfully made musical-drama with pitch-perfect performances.
A Complete Unknown has a 8.1/10 A Cute Film Addictive Rating.
Wicked
Director John M. Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande pull off the incredible task of adapting the deeply loved story into a film version. The musical of Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s prequel novel to The Wizard of Oz, has a fandom with strong feelings about particular trills in the original cast recording; feelings I learned about firsthand at a recent party. But film versions are always different; they must reach new audiences, win over the musical-resistant, and bring something new to the table, all at the same time.
Every bell and whistle at his disposal is used by Chu to turn the stage show into a movie epic. First he takes the classic MGM Oz, with gigantic sets and a massive cast of dancers, then he sprinkles in VFX flourishes: talking animals, levitating courtyards, and flying monkeys. The artificial glow of such heavy effects-work is supremely satisfying, contributing to the otherworldly air of Oz.
However, his best decision came in his casting of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Erivo is defiant as the devastatingly misunderstood Elphaba, able to channel vulnerability and strength in a layered, complex role. Chu smartly leaves the camera locked close on Erivo’s face as she does the emotional heavy lifting as a woman bullied for her skin color but holding on to her true beliefs. Ariana Grande, as Galinda, impressively more than holds her own against that towering performance. Her portrayal of Galinda is self-centered and monstrously entitled, but not without redemptive qualities. With Elphaba as inspiration, Grande shows that Galinda’s much-trumpeted image as a ‘nice’ person is the seed from which real goodness could grow. She, in turn, helps foster Elphaba’s confidence and courage. And while we know both are super-gifted vocally, it is notable that this is not only in terms of pure voice, but in their vocal control and characterization.
The supporting cast is strong as well, with Michelle Yeoh shining as a magic teacher, Jeff Goldblum doing what Jeff Goldblum does as the Wizard, and Peter Dinklage breaking out an accent as a goat professor. Serving to establish a starting point for part two of this epic are Jonathan Bailey’s caddish Fiyero and Ethan Slater’s lovelorn Boq.
With a nice blend of comic moments and certified bangers (tip your hat if you’ve done the sing a long viewing), Oz has never been more extraordinary. Despite coming to a pause rather than an ending, the film ends on a high note; an intensely powerful high note. I’ll just say, it defies gravity.
Wicked has a 8.0/10 A Cute Film Addictive Rating
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
In the third outing to the Sonic franchise, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are faced with stopping a powerful and mysterious new adversary, known as Shadow, by teaming up with former enemy, Dr. Robotnik. In the movie business, you will sometimes hear a reference to the curse of the threequel. Thanks to the fine people over at Paramount Pictures and Sega, the Sonic franchise is in safe hands and this needed to be of no concern. As a matter of fact, I would have to say this is the best of three movies so far. I say so far, because it was just announced that there is a fourth movie in the pipeline now. But what makes this the best of the three? The answer comes in the form of Keanu Reeves making his franchise debut as the fan favorite, Shadow. Keanu gives a performance as Shadow that is altogether dark, brooding, and sympathetic. This provides the perfect contrast to our three main heroes, and is an absolute scene stealer.
Yes, this film has the typical family-friendly humor that we have gotten used to with the first two movies, but Sonic 3 also delivers on Shadow’s backstory with Maria and Gerald Robotnik. Speaking of the Robotniks, audiences are in for a treat as Jim Carrey tears it up playing two roles, Ivo and Gerald Robotnik, giving us the gift of not one, but two zany performances.
For fans of Sonic’s adopted family, Tom and Maddie, played once again by the returning James Marsden and Tika Sumpter, this may be where you are a little disappointed, as this story does involve them a little less. I happened to also see the film with a friend whose all-time favorite Sonic character is Knuckles, and he was left with a desire for more of his character involvement in the movie as well, but with the growing cast of characters in the Sonic universe, it’s hard to really find too much fault in the film. Again, what really makes this movie payoff are the fierce battles between Shadow and Sonic. They made me feel much the same as I did when watching the battles between Superman and Zod in Superman II while growing up.
That being said, the film is well-balanced between family fun and incredible action sequences that you will enjoy with friends and kids alike.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has a 7.9/10 A Cute Film Addictive Rating
Moana 2
The setting is years after the events of the first film, the audience is caught up, as you might expect, with a toe-tapping expository song. We learn the village is now lush and thriving after Moana rescued it from doom, and she is now a minor celebrity, the ‘wayfinder’ whose signature hair-whip is mimicked by her adoring fans, counted with them is her outrageously cute puppy-eyed little sister, Simea voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda. But leaders never get to rest, the ancestors are still calling; her isolated community must find other peoples beyond the horizon, meaning she has to set sail once more.
You will find that Moana is just as engaging a hero as she was in 2016, and Cravalho displays the fact she still has an amazing set of pipes, specifically in new signature song ‘Beyond’. Dwayne Johnson’s Maui has a nice little number as well with ‘Can I Get A Chee Hoo’, though not quite as pleasing as the cocksure earworm of ‘You’re Welcome’. Of note, due to scheduling conflicts the first film’s chief songwriter, Lin-Manuel Miranda, did not return for the sequel. That being said, Maui and his magical fish hook remains the franchise’s secret weapon; as soon as the People’s Eyebrow pops up on a shape-shifted shark, the audience is in for a good time. Without a doubt, this is still my favorite Dwayne Johnson role.
Moana finds plenty of help this time around, along with old pals – her furry pig, the scene-stealing boggle-eyed chicken Heihei voiced again by Alan Tudyk, and a high-fiving, anthropomorphic, Abyss-style ocean spirit, she is also joined by a new crew. The one downside I might point out is the sense that these characters might have had more to do in a television series, but they are still really fun. Whimsical boat engineer Loto, voiced by comedian Rose Matafeo in particular has a pacy, Miranda-esque solo, meanwhile Taika Waititi regular David Fane is showcased nicely as a grumpy farmer who can’t swim and hates songs. And audience favorite culprit of mayhem, the Kakamora even enjoys an emotional character arc of their own.
True to typical modern Disney films, the film showcases wonderful songs about working together, living up to your responsibility, and “destiny in motion”, as well as a sense of wacky peril. Though our beloved characters are in constant danger, thanks to a cursed storm, you will find yourself luxuriating in the stunningly rendered oceanic fantasy mythology.
Moana 2 is animated fun of the highest standard, Maui’s luscious locks have never looked silkier or better-conditioned (it’s as if he could audition to star alongside Patrick Mahomes and Troy Polamalu in the new Head & Shoulders commercial), and the storytelling find its strength in leaning on formula without being reliant on said formula. Overall, as with the first film, Disney does a wonderful job of celebrating the Polynesian culture with its rituals, dancing, singing and storytelling. And lest I forget, there’s a funny boggle-eyed chicken. Now, I think it’s time for some bacon and eggs. (Just kidding…)
Moana 2 has a 7.8/10 A Cute Film Addictive Rating
One of Them Days (New)
Not many comedies are seeing theatrical releases these days, but stars Keke Palmer and SZA bring plenty of laughs in this race against time comedy. The 80’s had John Hughes and the 2000’s had Judd Apatow and the Frat Pack, and if you’ve been feeling the void lately, just know that you’re not alone. It was nice to see an original comedy release in theaters as there’s nothing like having a joyous time at the cinema, and I took full advantage last weekend. One of Them Days did not let down as it has plenty of laughs.
One of Them Days follows roommates Dreux and Alyssa as they struggle to come up with the rent money after getting… well, screwed over. You guessed it, their day gets more and more out of control as they look to get enough money to avoid being put out on the streets. For fans of Keke Palmer, you will find her a little more subdued here, but trust me it works. As hi jinx ensue, she’s the more level-headed one of the pairing, but still eccentric enough to earn plenty of laughs. The real surprise may be that SZA is just a natural in her first lead role, nailing all the comedic notes while never feeling out of place.
Writer Syreeta Singleton’s scrip is the real star here, as she delivers a story with plenty of broad humor and unrealistic situations, yet relatively grounded. As the film goes along, One of Them Days steadily raises the stakes to ludicrous proportions, but the film manages to never get out of control, a thin line nicely walked. You will lose track, as I did, of the number of satisfying payoffs to even smaller moments; which is the mark of a great comedy film.
One of Them Days sports a wonderful supporting cast, the necessary feature of any great comedy. Katt Williams, Lil Rel Howery, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, and Janelle James all have their standout moments. James and Mejia, in particular, feel destined to break out as nearly every line they delivered had me in stitches. Maude Apatow also feels properly utilized as the white girl moving into the primarily black apartment complex. The friend, I watched the film with, found her cluelessness a bit of a caricature, but I thought it was fitting for the type of hipster she’s portraying.
I know, as fans of the site will point out, I am a fairly easy sell when it comes to comedy, but I promise you One of Them Days will really tickle your funny bone. The number of big laughs are high, with several subtle jokes that are easy to miss. Doing what any great comedy does, One of Them Days blends comedy with emotional stakes for a fun time and stars Keke Palmer and SZA are a blast to watch.
One of Them Days has a 7.5/10 A Cute Film Addictive Rating
Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King is a story, if put into the hands of lesser directors, it could have been a mess. Luckily, the script found its way into the hands of Barry Jenkins, who almost turned down the film before even reading the script.
Of course, in the end, he did read it, and it resonated with him. With a theme of found family, as lion cub Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) is separated from his parents during a raging flash-flood, and is reluctantly taken in by another pride, finding an adoptive brother in its prince, Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). Mufasa, unlike Taka, must earn his place through adversity, rather than inheriting it.
After an assault on Taka’s pride by white-furred outsiders (led by famed villain Mads Mikkelsen as overlord), the story does seem to wander needlessly, tossing in some romantic tension (both brothers fancy plucky lioness Sarabi, voiced by Tiffany Boone) mixed with some rather pleasant Lin-Manuel Miranda songs, which honestly deserved some better choreography. All of this is framed by a story-time-for-Simba’s-cub device, which allows for guest appearances from Timon (Billy Eichner) and his warthog friend Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), who seems somewhat out of a place in this mostly sober affair.
In conclusion, the film feels as if it should have had more bite, but is a well-meaning adventure that is worth your time as an origin story to the Disney classic.
Mufasa: The Lion King has a 7.0/10 A Cute Film Addictive Rating
I have a busy weekend planned with family, but I’m hoping to squeeze Flight Risk into the schedule.
What will you be seeing this week… Flight Risk or how about one of the current A Cute Film Addict favorites. Tell me about your decision and experiences in the comments below. Until next time, thanks for reading and have a great time at the theater!
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