Your Weekend in Film

A myriad of new destinations await at the movies this weekend, two of which are considered “hot spots” in this year’s awards circuit. Read on to know which sights are worth seeing, but if none strikes a chord remember that flights to Asgard are still available.

This Week’s Pick: Lady Bird

One young woman’s undesirable year in Northern California may be the best opportunity for personal growth she will ever have. Marjorie Baumgarten: “This character could have easily become a caricature, as might have all the other familiar characters in play here, but Gerwig manages to imbue these people and their foibles with humanity and compassion.” 4 stars.

Also Reviewed

Last Flag Flying. Three Vietnam veterans reunite after one of their sons is killed in the Iraq War. Marjorie Baumgarten: “The superlative performances of the actors reveal the various shades of the characters, whose disillusionments with the military and life have not quenched their gung-ho spirits and jocularity.” 3.5 stars.

The Square. Unity – or lack of it, rather – is on full display when a renowned curator of a contemporary art museum hosts the titular installation. Josh Kupecki: “There’s a lot going on in the series of vignettes that make up The Square’s 151-minute running time – almost too much – but Östlund never met an uncomfortable situation he didn’t take to extreme conclusions.” 3.5 stars.

Murder on the Orient Express. One of Agatha Christie’s most enduring mysteries set on a luxurious locomotive again comes to the big screen. Kimberley Jones: “Joining the ranks of Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, and David Suchet, Kenneth Branagh – charming, exasperating – was bound to put his own spin on Poirot, too. But, mon Dieu, did he have to make him so athletic?” 2 stars.

Amanda & Jack Go Glamping. A couple tries to reignite the spark with a private holiday only to realize it won’t be so private. Danielle White: “He’s complicated and toxic, a fully developed character, and I wish I could say the same for his counterpart.” 2.5 stars.

The Work. A riveting look at the group therapy program in Folsom Prison. Marc Savlov: “This wrenching film is often difficult to watch, but it’s still utterly sui generis.” 3.5 stars.

Hello Again. A musical centered around 10 lovers who will taste love at its sweetest and most bitter. Steve Davis: “You no more begin to appreciate the sexual and emotional dynamics of each situation (love, power, loneliness, lust, pain) before you’re off to the next tryst.” 2 stars.

Daddy's Home 2. Think reverse A Bad Moms Christmas when the dads of Daddy’s Home’s dads come home for Christmas. Danielle White: “The bulk of the 'comedy' hinges on how much bodily injury ... Brad/Brad’s dad (both grandfather characters are extensions of their sons) can withstand, and this gets old quickly” 1 star.

Also Opening

Gilbert. Documentary looks at the life of comedian Gilbert Gottfried.

Special Screenings

Football’s greatest trophy is the result of another, a seldom-seen one designed to mask corporate ugliness like indentured servitude and segregation. That is the subject of Adam Sobel’s documentary The Workers Cup, which spotlights the abysmal conditions workers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup have to endure. Don’t miss this when it screens Sunday.

Sacrifice, restored. Andrei Tarkovsky’s last film returns, looking better than ever before. The film screens throughout the weekend.

Hope you like your bloody tea. Guillermo del Toro’s mesmerizing waltz of romance and crimson-letting, Crimson Peak, returns to the big screen Saturday – with tea and a plate of treats. Let’s hope Lucille hasn’t tampered with them yet.

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