November movie reviews

In theaters:

PREDATOR: BADLANDS

Predator was never a franchise I really cared that much about, but this IP has really had a revival now between the excellent Prey (from the same director) a few years ago, and now this entry that really delivers the big screen spectacle in a way few films this year have. Some perpetual internet whiners were mad that this was PG-13, although it really does go about as far as that rating will allow. Cleverly positions a Predator as the protagonist this time, with an actual character arc. Loved Elle Fanning as a synth (Alien crossover activated) who spends most of the movie with no legs. 

BUGONIA

The latest collabo between the very prolific Yorgos Lanthimos and star Emma Stone. This is a decent rebound from the completely up its own ass Kinds Of Kindness. Bugonia is also up its own ass, but at least it has a plot and a purpose, and a pair of excellent performances in Stone and Jesse Plemons, along with the ending of the year. 

THE RUNNING MAN

Did we need a remake of the kitschy Arnold Schwarzenegger 80s sci-fi flick? Probably not, but this is different enough that it can stand alone as its own thing. Glen Powell is a strong lead. The film is at its strongest when Edgar Wright's humor really seeps through. The last 10 minutes are genuinely awful. 

DIE MY LOVE

Boy, is it good to have Jennifer Lawrence back. This performance here might be the finest of her whole career. She's unhinged in the best way and totally riveting. I only wish the movie she was in were better, cause this thing is very pretentious. 

KEEPER

A deeply boring entry from Osgood Perkins, whose last film from earlier this year, The Monkey, was pretty good. This is just a dull slog in which nothing happens. But at least Perkins had the good sense to cast the excellent Tatiana Maslany, who gives a heck of a performance opposite nothing. 

SENTIMENTAL VALUE

Considered one of the year's big awards contenders, this is a drama about two daughters reconnecting with their father. The acting is outstanding, including another Elle Fanning performance that really pops. Tbh though, I more appreciated the film than enjoyed it. I even nodded off a couple of times. 

Everything else:

SORRY, BABY

Instantly puts writer-director-star Eva Victor on the map. A movie about the aftermath of a sexual assault, but done with a way different tone than expected. 

NOBODY 2

The first one was a midly enjoyable entry in the "regular guy is an ass kicking action star" genre. This is too. Nothing elevates either one, though. 

BEING EDDIE

Like a lot of these career retrospective documentaries, this one about Eddie Murphy doesn't exactly dig deep or offer much new, but Eddie is a fun hang. 

THE BAD GUYS 2

Actually planned to see this in theaters, cause I did enjoy the original quite a bit, but never got around to it. This sequel with the criminal animals who went straight is also enjoyable, though a little all over the place. 

A THOUSAND AND ONE

A troubled woman takes her son (illegally) out of foster care and tries to start a new life with him. I checked this out cause it stars Teyana Taylor, who made such a big impression in One Battle After Another, and she's even better in this. Incredibly raw and vibrant performance. Good drama, too, kind of a mix of Moonlight and Room.