January movie reviews

In theaters:

ANACONDA

I'm not sure if this is a reboot or a sequel or what. What I do know is that it's an odd artifact, a comedy so self-referential that it reveals a much better movie that was sitting right there. Why not just have Jack Black and Paul Rudd play themselves? 

WE BURY THE DEAD

Presented as a zombie movie but far more of a drama with zombie stuff in it. I found it somewhat boring, but when Daisy Ridley is your lead, your movie can never be unwatchable. 

SONG SUNG BLUE

Liked this a whole lot more than I expected. The true-ish story jukebox musical about a Neil Diamond tribute band, with the typically good Hugh Jackman and the borderline revelatory (and now Oscar nominated) Kate Hudson. Where the hell was THIS Kate Hudson the last 20 years? The parts of the film centered on the music are across the board fun (even if I hate the people who do the "SO GOOD SO GOOD" thing). The critical event that happens halfway through (and which did happen in real life) takes the movie in a more solemn direction, and that's less effective, though not unaffecting. 

THE HOUSEMAID

Alright, I am still not buying into the Sydney Sweeney hype, but...I thought she was perfectly fine in this. She still gets blown off the screen by Amanda Seyfried, in the trickier and shower part. This movie knows exactly what it is, and leans directly into the trashy fun of it all. That lack of restraint makes it a fun watch. 

GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION

I was a big fan of the original Greenland, a terrific and reasonably realistic disaster movie that got overlooked cause it came out during COVID. This sequel is forced to be a different thing, and is only partially successful. Instead of the original's propulsive narrative, this thing meanders. 

28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE

I was a bit disappointed in last year's 28 Years Later, but this direct sequel is awfully good. It helps that Years' most compelling character, the doctor played by the excellent Ralph Fiennes, is front and center here. Jack O'Connell is a legitimately scary bad guy. The expansion of the virus lore is really good this time. And we get a dandy of a tease for a part 3 that I think is for sure coming. I hope so, anyway. 

NO OTHER CHOICE

Not quite the next Parasite as I hoped it might be, but a very entertaining and unique dark comedy about a man who will go to unbelievable lengths just to keep a middling career. 

IS THIS THING ON?

Really enjoyed this Bradley Cooper directed dramedy about a man (Will Arnett, kind  of a revelation) going through a divorce, who by happenstance discovers a love for doing stand-up comedy. I would say roughly the first 3/4 of the movie is just Arnett finding his comedy voice, and hanging out in comedy clubs, and shooting the shit. It's really great. Then the movie kind of flues the finish by getting too serious and bland. Still, it's a good movie, and it's easily my favorite of Cooper's directing efforts. 

ARCO

This animated film nabbed Natalie Portman an Oscar nomination, since she's a credited producer on it. She also does a voice. The hand drawn animation is very well done. The story is decent. I wouldn't say this movie grabbed me, but it's nice. 

MERCY

Okay, so the Chris Pratt tech thriller with the January dump release date and minimal promotion is...actually good? Hey, I was pretty into this, even if, like many thrillers, the conclusion isn't as satisfying as the ride. Rebecca Ferguson makes for a sexy AI judge. The movie has a ticking clock structure and is quickly paced as a result. These days, I'm appreciating any movie that can get in and out in a tight 100. Pratt is honestly the weak link. He's fine, but he's too laid back to really sell the tension. 

Everything else:

RARE OBJECTS

Katie Holmes directed this, and co-stars, and she is 3 for 3 now at directing nice little dramas. I hope next time she stretches a little.

MEL BROOKS: THE 99 YEAR OLD MAN

Solid, if overlong, doc about the life and career of Mel Brooks, still chugging along at age 99 (he needs to make it, man).