Bugonia, that Emma Stone, Aidan Delbis, Jesse Plemons and Alicia Silverstone film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things (2023), has a super promising new trailer.
There’s no doubt the cast had a lot of fun playing these characters, especially Stone. I now can’t wait to see this comedy/sci-fi film about the kidnapping of a high-profile CEO by conspiracy theorists unfold.
October 31st suddenly seems so far away, doesn’t it?
Cedric Dumornay, Vanessa Eng, Yaisa, Marc T. Lewis and Roger Carvalho also star.
Pedro Pascal is the main reason I wanted to watch the new Celine Song-directed romantic comedy Materialists. The one where Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a successful New York City matchmaker torn between two love interests.
The good news is, there are no bad performances, and I enjoyed the conversations that revealed the amusing wants and expectations of those who enlist matchmakers. But, if I were forced to pick my favourite scenes overall? There’s absolutely no contest. It’s when Johnson and Pascal are on screen together. I particularly love the conversation where the ‘You can do better than me’ statement comes up.
The not-so-great news is, there really isn’t much else to praise beyond the above, because, unfortunately, I barely cared about the romance between Lucy and her ex, John (Chris Evans), which says something about the story edit. And, admittedly, maybe a little something about how I wanted more Pascal screen time.
Additionally, though I understand the reason for the caveman/cavewoman opening scene, I can’t say I liked it. All it did was keep me away from the main event, like a disappointing opener to a stand-up comedy show featuring the brilliant headliner you’re there to see.
Materialists is one you watch if the aforementioned highlights appeal. Just don’t expect too much else.
Have you already seen Materialists? Perhaps you’re a bigger fan than I am.
The Naked Gun – From the Files of Police Squad! (1988), Leslie Nielsen, Paramount Pictures
I finally watchedThe Naked Gun – From the Files of Police Squad! And immediately, I knew I’d picked the right film, as the thoughts, ‘such baffonery’ and ‘Hello, levity’ entered my mind as I smiled and giggled.
Directed by David Zucker; Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy, Ricardo Montalban, and O.J. Simpson are among the key cast of this most charming and entertaining comedy/crime film. One about the adventures of Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen), an incompetent Police officer let loose on the streets of L.A.
I enjoyed all the silliness and physical comedy, including the smart use of stunt dummies. As for the one thing I didn’t like? That would be the instances of Wilma’s tearless wailing, which thankfully, only happened at the start. Maybe one day I’ll stop letting tearless crying in film bother me. That day hasn’t quite arrived yet, clearly.
You probably already have, and more than once, but if not, enjoy The Naked Gun – From the Files of Police Squad! You may not think ‘Hello, levity’ and ‘such buffoonery’. But you’ll likely smile and giggle.
Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson and Jay Lycurgo are the stars of Steve, a Tim Mielants-directed comedy/drama about a headteacher’s struggle to save his reform college. Something he’s working on while managing his mental health and dealing with his troubled students.
I never want to miss out on a brilliant Murphy performance. As such, hopefully, the right mood for watching this will come just in time. I also look forward to seeing how the part-comedy categorisation ends up showing up. I’m guessing it will be classic classroom banter.
How are you feeling about Steve?
Roger Allam, Tracey Ullman, Douggie McMeekin, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Youssef Kerkour, Little Simz, Tut Nyuot, Marcus Garvey and Priyanga Burford also star.
The Movie My Life 