The vacation film season shifts into overdrive this week with two of the largest productions of 2024, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” — nicknamed “Glicked,” for all of you reliving the magic that was 2023’s “Barbenheimer” — hitting theaters.
Right here’s a roundup of the Gladiator sequel and some different new movies and sequence.
“Gladiator II”: Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel to his 2000 sword-and-sandal Oscar phenom exhibits zero pretense over what it really intends to be: 100-percent buttered popcorn leisure. In different phrases, the story is preposterous however the surroundings is a feast for the eyes. Whereas by no means approaching the emotional impression of the Russell Crowe-led authentic epic, Scott brings the busy sequel (sharks and even an irritable rhino will get thrown within the combine) to gory, extreme CGI heights. And it really works nicely sufficient, however solely must you meet it by itself phrases. This isn’t a bona-fide Oscar contender — aside from the technical and costume classes — however does function a deliciously duplicitous flip from Denzel Washington. (The Oscar winner goes for broke because the crafty power-mad slave-owner Macrinus.)
Screenwriter David Scarpa and Scott crib approach an excessive amount of from the primary movie, giving us one other vengeance-fueled, buffed-up warrior within the dreamy type of Paul Mescal as Lucius (simply take a gander of these biceps, will ya?). His character’s blood, to not point out blood traces, begin boiling over after the dying of his spouse in an assault led by Roman basic Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) on Lucius’ residence turf. Lucius turns into a slave and is within the cost of artful Macrinus, and shortly turns into leisure for the lots and two dangerously crackpot twin Roman emperors — Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). Seated subsequent to them is Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, reprising her position from the primary movie), daughter of the long-dead emperor. She and Marcus are collectively.
True to Scott’s MO, every thing is a rowdy spectacle and that’s what makes the group roar — within the Colosseum stands and certain in film theaters. Whereas the unique rating is certainly missed and fleetingly referenced, the brand new presence of Mescal is welcome. He’s in a position to faucet into his fierce aspect in addition to his emo aspect. Is he as a lot of a badass as Crowe? Hardly. However he’s a special character and also you’ll root for him even when vengeance clouds his judgment.
The place “Gladiator II” does stumble is in its weak ultimate confrontation scene. It’s a letdown given what has come earlier than. Foibles and fumbles and all, nevertheless, “Gladiator II” remains to be dumb enjoyable. However it’s no match for the excessive requirements set by the unique. Particulars: 2½ stars; opens in theaters Nov. 22.
“Dune: Prophecy”: HBO continues to take established popular culture creations similar to Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” and now Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” movie sequence and increase upon them and higher contextualize them. Such has been the case with “The Penguin” starring Colin Farrell. Ditto their newest sequence, primarily based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel “Sisterhood of Dune.” By specializing in the mysterious and intriguing sect of rigorously educated feminine acolytes with supernatural, chess-game-like powers, present runners Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker dig into the blood-drenched backstory of two Bene Gesserit sisters – Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) and Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams) – and the way their previous darkish discover them going through a formidable foe within the presence of Desmond Hart (a menacing, wild-eyed Travis Fimmel) who has a hand in firing up tensions over an organized marriage.
The slithery one all however drags Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Sturdy) and his household right into a murderous recreation of energy that results in a reckoning with the sisterhood. Instructed in six hour-long episodes (solely 4 had been out there for assessment), “Dune: Prophecy” builds upon its personal world and does function impossibly stunning folks in it (Josh Heuston as Constantine Corrino and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez Corrino). It additionally ratchets up the intercourse rather more than the movies do. It’s been in comparison with “Game of Thrones,” and whereas it’s an apt comparability, “Dune: Prophecy” exists in its personal universe, and is a strategizing sci-fi headtrip with excellent results and manufacturing values. I’m definitely hooked. Particulars: 3½ stars; first episode dropped Nov. 17 with follow-up episodes dropping every Sunday after that.
“All We Imagine as Light”: Author/director Payal Kapadia makes use of her immersive sensibilities to elegiac however very sluggish impact for an impressionistic portrait of Mumbai and the working-class girls in it. Kapadia’s movie isn’t involved with dramatic arcs and shocking reveals, opting extra to marinate, even stew, in its poetic, multi-hued visuals which might be reflective of the temper swings of town in addition to its inhabitants. For that cause, Kapadia creates a gossamer-like view of the occurring within the lives of – primarily – two girls, roommates and colleagues at a hospital. Prabha (Chhaya Kadam) is the extra senior of the 2 and wrestling with feelings about her out-of-the-country, uninterested husband whereas the youthful, less-bound-by custom Anu (Divya Prabha) carries on secretly with Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon), a Muslim. (Their lovemaking scene shouldn’t be graphic however is very erotic). Extra on the periphery is the character of Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), a hospital cook dinner plagued with housing points. “All We Imagine as Light” is a good looking movie advised with a poet’s eye, however does require endurance to get at its rewards. Particulars: 3 stars; opens Nov. 22 on the Cine Lounge Fremont 7, the Smith Rafael Movie Middle and the Roxie in S.F..
“Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.”: In relation to faith-based leisure, Angel Studios continues to do it the correct approach – realizing it is advisable inform a compelling story and remembering to maintain all sermonizing for the pulpit. This fact-based epic doesn’t do something additional fancy as a biopic and will have used some considered modifying, but it surely handily tells an astonishing story about going past oneself to cease the tyranny of a fascist similar to Hilter. Jonas Dassler is exceptional portraying real-life pastor and Nazi critic Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Author/director and producer Todd Komranicki takes a standard path in following his life with Bonhoeffer’s childhood early within the twentieth century and on to his time spent in New York and Harlem and his eventual resistance to Nazism in Germany, his half in a plot to kill the Fuhrer. He was a galvanizing presence and wrote well-respected articles and books whereas rallying church buildings to face up in assist of Jews. It’s an enchanting however unhappy story about sacrifice and staying true to your ethical beliefs and religion, a potent message that we have to hear again and again. Particulars: 3 stars; in theaters Nov. 22.
Contact Randy Myers at soitsrandy@gmail.com.
Initially Revealed:
