By A.D. Beal

Movie Reviews

No Time To Die
After a betrayal causes him to go off the grid, James Bond returns for a final mission against a dangerous new enemy. No Time To Die not only is the end of the Craig era of Bond, but it also feels like the curtain call of the type of blockbuster filmmaking it was born into. Compared to other films of its type today, the classical filmmaking that director Cary Fukunaga brings is refreshing and exciting, with the pacing, energy and lush color palette giving something for every 007 fan. Craig is arguably at his most invested in the role, looking relaxed but still has the edge to a character who has been doing this for 15 years. Supporting characters, new and old, are almost all great and bounce off him well, aside from, unfortunately, the main villain Safin. A thin motivation combined with a miscast Rami Malek can really put the movie to a hard stop. Other than that, though, it’s a great final chapter for the actor.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Eddie Brock and Venom’s relationship is tested as an infamous serial killer breaks out of prison and bonds with a new symbiote. Venom was a terrible studio-mandated movie, barely stitched-together in the edit bay and tonally confused as to whether it wants to be a sci-fi action movie or a buddy comedy movie. Let There Be Carnage is confident, a sort of distorted romcom that doesn’t overstay its welcome and is intentionally funny. Hardy’s chemistry with himself (he plays Brock and voices Venom) is the heart of the film, giving the movie a much-needed core that was missing in the first film. I also appreciate how director Andy Serkis, despite a limited background in helming action, does up the ante on the action scenes, particularly the more CG-focused fights. Unfortunately, the film is holstered by a miscast Woody Harrelson, in a performance that comes off as more adorable than terrifying. Still, the film is an improvement in almost every way from the first Venom movie.

Titane
A father reunites with his missing son after a series of murders grips the country. There’s no easy way to describe Titane without massively giving it away. A dark horror/comedy mixture, Titane is about desire, murder, deception, and how all of these don’t really mix. Which is ironic as, to me at least, they go together for a very skillfully crafted picture with nightmarish editing and visuals. It would be almost absurd if director Julia Ducournau didn’t just totally sell it, making you laugh but still cringe and be terrified. Watch at your own risk.

Halloween Kills
Even though it’s past Halloween, horror fans might still want to tune into this movie. After Michael Myers escapes Laurie Strode’s trap, the town of Haddonfield rallies behind her to put an end to his rampage. It’s rare to see a studio film so unapologetically mean, but Halloween Kills earns it. A film all about Haddonfield’s rage, the supporting cast are all facing their fears, which turn to anger, and spill out into disaster. Curtis is still great as always, but the supporting cast steals the show, all processing the situation in their own way. David Gordon Green shoots the film in a way that fits the hectic tone of the movie, getting nightmarish by the end, and it’s incredible. It’s a harsh movie that becomes tragic, entertaining but strangely still thoughtful.

November Releases
November 5:
• Eternals
• Spencer (Limited)
• The Beta Test (Limited)

November 10:
• Clifford The Big Red Dog

November 12:
• Belfast
• Love Is Love Is Love

November 17:
• The Power of The Dog (Limited)

November 19:
• King Richard
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife
• C’mon C’mon (Limited)

November 24:
• Encanto
• House Of Gucci
• National Champions
• Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City

November 26:
• Licorice Pizza (Limited)