Somehow this past weekend ended up being a very fruitful one in terms of movie viewing!
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – I’ll admit that I don’t remember much of what happened in the last Spider-Man film. Nor did I know if I was caught up enough with other interesting stories before heading into Brand New Day, but I went anyway and didn’t come out too bad. In the last film, in order to protect his friends, he had to make it so they forget that they ever knew Peter. That’s pretty tough when one of those people is your girlfriend. And also your best friend. Since then, Peter’s been dedicating all of his time to help fighting crime in New York, all while watching the most important people in his life live it without him. The drastic loneliness is somehow increasing his arachnid DNA, causing him problems that he doesn’t want to deal with at the moment. He’s most focused on a dangerous villain who has the ability to inhabit people’s minds and get them to do whatever they want. There are some fun co-stars in this new flick and a villain who I was NOT expecting at all. I have know idea what it means for the future, but it got me really, really excited. I was also blown away that the films first full proper song was TV on the Radio’s “Wolf Like Me” – A+!
Changeland – I don’t know if I gave my work’s movie club mediocre options this past month, but I know I wasn’t disappointed that this quiet comedy-drama got picked. I haven’t seen Seth Green’s directorial debut since 2020, but the re-watch was just as pleasing as it was the first time. He plays Brandon, a man who’s just found out before his anniversary that his wife is having an affair. Rather than cancel the surprise trip to Thailand that he booked for the two of them, instead his dips out without a word and randomly invites his friend Dan, who he hasn’t been much of a friend to over the years. Luckily, Dan is forgiving, and the country of smiles wants nothing more for than Brandon to have a good time. I love that there is no trouble that they get into, only friendly strangers and neat adventures. It takes Brandon a lot of time to finally unclench and live, but I still think this film is really well done.
The Dink – Dusty is a would have been pro tennis player, were it not for a wrist injury he got while playing Andy Roddick back in the day. Now he’s a 40-something mooch, working for his father at a tennis club. After re-aggrivating his wrist, he’s instructed to play pickleball to heal quicker. At first he scoffs at the idea of playing such a dorky sport, until he realizes that it’s really not tennis at all. He definitely has a learning curve, but his improvement is made better with the help of his first pickleball partner, Candance. The two become fast friends, and it’s clear that Candance is changing Dusty for the better. There are some quality laughs among an amazing cast, but there is nothing all that deep to this film. While I enjoyed myself, something felt off in the story, or pacing, or something. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but all in all, Jake Johnson is the perfect Dusty here, using his comedic chops to sell the role for me. Also having Andy Roddick play a decent part doesn’t hurt!
I Want Your Sex – This erotic comedy thriller film was talked about a lot at Sundance, so I was supremely bummed that it wasn’t available as part of their virtual lineup. It’s finally made it’s way to my local indie theater, and the viewing experience was a wild one. Having seen some of Gregg Araki’s past work, I knew I was in for something weird, and it was! One review I saw did say that this film is probably one of his most palatable ones for a wider audience, and I’d say that’s definitely true. Erika Tracy is a eccentric and narcissitic contemporary artist who initiates an S&M heavy relationship with one of her new assistants, Elliot. Elliot finds himself drawn in thoroghly by Erika’s antics, but then it all goes a little too far one day. Olivia Wilde was truly perfect for the part of Erika, but the whole cast was terrific. This is a film that I think would have limited appeal, but if you’re up for something a little unconventional, this will definitely deliver!