All things considered, I’m a little shocked I was able to squeeze in my standard three movies for the weekend! And with that, they all managed to be pretty darn entertaining.
Halloween Kills – Truthfully, this sequel to 2018’s revamping of the series with original cast members, was a little bit of a letdown. Really, David Gordon Green and Danny McBride managed to deliver something fresh and exciting the first time around, where this time, while the gore was plentiful, the story just lacked a sense of real forward momentum. I fully believe they will be able to successfully end the trilogy next year, but this was certainly a bit of a stumbling block. At the end of Halloween, Laurie, her daughter, and granddaughter managed to trap Michael in the basement and set the house ablaze. Even though Laurie was pretty badly wounded, they at least found solace in knowing they’d killed Michael. Ha! In a crazy, almost superhuman way, Michael made his way out of that house and slaughtered a whole team of firefighters along the way. When Karen learns about this, she thinks they’ll be safe at the hospital, but a sort of chaotic mob forms there thinking they will also destroy Michael Myers. Like I said, there’s not a lot of forward motion here, given that these events are all taking place in the same night as the previous film. There were lots of gory and creative deaths, along with some major character ones, but I think some time needs to separate this story from the final one for it to be any good. I mean, if you’re looking for something new this Halloween, then this classic killer is still worth checking out.
CODA – I could kick myself for not checking this film out at the Sundance Film Festival at the start of the year, but here we are. I even managed to wait a little longer until I picked up my Apple+ subscription again. But man I wish I’d have watched this sooner! What a profoundly unique film! And honestly, when I tell you a little bit about it, I’m sure like me, you’d be surprised this really hasn’t been covered on film before. Ruby is the only hearing member of her deaf family, so it is no surprise that they rely on her to help them run a modest fishing business. They will need her help even more when they decide to go solo. Ruby, for the most part, has never questioned this role she plays in her family until her high school choir teacher tells her she’s got a real shot at getting into Berklee College of Music. That’s high praise! Obviously she struggles to balance her two worlds, and it’s hard for her family to connect with this passion of hers. In the end, it’s truly just a beautiful drama that’s acted just perfectly by all parties involved. Yes, you will probably cry a time or two like I did, but I promise you it will be worth it. I hope this movie isn’t forgotten about when awards season comes around, but you just never know.
I’m Your Man – One would think I wouldn’t have much to look forward to coming out of a primarily German film festival, but the 71st Berlin International Film Festival managed to produce this effective science fiction romance. Alma, an archeologist, has agreed to be an expert tester for robots meant to be built as soulmates for people. Tom is Alma’s robot, and it’s clear from the beginning that she is uncomfortable with Tom’s perfections and the fact that he is not human. Tom is respectful though, and tries instead to build a friendship and learn more about Alma. It’s clear that things in Alma’s past are responsible for her distrust of the process, but as expected, in the end she really does fall for Tom and their relationship. This was a fun film and a unique twist on genres. Of course, Dan Stevens is a delight as the android, Tom. If you’re cool with subtitles, give this film a go!