Tom Chatalbash

FUNNY MONEY rattled me to my core. I of course remember when this story broke as a childhood fan of @DaneCook, but little did I know all I was seeing and reading about was truly just the tip of the iceberg. It’s abundantly clear this was a story Dane wanted to tell on his own terms when he, his family and friends were emotionally ready to do so, but what I didn’t expect was how much humor, light and catharsis came from this doc along with the heartbreak and shocking details of his brother’s betrayal. With time comes perspective and Dane’s remains so healthy and positive in spite of it all, something I deeply respect and admire. Click play for the thrilling twists and turns but be prepared to have plenty to think about once those credits roll. Highly recommend!

BEHEMOTH! is a sumptuously crafted, sweeping triumph for Tony Gilroy. Each of the film’s nine composers allows each section of the film to have its own distinct tone, feel, rhythm and color, seamlessly blending together to create a score that is wholly unique. Gilroy composes the narrative like a maestro, weaving in and out of different time periods in this cellist’s life, crafting an emotionally compelling tale of legacy, identity and longing that is anchored by a tremendous central performance from Pascal. Pascal doesn’t pluck a false note and has never been in finer form, delivering an understated, layered and nuanced performance that may just be the best of his career. Arnett, Victor and especially Wilde are aces in supporting, the latter having a truly remarkable year. Even when Gilroy’s narrative pieces don’t perfectly interlock or clash altogether, even when there’s a bit of dissonance, the confident swings he takes are always respected, the film always compulsively entertaining. I know this one has been a bit divisive thus far, but I for one continue to believe Gilroy is one of the most exciting and wonderfully ambitious storytellers we have and I can’t wait to see what he does next.

#HowToRobABank is a ferocious and propulsive blast from start to finish. Leitch dials back his more over-the-top tendencies and delivers his most grounded film yet, a highly refreshing change of pace. The practical stunt work and set pieces are palpably visceral, handsomely made and tactile, the film delivering droves of entertainment value with Leitch’s trademark panache to boot. Hoult is smooth as silk, Davidson delivers easily his best performance to date, but the highlight is the mismatched pairing of Reilly and Kravitz that is endlessly entertaining and surprisingly tender. The film’s eat the rich story and social commentary on the banking system and internet virality is hardly revelatory, but this is a lively, emotionally charged thriller that proves Leitch is a far more exciting and engaging filmmaker when he manages to stay a bit more tethered to the ground.

THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING is a sensationally riveting entry into #TheHungerGames franchise that colors in the lines of the past as it shades in the future with visceral emotional potency. This is a harrowing and deeply thrilling tale of the spark of a rebellion, a spark not easily lit or without its sacrifices. Everyone in this ludicrously stacked cast is superb, but Zada is a superstar, not only capturing the essence of Haymitch effortlessly, but making the character all his own as he delivers an emotionally charged and impressively magnetic performance. Some facets of the story and the games themselves do lean a little too familiar, but franchise veteran Lawrence has never felt more confident and assured at the wheel, able to give this story the fresh spin and enveloping visual scope it needs without sacrificing character depth or emotional heft. Easily the best entry since Catching Fire and maybe even the best entry yet! Full review next week.

Well, color me pleasantly surprised! #Ebenezer is a wickedly fun holiday treat and strong comeback vehicle for its star. Depp is a fiendish delight as Scrooge, delivering a lively performance that thankfully balances the goofy charm and emotional gravitas that has been sorely missed. West’s horror sensibilities and visual panache give the film an immersive gothic look and feel as he’s able to balance the macabre thrills with the heart of Dickens’ beloved tale as he sprinkles in some refreshing new layers to deepen Ebenezer’s journey. Simply put, it’s great to see Depp back on the big screen. Full review soon!

PAPER TIGER cements the fact that James Gray makes some of the most quietly compelling films out there. Driver and Teller are electric together and the atmosphere is rich and textured with some of the best cinematography of the year. Gray keeps the story a tight, focused slow burn that explodes like a powder keg when it needs to, keeping the focus firmly on this central family as their lives get de-railed into darkness, heartbreak and paranoia. This one had me firmly in its grasp from its opening moments and I loved being enveloped in this world for a couple of hours. An old fashioned, handsomely crafted picture I highly recommend this Thanksgiving season!