Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of movies hitting theaters and streaming services this weekend? You're not alone! From magical heists to dystopian nightmares and Hollywood introspection, there's a lot to unpack. But which ones are actually worth your time and money? Let's dive in!
'Now You See Me, Now You Don't': Is the Magic Fading?
This latest installment in the 'Now You See Me' franchise arrives in theaters this Friday, promising more illusions, more heists, and…more cast members? It seems like the writers took a page from the 'Ocean's' movies, adding Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt to the already crowded roster of Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, and Isla Fisher. This time, they're after a priceless diamond held by a money-laundering arms dealer played by Rosamund Pike. The setup is familiar, echoing the 'rob-from-the-rich-give-to-the-poor' vibe of the previous films. But here's where it gets controversial… the magic feels less magical. Where the earlier films tried to convince you the Horsemen were genuinely pulling off incredible feats, this one leans heavily on CGI and cinematic trickery. Even simple card tricks feel a bit…flat. Eisenberg's sarcastic wit remains a highlight, but with increasingly unbelievable illusions and increasingly convoluted plots, is it time for this franchise to disappear in a puff of smoke?
'The Running Man': When Dystopian Fiction Becomes Reality
Also arriving in theaters this Friday is 'The Running Man,' a new adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novel. One of the biggest challenges in writing dystopian fiction is that the future always catches up. King's vision of 2025 (which, well, is now) paints a grim picture: widespread poverty, rule by powerful corporations, exploitative entertainment designed to pit the suffering against each other, environmental destruction, mass surveillance, and even the resurgence of polio. Sound familiar? The story follows Ben Richards, played by Glen Powell, who enters the deadly game show 'The Running Man' to secure medical care for his sick daughter. On the show, he must survive for 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins to win a billion dollars. Of course, no one has ever survived. The trailer includes instances of vulgar language, so be warned. And this is the part most people miss... The biggest issue with this adaptation is that if you've read the book, you'll know that major plot points and the ending are unlikely to be replicated in a big-budget 2025 film. As a fast-paced action movie, it works well. But King's sharper social commentary is softened, making it a less effective critique of its world than the original novel.
'Jay Kelly': Clooney Reflects on Fame and Fortune
In limited theaters this Friday, and on Netflix December 5th, George Clooney stars as Jay Kelly, a charming Hollywood star grappling with a mid-life crisis in Noah Baumbach's dramedy. Estranged from one daughter and feeling increasingly distant from another, Kelly finds himself alone amidst a crowd of paid companions, including his manager (Adam Sandler) and publicist (Laura Dern). After a public altercation, he impulsively travels to Italy to accept a career tribute, hoping to reconnect with his daughter. Minor misadventures ensue, including a purse snatching and a reunion with his gruff father (Stacy Keach). But here's where it gets controversial... it's hard to feel sympathy for the 'loneliness of stardom' or the 'heartbreak of success'. Baumbach seems to be channeling films like '8½' and 'Stardust Memories,' but gets a bit lost in the process. Still, Clooney's charisma and Sandler's performance make it palatable, and the cinematography is beautiful.
'The Things You Kill': A Turkish Thriller Unravels
Also in limited theaters this Friday is 'The Things You Kill,' a Turkish-language thriller from Iranian-Canadian director Alireza Khatami. The film follows Ali, a university professor whose life is falling apart. His mother is sick, his father is abusive, his wife wants a child he can't give her, and his only escape is a remote farm. The arrival of Reza, a stranger willing to do what Ali won't, complicates and, in a sense, solves his problems. The filmmaker's name provides a clue, as his filmmaking deconstructs the story and its protagonist in initially confusing, but ultimately riveting ways.
'Come See Me In the Good Light': A Documentary of Love and Loss
Streaming on Apple TV starting this Friday is 'Come See Me In the Good Light,' a documentary that defies easy description. At the urging of comedian Tig Notaro, poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley invited a film crew into their home in 2021. The film captures their lives during the pandemic, showcasing their love, their struggles, and Gibson's Stage 4 ovarian cancer journey. And this is the part most people miss... Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is surprisingly upbeat and hilarious. The director encourages laughter, even amidst the sadness. Gibson's vibrant spirit and the filmmaker's warmth create a radiant and hopeful story, even in the face of despair.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for any of these releases? Does the 'Now You See Me' franchise need to retire its illusions? Can a movie about terminal illness really be funny and uplifting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
