DON'T SLEEP ON... The Penguin Lessons

The Penguin Lessons (UK, 2024. Dir: Peter Cattaneo): Steve Coogan is the ultimate acquired taste. Casual observers might dismiss him as a self-absorbed jerk. People who have followed his career a bit are aware Coogan can be extremely funny (see Alan Partridge in any of his incarnations). Avid Coogan fans know there’s an undercurrent of melancholy that runs deep in his work and he’s capable of greatness (The Trip saga, Philomena). Would you like to know more?

THIS WEEK IN MOVIES: Misericordia

Misericordia (France, 2024. Dir: Alain Guiraudie): As America continues going through something and their movies reflect it, it’s a good time to remember there’s provocative and nuanced cinema to be found, if you know where to look. Would you like to know more?

DON'T SLEEP ON... The Substance

The Substance (USA, 2024. Dir: Coralie Fargeat): Following a relatively muted response at the North American box office (US$16 million, compared to 29 million abroad), The Substance hits streaming and on-demand services. It still packs a punch and seems designed to send your in-laws running during the holidays (“what about this movie, The Substance? Nothing says middlebrow like Demi Moore.”)  Would you like to know more?

THIS WEEK IN MOVIES: Blitz

Blitz (UK, 2024. Dir: Steve McQueen): There’s one advantage that Blitz has over most “Battle of England”-inspired films: it has Steve McQueen at the helm. Not only the filmmaker can create poignant tableaux about the black experience (most notably Twelve Years a Slave) and urban malaise (Shame). He also makes them look good. Would you like to know more?

DON'T SLEEP ON... The Critic

The Critic (United Kingdom, 2023. Dir: Anand Tucker): Because of his personal appearances and undoubtedly The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the general public thinks of Ian McKellen as an avuncular, charming figure. Even his Magneto in the X-Men saga was great company. Would you like to know more?

DON’T SLEEP ON… Strange Darling

Strange Darling (USA, 2023. Dir: JT Mollner): Thrillers that rely heavily on a twist have a limited shelf life (remember The Uninvited? A Perfect Getaway? The Invitation? Relax, nobody does) The ones that remain transcend the gimmick by providing more substance, usually in the form of well-rounded characters (The Sixth Sense) or good writing (Fight Club). Would you like to know more?

DON’T SLEEP ON… National Anthem, Young Woman and the Sea

National Anthem (USA, 2023. Dir: Luke Gilford): A low-key talent, Charlie Plummer is one of the most exciting young actors out there… for those paying attention. His forlorn turn as a teen craving stability in Andrew Haigh’s Lean on Pete should have made him a star. Instead, Plummer has been bouncing around indies of dubious quality. Would you like to know more?

THIS WEEK IN MOVIES: Robot Dreams, Longing

Robot Dreams (Spain, 2023. Dir: Pablo Berger): Don’t be fooled by the clean, simple lines of the Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature. Robot Dreams is a poignant dramedy about companionship and how relationships can both tear you to pieces and build you up. It’s also an indictment of the culture of disposability, a main force behind the climate crisis that currently enfolds us. Would you like to know more?

DON'T SLEEP ON... Ezra

Ezra (USA, 2023. Dir: Tony Goldwyn): The portrait of autism on screen has improved slightly since the days of Rainman (1989 Oscar for Best Picture, embarrassingly). Alas, it continues to be presented as a superpower more often than it should. The Accountant, The Good Doctor, and the execrable Music come to mind. Would you like to know more?

DON’T SLEEP ON… You Can Call Me Bill, One Life

You Can Call Me Bill (USA, 2023): William Shatner is a complex character. He is both a hammy actor and sci-fi icon; avuncular know-it-all and problematic figure (he’s a supporter of Autism Speak, on organization detested by many in the autistic community); environmental activist and corporate shill. Given the many angles available, I doubted director Alexandre O. Philippe (78/52) would be able to fully capture the Shat in 96 minutes of footage, more so since he would be the only interviewee. Nobody to challenge his perception of himself or his surroundings. Would you like to know more?