GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO
It’s the classic tale that we know and adore of a wooden boy who wants to be a real one. But believe you me, you’ve never seen it told like this. Guillermo del Toro (along with uber talented Mark Gustafson) reimagines author Carlo Collodi’s famous fairy tale by wielding insanely intricate stop-motion animation that’s nothing short of astonishing. Imaginative, whimsical, refreshing, and authentic – the story encompasses its darker and more mature themes centering around a father’s love, being good, and cherishing the life we’re given and making it count while we have it.
Alongside a first-rate voice cast that includes Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Christoph Waltz, and Ron Perlman and noteworthy songs and score lies a profusion of poignant and tender moments within such an eccentric, exceptional examination of living and dying through a puppet. Whilst an assured technical accomplishment, it’s a storytelling wonder that can’t be duplicated. The genius craftsmanship exhibited by del Toro and his collaborators is unbelievable, and watching his decades-long dream come to dazzling life is a gift to moviegoers.
“SR.”
With director Chris Smith (Fyre, American Movie) behind the camera, Robert Downey and his son, Ironman himself Robert Downey Jr., take us on a wacky but intimate look into Downey Sr.’s inspirational underground comedies and his unique, complicated bond with his son built by the family business. Mostly shot in beautiful black and white and carrying that gonzo spirit – it’s a heartfelt and hilarious documentary where the Downey duo are honest and susceptible with/for each other.
There’s no in-depth conversations about it, but we can safely assume their relationship has been put through the wringer in the past. Every family has regrets; though how fortunate both men are to be in such a good place and to collaborate one last time. For many this will be an introduction to Downey Sr. and will instantly find him very eccentric and entertaining. I know I did during this loving and suitably irreverent journey that comes to a touching end with his passing in July 2021. What better tribute can RDJ give Sr. than one that feels cathartic for him and revitalizing for his pioneering pops?
GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
That incredible, irresistible murder mystery magic that we all swooned over in Knives Out is here again, and writer/director Rian Johnson pulls out all the stops in dismantling the whodunit he aced in 2019. The layers of vanity, avarice, deception, revenge, and disruption are intricately peeled away, exposing one delectable surprise after another.
Daniel Craig struts his stuff yet again as Benoit Blanc. Sleuthing in style, it’s a role that brings out the absolute best in what he offers as an actor. Plus, the guy is unmistakably having a ball. As for the rest of the motley crew, they’re all sensational with a hilarious Kate Hudson and a superior Janelle Monáe who, by the way, just about snatches every scene away from the rest of those “shitheads”.
Glass Onion is a lot like its predecessor with its energy, cleverness, and another incredible, live wire cast that audiences would be foolish to trust. At the same time, Johnson changes things up by having his fancy follow up feel lighter and mirthfully playful. It dedicates itself in being a full-blown comedy and the laughs are nonstop as the filthy rich get roasted. You’ll enjoy every second of this wildly exquisite, engrossing and entertaining romp that hasn’t lost an inch of its sharpness.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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