By Chris Kavan - 10/04/17 at 10:49 AM CT
While the list is impressive once again this week, it doesn't reflect in the films I actually get to talk about. Only two wide releases this week, one is yet another Insidious films (potentially the last, but who knows) and the other is Louis C.K.'s latest film straight out the Toronto Film Festival where it made waves, and looks to be a fair bit better received than Pootie Tang. Still, it doesn't leave me a lot to work with, but I'll give it a fair shot and just have to hope that next week brings a bit more meat with it.
You won't fine a much more ardent horror fan than me. Crappy found footage Netflix knockoffs? I'll watch that. Z-Grade over-the-top blood and guts mayhem with basement level special effects? Sure, why not. Highly promoted blockbuster titles? Under-the-radar indie gems? Yes and yet! I like horror in all forms - psychological, in-your-face and utterly ridiculous. But even with my wide range in taste, I could never get in to the Insidious franchise. I watched the first two with mild expectations, thought they were perfectly adequate, but never got around to the third one (yet). So here we are with the fourth entry already: Insidious: The Last Key. Now, you would think that with last clearly in the title, this could be the final installment, but don't get your hopes up - because apparently this is a prequel. It follows the story of Dr. Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) - a parapsychologist who has a had a role in all three Insidious films, as she gets an uninvited guest in her own home - one that is pure evil. But this evil isn't new to her - as a teenager (played by Hana Hayes) she encountered a skeletal demon - one with keys for fingers - but doesn't seem to remember any of it. Now a new family lives in her old home - and old demons have come back. I mean, it looks decent, but this is not my franchise, I'm more of a Conjuring kind of guy. We'll see if that rule of sequel diminishing returns occurs, or if this new chapter can buck the trend. Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content, violence and terror, and brief strong language.
The other film getting wide release notice was a big hit out of the Toronto Film Festival, caught the attention of The Orchard and was put on a fast track for both limited and wide release. Louis C.K. might be known best as a comedian, but perhaps I Love You, Daddy will broaden his career options. C.K. was involved in almost every aspect of this films: director, writer, producer, actor - even editor. The film follows Glen Topher (C.K.) a successful television writer, who watches as his young daughter (Chloë Grace Moretz) falls under the lecherous gaze of Leslie Goodwin (John Malkovich) with a grand filmography and a shady past. Inspired by the films of Woody Allen, it seems C.K. has struck a nerve, at least with critics. I don't know if this is the kind of film general audiences will seeks out, but if Birdman can win an Oscar, why not this? Rated R for crude sexual content, language throughout and brief drug use.
Those are the only two biggies for the week, but be sure to check out the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
ALIENS ATE MY HOMEWORK
Rated PG for some rude humor, mild action and thematic elements.
DOLPHINS
Rated G
I LOVE YOU, DADDY
Rated R for crude sexual content, language throughout and brief drug use.
I, TONYA
Rated R for pervasive language, violence, and some sexual content/nudity.
INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY
Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content, violence and terror and brief strong language.
KILL ANOTHER DAY
Rated R for horror violence and for language throughout.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Rated PG-13 for some thematic material including alcohol and drug issues.
MY FRIEND DAHMER
Rated R for disturbing images, language, teen drug use, drinking and sexual content and for brief nudity.
REVOLT
Rated R for violence including some grisly images.
RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER 2
Rated R for pervasive language, brutal violence, drug use, sexual content and nudity.
THE STRANGE ONES
Rated R for some disturbing violent images, and brief sexual material.
AMENDED RATING
MAYHEM
The R Rating given in bulletin 50802 on 9-20-17 has been surrendered. The film is unrated as of 9-29-17.
