By Chris Kavan - 11/12/19 at 08:22 PM CT
A rather short list this week from the MPAA Ratings Board, but it's filled with some big movies to talk about. You have a biopic about the kindest soul ever to grace public access TV played by the most reliable actor of his generation, a new spin on holiday horror, a true crime tale about making judgement before the facts set in and an ensemble piece about a very British drug empire. All in all, a lot of interesting films to choose from and the kind of update that makes me glad to write, so let's get to it!
If you're going to go with an actor that has both heart, range and soul - who better to turn to than Tom Hanks? He's played a globe-trotting symbologist, a boy trapped in a man's body, a survivor, a spy and a Gump. Now he's going to take on another iconic role, and I can't think of anybody better suited to portray Fred Rogers. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood chronicles a cynical journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) who thinks nothing of the puff piece he is assigned in interviewing THE Mr. Rogers - but as he learns more about him, and the kindness and empathy that he truly possesses and wants to share - it breaks down his own walls as the two develop a friendship. There has already been a documentary about Fred Rogers in "Won't You Be My Neighbor?", which garnered no small bit of praise itself, and this should be a great companion piece. Fred Rogers is one of the main reasons that public access TV survived and, dare I say, thrived - and continues to entertain adults and children alike today. I remember watching a lot of Mr. Rogers (and Sesame Street) in my own youth and can see why it had such an impact and continues to resonate today. Hanks is perfectly suited to this role and as long as they throw in some drama to go with the cheerfulness, maybe he'll get some awards season buzz. Rated PG for some strong thematic material, a brief fight, and some mild language.
Let's stay on the path of true-life stories. Rushing to judgement seems to be a great past time for Americans. And while often the punishment does indeed fit the crime sometimes in our haste to deal out justice, society as a whole can condemn the innocent. Clint Eastwood explores the case of Richard Jewell - played here by Paul Walter Hauser (a great supporting role in another crime biopic, I, Tonya) who prevents the death of thousands at the 1996 Olympics when he discovers a bomb. At first hailed a hero, journalists and media soon turn on him when the FBI labeled him a "person of interest" and began digging into both his professional and personal life. The strain put on his life by this "trial by media" would have an indelible impact on both him and his family. Eastwood has a pretty good track record as a director, and, much like American Sniper, covers a story and a life that should be told. This is positioned perfectly for an Oscar run and with Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates, Nina Arianda and Ian Gomez on board, it has a great cast to back up those claims. Rated R for language including some sexual references, and brief bloody images.
For those who like a very proper drug drama, follow American ex-pat Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) who is about to put his very profitable UK marijuana business up for grabs, setting in motion a wide variety of schemes, double-crosses, bribes and plenty of action in The Gentlemen. Said Gentlemen also include the likes of Charlie Hunnam, Jeremy Strong, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding and Hugh Grant (along with non-male Michelle Dockery). I mean, if that isn't a strong line-up, I don't know what is - and with Guy Ritchie in the director's chair (as well as writing the screenplay), you know this is going to be packed with action. I just hope it's smart and fun - like Sherlock Holmes, RocknRolla or Snatch - and less drab and rote like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. or King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. I mean, he's already got Aladdin this year, so he's got that going for him, but if he can make this British action/crime story pop, I would say he's back on top of his game. It looks like it's going to be a wild ride and worthy for any action fan. Rated R for violence, language throughout, sexual references and drug content.
Remaking a standard horror cliche and turning it into something new is often a daunting task. Often, it fails, because people actually like classic horror cliches but perhaps Black Christmas can buck the trend and make something old feel new again. Black Christmas (1974) and it's first remake in 2006 essentially followed the same story: a sorority house was stalked by a deranged killer. Classic setup, with a killer twist - but this new version takes a different approach. Sure, a sorority house is still targeted by a killer, but instead of playing the victims, the women turn the tables when they learn the attacks are coming from a fraternity that has made a dark pact - one they must fulfill... with sacrifice. The main cast - Imogen Poots, Brittany O'Grady, Aleyse Shannon, Lily Donoghue and Madeleine Adams aren't going quietly, as the poster and tag line (Slay Girls) means they're going to give as much as they get. The fraternity, with Cary Elwes in the lead, might have bit off a bit more than they can chew with this group. Why not empower some women? Forget the final girl trope - this group isn't going to wait until the end, they're going on the offensive right away. Could be interesting at least. Rated PG-13 for violence, terror, thematic content involving sexual assault, language, sexual material and drinking.
The rest of the list is kind of small, but four big releases is a nice gift from the MPAA Ratings Bulletin, so why not check out the rest below:
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Rated PG for some strong thematic material, a brief fight, and some mild language.
BLACK CHRISTMAS
Rated PG-13 for violence, terror, thematic content involving sexual assault, language, sexual material and drinking.
THE CORRUPTED
Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, and brief drug use.
THE DEATH AND LIFE OF JOHN F. DONOVAN
Rated R for language throughout and some sexual material.
EN BRAZOS DE UN ASESINO
Rated R for bloody violence, sexual content and nudity.
THE GENTELEMEN
Rated R for violence, language throughout, sexual references and drug content.
RICHARD JEWELL
Rated R for language including some sexual references, and brief bloody images.
SEBERG
Rated R for language, sexual content/nudity and some drug use.
