Shoplifters đ
Also, a review of Uncut Gems and my take on the trailer for the sequel to Wonder Woman.
âïž Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend.
Weâre talking about my favorite movies of the decade all this month. Letâs take a trip to Japan today. You can see all my recommendations so far here.
Also, a review of Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler and my take on the trailer for Wonder Woman 1984.
If youâre new, welcome! Donât forget to subscribe:
Okay, hereâs day four.
Today's Movie //Â Streaming on Hulu
Shoplifters
Omasu (Lily Franky) and his son Shota (Kairi JĆ) help their family get by by shoplifting food and other necessities. And while theyâre poor and barely able to survive through petty crime, theyâre able to live a happy life because of their strong bond. However, when an incident unveils hidden secrets, their strength as a family is tested. (Trailer)
Why you should watch it: Shoplifters is a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment it will have you smiling, in another laughing, then itâll make you sob uncontrollably. There is so much heart onscreen as you follow this misfit family through their daily adventures. Their relationship to each other, which is forged by a shared pain, is beautiful to watch grow and be challenged and change over time. And as devastating as the story is, it takes care to be as uplifting as the characters are for each other.
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda
Runtime 121 mins
Year 2018
Genre Drama
đș Buy or rent: Prime Video // iTunes // YouTube
In theaters this week
Uncut Gems
Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) is a diamond dealer in New York who is always looking for the best way to make big money â that usually means making high-risk bets that donât always pay off. Over the course of a few days, he must find a way to pay off his debts before itâs too late. (Trailer)
My review:Â Uncut Gems is really just a series of unfortunate decisions and events that cascade into an uncontrollable ball of chaos and discomfort. Instead of slowly ratcheting up the tension, the Safdies turn it up to the highest level and keep it there for the entire film. As uncomfortable as it is, itâs what makes the movie great.
Thereâs an unstoppable anxiety-inducing momentum that feels like a train wreck happening onscreen, but one you canât look away from. Thatâs a compliment of the highest degree. The frenetic editing, cosmic score by Daniel Lopatin, and truly remarkable sleazy performance by Sandler are designed to make you feel uneasy â and thatâs a feeling you learn to love by the end. (Full review)
Directed by Josh and Benny Safdie
Runtime 134 mins
Year 2019
Genre Crime Thriller
đș In limited release on Friday. In theaters nationwide on December 25th.
One trailer you should watch
Wonder Woman 1984
Itâs been nearly seventy years since Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) *literally stopped World War I.* In 1984, she finds herself going up against the Soviet Union and a new foe called Cheetah (Kristen Wiig).
My take:Â I liked the first Wonder Woman mostly because it was the first competent film in the DC universe. And while the neon-splashed visuals of the 80s and Kristen Wiigâs few shots are fun here, itâs something weâve seen before. I have faith that Patty Jenkins can pull through with another solid entry, but I was left unimpressed by this trailer.
Directed by Patty Jenkins
Year 2020
Genre Superhero
đș In theaters nationwide on June 5, 2020.
Thank you for reading! If you have any suggestions or feedback, let me know by replying.
Have a great night!
Karl (@karl_delo)