Shoplifters 🛍
Also, a review of Uncut Gems and my take on the trailer for the sequel to Wonder Woman.
☀️ Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend.
We’re talking about my favorite movies of the decade all this month. Let’s 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.
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Okay, here’s day four.
Today's Movie // Streaming on HuluShoplifters
Omasu (Lily Franky) and his son Shota (Kairi Jō) help their family get by by shoplifting food and other necessities. And while they’re poor and barely able to survive through petty crime, they’re 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 it’ll 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
📺 Buy or rent: Prime Video // iTunes // YouTube
In theaters this weekUncut Gems
Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) is a diamond dealer in New York who is always looking for the best way to make big money — that usually means making high-risk bets that don’t always pay off. Over the course of a few days, he must find a way to pay off his debts before it’s too late. (Trailer)
My review: 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, it’s what makes the movie great.
There’s an unstoppable anxiety-inducing momentum that feels like a train wreck happening onscreen, but one you can’t look away from. That’s 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 — and that’s 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
📺 In limited release on Friday. In theaters nationwide on December 25th.
One trailer you should watchWonder Woman 1984
It’s 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: 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 Wiig’s few shots are fun here, it’s something we’ve 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
📺 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)