Chloe is down sick this week, so it’s a solo Stevil episode — but there’s a mountain of movies to cover, including one gigantic Disney sequel, a sharp new Rian Johnson mystery, festival favorites, and some heavy disappointment from a filmmaker I usually adore.
We kick things off with Zootopia 2, a surprisingly fun follow-up that avoids the worst sequelitis traps. The returning voice cast clicks, Ke Huy Quan is delightful, and there are some genuinely great laughs — even if a few plot beats feel predictable. Kids will love it, parents will be fine, and it’s a solid return to Zootopia after nearly a decade.
Then we jump to the one you’ll see on Netflix next week: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Rian Johnson delivers again — sharper, more character-driven, and pointedly political in a way that will absolutely piss off the right people. Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin and the ensemble are dynamite, and Benoit Blanc’s latest case is big-screen good… which is why it’s frustrating Netflix didn’t give it more theaters.
Up next is Merrily We Roll Along, a Broadway musical filmed with real cinematic intimacy. Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe are phenomenal, the performances soar, and the staging goes far beyond the usual “filmed on stage” vibe. Even as a self-described non-musical guy, I found myself really drawn in.
Then it’s back to VIFF with The Secret Agent, a vibrant, violent, darkly funny Brazilian thriller set against the political turmoil of the late ’70s. Wagner Moura continues to be the coolest human alive, Tania Maria steals scenes, and Udo Kier delivers one last unforgettable role. Brazil’s Oscar submission — and a damn good one.
We stay in the VIFF zone with Deathstalker, Steven Kostanski’s gloriously schlocky sword-and-sorcery remake. Rubber-mask monsters, creature effects, Frazetta vibes, Patton Oswalt voice work, and a cast clearly having the time of their lives. This is a midnight-movie riot waiting for a crowd.
In Streaming This Week, I dig into:
- Left-Handed Girl (Netflix) — A gorgeously intimate Taipei-set family drama, shot on an iPhone with the scrappy beauty of Sean Baker’s best work lingering in memory. One of my favorite festival misses finally available to everyone.
- After the Hunt (Prime Video) — Luca Guadagnino’s shockingly messy misfire. Great cast, frustrating script, baffling score, and nothing meaningful to say about the heavy topics it raises.
- John Candy: I Like Me (Prime Video) — Colin Hanks directs a heartfelt, deeply human tribute to a Canadian legend. Funny, moving, and filled with love from friends, family, and collaborators. A must-watch for anyone who grew up quoting Uncle Buck.
New to the Library:
- Gabby’s Dollhouse: Pawsome Edition (DVD)
- The Gilded Age — Season 3 (DVD)
Yes, Gabby’s Dollhouse now lives on my shelf. Send help.
And finally, a reminder: the War of the Roses remake — starring Olivia Colman & Benedict Cumberbatch — is now out. I reviewed it back on September 5th, but here’s the short version: I liked it… right up until the part where I realized Kate McKinnon can actually be annoying.
🎥 Next Week:
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
- Hamnet (Chloé Zhao — massive awards buzz)
- Jay Kelly (Noah Baumbach, Clooney, Sandler)
- Oh. What. Fun. (Prime Video holiday comedy from Michael Showalter)
Steve Stebbing 