We’re back after a couple of weeks off, recharged and ready to dive into the movies once again! It’s been a crazy crush of big films lately in theaters and a lot of it happens to fall into the comedy category. That said, this episode has its share of horror adoration as well as some well-directed fists at the world’s Manosphere, including those in the film critic community.
Coming in hot this week, we kick it all off with the next piece of a horror franchise near and dear to my heart, as well as my social media presence, Evil Dead Burn. French filmmaker and brutal sadist Sebastian Vanacek brings us into the middle of a grieving family with secrets and lies buried deep in trauma. Well, the deadites are coming to expose all of this in a nightmarish rollercoaster that gives nasty buckets of gore and a few dark chuckles as well.
Next up, I finally get to give some yellow sun to a superhero film that really needs it, the DC Universe building Supergirl. While the internet’s toxicity tried to bury the film and the lead actress, Milly Allcock’s looks since the start of production, I contend that this movie is fun, colorful and, above everything, continues that hopeful attitude that James Gunn started with his Superman film. Don’t listen to the haters and see it while you can!
Then, we bid adieu to the guys at Jackass because Jackass: Best And Last signifies the end of these guys putting their bodies on the line for our laughs and, let’s face it, their own as well. Emotions are high, especially with leader Johnny Knoxville, and I can honestly share the sentiment as I was a fan of these guys and this MTV creation since before the guys were network stars. It’s a beautiful send-off that gives love to EVERYONE in the cast, including Bam Margera and Ryan Dunn. Rest in peace, Random Hero!
Continuing on the comedy thread, one of the best films of the year is now in regular release, and it has a tiny cast of just four actors. Now, those four happen to be Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, Penelope Cruz and Olivia Wilde, who also directs, so the calibre of talent is high. After stumbling with her last set, controversy-marred thriller Don’t Worry Darling, Wilde returns to Booksmart form with a film that is hilarious, smart and, above everything else, completely unpredictable. Olivia’s back and she’s not pulling any punches!
Finishing out the comedy streak, David Wain and the rest of his The State cohorts are back to show the Wayans how spoof is supposed to be done with their new Wizard of Oz-driven comedy Gail Daughtry And The Celebrity Sex Pass. Zoey Deutch is adorable in the title role, and everyone is at their best comedy level, including John Slattery and the idol in the crosshairs, Jon Hamm, who both play themselves. This is the comedy you won’t want to miss this year, a silly film that is a laugh a minute.
Finishing out the freshness is a Canadian-made film that both Chloe and I took in at the Vancouver International Film Festival last year. From writer and director Clement Virgo, Steal Away is a steamy, future-set coming-of-age story between two girls against the backdrop of forbidden love. In a game of recall, we both lay down our reasons for this film being sort of a mess narratively, and we recount our escape from the theater before Virgo hit the stage for his Q and A.
And finally, on Criterion Collection 4K and Blu-ray, possibly one of the most important international films of the last decade and one that has the filmmaker on the run from his own country. Nominated for Best Foreign Film at this year’s Academy Awards, It Was Just An Accident might be writer and director Jafar Panahi’s most widely accessible film narratively, but it might be his most harrowingly real story as well. Tinged with tension, tragedy and scattered dark humor, I implore people to see this must-see feature and contend that it should’ve won that Oscar. Yes, I still adore Sentimental Value but still…
Coming up next week:
The Odyssey
Rose Of Nevada
Camp
Corporate Retreat
The Hawk
New episodes of What The Hell Should I Watch? drop every Friday at 9 a.m. Pacific.
Steve Stebbing 