Hello, and welcome to this week’s film roundup – taking you through the biggest new cinema releases. This week, Michael Keaton returns in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Alicia Vikander survives being married to Henry VIII in Firebrand, and Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark fall afoul of some folk tales in Starve Acre.
Usual disclaimer: unless otherwise stated, I haven’t seen these films. All of my opinions are based on trailers, early reviews and other rumours and buzz.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
For the second week in a row, we start with a film that repeats a word in its title. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the classic 1988 film Beetlejuice, with Michael Keaton returning to the iconic role and Tim Burton returning to the director’s chair. Also returning is Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz, now a mother to Jenna Ortega’s Astrid and by the looks of it working as a celebrity ghost hunter. When Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the afterlife, Lydia is forced to turn to her former fiancée Betelgeuse for help.
All the ingredients that made the original so good are present and correct here. Michael Keaton was clearly having a great time with this character in the first film and it doesn’t look like he’s lost any of that enthusiasm nearly 40 years later. Tim Burton is in his element, with the gothic but family-friendly aesthetic that he is known for supported by a good deal of practical effects. Danny Elfman is (of course) back as composer. There’s even a flash of a dance in the trailer that hints at a repeat of the famous Day-O scene. I’m hoping that it’s not all just a rehash of the original, but even if it is this will still be a lot of fun.
Of the new elements, Jenna Ortega is a perfect fit for this world. Having become known the world over for her work on Wednesday, she barely needed to change her wardrobe to step into the Deetz family. Willem Dafoe is also joining the cast, following a string of similarly gothic roles in the likes of Nightmare Alley, Poor Things and The Lighthouse. And there seems to be an expanded role for Bob and his shrunken-headed friends, who look like they could steal the show.
Whether you have some nostalgia for the original, or you just want an entertaining night of cinema, this should be a great watch.
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on IMDB
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Rotten Tomatoes
Firebrand
In historical drama Firebrand, Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander), sixth wife of Henry VIII (Jude Law), is named queen regent while her husband is away at war. When he returns, she has to navigate his paranoia to continue doing what’s best for the country while avoiding the fate of his first five wives.
I haven’t heard much about this film but it looks great. It seems to have the right mix of big historic stakes and quieter personal drama. The cast is excellent – Alicia Vikander’s earlier foray into period drama, The Danish Girl, won her an Oscar, while Jude Law is barely recognisable as Henry VIII apart from the twinkle in his eye when he’s in a good mood. The supporting cast includes Eddie Marsan and Simon Russell Beale (fresh from his summer entertaining Matt Smith in House of the Dragon). The country fair scenes in the trailer look like fun, if a little stereotypical – if you mute the sound you can practically hear Greensleeves coming out of the screen. This is director Karim Aïnouz’s first English language film, which makes it all the more impressive that it tackles such a key part of English history. It’s also refreshing to hear the tale from Katherine Parr’s perspective, when Henry VIII is so often the focus.
I really like the look of this and I think it will be well worth seeking out, especially for any history buffs.
- Firebrand on IMDB
- Firebrand on Rotten Tomatoes
Starve Acre
Starve Acre is a folk horror in which archaeologist Richard (Matt Smith) and his wife Juliette (Morfydd Clark) move to the Yorkshire countryside in the hope that the fresh air will help their sickly son Owen. Instead, Owen starts hearing the same demons that haunt Richard, and when tragedy strikes Richard and Juliette start to descend into madness.
This looks extremely creepy. The muted colour palette and discordant soundtrack evoke strong Wicker-Man vibes, which are supported by such folk horror staples as muddy, gnarled tree roots and blood-soaked wildlife. Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark are both well-cast – Smith (fresh from his summer visiting Simon Russell Beale in House of the Dragon) excels at the kind of unhinged brooding that builds tension whenever he’s in the frame, while Clark (currently slashing up orcs as Galadriel on Rings of Power) played a similarly tortured soul in her breakout film Saint Maud. It’s likely to be a slow-burn, layering on the atmosphere rather than relying on jump scares, which will either appeal or put you off depending on your horror tastes. I think it looks great.
- Starve Acre on IMDB
- Starve Acre on Rotten Tomatoes
If you only see one film this week…
Bringing the nostalgia, dark comedy and upbeat island tunes, the film of the week this week is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Still in cinemas and worth a watch
- Blink Twice
- Alien: Romulus
- Deadpool & Wolverine
Trailer of the week
This new trailer is the first I’ve heard of this film, but it sounds great. Amy Adams plays a new mother who is struggling to cope with the challenges it brings. Also she may be turning into a dog and she’s found an interesting way to open a walnut. It looks like it’s going to be really funny, but also bring some depth in its examination of the difficulty of motherhood and the power women have to deal with it.
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