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“Bad Mom’s Christmas” (R) – Is it possible for a mother to sit back and actually enjoy Christmas? Amy (Mila Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla (Kathryn Hahn) – the original Bad Moms – are back in hot-mess action mode, this time facing the mother of all holidays and its attendant family pressures. I invite you to watch the “unrated” online trailer. It’s a fair representation of the raunch level, which is pretty dang high. The inclusion of three veteran comedians in Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines and Susan Sarandon as the grandmoms doesn’t really kick up the comedy so much as it spreads it out. It’s definitely watchable and funny, but if the first one was shocking but refreshingly honest humor, this was is an over-the-top hammering of vulgarity – plus you’ll see what’s coming, including the obvious potential setup at the end.
“Only the Brave” (PG-13) – A spectacular ensemble cast – Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, Andie McDowell, Ben Hardy – takes on heroism and sacrifice, with heartwarming results as mesmerizing as a flame. The story focuses on Superintendent Eric “Supe” Marsh (Brolin) and his singular devotion to his elite crew of firefighters and their training, as well as new recruit Brendan “Donut” McDonough (Teller, who is having a banner year) and ultimately, the story of their battle in the Yarnell Hill wildfire in June 2013. It is based on the GQ article “No Exit,” which chronicled these famed “hotshots.”
Julianne Moore in “Suburbicon” (Paramount Pictures photo)
“Suburbicon” (R) – Suburbicon is a bastion of homogeneity, an idyllic, lily-white paradise. One black family and a home invasion later, and resident Gardner Lodge (Matt Damon) is becoming increasingly unhinged. His wife is murdered, her sister (the crazy, Stepford Julianne Moore, not the crying Julianne Moore) moves in to play mother to his son, and there are gangsters and crooked insurance investigators and race riots, etc. – a typical Coen Brothers script. It’s directed by George Clooney, who imparts a particular style of snappy dialogue and that certain retro look, which, if you’re into it, maybe you could take a chance. If not, pass.
“Battlecreek” – Henry (Bill Skarsgard) is a sensitive artist and chronic loner who, due to a rare skin condition, cannot expose his skin to sunlight. He lives with his mother, Tallulah (Paula Malcomson), who jealously guards him like a prize, and he works at night a garage for the local mechanic (Delroy Lindo). When Alison (Claire van der Boom) is stranded in town with a broken-down car and a troubled past, Henry and Alison are forced to confront not only their growing feelings for one another, but the secrets and sins of the past. Directed by Alison Eastwood, “Battlecreek” is almost by necessity dark, but never hopeless. Skarsgard is luminous, and this film is a hidden gem that needs to see much more of the light.
New TV Releases
“Ancient Aliens” Season 10, Volume 2
“Bosom Buddies” The Complete Series
“The Ren & Stimpy Show: The Mostly Complete Collection”
“Homeland” The Complete 6th Season
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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