Couch Theater – December 8, 2022

#MiddleburyCT #Movies

“Amsterdam” (R) – Talk about a star-studded cast in writer-director David O. Russell’s latest release! Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Chris Rock, Robert De Niro and Taylor Swift are only a few of the A-list names you’ll see in this comedy thriller. Although it’s considered a box office bomb after its quick stint in theaters, “Amsterdam” will release Dec. 6 for at-home viewers to decide for themselves. The film follows three friends who get accused of killing a retired U.S. general after fleeing the scene where the murder was committed. To clear their names, the trio attempts to uncover the truth, finding that the truth is much larger than anyone ever thought. (HBO Max)

Bryan Tyree Henry and Brad Pitt star in “Bullet Train.” (Courtesy of Sony Pictures)

“Bullet Train” (R) – Here’s another film with a mountain of star power. Starring Brad Pitt, Joey King, Michael Shannon, Sandra Bullock and Latin superstar Bad Bunny, “Bullet Train” takes place in a singular night as a bullet train travels throughout Japan. Pitt portrays a havoc-wreaking, yet effective assassin tasked with the simple mission of retrieving a suitcase. The owners of the suitcase, a pair of assassin brothers named Lemon and Tangerine, plan to deliver the suitcase to a Russian mafia boss, as well as deliver the boss’ son. About a thousand different variables no one could’ve ever predicted ensue from the train’s first stop to its last stop at Kyoto. This not-for-the-faint-hearted action comedy will keep you hanging on through every minute. Out now. (Netflix)

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” (PG) – Jeff Kinney’s children’s book series “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” had quite a moment when the first book was released back in 2007. Since then, Kinney has released 16 subsequent books. Film adaptations, like this one, have been made including two live-action films. Disney+ has found success with their animated adaptations, and the second animated film just released on the streaming platform. While the animation style for these films is a bit basic, the fundamental story of how to navigate middle school awkwardness remains entertaining and a great family-friendly watch. (Disney+)

“Emancipation” (R) – Based on a true story of a former slave named Gordon, whose scourged back showcased in photos made history in 1863, this AppleTV+ original film starring Will Smith releases Dec. 9. Smith portrays a slave named Peter (based on Gordon), who attempts to make his way north after escaping from a Louisiana plantation. Smith gives a very honest and raw performance as Peter, but with a film style more suited for a documentary or reenactment series, “Emancipation” lacked the visual design that made films like “12 Years a Slave” so believable. While the style fits into AppleTV+’s cool aesthetic for its TV shows and movies, the tones of the film didn’t pair well enough with the story. (AppleTV+)

© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.