One hundred and forty three weekly movie recommendations spotlights. Okay, so this one is late… rather late. But Thanksgiving… and family, and hikes in the mountains, and can I remind you that this is like…. I don’t know, FREE? OKAY then. I’m glad you are done berating me on my lack of punctuality. (Can I say that I am absolutely (re-)smitten with The Smiths and Morrissey since watching Netflix’s The Killer? Currently listening to The Queen is Dead and I’ve had The Smiths on a loop since finishing that fantastic movie. That comment was free too.)
2023.11.22 – NAPOLEON
On paper, this is the movie of the year. Ridley Scott + Joaquin Phoenix = Perfection. I mean, take my money. It’s a done deal. But I just watched said perfection, and while I’m glad I did spend the last 2.5 hours of my life with the duo, I do not know if I’m going to recommend it. Technically brilliant. Absolutely ravishing in every way… and yet it lacks anything even resembling a heart.
2023.11.22 – MAESTRO
We are hearing a mix of things about Bradley Cooper’s Maestro. It’s well-trod, and yet it is consistently spectacular. And that’s the opinions from the same reviewer. Other’s find the aesthetic and cinematic perspectives well worth a watch. Other’s find the invocation of the 40’s spot on… the costumes, the sets, etc. Cooper is going to get a nomination for best director, though, it’s dubious he’ll win. I mean, he shot it in high-contrast black and white, and filmed in Academy ratio. Of course, he’s getting nominated.
2023.11.22 SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE
Let me be clear – I know nothing about this show. But doesn’t it smack you as tone deaf to … oh, I don’t know, the entire POINT of the original show? I mean? Doesn’t it? Sure, murder an entire squad of new contestants. I’m fine with that. But I mean? ? ?
2023.11.22 Nanny
In this psychological fable of horror, Aisha, a woman who recently emigrated from Senegal, is hired to care for the daughter of an affluent couple living in New York City. Haunted by the absence of the young son she left behind, Aisha hopes her new job will afford her the chance to bring him to the U.S., but becomes increasingly unsettled by the family’s volatile home life.
Previously on Spotlight Worth Watching Right Now:
MURDER AT THE END OF THE WORLD – Brit Marling. Brit Marling. Brit Marling.
BRIGHTWOOD – A couple on the rocks and an endless loop. Bliss.
ANATOMY OF A FALL – Perfect movie. 100/100. Watch it!
NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU – Mind jobby home invasion alien greatness.
BEYOND THE INFINITE TWO MINUTES – Indie hilarity perfectly executed.
Coming Soon – Watch List:
2023.12.08 EILEEN (Sometimes I think about dying)
2023.12.08 LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND
2023.12.23 POOR THINGS (Yorgos Lanthimos)
2023.12.22 REBEL MOON
2023.01.24 TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY
2024.01.05 NIGHT SWIM
2024.01.24 THE END WE START FROM
2024.01.?? 3 BODY PROBLEM
2024.02.28 THE BEAST
2024.03.14 DUNE: PART TWO
2024.??.?? WHAT REMAINS OF US
2023.??.?? THE OLD GUARD 2
Unknown SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT DYING
Unknown THE ZONE OF INTEREST
Unknown YELLOWSTONE (End of season 5??)
