Sentimental Value
When Nora and Agnes’ mother passes away, their estranged, egotistical father Gustav (Stellan Skarsgard) re-enters their lives. Once a famous filmmaker, Gustav wants to make a film with his stage actress daughter, Nora, but when she turns him down, he hires an American actress (Elle Fanning) which becomes an insult to injury in their relationship. Director Joachim Trier (“The Worst Person in the World”) won the coveted Gran Prix prize at the Canne Film Festival this year with this thoughtful, moving exploration of family dynamics. Also starring Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas.
Now playing at the Michigan Theater.
Hamnet
A film loosely based on the death of William Shakespeare’s only son at age 11, and how it inspired his play, “Hamlet.” Based on a novel of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell published in 2020, the film is directed by Oscar winner Chloe Zhao (The Rider, Nomadland). The film deals with grief and loss, in which Zhao also uses her signature love of landscapes and the natural world to underline the emotions of her characters. There’s been rave reviews for lead actor Paul Mescal as the future Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife, but the film does seem to polarize audience reactions between those who really love it and those who find it emotionally over-the-top. The only way to know which category you fall into is to see it in the theater and immerse yourself in its sumptuous cinematography. Also starring Emily Watson & Zac Wishart.
Now Playing at the State Theatre.
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Song Sung Blue
At first glance you might think “Song Sung Blue” is a biopic about Neil Diamond. It’s actually a true story about Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife who perform in a Neil Diamond tribute act and experience their own success and heartbreak while on the road. What makes this off-beat premise for a film even more interesting is that it’s directed by Craig Brewer who has a knack for musical subjects (“Hustle & Flow,” “Empire,” “Footloose”). Respectfully nostalgic with terrific performances by Hugh Jackman as Mike and Kate Hudson as Claire, it’s a great twist on the never-ending biopic movies audiences have been getting since Bohemian Rhapsody. Also starring Ella Anderson, Michael Imperioli and James Belushi.
Opens Dec. 25 at the Michigan Theater.
Marty Supreme
Loosely based on the life of American table tennis star, Marty Reisman, who rose to prominence in the 1950s, Timothee Chalamet plays the title character, Marty Mauser, patterned after Reisman. Mauser aspires to be a world champion and make “ping pong” a sport taken more seriously in the United States. Because he has trouble getting people to take the sport seriously, he engages in some questionable funding arrangements to get financial backing for his dream. Along the way he makes some really bad personal choices, offends potential sponsors, has a smug, sarcastic attitude and a tendency to lie, which gets him into even bigger trouble. Think of this film as a cousin to “Catch Me if You Can.” There are some great sports action sequences and laughs to keep things fun and tense even if Chalamet’s Marty Mauser is more annoying than charming. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow & Odessa A’zion.
Opens Dec. 25 at the State Theatre.
Holiday Picks
There are a ton of great revival holiday movies to choose from this year, the focus here is on the few we haven’t seen enough of recently.
Silent Night, Deadly Night
An 80s classic that’s getting some renewed attention—mostly for its audacious, decidedly un-PC plot. Little Billy witnesses his parents getting killed by Santa after being warned by his senile grandpa that Santa punishes those who are naughty. Now Billy is 18 and out of the orphanage, and he has just become Santa himself.
Playing Dec. 18 at the Michigan Theater.
The Holdovers
Alexander Payne’s instant Christmas classic was easily one of the best films of 2023. A keen sense of time and place, plus unforgettable performances from Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (who won an Oscar for her performance) these are characters you want to spend more than just two hours with. The plot — In 1970, a curmudgeonly history teacher at a New England boarding school remains on campus during Christmas break to supervise held over students and ends up forming an unlikely bond with a brainy but damaged troublemaker. Go see this one with someone you love.
Playing Dec. 20 at the Michigan Theater.
