First, my apologies for the paucity of current reviews. I am grateful to my colleague Joe Baker, who continues to do a fine job in showcasing repertory screenings in our area, but my own screening time has been largely devoted to a seasonal job that I very much enjoy — so no complaints there! — leaving almost no time to watch, much less write about, the newest films opening in movie theaters.
Rest assured, this is only a temporary situation, as I expect to be back in the saddle covering new releases Real Soon Now — though it may be the new year before I can reliably resume my usual schedule. In the meantime, I remain curious about what’s opening locally, so I’ll resume this weekly column to keep tabs on what’s new and interesting. With that being said …
What new films are opening in Dallas/Fort Worth movie theaters today?
The Social Reckoning
Writer Aaron Sorkin can be counted on for tart, provocative dialogue, but his directorial efforts have been routine. His latest is a kind-of sequel to The Social Network, but that was directed by David Fincher. Critical reactions have been, er, not highly positive, but this may be worth a look if you’re a fan of dramas inspired by recent events and/or have strong feelings about social media. It’s playing wide.
Other Mommy
Jessica Chastain stars in the other wide release this week, though no advance press screenings were scheduled this week, which is usually a sign that the distributor wants to get the movie out before critics unleash their presumed fury (?!). It’s described as a ” terrifying, supernatural trip into the darkening world of a young girl as her family, and their home, are haunted by a sinister entity that is determined to take up residence inside her. But first, it needs to persuade her to let it in.”
In limited release
The Scout
I’ve heard good things about this film, beyond its inherent attraction for anyone who is interested in the lesser-publicized, behind the scenes making-of films. It’s playing at Angelika Dallas. Here’s the official synopsis: “Sofia works as a location scout for a TV pilot filming in New York City. It’s her job to find the homes, businesses, and exteriors where the show will be filmed. Driving around the city’s different neighborhoods, she enters the private spaces of strangers to photograph their cozy apartments and eclectic shops, stepping into the fabric of their lives while trying to satisfy the demands of her erratic employers.
“Over a day filled with these encounters, Sofia witnesses moments of curiosity, vulnerability, and quiet tension until her work takes a sudden, personal turn. Drawing from her own experience as a location scout, writer-director Paula González-Nasser captures the poetry and costs of being a young creative. Her celebrated directorial debut The Scout crafts a contemplative exploration of urban disconnection, following one woman’s journey through other people’s worlds as she struggles to find her own.”
Also …
Friday the 13th: Horrorwood Series
Joe Baker included other horror films in his bi-weekly Retro Active roundup, so I’ll add that Sean S. Cunningham’s film, first released to theaters in 1980, is playing at AMC’s Northpark as part of their Horrorwood series, in advance of a new series that starts streaming next week on Peacock TV, Crystal Lake.
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