Cast: Rob Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, and Tippi Hedren Genre: Horror / Thriller Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 59m Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (Critics), 83% (Audience) In general, birds are pretty uneventful creatures. Sure a seagull might snag your sandwich on the beach or a pigeon might poop on your head, but they are not animals to be afraid of. Legendary horror director, Alfred Hitchcock, however, recognized that while a lone bird could do little damage, a massive flock could murder a human with ease. Thus is the premise of his terrifying “monster” movie in which birds unexpectedly begin to attack California locals. The scene where a woman takes refuge in a phone booth (not an option any longer, I’m afraid) is especially memorable and launched a generation of bird-phobic individuals. Who knows when a group of sparrows might decide to eat you for breakfast? —Matthew Huff Cast: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Joe Don Baker, Robert Mitchum, and Gregory Peck Genre: Psychological Thriller Rating: R Runtime: 2h 8m Rotten Tomatoes: 75% (Critics), 77% (Audience) Cape Fear is not a movie for the faint of heart. While Martin Scorsese is certainly no stranger to movies about violent criminals (Goodfellas, The Irishman, and The Departed all jump instantly to mind), this might be his most terrifying film. Teaming up with his frequent collaborator Robert De Niro, Scorsese remakes the classic 1962 Gregory Peck thriller about a rapist who seeks revenge on his faulty defense attorney after being released from jail. De Niro is terrifying as the vile Max Cady, stalking Sam Bowden (Nolte) and his family in a slow, highly choreographed revenge plot. While the movie is uncomfortable, De Niro is mesmerizing, especially since he’s been playing mostly kindly grandfathers of late. Plus, if you are a Scorsese fan, this is another film from his stacked filmography to check off your list. —MH Cast: Robert De Niro, John Cazale, John Savage, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Walken Genre: War Drama Rating: R Runtime: 3h 3m Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 92% (Audience) Meryl Streep certainly hit the ground running. The Deer Hunter was only her second-ever film role, and the screen queen snagged her first Oscar nomination for being at the center of a love triangle with two Vietnam War veterans. The film, which won Best Picture, Director, and Supporting Actor for Christopher Walken, among its nine nominations, is a revelation separate from Streep though. Starring Robert De Niro (who was also nominated), the film focuses on a trio of Pennsylvanian steel workers who fight in the war, only to return carrying immense psychological baggage. One of the earliest anti-war Vietnam War films, The Deer Hunter delved into the psychology of veterans in a way that numerous films would imitate in the years to come. —MH Cast: KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Colman Domingo, Teyonah Parris, Michael Beach, Dave Franco, Diego Luna, Pedro Pascal, Ed Skrein, Brian Tyree Henry, and Regina King Genre: Drama / Romance Rating: R Runtime: 1h 59m Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (Critics), 71% (Audience) Barry Jenkins is a masterful storyteller and a beautiful artist, a combination that’s harder to find in film directors than you may think. After Moonlight won Best Picture and Jenkins took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, he returned to theaters with If Beale Street Could Talk, a sweeping NYC-set romance based on a James Baldwin novel. Beale Street is a feast for the senses with its lush camerawork and magnificent score, but it also boasts some of 2018’s finest acting. Jenkins (who led Mahershala Ali to his first Oscar), knows how to direct, and Regina King, who also won an Oscar, is astonishing while Brian Tyree Henry, Colman Domingo, and even The Last of Us’s Pedro Pascal pop up to steal scenes. Should have been nominated for Best Picture, IMHO. —MH Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 29m Rotten Tomatoes: TBD More than likely you’ve heard of the Black Panthers, the Black power political party that rose to notoriety in the ’60s and ’70s by demanding equal rights for Black people. However, what you probably don’t know (or at least I didn’t), is that much of the Black Panther Party’s creation stems from the work in one tiny Mississippi county to allow Black people the right to vote. This documentary, which details the violent, racist environment in “Bloody Lowndes” county, a county where not a single Black was registered to vote, and the grassroots effort to change that, is as informative as it is mesmerizing. This civil rights narrative feels as timely as ever and sheds light on another piece of history that should be more widely known than it is. —MH Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, and Antonio Banderas Genre: Legal Drama Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 2h 5m Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (Critics), 89% (Audience) In the early 1990s when Philadelphia hit theaters, the AIDS crisis was still ravaging the world, taking the lives of thousands (many of whom were gay men) every year. The stigma, misinformation, and lack of treatment made the disease terrifying to much of the general public, whose fear was coupled with homophobia spread by the anti-gay movement of the religious right. This all made Philadelphia that much more urgent, the story of a man with AIDS fighting for his life while also fighting to win a lawsuit against his former employer for firing him because he was a gay man with the disease. The heartbreaking film is historic for being one of the first mainstream pictures to tackle the AIDS crisis and for helping to sway public opinion about the disease. Tom Hanks won his first Oscar for the role and is supported by an all-star cast, including Denzel Washington and Antonio Banderas. While the film uses some unfortunate cliches by today’s standards and casts straight men in gay roles, I think these can be excused given the era in which the film was made and what it was attempting to do on behalf of the queer community. A monumental piece of history that is worth revisiting this month. —MH Cast: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Galvin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, and Janet Leigh Genre: Psychological Thriller / Horror Rating: R Runtime: 1h 49m Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 95% (Audience) No horror film has engrained itself in the public consciousness quite as much as Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic evening-at-the-motel-gone-wrong nightmare. When Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) arrives at the Bates Motel late one evening, she decides to take a shower. As we all know by now, she is murdered by a mysterious assailant to a terrifying score and with copious amounts of chocolate syrup spiraling down the drain. The mystery of who murdered Marion and why then unravels with shocking twist after twist leaving the audience stunned. The prequel series Bates Motel is also available on Peacock, and the two present a compelling duology for your viewing pleasure (and horror). —MH Cast: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, and Ashley Judd Genre: Biographical Drama Rating: R Runtime: 2h 9m Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics), 91% (Audience) One of this fall’s buzziest debuts in the leadup to awards season was She Said, the story of Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the pair of New York Times journalists who tirelessly researched and finally reported on the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault allegations. As a New York-based story about two New York journalists that was largely shot in New York, a premiere anywhere other than the Big Apple would have been nonsensical. As a New York journalist myself, the film was 100% accurate as it concerns constantly carrying 800 bags, scarfing down food while you walk on the street, and answering emails while in the bathroom of your friend’s birthday party. Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan are good, as always, as the leads, and it will be a Spotlight/The Post-like contender at the Oscars next year. As a journalist who loves journalist movies, I will say that I thoroughly loved every second of this one. Plus, as the starting point of the modern #MeToo movement, it feels like an incredibly important piece of history to know. —MH Cast: Jim Parsons, Ben Aldridge, Sally Field, and Bill Irwin Genre: Romance / Drama Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 52m Rotten Tomatoes: 84% (Critics), 97% (Audience) Hollywood has finally decided to give us some gay love stories on the big screen and while this one is a bit more rom-dram than rom-com (“spoiler alert” it’s about a man dying of cancer), it’s still a pleasure to see queer love on the big screen. Based on Michael Ausiello’s memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, the film follows a pair of NYC gays who fall in love (despite one harboring a Smurf shrine) only to find out that one of them is dying. And while the film will undoubtedly cause you to cry your eyes out, it also contains plenty of fun comedic moments. Sally Field demonstrates yet again that she is a force of hilarity, and Ben Aldridge is wonderful as the hot, dying, photographer boyfriend. I didn’t even hate Jim Parsons, which is something I thought impossible post-Hollywood. Go get a box of Kleenex and have a watch. —MH Cast: Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Nina Hoss, and Julian Glover Genre: Psychological Drama Rating: R Runtime: 2h 38m Rotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 73% (Audience) If there is a singular performance to watch from 2022 it is Cate Blanchett’s in TÁR. Playing the unraveling acclaimed conductor, Lydia Tár, Blanchett gives a tour de force, gobbling up the screen for nearly three hours as her character tumbles in a swift fall from grace. She insults Julliard students, psychologically intimidates children, and she talks endlessly about Mahler. The performance is an undeniable tour de force, cementing Blanchett into the pantheon of the greatest living actors. Will she become only the 8th actor to earn three Oscars? It’s possible. Even if she doesn’t, it will be her 8th nomination, and at only 53, she will certainly break more records in her career. Perhaps she’ll soon EGOT like Lydia. —MH Cast: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, Edgar Ramirez, and James Gandolfini Genre: Thriller Rating: R Runtime: 2h 37m Rotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 80% (Audience) Prior to Zero Dark Thirty, the main thing I knew about the capture of Osama Bin Laden was that Obama, Biden, and Hilary were all in a bunker somewhere watching it happen. However, the film, directed by The Hurt Locker’s Kathryn Bigelow tells the in-depth story of what went into finding one of the world’s most elusive men. The tale is a harrowing one and recent Oscar winner Jessica Chastain is at the center of the search. While this isn’t quite a journalism movie, it’s in an adjacent genre as a bunch of brilliant professionals try to untangle the clues and figure out just how best to subdue the terrorist behind September 11. If you’re looking for a war movie that’s less battle and more intrigue, this one’s for you. —MH Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, and Andy Serkis Genre: Romantic Comedy Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 37m Rotten Tomatoes: 65% (Critics), 70% (Audience) I’m not sure if most 13-year-olds want to be 30-year-olds, because when I was 13, I thought 30 was one foot in the grave (whereas now I’m shouting at everyone that 30 is still “SO YOUNG”), but Jenna wants to be 30 badly in this body-swapping? time-traveling? prophetic? rom-com. Humiliated at her 13th birthday, Jenna wishes to become 30 and wakes up as Jennifer Garner with the mind of a 13-year-old. The result lends itself to countless jokes (including Jenna’s obsession with the “Thriller” dance), but 13 Going on 30 is an unexpectedly epic romance. Both as a new teen and as a thirtysomething, she is paired with Matt (Mark Ruffalo in the adult version), and watching that romance flourish is incredibly satisfying. Especially with the “death of the rom-com” being decried constantly, this is a wonderful old-school throwback to when the genre was oh-so popular. —Matthew Huff Cast: Toheeb Jimoh, Rakie Ayola, Julia Brown, Robinah Kironde Genre: Drama Rating: TV-14 Runtime: 1h 24m Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Critics), 100% (Audience) When Black teenager Anthony Walker was killed in an unprovoked racist attack by two white men in 2005, the world was sickened and mourned the loss of a life that had only just begun. In the wake of the 18-year-old’s brutal murder, his mother, Gee Walker, approached her friend, screenwriter, and producer, Jimmy McGovern, and asked him to write about this horrifying loss. The result is a powerful look at what might have been, highlighting the positive impact Anthony made in his 18 years, and imagining what his life might have looked like had it not been tragically cut short. Toheeb Jimoh and Rakie Ayola give tremendous performances as Anthony and his mother, respectively, and the film’s structure makes even the happiest scenes heartbreaking and evocative. This Peacock original is simply a must-watch. —J.M. Cast: Betty White Genre: Documentary Rating: TV-14 Runtime: 56m Rotten Tomatoes: 75% (Audience) Peacock is offering the chance to spend a little more time with Betty White — who died in December of 2021, mere weeks before her 100th birthday — with the 2018 PBS documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television. In it, we get a joyful journey through her extraordinary life and career, reminding us why we love her so darn much. If your main exposure to White was as America’s lovable, raunchy, and intensely memorable grandmother, you’re missing out on just how talented she always was. She was one of the first women to produce and star in their own sitcom, and she excelled at playing a variety of different characters while bringing her trademark timing, delivery, and masterful ad-libbing to each and everyone — something the doc shows through charming footage as well as gushing testimonials from friends and costars. There’s a warmth and lightness throughout Betty White: First Lady of Television that makes it feel more like a loving celebration than an in-depth biography, but as we work toward coming to terms with living in a world without White in it, maybe that’s exactly what we need right now. —J.M. Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 35m Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 72% (Audience) This documentary celebrates Black youths and explores Black male identity in America through sports, education, and criminal justice. Director Sonia Lowman, who has a background in activism and whose first film, 2017’s Teach Us All, looked at segregation and racial inequities in American schools, came to this project with two main approaches: One was to explore how Black men are viewed by society, which included acknowledging and grappling with her own limited understanding and prejudices that often go unexamined as a white woman who considers herself to be liberal and progressive. But the main focus was telling the stories of Black men and women in America across multiple generations and presenting as full of a picture of the Black male experience as possible, avoiding the two-dimensional version often shown in media. Highlighting the persistent racism and dehumanization that Black boys and men face, Black Boys provides an urgent conversation about opportunity, equity, and ultimately humanity. —J.M. Cast: Billy Eichner, Luke MacFarlane, TS Madison, Monica Raymund Genre: Comedy, Romance Rating: R Runtime: 1h 55m Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics), 90% (Audience) Bobby (Billy Eichner) is a successful podcaster and tastemaker in New York’s LGBTQ community who prides himself on being single. Until he meets Aaron (Luke MacFarlane), who he starts to connect with despite initially judging him as boring. Bros flopped at the box office but that had little to do with the quality of the film, as it proved to be one of the best romantic comedies in recent memory (unfortunately, that’s a genre that people are rarely willing to go to the movie for anymore). Hopefully, Eichner gets another opportunity on the big screen, as he successfully showed off his talent as both an actor and a writer. —B.H. Cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, James Woods, Don Rickles Genre: Drama, Crime Rating: R Runtime: 2h 57m Rotten Tomatoes: 79% (Critics), 93% (Audience) In the early ’70s, the Chicago mafia sends Sam Rothstein (Robert De Niro) to oversee the day-to-day casino and hotel operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas, as well as tough-as-nails enforcer, Nicky (Joe Pesci), to help ensure Ace doesn’t run into too many problems. While the duo experiences immense success during their time in the desert, they can’t help but get themselves into trouble as well, including run-ins with the law and Sam’s incredibly tumultuous relationship with Ginger (Sharon Stone). This may not be as iconic as that other mob movie involving Scorsese, De Niro, and Pesci, but Casino is a genuine epic that examines the greed, ambition, and corruption hiding behind the facade of the American Dream. —B.H. Cast: Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Lynn Ferguson, Imelda Staunton, Jane Horrocks Genre: Animation, Kids, Comedy Rating: G Runtime: 1h 25m Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 65% (Audience) Chicken Run is the brainchild of four-time Oscar winner Nick Park and codirector Peter Lord, who are beloved for being the team behind Wallace and Gromit. They bring a palpable sense of joy and adventure to this Claymation film as we root for a charming group of chickens scheming to escape an evil farmer who intends to turn them into chicken pot pies. Viewers of all ages can easily find something to love in this high-spirited comedy, packed with hilarious gags, impressive stop-motion action sequences, and a tenderness that’ll grip your heart. But the story doesn’t end here! News of a Netflix-backed sequel on the horizon has delighted fans and will give you something to look forward to after the credits roll. —J.M. Cast: Emma Stone, Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes Genre: Comedy, Teen Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 33m Rotten Tomatoes: 85% (Critics), 77% (Audience) After lying about losing her virginity, Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) finds herself at the center of gossip around school. Rather than set the record straight, Olive responds to the slut-shaming by pretending to sleep with the school’s social outcasts and earns a reputation as a modern-day Hester Prynne. Considering that Stone would go on to win an Oscar and become one of the biggest actors in Hollywood, it’s no surprise that she delivers a fantastic performance here that helped make Easy A a modern coming-of-age classic. It also features perhaps the greatest movie parents of all time in Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci, who defy genre stereotypes by playing parents who actually get along with and try to understand their teen daughter. —B.H. Cast: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, and Robert Romanus Genre: Coming-of-age/Comedy Rating: R Runtime: 1h 30m Rotten Tomatoes: 78% (Critics), 80% (Audience) You can never have enough ‘80s high school comedies, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High fits in perfectly with the Ferris Bueller and Bill & Teds of the world. The coming-of-age comedy was written by Cameron Crowe (who would go on to write/direct a string of successes like Jerry Maguire and Say Anything) and directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless), so you’re in good hands. While Sean Penn’s stoner character at war with his history teacher is perhaps the most memorable p(l)ot of the movie, the main focus is on Stacy and Mark (Jennifer Jason Leigh and Brian Backer) who are trying to find their way romantically with the help of some older students. One of those meandering films that seemingly goes everywhere and nowhere at the same time, this 90-minute film is a quick treat. It’s also Nicolas Cage’s film debut! —M.H. Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O’Reilly, and Octavia Spencer Genre: Drama Rating: R Runtime: 1h 25m Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (Critics), 87% (Audience) While Ryan Coogler has cemented himself as one of the best directors of our time with hits like the Black Panther films and Creed, his feature film debut was this much less splashy indie. The first of his four-part collaboration with Michael B. Jordan, Fruitvale Station tells the true story of Oscar Grant, who was killed by two white police officers at a train station in Oakland, California. The heartbreaking film follows Grant (Jordan) during his final day of life, detailing the events leading up to the killing and painting a portrait of Grant as more than just a victim of police violence. Jordan (as always) delivers a pitch-perfect performance, and while the film is a tough sit at moments, it’s ultimately a life-affirming piece of art. —M.H. Cast: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson Genre: Action, Adventure Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 2h 17m Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (Critics), 82% (Audience) How can we not talk about family when family’s all that we got? Against all odds, The Fast & The Furious went from a fun Point Break remake with cars to one of the biggest film franchises of all time. And while you could argue the series might be reaching the point of diminishing returns, Furious 7 was undoubtedly when F & F was still at its peak, providing absolutely bonkers action while proudly wearing its massive heart on its sleeve. This is, of course, Paul Walker’s final appearance in the series, as the beloved actor died in a car accident during filming. Posthumous performances are tricky, as they are often either tasteless or feel incomplete. In this case, Furious 7 is the perfect send-off for Walker, as it’s nearly impossible not to cry when “See You Again” starts to play. —B.H. Cast: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, and Diane Keaton Genre: Crime Drama Rating: R The Godfather is often listed as the best film of all time. Except, of course, when The Godfather Part II takes the sport. But whether you prefer watching Al Pacino take over the family mob business from Marlon Brando in Part I or watching Al Pacino continue the business while Robert De Niro launches it in a flashback in Part II, you have to admit that the pair make the franchise untouchable when it comes to best series. And even though many people think that Part III which came out several decades later didn’t live up to the first two, I would argue that it is still a great movie that only looks bad in comparison. The trilogy is constantly referenced and is definitely at the top of any must-watch list that film buffs put together. Now, all three are available on Peacock, so you really have no excuse but to watch. —M.H. Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, James Jude Courtney, Will Patton Genre: Horror Rating: R Runtime: 1h 51m Rotten Tomatoes: 40% (Critics), 57% (Audience) Will we finally get to see Michael Myers die? That’s the biggest question longtime Halloween fans likely have heading into the third and supposedly final chapter of the part-sequel, part-reboot trilogy from David Gordon Green. Myers has survived just about everything imaginable over several decades to the point where he appears to be invincible, including taking down a literal angry mob at the end of the last movie. If anybody can take out Myers for good, it is presumably Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). The two seem destined for a showdown to end all showdowns here, but regardless of what happens, don’t expect Myers to be gone forever, as he continues to be a cash cow that Hollywood can’t resist. —B.H. Harry Potter fans can rejoice because all seven films in the franchise are available here. And if you haven’t seen them yet, what are you waiting for? The opportunity to rewatch as everyone’s favorite Hogwarts attendees grow from uncertain students of magic to full-on heroes is too good to miss, and you’ll fall in love with the star-studded cast all over again. Seriously. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Helena Bonham Carter, and many, many more make this set of films feel like hanging out with old friends. And you might even see some famous faces you completely forgot were part of the wizarding world, like Emma Thompson, Robert Pattinson, Domhnall Gleeson, and Gary Oldman! From the early days of The Sorcerer’s Stone to the Alfonso Cuarón-directed Prisoner of Azkaban, all the way through the two-part Deathly Hallows, this highly bingeable series of films makes for a cozy and comforting rewatch that we could all use right about now. —J.M. Cast: Caroll Spinney, Frank Oz, Roscoe Orman, Sonia Manzano Genre: Documentary, Biography Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 30m Rotten Tomatoes: 84% (Critics), 80% (Audience) If you’ve ever wondered who was behind the iconic Muppet characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, this heartwarming doc is here to delight you with the story of Caroll Spinney, who proved himself throughout to be as lovable as the characters he created and embodied. This magical film takes us behind the scenes with the one-of-a-kind pioneer, revealing the lives he continued to touch well into his 80s. Though the sentimental soundtrack can sometimes cause it to drift into saccharine territory, it does nothing to sour this affectionate portrait that’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face when you need it the most. —J.M. Cast: Mackenzie Davis, Alia Shawkat, Haley Joel Osment, Carrie Coon Genre: Comedy, Drama Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 26m Rotten Tomatoes: 55% (Critics), 60% (Audience) This film is an exhilarating journey that hinges on Mackenzie Davis’s (Happiest Season, Tully, Black Mirror) pitch-perfect performance as riot grrrl rocker, Izzy, who wakes up to find out that her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend are having their engagement party that night. Izzy becomes fixated on crashing the party, despite having no money, no mode of transportation, and barely enough time to make it from Santa Monica to the party in Los Feliz. That won’t stop her from trying, though, and we tag along through her terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day as she frantically attempts to change the course of her life that didn’t turn out the way she thought it would. Bolstered by a punk-filled soundtrack and a cast including Davis, Alia Shawkat, Haley Joel Osment, and Carrie Coon, this film will leave you both entertained and possibly a little exhausted. —J.M. Cast: Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Jennifer Tilly, Swoosie Kurtz, Amanda Donohoe, Anne Haney, and Justin Cooper Genre: Comedy Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 27m Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (Critics), 75% (Audience) You got to love a comedy with a ridiculous premise, and Jim Carrey is the king of executing those (looking at you, Ace Ventura). In Liar Liar, Carrey plays Fletcher Reede, a slimy lawyer who has made his entire career off of constantly lying. When he awakes to realize that he is only able to tell the truth, however, his entire life starts to crumble around him. He can’t lie in court, lie to his girlfriends, or lie to his family. Instead, he has to be honest, and of course, while this is disastrous in the short term, we watch Reede slowly learn the importance of the truth and come to accept that maybe lying isn’t always the best way to live. —M.H. Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Richter Genre: Animation/Comedy Rating: PG Runtime: 1h 26m Rotten Tomatoes: 55% (Critics), 66% (Audience) While this film has most recently been brought up as the cinematic connection point between Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith (who play Marty the zebra and Gloria the hippo respectively) who were both involved with The Slap (TM), it was previously known mostly for introducing the world to King Julien and “I Like to Move It Move It.” The children’s film about four animals escaping the Central Park Zoo in order to return to their home in Africa is an animated classic that spawned two sequels, a spinoff, and several TV shows. I’m unsure how it was passed over for the Best Animated Feature Oscar the year it was released, but its clever script and great voice performances (including David Schwimmer as an anxious giraffe) make it top-tier viewing (especially if you are trying to entertain a kid). —M.H. Cast: Pete Davidson, Kaley Cuoco, Deborah S. Craig, Sierra Fisk Genre: Romance, Comedy Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 30m Rotten Tomatoes: 57% (Critics), 60% (Audience) After an eight-year run on Saturday Night Live, where his offscreen antics arguably got more attention than what he actually did on the show, Pete Davidson officially left the sketch show. And the recently single comedian’s first post-SNL project is Meet Cute. Not much is known about the rom-com thus far, but the plot suggests a somewhat fantastical nature, as Sheila (Kaley Cuoco) uses a time machine to redo a first date she had with Gary (Pete Davidson) from the previous night. While Davidson has put together a solid film career so far, including delivering a hilarious supporting performance in Bodies Bodies Bodies this summer, it will be interesting to see how he does as a romantic lead. —B.H. Cast: Common Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 25m Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Critics), 100% (Audience) The inspiring documentary, A Most Beautiful Thing, tells the tale of the Manley High rowing team, a group of young Black men from the West Side of Chicago who, although many of them are from rival gangs, came together to row the same boat, altering their trajectories forever. Thoughtfully directed by filmmaker, attorney, and Olympic rower, Mary Mazzio, and narrated by Common, this doc keeps its focus on its subjects as they tell their own stories, which glisten with joy and optimism even in the face of heartbreaking trauma. At its core, A Most Beautiful Thing shows the healing potential of sports and offers a powerful message that is incredibly necessary during the times we’re living in. —J.M. Cast: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman, Keith Wayne Genre: Horror Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 36m Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 87% (Audience) Often regarded as the first modern zombie movie, and one of the greatest and scariest movies of all time, 1968’s Night of the Living Dead was initially met with controversy and scorn in response to its extreme violence and gore as well as the casting of Duane Jones, a Black man, in the leading role. Writer-director George Romero has said that choosing Jones had nothing to do with race and that he was simply the best actor who auditioned, but intentional or not, this choice added layers of social commentary to the plot. It also further cemented the film’s legacy by directly influencing movies like Get Out and nodding back to zombies’ roots in Black culture — while presenting a depiction of the undead that would go on to set the standard for how zombies have appeared in media ever since. Despite being flawed and dated at times, this groundbreaking horror movie is still remarkably effective. Its limited budget and presentation in stark black and white give it an almost documentary-like atmosphere, making the horrors that unfold all the more horrifying — and influencing not just countless zombie flicks but also filmmakers, across a variety of genres, with small budgets and big ideas. —J.M. Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea Genre: Horor, Science-Fiction Rating: R Runtime: 2h 15m Rotten Tomatoes: 82% (Critics), 69% (Audience) Jordan Peele has already established himself as one of the most innovative and original filmmakers in Hollywood, and that reputation only grew with Nope, his third directorial film. OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Em (Keke Palmer) Haywood are struggling to keep their family Hollywood horse-wrangling business alive and seize upon the opportunity to capture footage of an unidentified flying object that appears at their family ranch. The movie is wildly inventive both visually and in terms of storytelling, firmly showing that Peele is a one-of-a-kind voice and visionary in the film industry. And Nope proved to be a hit with both critics and audiences alike, earning rave reviews and making over $170 million at the global box office. —B.H. Cast: Isiah Thomas, Carl Lewis Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 30m Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Critics), 49% (Audience) The 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin were set against the background of white nationalism in Germany, with Hitler and the Nazi Party’s rise to power causing the US to be conflicted about sending American Jewish and Black athletes to compete. This effective documentary focuses on the 18 Black athletes from the US who participated — using historical footage, interviews, and news coverage, as well as conversations with surviving family members, to paint a compelling picture of the experiences of some of the nation’s greatest athletes during a time when their lives were affected by massive inequality both at home and overseas. The tale of how track-and-field star Jesse Owens’s four gold medal wins dismantled Hitler’s Aryan-supremacy delusion has long been mythologized, but Olympic Pride, American Prejudice delves deeper into the other 17 Black competitors’ stories, highlighting their remarkable achievements despite racism from the American coaching staff, and following them through their return to the US, where they were greeted with scant job opportunities and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s reported refusal to shake their hands in fear of alienating Southern voters. As Black athletes continue to face astonishing inequality and racism in the current age — with reactions to political protests, anti-marijuana laws rooted in systemic racism, and the banning of swim caps designed for Black hair just a few of the ways Black people in sports are unfairly targeted — this documentary remains a vital look at the underbelly of racism that persists in the US and global sporting world today. —J.M. Cast: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz Genre: Drama Rating: R Runtime: 1h 49m Rotten Tomatoes: 92% (Critics), 81% (Audience) Gabourey Sidibe and Mo’Nique both received well-deserved Oscar noms (and a win for Mo’Nique) for their extraordinary performances in this powerful film based on the 1996 novel Push by Sapphire. This movie is a complex portrait of a young woman named Claireece “Precious” Jones (Sidibe) who deals with her devastating circumstances by escaping into daydreams of a much better life. We find her at age 16 living with her abusive mother in 1987 Harlem, unable to read or write, and pregnant for the second time by her rapist father. Because of this pregnancy, Precious is transferred to an alternative school, and her life is impacted by a sympathetic teacher (Paula Patton), a social worker (Mariah Carey), and a kind nursing assistant (Lenny Kravitz) — all of whom give her hope for a better future. Audiences and critics were divided on some of its messaging, but one thing most viewers agreed on was that the fearless performances at its center were an absolute triumph. —J.M. Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland Genre: Romance, Drama Rating: PG Runtime: 2h 8m Rotten Tomatoes: 87% (Critics), 89% (Audience) Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) is one of five sisters, and given that they are all growing up in Victorian England, their mother is fixated on one thing: ensuring they all marry wealthy men and rise above their station. Of the many Jane Austen film adaptations, Pride & Prejudice ranks among the best due to capturing Austen’s legendary wit and social commentary while showcasing a fantastic leading performance from Knightley. And it is literally impossible to overstate the masterful range of Matthew Macfadyen, who you would never believe is the same guy that plays Tom in Succession. —B.H. Cast: Prince, Sheila E., Sheena Easton, Dr. Fink Genre: Music, Documentary Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 25m Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (Critics), 92% (Audience) This collection of highlights from Prince’s 1987 European concert tour is thankfully here to hold you over if you’ve been desperately missing live concerts this year. Written and directed by Prince himself, Sign o’ the Times transports us to the Purple One’s commercial peak, jam-packed with colossal hits (including the title track, “Little Red Corvette,” “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man,” and “U Got the Look”), colorful visuals, and electrifying performances that’ll make you want to crank up the TV and get lost in some of the greatest music ever made. —J.M. Cast: Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Jackie Chan, Fan Bingbing, Jing Wu Genre: Action, History Rating: R Runtime: 2h 11m Rotten Tomatoes: 74% (Critics), 71% (Audience) When a ruthless general (Andy Lau) is betrayed by his sworn brother (Nicholas Tse), he seeks salvation at a Shaolin temple, where he decides to become a monk to atone for his past misdeeds — but his dangerous past isn’t as far behind him as he might think. This ambitious, epic Hong Kong drama is more about introspection than hand-to-hand combat, although there is enough of both — plus a comedic supporting performance from Jackie Chan — to keep viewers engaged. The action set pieces are impressive and elaborate, while the anti-violence sentiment and compassionate Buddhist philosophy set it apart from other action period pieces, offering a path to enlightenment for even the most brutal warlords. —J.M. Cast: Brie Larson, Kaitlyn Dever, LaKeith Stanfield, Rami Malek, John Gallagher Jr. Genre: Drama Rating: R Runtime: 1h 36m Rotten Tomatoes: 98% (Critics), 92% (Audience) Writer-director Destin Daniel Cretton based this moving film on his own experience as a staffer at a facility for at-risk teenagers. Brie Larson is among one of his stand-ins, superb in her portrayal of a woman facing her own demons (prompted by a deepening connection with a new resident, played by the excellent Kaitlyn Dever). The raw emotion is balanced deftly with warmth and humor. And the heavy subject matter never descends into melodrama but instead soars high on the incredible performances of its young actors, as well as the thoughtful writing and direction. Its cast now looks like a launchpad for actors whose stars would continue to shine brightly, featuring Larson, Dever (newly minted Oscar nominee), LaKeith Stanfield, Rami Malek, Stephanie Beatriz, and John Gallagher Jr. But even before their stratospheric fame, critics recognized the brilliance on display — and rightly so. —J.M. Cast: Kevin Bacon, Anna Chlumsky, Carrie Preston, Theo Germaine, Austin Crute Genre: Mystery, Horror Rating: NR Runtime: 1h 41m Rotten Tomatoes: 34% (Critics), 21% (Audience) A group of queer campers arrives at an LGBTQ+ conversion camp where Owen Whistler (Kevin Bacon) promises to “help them find a new sense of freedom.” Things take a psychologically dark turn quickly but get even darker when a serial killer starts picking off victims. John Logan, the three-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter responsible for Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote and directed this fresh take on the slasher film. They/Them has received mixed reviews from critics so far (although some loved it), but if there’s one genre that critics have a history of being wrong about, it’s horror, so give it a chance and make up your own mind. —B.H. Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Choi Woo-shik Genre: Horror, Thriller Rating: R Runtime: 1h 58m Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (Critics), 89% (Audience) If you enjoyed Gong Yoo’s appearance as “the Salesman” in Netflix’s smash hit Squid Game, you can watch him in the leading role of this South Korean action-horror film, which has been called one of the best zombie movies of all time, and with good reason. Writer-director Yeon Sang-ho pulls no punches, offering up a smattering of well-developed characters, expertly staged action, and a healthy dose of social and political commentary in this thrilling movie about a man (Yoo), his estranged daughter (Kim Su-an), and other passengers trapped on a speeding train during a zombie apocalypse. Critics lauded the film’s unique take on the genre, which makes excellent use of the train’s cramped quarters, wringing out brilliantly choreographed action and heartfelt emotion at every turn. And while it certainly reuses the same tropes that have plagued the crowded zombie genre for some time now, it does so with so much energy and style that it makes every element feel fresh, terrifying, and unexpectedly moving. —J.M. Cast: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Colin Quinn, John Cena, Tilda Swinton, and LeBron James Genre: Romantic Comedy Rating: R Runtime: 2h 5m Rotten Tomatoes: 84% (Critics), 66% (Audience) I love a rom-com. I love a choreographed dance. I love a grand gesture. This Amy Schumer vehicle delivers all three to perfection. The film follows Amy (an aptly named Schumer), a promiscuous alcoholic who finds herself in a relationship with Aaron (Bill Hader) and is trying desperately not to screw it up. Trainwreck is so delightful because neither Hader nor Schumer seem like traditional rom-com leads, and both are playing quirkier humans than we typically see in these roles. It also delivers a fun performance from LeBron James (because Aaron is his doctor), which made me think we might have another athlete-turned-actor on our hands until I witnessed the atrocity that is Space Jam 2. This is also your reminder that Schumer is a brilliant actor, as proved by her work in The Humans last year. —M.H. Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, Tia Carrere Genre: Comedy, Action, Romance Rating: R Runtime: 2h 21m Rotten Tomatoes: 70% (Critics), 71% (Audience) Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) may seem like an impossibly jacked computer salesman, but the truth is he’s actually an impossibly jacked secret agent for Omega Sector, a counterterrorism agency. While helping keep the world safe from baddies, Harry must keep his double life a secret from his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), who has grown increasingly frustrated with her husband’s elusive nature. Though not on the same level as Titanic or Avatar in terms of scale, True Lies shows that James Cameron is a master of spectacle and knows exactly how to keep the audience entertained from start to finish. And, for my money, it’s one of the truly elite performances of Curtis’ esteemed career, right alongside Halloween, A Fish Called Wanda, and, of course, Freaky Friday. —B.H. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey, Sheryl Lee Genre: Drama Rating: R Runtime: 1h 39m Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (Critics), 76% (Audience) This quietly gripping film, directed by Debra Granik, is set in the rural Ozarks of Missouri, where teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) takes care of her poverty-stricken family in her criminal father’s absence. When news comes from the local sheriff that Ree’s father put their home up for bond and then fled, she embarks on a dangerous quest to find him and save their family home. Lawrence’s grimly determined, Oscar-nominated performance is revelatory, capturing her character’s fear and resolve often without words, while stunningly naturalistic direction from Granik makes it impossible to look away from this film’s unflinching window into a part of America not often portrayed with such precision and authenticity. Winter’s Bone also earned Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, and Supporting Actor Oscar noms (John Hawkes for his powerful and compelling portrayal of Ree’s meth-addicted uncle, Teardrop) while garnering critical acclaim for transporting viewers into its mountainous landscapes and leaving them with characters and memories they won’t soon forget. —J.M. There are so many things you can watch on Peacock for free, but if you want even more content, you can sign up for Peacock Premium for $4.99 a month or Peacock Premium Plus for $9.99 a month after a seven-day free trial.
