Shay's Movie Recommendations - 11/25/20 Edition
Because you're gonna need something to distract you from family.
Posting this on Wednesday because of the holiday, this week's recommendations are anchored by films Dad can enjoy. Since NFL is only on Thursday and Sunday, what better way to avoid awkward family conversations than with movies. No Irishman-length films this year, mercifully. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend (and may you be blessed with the Black Friday deals of your dreams).
Films for Dad
Greyhound
Dad loves a WWII film. And as far as WWII films go, Greyhound is a fairly crowd pleasing without overreaching. All the hallmarks of American exceptionalism, a heroic and selfless undertaking, and a job well done are all present in Tom Hanks’ Captain Krause and the titular destroyer. Steeped in naval realism, Greyhound is fantastic at conveying a certain brand of gritty naval warfare yet glosses over a larger story, most character development, and continuity. It’s not Dunkirk, but don’t think too hard and just enjoy. Read my thoughts here. Find it on Apple TV+.
Ford v Ferrari
There’s no better way to test your surround sound than with James Mangold’s true(ish) story about Ford Motor Company’s vendetta with Ferrari over 24 Hours of Le Mans prestige. Two charismatic leads in Christian Bale and Matt Damon, a stacked supporting cast, and some incredible driving sequences (the camerawork!) lead to an all around hit. Nearly overly long at 152 mins, Ford v Ferrari is a perfect way to wind down a successful Thanksgiving. Read my extended thoughts. Find it on HBO Max.
Dark Waters
The lone VoD candidate this week, Dark Waters was a slept on drama featuring Mark Ruffalo as a lawyer who took on DuPont over the then unregulated PFOA chemicals (in Teflon, for instance). Featuring capital-A acting from Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, and Bill Camp, this Todd Haynes legal drama has very human heart and features corporate malfeasance / negligence on a level that is oh-so-relevant today. 126 minutes. Read my thoughts here. Watch it on Vudu or buy it on YouTube.
Taut and tense
Run
The newest release on this week’s list is Run, from Searching’s director Aneesh Chaganty. Sarah Paulson (AHS, Ratched) logs an MVP performance as a seemingly idyllic albeit overprotective mother but rather hides a dark, dark secret. Kiera Allen shines in a star-making turn as her precocious, wheelchair-bound daughter. Creepy, yet fun, does not begin to describe Run, with Chaganty flexing her tension-building muscles the entire runtime. 90 mins. Read Letterboxd’s interview with the director. Stream on Hulu.
Crawl
This mid-budget creature feature punches well above its weight. Kaya Scodelario (The Maze Runner) gives a grounded and determined performance as she and her father (Barry Pepper) fend off a gator attack amidst hurricane flooding. The Alexandre Aja thriller doesn’t linger and certainly doesn’t skimp on the alligators. For a breezy 87 minute thrill ride, you can certainly do worse than Crawl. Watch on Hulu or Amazon.
Obligatory TV recommendation
We need something once we’ve finished Queen’s Gambit.
His Dark Materials (S2)
This fantasy show based on the popular Philip Pullman novels is a burgeoning pillar for HBO in the vacuum left by Game of Thrones and Westworld. In the midst of airing its second season, His Dark Materials hits its stride in broadening its scope, while remaining grounded with great performances by leads Daphne Keen (Logan) and Ruth Wilson (Luther). The second season adds Andrew Scott (Fleabag, Sherlock) to the cast, as it explores the themes of science v. religion, belief, and authoritarian rule. Stream it on HBO Max.
Shoutout Letterboxd for helping the film community keep track of their obsession.
For last week’s recommendations, view on the former newsletter platform here.