mondays, amirite?
This Week's Reviews: 'Furiosa,' 'Garfield,' 'Hit Man' And 'The Big Cigar'
So far, this year's best shows have all been for adults and filled with mature subjects. "Shogun" was violent and political, while "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" was about a devastating relationship. Nobody is forgetting the horrors of "Baby Reindeer" anytime soon either.
Now there's more coming, in the form of some movies. George Miller's new Mad Max film, a Richard Linklater action rom-com — it's going to be a summer filled with R-rated delights. Here's what you can catch this weekend.
'Furiosa' (out May 24, in theaters everywhere)
One of the best prequels ever made... a follow up that presses you down in your seat and doesn't relent.
"Furiosa" delivers all the pulse-pounding action and adventure hoped for, given extra edge by its stellar cast, led by Anya Taylor-Joy.
"Furiosa" is creative, exhilarating, and perfect for fans of the saga and newcomers alike. It is refreshing and not to be missed.
George Miller keeps getting better with bonkers action, high octane adrenaline and constant insanity on screen. This is the kind of movie they make big screens and potent sound systems for.
Consensus: we should all witness this on as big a screen as possible.
'The Garfield Movie' (out May 24, in theaters everywhere)
Jim Davis’s once-witty comic-strip creation is no slouch when it comes to commercial tie-ins, but "The Garfield Movie" somehow marks some kind of obscene apotheosis of this dark art.
[David Jenkins, Little White Lies]
Disappointing and generic, the film fails to capture the charm, wit, and sarcasm that is uniquely Garfield.
[Louisa Moore, Screen Zealots]
Harmless and mildly engaging with solid animation, but too bland and low on laughs to rise above mediocrity.
The CGI animation is impressive and expressive, but the storytelling is generic kiddie fare hijinks that could've featured any ol' cat.
[Christopher Lloyd, The Film Yap]
Consensus: perhaps your children would enjoy this at home in a few weeks. Oh, you don't have children? Move along, nothing to see here.
'Hit Man' (out May 24, in select theaters)
Glen Powell achieves certified movie-star status and Adria Arjona shines in this slick, seductive romantic thriller. Don't let it get buried in your Netflix watch list.
[Sophie Butcher, Empire Magazine]
Richard Linklater's "Hit Man" might possibly be the must see romantic dark comedy of the decade.
It may take another generation for it to sink in that with his interest in youth and love and how people really talk and think, Linklater is America's François Truffaut.
[Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle]
"Hit Man" is a rom-com and a caper comedy with some thrilling twists, anchored by a smart script that acts as a showcase for the lead performances from Glen Powell and Adria Arjona.
Consensus: considering there haven't been many (any?) negative reviews of this movie in months, it might be one of the best films of the year. This should not be missed.
'The Big Cigar' (first two episodes are out, new one drops May 24, exclusively streaming on Apple TV+)
It comes down to whether the story — massaged or otherwise – is a good one. In the case of "The Big Cigar," it mostly is. Its sheer machinations are enough to keep you watching.
[Candice Frederick, Huffington Post]
"The Big Cigar" was meant to be a movie... André Holland, however, knows exactly what he's doing, and his performance keeps "The Big Cigar" engaging even when the plot struggles.
Enjoyably watchable if occasionally tonally uncertain.
Despite our reservations about the storytelling in "The Big Cigar," we were impressed by Holland's turn as Huey P. Newton. That alone is enough to watch this fast-moving series.
Consensus: nobody seems super enthralled by this limited series, which has a fantastic premise and leading star, and that's a shame.
[Image credit: "The Garfield Movie," Sony Pictures Entertainment/YouTube]
