Scottsdale North News, January 2023

Entertainment

Movie Reviews and Upcoming Release Dates By Tony Beal

ON NETFLIX

Guillermo del Toro has a habit of bringing the darkness out of fairy tales but still has the beauty in the stories. In stop motion, he finds that balance in the story of “Pinocchio,” the boy that’s trying to be real and seeing his struggles, while the crimes of World War II are represented in a mature way that’s still appropriate for children. Death and found family are also themes. David Bradley, Ewan McGregor, and Gregory Mann breathe life into the characters, and the animation is some of the most impressive of any in recent years. Of course, younger viewers should have some caution, but there’s enough for anyone to fall in love with this incarnation.

“Sr.” A portrait of the filmmaker Robert Downey Sr., told by his son Robert Downey Jr.

ON APPLE TV+

“Emancipation” Based on the true story of a man’s journey to freedom during the Civil War.

“Sr.” is probably the most expensive and high-profile home movie ever made. But there’s a tender nature to it, a sincere homage of a father from a son. It’s a good way to expose the public to Sr.’s work, while also showing how that served the relationship between the two. It’s not too in-depth, and you can’t help but feel that there’s more to show. But it’s still heartfelt enough to make it worthwhile viewing.

“White Noise” A college professor’s normal life with his family is upended after an event wreaks havoc in their town. Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” A retelling of the classic tale in Italy during World War II.

about consumerism, death, authority, and more. Yet, none of it is like Noah Baumbach is analyzing it but rather berating you after reading a textbook. None of the characters speak or act like real humans, which results in a waste of the extraordinary cast. The film’s attempts at scale also falter with the ghastly colors and Danny Elfman’s overbearing score, and that’s before we get into one of the most outlandish and ridiculous third acts of any film in recent memory. The production design is quite good, however; you can tell a lot of care went into that.

Sometimes, there’s a movie that’s made by someone who clearly thinks they’re the smartest person in the room. This movie is a continuous series of rambles

36 • January 2023 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

NEW RELEASES January 6 • “M3GAN” • “The Pale Blue Eye” (Netflix) January 13 • “House Party” • “A Man Called Otto” • “Plane” • “The Devil Conspiracy” • “Skinamarink” (Limited) January 20 • “Missing” • “Alice, Darling” • “A Snowy Day in Oakland” • “The Son” • “When You Finish Saving the World” January 27 • “Close” (Limited) • “One Fine Morning” (Limited) • “You People” (Netflix) • “Shotgun Wedding” (Amazon Prime)

Making an action film out of a holocaust like slavery is a tough pitch and idea to crack, and “Emancipation” does not get to that. It’s a case of wanting your cake and eating it too, clearly understanding and grasping the nature of its subject but wanting to create tense and “epic” action set pieces akin to something like “The Revenant.” This film feels rather exploitative of its subject rather than a tribute due to how heavy it features pain and trauma. Its usage of a black and white color palette mixed with small colors is admirable, but doesn’t really fit the film and is rather fake looking given the time it’s set in. And, while you can tell the cast are all working their best to make the film work, it is in service of a misguided piece. myhyperlocalnews.com