PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF (2025, doc)

May 22, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Even the title is a form a trickery. First of all, there was no Pee-wee Herman other than the character portrayed by Paul Reubens. Secondly, much of what this documentary presents is not from Pee-wee, but rather from Paul Reubens ‘himself’. And it goes directly to the point – the public adored Pee-wee Herman, while Paul Reubens was a bit more complicated. Documentarian Matt Wolf (SPACESHIP EARTH, 2020; the excellent RECORDER: THE MARION STOKES PROJECT, 2019) presents a two-part documentary for HBO that strives to clarify the line between man and character.

Paul Reubens died of cancer in 2023. Prior to that, he sat for 40 hours of recorded interviews with Matt Wolf, offering perspective on his career, his background, his motivation, and his self. While we see Reubens speaking directly to the camera quite a bit, Wolf utilizes a treasure trove of clips and photographs, as well as other interviews to paint the full picture of how the man and character came to be so closely associated.

PART ONE details Reubens’ influence from children’s television shows like “Captain Kangaroo”, “Howdy Doody”, “Kukla, Fran and Ollie”, and “The Little Rascals”. It’s because of these programs that from an early age, he wanted to be an actor … and was convinced Lucy and Desi were his real parents. Art School (with classmates David Hasselhoff and Katie Segal) drew him to performance art, and also led to his first serious romantic relationship with Guy. Reubens eventually decided to focus on his career, and described himself as out and then back in (the closet), since he was able to “pass” (as heterosexual). We see clips of him performing on “The Gong Show” and with The Groundlings, including Phil Hartman and Laraine Newman … which is where he laid the foundation for the Pee-wee character. Clips from “The Dating Game” proved Pee-wee had appeal.

The commitment to the Pee-wee Herman character was a career choice, and it’s fascinating to learn that actress Shelley Duvall recommended Tim Burton to direct PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE (1985). The story behind the bicycle is a gem, and the film jump-started the career of both Burton and Pee-wee … errr … Reubens. Reubens admits to his ambition and willingly hiding behind the Pee-wee alter ego.

PART TWO focuses on the iconic stardom of Pee-wee Herman in the 1980’s. Building on the popularity of the first film, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” was developed as a 1986 children’s TV show, in the vein of those that so influenced a young Reubens. There was even a Pee-wee doll that became a best-selling gift. Reubens explained that beyond entertainment, his goal with the show was to make inclusion the “norm”. He wanted a place where all kids felt they belonged. Laurence Fishburne admits he didn’t “get” Pee-wee, but needed the work and gladly took the job as Cowboy Curtis. BIG TOP PEE-WEE (1988) followed, and may have been the last enjoyable moment for Pee-wee/Reubens to bask in the spotlight.

After years of living an extremely private life, his 1991 arrest for indecent exposure at an adult theatre instantly changed his life. ‘Playhouse’ re-runs stopped immediately, as did sales of the doll. Paul Reubens’ mug shot became a meme … early 90’s style. Unfortunately, this wasn’t his last public scandal, yet remarkably, Reubens was able to create a second half of his career as a character actor and voice actor – with only a few additional roles in the Pee-wee Herman suit.

The documentary includes clips of his parents and an interview with his sister, as well as input from directors Tim Burton and Judd Apatow. Reubens explains the inner turmoil of having his creation, Pee-wee Herman, be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while Reubens himself has not. Towards the end of the film, Wolf plays the self-recorded audio that Reubens recorded the day before he died. Although he discusses his desire to bring joy to the masses, we can’t help but question the failed friendships along the way. And though Paul Reubens may very well have been a creative genius, we must finally ask, “I know you are but what am I?”

Premiering on HBO on Friday May 23, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Documentary | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DEAF PRESIDENT NOW! (2025, doc)

May 15, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. It was 1988, and when this group of students proclaimed, “We will be heard!”, it took on additional importance. The anger of these students represented 124 years of repression. Student protestors were from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. It’s the only university for deaf students, and its history dates back to the time of Abraham Lincoln.

Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, 2006) collaborates with deaf actor-turned-filmmaker Nyle DiMarco to bring us the story of how the commitment to cause led the students, the University, and the nation towards real change. Although the film covers just one week, it effectively uses input and recollections from five key players. In other words, we get the ‘then’ (via archival footage) and the ‘now’ (modern day interviews).

Jerry was clearly the emotional leader … the guy who fired up the crowd through his passion. His passion shows even today as his memories come flooding back. Greg was the Student Body President, and his more reserved personality likely made him a more acceptable spokesperson. Bridgetta, a former high school cheerleader, used her energy to generate the rhythm of the crowd, while Tim did not hold back in addressing Ms. Spillman, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees … she doesn’t even bother to learn American Sign Language (ASL). Her clueless and obstinate approach to defending the board’s decision to bypass two qualified deaf candidates in order to name yet another hearing person as University President comes across as absurd and even a bit cruel.

The structure of the film is exceptional, blending the past with the present. Surprisingly, enough archival footage exists (even 37 years later) that we get a real feel for the commitment of the students and the manner in which the protests were carried out. It’s especially telling to hear the four demands made by the students: name a deaf President, resignation from the Board by Spillman, transitioning half the Board to half deaf members, and no reprisals for the students. All quite reasonable. With Spillman having stated something along the lines of ‘Deaf people are not ready to function in a hearing world”, we are provided a blunt testimony to her beliefs and possibly, the general sense of society at that time.

I King Jordan, a school professor, is interviewed and explains his unusual trek during the week … one that ended with his becoming President of the University (a position he held for many years). The film provides us with clips of Greg’s key appearance on “Nightline” with Ted Koppel, and a heartbreaking story about “broken ears”. Two years after this event, Congress passed the Americans with Disability Act – a stunningly short number of years ago. An odd segment is included with a quick overview of Alexander Graham Bell’s desire to “fix the deaf”, but we realize it’s not the deaf that need fixing. The film leaves us feeling a great deal of respect for these leaders, and might leave you chanting, “Deaf Power!”

The film will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 16, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Documentary | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

HENRY JOHNSON (2025)

May 9, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Show or tell … films tend to lean one direction or the other. Visuals are obviously the key to the popularity of superhero movies and comic book adaptations, while on the other end of the spectrum we have ‘Mamet-speak.’ David Mamet is a Pulitzer Prize winning writer who has been nominated for Oscars, Tonys, and Emmys. Best known for his rapidly-paced labyrinthian dialogue, Mamet is known for both his stage and screen projects.

His 1976 play “Sexual Perversion in Chicago” was adapted into the film, ABOUT LAST NIGHT (1996), while possibly his best known stage-to-screen adaptation was GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS (1992), which was directed by the recently deceased James Foley). Other well-known Mamet screenplays include THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (1981), THE VERDICT (1982), THE UNTOUCHABLES (1987), WAG THE DOG (1997) and HANNIBAL (2001). Mamet has also directed some of his own screenplays: HOMICIDE (1991), THE SPANISH PRISONER (1997), and STATE AND MAIN (2000). I also must mention one of my favorites, his underappreciated 1987 film, HOUSE OF GAMES.

Since it’s been about 17 years since he last directed a feature film, it seemed fitting to post a bit of a David Mamet history lesson. For this one (he again adapted from one of his plays), he directs a small cast working with an enormous script of dialogue. There are basically four sequences, the middle two combine for Act II. A mesmerizing 23-minute opening sequence finds Mr Barnes (Chris Bauer, “True Blood”) in a rapid-fire debate with his employee, the titular Henry (Evan Jonigkeit, wearing what I believe to be Mamet’s eyeglasses). The conversation is two-sided as the men discuss the finer points of the law, among other things – including a decision Henry made regarding an old friend. As the scene ends, we viewers and Henry get a big surprise from Barnes.

The next two sequences find Henry taking in the philosophy and life lessons from his cell mate Gene (Shia LaBeouf). This follows Barnes’ comment from earlier when he reminded that one of the signs of a psychopath is immense charm. Henry is clearly taken in by all Gene has to offer – both in their cell and in the prison library, as they analyze the role of fear and other crucial lessons that master manipulator Gene is inclined to share. The final sequence is a tense standoff with an armed Henry holding prison guard Jerry (Dominic Hoffman, Mamet’s REDBELT, 2008). Again, we find someone offering advice and counseling to Henry, who seems mostly capable of being taken advantage of and making poor decisions. Henry tells him, “Do what you want – people generally do.” And I do hope Mamet lovers will check this one out and bask in the Mamet-speak that we are too rarely treated.

Available VOD beginning May 9, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Drama | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

SHARP CORNER (2025)

May 9, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Purchasing a home is often called ‘The American Dream.’ For Josh and Rachel, it’s even more special when their son, 6-year-old Max, refers to their new place as “a mansion”. Sometimes (especially in movies) dreams turn into nightmares, and that’s exactly what happens in this film from writer-director Jason Buxton (his first feature since his debut BLACKBIRD, 2012). Adapted from the short story by Russell Wangersky, this film is billed as a psychological thriller – which it is, yet it’s also an enigmatic character study.

Ben Foster (HELL OR HIGH WATER, 2018) plays Josh. Only this isn’t the Ben Foster we’ve come to expect. His usual high-intensity and simmering danger-on-edge is replaced by a mild-mannered man who is even a bit meek whether dealing with his wife or the new manager he once trained at work. Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill in the Marvel Universe) plays his wife Rachel, and their first night in the new house leads to one of the worst cases of coitus-interruptus in history. A car tire comes flying through the living room window just after the loud crash of a car hitting the tree in their front yard. The horrific wreck leaves a young man dead, and the family stunned.

As you might have guessed from the film’s title, their new home is located on a dangerous curve. The only warning sign for drivers is mostly blocked by overgrown vegetation. Josh’s reaction to the wreck amplifies his struggles at work, while also creating tension with Rachel. He wants to talk about it, and she wants to ignore it. A second wreck has Josh trying to comfort the driver. The wreck convinces Rachel it’s time to move, while it simultaneously convinces Josh he could have saved the man’s life. Clandestine CPR lessons follow, while family therapy exposes all we need to know.

Rather than a curve, Josh and Rachel come to a fork in the road … and take different paths. While Josh becomes obsessed with waiting for the next wreck so he can save a life. Rachel simply wants to protect herself and her son, and avoid the obsessed Josh. He’s a man who desperately wants to be a savior to strangers, when the best thing he could be is a father/husband. Foster’s performance is unlike anything we have seen from him, and it can’t help but make us feel uneasy. Director Buxton gives us an early sneak peek at the curve, but mostly we are confused as to why a speed bump or protective/reflective barrier hasn’t been installed. Sometimes a movie leaves us feeling like it should have been more interesting, more entertaining, … more something … than it was. Foster keeps us watching, yet the whole thing feels a bit hollow.

Opens in select theaters and VOD on May 9, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Drama, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE SURFER (2025)

May 1, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. There are a few actors who regularly take on roles that leave us hoping they are nothing like those characters in real life. Willem Dafoe comes to mind, but the president of that club would be Nicolas Cage. Over the last 18 years or so, no actor has more often regaled us with emotional and mental unraveling on screen. Keep in mind it’s been thirty years since he won his Oscar for LEAVING LAS VEGAS.

This time, it’s the second feature film from Lorcan Finnegan (VIVARIUM, 2018) that finds Cage’s titular character on a downward spiral. The script comes from Thomas Martin, and opens with a father (Cage) driving along the Australian coastline, preaching surfer philosophy to his son (Finn Little, THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD, 2021), who’s a bit miffed that he got dragged from school to hear the lecture. It turns out dad wants to spend the day surfing with his son so he can show him the house he’s purchasing. It’s the cliffside family home once owned by his grandfather.

It all sounds lovely until two things happen. The real estate deal is in jeopardy because Cage has been outbid, requiring him to raise an extra hundred grand fast. More dramatically, when the father and son hike down to the beach carrying their surfboards, they are accosted by locals who live by the mantra, “Don’t live here. Don’t surf here.”. Cage explains that he used to live there, is buying a house there, and just wants to surf with his son. The group of ‘Bay Boys’ threatens to get physical, sending father and son back up the hill.

These bullies have created a ‘localized’ culture at Luna Bay through inspiration served up by their cult-like leader, Scotty “Scally” Callahan (Julian McMahon, “Nip/Tuck”), a former classmate of Cage’s character. Now most reasonable folks would just pack up and leave, but this is a man on the edge. His divorce is pending, his relationship with his son is shaky, his boss is pressuring him to finish a project, and his dream real estate deal is crumbling. Cage is a frazzled middle-aged man, and we are about to witness things get much worse for him.

The patented Nic Cage downward spiral involves a local homeless man (Nicolas Cassim), a public restroom, a kiosk, and frequent run-ins with the ‘gang’ of local surfers. Even the local cop (Justin Rozniak) tries to encourage Cage to give it up and head out. However, the inner demons of a man who has worked hard for a specific goal that is now within grasp – or maybe just out of reach – begin to take over. This may seem like the beginning of a breakdown for Cage’s character, but the truth is that it began long before.

Is this psychological, psychotic, or psychedelic? We are never quite sure, especially as the sun beats down on Cage and he has flashes of childhood trauma … a precursor to where this is all headed. Are these nightmares or hallucinations? It plays out kind of slowly, but we do enjoy the stylish approach of director Finnegan and cinematographer Radek Ladczuk (THE BABADOOK, 2014), whose visuals juggle the blistering glare of the sun, sweat and stains on Cage, and the stunningly beautiful blue ocean. Additionally, it’s Australia, so you know there will be a snake, as well as other critters like bugs, birds, a rat, a porcupine, and dogs. As Cage’s material status possessions are stripped away (phone, watch, car, clothes), it is all accompanied by composer Francois Tetaz’s music that can be described as hypnotic or ethereal. There is an ending that many might take issue with, but after so many times thinking “Just leave, dude”, I was willing to take whatever happened. How long until a theater runs an entire festival of Nic Cage Midnight Movies?

Opens in theaters on May 2, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Thriller, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

ON SWIFT HORSES (2025)

April 26, 2025

USA FILM FESTIVAL

Greetings again from the darkness. One need only watch a couple of episodes of “Leave it to Beaver” to comprehend just how ideal and perfect family life in the 1950’s was. Only that was a Hollywood façade and real life was much different, especially for anyone who wasn’t a straight white male … and even many of those served in the military during the Korean War and/or faced the pressure of being the sole breadwinner. Daniel Minahan (known mostly for his TV work) directs the screenplay from Bryan Kass (LIZZIE, 2018) who adapted the 2019 novel from Shannon Pufahl.

Daisy Edgar-Jones (TWISTERS, 2024) stars as Muriel, a young woman who reluctantly accepts the wedding proposal from Lee (Will Poulter, DEATH OF A UNICORN, 2025; MIDSOMMAR, 2019). In keeping with the times, Lee assumes his dreams of a new house in the growing suburbs of California are shared by his new partner … so he’s a bit annoyed by her reluctance to sell her childhood Kansas house she inherited from her recently deceased mother. A third wheel pops up in the form of Lee’s rudderless younger brother Julius (Jacob Elordi, PRISCILLA, 2023), who has recently been discharged from the Navy.

An intriguing connection forms between Muriel and Julius, and it continues playing out through the entirety of the story. While Lee strives for the traditional American dream, Julius and Muriel separately maneuver through their own internal emotions that don’t easily slide into the life respectable folks are expected to follow. Both have a bit of hustler in them as Muriel uses her alert ears during shifts as a diner waitress to pick up tips on the next horse race, while Julius capitalizes on his casino surveillance job – one that brings him money and love.

Two excellent supporting roles are courtesy of Diego Calva (BABYLON, 2022) and Sasha Calle (THE FLASH, 2023). To disclose specifics would be to reveal spoilers that I refuse to serve up. What I can say is the story takes us from Kansas to California to Las Vegas to Tijuana. Along the way, we witness the challenges faced by those out of step with society. We see the deceits required as these characters walk the line between what’s expected and the path to follow their own dreams. It can be heartbreaking and frustrating, and Minahan’s film expertly shoots down the façade of the perfect 50’s. The acting is superb, with Daisy Edgar-Jones seamlessly capturing the look of the era, while Jacob Elordi beautifully fulfills the more difficult role. This is a film for those who appreciate climbing inside the characters to understand their longing.

Now playing in theaters

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE SALAMANDER KING (2025)

April 26, 2025

Dallas Independent Film Festival

Greetings again from the darkness. ‘Keep Austin Weird’. That’s one of the more popular and fitting city slogans in the United States. For five plus decades there has been an ongoing battle of conservationists versus developers … or the little guy against big money. Over those years, the city’s population has quadrupled to around one million. On the surface, it appears big money won … but there have been a few ‘little guy’ victories as well.

Austinite (and actor) Austin Nichols directs a script from fellow Texan Drew Mackintosh that centers on the battle for control of Austin Municipal Golf Course, known to the locals as ‘Muny’ (actual Lions Municipal). The course is being run by carefree Ray (Ryan Hansen, “Veronica Mars”) and his band of equally laid-back cohorts. The course is a haven for old school Austin-types who beat to their own drum and avoid the pressures of high-finance.

Their world gets rocked when the city’s Green Space Authority hires consultant Sam/Samantha (Adrianne Palicki, “Friday Night Lights”) to find a way to turn the money pit course into a viable asset for the city. Sam’s douchey boyfriend Dylan (Justin Chatwin, “Shameless”) immediately sees the opportunity to turn the 130 acres into a corporate headquarters for ‘Elon’ … thereby setting up the fight.

What’s interesting here is that all of this is told a bit tongue-in-cheek with Ray’s never-grow-up-or-sellout charm striving to maintain a bit of Austin culture (with a bigger budget, this role could have gone to Matthew McConaughey or Glen Powell). In order to do so, he must win over Sam and find a way to overcome the city’s quest for profit. Of course, much of this is hinted at early on, but it doesn’t change the entertaining dynamic. Those familiar with Austin will recognize a few spots throughout the film, but it’s really the ‘state of mind’ that drives the story. This is reinforced by the inclusion of Gary P Nunn singing “London Homesick Blues” and “What I like About Texas”.

The film’s title is derived from a long-ago Austin story about development being stopped over the threat to the Blind Salamander habitat in the area. The film is never as serious as these real life battles have been, and there’s a nice comedic touch having former USC Trojan football player Reggie Bush play the role of a Longhorn nemesis in a marketing ad. Mr. Nichols has delivered a Texas film with an Austin mentality … a feeling that plays no matter where you live.

Premiered at the Dallas Independent Film Festival on April 25, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Comedy, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE ACCOUNTANT 2 (2025)

April 24, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. As disappointing as most sequels are, there is a glimmer of hope when the original creative team and key cast members return. Such is the case with this sequel to the 2016 film, THE ACCOUNTANT (yes, it’s been nearly a decade). Director Gavin O’Connor and writer Bill Dubuque are back, and both have skins on the wall. O’Connor also directed MIRACLE (2004) and the criminally underrated WARRIOR (2011), while Dubuque was the creator of the hit series “Ozark”.

Two-time Oscar winner Ben Affleck returns as the brilliant and autistic accountant known as Christian Wolff (as well as a few other names). In what may be the least amount of screen time ever afforded a previous Oscar winner, JK Simmons’ Ray King – former director of FinCEN is assassinated, and his former protégé MaryBeth Medina (a returning Cynthia Asdai-Robinson) tracks down Christian to help solve the case. But, of course, things are never that easy, and they also find themselves knee deep in another case – one that hits mighty close to real world headlines with human trafficking and gang activity.

Christian contacts his lethal-weapon brother … yep, for the first time since the end of the first film … and Braxton (Jon Bernthal) reluctantly agrees to join the hunt. The two brothers interact in a manner we’re familiar with from all the ‘mismatched buddy films’ over the years, and Affleck and especially Bernthal excel at this, although it’s impossible not to note Affleck’s too-frequent smirks this time around. An early speed-dating sequence feels totally forced and out-of-place, and one can only assume it’s included for anyone who didn’t watch the first movie (which I highly recommend prior to viewing this one).

As good as the brother banter plays, the mish-mashed stories, lack of central villain, and over abundance of action sequences, turn this into a film trying too hard to please all audiences. Toss in extended segments featuring the autistic techno geniuses at Harbor Neuroscience Academy, and a description of Acquired Savant Syndrome, and the best advice is to just sit back and watch after turning off your own plot-solving brain cells. Christian has developed and funded the group of young geniuses at the Academy, and they are led by non-verbal Justine (played by Allison Robertson, and computer-voiced by Alison Wright of “The Americans”). The missing persons case centers around highly-trained assassin Anais (Daniella Pineda from the Jurassic World franchise), and we can’t help but think she could hold her own as a story and character.

The abundance of comedic elements might surprise fans of the first film, as might the war zone style shootout during the film’s climax and the overly-animated Affleck – all extremes when compared to the original, yet Affleck and Bernthal make the brotherly thing work

Opens in theaters on April 25, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Action, Drama, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

USA FILM FESTIVAL 2025 preview

April 21, 2025

April 23-27, 2025

Angelika Film Center, Dallas

There may be no such thing as a Free Lunch, but thanks to the USA Film Festival, there is something even better … FREE MOVIES! Of course, not all screenings are held at no charge, yet this remains an affordable and entertaining festival experience for all film lovers.

Celebrating its 55th anniversary, the festival has long been one of my favorites due to the schedule of diverse films: narratives, documentaries, shorts, students, and experimental. Mix in a selection of repertory films, attendance by a slew of filmmakers and celebrities, and the annual tributes to industry icons, and you quickly see why this Dallas-based festival holds a special place in my heart.

This year’s opening night event on April 23 is “The World of Nancy Kwan – A Salute to Nancy Kwan”. The breakout star of THE WORLD OF SUZIE WONG (1960) will participate in a book signing and an on-stage conversation, following a career retrospective including clips of her performances in film and television. Also on opening day, there is a Salute to renowned director Jon Avnet with a screening of his new film, THE LAST RODEO. Mr. Avnet will attend along with the film’s co-stars, Neal McDonough and Mykelti Williamson. All three were involved with the fantastic TV series, “Justified” and “Boomtown”, and Mr. Avnet is known for having directed FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991), as well as Broadway plays.

Other highlights on the festival schedule include Beth Lane’s powerful documentary UnBROKEN, a look at how the Holocaust impacted her own family (with Q&A session); Mitch Yapko’s short film WATCHING WALTER featuring Ft Worth’s own Stephen Tobolowsky in the title role (director and star in attendance); William Shockley’s directorial debut, LONG SHADOWS, a western with an impressive cast; director Daniel Minahan’s stunning ON SWIFT HORSES (based on the novel by Shannon Pufahl) with another tremendous cast; and Jason Buxton’s psychological thriller, SHARP CORNER starring Ben Foster.

That’s just a quick taste of what’s coming, along with other feature films, documentaries, and short films. In a perfect example of what sets this festival apart, actor Martin Kove will attend and be honored at a special 50th anniversary screening of the cult classic, DEATH RACE 2000 (1975). The closing night film will be the soon-to-be-released TONIC from local filmmakers, writer-director Derek Presley and editor Jason Starne. Filmed entirely in Dallas’ Deep Ellum area, the film covers a rough night of what-else-can-go-wrong for a washed-up pianist played by Billy Blair.

USA Film Festival excels in offering a diverse festival experience with something for everyone.

For more details and to view the full schedule of programs, visit
https://www.usafilmfestival.com/
 
Tickets range from Free – $10 (quantities are limited).
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/55th-annual-usa-film-festival-4150893
 
DAY-OF-SHOW TICKETS — (Based on availability) Any unsold/unreserved tickets will be made available  at the Angelika Film Center upstairs Sales Desk beginning ONE HOUR prior to EACH showtime.

Leave a Comment » | Articles | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE KING OF KINGS (2025, animated)

April 10, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. We don’t typically look to South Korea for animated children’s stories recounting the history of Christianity, yet this first film from Angel Studio delivers just that … well specifically, the story of Jesus for Easter. Seong-ho Jang has made a name as a Visual Effects expert, and with this directorial debut, he tells the Jesus story in a way that should keep most kids engaged. The screenplay was written by director Jang, Rob Edwards, Jamie Thomason, and Hoseok Sung.

We open with the great Charles Dickens on stage reciting his “A Christmas Carol” to an audience. Backstage, Dickens’ three kids are a bit rambunctious and interrupt the show to the point that tests the patience of Charles. Young Walter, obsessed with tales of King Arthur, is especially troublesome. Upon arriving back home, Charles promises Walter a story with even more adventure and excitement, although the boy is a bit disenchanted that there will be no dragons.

Charles, with an assist from wife Catherine, proceeds to tell the story of Jesus … despite Walter’s initial rebuff of “a baby story”. We watch as the story plays out (often with Walter in the scene), although the movie does periodically bounce back to the study where Charles is weaving the tale and Walter is (mostly) mesmerized. Most of the familiar segments of the story of Jesus are included: the manger, plagues, parting of the Red Sea, John the Baptist, Satan tempting Jesus, feeding the masses. We meet the twelve apostles, and see miracles performed, the story of Lazarus, the Last Supper, Peter’s three denials, Judas’ betrayal, and of course, the crucifixion and the resurrection.

The voice cast is outstanding. Kenneth Branagh is Charles Dickens, while Uma Thurman is his wife Catherine. Roman Griffin Davis voices Walter, the kid whose shenanigans are the reason behind the story. Others include Oscar Isaac as Jesus, Mark Hamill as King Herod, Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate, Ben Kingsley as Calaphus, and Forest Whitaker as Peter. The film is visually appealing and told in a way that kids should easily follow (through the eyes of Walter) … and some will be surprised at the similarities to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Opening in theaters on April 11, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Animation, Drama, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »