Popcorn Perspectives with Danny Minton
Week of November 11, 2024
Heretic
Rated R for some bloody violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
In Theaters
Two young Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) make a stop at the home of an older gentleman (Hugh Grant) in the hopes of converting him to Mormonism. Things start out innocent enough as they begin to have a riveting discussion about religion, but as the conversation moves forward, they become aware that they are not safe, and in fact snared, with no way of getting out a message to the outside world. Nicely enough, he tries to convince them that their faith, and all faiths for that matter, are wrong, and that he can introduce them to the only faith that is real. From the trailer, you are more than fully aware that this is a horror film and one that looks extremely creepy. What you are not aware of is how intellectually challenging the movie is. Much of this is due to Hugh Grant really getting into the role and while doing so, turning in one the best performances of his career. He is wickedly funny and while maybe I should have been frightened, I found myself instead completely engaged. But if this were a one-sided equation, the frights wouldn’t be that effective. So thankfully the girls provide for thrilling game of chess, with their lives on the line. They know they are in danger, but they are convinced that there is a way out of the mouse trap. Definitely not for everyone, the film could be a tough watch for those who are weak in their own faith, and some might feel very much caught in the puzzle, along with the girls. But for me, this is a true thinking-person’s horror film that is more exhilarating than scary. A-
Anora
Rated R for graphic nudity, drug use, pervasive language and strong sexual content
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
In Theaters
If you follow the website Goldderby.com, which tracks the awards odds for films, this project tops the lists as the favorite to win this year’s Oscars for best picture and best actress. The story follows an exotic dancer and escort (Mikey Madison) who finds herself becoming friends with a young and very rich kid (Mark Eydelshteyn), who happens to be the son of a Russian billionaire. While he is paying for his plentiful amount of time with her, the two begin to hit it off, and in an impulse, they decide to marry in a Vegas chapel. But when his handlers, and subsequently his parents, discover the marriage, they step in to try to end it. I don’t want to give off spoilers here, so if that makes you nervous, you should quit reading. But after seeing the trailer, and throughout the first act of the movie, I was convinced that there would be some extreme violence occurring, given the perception of Russian mafia presence. So I was completely surprised that this film never treads those waters, but instead delivers one hell of an ambitious dark comedy with huge laughs, although accomplished in an authentic manner. Since I didn’t know a soul in the film, it comes across as real. Maybe not documentary real – but genuine nonetheless. Winning this year’s prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival, this film is an audacious and thrilling tale, for the right audience. Pay strict attention to the rating here. If this one does win the Oscar, you probably won’t want to throw a family Oscar party as it is one of the most sexually adventurous films in recent memory. But once again, writer/director Sean Baker churns out a remarkable piece of filmmaking that solidifies his reputation in Hollywood. A