BEST OF THE FEST:
KNIVES OUT: Get ready for a good old-fashioned who-dun-it movie, as writer and director Rian Johnson described it, in “Knives Out,” a sharp, quick-witted film that keeps you on your toes as you try to figure out the killer and the motives. It’s a guessing game of “Clue” with a social statement about the 1% of our country, with crazy, fun performances from the all-star cast including Christopher Plummer and Chris Evans. (Opening 11/27 )
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: I was wonderfully surprised to see that this film really wasn’t Fred’s story as the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” couldn’t be topped. This is Lloyd Vogel’s story, whose life is inadvertently changed by the children’s television icon. Vogel is a jaded and troubled yet talented high-profile magazine columnist who interviews Rogers, but finds the tables are turned. It’s a magical, uplifting, and unique story told with brilliant imagination, one that would make Rogers proud of Director Marielle Heller. And if this doesn’t get her a director’s Oscar nomination, nothing will! (Opening 11/22)
THE REPORT: Adam Driver, Annette Bening, and Jon Hamm star in this favorite which premiered at Sundance and continues to be a top film of the year. Depicting the torture that occurred just after 9/11 and the government’s documentation of approval, Daniel J. Jones, Senate staffer (Adams) holds fast to his belief that there’s a cover up occurring. Based on a true story, Scott Z. Burns writes and directs this riveting thriller that perhaps is one of the most timely films this year. (Opening 11/15)
Photo credit Pamela Powell