The incredibly versatile Claire Foy rocks it as the incredibly dangerous and violent computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. But even her prodigious talents can’t make The Girl in the Spider’s Web more than what it is: a serviceable spy thriller.
It’s so dark and atmospheric that it’s a little difficult to discern what’s going on onscreen from time to time. The film is rated R for violence, language and some sexual content/nudity. Frankly, this cast and this source material, should have yielded a more complex, more thrilling thriller. Three and a half out of five boxes of popcorn is all I can muster up for The Girl in the Spider’s Web. Although I've gotta give full marks to Lisbeth Salander as a sympathetic antihero.
Now, if you're looking for any other ‘anti-heroes’ this weekend, one of the greatest ever is on the big screen this weekend.
He’s a mean, green bad attitude machine! The Grinch is back.
Finally, after more than half a century, Hollywood has finally given us a Grinch reboot worthy of the imagination of Doctor Seuss.
The story is more or less the same, but wonderfully fleshed out and modernized. It's an amazing animated film. The Grinch is Rated PG for brief rude humor. This is the perfect film to kick off the holiday movie season. It's worth five out of five popcorn boxes. That’s no holiday gift, that’s just facing facts. Go take the kids, I don’t care how old they are, and see it.
Our next film is no retelling of a beloved Christmas Classic, but it’s got some familiar features.
Overlord is a mash up of World War II and horror that turns into a straight-up zombie gore fest.
Unsurprisingly, it’s Rated R for strong bloody violence, disturbing images, language, and brief sexual content. Suprisingly, it’s getting some significant critical love. If you aren’t ready for Christmas movies yet, this could be an alternative. Maybe not a family friendly alternative, but an alternative nonetheless.
Speaking of alternatives, the reliably funny Melissa McCarthy has found one in Can You Ever Forgive Me?
She plays failing author Lee Israel. Desperation forces her into forgery. Critics are just loving it. It’s rated R for language including some sexual references, and brief drug use. It’s nice to see McCarthy try something other than comedy, and apparently, she pulls it off.
But, best film of the week has got to be The Grinch. Chuck Jones and Dr. Seuss would be proud.