“The Hate U Give,” based on the YA bestseller of the same name by Angie Thomas, is an ode to Tupac Shukar. Pac said “Thug Life” stood for “The Hate U Give Little Infants F*cks Everybody…” Pac, of course, is also mentioned in the film. “The Hate U Give” is not only a testament to the killing of unarmed black men and racism, but a moving statement about family and relationships.
In “The Hate U Give,” Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), is constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black, neighborhood where she lives and the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil (Algee Smith) by a white police officer. Now, facing pressures from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right. Directed by George Tillman Jr., the film stars Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, KJ Apa, and Common.
‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’
Melissa McCarthy, known as a comedy queen, flexes her impressive, dramatic muscles in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?, based on a true story. ” McCarthy portrays the cantankerous Lee Israel, the best selling celebrity biographer who made her living in the 1970’s and 80’s by profiling the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estée Lauder, and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen.
When Lee found herself unable to get published because she doesn’t get with the program and write books socially deemed popular, she turned her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant). Although set in the 1990’s, the movie is timely considering Israel was a non-conformist and did not settle for what society dealt out to her while dancing to its drummers’ drum. See Melissa McCarthy interview at: https://eurweb.com/2018/10/melissa-mccarthy-talks-can-you-ever-forgive-me/
Directed by Marielle Heller, the film also stars Dolly Wells, Jane Curtin, Ben Falcone, Erik LaRay Harvey, and Stephen Spinella.
‘Halloween’
After 40 years, ‘Halloween’ returns just in time for Halloween. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as well to her iconic role as Laurie Strode, who confronts Michael Myers (Nick Castle), the masked man who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree decades ago. Laurie, who became a recluse, was probably watching a lot of CW‘s “Supernatural”—a great place for advice on hunting. Laurie has transformed from a scream-cream to a hunter—Myers Beware!
In the age of the #MeToo movement, “Halloween” is a shout out to fierce females. Laurie, her estranged daughter (Judy Greer), and granddaughter (Andi Matichak) would hardly be considered damsels in distress. The women kick ass.
Obviously with a slasher movie there is a lot of slashing going on, blood and gore. But with a new twist and Jamie as a seasoned Xena, Warrior Princess type, the film is fun and worth seeing.
Directed David Gordon Green, the film also stars Will Patton, Omar J. Dorsey, Virginia Gardner, and Miles Robbins.
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