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    • Oscar-ready ‘Anora,’ Hugh Grant’s horror ‘Heretic’
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    Oscar-ready ‘Anora,’ Hugh Grant’s horror ‘Heretic’

    Pabio Posted on

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    Prepare to hear Mikey MadisonThat’s the name a lot this Oscar season.

    Maybe you saw her in Quentin Tarantino“Once upon a time… in Hollywood or in 2022 Reboot of “Scream” ― both killer roles, if we’re being honest ― but she really comes into her own in Sean Baker’s indie comedy-drama “Anora.” Or maybe religious horror is more your thing? Say what you want about Hugh Grant’s romantic comedy career, but the man plays a good villain in “HereticBoth are big recommendations this week, although we also break down some good TV in case you need an escape, now or during the stress of the holidays.

    Now let’s get to the good stuff:

    Watch Mikey Madison Impress as a Sex Worker in Gen Z Comedy-Drama “Anora”

    Did kids really need their own “Pretty Woman”? They get one with “Anora,” which stars Madison as a Brooklyn erotic dancer who runs off with the son of a Russian oligarch. Her powerful parents are unhappy and our heroine finds herself drawn into an all-night chase through the streets of New York. After winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, “Anora” has behind it a serious track record for the Oscar for best film, Madison is already one of the favorites for best actress and Yura Borisov turns out to be a runner-up scene-stealing role as a quiet and kind henchman. Yet the film’s juggling of romantic drama, zany comedy, and thoughtful character study doesn’t completely work. (look at my ★★★ reviews).

    My friend Patrick Ryan invited Madison to our New York studio for discussionand she told him how Ani’s character was “a departure from anything I’ve ever done.” In addition to telling Ani’s detailed story, Madison studied Russian, learned pole dancing, and followed dancers to clubs. “I really wanted to do justice to these women; I didn’t want to disappoint them.”

    Witness Hugh Grant as a carefully sinister menace in ‘Heretic’

    In the darkly funny (and rather chatty) horror film “Heretic,” Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East play young Mormon missionaries who knock on the door of a seemingly nice English gentleman, Mr. Reed (Grant). They’re invited, but instead of the promise of blueberry pie, the girls are forced to endure a night full of religious conversations, absolute terror, and pop culture references. It’s a film that nicely balances thought-provoking themes and B-movie camp, and Grant is perfect as the cardigan-clad menace who makes salient points about religion and philosophy.

    I Zoomed with Grant to a fun Q&A session: We talked about the inspirations behind “Heretic,” his early years as the lead in a romantic comedy, and his more recent penchant for rather antagonistic acting and character roles. “Very often, that’s where I was able to show on screen my enthusiasm for monsters, weirdos (and) hurt and evil people,” he says.

    Escape to Silly Shows Like “Psych” and “Doctor Who” to Relieve Stress

    This week has been A LOT emotional for some people. And we’re heading into the holiday season, which can be very stressful in many ways. Having TV shows as comfort food isn’t just a good idea, it’s a great idea. Me, I have “Law & Order: SVU” playing in the background most of the time since it airs almost 24/7 (thanks, USA Network!) and I feel better watching it. knowing that Benson, Stabler and their friends are fighting the good fight. .

    TV Critic Kelly Lawler Reunited a list of silly and happy things worth streaming if the election has been exhausting, but it’s good enough to keep on hand now and throughout the year in case you’re feeling down and/or unsettled about the state of the universe. (Among his choices, you can’t go wrong with “Psych” and “Doctor Who.”)

    Even more goodness to discover!

    • If you’ve watched “Conclave” and need more Catholic-tinged drama, then the latest film from “Oppenheimer” Best Actor winner Cillian Murphy. “Little things like these” is for you.
    • Apparently there is a new “Star Wars” cinematic trilogy in the works. I’ll believe it when I see one of the nearly 62 films announced or in development since “The Rise of Skywalker.”
    • This week in “Golden Bachelorette” news: The men said it all! (I’m calling shenanigans on this. I bet these guys have SECRETS.)
    • Fun fact: Our beloved Nation’s newspaper played a small role in making the cult hit”The Boondock Saints“, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
    • Besides, Ben Affleck is trying to replace me! He gives his ex Jennifer Lopez a rave review for his new film “Unstoppable”.

    Do you have any thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recommendations for me? Email [email protected] and follow me on social media: I’m @briantruitt on Blue sky, Instagram And Topics.

    Pabio
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