Check Out the Theme for December: Christmas

Joel Spira. Photo: TriArt

SHAME ON DRY LAND

New in Swedish Theaters: Expect upper-class environs, jaded characters and a story that doesn’t make much sense.

Joaquin Phoenix. Photo: Apple Studios

NAPOLEON

New in Global Theaters: Joaquin Phoenix is perfect for the part; as expected, the battle sequences are majestic, with Austerlitz serving up the greatest thrills.

Photo: Netflix

RUSTIN

New on Netflix: Very traditional, without truly stirring moments, the film is still worth a look because of Colman Domingo’s committed performance.


Maja Cassel and Nils Chrisander. Photo: Hasselblad Studios

THE PRISONER AT KARLSTEN FORTRESS (1916)

Nils Chrisander is fine as the diabolical count, but the film’s weakest ingredient is the story.

Sherwan Haji. Photo: Sputnik

THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE (2017)

Much is familiar from the director’s earlier films, not least Le Havre (2011), but there are touching and amusing scenes.

Rosario Dawson, Tiffany Haddish, LaKeithStanfield and Owen Wilson. Photo: Disney

HAUNTED MANSION

Way overlong and repetitious, with a thin story.


Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio. Photo: Apple Studios

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Longer Review: Martin Scorsese can be proud of two things: he remained true to himself and his style, while at the same time showing proper respect for the Osage culture.

David Byrne. Photo: Cinecom

STOP MAKING SENSE (1984)

Longer Review: If you’re an artist and you have the slightest interest in elevating your upcoming concert movie into something more than simple PR, then this is the one to study.

Photo: Netflix

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

Longer Review: Mike Flanagan serves up a vicious, colorful and sadistic feast, full of his traditional shocks, but he also anchors the story in the here and now.