The usual flood of crap movie trailers is in full swing heading into the holiday season, so here’s a few films you might not have heard too much about. Because we can be hipsters too.
The Drop (Out Now)
The fact that it’s James Galdolfini’s (Tony Soprano’s) last role before his untimely death is enough reason to see this one alone. However, even he is outdone by a reserved but intense performance by Tom Hardy, who plays a quiet and simple bartender. Based on a Dennis Lehane short story (who also wrote the screenplay), it centers on a small Brooklyn bar that hosts the Mobs money laundering, and then gets robbed. Shit takes its time, but eventually goes down. Masterfully directed and perfectly cast, The Drop is worth seeking out despite its limited release.
Foxcatcher (Released 9th of January 2015)
Based on a true story of a wealthy businessman taking an amateur wrestler under his wing to compete in the Olympics. Bennet Miller (Moneyball) directs this caustic drama that moves slowly but rarely falters. Steve Carrel is a million miles away from Michael Scott here, giving a jarring and unsettling performance as millionaire John Du Pont. Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo offer brilliant support. It’s best to not know anything about the story that inspired this movie before you see it, but regardless it’s one of the most interesting movies to be seen in the next year.
Birdman (Released 2nd January 2015)
Not so much a Hollywood satire as a great big middle finger to everything it stands for. Birdman stars Michael Keaton as an actor turned playwright attempting to capture the short lived stardom from his earlier years. Directed with unique flair by Alejandro González Iñárritu (me neither), it’s funny and thought provoking in equal measure. It’s also got Zach Galifinakis in the performance of his life, so if you have a soul you’ll love it. One of the best films of the year by far.