Pride
The best movie I saw at the Atlantic Film Festival, this delightful British comedy is opening Friday. It tells the true story of young gay and lesbian activists who back in 1984, feeling a sense of solidarity with striking miners in Wales, raised money to to support them in their struggle against Maggie Thatcher’s government. Very much in the tone of Brassed Off!, The Full Monty and Billy Elliot, Pride does heartwarming right. Starring a terrific ensemble including Dominic West, Bill Nighy, and Imelda Staunton, Pride is pretty much the best time you’re likely to have at the movies this season.
Gone Girl
The New York Times bestseller by Gillian Flynn is adapted to the screen, starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. I was one of the few who wasn’t swept up in the book, and would probably be less into this if it wasn’t being helmed by David Fincher. Anytime the director of Seven, Fight Club, Zodiac, and The Social Network has a new picture in cinemas, I’m there. Check back here this weekend and I’ll have a review up.
The Skeleton Twins
Opening at the Oxford on Friday is this tale of estranged siblings who reconnect following matching tragedies. The fact that it’s starring SNL alums Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig means the film’s being sold as more of a comedy, but I’ve got a feeling this well-reviewed indie is more of a tearjerker. I’ll be seeing it this week and will let you know.
Annabelle
A prequel to last year’s excellent haunted house movie The Conjuring, the advance buzz for this creepy doll movie isn’t great, but it does star someone named Annabelle Wallis. Makes you wonder how they cast these things, don’t it?