Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases in theaters, on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: Licorice Pizza, Poupelle of Chimney Town, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Jockey
New to DVD: The French Dispatch, Mayday, Hard Luck Love Song
New to Netflix: The Lost Daughter

Top 10 Films of 2021

I saw more movies than ever before in 2021, screening 292 titles, my most ever in a calendar year. I’m excited that my top ten films, which were hard to select, were all actually released in 2021, though I saw half of them at festivals (and six in person!). I’ll be “handing out” my AFT Awards, my annual film awards, next month, but for now, here are my favorite films of 2021. Click the title to read my review and follow the link after each to find out where to watch!

#10: C’mon C’mon (VOD)

#9: Together Together (Hulu)

#8: How It Ends (VOD)

#7: Licorice Pizza (Theaters)

#6: Dune (VOD)

#5: Encanto (Disney+)

#4: The French Dispatch (VOD)

#3: Belfast (VOD)

#2: Malcolm and Marie (Netflix)

#1: CODA (Apple TV+)

Interview with Abe: Flee

I was thrilled to get the chance to speak with Janus Billeskov Jansen about his work editing “Flee,” which is on the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary and Best International Feature, and will likely also be nominated for Best Animated Feature. Check out my enlightening conversation with him at AwardsWatch.

Interview with Abe: Jockey

It was great to be able to speak to two actors I've liked for a while, Clifton Collins Jr. and Molly Parker, for Cinema Daily US about their new documentary “Jockey,” which is now playing in theaters in NY and LA. Watch our conversation in full below!

Movie with Abe: The Tender Bar

George Clooney's “The Tender Bar” features great performances and an endearing if familiar story. It's now playing in theaters and coming to Amazon Prime on January 7th. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: The Hand of God

Italy's shortlisted Oscar submission for Best International Feature this year, “The Hand of God,” is another strong entry from director Paolo Sorrentino. It's now streaming on Netflix. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Memoria

Colombia's official Oscar entry for Best International Feature this year, “Memoria,” may appeal to some, but it's extremely slow and requires a great deal of patience to be remotely accessible. It's now playing in theaters, but only one at a time. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: The Tragedy of Macbeth

I'm not a particularly strong Shakespeare enthusiast, but I was impressed by “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” an involving new take on the classic play. It's now playing in theaters and comes to Apple TV+ on January 14th. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Cyrano

Peter Dinklage stars in the musical version of “Cyrano,” which I enjoyed but didn't blow me away. It had its qualifiying release earlier this month and returns to theatres on January 21st. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: The King's Man

I didn't see the first two films in the series, and I probably could have skipped “The King's Man” too. It's not too bright and could have been much, much better. It's now playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Sing 2

I never saw the first film, but I'm very glad I made time for “Sing 2,” an animated delight I found very enjoyable. It's now playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Parallel Mothers

Pedro Almodóvar's latest film, “Parallel Mothers,” is a dependably involving and resonant story. It's now playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: Parallel Mothers, Sing 2, The King’s Man
New to Theaters and HBO Max: The Matrix Resurrections
New to DVD: No Time to Die, Blue Bayou, Small Engine Repair
New to Netflix: Don’t Look Up
New to Amazon Prime Video: Being the Ricardos, Who You Think I Am

Movie with Abe: The Matrix Resurrections

“The Matrix Resurrections” is a sequel that comes years after its original entries, and one that's very self-referential but decently engaging. It's now playing in theaters and on HBO Max. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: West Side Story

I was thrilled to be able to participate in a video review with fellow critic Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi for Cinema Daily US as part of the site's Above the Line vs Below the Line series. Check out our discussion of the film “West Side Story,” which is now playing in theaters, below:

Movie with Abe: Licorice Pizza

“Licorice Pizza” is one of my favorite movies of the year and a must-see. It's out in limited markets now and coming to all theaters on December 25th. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Oscar Shortlist Predictions

Tomorrow, ten shortlists for the Academy Awards will be revealed. I’ve always enjoyed this announcement, especially since it gives me an idea of the films that I need to track down and start screening ahead of nominations. Fortunately, there’s plenty of time this year, with more than six weeks until nominations are unveiled. I haven’t made official predictions in the past, but here are my bets for the finalists in seven categories. I won’t attempt any guesses for the three shorts races, which I hope to get to know much more intimately once these lists are out there.

Documentary
Ailey
Ascension
Attica
Becoming Cousteau
Enemies of the State
The First Wave
Flee
Homeroom
In the Same Breath
Julia
Not Going Quietly
Procession
The Rescue
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
The Velvet Underground

International Feature
Memoria (Colombia)
Flee (Denmark)
Compartment No. 6 (Finland)
Titane (France)
Brighton 4th (Georgia)
I’m Your Man (Germany)
Lamb (Iceland)
A Hero (Iran)
The Hand of God (Italy)
Drive My Car (Japan)
Hive (Kosovo)
Prayers for the Stolen (Mexico)
The Worst Person in the World (Norway)
Leave No Traces (Poland)
Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn (Romania)

Makeup and Hairstyling
Being the Ricardos
Cruella
Dune
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
House of Gucci
Last Night in Soho
Nightmare Alley
Respect
Spencer
The Suicide Squad

Original Score
Being the Ricardos
Benedetta
Don’t Look Up
Dune
Encanto
The French Dispatch
King Richard
The Last Duel
Last Night in Soho
Nightmare Alley
No Time to Die
Parallel Mothers
The Power of the Dog
Spencer
The Tragedy of Macbeth

Original Song
So May We Start (Annette)
Down to Joy (Belfast)
A Million Miles Away (Belle)
Right Where I Belong (Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road)
Beyond the Shore (CODA)
Every Letter (Cyrano)
Dos Oruguitas (Encanto)
Breathe (The First Wave)
Home All Summer (In the Heights)
Be Alive (King Richard)
No Time to Die (No Time to Die)
Believe (The Rescue)
Here I Am (Singing My Way Home) (Respect)
The Harder They Fall (They Harder They Fall)
Keep the Beat (Vivo)

Sound
Belfast
Cyrano
Dune
Encanto
In the Heights
The Matrix Resurrections
No Time to Die
Respect
tick, tick…BOOM!
West Side Story

Visual Effects
Black Widow
Cruella
Dune
Eternals
Free Guy
The Matrix Resurrections
Nightmare Alley
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Spider-Man: No Way Home
The Tomorrow War

Movie with Abe: House of Gucci

Lady Gaga headlines Ridley Scott's over-the-top portrait of a dynasty, “House of Gucci,” which is playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Swan Song

Mahershala Ali stars in “Swan Song,” the second film with that title this year. It's a solid choice, now playing in theaters and on Apple TV+. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: Nightmare Alley, President, The Tender Bar, Cyrano, The Lost Daughter
New to Theaters and Digital: The Novice
New to Theaters and Apple TV+: Swan Song
New to DVD: The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Undine, The Auschwitz Report, The Card Counter, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Holler, The Last Duel
New to Netflix: The Hand of God, Fast Color, Darkest Hour

Movie with Abe: Don't Look Up

Adam McKay's latest satire “Don't Loop Up” is entertaining but ultimately swings a bit too wide for my tastes. It's now playing in theaters and coming to Netflix on December 24th. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Nightmare Alley

Guillermo Del Toro returns with his latest film, “Nightmare Alley,” opening in theaters this Friday. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: tick, tick...BOOM!

One of this year's best musicals is “tick, tick...BOOM!,” from director Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield, now streaming on Netflix. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: France

Léa Seydoux stars in “France,” a critique of the media and the staging of stories now playing in theaters in New York and Los Angeles. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: National Champions

“National Champions,” which is now playing in theaters, has a strong message that it struggles to convey. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Interview with Abe: The Real Charlie Chaplin

It was both delightful and informative to get to speak with directors Peter Middleton and James Spinney for Cinema Daily US about their new documentary “The Real Charlie Chaplin,” which is now streaming on Showtime. Watch our conversation in full below!

Interview with Abe: Janty Yates

With awards season in full swing, I got to speak with Oscar-winning costume designer Janty Yates for Cinema Daily US about her work on “The Last Duel,” as well as another high-profile film this year, “House of Gucci,” and her many collaborations with director Ridley Scott. Watch our conversation in full below!

Golden Globe Predictions

After considerable reporting last year on the problematic makeup of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the enthusiasm heaped upon programs that paid for expensive European trips, the Golden Globes have fallen out of favor with most this year. Just as I don’t necessarily give any one organization – even the Academy Awards – any adoration, I still enjoy making predictions for their nominations, especially since I’ve been doing so consistently for more than fifteen years.

Because the group hasn’t been prominently featured or in good graces, they’re going ahead without official category placements, which means that some shows or movies might be ineligible, while others, including “Being the Ricardos” and “Respect,” could easily be classified as drama or comedy. Without much to go on, here are my guesses for what will be announced this coming Monday morning. More once the list is officially unveiled! TV picks are here.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Javier Bardem (Being the Ricardos)
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog)
Joaquin Phoenix (C’mon C’mon)
Will Smith (King Richard)
Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth)

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye)
Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter)
Lady Gaga (House of Gucci)
Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos)
Kristen Stewart (Spencer)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical
Leonardo DiCaprio (Don’t Look Up)
Peter Dinklage (Cyrano)
Adam Driver (Annette)
Andrew Garfield (Tick Tick Boom)
Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza)

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical
Leslie Grace (In the Heights)
Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza)
Jennifer Hudson (Respect)
Emma Stone (Cruella)
Rachel Zegler (West Side Story)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar)
Jamie Dornan (Belfast)
Troy Kotsur (CODA)
Jared Leto (House of Gucci)
J.K. Simmons (Being the Ricardos)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Caitriona Balfe (Belfast)
Ariana DeBose (West Side Story)
Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog)
Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard)
Ruth Negga (Passing)

Best Animated Film
Belle
Encanto
Luca
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Raya and the Last Dragon

Best Foreign Film
Benedetta
Drive My Car
A Hero
I’m Your Man
The Worst Person in the World

Best Original Score
Dune
House of Gucci
Last Night in Soho
The Power of the Dog
Spencer

Best Original Song
Down to Joy (Belfast)
Every Letter (Cyrano)
Colombia, Mi Encanto (Encanto)
Be Alive (King Richard)
No Time to Die (No Time to Die)

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Being the Ricardos
Belfast
The Lost Daughter
The Power of the Dog
Tick Tick Boom

Best Director – Motion Picture
Aaron Sorkin (Being the Ricardos)
Kenneth Branagh (Belfast)
Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (Tick Tick Boom)
Steven Spielberg (West Side Story)

Best Motion Picture – Drama
Being the Ricardos
Belfast
CODA
King Richard
The Power of the Dog

Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical
Cyrano
The French Dispatch
Licorice Pizza
Tick Tick Boom
West Side Story

Movie with Abe: Dune

I was very impressed with Denis Villeneuve's new take on “Dune,” which I had the chance to see recently with star Oscar Isaac there to discuss the film after. Look for it as a major technical awards contender this season, and likely in the major categories too. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: Being the Ricardos, France, Don’t Look Up, National Champions
New to Digital: India Sweets and Spices
New to VOD: The End of Us
New to DVD: Werewolves Within, Dear Evan Hansen, One Night in Miami
New to Amazon Prime Video: Encounter
New to Hulu: Swan Song

Movie with Abe: Being the Ricardos

Nicole Kidman is Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem is Desi Arnaz in Aaron Sorkin's “I Love Lucy,” opening in theaters tomorrow and coming to Amazon Prime Video on December 21st. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Benedetta

Paul Verhoeven directs an extremely engaging and powerful story of a lesbian nun in Renaissance Italy, “Benedetta,” which is now playing in theaters. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Interviews with Abe: Silent Night

I had the pleasure of speaking with a very talented young actor, Roman Griffin Davis, and his director, Camille Griffin, who also happens to be his mother, for Cinema Daily US about their new film “Silent Night,” which I saw at TIFF and is now playing in theaters and on AMC+. Watch our conversations in full below, and read my review of the film!

Movie with Abe: Bruised

Halle Berry makes his directorial debut with “Bruised,” which is now playing in theaters and streaming on Netflix. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: Encanto
New to Theaters and Showtime: The Humans
New to Netflix: Bruised, Vita and Virginia
New to Hulu: Die in a Gunfight, Pig

Movie with Abe: The Humans

A strong cast comes together for an unnerving family Thanksgiving in “The Humans,” from writer-director Stephen Karam, based on his own play. It's now playing in theaters and on Showtime. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Interviews with Abe: Encanto

I was excited to have the opportunity to get to speak to stars Stephanie Beatriz and Diane Guerrero for Awards Radar about their film “Encanto,” which is now playing in theaters. Watch our conversations in full below and read my article on some background of the film and other talent involved!

Movie with Abe: Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn

One of the most bizarre movies I've seen this year is “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn,” Romania's official Oscar submission for Best International Feature. It's definitely interesting, and I would say worth watching if the content doesn't seem too objectionable. Now playing in NY theaters and opening more widely soon. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: The Power of the Dog

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a superb performance in “The Power of the Dog,” from director Jane Campion. It's playing in theaters now and coming to Netflix on December 1st. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: C’mon C’mon, The Power of the Dog, Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn, India Sweets and Spices, Mothering Sunday, The First Wave, The Real Charlie Chaplin, King Richard, Bruised
New to DVD: The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Flag Day
New to Amazon Prime Video: Beginners

DOC NYC: A Tree of Life

“A Tree of Life,” which is screening at DOC NYC, is a sensitive look at a devastating attack on the Jewish community in Pittsburgh. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

DOC NYC: The First Wave

“The First Wave,” which is screening at DOC NYC and opening in theaters Friday, shows how COVID transformed New York City. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

DOC NYC: The Rossellinis

“The Rossellinis,” which is screening at DOC NYC, examines the implications of fame on family. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Belfast

One of the best films of the year is Kenneth Branagh's “Belfast,” which is now in theaters and which I think is going to win Best Picture at the Oscars. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: Belfast
New to DVD: Hope, Respect, Witch Hunt, Wildland, White as Snow, Swan Song, Four Good Days
New to Netflix: Passing
New to Amazon Prime Video: Mayor Pete

Movie with Abe: Gaza Mon Amour

Hiam Abbass and Salim Dau star in “Gaza Mon Amour,” which was Palestine's official Oscar submission for Best International Feature last year and is now playing in theaters and on VOD. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Mayor Pete

I very much enjoyed “Mayor Pete,” which I saw at NewFest and premieres this Friday on Amazon Prime Video. I reviewed the film for The Film Experience - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Finch

Tom Hanks stars in “Finch,” which is now streaming on Apple TV+. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Interviews with Abe: Mark, Mary and Some Other People

I was excited to have the opportunity to get to speak to director Hannah Marks and stars Hayley Law and Ben Rosenfield for ShockYa about their film “Mark, Mary and Some Other People,” which is now playing in theaters, on demand, and on digital. Watch our conversations in full below! Read my review of the film from Tribeca.

Interview with Abe: The Beta Test

I had the chance to speak with Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe, the directors, writers, and stars of “The Beta Test,” now playing in theaters and VOD. Check out my great conversation with them for Cinema Daily US below.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: Spencer
New to Theaters and VOD: The Beta Test
New to Theaters, On Demand, and Digital: Mark, Mary, and Some Other People
New to DVD: Nine Days, Best Sellers, Pig
New to Amazon Prime Video: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
New to Apple TV+: Finch

Interview with Abe: Eran Kolirin

I had the chance to speak with director Eran Kolirin about his film “Let It Be Morning,” which is screening at the Other Israel Film Festival as its opening night film and serves as Israel's official Oscar submission for Best International Film Festival. Watch my great conversation with him for The Film Experience below!

 

Movie with Abe: Spencer

Kristen Stewart stars as Princess Diana in “Spencer,” which opens in theaters this Friday. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Movie with Abe: Army of Thieves

I very much enjoyed “Army of Thieves,” which is now streaming on Netflix, and serves as a great standalone prequel to “Army of the Dead.” I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Interview with Abe: Reed Birney

I had the chance to speak with Reed Birney, an excellent member of the four-person ensemble in “Mass.” Check out my great conversation with him for Cinema Daily US below. Read my review of the film from Sundance here.

Interview with Abe: Honor Swinton Byrne

I had the chance to speak with Honor Swinton Byrne, star of “The Souvenir Part II.” Check out my great conversation with her at Cinema Daily US. Read my review of the first film from Sundance 2019 here.

Weekend Movie Recommendations with Abe

Every Friday, I'll be uploading a Minute with Abe: Weekend Movie Recommendations Edition, surveying new releases on DVD, and on streaming services. Check it out, and subscribe to the movieswithabe channel!


New to Theaters: The Souvenir Part II, Violet
New to DVD: On the Rocks, Boy Meets Boy, The Suicide Squad, Stillwater
New to Netflix: Army of Thieves, Begin Again
New to Hulu: First Date

Movie with Abe: Bergman Island

One filmmaker's legacy is at the heart of the story of two screenwriters in “Bergman Island,” which is now playing in theaters and on VOD. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.

Film Fest 919 Review: The Lost Daughter

Olivia Colman leads a strong cast in “The Lost Daughter,” from debut director Maggie Gyllenhaal, which I saw at Film Fest 919 and is coming to theaters December 17th and Netflix on December 31st. I reviewed the film for ShockYa - head over there to read my review.

Film Fest 919 Review: C'mon C'mon

Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffman, and the young Woody Norman are all siperb in “C’mon C’mon,” the new film from director Mike Mills that I had the chance to see at Film Fest 919, which will be released on November 19th by A24. I reviewed the film for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read my review.