At the Movies: Recent Episodes
WDIY 88.1 FM
At the Movies is a weekly feature with Paul Willistein of the Lehigh Valley Press, who reviews a current film and previews upcoming attractions. Listen to At The Movies every Monday at 6:25 PM.
The film reunites the film-makers, actors and artists of "Forrest Gump," but tells a vastly different story that follows high school sweethearts through the years.
The seemingly obvious title is actually genius, and matches the film featuring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh.
The film tells the story of the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the first episode of "Saturday Night Live." It's a must-see for fans of the show.
The musical sequel to the Oscar-winning Joker (2019) takes a lot of risks, and wasn't rewarded much for it at the box office.
The feature animation film tells the story of a robot stranded on an island who raises an orphan baby goose. It's directed by Chris Sanders of "How To Train Your Dragon" and "Lilo and Stitch."
The Roman epic set in an imagined Modern America features big names like Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, and Jon Voight.
The documentary tells the story of Christopher Reeve, the face of Superman in several feature movies, through his rise to fame and disability later in life.
The animated feature film shows the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron, and features an all-star voice lineup.
The biographical drama stars Dennis Quaid in the title role, and is worth a vote at the box office for fans of him or the two-term president.
The sequel so nice you can say it twice welcomes back director Tim Burton and stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara, as well as newcomer Jenna Ortega.
The Christian drama is the ninth film made by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, and is a spin-off of their fifth film War Room.
The family drama is inspired by the true story about a 71-year-old Brazilian man who rescued a penguin from an oil spill.
The film is based on the 2016 best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, and stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Another thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, the film tells the story of a concert that turns out to be a set-up to catch a serial killer.
This is not your grandfather's Disney film. The film featuring Jennifer Garner, Wesley Snipes, and Chris Evans, along with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, of course, is a sight to be seen.
The movie following Oklahoma storm-chasers pays homage to the 1996 movie 'Twister' and has a ripped-from-the-headlines feel.
Based on a true story, the film follows a group working to save America's most vulnerable, starting a movement in a rural church in East Texas.
The voice talents of Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig return in the newest installment of the animated series, which features the beloved Minions.
The story about a fictional motorcycle club is based on a 1967 book of photographs of the same title, and stars Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Jodie Comer.
Academy Award-winner June Squibb stars in the title role as a grandmother seeking retribution in this action, comedy, drama film.
The animated sequel to the 2015 film 'Inside Out' continues the story of young Riley, as well as the emotions she copes with, voiced by stars like Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, and Maya Hawke.
The results of the reunion between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are pretty good as they return for their fourth installment in the buddy cop franchise.
The humorous movie features the beloved orange tabby cat from the newspaper comic strip by Jim Davis, and features Chris Pratt as the voice of the laid-back feline.
The "Mad Max: Fury Road" prequel is the fifth in the "Mad Max" franchise and stars Anya Taylor-Joy in the namesake role and Chris Hemsworth as the lead villain.
The whimsical comedy, drama, animation movie features young actress Cailey Fleming and familiar faces like Ryan Reynolds.
With extraordinary computer-generated effects and motion-capture acting, the fourth installment in the 'Planet of the Apes' reboot franchise did not disappoint.
The terrific popcorn summer movie entertainment is packed with action from beginning to end, with a salty romance added in, as well.
The film tells the story of 'For King & Country,' a gospel rock band made up by an Australian family, and their struggles on their way to stardom.
Based on a real-life covert British military force, the film follows special operations soldiers on a mission to neutralize Nazi Germany's U-boats during WWII.
The controversial film features Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman, and more in a look at the a not-too-distant-future United States.
The comedy, drama, crime film, which is based on a real story, is full of amazing performances, including that of Oscar-winner Olivia Colman.
The sequel to "Godzilla vs. Kong" (2021) is a sort-of buddy monster movie, with the classic movie monsters now fighting on the same side.
The fifth film in the "Ghostbusters" franchise brings back most of the original cast and returning cast members from the recent installments, as well as plenty of familiar newcomers.
Telling the story of a 19th Century woman who emigrates to the U.S. to start a New York orphanage, the film features David Morse, John Lithgow, and more.
The animation feature film again stars Jack Black in the lead role of the lovable Po and features a cast of voices including Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Bryan Cranston, and more.
The action, adventure, romance, science-fiction film is based on the novel by Frank Herbert, and features familiar faces like Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, and more.
Paul Willistein of Lehigh Valley Press makes his Oscar winner predictions in seven of the major categories.
Featuring Dakota Johnson in the title role based on the Marvel Comics character, the film is taking hard blows from critics and audiences alike.
Adding to the lore and legend of Bob Marley, the film provides an exciting look at music, politics, and society.
With six Oscar nominations, the film is based on a 2014 novel that tells the story of a family living next door to the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp.
With multiple nominations and wins this award season, this comedy drama features the likes of Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and Emma Stone.
The five-time Oscar nominee satirizes the world of big-time book publishing and Hollywood movie-making.
The movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, which was based on the 2004 movie is a sendup of teen girl culture, with fun and danceable music.
This entertaining feature animation film tells the story of a family of mallards taking flight to migrate for a winter vacation away from home.
With Jason Momoa back in the title role, the DC Comics movie also stars Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Amber Heard, and more.
This adaptation of the hit Broadway musical and based on the novel by Alice Walker stars Fantasia Barrino, Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey, and more.
This fantasy/musical features Timothee Chalamet as a new take on the beloved title character, with a strong supporting cast including the likes of Hugh Grant and Rowan Atkinson.
Said to be the final feature animation film from Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, this mythic journey provides beautiful animation and dizzying action scenes.
Disney's newest animated film commemorates the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, with Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine in feature voice roles.
The Equalizer 3 reteams Denzel Washington, reprising his role as Defense Intelligence Agency officer Robert McCall, with director Antoine Fuqua.
Gran Turismo is based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), who went from being a "Gran Turismo" gamer to a driver in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and international sports car races.
Blue Beetle is based on a lesser-known comic book superhero from DC Comics. The movie has a Latino cast in the lead roles, including Xolo Maridueña as Jaime aka Blue Beetle, said to be the first Latino superhero.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem returns the famous foursome to the big screen in bright new, rough-hewn, sketch-style animation.
Haunted Mansion is based on the popular Disney theme park ride. Get on board with LaKeith Stanfield, Chase W. Dillon, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish and Danny DeVito for some old-fashioned fun.
Oppenheimer, based on the book, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, is director Christopher Nolan's interpretation of the life of Oppenheimer (played by Cillian Murphy), regarded as "the father of the atomic bomb."
The movie Barbie is based on the children's fashion doll created by Ruth Handler and launched in 1959 by the Mattel toy company. Barbie (Margot Robbie) travels from Barbieland to the real world, with Ken (Ryan Gosling) along for the ride.
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One returns Tom Cruise to his role as Ethan Hunt in the seventh movie in the franchise. This time, Hunt is on an assignment to prevent the Entity, an AI system, from controlling the world.
Sound of Freedom is said to be based on a true story about Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel), a United States Department of Homeland Security agent who saved children, mostly from outside the U.S., from human traffickers.
It's been a long wait for what is said to be the fifth and final Indiana Jones role for Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny should please fans of Ford, the franchise and old-school Hollywood movies.
Welcome to the wonderful, wacky world of writer-director Wes Anderson. His latest, Asteroid City, with an all-star ensemble cast led by Jason Schwartzman, Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson, is a parable about mid-century-modern America.
The Flash is a terrific summer popcorn movie that has the right mix of action, character development, and humor. And you get not one but two Barry Allen, aka The Flash, characters, each played by Ezra Miller, who is tremendous.
The movie's title is Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, but the real stars are Anthony Ramos (In The Heights) and Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah).
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the 2019 Oscar winner for best animated film.
The Little Mermaid, a Disney animation classic, gets the live-action makeover, with new versions of the original songs. Halle Bailey, in the title role of Princess Ariel, sings several of the well-known hits.
Fast X is the 10th movie in the "Fast and Furious" franchise. Vin Diesel is back as Dominic “Dom” Toretto, this time to face a family's feud against Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes.
BlackBerry tells the story of the phone before the iPhone. A Canadian company once ruled the mobile phone market. The movie is an often hilarious look at the rise and fall of the BlackBerry phone and the travails of its inventors.
Guardians of The Galaxy, Vol. 3 is an origin story by returning screenwriter-director James Gunn about Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper).
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. stars Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon coping with insecurities and anxieties about new friends, puberty and her religious beliefs. The movie is based on the 1970 young adult novel by Judy Blume.
Lucky Louie, filmed in the Lehigh Valley, is written and directed by Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck and his daughter Grace Roebuck, and produced by Daniel and his wife Tammy Roebuck, who edited the movie.
Ben Affleck directs Air and stars as Nike's Phil Knight in the fact-based movie about how Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) signed the NBA superstar Michael Jordan to a Nike endorsement deal for the Air Jordan athletic shoe.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is simply fun for (nearly) the entire family. In the feature-length animation film, Mario in the red cap is voiced by Chris Pratt and Luigi in the green cap is voiced by Charlie Day.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is based on the Hasbro tabletop role-playing game. The movie stars Chris Pine (Edgin) and Michelle Rodriguez (Holga), who put a team together unseat Forge (Hugh Grant), ruler of the land of Neverwinter.
John Wick: Chapter 4 stars Keanu Reeves, reprising his role as John Wick, an international hired gun. In the globe-trotting film, fourth in the franchise, Wick pursues and is pursued by all manner of hitmen.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is the 12th entry in the DC Extended Universe. A teenager, Billy Batson (Asher Angel), becomes an adult superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi), when he shouts “Shazam.”
Jesus Revolution tells the story of the Jesus freaks movement that arose during the late 1960s-early 1970s counterculture in Southern California.
All Quiet on the Western Front received four Oscars out of nine nominations at the 95th Academy Awards. Paul Willistein of the Lehigh Valley Press explains why the film, based on a 1929 novel about World War I, resonates in the 21st century.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is the front-runner, with 11 nominations at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12 in Los Angeles.
Paul Rudd is back as Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, as is Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne, aka The Wasp, in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Everything Everywhere All at Once leads the 2023 Academy Award nominees with 11 nominations. The movie stars Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu and Jamie Lee Curtis, each of whom is Oscar-nominated for their roles in the film.
Women Talking is nominated in the 2023 Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film, directed by Sarah Polley, who wrote the screenplay adapted from the novel, stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Ben Whishaw and Frances McDormand.
EO is about a circus performer, a donkey named EO, and his travels and travails in Italy and Poland after the circus shuts down. The film, directed by acclaimed director Jerzy Skolimowski, is the Polish entry nominated for an international feature film Oscar.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is nominated for an animated feature film Oscar. Here's why the latest animation movie from DreamWorks Animation is deserving of such a nomination.
The latest entry in the killer-doll genre of cinema is M3GAN, as in "Model 3 Generative Android." The animatronic doll is engineered to be a little girl's best friend and protector, but M3GAN becomes a little bit too protective.
Tom Hanks plays Otto Anderson in A Man Called Otto. Look for an actor Oscar nomination for Hanks as Otto, a distraught widower who must learn to live again with the help of new neighbors and a fluffy stray cat.
The Whale is an Oscar contender for the impressive performance of Brendan Fraser as a person with a food addiction. The film confronts many topical subjects.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery brings back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc to solve a whodunit at the island mansion of Miles Bron (Edward Norton). The "unusual suspects" are played by a stellar cast, directed by Rian Johnson.
Avatar: The Way of Water is extraordinary. Writer-director James Cameron, in the sequel to his landmark production Avatar (2009), has exceeded nearly all expectations.
Spirited is an all-singing, all-dancing take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol - the classic tale of Scrooge, time-traveling, spirits and redemption.
In Tár, Cate Blanchett plays Lydia Tár, the high-powered conductor of a Berlin symphony orchestra. Life and career hits some sour notes for Lydia. Look for an Oscar actress nomination for Blanchett.
Director Steven Spielberg has made the movie of his life: his own life. The Fabelmans is loosely based on Spielberg's formative years.
In The Banshees of Inisherin, screenwriter-director Martin McDonagh reteams with Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, who co-starred in In Bruges (2008), McDonagh’s feature theatrical motion picture debut.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever lives on despite the death of Chadwick Boseman, who played the lead role of T’Challa in Black Panther. Screenwriter-director Ryan Coogler assembled a great ensemble cast for the sequel. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Black Panther won’t want to miss it.
The rom-com, as in romantic comedy, is alive and well in Ticket to Paradise. Julia Roberts and George Clooney star as a divorced couple who travel to Bali, Indonesia, to prevent their daughter from making what they think is the same mistake they did – getting married.
Till is about Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American from Chicago who was abducted and killed in 1955 while visiting an uncle in Mississippi. The film is told from the perspective of Till’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley (Danielle Deadwyler), and is directed by Chinonye Chukwu. Look for multiple Oscar nominations for Till.
Black Adam is the latest entry into the DC Comics Extended Universe, starring Freedom High School graduate Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the title role. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, this superhero flick also features Sarah Shahi, Aldis Hodge, Marwan Kenzari and Pierce Brosnan.
In Halloween Ends, Jamie Lee Curtis confronts her demons...and more. The typical slasher film becomes a psychological study of the nature of evil. With fine performances, in addition to Curtis, by Andi Matichak and Rohan Campbell.
Based off a children’s book, the movie is called Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. While the computer animation depicting Lyle is great – and the character blends seamlessly into the live-action scenes – the star of the movie is Lehigh Valley native Winslow Fegley as Josh, who becomes best friends with Lyle.
Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline star in The Good House. Weaver plays Hildy Good, a New England realtor who reconnects with Frank Ketchell (Kline), an old flame. He rekindles a lingering problem that she finally owns up to.
Moonage Daydream is a most unconventional documentary film. But consider the subject: unconventional superstar and innovative pop-rock singer-songwriter David Bowie.
The Woman King tells the story of a female warrior group in Dahomey (now Benin) in the 1820s during the African slave-trading days. Gina Prince-Bythewood directs Viola Davis and John Boyega in an Oscar-nomination worthy movie.
Writer-director Kevin Smith got the gang back for Clerks III, which takes place in the original Quick Stop in Monmouth County, N.J. Returning from the 1994 Clerks: Dante Hicks (Brian O’Halloran), Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson), Elias Grover (Trevor Fehrman), Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith).
Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. is the directorial debut of Adamma Ebo who also wrote and produced the satirical comedy film. It stars Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown as the first lady and the pastor of a megachurch, who attempt to reopen and rebuild their congregation following a major scandal.
Three Thousand Years of Longing stars Idris Elba as a genie and Tilda Swinton, who sets him free. It’s complicated.
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song is a fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary about the legendary singer-songwriter-poet-author. There are rare interviews, insightful commentary and wonderful performances by Cohen and others of his song, “Hallelujah."
Bullet Train is a fast-paced film that takes place almost entirely on a high-speed train in Japan. Brad Pitt stars as a hired gun who must thwart other hired guns on the train.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a landmark achievement in stop-motion animation directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp. Jenny Slate, who co-wrote the screenplay with Fleischer-Camp, voices Marcel, a hermit crab shell with a mind of his own.
DC League of Super-Pets is an animated feature film with Dwayne Johnson voicing Krypto, Superman’s super dog. The voice talent includes Kevin Hart, John Krasinski and Olivia Wilde.
In Nope, writer-director Jordan Peele (Oscar recipient, original screenplay, Get Out) is back with a UFO thriller. He re-teams with Daniel Kaluuya, as Otis, owner of a Hollywood horse ranch. He, his sister (Keke Palmer) and nearby amusement park owner (Steven Yeun) attempt to confront the mysterious entities.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a delightful comedy about a London cleaning woman who, in 1957, travels to Paris to visit the House of Dior in pursuit of the perfect dress. Paul Willistein of the Lehigh Valley Press says to look for an Oscar Award nomination for Lesley Manville as Mrs. Harris.
Thor: Love and Thunder finally reunites Chris Hemsworth (Thor) with Natalie Portman (ex-girlfriend Jane Foster). Christian Bale plays the nemesis, Gorr the God Butcher. Along for the poorly scripted ride are Tessa Thompson as King Valkyrie and Russell Crowe as Zeus. Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) returns to direct the 29th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is an origin story about Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) and how he grew up to become an archvillain. Featuring the voice talents of Taraji P. Henson. Michelle Yeoh, RZA, Russell Brand, and Dame Julie Andrews.
Elvis is an epic, big-screen spectacle from Warner Bros. Pictures and visionary, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks.
Jurassic World Dominion is the summer popcorn movie with thrills, action, drama and of course, dinosaurs. The prehistoric leapin,’ flyin’ and stompin’ theropods co-exist with the likes of Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Isabella Sermon.
Paul Willistein of the Lehigh Valley Press reviews the recent trend of re-releases being shown on the big screen with American Graffiti, shown in the “Nostalgia Cinema” series at Civic Theatre of Allentown Theatre514. This one of several in classic, retro and camp film series playing throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Paul Willistein reviews the recent performance of Star Wars - accompanied by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra - at the PPL Center. The event marries live, classical performance with pop culture iconic movies, introducing a new audience to classical music and the history behind some of the most nostalgic music from the movies.
Paul Willistein of the Lehigh Valley Press says to prepare for the summer movie thrill ride of your life, 34 years later with the heavily-anticipated and delayed sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. It returns Tom Cruise to the big screen as the hotshot Navy jet pilot that brought his stardom to its peak.
Downton Abbey: A New Era brings the cast of loveable and irascible characters back to the big screen. Fans of the 2019 feature movie and 2010-2015 public television series should enjoy the elegance, chivalry and silly fun anchored by Maggie Smith, with an Oscar nominee-worthy performance.
The Duke is based on a true story about the theft of a Francisco Goya painting, The Duke of Wellington from The National Gallery in London, England. The film stars Oscar recipients Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. It’s the last theatrical feature film directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill, Hyde Park on Hudson, My Cousin Rachel) before his passing.
With Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his role as Dr. Stephen Strange from the 2016 Marvel Cinematic Universe release Dr. Strange. This time, the universe provides several options for Dr. Strange, each more confounding than the next. The film also stars Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Xochitl Gomez.
The Bad Guys is a DreamWorks animated feature film intended for children. It’s about a group of bad anamorphic characters who want to change their ways. Voice talent includes Sam Rockwell (Mr. Wolf), Marc Maron (Mr. Snake) and Awkwafina (Ms. Tarantula).
The Northman is an unrelenting, brutal, fictionalized retelling of a Viking saga. Alexander Skarsgård stars as Amleth, a Norseman prince, opposite Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicole Kidman. Also staring are Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore continues, with diminishing box office returns, the Wizarding World and Harry Potter legacy. Jude Law stars in the third installment of the prequels as Albus Dumbledore. Also starring with a lot of wand waving are Mads Mikkelsen (Gellert Grindelwald), Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander) and Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski).
Sonic the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is back to get more rings in the combination live-action, animation feature Sonic the Hedgehog 2, based on the Sega video game. Returning is Sonic’s nemesis Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey in a live-action role), who joins Idris Elba voicing the role of Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic’s other nemesis.
Jared Leto takes on the conflicted anti-hero role of Dr. Michael Morbius in Morbius, the much-delayed latest exploration of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by way of the Sony Spider-Man Universe.