Lady Gaga illuminates Bradley Cooper’s triumphant A Star Is Born. Don’t bring a hankie – bring a whole friggin’ box of Kleenex. For an under-the-radar pick at the Mill Valley Film Festival , check out one of the most optimistic movies I’ve recently seen, the documentary One Voice: The Story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir on October 13.
OUT NOW
- Spike Lee’s true story BlacKkKlansman is very funny and, finally, emotionally powerful.
- The first-rate thriller Searching is more than just a gimmick (it entirely takes place on computer screens) and is filled with authentic Silicon Valley touches.
- Jane Fonda herself spills her most intimate secrets in the irresistible HBO biodoc Jane Fonda in Five Acts.
- Crazy Rich Asians is wildly popular for a reason – it’s damn entertaining and probably the year’s most appealing date movie. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll wait for the chance to see Awkwafina in her next movie.
ON VIDEO
My Stream of the Week is the alternatively jaw-dropping and visually amazing documentary Brimstone & Glory, about fireworks manufacturing and the National Pyrotechnical Festival in Tultepec, Mexico. Brimstone & Glory can be streamed from Amazon (included with Prime), iTunes and Vudu.
ON TV
On October 14 Turner Classic Movies presents the John Sturges masterpiece Bad Day at Black Rock with Spencer Tracy investigating a disappearance in an especially hostile, racist and sinister town. Besides having Tracy at his best and being a great looking movie, Bad Day at Black Rock is notable for its menacing crew of Bad Guys – Robert Ryan, Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin.
