parents guide movie review

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

• Parents Guide

Certification

• Sex & Nudity (6)
• Violence & Gore (6)
• Profanity (3)
• Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking (1)
• Frightening & Intense Scenes (6)
• Spoilers (18)

Sex & Nudity

• None 939 of 1,326 found this to have none Severity? None 939 Mild 277 Moderate 35 Severe 75 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• Aunt May discovers MJ and Peter in Peter's bedroom, with Peter standing in his suit stockings as he gets out of his Spider-Man top. May mutters to be safe (this isn't even in the subtitles), but that was never their intention. Edit
• A man says "I'm butt ass naked", but we only see about mid-torso and up of his body. Edit
• Multiple scenes of male topless nudity. One scene Spider-Man only wears boxer shorts. Edit
• Peter and MJ kiss in two scenes Edit
• M.J. and Spiderman kiss/attempt to throughout the movie; and everyone overreacts about M.J. being Spiderman's girlfriend Edit
• A few jokes about Peter shooting webs and having spider babies with MJ Edit

Violence & Gore

• Moderate 541 of 912 found this moderate Severity? None 47 Mild 252 Moderate 541 Severe 72 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• Several characters are hit and punched a lot with brief blood detail at times. Edit
• Scenes include characters battling with fantastical powers and tech, as well as scenes of hand-to-hand combat which feature heavy punches Edit
• A person is pummeled almost to death on 2 separate occasions. Edit
• In the final battle, there is lots of violence but not much blood is visible. Edit
• A fight takes place on a bridge with lots of explosions and people in peril Edit
• During a fight scene, Green Goblin is seen throwing Spider-Man down several floors. Pretty intense but no gore. Edit
• Mild 596 of 829 found this mild Severity? None 136 Mild 596 Moderate 70 Severe 27 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• "Suck," "god," "hell," "damn," "ass," and "shit" respectively. Peter's WTF line from the end of Far From Home is finished here towards the beginning, but it ends up getting drowned out by a nearby car horn. Edit
• Peter says "What the f...", but gets cut off by a car horn. Played for laughs. Edit
• 7 uses of "ass," 6 uses of "shit," and 1 use of "goddamn." Edit

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

• None 680 of 778 found this to have none Severity? None 680 Mild 69 Moderate 9 Severe 20 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• Smoking in the background. Limited. Edit

Frightening & Intense Scenes

• Moderate 438 of 787 found this moderate Severity? None 48 Mild 209 Moderate 438 Severe 92 We were unable to submit your evaluation. Please try again later.
• Scenes include people fleeing from explosions, falling from heights, and brief jump scares as a lot of different villains appear. Edit
• Despite the film's crowd-pleasing moments and comedic tone, there are several moments where it can be emotional or disturbing. Edit
• The ending is rather bittersweet. Edit
• Green Goblin can seem a touch creepy at moments in the movie. His laugh can also seem disturbing. Edit
• Spider-Man is mostly mad (in a dark way) at green goblin and Some might think it's Frightening Edit
• The first half seems like a funny, normal spider man film, but in the second half, it starts to get more sad and a little darker than a normal spider man film. Edit

The Parents Guide items below may give away important plot points.

• Spider-Man beats up Green Goblin at the end of the film as an act of revenge. He goes to kill him but is stopped by Peter 2. Edit
• Aunt May is killed by the Green goblin. Blood is seen on her face and on Peter's hand when he searches on her. Very emotional. Edit
• Spider-Man gets stabbed by the Green Goblin but he survives. It initially serves as a small jump scare but ends up being slightly comedic when Spider-Man says "I've been stabbed before". Edit
• Peter fights The Green Goblin in Happy's apartment. Heavy punches are thrown. Edit
• Near the middle, there is a brutal fight between Spider-man (Tom Holland) and Norman Osborn, which Spider-man loses. Near the end, Peter and Aunt May get seriously injured, resulting in Aunt May's death. This is probably the bloodiest spiderman fight ever. Edit
• Tobey Magiures Spider-Man is stabbed in the back by Green Goblin. However, he Survives his injury. Edit
• In the mid-credits scene, Eddie Brock/Venom are in a bar drinking and claim to be drunk. Edit
• The introduction of The Lizard is accompanied by a sudden jump scare of him trying to break out of his cell. Funny but scary. Edit
• While the first half of the film maintains a fairly light-hearted atmosphere, the death of May at the hands of the Green Goblin marks a noticeable change in mood, with Peter expressing an urge to kill him in revenge for her death, punching him relentlessly later in the film and almost stabbing him with his own glider. While he doesn't go through with it, some younger audiences may be disturbed seeing Spider-Man want to murder someone. Edit
• Near the middle of the film, there is a fight with Green Goblin where Peter loses. Green goblin throws a pumpkin bomb that severely injures Peter and Aunt May, and she tragically dies in a long, drawn out scene. This pushes Peter to the edge and will upset some viewers. Edit
• There's a scene where Spider-Man is fighting Green Goblin at Happy's Apartment. Spider-Man was punching Green Goblin multiple times, but Green Goblin appears to be unfazed smiling and laughing scary like at Spider-Man. This can seem very discomforting for some audience. Edit
• Dr. Strange casts a spell at the end of the movie that makes EVERYONE forget Peter entirely after Peter requests it. He then sees Ned and M.J. but doesn't remind them who he is and then sees Happy and doesn't say anything. Peter is not known by anyone at the end. This is very depressing. Edit
• The Green Goblin is a very sadistic person and a very creepy and uncomforting character. The rest of the villains, while definitely menacing, are very tame compared to him. Edit
• In the middle of the movie, Peter and Norman have a short but brutal fight in Happy's apartment. At one point Peter is punching Norman and after every punch Norman is seen smiling and laughing very creepily. Very horror-like and very creepy for younger viewers. Edit
• The ending has Peter alone after the spell which can seem sad or depressing for Peter. Edit
• Aunt May dies in the middle of the film, this scene is very sad. Edit
• After Aunt May dies Happy Hogan can be seen getting taken away by police, this scene is dark. Edit
• Peter gets shot in his thigh while trying to keep his aunt alive. This scene is Very disturbing and Depressing. Edit

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LIGHTYEAR Parents Guide + Movie Review

Written by Kami Leave a Comment

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Pixar’s Lightyear blasts us to infinity and beyond with Buzz Lightyear’s origin story. With a more serious Buzz, heavy storyline, and a scene stealing cat, is Lightyear kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my  Lightyear Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!

Lightyear Parents Guide + Movie Review

Disney Pixar’s Lightyear is the prequel film from the Toy Story franchise. It is the story of the real-life Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear, who was the inspiration behind the toy. Remember that movie that Andy watched before he received his Buzz Lightyear toy? Lightyear is THAT movie. Are you still with me?

Chris Evans is the voice of our favorite Space Ranger, which has caused quite the concern for some Toy Story super fans. How could anyone other than Tim Allen be the voice of Buzz? The answer is really quite simple. They’re basically two entirely different characters. The Buzz in Lightyear is the REAL, actual person. The Buzz in Toy Story is a toy. I hope this clarifies some things for you.

Because Lightyear is more of a standalone movie, it tackles themes that are much heavier than we’re used to. It’s dark, twisted, and complicated. This is NOT your typical Toy Story movie.

Lightyear takes us on an intergalactic adventure, blasting through space and time. When Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear, accidentally crash lands his team’s spaceship into an unknown planet, he not only blames himself, but he makes it his life mission to get everyone back home. The only problem is, he loses years traveling through space at hyperspeed. Each 4 1/2 minute mission is equivalent to 4 1/2 years, causing everyone to age, except him. While his fellow Space Rangers are going on about their lives, getting married, having children, and even grandchildren, Buzz is theoretically stuck in the past.

During his journey, he finds himself a new crew who is eager to help him on his endeavors. The only problem is, they’re a bit of a disaster. Buzz needs to learn to put his trust in others and realize that you can’t complete every mission on your own. There are other people he can depend on, and there is power in working as a team.

While Chris Evans shines as Buzz Lightyear, his supporting cast certainly does not disappoint. The diverse crew includes Taika Waititi, Keke Palmer, and Dale Soules, all bringing something unique to the table.

But the G.O.A.T. of Lightyear is the robot cat, Sox (voiced by Peter Sohn). He’s the real MVP, being a complete scene stealer every chance he gets. Sox is the sidekick we didn’t know we needed. I foresee him having the popularity of Baby Yoda. He certainly won me over!

The Visuals

Lightyear is Pixar’s first theatrical release since the pandemic. Prior films have been pushed straight to Disney Plus. Pixar reminded us why their movies belong on the big screen. The life-like animation and crisp, vibrant details all paint the perfect picture. Buzz looks like an actual person, rather than a cartoon, and you really feel like you’re looking into outer space. There were moments where I felt like I was watching Chris Evans as Captain America in a live-action film. It’s as if Pixar has some sort of magical powers to create the most amazing onscreen visuals.

IS LIGHTYEAR KID-FRIENDLY? HERE’S YOUR PARENTS GUIDE:

A more serious Buzz, a heavy and sometimes dark storyline, time travel, and a pretty cool robot cat. Is Lightyear okay for kids, or is it made more for diehard Toy Story fans? Here’s what parents need to know before watching Lightyear with their kids.

Lightyear has an MPAA rating of PG for action and peril. It has a runtime of 1 hour 40 minutes, aka: a pretty sweet spot time duration for kids. However, with a more serious tone and even darker elements, let’s break down the thematic elements and take a closer look.

Nowadays it seems that even movies with a PG rating have some sort of questionable words you wouldn’t like your children to hear. It was refreshing to see there is literally nothing to report in Lightyear . No profanity, and no other poor words choices.

Buzz Lightyear is a Space Ranger, you will see him battling robots. There are guns, lasers, explosions, chase scenes, and several moments of peril. Zurg makes his grand entrance, and he’s dark and scary. Think in relation to Darth Vader.

One of the characters mentions being in prison and being on parole. Words like “incarcerated” and “convict” are used.

Mature Content

There is a death of a character as well as a same sex kiss. The kiss is super quick, but it’s worth mentioning (and celebrating), because it’s the first same sex kiss in an animated movie. Standing ovation goes to Pixar for breaking down those walls. Onscreen inclusion is important. Everyone needs to feel seen.

Age Recommendation

Lightyear definitely has a darker feel then the other Toy Story movies. Chris Evans’s character is very complex. While there are a few laugh-out-loud moments, I feel Lightyear has multiple dimensions. You will feel all the emotions. Sometimes all at once. I would recommend Lightyear for ages 8 and up. Younger children still might enjoy the movie, however, I don’t know if they would necessarily “get it.”

Overall Thoughts

Lightyear is an EPIC sci-fi adventure. It’s the Buzz Lightyear origin story we didn’t know we needed. Chris Evans crushes his role as a galactic superhero, and you’ll NEVER look at Zurg the same way again. MAJOR plot twist that will have you picking your jaw up off the floor! Lightyear is action-packed and filled with surprising heartfelt moments that will tug at your heart. This prequel will have you asking questions and leave you wanting more. Pixar has done it again — this time in hyperspeed. Blast-off to your nearest theater and see Lightyear TODAY!

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for loads of Toy Story Easter Eggs, and even a hilarious pun on Disney’s Frozen . Don’t miss the THREE end credit scenes…especially that last one!! One more thing…you’ll never look at sandwiches the same.

And one more time….Sox. You’re going to love him, your kids are going to love him. He deserves alllll the robot cat treats.

LIGHTYEAR SYNOPSIS

From Disney and Pixar comes an animated sci-fi action-adventure — the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans), the hero who inspired the toy. “Lightyear” follows the legendary space ranger on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits, Izzy, Mo and Darby, and his robot companion Sox. As this motley crew embark on their toughest mission yet, they must learn to work as a team to escape the evil Zurg and his dutiful robot army who are never far behind. Space Ranger who would win generations of fans.

Follow Pixar’s Lightyear on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/PixarsLightyear/

https://twitter.com/pixarslightyear

https://www.instagram.com/pixarslightyear/

Hashtag: #Lightyear

I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS LIGHTYEAR PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE SEEING LIGHTYEAR IN THEATERS?!

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‘IF’ Is Rated PG, but Is the New Movie About Imaginary Friends OK for Young Kids?

Heads up, bring tissues—Why 'IF', starring Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski made this mom a blubbering mess.

“Sometimes life isn’t fun,” but the new movie IF , in theaters this Friday, certainly is. 

I will happily watch anything that stars Ryan Reynolds or has John Krasinski’s name attached to it. So when I saw that IF not only stars Reynolds, but is also written, directed, and produced by Krasinski (who also plays two roles in the film), I immediately knew it was going to be a masterpiece. And it didn’t let me down. Not just because it is great entertainment for kids, but a really fun trip down memory lane for us adults too. 

Paramount Pictures

I did not expect this movie to make me a blubbering mess and all in my feels within the first 30 seconds of the film. There is only one other movie that hit me that hard and fast, and that was Disney’s UP (IYKYK). I was admittedly unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster of laugh-out-loud moments mixed with a sweet sense of poignant nostalgia but I was really happy to be along for the ride of this family movie . 

The PG rating makes sense given some of the film's themes, but the animated creatures' wholesome nature and their adventure makes it really digestible for young children to understand.

The Themes Of IF

IF is a beautiful movie that takes adult viewers on a journey back to their childhood, exploring love and loss through the eyes of a child, and how creating a world of make-believe becomes a way of resilience against the struggles of the real world. It reminds us parents that our magical childhood may not be so far behind us.

For kids who watch the film, it encourages them to cherish their childhood as long as possible. The film not only celebrates imagination but also the strong bonds of family and friendship.

The plot centers around 12-year-old Bea, played brilliantly by actress Cailey Fleming. She's navigating a challenging time in her life with her father, played by Krasinski. She discovers she can see everyone’s long-forgotten imaginary friends . With the help of her eccentric neighbor Cal, played by Reynolds, they embark on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs, or imaginary friends, with their now-grown creators.

Fleming is now 17 years old but was just 13 when she began working on IF. She has been an actress since she was 8, portraying a “Young Rey” in Star Wars: The Force Awakens , and as Judith Grimes in AMC’s The Walking Dead .

“I’ve never been so involved in something as I have this movie,” she tells Parents . “I have tried to hold onto every moment that I could, and learn from everything that I could from watching John and Ryan.”

As Bea navigates the challenges of growing up in this coming-of-age film, Fleming finds herself on a parallel journey in real life. “I felt that as Bea was growing, I was growing,” she explains. “I just felt very connected to her.”

Krasinski’s inspiration for the film came from his two young daughters, whom he shares with actress Emily Blunt. He tells Parents he always wanted to write a film about imaginary friends for his daughters, but it wasn’t until he saw how the pandemic affected his girls that he decided to sit down and finish writing the film. 

“I used to stand in the doorway and watch these girls disappear into this magical world that you know we’re not allowed in, and I remember thinking not only how joyful they were but how authentic they were,” he explains. “They were themselves. They got to do voices and wear whatever they wanted.”

“And then the pandemic hit,” he goes on. “Slowly their light started to go out and they were doing fewer and fewer imaginary games and started asking big questions like ‘Are we going to be ok?’”

He realized his daughters were growing up too fast, and because of what was happening around them, they felt forced to give up on their childhood. So he promised them he would “write a movie about how you never have to give up on that magical world.”

He wrote it at the same time he was producing the YouTube show Some Good News , to “put good energy out in the world,” but also to “talk about big and hard things as long as you do it with love and hope.”

“I’ve never been more scared to show anything to anyone in my entire career,” Krasinski admits of the trepidation he felt before showing the final cut of the movie to his daughters. 

“I got two little thumbs up and to this day I’m still processing it,” he beamed. “Finally, I’m in the cool category. They had no idea what I did for a living and Emily was off to the races with Mary Poppins and Jungle Cruise , and now I’m there!”

The Stellar Cast of IF

Not only was the film a love letter for Krasinski’s daughters, but two of the animated characters were created directly from their imaginary play time.

“Ally,” (a pink alligator voiced by Maya Rudolph), was an imaginary friend that lived under their bed, and “Marshmallow” was another real IF created by his daughters, whom Krasinski ended up voicing in the film. Keeping it all in the family, there’s a unicorn IF voiced by Emily Blunt.

Kids will no doubt be drawn to the live-action animated IF’s, particularly “Blue,” voiced by Steve Carell, and each fantastical creature Krasinski created with their own unique backstory and charm.  That includes “Keith,” an invisible prankster IF who becomes a thorn in Cal’s side. 

A who’s who of Hollywood stars was enlisted to voice the myriad of imaginary characters including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Matt Damon, Amy Schumer, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Awkwafina, Blake Lively, Maya Rudolph, and Jon Stewart. The late Louis Gossett Jr. voices a wise bear named “Lewis,” and Krasinski admits he was starstruck to have one of his favorite actors he watched during his childhood, starring in a film he created. 

While imagination was very much part of the storyline, it was also very much part of the movie-making process. Krasinski helped the actors move past the logistical challenges of interacting with characters that were physically not in the scene by shooting some scenes using puppets and stuffed animals.

“Imagination is part of our job. We do it every day. Especially in this movie, we had to imagine a lot because they weren’t there,” Fleming says.

I don’t remember if I had an IF but, I’m sure I must have when I was younger. Before watching the movie, I feared that because of this, I’d feel a bit left out. But the film helps those of us who can’t quite remember still feel like we’re part of the process by tapping into the triggers that bring us back to those special childhood days. 

For Krasinski, “it’s the smells, it’s the sounds, it’s the music cues, or it could be a line from a movie that someone says,” that triggers joyful memories of his childhood. 

In particular, Tina Turner’s 1984 hit song “Better Be Good To Me,” which he uses in a grand musical number featuring all of the IFs in the film. He says he included it as a way to pay tribute to his mom who was a “huge Tina Turner fan” which made him one too.  

“I was an 8-year-old who knew all the words to all the Tina Turner songs," Krasinski says. "Like imagination, your memories are stirred up by things that may not be deliberate. The smell of your mom’s cooking or the music she was listening to make you who you are.”  

For me, it’s seeing the waves crash in the ocean and Bob Marley's songs. Hearing reggae brings me back to vacations with my parents in Jamaica, which were probably some of the best moments of my childhood. The film emphasizes that through the right triggers, the magic of childhood is never really lost, even when we become adults. 

When you head to the theater, be prepared (with tissues) for an emotional experience that might make you consider the imaginary characters we created as children may somehow still be providing comfort, joy, and guidance in our later years. The “What If?” where anything is possible. Because as Blue says, “All kids need their IFs, especially when they grow up.” 

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John Krasinski’s ‘IF’ is a magical, family-friendly movie — despite its imperfections

Here’s what parents should know before taking their kids to see the movie.

By Caroline McDonald

John Krasinski’s “IF” is one of the sweetest family movies I’ve seen in several years, at least since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film features a star-studded cast with familiar faces such as Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski. Steve Carrell plays Blue — a giant, purple, fluffy imaginary friend, also known as an “IF” — while the voices behind the other IFs include Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Blake Lively, Bradley Cooper and others.

The film follows the journey of these imaginary friends who, having been forgotten by their children, seek companionship again.

The movie adopts a safe and comfortable narrative for children while featuring deeper themes of loss, grief, hope and love. As an adult, I found the movie nostalgic and evocative. And partnered with Michael Giacchino’s stirring soundtrack, the story brought tears to my eyes more than once. The movie provided opportunities to laugh, to cry and to imagine.

Despite its occasional quirks and strained script, the magic and catharsis of the movie was inviting. Here are some things to know before watching it.

What is the movie about?

Bea (Cailey Fleming), a 12-year-old girl, is staying with her grandmother while her father (Krasinski) is in the hospital, awaiting surgery. Bea’s internal struggle becomes clear: Since her mother’s premature death, she fears another familial loss, which leaves her decidedly telling those around her that she is no longer a little kid.

Inexplicably, Bea begins to encounter a variety of IFs, including lovable Blue (Carell) and graceful Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Cal (Reynolds) is the only other person who can see all the imaginary friends. The two team up to help lonely, “retired” IFs reconnect with the grown-up children they once looked after.

While director John Krasinski has directed other films — most notably “A Quiet Place” — “IF” is “his most personal project to date,” according to CBS News .

He also explained that his inspiration came from watching his two daughters, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic took place. “I saw their light starting to go out,” he told CBS News. “And I saw that the world started to seep in, and that is the definition of growing up.”

According to CBS News, it was at that moment Krasinski began to create “IF.” He wanted it to be a reminder to his children that “the magical world they’ve created will forever be a sanctuary for them, regardless of the challenges the real world presents.”

What parents should know

“IF” is rated PG. I found the jokes silly and endearing — in the theater, there were rows of kids who were laughing throughout the hour-and-a-half movie. The larger themes of “IF” might go over the heads of the little ones in the audience, but older children will likely resonate with the story.

According to a USA Today review, “Tweens and teens ... will likely engage with or feel seen by Bea’s character arc, struggling to move into a new phase of life while being tied to her younger years.”

While the magic of the film was evident, it had slow start. It was about halfway through the movie when I felt like the story had finally begun. The dialogue also felt simple at times, as if the script played it a little too safe.

The imperfections of the movie reflect in critics’ reviews. “IF” scored 51% on Rotten Tomatoes . However, the accompanying audience score was an 87%, and the movie has been generally well-liked.

Personally, I wholeheartedly appreciated the film. I thought it was funny, adorable and touching. Most importantly, I think it is worth the watch.

The movie, according to Variety , is also expected to have a successful box office weekend, with an anticipated $40 million box office debut.

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Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’: What to Know

After its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, we can answer your many questions, though some details still puzzle us.

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By Kyle Buchanan

Reporting from Cannes, France

“Megalopolis,” the first film from the director Francis Ford Coppola in 13 years, premiered Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival. Self-financed by Coppola, the $120 million passion project has earned headlines about a reportedly chaotic shoot, allegations of misconduct and questions about the film’s commercial prospects.

But what exactly are we dealing with here? Now that I’ve seen “Megalopolis,” let me try to answer the questions you might be asking.

What is “Megalopolis” about?

Any attempt to sum up “Megalopolis” will impose more narrative onto this movie than it actually contains, but here goes. Adam Driver plays Cesar Catalina, a visionary architect who dares to ask: What if a major city looked like an Iris Van Herpen dress? Like so many great men in movies, he is Haunted by Visions of a Dead Wife, but still finds himself falling for Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), the daughter of Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), mayor of the city that is sometimes called New Rome but that resembles New York.

Cicero, who despises Catalina for his reckless idealism, is one of many characters trying to bring the architect to heel. Other rivals include Clodio (Shia LaBeouf), a party boy turned politician, and Wow Platinum (Aubrey Plaza), a financial reporter determined to bed or plot against every powerful man in her orbit.

Wait, her name is Wow Platinum?

Yes, you read that correctly.

What exactly is the tone of this movie?

Despite the big budget, huge sets and scenes soaked in special effects, “Megalopolis” finds Coppola in the same experimental-filmmaker mode he employed for his two most recent movies, the indies “Tetro” (2009) and “Twixt” (2011). Few scenes are shot or edited in a conventional manner: Coppola employs split screen, projection techniques and artsy montage at will, and the pacing of any given sequence can change on a whim.

Sometimes, that anything-could-happen approach is beguiling: Midway through the Cannes press screening, a spotlight shone on a man in the front of the theater who asked questions that Driver’s Caesar would answer onscreen. At other times, though, it feels like the filmmaker is just throwing things at the wall and hoping that something will stick.

Is it true the film doesn’t have a path to theaters yet?

Coppola has been unable to find a studio buyer for the movie and it’s clear why: “Megalopolis” is likely to confuse and divide mainstream audiences. No two actors in this movie are on the same page about how to perform it, and the result is a mishmash of acting styles and big, misbegotten choices that had some journalists at the festival giggling in disbelief. The dialogue is either bluntly declarative or totally impenetrable, and Coppola often interrupts the action with shots of featured extras so prolonged that you can tell with certainty that you’re looking at one of the filmmaker’s relatives.

Though Coppola hopes to secure a wide release for “Megalopolis” that includes IMAX theaters, the film will pose a challenge for any distributor.

What controversies surround “Megalopolis”?

A report in The Guardian this week detailed what anonymous sources described as a chaotic “Megalopolis” shoot. They also alleged that Coppola tried to kiss some of the female extras featured in a nightclub scene. Asked about those accusations, executive co-producer Darren Demetre told The Hollywood Reporter that he was unaware of any harassment complaints made during the production, but acknowledged that Coppola “walked around the set to establish the spirit of the scene by giving kind hugs and kisses on the cheek to the cast and background players.”

Coppola himself has not addressed the accusations, though he’s expected to be asked about them at the film’s Cannes news conference on Friday. It may be notable that in “Megalopolis,” the protagonist is briefly embroiled in his own sex scandal: Catalina is caught in bed with a 16-year-old pop star, but he’s vindicated in the public eye when it turns out she’s actually 23 and lying about her age.

Could the movie become an awards player?

Well, the production design is pretty impressive. And there certainly are a lot of special effects.

Coppola is a five-time Oscar winner and I’m sure he will win admirers in the academy simply for financing the film himself and taking such a big swing. But it’s hard to imagine “Megalopolis” penetrating any of the major categories.

Sorry, I’m still stuck on this: Wow Platinum?

You and me both, reader.

Kyle Buchanan is a pop culture reporter and also serves as The Projectionist , the awards season columnist for The Times. More about Kyle Buchanan

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Miller’s Girl | 2024 | R | – 7.2.9

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Miller’s girl violence/gore 2, miller’s girl language 9, miller’s girl substance use, miller’s girl discussion topics, miller’s girl message.

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Maxton Hall review: This swoony private school romance makes the grade

Prime Video's series adaptation of Mona Kasten's YA hit "Save Me" stars Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung.

Kristen Baldwin is the TV critic for EW

James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) is a star athlete, an heir to his wealthy family’s fashion brand, and so physically perfect he could be mistaken for the younger brother of Michelangelo’s David. Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten) is a scholarship student, brilliant and unassumingly beautiful, who works a waitressing job after school to help augment her family’s finances. Ruby thinks James “embodies everything that is wrong in the world of the rich.” James doesn’t even know Ruby exists — until an unexpected encounter throws them together. You know where this is going.

Maxton Hall — The World Between Us follows the YA enemies-to-lovers blueprint to the letter, and that soothing familiarity is its greatest strength. Based on Mona Kasten’s hit novel Save Me , the German-language romantic drama on Prime Video is a swoony, soapy, lushly produced treat that evokes all the right feels, as the kids probably no longer say.

Stephan Rabold/Prime Video

Ruby Bell has one goal in life: Oxford University. As a top student at Maxton Hall, an elite private school packed with kids from rich and powerful families, Ruby doesn’t mind being “invisible” to her uber-wealthy peers because it allows her to focus on her studies. But when she accidentally learns a scandalous secret about Lydia Beaufort (Sonja Weißer), James rushes to protect his twin sister by persuading Ruby — as obnoxiously as possible — to keep quiet. The escalating tensions between Ruby and James result in a comic catastrophe at an important school gala, prompting Maxton Hall’s humorless headmaster (Thomas Douglas) to craft a punishment that forces them to work together. Eventually, their barbed insults soften into cheeky flirting, and the likeliest of unlikely love stories begins.

The titular world between Ruby and James is less about money than it is family, and much of the charm of Maxton Hall comes from time spent with the Bell clan at their humble home. Ruby actually enjoys hanging out with her parents, Helen (Julia-Maria Köhler) and Angus (Martin Neuhaus), and she’s best friends with her younger sister, Ember (the immensely charismatic Runa Greiner), a bubbly and confident aspiring fashion designer. Though Angus suffered an accident that left him in a wheelchair and the family’s bank account is all but bare, the Bells are rich in love. The scenes between Ruby and her family, especially those with Neuhaus’ Angus, radiate a genuine warmth.

The atmosphere at the Beaufort mansion, by contrast, is chilly and harsh. James and Lydia live under the steely glare of their father, Mortimer (Fedja van Huêt), a ruthlessly ambitious and demanding power broker who expects his son to take over the company after attending Oxford. Mortimer all but ignores Lydia, and the twins’ mother, Claudia (Clelia Sarto), never challenges her husband’s severe parenting style. The closest James has to a real father figure is his chauffeur, Percy (Hyun Wanner), a fact that is as tragic as it is ridiculous. Though it’s not as self-aware as the original Gossip Girl , Maxton Hall treats the rarefied world of its wealthy characters as equal parts aspirational and absurd.

As the central couple navigates their class-crossing love story, no romantic trope is left behind: The charged and awkward moment on the dance floor when the music switches from a peppy pop song to a ballad; the constantly interrupted first kiss; the snooty mean girl (Eli Riccardi) who thinks James is hers for the taking. Naturally, Ruby and James teach each other important life lessons: She encourages him to find his true passion; he reminds her that the future isn’t as important as now.

Prime Video

Sure, James’ transformation from arrogant bully to soft-hearted sweetie is whiplash fast, but Maxton Hall knows what its audience wants: #Juby! (#Rames?) The improbable about-face wouldn’t work as well as it does if the leads didn’t have such appealing and authentic chemistry. Herbig-Matten brings a likable sharpness to Ruby, while Hardung reveals the sadness behind James’ icy gaze as he dares to imagine a life away from his father’s control. (One note: Viewers who dislike subtitles can watch Maxton Hall dubbed in English, but be warned, I found the sterile, uncanny smoothness of the dubbed dialogue almost intolerable.)

Six episodes isn’t enough to serve multiple subplots, but Maxton Hall squeezes them in anyway: James’ gay friend Alistair (Justus Riesner) nurses a crush on his classmate, and Lydia frets over a secret romance that could upend her life. Perhaps showrunner Daphne Ferraro is just seeding the ground for a potential second season, as there are two more installments in Kasten’s series: Save You and Save Us . I hope Prime Video greenlights another semester at Maxton Hall ; this broken boy-meets-brainy-girl story is by the book in the best way possible. Grade: B+

Maxton Hall — The World Between Us premieres Thursday, May 9, on Prime Video.

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'Evil Does Not Exist' — or does it? — in this mysterious Japanese eco-drama

Justin Chang

Ryô Nishikawa plays Hana in Evil Does Not Exist. via Janus Films hide caption

Ryô Nishikawa plays Hana in Evil Does Not Exist.

What do you do after you've directed a talky, three-hour Japanese drama that became a critics' darling and major arthouse hit and received four Oscar nominations, winning one for best international feature?

If you're Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, the gifted 45-year-old filmmaker behind Drive My Car , you step back and go for a long walk in the woods, in search of fresh air and new ideas.

The result is a mesmerizing new movie, Evil Does Not Exist , that leaves behind the mostly urban settings of Hamaguchi's earlier films like Happy Hour and Asako I & II . It takes place in a rural village within driving distance of Tokyo, that's home to a close-knit community of about 6,000 people.

'Drive My Car' may be the most absorbing ride you take all year

The first two characters we meet are a young girl named Hana and her single dad, Takumi, a woodcutter who knows the surrounding forest better than most. The movie sets a gently pastoral rhythm, following father and daughter as they walk through the woods, identifying trees and other plants and stumbling on the occasional dead deer.

Takumi, wonderfully played by Hitoshi Omika, knows that their presence here is disruptive, but he and his fellow residents do strive to be good, responsible stewards of the land. And so they're incensed when they learn that a company is planning to build a glamping resort in the area, with potentially disastrous environmental consequences.

And so Evil Does Not Exist begins as a kind of ecological parable, pitting townsfolk against corporate developers. The centerpiece is a brilliantly written and acted sequence in which the company reps meet with the locals, promising that the campsite will bring tourists and boost their economy.

But the locals aren't fools, and one by one, they raise issues, from the risk of wildfires from BBQ pits to the septic tank that will pollute the town's water supply. The sequence has some of the texture of a Frederick Wiseman documentary , and it's similarly skilled at turning a slideshow presentation in a community center into the stuff of engrossing drama.

There's a turning point in the story when one of the company reps — Takahashi, played by the actor Ryûji Kosaka — seems to fall under the spell of this wooded region and even fantasizes about moving here. For a while it looks like the movie might be the story of a city mouse turning country mouse.

But nothing about Evil Does Not Exist turns out to be predictable. As he's done before, Hamaguchi gives us characters who are too complicated and richly drawn to be reduced to any one type. Yet that doesn't explain how hauntingly different this movie feels from his other work.

It's more sparsely written and more unsettling in tone. The musical score, composed by Eiko Ishibashi, is both lush and ominous, and it often cuts off abruptly, to disorienting effect. The outdoor scenery is shot with a crystalline beauty, but the longer you watch, the more sinister the imagery becomes. At times Hamaguchi positions the camera at ground level looking up, as if to show us the perspective of the earth itself. In these moments, the human characters suddenly look strangely alien, like the interlopers they are.

I've seen Evil Does Not Exist a few times now, and each time it's held me rapt, only to leave me feeling profoundly unnerved. Much of that has to do with the ending, which is confounding in ways that have already generated a lot of debate. I'm still wrestling with the ending myself and what it says about the human compulsion to dominate one's environment. I'm also still getting a handle on the title. It's as if Hamaguchi is trying to get us to look at the natural world, human beings included, beyond the comforting framework of good vs. evil.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the character of Takumi, whom Omika plays with an inscrutability that both frightens you and draws you in. He may be a loving father and caretaker of the land, but Takahashi misreads him at his own peril. It's the two lead actors' performances that keep you watching through the shattering final moments. Whether or not evil exists, I'm glad a movie this mysterious and powerful does.

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Tarot Parent Guide

This aggravating film isn't worth your time or money..

Theaters: After breaking one of the cardinal rules of tarot, a group of friends are haunted by the evil they have unleashed from the deck.

Release date May 3, 2024

Run Time: 92 minutes

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The guide to our grades, parent movie review by keith hawkes.

Renting out a big old house in the Catskills for a birthday party sounds like a great idea on the surface. And Haley (Harriet Slater), Grant (Adain Bradley), Paige (Avantika Vandanapu), Paxton (Jacob Batalon), Madeline (Humberly Gonzalez), Lucas (Wolfgang Novogratz), and birthday girl Elise (Larsen Thompson) are certainly having a good time. Looking for some entertainment, they break into a locked basement in the property and do tarot horoscope readings with a deck they find.

It’s all fun and games – until they get home, and Elise is killed in a bizarre accident. A random tragedy, right? When another member of the group dies in an equally unlikely incident, though, the survivors notice that their friends are dying in an oddly similar manner to the tarot readings they had. Haley, who did the readings, is determined to find out how to stop this and save her friends…and herself.

The nice thing about movies like this is, even if the characters are an insufferable, illiterate, and joyless batch of utterly hapless, hopeless clowns, there’s usually something horrid lurking around the corner to murder them. There’s an added bonus here, too: As the film goes on, the amount of dialogue drops off as characters get whacked. The story doesn’t really make a ton of sense, but I don’t think that was even a consideration for the filmmakers, who seem more interested in seeing how many times they can make a CGI Halloween mask lurch into camera range before it stops being scary and starts being annoying. I don’t know what the final total was, but it got annoying by the third one, roughly ten minutes into the movie. Things went downhill quickly.

Of course, if you’re looking for an excuse not to go to Tarot , I’ve got some options for you. There are the 15 scatological profanities (admittedly low for a horror flick), the bloody violence (about average for rating and genre), or the regular weed use. The best reason, though, is because this movie is worth neither your time nor money, and frankly, I think reading this review qualifies as occupying too much of your attention. Go forth and forget about it! Everyone else will have done so by this time next month.

About author

Keith hawkes, tarot rating & content info.

Why is Tarot rated PG-13? Tarot is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for horror violence, terror, bloody images, some strong language and drug content.

Violence: A character is bludgeoned to death with a wooden object. Others are hanged, stabbed, hit by a train, and sawn in half. A silhouette of a woman cutting her own throat is seen several times. Sexual Content: There is a brief reference to strip poker. Profanity: There are fifteen scatological curses, one sexual expletive, and frequent use of mild curses and terms of deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: Adult characters are seen drinking and vaping what is implied to be marijuana.

Page last updated May 3, 2024

Related home video titles:

This film has are some similarities to films like The Nun , Truth or Dare , Final Destination , and Blumhouse productions such as Insidious and Fantasy Island .

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