DRUGGY DRAMA/SCI-FI
Dune: Part Two
Dune is a hot franchise. Denis Villenueve has now directed Part One and Part Two; David Lynch helmed the original adaptation of Frank Herbert's epic 1965 sci-fi novel, plus Max broke out six episodes of the Dune: Prophecy series. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Stellan Starsgard and Dave Bautista all return for the sequel; new cast members include a bald Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Lea Seydoux and Christopher Walken as Harkonnen Emperor Shaddam IV.
The action takes place on the desert planet Arrakis. The Fremen are battling the Harkonnen for control of the planet's Spice production. It's a life extender and allows users to have visions of the future. Paul Atreides (Chalamet) is the the Fremen's great hope, through he's not one of them. His super powers take them into battle in the dunes, featuring speedy sandworms and massive tanks. It's akin to Lord of the Rings in its approach to war. With Paul's GF Chani (Zendaya) walking away from him at the end, expect the focus to be on their relationship in Part Three.
Box office: $282.1 million
Similar to: Dune: Part One (2021)
Watch at HBO Max
DRUGGY DRAMA/CARTEL
Emilia Pérez
French director Jacques Audiard's cartel musical has a heart. Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez co-star as Rita and Jessi, but it's Karla Sofía Gascón's movie in the title role. She plays Emilia, a Mexican drug lord who goes through a sex-change operation from male to female. Rita, a lawywer, arranges for the procedure and handles Emilia's affairs; she's her closet confident. During the transitional period, Jessi and their children are moved to Switzerland, which she hates. Her return to Mexico has fatal consquences for several of the main characters.
The score and lyrics for the musical and dance pieces by Clément Ducot and Camille provide context as the focus veers towards finding people who've been systematically "disappeared" by the cartels. The folkloric songs are quite moving and effective.
Box office: $8.8 million (international)
Similar to: Scarface (1983)
Watch at Netflix
DRUGGY DRAMA/TEENS
Gasoline Rainbow
In documentary filmmaker Bill Ross’ first narrative feature, five high school seniors decide to go on “one great last adventure.” They set out from Eastern Oregon with the goal of seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time. It’s a tight multi-culti group of besties consisting of three guys — Micah, Makai and Tony — and two girls, Nichole and Nathaly. All the actors play themselves.
Like old-school hoboes, they hop a freight train and ride to Portland. Ross, who doubles as cinematographer with his brother Turner Ross, prefers long shots and minimal dialog. That works particularly well during the train section.
These modern-day hippie are searching for something more than a boring small-town existence. They’re not criminal-minded, except for smoking some weed and illegally riding a train. Wherever they are, they find small comforts. The goal is to get to the “end-of-the-world party," but it doesn't quite work out that way.
Box office: $29,000
Similar to: Road Trip (2000)
Watch at Mubi via Prime Video
