New Film Releases: Horror, Drama, Comedy, and Animation Reviewed

The film landscape continues to evolve with the release of several new titles this October, offering audiences a mix of horror, drama, comedy, and animation. Each film brings a unique perspective and creative storytelling, appealing to various tastes.

Horror Unleashed in “Black Phone 2”

“Black Phone 2,” directed by Scott Derrickson, is a sequel that aims to recapture the eerie atmosphere of its predecessor. Starring Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, and Madeleine McGraw, this horror film runs for 1 hour and 54 minutes and is rated R due to its strong violent content, gore, and language.

Set in 1982, the story follows Finney Blake, now 17, who still hears out-of-service phones ringing, signaling attempts from the dead to reach him. His sister, Gwen, portrayed by McGraw, experiences haunting dreams that connect to their troubled past. The siblings embark on a journey during a blizzard to a youth camp where their mother once worked, only to confront the malevolent presence of The Grabber, played by Hawke.

While “Black Phone 2” builds on the original’s premise, it lacks some of the first film’s gripping authenticity. Nevertheless, it ties up several plot threads from the prior movie, making it a worthy continuation. The film earns a grade of B-.

Controversy and Complexity in “After the Hunt”

In “After the Hunt,” director Luca Guadagnino presents a thought-provoking drama featuring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Michael Stuhlbarg. This 2-hour and 18-minute film, rated R for strong language and sexual content, explores complex moral dilemmas faced by its characters.

Roberts plays Alma Imhoff, a Yale philosophy professor whose life is turned upside down when her colleague, Hank Gibson, portrayed by Garfield, is accused of sexual assault. The film delves into the personal and professional conflicts that arise from this incident. While Guadagnino is known for creating rich character portrayals, the screenplay sometimes becomes overly complicated, overshadowing the core issues at hand.

Roberts delivers a strong performance, but the narrative occasionally shifts focus from the pressing themes of the story to Alma’s backstory, leaving some characters feeling one-dimensional. The film receives a grade of B-, noted for its intriguing premise, yet lacking the incisive clarity one might expect from its academic setting.

Comedy with a Touch of Surrealism in “Good Fortune”

“Good Fortune,” directed by Aziz Ansari, offers a comedic take on serious themes with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. This R-rated film features Ansari alongside Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves.

The story follows Arj, played by Ansari, a man struggling to make ends meet despite his college education. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the personal assistant to a wealthy entrepreneur, Jeff, portrayed by Rogen. The comedic twist comes with the introduction of Gabriel, played by Reeves, an angel who attempts to improve Arj’s circumstances by switching lives with Jeff.

“Good Fortune” cleverly addresses themes such as economic disparity while providing entertaining antics. While it tackles significant issues, the film retains a light-hearted charm that makes it accessible. With a unique blend of humor and social commentary, it earns a grade of B-.

Family Adventure Awaits in “Pets on a Train”

“Pets on a Train,” an animated action film directed by Benoît Daffis and Jean-Christian Tassy, runs for 1 hour and 39 minutes and carries a PG rating due to action and peril. This family-friendly adventure revolves around a raccoon named Falcon, voiced by Wyatt Bowen, who embarks on a daring heist to secure food for his animal friends.

The narrative unfolds as Falcon’s plan to steal from a train goes awry, leading to a race against time to prevent catastrophe. The film’s clever storytelling and engaging characters make it a delightful watch for families. “Pets on a Train” provides a heartwarming survival story that resonates with audiences, achieving a grade of B- for its entertaining plot and charming animation.

Historical Resistance in “Truth and Treason”

“Truth and Treason,” a historical drama directed by Matt Whitaker, presents a compelling narrative set in 1941 Hamburg, Germany. The film follows Helmuth Hübener, a teenage resistance fighter played by Ewan Horrocks, who uses his voice to counter Nazi propaganda.

This 2-hour film, rated PG-13 for strong violent content and thematic elements, highlights Hübener’s bravery as he risks everything to stand against injustice. While the portrayal of historical figures often reflects modern ideals, “Truth and Treason” successfully combines a captivating story with a political thriller format. The film drives home the importance of freedom of speech and resistance against tyranny, earning a grade of B- for its engaging depiction of a significant historical moment.

As audiences look to the cinema for entertainment and reflection, these films offer a diverse range of experiences, each with its unique take on storytelling, character development, and thematic depth.