What to watch in theaters and at home this weekend February 12-14, 2021
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — I don't know about you, I'm longing for a return to a sense of normalcy. I had the pleasure of talking with Robin Wright andDemián Bichir last week about Wright's directorial debut "Land." We spoke briefly about the strangeness that was the 2021 Sundance Film Festival where the film had just premiered. They were both thrilled to have been included, Bichir was a little disappointed that his first Sundance experience was a virtual one. We often forget that Sundance is as much about the artists sharing their work and getting direct feedback from audiences as it about seeing celebrities on Main Street.
Here's my interview with Wright. My conversation with Bichir is a little further down.
Here's a look at some of your weekend viewing options.
Land
In the wake of personal trauma, Edee Mathis (Robin Wright) abandons her life in the city for a remote Wyoming cabin without electricity. Woefully unprepared to face the extremities of isolation, Edee finds an unexpected mentor in Miguel (Demián Bichir ). "Land" is a beautiful film that explores loss and recovery. [Full Review]
Where to watch: Theaters
Judas and the Black Messiah
William O'Neal was given two options. He could go to jail for impersonating an FBI agent. Or, he could join the Black Panthers and become an informant for the FBI. He joined the Black Panthers. "Judas and the Black Messiah" is based on a remarkable, tragic real story. Featuring outstanding performances fromDaniel Kaluuya as Black Panther leaderFred Hampton and LaKeith Stanfield as O'Neal,Shaka King's film is a powerful exploration of history from a conflicted participant's perspective.
Where to watch: HBOMax, Theaters
Minari
Steven Yeun stars as Jacob, the son of immigrants, who wanted more from life than he was initially given. He wanted his piece of the American Dream. Based on his own childhood experiences,Lee Isaac Chung's "Minari" tells the story of Korean American family who struggled to realize their father's dream of being a farmer in Arkansas in the 1980s. It's also arguably the best film of 2020 (even if it didn't make it into theaters until 2021).
Where to watch: Theaters, PVOD
The Mauritanian
Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster andBenedict Cumberbatch star in director Kevin Macdonald and writer Michael Bronner's adaptation of Bronner's play aboutMohamedou Ould Salahi, a man who was held by the U.S. Government for years in a variety of facilities including the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. It was believed Salahi played a role in organizing the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was never charged with anything. "The Mauritanian" feels like essential cinema. That has far more to do with the story than the film itself. The film feels scattered and unfocused and ambitiously wants to tell Salahi's story from a variety of perspectives. It might work as a stage play, it just feels convoluted and self-righteous as a movie.
Where to watch: Theaters
I Blame Society
Gillian Wallace Horvat's indie comedy sees the writer/actor/director starring as Gillian, a undiscovered filmmaker, who decides she want to make a movie about the perfect murder. She casts herself as the lead and gets lost in the role. The film is a scathing social commentary on being a woman in the film industry. Even those who present themselves as allies prove to be roadblocks. The film works for the most part. It gets a little too meta at times. I suspect that's entirely intentional. Those looking for a black comedy with a touch of gore will find everything they want in "I Blame Society."
Where to watch: Theaters, On Demand
Wonder Woman 1984
"Wonder Woman 1984" left HBO Max at the end of last month. It's still playing in theaters, and now, for those who'd prefer to watch the film at home, the movie is now available on PVOD. You'll be able to own the movie digitally on March 12 and the physical release follows on March 30. My review of the film can be found here.
Where to watch: PVOD