Entertainment

Movie Reviews and Upcoming Release Dates

By Tony Beal

REVIEWS

“Don’t Worry Darling”

A 1950s housewife begins to suspect something is hiding beneath her perfect life.

Movies like “Don’t Worry Darling” sometimes seem like they’re designed to be a Twitter thread. There’s a cast of hot people (most of whom are usually good at acting), and a visually appealing location and style, set within a topical thriller that is filled with moments designed to be screen capped or clipped. At its core, the film is a hollow retread of much more complex stories before it, particularly in its themes of sexism. The actors don’t seem to think much of the material. Chris Pine and Olivia Wilde walk away as the only entertaining performances because of how they ham it up. But, while the former is getting more ambitious as a director, there’s still not much beyond it. This is a movie of empty calories disguised as brain food.

“Bros”

Two men with commitment issues attempt a relationship.

“Bros” is a very annoying movie that very much loves itself, which perhaps makes sense since this is a movie co-written and starring Billy Eichner. If you’re not a fan of his loud, in-your-face style of humor, you’re going to absolutely hate it. Even though the cast is sincerely trying, it feels like the film doesn’t really explore what makes the LGBT+ community diverse, save for some punchlines, despite the starting joke about how love life is different from traditional love stories seen in some of Nicholas Stoller’s previous films like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Neighbors.” It’s a film that wants to be more important than interesting, and it’s a shame when we’re in a time with few comedies like this being made.

“Halloween Ends”

Years after Michael Myers’ last massacre, Laurie Strode must face him once more after murders begin again in his fashion.

Your mileage on “Halloween Ends” will depend on how you feel about older, cheesier horror films and if you want to watch someone’s descent into madness. Though the sudden change in character dynamics and heightened vibe will turn off viewers, it fits given the film’s focus on how distrustful and harsh the people of Haddonfield have become after the last two films. Jamie Lee Curtis’ last performance in her iconic role is a great development from before, giving a soft-spoken but still haunted change, and newcomer Rohan Campbell is great as our lead Corey Cunningham, convincing you of his rapid change as a character. Unfortunately, Andi Matichak is underused here, which is a shame after how much we’ve been with Allyson before. And, some of the film’s bizarre and abrupt editing choices will undermine what the film is going for. But, it’s still a solid and lean slasher, and one with an admirable change of pace that the series was needing, reminding you of how these films can be more than just killing sprees.

“Smile”

A woman is stalked by a mysterious force that digs deep into her past trauma.

At some point, there’s a point where a film’s surreal nature becomes just a cover for the film’s inconsistent rules. “Smile” is another horror film where the scares are about “trauma” but provides little thought about that. And, while it does keep an emphasis on the scares, they are laughable. The actors are trying their best, but they don’t walk away looking well, and there’s one notable argument scene that is hampered by its directing. The only element the film has that gives a sense of mood is the score, which feels like it’s meant for a different and better film. It’s hard to get mad because it’s great to see a horror debut from a filmmaker made at a studio level, but you still must put that money to good use.

UPCOMING RELEASES

November 4

• “Something In the Dirt” (Limited) • “Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” (Limited) • “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” (Roku) • “My Policeman” (Amazon Prime) • “Enola Holmes 2” (Netflix)

November 11

• “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” • “The Fabelmans” (Limited) • “The Son” (Limited) • “Spellbound” (Apple TV+)

November 16

• “The Wonder” (Netflix)

November 18

• “She Said” • “The Menu” • “Bones & All” (Limited) • “The Inspection” (Limited) • “Slumberland” (Netflix) • “Spirited” (Apple TV+) • “The People We Hate at The Wedding” (Amazon Prime)

November 23

• “Strange World” • “Devotion” • “Nanny” • “All the Beauty and Bloodshed” (Limited)

SPECIALS

ADDRESS: 3212 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix PHONE: (602) 710-2910 CUISINE TYPE: New York Style Deli Our menu at Chompie’s is chock-full of the New York Style recipes that we grew up with, and we’re thrilled to share them with you. Enjoy East Coast comfort food, like traditional matzo ball soup, knishes, and other classic Jewish dishes, right here in the Valley! You can also find our fresh-baked from scratch bread, cakes, and gourmet pastries to complete the perfect Chompie’s visit.

Chompies.com

PV PIE & WINE

ADDRESS: 4740 E. Shea Blvd., #102, Phoenix PHONE: 602-595-7440 CUISINE TYPE: Pizza, pasta, salads and wine PV Pie and Wine, your go-to neighborhood craft kitchen is officially open, serving oven-fired pizzas, pastas, salads and wine-friendly entrees. Join us to celebrate that special occasion, for casual date nights, brunch on the weekends or simply to pick up a pizza.

PVPieAndWine.com

Eat

PUZZLE ANSWERS

ADDRESS: 10626 N. 32nd St., Phoenix PHONE: 602-867-7432 CUISINE TYPE: Coffee. Food. Cocktails. Come see what’s new! We’ve expanded and refreshed your neighborhood oasis! A North 32nd favorite since 2011, 32 Shea is an espresso bar and cafe by day, and an intimate lounge offering fullservice dinner in the evenings - all connected by a 12-Hour Happy Hour. Our lush patio is dog-friendly while our drive thru window serves our entire menu to those pressed for time. Order online at 32shea.com.

32Shea.com

LITTLE ASIA CUISINE

ADDRESS: 4212 W. Cactus Rd., Ste. 1107, Phoenix PHONE: 602-843-8328 CUISINE TYPE: Southeast Asian and Hawaiian Our restaurant serves sushi, some Southeast Asian dishes and Hawaiian cuisine in the best possible way. Fall Specials: California Roll: $3.99 Orange Chicken, 3 Scoops of Rice and a Large Drink: $5.99

LittleAsiaCuisine.com

O.H.S.O. BREWERY

ADDRESS: 10810 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste 126, Phoenix PHONE: 602-900-9003 CUISINE TYPE: American Brewery O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery is a local restaurant, brewery, and distillery that is a social hot spot. Enjoy our dog-friendly patio, plush bench seating and a variety of yard games for your next lunch, dinner, happy hour, or brunch. We are all about creating unique and approachable beer and spirits in a fun, open environment.

OHSOBrewery.com

Bites

Y our Guide to Local Dining

CROSSWORD ANSWER

from page 38 SUDOKU ANSWER

from page 39