What to know
YouTuber MrBreast is making a real Squid Game… You know, minus the killing. This is a really wild story. MrBeast is known for completely dominating YouTube with his massive extravagant stunts, but building a too-scale Squid Game is really nuts. Even he’s admitting how expensive it is. But it’s going to get a lot of views and ad money, so why not! 🦑
Spider-Man: No Way Home poster makes official debut… [SPOILER TALK AHEAD] There have been a lot of rumors swirling about who from previous films is and isn’t in this movie and based on the first trailer, I thought some of the fan speculation was really stretching it. That said, this poster is undeniably teasing Electro (Jamie Foxx) and Sandman (Thomas Hayden Church) — which gives a lot of credence to the speculation about the Sinister Six. It even seems like Doc Ock’s tentacle is in the shape of a 6, doesn’t it? 🕷
New West Side Story TV spot hides its music… Imagine promoting what’s arguably the best and most recognizable musical of all time and not using any of its music in your ad. Hollywood must have rock solid data that marketing musicals as musicals turns people off, but are people really going to be tricked into thinking West Side Story isn’t a musical? 🤔
Wicked fans are petitioning to keep James Corden out of the movie… He hasn’t even been cast or is rumored to be cast, they just don’t want him there off the notion that he gets to be in every movie musical. I’m not going to sign it, but I’m not against it either. 🎶
AMC theaters beat its quarterly projects as moviegoing climbs back… But the company is still planning to sell its popcorn in malls and on delivery apps to make additional revenue. The movies are back — sort of! 🎟
Licorice Pizza early buzz hypes “perfect” Paul Thomas Anderson movie… I don’t want to let myself get too excited for this after a couple big disappointments from Chloe Zhao and Edgar Wright, but damn if those tweets aren’t tempting. 🍕
Alanis Morisette developing sitcom about her childhood at ABC… You oughta know Young Alanis 🎸
Vin Diesel is trying to get The Rock to come back for Fast 10… family drama! 🚙
Leonardo DiCaprio to play Jonestown cult leader Jim Jones… Leo has the dark charisma market cornered 🎬
For more pop culture news, discussion, and what-to-watch recommendations subscribe to my pals over on the Kickball Friends podcast. 🎙
What’s new this week:
Passing — Nov 10 Netflix drama film | 🍅 86%
The Shrink Next Door — Nov 12 Apple comedy series | 🍅 62%
Red Notice — Nov 12 Netflix action film | 🍅 43%
Home Sweet Home Alone — Nov 12 Disney+ family film | 🍅
Belfast — Nov 12 select theaters indie drama film | 🍅 89%
What to watch:
The Harder They Fall, now on Netflix, is pure entertainment — a rollicking, colorful thrill ride with an exemplary cast chewing the hell out of the saloon doors and saddle posts. It’s stunning that more people aren’t talking about this movie considering how much of a crowd pleaser it is.
Director Jeymes Samuel doesn’t deconstruct the Western but instead takes a familiar story and modernizes it through the lens of the 21st century Black experience, stylistic, bombastic filmmaking, and distinct hip-hop and gospel needle drops. In the trailer, the film’s vibrant colors felt out of place for the Old West, but full context reveals that’s a feature not a bug. That vibrancy is especially important when the movie’s heroes venture to the white town for a bank heist — but those details are best left un-spoiled.
Samuel's cast does more than match his cinematic energy, they elevate it. Jonathan Majors is having quite the year, showing once again that he’s an actual generational talent. Idris Elba, Regina King, and LaKeith Stanfield menace and disturb as black hats, while Danielle Deadwyler, RJ Cyler, Deon Cole, and Damon Wayans Jr. steal scenes on the other side of the coin. Then Samuel throws in Delroy Lindo for good measure, and a cameo from Underground Railroad breakout Chase Dillon just to prove you can never have too much of a good thing. All of them are having the time of their lives and you can tell.
The Harder They Fall manages to be both fun and filling. There are the requisite shoot-outs and explosions, there are quips and corsets, and even a few short musical numbers — and thanks to its A-list ensemble and serviceable script, there are big emotions and solid stakes too. But above all else, it’s entertaining. So very entertaining.
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!