Sometimes reviews don't matter
And Fincher talks 'Social Network' sequel
What to know
Five Nights at Freddy’s scores $10.3 million in previews, ahead of big weekend… Reviews are in the toilet and it’s also playing on Peacock, but that makes absolutely no difference to the legions of video game fans who wanted to see it on the big screen! Weekend projections are at $50M, but as Deadline reports, it could go higher. The trade reports anecdotally of the enthusiasm at theaters last night (which I also witnessed in person). Deadline compared it to the opening of Twilight citing people in costume and visceral reactions to the movie. Happy fans. This is all a bonus of course because as Jason Blum revealed weeks ago, the movie is already profitable. 🐻
David Fincher reveals he and Aaron Sorkin have discussed a Social Network sequel… But refused to say anything else. I’d put the odds of this actually happening as pretty low, but stranger things have occurred. The question is, is this a good idea? There’s certainly more story to tell because Facebook continued to be a disruptive force in global life — but would a sequel tarnish the near perfection of the original? There are plenty of prestigious films that got good sequels (The Godfather comes to mind) so we’ll see! 💻
Actor Dorian Harewood returning to Broadway after 45 years in The Notebook… The 73-year-old—best known for Private Practice and Criminal Minds—will play the older version of Noah. His last appearance on Broadway was in 1978’s The Mighty Gents. It’s never too late. 😮
Disney is delaying Snow White and Pixar’s Elio to 2025… The strike taketh some more. Though I do wonder if pushing Snow White will help people forget all the controversy that’s surrounded it this year. 🏰
Taika Waititi will reportedly not be directing Thor 5… I’m surprised Marvel is even planning another Thor movie and that Chris Hemsworth would still be interested. Hasn’t the story been told already? 🤔
Chad Stahelski and Henry Cavill are making a Highlander reboot… That could be good. Stahelski has put his stamp on contemporary action (John Wick) so I’m intrigued to see what he can do with fantasy. ⚔️
The Marvels suffers worst Marvel ticket pre-sales in 4 years… This is starting to look super bleak. 😬
Kenny Leon to direct Broadway revival of Our Town… It’s a classic for a reason. 🎭
Barbarian is getting a video game adaptation… Probably not sponsored by Airbnb. 🎮
Taylor Swift is now a billionaire… Can’t say it’s not deserved. 🎸
What’s new
Life on Our Planet — Oct 25 | Netflix doc series | Ⓜ️ 57
Pain Hustlers — Oct 27 | Netflix drama film | Ⓜ️ 44
Five Nights at Freddy’s — Oct 27 | Horror movie in theaters & Peacock | Ⓜ️ 29
Anatomy of a Fall — Oct 27 | French drama in theaters | Ⓜ️ 87
Returning: The Gilded Age s2
What to watch
Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall won the Cannes Palme d’Or this year, so when I saw it playing at my local Regal, I knew I had to go see it — but with that prestigious award came substantial expectations. I’m happy to report that the French family and marriage drama disguised as a crime mystery fully delivers. Triet has crafted an endlessly complex character study and tick-tock courtroom yarn that demands you sit in the grey area. It’s one of those movies that leaves you with a ton to chew on and debate with others who have seen it. And who doesn’t love that? It’s become cliché to say a movie’s plot “unfolds,” but there’s no better word to describe Triet and Arthur Harari’s script. Every scene is an unpacking and opening up of what’s come before. The layers peel back until we have a full(ish) picture of a marriage and a family. Sandra Hülller plays a massive spectrum of emotions, easily deserving the Best Actress Oscar. Not to shade Killers of the Flower Moon’s Lilly Gladstone, but Fall provides Hüller with way more, and more complicated, notes to play. Her performance is pretty stunning. If Anatomy of a Fall is playing near you, seek it out. If not, add it to your list to watch at home.
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!