- September's Notable Moments
Double Nostalgia and a Titanic Project that might not make it past the finish line - and if it does, it'll be by the skin of its teeth. In September, Utopia clashes with Dystopia, with a meddlesome trickster causing chaos in between. In the revival of "The Crow", Bill Skarsgård (34) steps into the role of the vengeful spirit rather than the sadly deceased Brandon Lee (1965-1993). Meanwhile, the 1988 cult classic "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" sees a resurgence with many of its original stars. And to cap off the month, cinema great Francis Ford Coppola (85) invites us into his "Megalopolis".
"The Crow", September 12th
Eric Draven (Skarsgård) and Shelly Webster (FKA twigs, 36) reconnect, but their joy is short-lived. Haunted by the ghosts of their dark past, the couple is viciously attacked and slain. However, what was intended to be their final act becomes the catalyst for a bloodthirsty quest for vengeance. A mystical legend brings Eric back to life, now transformed into a spectral, revenge-seeking avenger wandering the realm between the living and the dead.
Evaluation:
Thirty years have passed since Eric Draven last exacted his grim reaper-style justice on the big screen. The initial movie adaptation from 1994 - "The Crow: The Raven" - is not only renowned for its dark storyline but also for its tragic real-life incident. Lead actor Brandon Lee, the son of famed martial artist Bruce Lee (1940-1973), met his untimely end during filming in a bizarre gun accident. The production team had to complete the movie using previously shot footage. In honor of Lee and the devoted fan base drawn to Alex Proyas' (60) film, skepticism runs high regarding the remake.
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice", September 12th
Upon suffering a devastating family tragedy, the Deetz family - including Lydia (Winona Ryder, 52) - returns to Winter River. The chains of misfortune are lifted once more when Lydia's rebellious teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega, 21) stumbles upon a secret, eerie city model in the attic and accidentally opens a portal to the ghost world. Mayhem brews on both sides of reality, and it's only a matter of time before someone invokes the name "Beetlejuice" three times, summoning the devilish prankster to spread mischief anew.
Evaluation:
This time, it's a long-awaited sequel to the original film. With Tim Burton's (66) distinct style at the helm, the original 1988 horror comedy feat. Geena Davis (68) and Alec Baldwin (66) remains a testament to Burton's skillful blending of lighthearted humor and macabre themes. Keaton, Davis, and Burton all return to reprise their roles for the sequel, a total of 35 years later. Alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara (70), the cast includes numerous bizarre visuals and a heavy dose of nostalgia.
"Megalopolis", September 26th
In the days of old, New Rome stood as the emblem of power and influence. Yet, corruption and greed have gradually eroded the city's once-mighty foundations, leaving a hollow shell of its former glory. One visionary, Caesar Catilina (Adam Driver, 40), harbors dreams of restoring New Rome to its former glory by utilizing a magical substance called Megalo. This sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation between Catilina and Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito, 66), who will stop at nothing to preserve the old order at the cost of hindering the city's rebirth. Amidst the maelstrom stands the fiery Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel, 35) - the mayor's daughter and the inventor's lover.
Assessment:
Epic movie-making is synonymous with Francis Ford Coppola (85), whose productions have often been accompanied by drama off-screen. For instance, the production of his famous war film "Apocalypse Now" was marked by several chaotic events and tension between some of the cast members. Similarly, controversy swirled around the creation of "Megalopolis", with alleged on-set turmoil, escalating budget issues, and a public relations snafu involving fake review placements in the movie's promotional materials. Nonetheless, "Megalopolis" finally makes its way to theaters, with history showing that Coppola has a knack for proving the naysayers wrong.
FKA twigs, playing Shelly Webster in the September 12th remake of "The Crow", delivers a powerful portrayal that adds a new layer to the iconic character. The cast of the 1988 "Beetlejuice" sequel, including Winona Ryder and FKA twigs, brings a fresh energy to the beloved horror comedy.
