adamgehrke.com

Nearing his 30th birthday, playwriter and composer Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield) recounts his life experiences living in New York, chasing the fickle fame monster, trying to write a hit, and, balance a social life all the while. This is his story. Written by Jonathan Larson and Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this look into the life of an artist who’s time was ultimately cut short serves as a bittersweet memorial and features some of Broadway’s biggest stars in tribute. And, serious nods go to Garfield and company proving strong acting, dancing, and singing chops along the way by all. Worth your time and just shy of two hours, streaming on Netflix, tick, tick…BOOM! is rated PG-13.

With his identity revealed to the public, Spider-Man/Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for assistance in becoming anonymous again, but, when a spell goes wrong the multiverse comes calling; and, Peter must re-think his approach to life in order to learn the connection between power and responsibility. Written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, based on the work of Stan Lee and Directed by Jon Watts, this ambitious Marvel unifying beast checks all the right boxes to bridge previous installations of the Spider-Man franchise. Albeit, the film does get a bit bloaty by the time it reaches its two hour and twenty eight minute conclusion, perhaps a more discerning razor should have been used in the editing room to tighten the overall scripting. Regardless, this web slinger tale of woe is poised to become another fan favorite and make some serious coin at the box office. Spider-Man: No Way Home is rated PR-13.

Running off with the circus seems like the perfect life and escape for Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper); a straight edge down on his luck. But, with the right timing and the teachings of Zeena the Seer (Toni Collette) and Pete (David Strathairn), Stanton’s life launches as a Mentalist and Medium, assisted by his wife Molly (Rooney Mara). Enter femme fatal, Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett), the battle of mentalist vs. psychologist is afoot and holding onto one’s sanity is the prize, this is Nightmare Alley. Written by Guillermo del Toro and Kim Morgan, based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham and Directed by del Toro, this fantastical cinematic gem offers beauty wrapped around a lethal core of art deco neo noir terror and it couldn’t be sweeter! Transporting and transformative del Toro pulls this exquisite specimen from its formaldehyde jar, reanimating as only a true necromancer can, commanding tremendous performances from his ensemble. This old timey tale of woe will leave audiences thrilled and talking, just at the circuses of yesterday did, but watch out for the spook show. Running two hours and thirty minutes this R rated triller is a must see.