Movie Review Talk with Scott Mantz: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Ben is Back, Vox Lux and More
Welcome to the latest episode of Movie Review Talk with Scott Mantz! On this episode, Scott and Mara Reinstein are discussing new and upcoming releases – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Ben is Back, Mary Poppins Returns, Vox Lux, and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller bring their unique talents to a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man Universe, with a groundbreaking visual style that’s the first of its kind. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask. Directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Perschietti, and Rodney Rothman, the film features the voices of Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Liev Schreiber, Hailee Steinfeld, John Mulaney, Luna Lauren-Valez, Lily Tomlin, and Nicolas Cage. The film opens on December 14th.
In Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, an all new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.
Ben is Back is written and directed by Peter Hedges and stars Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges, Courtney B. Vance and Kathryn Newton. The film focuses on 19 year-old Ben Burns (Hedges) unexpectedly returns home to his family’s suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Ben’s mother, Holly (Roberts), is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son staying clean. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed, and a mother’s undying love for her son is tested as she does everything in her power to keep him safe.
VOX LUX starring Natalie Portman presents a 20th Century Portrait that begins in 1999 when teenage Celeste (Raffey Cassidy) survives a violent tragedy. After singing at a memorial service, Celeste transforms into a burgeoning pop star with the help of her songwriter sister (Stacy Martin) and talent manager (Jude Law). Celeste’s meteoric rise to fame dovetails with a personal and national loss of innocence, consequently elevating the young powerhouse to a new kind of celebrity: American icon, secular deity, global superstar. Featuring original songs by Sia, an original score by Scott Walker and a transcendent performance by Natalie Portman.
Mary Queen of Scots directed by Josie Rourke and stars Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. The film explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Ronan). Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Robbie). Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.
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