Fall Movie Madness Begins This Saturday

Good morning and Happy Saturday, all. Everything feels like it’s happening at once, doesn’t it? Fall is always so busy, at least in my world, between movies and school and holidays. I’m thankful you’ve chosen to open this email and share a few moments with me, so let’s get to it. (Quick Moseby update at the end, so keep reading!)

Here’s what we reviewed this week on our Breakfast All Day YouTube channel and podcast. Take us with you as you’re running around this weekend, and maybe leave a quick review and some stars if you’re so inclined — it helps people find us in the ether.

• THE SMASHING MACHINE. Dwayne Johnson bulks up and digs deep to play real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr, but there’s no there there. I kept waiting for writer-director Benny Safdie to offer his “why”: Why this man, why this story, why now? Johnson and and Emily Blunt, as Kerr’s then-girlfriend Dawn, give committed performances, but there’s nothing to these people. There is, however, a lot of awards aspiration. In theaters.

• GOOD BOY. Indy the retriever is a total star in this taut and clever film: It’s a horror movie told from the dog’s perspective. Director and co-writer Ben Leonberg cast his own beloved pooch as the lead and uses his soulful stare to create tension and mood. A creative, low-budget gem that accomplishes a lot with a little. In theaters.

• PLAY DIRTY. A star-studded action comedy from writer-director Shane Black has been a winning formula in the past (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “The Nice Guys”). But this movie is terrible: listless, joyless and seemingly endless. Mark Wahlberg just looks bored as the leader of a crew trying to steal some sunken treasure. LaKeith Stanfield, Tony Shalhoub and Keegan-Michael Key get nothing to play. This will end up on my worst of the year list. Streaming on Prime Video.

• ARE WE GOOD? This documentary about Marc Maron — comedian, actor and “WTF Podcast” host — explores his life and career. But in particular, it focuses on how Maron has been working through the grief of losing his girlfriend, filmmaker Lynn Shelton, early in the pandemic. He’s candid and entertaining in equal measure, with fellow comics including John Mulaney, W. Kamau Bell, Caroline Rhea and David Cross sharing their thoughts. In theaters.

I also had the pleasure of reviewing all four of these movies on Press Play With Madeleine Brand on KCRW 89.9 alongside my always insightful friend, William Bibbiani. Give us a listen!

• We did a LIVE spoiler chat on Tuesday about “One Battle After Another,” and had a great turnout of folks who couldn’t wait to talk about Paul Thomas Anderson’s new epic. Alonso and I love digging into movies like this, so keep an eye out for our next spoiler conversation.

• No Movie News LIVE! this week because Nic had a cross country meet at the same time, and I wanted to watch him run. (He did great.) We’ll be back next Friday at Noon Pacific, so join us and share your thoughts.

Over at our Patreon, we honored the late, legendary Terence Stamp with an Off the Menu review of “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Stamp played against his tough-guy type in this 1994 musical comedy as a transgender woman who goes on a road trip across the Australian outback with drag performers Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce. His singular, intimidating presence remains, and his delivery of zingers is masterful as always, but there’s a tenderness underneath. It was so much fun revisiting this film, especially for the outrageous, Oscar-winning costumes.

Thanks to everyone who voted, and be on the lookout for our October Off the Menu poll, which we’re dedicating to the prolific career of Robert Redford. I can’t wait to see what our members pick.

If you’re looking for a little sanity these days, I highly recommend this episode of The Bulwark Podcast with veteran documentarian Ken Burns. He’s there to talk with Tim Miller about his latest film: the six-part, 12-hour series “The American Revolution.” But the even-tempered Burns also has helpful historical perspective on what feels like an unprecedented time in our nation. “The American Revolution” premieres Nov. 16 on PBS (which is a thing we need to support while it still exists).

Before then, though, there are so many movies to watch. Next Friday, Oct. 10, is especially packed, with over a half-dozen films opening that have major awards potential or at least healthy year-end buzz.

A quick update on our foster dog, Moseby, before I wrap up for the week. He’s still with us and he’s doing great. We’ve gone back and forth on whether to adopt him. The folks at Boston Buddies may have a permanent home lined up for him, though, and if that works out, we’ll be happy to have served as a bridge. But as you can see, he’s made himself quite comfortable with us.

We’ve never fostered before, but it’s been an enriching experience. Moseby has been a delight to have around the house, and it feels good to help. Check back with me, though, when we have to say goodbye and I’m a blubbering mess. Will keep you posted!

That’ll do it for me this week. I need to head out soon for an 830am showing — yes, you read that right — of Taylor Swift’s “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl.” This is the one-weekend movie event connected with her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” and while I’m not a huge fan of hers, I am fascinated with her savvy work within the film world. (We did enjoy her Eras Tour concert movie.) Thanks so much for sharing some of your time with me this weekend, and if you’ve enjoyed my newsletter, I’d be honored if you’d pass it along. Have a great week, and I’ll see you back here next Saturday.