Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases. Larry and the critics also discuss their favorite dramatic performances from comedians.
FilmWeek: ‘Stuber,’ ‘Crawl,’ ‘The Farewell’ and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases
'The Farewell' at the ArcLight Hollywood & The Landmark
KPCC’s “The Frame” talked with director Lulu Wang at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and aired that interview on the show this week. You can listen to it at KPCC.org/theframe
'Crawl' in wide release
'Stuber' in wide release
KPCC’s “The Frame” talked with co-star Kumail Nanjiani on their program earlier this week. You can listen to the full interview at KPCC.org/theframe
'The Art of Self-Defense' at the ArcLight Hollywood
'Firecrackers' on video on demand
'Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable' in select theaters
'Armstrong' at the Arena Cinelounge Sunset
'Lying and Stealing' at Laemmle’s Monica Film Center
'Three Peaks' at the Nuart Theater
CRITICS' HITS:
Wade: 'The Farewell,' 'Firecrackers,' 'Armstrong' & 'Three Peaks'
Christy: 'Crawl,' 'The Art Of Self-Defense,' & 'Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable'
MISSES:
Wade: 'Lying and Stealing'
Christy: 'Stuber'
Guests:
Christy Lemire , film critic for KPCC, RogerEbert.com and co-host of the ‘ Breakfast All Day ’ podcast; she tweets
Wade Major , film critic for KPCC and CineGods.com
Trading Laughs For Gasps: Comedians Who’ve Shed Their Funny Personas For Dramatic Roles
In this week’s new film “The Farewell”, comedian Awkwafina steps away from her comic persona and plays a complex, three-dimensional character.
She follows the likes of Lily Tomlin, Richard Pryor and Sarah Silverman -- just a few of the many stand up comics who’ve surprised audiences with critically acclaimed performances in non-comedic films. Monique and Robin Williams went on to win Oscars for their respective dramatic turns in “Precious” and “Good Will Hunting”.
It’s not always a smooth transition from silly to serious. Comedians must shake the iconic comedy roles with which audiences associated them. One way is to change themselves completely, both in mannerisms and physical appearance, like Steve Carrell in “Foxcatcher” or Melissa McCarthy in last year’s “Can You Ever Forgive Me”. For others, playing grounded, ordinary people helps them pull off dramatic roles, like Maya Rudolph in “Away We Go” and Molly Shannon in “Other People.”
Today on FilmWeek, Larry and the critics discuss their favorite dramatic performances from comedians. Do you have a favorite film where a comedian took on a more serious role, or a notable performance by a comedian in a more serious role? Join the conversation at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Christy Lemire, film critic for KPCC, RogerEbert.com and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ podcast; she tweets @christylemire
Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and CineGods.com