Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases. We also want to hear about your favorite romantic comedies after the success of “The Big Sick,” and explore why it's so difficult to keep the genre alive.
FilmWeek: ‘War for the Planet of the Apes,’ ‘Wish Upon,’ ‘The Big Sick’ and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases including:
- " War of the Planet of the Apes " in wide release
- " Wish Upon " in wide release
- " The Big Sick " expanding in wide release
- " Lady Macbeth " at ArcLight Hollywood and The Landmark
- " To the Bone " at iPic Theaters and on Netflix
- " City of Ghosts " at The Landmark
- " Blind " at AMC Dine-In Sunset
- " Endless Poetry " at Nuart Theatre
- " Chasing Coral " Laemmle's Monica Film Center and on Netflix
- " The Skyjacker's Tale " at Laemmle's Monica Film Center
Critics' Hits
- Peter: "War of the Planet of the Apes"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDcAlo8i2y8
- Amy: "Endless Poetry"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suyruCTA2I4
- Both: "The Big Sick"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJmpSMRQhhs&t=18s
Mixed Feelings
- Amy: "To the Bone"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=705yRfs6Dbs
- Peter: "Lady Macbeth"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z0N8ULhuUA
Misses!
- Amy & Peter: "Blind"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqNquS7wa0
Guests:
Amy Nicholson, film critic for KPCC and host of The Canon ; she tweets
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor
Why is it so hard to make a good rom-com?
Or maybe you love romantic comedies just the way they are.
But for many critics, “ The Big Sick ,” based on the real-life love story of star Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, TV-producer Emily V. Gordon, is being hailed as the “ best romantic comedy in years .”
The 1990s and early 2000s are often credited as rom-com’s most recent heyday — the era of “Pretty Woman,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and “My Best Friend's Wedding” — while finding examples from the last decade has proven to be a tougher exercise .
It’s not that these movies aren’t being made, it’s just that today’s romantic comedies don’t seem to be nearly as iconic or beloved as the ones we already know. So what’s the art of making a great romantic comedy, and why are they so difficult to make? What’s the last great rom-com you’ve watched? Or if you haven’t abandoned the genre, what’s recently topped your list and why?
Call us at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Amy Nicholson, film critic for KPCC and host of The Canon ; she tweets
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor