Friday, July 9, 2021

Movies Update: ‘Black Widow,’ ‘Legally Blonde’ and More

Plus a report from Cannes
Author Headshot

By Stephanie Goodman

Film Editor

Hi, movie fans!

It's the height of the summer moviegoing season, but here at the film desk we have our eye on the fall. That's because the Cannes Film Festival has finally gotten underway, giving us our first look at titles headed here in the months to come.

The festival was canceled last year because of the pandemic, and some of the 2020 competition entries, like "The French Dispatch" from Wes Anderson, were held until the event could resume. Perhaps that's why this competition feels especially strong, or at least really interesting.

ADVERTISEMENT

That would go for the opening-night film, "Annette," the Leos Carax musical starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. Our columnist, Kyle Buchanan, is covering the festival and reports that the esoteric production received a standing ovation that lasted so long the director and lead actor lit up cigarettes while waiting it out. No, smoking was not allowed, but festivalgoers have been selective about which rules to observe, including pandemic protocols like mask-wearing.

Stateside, the film industry is tracking how the new Marvel release "Black Widow" will perform at the box office. It's the first stand-alone film for the title character, played by Scarlett Johansson, and it is opening simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ (for an added fee).

Our critic's verdict is already in: The movie "uncomfortably mashes up a heartwarming family reunion flick with a spy thriller," Maya Phillips writes. If you want something smaller-scale, A.O. Scott recommends "The Woman Who Ran," the latest from Hong Sangsoo, "an indispensable comedian of modern manners, good and bad."

See you at the movies!

ADVERTISEMENT

MORE MOVIE REVIEWS

'First Date' Review: Modern Action Romance Propelled by a '65 Chrysler

The filmmakers Manuel Crosby and Darren Knapp pack their debut, starring Tyson Brown and Shelby Duclos, with oddballs and left turns, but their script has heart.

By Amy Nicholson

Article Image

'Her Socialist Smile' Review: Helen Keller, Radical

This new documentary is a fascinating and challenging exploration of Keller's political thought.

By Glenn Kenny

Article Image

'Scales' Review: A Sensual Fable With a Feminist Bent

From Saudi Arabia, this dystopian tale is heavy on evocative visuals at the expense of a more satisfying story.

By Beatrice Loayza

Article Image

'The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52' Review: Sea Hunt

The documentary filmmaker Joshua Zeman assembles a team to look for a solitary whale who calls out at a particular frequency.

By Jeannette Catsoulis

Article Image

'Summertime' Review: Poetry and Motion in Los Angeles

In this film that uses spoken word poetry as its guiding light, the camera only stops long enough for its new subject to enter a recitation.

By Teo Bugbee

Article Image

'Running Against the Wind' Review: Love and Friendship in Addis Ababa

Two childhood best friends reunite in this unfocused yet uplifting sports drama by the filmmaker Jan Philipp Weyl.

By Beatrice Loayza

Article Image

'Rock, Paper and Scissors' Review: There's No Place Like Home

In this Argentine drama, two unhinged siblings trap and torture their half sister after she pursues her share of their father's inheritance.

By Lena Wilson

Article Image

'The Price of Freedom' Review: Guns Across America

Judd Ehrlich's documentary charts the increasing radicalization of the National Rifle Association's rhetoric.

By Ben Kenigsberg

Article Image

How are we doing?

We'd love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to moviesupdate@nytimes.com.

Like this email?

Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Movies Update from The New York Times.

To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

twitter

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018

No comments:

Post a Comment