Movies

2024 marks a significant milestone for “Saturday Night Live” as they prepare for their 50th season on television and delve into their origins in the upcoming movie, “Saturday Night,” set to release in theaters next month. Notably absent from the story of how SNL came into existence is Lorne Michaels, who conceived and continues to produce the comedy sketch series today. As he talks about his latest film, which recounts the evening the program’s first episode aired, director Jason Reitman shares insights on collaborating with the “genius” Michaels.

In his fifth film, director Jeremy Saulnier is adding another powerful entry to his collection with the 2024 Netflix exclusive, “Rebel Ridge.” Some are likening this movie to a more methodical and thoughtful version of Amazon’s hit series, Reacher. Critics particularly praise actor Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of Terry Richmond, a character who fights against corrupt local law enforcement without resorting to violence. While “Rebel Ridge” can be categorized as an action thriller, it offers much more in terms of visual and thematic depth. The cinematography, with its slow-tracking camera sequences and single-take shots, sets it apart from other genre films. Moreover, the surprising and thought-provoking premise swiftly propels the movie into a realm of contemporary injustice.

In the movie “The Two Towers,” the now-domesticated Gollum guides Frodo and Sam on their final approach to Mordor, a trek which includes traversing a vast, swampy region known as the Dead Marshes. The eerie title of this area is fitting, as it mirrors the trio’s harrowing experience. During their journey, they notice fires burning in the distance and Sam catches sight of a ghostly pale white face submerged beneath the water. At one point, Gollum ominously states, “Everything here is dead, decayed. Elves, Men, Orcs, all fought a great battle long ago. This is the Dead Marshes, indeed.

Kevin Hart‘s vegan fast-food chain, Hart House, has closed all its locations after just two years.

“Baby Brother,” a gritty Liverpool-set drama, is challenging to watch due to several factors. Rooted in the tradition of British kitchen-sink realism, this raw narrative is filled with intense instances of emotional and physical harshness. Moreover, it presents a complex narrative structure by showcasing two distinct days separated by years and interchanging between black-and-white for past events and color for present occurrences. This storytelling approach demands the audience’s full attention.