Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door (La habitación de al lado) marks his ambitious English-language debut but falters in delivering the emotional depth and narrative strength of his earlier works. While Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore shine with extraordinary performances, the film’s exploration of euthanasia feels restrained, with artificial dialogue and a lack of genuine reflection. A poignant quote from James Joyce—“... the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead”—highlights the fleeting beauty of the film but also its inability to fully connect with its profound themes.

Coralie Fargeat's The Substance ambitiously critiques society’s obsession with youth and beauty but falters under the weight of its 141-minute runtime. While Demi Moore delivers a poignant performance as a fading actress turned to desperate measures, the film’s heavy-handed satire and caricatural elements dilute its impact. Despite moments of brilliance, it feels like a missed opportunity, with its thought-provoking themes undermined by uneven pacing and lack of narrative depth

Wicked dazzles with breathtaking visuals, unforgettable music, and stunning performances. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo make a captivating duo, perfectly embodying Glinda and Elphaba. The film transports audiences to the magical world of Oz, delivering both charm and emotional depth. A magical experience worth experiencing.

Angelina Jolie was honored at the 42nd Torino Film Festival for her film Without Blood, which she wrote, directed, and produced. The movie, adapted from Alessandro Baricco's novel, explores themes of trauma and reconciliation, featuring Salma Hayek Pinault and Demián Bichir in lead roles. Jolie’s appearance and the film's critical reception highlighted the festival’s emphasis on impactful storytelling and international talent​.

Juror No. 2 delivers a compelling and introspective courtroom drama that examines complex themes of justice, accountability, and moral responsibility. Nicholas Hoult’s nuanced performance as a juror grappling with his possible role in a crime elevates the film, making it an emotionally charged exploration of the human condition. Clint Eastwood’s direction crafts a quietly gripping narrative that stands out for its thoughtfulness and depth, offering a refreshing change from today’s blockbuster-driven cinematic landscape.

Con l’annuncio dei vincitori termina la XXIII edizione del RIFF – Rome Independent Film Festival diretto da Fabrizio Ferrari che, al Nuovo Cinema Aquila di Roma, dal 13 al 22 novembre, ha visto programmate oltre 80 opere molte delle quali in anteprima italiana, europea o mondiale e suddivise in 13 sezioni nazionali e internazionali: opere prime e seconde di lungometraggio, documentari, cortometraggi, film sperimentali e animazioni, soggetti e sceneggiature contraddistinte per l’originalità e l’innovazione dei contenuti e delle tecniche utilizzate.

Gladiator 2 delivers epic battles, stunning visuals, and a timeless tale of survival and destiny. Denzel Washington’s commanding performance and Ridley Scott’s masterful direction elevate the sequel, though it falls short of the emotional depth of the original. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it remains a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable return to Ancient Rome. Fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to admire in this grand spectacle.

"MaXXXine," the final installment in Ti West's trilogy, delivers an engaging yet flawed exploration of fame's dark side in 1980s Hollywood. Mia Goth's standout performance brings intensity to a story steeped in ambition and moral compromise. While the film's suspense is gripping, its overt violence and predictable conclusion prevent it from fully realizing its potential as a psychological thriller.

"Blink Twice," directed by Zoë Kravitz, keeps the audience fully engaged with its fast-paced and dynamic storytelling. The film excels in showcasing the strength of female cooperation, featuring a talented cast with standout performances, particularly from Geena Davis. However, the rushed ending and overuse of shock elements slightly detract from the film's overall depth and impact.

Milan Weekly attended LALIFF, the Latino International Film Festival, in Los Angeles, in collaboration with Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Founded in 1997 by Edward James Olmos and his co-founders, LALIFF has been instrumental in discovering emerging Latino talent, premiering first films by directors like Guillermo del Toro and actors like Gina Rodriguez. The festival features a rich program of screenings and notable guests, with a lively atmosphere that celebrates Latin culture throughout the city.

Junkyard Dog (Chien de la Casse) is a quietly intense exploration of male friendship and the complexities of masculinity set against the backdrop of rural France. The film shines with strong performances, particularly from Raphaël Quenard as the charismatic yet volatile Mirales, but struggles with pacing and underdeveloped character dynamics. While it doesn’t fully realize its thematic potential, Junkyard Dog offers a thought-provoking experience that lingers in its subdued atmosphere.

Al 51° ANNIE AWARDS, 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' ha guidato la serata con sette premi, inclusa la vittoria come Miglior Film, segnalandosi come forte contendente agli Oscar. 'Blue Eye Samurai' ha dominato le categorie TV, evidenziando l'evento come celebrazione del meglio dell'animazione sia nel cinema che in televisione. Questo riassunto incapsula una notte di notevoli realizzazioni e riconoscimenti su larga scala, essenziale per appassionati di animazione e professionisti del settore.

At the 51ST ANNIE AWARDS, 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' led the evening with seven awards, including Best Feature, signaling a strong Oscar contender. 'Blue Eye Samurai' dominated TV categories, highlighting the event's celebration of animation's best across film and television. This summary encapsulates a night of notable achievements and industry-wide recognition, essential for animation fans and professionals.

Explore the cinematic tapestry of Wim Wenders' 'Perfect Days,' a mesmerizing drama that skillfully blends realism with poetic nuances. Delve into the nuanced portrayal by Kōji Yakusho, earning him the Best Actor Award at Cannes, as he navigates the complexities of an introverted character. Uncover the film's symbolic reminders of mindfulness, intertwined with a mysterious past that adds depth to the narrative. 'Perfect Days' emerges as an ode to the curative power of mindfulness, inviting audiences to reflect on the beauty found in daily routines. With a bittersweet ending and a poignant musical backdrop, this cinematic journey deserves its solid 7 out of 10, leaving viewers captivated by the simplicity and complexity of existence.

Nestled in the heart of Tinseltown, the Hollywood Museum stands as a beacon of cinematic heritage, its halls echoing with stories from the silver screen. Among its most cherished treasures are the iconic red shoes worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz," a symbol of Hollywood's golden age. These shoes, alongside an array of other memorabilia like James Dunn's Oscar and Marilyn Monroe's bustier, weave a tapestry of nostalgia and wonder, inviting visitors to step into a world where movie magic is both a vivid reality and a cherished memory. The museum not only preserves these artifacts but also immortalizes the artistry and passion that have defined Hollywood for generations.

Home Education - Le regole del male" di Andrea Niada ci conduce in un avvincente viaggio nel cuore di un bosco isolato, esplorando temi di fede e legami familiari. Rachel, adolescente cresciuta in una setta isolata, lotta con l'equilibrio della sua esistenza quando il suo mondo viene sconvolto da un'inattesa visita. Il film, sebbene mostri potenziale nella regia e nelle interpretazioni, presenta difetti di ritmo e prolungamento, forse dovuti alle origini come cortometraggio. La scelta sonora, con suoni inquietanti dall'strumento del padre di Rachel, contribuisce all'atmosfera, ma l'appeal potrebbe essere limitato a fan dei thriller psicologici. Personalmente, credo che la trama avrebbe potuto brillare di più nella sua versione corta.

Alexander Payne, il maestro della narrazione pluripremiato con due Oscar, ha recentemente presentato il suo ultimo film, "Lezioni di Vita", al prestigioso Academy Museum of Motion Pictures di Los Angeles. Milan Weekly ha avuto l'opportunità di partecipare a questa speciale proiezione, durante la quale Payne ha condiviso con il pubblico i dettagli affascinanti della creazione del film. Famoso per capolavori come "Sideways", "Nebraska" e "The Descendants", Payne si è nuovamente immerso nella complessità dei legami umani, portando sullo schermo una storia incentrata su Angus, uno studente ribelle, Paul Hunham, un insegnante incaricato di sorvegliarlo, e Mary Lamb, la responsabile della mensa che ha scelto di rimanere a scuola durante le vacanze. Mentre il film cattura il cuore degli spettatori con emozioni e relazioni umane profonde, va notato che, nonostante alcuni piccoli scostamenti dalla sua consueta semplicità, "The Holdovers" rimane un'opera cinematografica affascinante e coinvolgente, impreziosita dalle straordinarie interpretazioni di Paul Giamatti e Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

In the heart of Rome, the XXII Rome Independent Film Festival (RIFF Awards) recently unveiled a tapestry of cinematic brilliance, honoring outstanding works that captivated audiences across genres. Giampiero Pumo's "Ciurè" claimed the title of Best Italian Feature Film, praised for its delicate narrative weaving two disparate worlds into a captivating fairy tale. Meanwhile, Guillaume Renusson's "White Paradise" earned the Best International Feature Film accolade for its emotional resonance and impeccable direction. The festival's celebration of diversity extended to documentaries, with Corrado Rizza's "Dino's Dark Room" and Efthymia Zymvragaki's "Light Falls Vertical" winning Best Italian and International Documentary, respectively. Paolo Carboni's "Polvere" and Xiaotong Jiang's "Gift" secured the Best Italian and International Short Film awards, showcasing compelling storytelling in concise formats. These cinematic triumphs, complemented by insightful recognitions and special mentions, underscore the cultural richness and innovation fostered by the Rome Independent Film Festival.

AFI FEST 2023 proved to be a cinematic extravaganza, announcing its Grand Jury Award winners and Special Mentions in categories like Live Action Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short. The festival, held in Los Angeles, showcased over 140 titles, offering a diverse array of films over five days. Notable highlights included screenings of 20 Best International Oscar® Submissions and films introduced by Guest Artistic Director Greta Gerwig, such as "ALL OF US STRANGERS," "AMERICAN FICTION," "THE BIKERIDERS," "FINGERNAILS," "MEMORY," and "PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE." With a lineup featuring 43% of films directed by women, 36% by BIPOC filmmakers, and 17% by LGBTQIA+ filmmakers, AFI FEST celebrated inclusivity and diversity. The festival's success, marked by record-breaking attendance, underscored the enduring power of cinema to unite audiences.

Get ready to be swept off your feet this holiday season as Milan Weekly Magazine brings you an exclusive look at Alexander Payne's latest film, 'The Holdovers.' With exceptional performances from the talented cast, this heartwarming tale of human connections transcends the screen, making it a must-see for cinephiles everywhere. While the screenplay may not bear Payne's signature, the film's charm, wit, and rich character development offer a delightful blend of classic Christmas magic and modern storytelling. Join us on November 10 for the U.S. release, and on November 30 for Italy, as we embark on a journey through the 1970s New England with 'The Holdovers,' a cinematic treat like no other.