January’s lackluster slate of new theatrical movies turns us more and more to streaming fare and and indie releases. A few notable films hit theaters this week — the Christian-themed “Redeeming Love” and the character study/drama “Jockey” — but neither is particularly a high-profile film.
My favorites include one for kids (Apple TV+’s rebooted “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock”) and another that is decidedly not for kids (“Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn”).
“Redeeming Love”: Faith-based historical romances don’t get mentioned much in the mainstream or secular press, despite their formidable fan base. One of the genre’s most respected and popular authors — Francine Rivers — penned the best-selling California Gold Rush novel upon which this high-gloss production is based. Her storytelling powers remain on full display, and director D.J. Caruso fashions a handsome and respectable feature, but the running time here is much too long (2¼ hours) and the film is just too pretty for its own good. Rivers’ story is a loose interpretation of the Gomer and Hosea biblical tale, and in her version the lead character is the hardened and mistreated Angel (Abigail Cowen), the No. 1 sex worker at a nasty 1850s bordello. Angel is cynical and bitter from enduring a torturous childhood and adulthood, none of it explicitly rendered on film but still revealed within the constraints of a PG-13 rating.
For some inexplicable reason Angel attracts the attention of straight-laced, virtuous rancher Michael (Tom Lewis, an actor posed for stardom). Their ensuing courtship is never easy, as Angel’s past comes back at her with a vengeance.
“Love” might be best embraced by the faithful, but it is well made and has much to say about the healing power of love and how we all deserve second chances. Yet its glossy look too often conflicts with and devalues its gritty subject matter, putting a comforting soft focus lens on what should be a brutal story. All that might make “Love” more approachable, but it also strips the story of much of its power and, yes, its glory. Details: 2½ stars out of 4; in theaters Jan. 21.
“Brazen”: While I admire prolific romance novelist Nora Roberts for her utterly readable guilty pleasures and for standing up to outraged readers over casting “liberal” actor Alyssa Milano to play crime writer Grace in this Netflix original, it doesn’t save “Brazen” from being a waste. Milano and costar Sam Page — playing the cute and single detective next door — work well together, but the story is filled with such logic-defying turns as when Grace forces herself into the murder investigation of her sister. Seems sis led a double life as a dominatrix for a cheesy online site, and that’s where the story graduates from ridiculous to laughable, managing to even make leather and lace uninteresting. “Brazen” is worth no more than a laugh or two. And it’s not a comedy. Details: 1½ stars; available on Netflix.
“Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock”: There are no flatulence jokes (at least in the first three episodes). No annoying pitches for kids’ products. What the reboot of the 1983-’87 Muppets song-heavy Fraggle Rock TV series does offer is a steady stream of catchy tunes, well-defined Muppet characters, hilarious situations, incredible puppetry and soundly crafted messages about climate change, overcoming your fears and being true to oneself. It’s a delightful experience, no matter your age. Details: 3 stars; available Jan. 21 on AppleTV+.
“Jockey”: One actor oddly shut out of the awards chatter this season is Clifton Collins Jr. It’s unacceptable, given how he inhabits the soul and body of his character, a worn-out jockey named Jackson Silva who should retire but just won’t. Clint Bentley’s gorgeous, observant feature is more character study than clear-cut drama, and while there are a few plotting slip-ups here and there, Collins’ electrifying performance carries this over the finish line. Molly Parker, of Netflix’s “Lost in Space,” shines in a small but pivotal role as his trainer. Now, if only awards committees would give this best actor dark horse candidate a serious look. Details: 3 stars; opens Jan. 21 in San Francisco, expands to a wider release next week.
“Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn”: The ballsiest satire I saw in 2021 was Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude’s big slap to the face of the obnoxiously pious and judgmental. It opens with an explicit X-rated sex scene that’ll likely have some folks fleeing theaters. Those who stay put and who enjoy adventurous, edgy, and, at moments, brilliant comedy-drama will be rewarded. The long sex scene is integral to the plot since it’s a sex tape that unfortunately goes viral, leading to furrowed-brow outrage and calls to fire school teacher Emi (Katia Pascariu) who is featured in it. Jude is a hyperactive filmmaker and at times he jumps too high, but damn if you don’t admire how he operates without a safety net. With all the book banning going on, “Bad Luck” couldn’t arrive at a more opportune time to needle those so eager to pass judgment on anyone other than themselves. Details: 3½ stars; opens Jan. 21 at the Roxie, which will also offer the film for streaming. The film will also stream at the Smith Rafael Film Center.
“Italian Studies”: Vanessa Kirby’s character wanders around the streets of Manhattan in a fugue state, unmoored since she doesn’t know who she is for most of Adam Leon’s metaphysical snoozer. It’s only 81 minutes long but feels like an eternity or two. Leon’s impressionistic ways worked better in 2012’s “Gimme the Loot” and “Tramps.” Here the structure is so loose and rickety the whole scenario collapses on itself. Kirby is a fine actor, but “Studies” never feeds her enough material to work with as she drifts about, encountering new and old acquaintances. There’s just a lot of random walking and talking and no real action, making us disconnect to everything that’s put up on the screen. Details: 2 stars; available on multiple streaming platforms.
“I Am Syd Stone”: Actor Syd Stone (Travis Nelson) finds his once-promising career stuck in a stream of disposable roles in forgettable movies. When he receives a script that pushes him into new directions, it becomes a moment of truth. Concerned about his image, Stone hides the secret that he’s gay, often to himself and to his girlfriend. That changes when he meets a sweet lawyer (Benjamin Charles Watson) in the hotel restaurant/bar. Originally shot as an episodic series, the six segments have been seamlessly edited into one film by director Denis Theriault. Stone is a caring, touching “coming-out” story that’s tenderly acted by all involved and written and directed with awareness and compassion. Details: 3 stars; available on multiple streaming platforms.
Contact Randy Myers at [email protected].
