Movies I Watched This Week (4/28/25 - 5/4/25)

PRE-ROLL (Tonys Edition)

• the Tony Award nominations came out! Of the major nominated shows, I’ve only seen “Sunset Blvd,” “Death Becomes Her,” and “Boop” in their pre-Broadway productions, alongside seeing the Goodman’s production of “English” (separate from the one staged in New York). all other thoughts I have on particular shows are merely gathered from reading scripts, listening to cast albums, and reading copious reviews. with that, i’m very happy for the likely frontrunners for the Best Musical trophy, “Maybe Happy Ending” and “Dead Outlaw,” both of which have exciting and memorable scores, and both of which are wholly original1. it’s just nice to have some genuinely skillful musical theater writing at the forefront of the award season. I, of course, am a genius and double-booked myself the evening of the awards. I’ll watch them the next day or something!

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THE MOVIES

• PREDATORS (2025, dir. David Osit). watched on screener.

  • wrote about this for Cine-File. a rather terrifying work of non-fiction filmmaking, but one that’s incredibly insightful and thought-provoking and may just expand the limits of one’s empathy in ways you didn’t think were possible. it’s unclear when this is getting a proper release, but I hope it’s soon. in the meantime, I highly recommend Osit’s previous film, MAYOR.

  

• BLACK BAG (2025, dir. Steven Soderbergh). streamed on Peacock.

  • gave this another watch with Danielle since she hadn’t seen it yet. still sexy, still slick, still a hoot, still in love with Tom Burke and everything he’s up to. after the disappointing financial reception of the movie, Soderbergh seems to be a bit lost in the wilderness. you’ve got this, buddy. anyway, watch BLACK BAG!

  

• FRIENDSHIP (2025, dir. Andrew DeYoung). watched at Music Box Theatre.

  • caught an early screening of this as part of the Chicago Critics Film Festival. we saw this with a sold-out house that was practically eating from the palm of this movie’s hand. this is the kind of comedy that’s best left unspoiled as much as possible, but trust, Tim Robinson/”I Think You Should Leave” fans will have a field day here. Robinson has one of the most fascinating comedy faces out there, and his Angry Man Attempting Normalcy persona is pushed to new heights here within the frame of a relatively down-to-earth comedic drama. wonderful to see Paul Rudd doing good comedy again. unsurprisingly great Conner O’Malley appearance. there’s already a much-talked-about drug trip sequence that, yes, is as good as people say it is. go with friends to see this on the big screen, and let’s all laugh together at the movies!!!!!

that’s all! what’s making you laugh this week? what’s your favorite musical of the 2024/2025 Broadway Season? is Chris Hansen the Devil? discuss! until next time!