By John Corrado

New releases for the week of November 8th, 2024.

Theatrical Releases:

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Wide Release): Directed by Dallas Jenkins (creator of The Chosen), this adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s 1972 children’s book is a wonderful and meaningful family movie about the true meaning of Christmas. The story follows a group of outcast siblings who take over the local church pageant, much to the chagrin of the community. It’s led by solid work from Judy Greer as the mother in charge of directing the show, backed up by a troupe of kid actors. This one really worked for me, and I’m hoping it does well with families and church groups over the Christmas season. It’s a really charming film that has all the warmth of a holiday classic, with some wonderful messages about acceptance and understanding. (Full Review)

A Real Pain (Limited Release): Jesse Eisenberg’s sophomore effort as director follows David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Cullen), two cousins who reunite for a Holocaust tour in Poland. I saw this one at a screening a few weeks ago, and am still thinking about it. Eisenberg and Culkin nail the specific dynamic of playing cousins, and there is a real sensitivity to the film’s exploration of grief and how different people process trauma. It’s short, but every moment leaves an impact, whether funny or deeply moving. And it features one of my favourite scripts of the year, with Culkin delivering what is easily among the year’s greatest supporting performances. (Full Review)

Bird (Limited Release): This latest from British filmmaker Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, American Honey) blends her usual social realist style with some more magical realist touches. Nykiya Adams stars as 12-year-old Bailey, who lives with her young dad Bug (Barry Keoghan) and befriends the mysterious Bird (Franz Rogowski). I enjoyed this one when I saw it during TIFF, and liked it even more on second viewing (the film’s more surreal touches felt a bit less jarring). It features strong performances, some great needle-drops, and the ending delivers an emotional impact. (TIFF 2024 Review)

The Piano Lesson (Limited Release): Denzel Washington continues to bring August Wilson’s plays to the screen, with him producing this latest adaptation that is directed by his son Malcolm Washington and stars other son John David Washington. This one centres around the family argument over whether or not to sell an old piano. It features strong performances, including standouts Danielle Deadwyler and Samuel L. Jackson. Playing in theatres before hitting Netflix on November 22nd. (TIFF 2024 Review)

More Releases: Heretic (Wide), Blitz (Limited), Small Things Like These (Limited), Meanwhile on Earth (Limited), Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom (Limited)

Streaming Releases:

Meet Me Next Christmas (Netflix): The first of this year’s new Netflix Christmas movies plays like a mix of Pentatonix special and Hallmark movie, which is exactly what it’s going for. Christina Milian stars as a woman on a mad dash through New York City to get a last minute ticket to the Pentatonix show on Christmas Eve, to reunite with the man she had a “meet-cute” with in an airport lounge. I put this on the other night, and it’s a cute holiday watch, nothing more and nothing less (and, yes, Pentatonix do appear and play themselves).

More Releases: Citadel: Honey Bunny (Prime Video)