At the Movies: An American Pickle, The Tax Collector, I Used to Go Here

BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN

An American Pickle

Seth Rogen stars in “An American Pickle” as Herschel and Ben Greenbaum, relatives separated by generations and time. After an accident at a factory in 1920, Herschel is brined for 100 years, only to emerge in perfect condition in present-day Brooklyn. He hasn’t aged a day and, when he finds his only living ancestor, his great-grandson Ben, he is less than impressed. The film marks director Brandon Trost’s debut as a solo director, having previously co-directed 2011’s “The FP” with his brother.

The film is based on a short story Simon Rich, who adapted the story for the film’s screenplay. Sony Pictures originally intended to release the film to cinemas, but sold the rights to Warner Bros. in April 2020 upon the closure of movie theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film will be released exclusively to HBO Max, marking the first “original” film for the streaming service.

Available to stream on HBO Max.

The Tax Collector

Written, directed, and produced by David Ayer, “The Tax Collector” is a Los Angeles-set crime thriller starring Bobby Soto, Shia LaBeouf, and George Lopez.

The film was first announced in summer 2018 as the second collaboration between Ayer and LaBeaouf after the two had previously worked on the war film “Fury.” Filmed on location in Los Angeles, the movie earned tabloid attention after LaBeouf got his entire chest tattooed for his role.

Like other films this year, “The Tax Collector” is receiving an unconventional rollout. This week, it will release in limited theaters, including drive-ins, and as a digital rental.

Available in North Dakota as a digital rental.

I Used to Go Here

Gillian Jacobs and Jemaine Clement star in indie comedy, “I Used to Go Here,” about a novelist returning to her alma mater to speak to students.

Jacobs, who most fans will recognize for her TV work on “Community” and Netflix’s “Love,” is earning the film’s highest praise. The film was an anticipated title at this year’s South by Southwest festival, but its premiere was canceled when the festival itself was canceled. Gravitas Ventures acquired the distribution rights to the film and is releasing it in a small number of cinemas and as a digital rental.

Available in North Dakota as a digital rental.