At the Movies: David Copperfield, The New Mutants, Bill & Ted
BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN
The Personal History of David Copperfield
Written and directed by Armando Iannucci, “The Personal History of David Copperfield” is based on the Charles Dickens classic and stars Dev Patel as the famed literary character. Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton, and Ben Whishaw co-star. This new iteration of the novel is the first theatrical film adaptation in 50 years.
The film premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and first released in theaters in the U.K. in January of this year. Due to the pandemic, the U.S. release was moved from May to August.
Critics have praised the film, calling it fresh, funny, and faithful to the novel. At the 2019 British Independent Film Awards, it was nominated for 11 awards, winning 5, including the Supporting Actor award for Laurie.
Opening This Weekend in cinemas in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Bismarck.
The New Mutants
Director Josh Boone first began working on “The New Mutants” in 2014, after the release of his book-to-screen adaptation “The Fault in Our Stars.” Filming took place in the summer of 2017 for an intended April 2018 release. As Disney began acquiring 20th Century Fox, reshoots and editing on the film were halted.
Disney bounced the film around for months until finally settling on the August 2020 time frame.
A few notable things about the film, especially with it being a big studio comic book film, include the film’s use of practical effects and the casting of the main characters, opting for talent over comic book-specifc details like skin color. For the special effects, only 10 percent of the film utilizes green screen.
Ahead of the film’s release, most media outlets opted out of reviewing the film after Disney failed to provide safe and socially-distanced screening opportunities in the midst of the global pandemic.
Opening This Weekend in cinemas in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Bismarck.
Bill & Ted Face the Music
The bogus duo, Bill & Ted, are back for a new adventure 29 years after the second film in the franchise was released.
The third film, directed by Dean Parisot, includes starring turns by the franchise’s stars Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. William Sadler returns as the Grim Reaper. The new film also introduces a number of new characters and clever Easter eggs, like a salute to George Carlin.
The film had been in development for a decade, with many studios passing on the film, opting instead for a possible reboot. With Winter and Reeves assistance, writers and the director were able to get the green light.
“Bill & Ted Face the Music” was originally set to release on August 21st. When Warner Bros.’s “Tenet” was moved to that date, United Artist moved “Bill & Ted” to August 28th. It will release in cinemas in most states, while also being available as a video-on-demand rental or purchase in the entire U.S. market.
Opening This Weekend in Cinemas in Fargo, Grand Forks, Mayville, Minot, and Bismarck. Also available as a digital rental or purchase.
Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe
Though this was never intended as a theatrical release, many fans of the hit animated TV series, “Phineas and Ferb,” are just as excited for this new adventure. Directed by Bob Bowen, “Candace Against the Universe” is the sequel to the 2011 film, “Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension.”
The creation of the film goes back to the development of the Disney+ streaming service. The studio, looking to expand its original programing for the service, approached the series’ creators, Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, who agreed.
Due to COVID-19, Disney Television Animation, where the film was being animated, was shut down. Povenmire worked on final animations and re-edits from his home. Currently, critics have given the film major kudos, remarking its comedic style is in line with the hit series while still feeling new and fresh.
Available This Weekend on Disney+.
