At the Movies: On the Rocks, Charm City Kings, The War with Grandpa, Hubie Halloween

BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN

On the Rocks

Sofia Coppola’s latest film stars frequent collaborator Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, with Marlon Wayans in a scene-stealing supporting role.

The film was first announced in November 2018 as an original film from Apple, in partnership with A24, for its new streaming service, Apple TV+. A24 and Apple will produce a number films over the next few years.

“On the Rocks” was filmed in June 2019 in New York City and celebrated its world premiere at this year’s New York Film Festival. This weekend, it opens in Bismarck as part of A24’s agreement to distribute the film in limited release before its digital streaming debut on October 23 on Apple TV+.

Critics have given the film positive reviews, especially highlighting Coppola’s return to style and Murray’s comforting performance.

Now playing in Bismarck. Coming soon to Apple TV+.

Charm City Kings

After premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Angel Manuel Soto’s “Charm City Kings” was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for a planned theatrical release. In May, after the film was held due to the pandemic, HBO Max acquired its rights as one of the first HBO Max Original Films. The film is an adaptation of the documentary “12 O’Clock Boys” by Lotfy Nathan.

Starring Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Meek Mill, Will Catlett, Teyonah Parris, and Donielle Tremaine Hansley, the film was produced in October 2018 with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith serving as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Sherman Payne, with story credits given to Kirk Sullivan, Chris Boyd, and Barry Jenkins.

Now streaming on HBO Max.

The War with Grandpa

Tim Hill’s “The War with Grandpa” is receiving some of the year’s worst reviews. The family comedy stars Robert De Niro and Oakes Fegley, with supporting turns by Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Cheech Marin, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Walken.

Filmed in Atlanta in 2017, the film was originally set for a 2018 release by The Weinstein Company. After the #MeToo movement and Weinstein’s legal troubles, the film was one of the completed productions to be shelved. Eventually, the rights to the film were reclaimed by the producers for $2.5 million and it moved to 101 Studios in June of this year.

The film is notable for one of its producers, Tre Peart, who was only eight years old when he worked on the film, making him one of the youngest Hollywood producers in cinema history.

Critics have panned the film for its poor script and eye-rolling slapstick comedy.

Now playing in cinemas across North Dakota.

Hubie Halloween

Despite Adam Sandler warning everyone that he would go back to making mindless comedies if he wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for “Uncut Gems”, he’d already finished production on this Netflix Halloween comedy.

“Hubie Halloween” co-stars Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Maya Rudolph, and Ray Liotta. It is dedicated to the late Cameron Boyce.

The film shot on location in Salem, Massachusetts in July 2019, wrapping in September.

Typical for a Sandler comedy in the 21st century, critics have been less than positive, though “Hubie Halloween” has earned higher marks than many of Sandler’s recent Netflix comedies. Some critics have also noted that the film’s clever production design elevates the silly screenplay and plot.

Now streaming on Netflix.