The best thing I’ve seen so far in 2021 is the Ratatouille TikTok musical, it’s charming and the performances – by some big Broadway stars – are excellent. If you have not yet purchased your ticket (prices are on a scale you can pay), there is still time; it runs until January 4th. The proceeds of tickets benefit the Actors Fund, a worthy cause. Be warned that the songs will definitely stick in your head, just like any good music track.
In other news I just started Bridgerton… will report back. Sauce so far.
These are some clever pickins this week for new trailers, but I found some interesting ones that all feature strong female protagonists, a fine tone to give for 2021.
Pretend it’s a city
It’s no secret that Fran Lebowitz has thoughts about many things, including her native New York City. Martin Scorsese directed this documentary in which the legendary essayist does what she does best: opinion. She talks about tourists, Times Square, real estate, and notes that “the Dalai Lama would take one subway to turn into an insane, crazy person.” Pretend it’s a city debuted on Netflix on January 8th.
The human voice
Director Pedro Almodovar makes his English debut with The human voice, a 30-minute short film based on the eponymous one-act play Jean Cocteau. Tilda Swinton plays a star as a woman waiting for her ex to return to pick up his luggage (metaphor alarm), but he never shows up. I’m pretty anxious for anything with Tilda in it. The human voice should be released later this year.
Country
Robin Wright directed and starred in this film about a woman who ventures into the Rocky Mountains desert to escape a tragedy – the trailer suggests it has to do with the loss of a child. She underestimates how brutal and difficult it will be to survive alone and is rescued by a local hunter played by Demian Bichir. Country will be released in theaters on February 12 (although it seems likely with everything going on can be pushed back).