Film

Prey

• By Debbie Emery
• Photo Courtesy of HULU

When Prey first began streaming last month, it marked the biggest premiere in history for Disney-owned platform, Hulu. Since then, the sci-fi horror film has grown into an instant cult hit. Prey is the latest installment in the hit Predator anthology, which began in 1987 with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger blockbuster featuring a hyper-advanced alien species known as the “Yautja.” Hulu’s rendition marks the fifth film in the series and is a historical prequel to its predecessors, being set in the North America in 1717.

The film stars Amber Midthunder stars as Naru, a young Comanche warrior “raised in the shadows of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains.” While out tracking deer, Naru sees a mysterious light in the clouds, which ultimately turns out to be the Predator’s alien ship. When her camp is later attacked, Naru is forced to face the Predator head on to save her tribe. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Prey also stars Dane DiLiegro, Dakota Beavers, Michelle Thrush, Stormee Kipp, Julian Black Antelope and Stefany Mathias. The film was produced by John Davis, who was producer on all Predator movies. “People just need a fresh reinterpretation of this franchise from time to time. And if they have it, it will survive 100 years,” Davis said of the new iteration. 

“Prey” is currently streaming on Hulu. 

Blonde

• By AC Remler
• Photo Courtesy of Netflix

Blonde, the highly anticipated biographic film on Marilyn Monroe, premieres on Netflix Sept. 28, 2022. Adapted from the 2000 novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, the film—the latest of many biopics on the bombshell’s life—marks the streamer’s first NC-17 rated release due to its sexual content.

Blonde, written and directed by Andrew Dominik (Chopper), stars Cuban actress and former Bond girl Ana de Armas as Norma Jean, who nabbed the part after both Naomi Watts and Jessica Chastain were formerly attached.  de Armas is creating quite a buzz for her uncanny ability to transform into the iconic character—and a little backlash because of her periodic accent slips.

de Armas says she prepared by reading the book and studying photographs, audio recordings, and films, as well as asking herself, “How did Marilyn feel at that moment?” This likely helped elevate the film from a linear story of how Norma Jean rocketed to the height of celebrity in Hollywood to telling the human side of her life. “It’s not a traditional biopic. It’s not literal. It’s not conventional. It’s not even chronological. It’s more like an experience,” she has said. 

de Armas’ ability to exude Marilyn’s breathy sexuality comes across so powerfully, you wonder how anyone notices a slight accent in her dialogue. Adrien Brody and Bobby Cannavale also shine in roles as Marilyn’s famed lovers.

Streaming on Netflix September 8, click here.

Uncharted 

• By Debbie Emery
• Photo Courtesy of Netflix

There have been more bad video game adaptations than good, but thankfully Uncharted is one of the good ones. The action-adventure film stars Tom Holland, Mark Walhberg, Sophia Ali and Antonio Banderas. 

Uncharted is helmed by Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer and features Nathan “Nate” Drake (Holland) as a treasure hunter who teams up with Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Walhberg) to locate the famous treasure of the Magellan expedition. But to achieve this end, they must beat out corrupt billionaire, Santiago Moncada, played by Banderas. 

A New York bartender and pickpocket, Drake claims to be related to the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake (although the historical figure didn’t have any children …) Nate also has a brother named Sam, who went missing after helping Sully steal Juan Sebastian Elcano’s diary. Drake and Sully unite and embark on an epic global adventure featuring death-defying action scenes straight out of the hit video game while attempting to both find the treasure — and locate Sam.

The Uncharted video game series, which was first launched by Naughty Dog on PlayStation 3 in 2007, featured multiple spinoffs as Drake, Sully and Chloe Frazer travel around the world to uncover historical mysteries and hidden riches. While a sequel to the Sony film has yet to be announced, Fleischer has expressed interest in a follow up.

“Uncharted” is currently streaming on Netflix. 

GIGI AND NATE

• By RICH ANDREW
• Photo Courtesy of ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS

Director Nick Hamm (White Lines) takes his inspiration from real life to craft a poignant film about perseverance. Tackling the titular role of Nate is the endearing Charlie Rowe (Angelyne), who plays an eighteen year old with his whole life ahead of him. With college only weeks away, Nate enjoys his last days of summer basking in an idyllic cove, but one devastating dive into shallow waters leaves Nate paralyzed and depressed. So his mom decides to get him a service animal, and what unfolds is the heartwarming friendship between a human and a capuchin monkey named Gigi. Gigi helps Nate refine his motor skills, restoring his confidence to get out and live life. The more they venture out in his wheelchair, the more popular Gigi becomes until she attracts the attention of nosy townsfolk who protest against allowing some wild animal to run rampant in their stores. When their cruelty escalates into legal action that would separate Gigi and Nate forever, yet again Nate dives into the fight of his life. With moving performances by fellow cast mates Marcia Gay Harden (So Help Me Todd), Jim Belushi (Fairytale), Zoe Margaret Colletti (Only Murders in the Building), Josephine Langford (After Ever Happy), Tara Summers (Extrapolations), Hannah Riley (Chicago Med), and Diane Ladd (Chesapeake Shores), Gigi and Nate spotlights humanity at its best.

For more, click here.