“Jerry and Marge Go Large”
Jerry Selbee has lived his life dedicated to his job and maintaining routine until his retirement throws that out the window and he is left feeling lost. Marge, his loving and supportive wife, has tried to convince him to find a hobby, which he doesn’t until he discovers that there is a completely legal loophole in the lottery system that leaves plenty of money to be won. However, Jerry is met with the obstacle of an Ivy Leaguer who has found the same loophole and is making a play. Based on a true story, David Frankle brings us a hilarious comedy starring Bryan Cranston, Annette Bening, Rainn Wilson, Anna Camp, and Larry Wilmore.
“Halftime”
Jennifer Lopez is an icon who has inspired people for decades, hence her being awarded the MTV Generation Award at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards last night. From having to move out of her family home to pursue dance because her mother didn’t approve to performing at the Super Bowl Halftime show, Lopez has built a career as a dancer, actress, and singer and has performed on stages around the world. “Halftime” gives the audience a peek into the grit and determination that has landed her where she is today, as well as taking a look at her evolution as a Latina, mother, artist, and someone who is using her voice for a greater purpose.
“Vengeance”
Best known for his role as Ryan Howard on the U.S. version of “The Office,” B.J. Novak is gracing the Tribeca Film Festival with his feature directorial debut, “Vengeance,” in which he also stars. This film is a dark-comedy thriller that couldn’t be more appropriate for the times, speaking to the overall obsession with true-crime and how people invent conspiracies because the truth is too hard to accept. Novak stars as a journalist who travels from New York City to Texas to investigate the mysterious death of a young woman. Alongside Novak, the film stars Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher, Boyd Holbrook, J. Smith-Cameron, and Dove Cameron.
“Attachment”
Described as a horror, comedy, romance, and mystery, this film is a story about love at first sight. Maja is a Danish has-been actress paying her bills by reprising her role from an old Christmas show at local shopping centers. Leah is a young Jewish academic from London. When they meet, Maja thinks that her life may be finally looking up, that is until Leah has a mysterious seizure and has to return to her home in London. Maja follows her, meets her mother, and realizes the woman she loves and her mother are carrying dark secrets. “Attachment” stars Josephine Park, Ellie Kendrick, Sofie Gråbøl, and David Dencik.
“The Black Phone”
From the trailers and previews we have all seen, we think it is safe to say this film is an anxiety-inducing horror that fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. Centered around a 13-year-old boy who lives in a suburban town that has been riddled with child abductions, Finney becomes helpless when he meets “The Grabber.” Scott Derrickson is the film’s director and co-writer who, alongside co-writer C. Robert Cargill, manages to pull from his past experience on projects such as “Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” and “Deliver Us From Evil” to turn Ethan Hawke into one of the scariest big-screen horror villains.
“Lynch/Oz”
Alexandre O. Phillippe has developed his own brand of “cinema essay” in his exploration into the art of filmmaking and taking viewers deep into their favorite films. In his newest film, he highlights David Lynch’s obsession with “The Wizard of Oz” and argues that the film is the foundation for all of Lynch’s work. Phillippe also brings in critics, writers, and directors to share their takes on the subject and expands the conversation to how the things we love make us who we are.
“Sophia”
Most have heard of Sophia, the first humanoid robot. She’s been in the news, not only because she exists, but because she did a Q&A video on YouTube, has citizenship in Dubai, wants to become a mother, and wants to end global racism. Now, she is the subject of a documentary. “Sophia” is a character portrait not only of an AI humanoid but of David Hanson, the creator behind it (or should we say her?). Co-directors Jon Kasbe and Crystal Moselle dig into what it means to be and feel human, as well as a character study of an outcast searching for connectedness.
“God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines”
A compelling story of mismanaged success, damaged friendships, and ascendant beats, this documentary takes viewers from Detroit to Chicago to London to showcase the beginning of techno music and how Detroit was a creative hub for this genre. “God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines” has been 12 years in the making for Detroit natives Kristian Hill and Jennifer Washington who serve as the film’s director and producer. The documentary focuses on a six musicians: Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, Blake Baxter, Eddie Fowlkes, and Santonio Echols.