Cuckoo
Cuckoo
Scorecard, best child actors, new to streaming.
Over the past two weeks social media has been more divided over its feelings on Deadpool and Wolverine and Trap than the Smallfolk of Kings Landing once the food ran out. Our solution to end this division? Let M. Night direct the next Deadpool movie. We’ll be there on opening night. 😎 🍿
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: Cuckoo
Temp These Takes: They can’t vote or drink, but they own the big screen.
Watchlist Worthy: Live from New York….It’s Saturday Night
Pod Drop: New to streaming in August
This week’s movie - “Cuckoo”
Letterboxd Description:
Fear its call.
After reluctantly moving to the German Alps with her father and his new family, Gretchen discovers that their new town hides sinister secrets, as she’s plagued by strange noises and frightening visions of a woman pursuing her.
Best Watched With
You’re a birdwatching-obsessed friend or a person who wants to see an original story on the big screen.
End credit thoughts
Hunter Schaffer tried to warn us when she said this movie was bonkers. But if it’s an original story we’re demanding, then bonkers is the vehicle that will give us what we want.
You’re immediately thrown into the weird oddities of this world and the storyline's mystery. You’re asking questions, but probably the wrong ones. Competing with the slew of horror films released this year, Cuckoo lands the plane without any turbulence, which feels like it’s been missing in this genre.
The movie does some cool tricks with sound and visual editing that will make you lean in and wonder what the hell is going on but from a place of interest rather than frustration. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, and, in this case, it pays off.
Although this is Hunter Schaffer’s first lead role, with a thrilling and dynamic performance, it won’t be her last. Schaffer gives us the teen angst, desperation, and desire to belong that is relatable. On the other hand, Dan Stevens's performance is creepy and somewhat humorous, the kind that gives us the willies, leaving us not wanting to relate to anything he embodies.
There are a few horrifying scenes, but it’s a handful of jump scares that make this movie suspenseful—alongside the bizarre nature of the movie. There is a level of suspending disbelief, but once you break through the midway point, you won’t notice (and/or care.) Weird shit is happening, and we must know why.
With so much of talk of remakes and superhero movies, Cuckoo feels fresh and original and gives us the second-best use of a woodwind instrument since 1971. It’s lighter on the horror, heavier on the mystery/suspense/thriller, and definitely a weird indie movie. But the performances are strong, the story is solid, and we want more original stuff.
If you feel like taking a risk from your normal movie theater experience, see this one on the big screen.
Best child actors
Sarah
Lindsay Lohan. Tell me The Parent Trap (1998) isn’t a work of genius from a child actor!? I honestly didn’t know she didn’t have a twin until WAY after this movie was released and I was FAR too old to still be confused.
Eric
Kiernan Shipka. I may have recency bias, but Kiernan has been on a tear this summer so SUE ME. HOWEVER - let's go back in time. At the young age of 7 years old, Kiernan had a breakthrough role in Mad Men - one of the best television shows in the history of television shows. She had a remarkable character journey as Sally Draper through the show's 7 seasons. Audiences watched her evolve from a troubled, rebellious child to a self-aware and independent young teen, displaying in a touching and authentic way the societal shifts of the 1960s. At such a young age, Kiernan truly was one of the show's more important, endearing characters. And recently in movies like Longlegs or Twisters, she truly owns the moments (however brief) that she has on screen. I'm just happy as PEACHES (IYKYK) to have her be my choice this week.
Josh
Emma Watson. She was only 10 years old, going on 25, when she was cast as Hermoine Granger in the Harry Potter series. Hermoine was born to be played by Watson. The rest of the cast were kids who wanted to act, but Watson was fulfilling her destiny. That is why I’m picking Emma Watson as the best child actor (even though we all know it’s really Dickie Roberts. IYKYK.)
New Mexico Drew
Data (Ke Huy Quan) and Chunk (Jeff Cohen) from The Goonies are probably my all time favorite performances by any child actor. But the best child actors? Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. No one could carry a show or movie like the young Olsen twins. Full House was one of the best family sitcoms of the 90s and It Takes Two is the better Parent Trap (Sorry, Sarah. We got too chummy with our takes last week).
What’s your take? Hit Reply or leave a comment below and let us know!
Saturday Night (2024) directed by Jason Reitman
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has impacted and influenced the Film/TV industry since it’s conception in 1975. SNL launched careers such as Chevy Chase, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, and Will Ferrel. Now, Jason Reitman and the company are bringing the behind-the-scenes of SNL’s day one to the silver screen.
Reitman made his feature film directorial debut in 2000 but is probably most known for Juno (2007) and Up in the Air (2009), both Best Picture and Best Directed nominations. The cast has big names like Finn Wolfhard, Willem Dafoe, Dylan O’Brien, J.K. Simmons, Ella Hunt, and Cousin Greg. The trailer watches like it’s the baby of Steve Jobs (2015) and any Paul Thomas Anderson movie.
The historical aspect, the cultural impact, and the team bringing this one to life has earned a spot on my watchlist.
-Jp :)
Letterboxd Description:
On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. This is the true story of what happened that night behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first SNL broadcast, retelling chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, “Live From New York, it’s Saturday Night.”
Other movies directed by Jason Reitman:
Juno (2007)
Up in the Air (2009)
Tully (2018)
Presumed Innocent & New To Streaming August ‘24 #032
🎧 Listen to this podcast at Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🎥 Watch the video of this podcast on Spotify
In this episode, Josh and Eric discuss the intriguing legal drama 'Presumed Innocent' and its captivating finale. They share their thoughts on the standout performances of the cast, especially by Bill Camp and Peter Sarsgaard. The two also highlight several new and upcoming streaming releases, including 'Kingdom of Heaven,' 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' 'World War Z,' 'The Fall Guy,' 'The Bike Riders,' and anticipated shows like 'House of the Dragon' and 'Only Murders in the Building.' Tune in for their movie recommendations that range from dramatic epics to thrilling zombie films.
Follow us on Instagram:
@_sweetandcondensed_
Follow us on Letterboxd:
@justjoshperez
@ericharrison
@kellyharrison
@newmexicodrew