Fall arrives this month and the best movies of the year will soon fill our theaters. Over the coming months—some call it “Awards Season,” but I just call it “Movie Season”—this page will be filled with such jewels, as well as independent and international film gems, local films, documentaries, and a rundown of the Denver Film Festival in November.

We’re also beginning a new monthly film series at The Cube in Northfield, where we will screen films followed by interactive discussions on the 2nd or 3rd Friday of the month. Doors open at 6:30pm and films start at 7pm. Stay tuned to this column every month for information on dates and specific films, and buy tickets on the MCA website: www.mca2038.com.

I hope to see you there!

Film Series: Friday, September 12, 6:30pm. The Cube in Northfield, 8371 E. Northfield Blvd.

Psycho (1960)

Whether or not you have seen this classic from director Alfred Hitchcock, you probably know something about it. You may know the famous shower scene and the brilliant score by Bernard Hermann, but did you know that it was actually a small-budget, independent film? Or did you know it was one the films that “saved” the movie business at its lowest point? Or that it changed the way we went to the movies? Join us at The Cube for a discussion of these questions and more as we kick off our monthly series. I will be there to introduce the film, followed by a Q & A afterward.

Chief of War

(Now streaming on Apple TV)

This passion project from producer, writer, director, and star Jason Momoa tells the true story of a great Hawaiian chief who unified the islands in the late 18th Century. I was extremely impressed with every aspect of this production. There is a Game of Thrones feel to some of it, and while there are some violent battle scenes and Momoa is perfectly cast as a principled warrior, it goes beyond the gore and fighting and gives us great characters (with superb performances) and complicated, layered storylines. It also provides quite a few surprises, twists, and turns in what turns out to be a wholly immersive experience.

The fascinating story is one thing, but this show begs us to go beyond the curtain to fully appreciate it. Filmed in Hawaii and New Zealand, it strives to faithfully represent Hawaiian culture, tradition, and language. That language is what jumps off the screen: the majority of the show is spoken in Hawaiian with English subtitles. After a few episodes, we get English sprinkled in—thanks to some clever plotting—but the actors went through rigorous language training to give an authentic rendering of the linguistic history of the islands. I found myself mesmerized with the actors displaying breathtaking linguistic skills in addition to the professional acting itself. If you are a fan of language and/or authenticity, this show will delight you.

The settings are lush and gorgeous, the cinematography is mesmerizing and enveloping, the sound is expressive and beautiful, and the rest of the technical aspects are as professional as it gets for a streaming show. Apple TV obviously spared no expense, and thanks to Momoa, co-producer and co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, and the rest of the cast and crew, we are immersed in a land and time that most know little about. By press time, there will be six episodes available. Trust me, you’ll binge those and then anxiously anticipate the last three episodes. They won’t disappoint.

The Long Walk 

Stephen King’s novels rarely turn into great movies, but there are exceptions: The Shining is the most notable. His short stories fare much better, such as The Shawshank Redemption or Stand by Me (a novella, really). One of his lesser-known novels, however, was recently adapted for
the screen and the result is fantastic, in my opinion.

That novel is The Long Walk, one of King’s more obscure—and mercurial and dark and symbolic—efforts that has its roots back in the 1960’s when King was a college student. He wound up publishing it in 1979, and it was just now dusted off for the screen by director Francis Lawrence. The dystopian novel is fairly different than much of King’s more popular works; it is hyper-focused, rich with political and socioeconomic themes, and unrelenting in its plotting and shocking violence. Lawrence is no stranger to dystopian adaptations, having directed several of
The Hunger Games films. He seems to be the perfect fit for this film.

I will warn you that the violence is brutal and graphic, and once you realize the plot point that sets that violence in motion, it never allows you to take a breath. The story is simple: in an alternate future where war has torn apart the world, the U.S. is a broken and desperate country. To inject “energy” into the society (and the economy, it seems), the government started a yearly competition: a group of young men walk until they can’t walk anymore. They aren’t allowed to stop or slow down the entire time, and the winner earns the ultimate prize of “whatever he wants.”

Enough said about the plot. I will add that the film is gripping, surprising, touching, and quite timely.

Themes of the American Dream gone wrong and totalitarian abuses over its people are the manner of allegory that will have you discussing it long after you leave the theater. I highly recommend you see it with someone with whom you speak to regularly. Or even better, someone you don’t. You’ll want to talk this one out.

It may be inappropriate for those under 14, and perhaps we can push that to 16. But teens are an important audience for this movie, so judge accordingly and bring them if you see fit. My daughter (22 yrs. old) and I saw it and have not stopped talking about it in weeks. In theaters
Sept. 12.

Quick hit: Director Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, The Whale) has a new film starring Austin Butler and an all-star cast of secondary characters that is definitely worth the price of admission. I am a huge fan of Aronofsky, and I count him as one of the best American directors of a generation. His latest—Caught Stealing—is a bit different for him and more like a Guy Ritchie film. It is fun, twisty, and it will keep your attention throughout. I recommend this one too. In theaters now.

Vincent Piturro, PhD., is a Professor of Film and Media Studies at MSU Denver. Contact him directly at vpiturro@msudenver.com or follow him on X. For more reviews, search The Indie Prof at FrontPorchNE.com.