Cinema News: Movies Update: ‘Vengeance,’ ‘Resurrection’ and More

July 29, 2022

By Stephanie Goodman

Film Editor

Hi, movie fans!

It's a somewhat quiet week for new releases. Probably the most high-profile is "Vengeance," the debut feature directed, written by and starring B.J. Novak of "The Office" fame. He told my colleague Dave Itzkoff that he had a panic attack (well, he thought it was something else) right before shooting started. That's when, he said, "I realized I'm terrified to make this movie."

The dark comedy is set in Texas and aims to show that our country isn't as divided as we think. Did Novak hit the mark? Our critic A.O. Scott wrote that the film, which is "earnest, thoughtful and quite funny in spots, demonstrates just how difficult it can be to turn political polarization and culture-war hostility into a credible narrative."

The critic Jeannette Catsoulis is much less reserved about "Resurrection," a new horror film directed by Andrew Semans and starring Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth. It's about toxic masculinity and empty-next anxieties, among other things, but mostly it's "ridiculously entertaining," Catsoulis wrote.

Whether you choose one of those titles or something completely different, have fun at the movies!

Patti Perret/Focus Features

'Vengeance' Review: A Dish Best Served With Frito Pie

In this comedic culture-war thriller, B.J. Novak, who wrote and directed, plays an aspiring podcaster chasing a true-crime story in West Texas.

By A.O. Scott

IFC Midnight

Critic's Pick

'Resurrection' Review: Mother of Fears

A successful single mother encounters a terrifying man from her past in this crazily enjoyable horror movie.

By Jeannette Catsoulis

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CRITICS' PICKS

Bleecker Street

Critic's Pick

'A Love Song' Review: When Moving Forward Means Looking Back

Two former childhood friends rekindle their connection in this sweetly hopeful story of romantic longing.

By Jeannette Catsoulis

HBO	Critic's Pick 'We Met in Virtual Reality' Review: Home Sweet Home This innovative documentary tags along with people who are finding happiness in a graphical online world. By Nicolas Rapold

MOVIE REVIEWS

Film Movement

'A Balance' Review: Critical Distance

Yujiro Harumoto's slow-build morality tale puts an ambitious documentary maker in an uncomfortable position as her life begins to resemble her films.

By Austin Considine

Well Go USA

'Hansan: Rising Dragon' Review: Naval Gazing

The dutiful Korean war movie "Hansan: Rising Dragon" recounts a spectacular 16th-century naval victory over Japanese invaders.

By Nicolas Rapold

Warner Bros. Pictures

'DC League of Super-Pets' Review: #ReleaseTheLassieCut

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart voice canine heroes in a family-friendly animated spinoff of the "Justice League" franchise.

By Calum Marsh

Avali Film Ltd/Greenwich Entertainment

'Ali & Ava' Review: Don't You Want to Sing Along?

Even as this romantic drama clings uncomfortably to the surface of an interracial relationship, the movie still delivers pops of color and memorable melodies, our critic writes.

By Beandrea July

Utopia

'Sharp Stick' Review: The Babysitter's Schlubs

Lena Dunham's new movie follows a 26-year-old who methodically gains sexual experience after having an uncomfortable affair.

By Amy Nicholson

XYZ Films

'Hypochondriac' Review: A Mother of All Breakdowns

A son tries to escape the fate of his mom in this psychological thriller.

By Teo Bugbee

Nicole Rivelli/Searchlight Pictures/Hulu

'Not Okay' Review: Posting Through It

In this social media satire, a young woman desperate to find her purpose executes a heinous hoax.

By Lena Wilson

Music Box Films

'Medusa' Review: Liberated Women

This neon-soaked feminist thriller takes aim at Brazil's evangelical communities by depicting a girl gang that targets sinners.

By Beatrice Loayza

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NEWS & FEATURES

Victor Llorente for The New York Times

Why Brandon Perea's 'Nope' Audition Made Jordan Peele Cry

The actor's unexpected take on Angel, the Fry's worker, so won over the director that he decided during their meeting to rewrite the script.

By Kyle Buchanan

Erik Tanner for The New York Times

B.J. Novak Went to Texas Looking for 'Vengeance' and Found America

The first film from a former star of "The Office" is a dark comedy about life in a nation that's not as divided as we might think.

By Dave Itzkoff

Shiho Fukada for The New York Times

The Japanese Author Behind 'Bullet Train' Is OK That the Film Isn't So Japanese

Kotaro Isaka dreamed that his novel would get the big-screen treatment. Now it's an action thriller starring Brad Pitt. Does the lack of major Asian stars matter?

By Motoko Rich