acid reflects

Relatives looking for relatives. Lost individuals searching for inner peace. Anora is A Real Pain, Paddington (that’s my humor there, sorry.).

One of the most hysterical comedies to come out in years, Anora is a refreshing, cool indie breeze in a town overrun by repetitive IP content.

A whirlwind wedding between New York exotic dancer Anora (Mikey Madison) and the spoiled son of a Russian billionaire Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn) turns into a hysterical night of comedy after Ivan’s parents find out and tell their henchman Toros (Karren Karagulian) to have the marriage annulled by any (legal) means necessary. Yura Borisov assists Toros quietly on the side as Igor. We get to root for him towards the film’s end.

Although, Anora itself suffers from a bit of repetitive gags in the middle of its hilarious one night of chaos. A brilliant knee-slapping first act, sympathetic characters, and a killer ending all sprung from Sean Baker’s superb film writing. Mikey Madison was electrifying from start to end.

Less magical and joyful than Paddington 2 (2017) but still cute as a bear and sweet as marmalade, Paddington in Peru is fun-ish, delightful, and innocent entertainment for bears of all sizes.

A letter sent from Peru informs Paddington (Ben Whishaw) that his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) is inexplicably missing, which prompts the little bear and the rest of the Brown family to heigh off to the Peruvian highlands. Antonio Banderas serves as the boat captain guide Hunter Cabot, while Olivia Colman is the Reverend Mother of the Home for Retired Bears.

However, I must say that parents accompanying their children to see this should look out for unintentional travel red flags set in motion by Paddington (don’t leave your family behind; don’t go into uncharted territories; always tell someone where you’re going, don’t follow strangers – flags that Paddington clearly ignored), in case the little ones get adventurous from these ideas.

Jesse Eisenberg’s impressive sophomore story, A Real Pain, is a deeply poignant road trip that explores sorrow and acceptance, showcasing an affecting performance from Kieran Culkin.

Cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benjie (Kieran Culkin) join a historical tour of Poland in memory of their recently deceased grandmother, but old grudges resurface while on the road. That’s a bummer if you’re stuck with the same person for several days.

All awards nominations A Real Pain has received are certainly worthy.

Anora is currently exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas (week of January 20th.) A Real Pain comes after on January 29th also exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas. Paddington in Peru opens on January 29th from Columbia Pictures.