Picks of the Week offers Women and Hollywood’s top recommendations — women-driven and women-made movies, series, VOD releases, and more — and tells you why they are worth your time and money.
Mickey and the Bear – Written and Directed by Annabelle Attanasio
“Mickey and the Bear” is the ambitious debut feature from writer-director Annabelle Attanasio. She introduces us to Mickey (Camila Morrone), a high school senior who is trying really hard to get by. She takes care of her dad (James Badge Dale), a vet suffering from PTSD and drug addiction, with a side of deep anger that manifests itself on an ongoing basis.
Mickey knows this is the hand she was dealt and tries to make the best of it, all the while wondering how she can get out. She constantly saves her father — it’s hard to tell who is the kid and who is the adult.
With “Mickey and the Bear,” Morrone delivers a powerful lead performance and Attanasio makes a terrific arrival as a filmmaker. The movie signals more great things to come from both of them. (Melissa Silverstein)
“Mickey and the Bear” is now playing in NY. It opens in LA November 22 and in wide release November 29.
The Crown (Series)
“The Crown”: Sophie Mutevelian
To say that we are all excited about the return of “The Crown,” particularly here in the States, is an understatement. And the fact that we get to see Olivia Colman — who won an Oscar for playing Queen Anne in “The Favourite” — put on the tiara of another British monarch makes it even more enticing.
I’ve taken a look at the first two episodes of the new season and they do not disappoint. “The Crown’s” third season takes place in the 1960s: everyone has gotten a bit older, and the whole cast has switched. Colman’s Queen Elizabeth II is a woman who vacillates between knowing exactly how to perform her duty and being very uncomfortable in that role. She is heavily influenced by her advisors, all men who want to maintain the status quo and let her know that at every turn.
The second episode is much more exciting, focusing on Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret. She’s the younger sister, with a personality more suited to the required socializing of the monarchy. It’s as if the sisters each have half the personality necessary for the job. Elizabeth is serious and understands duty, while Margaret is so much more outgoing and at ease with the social aspects. Elizabeth is jealous of Margaret, so I really look forward to Bonham Carter and Colman chewing up the scenery throughout the rest of the season. (MS)
Season 3 of “The Crown” hits Netflix November 17.
New and Returning TV Shows On Our Radar
Dollface – Created by Jordan Weiss (Hulu, November 15)
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