QUICK TAKES: Tony; The Magic Faraway Tree; The Rivals of Amziah King; and Home Entertainment Spotlight
by Josh Sewell
Tony
(Rated R for pervasive language, drug use and sexual content/nudity. Opens in select theaters on August 21.)
The premise: In this semi-fictionalized biopic, 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) travels to Provincetown, Mass. and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen. It ends up being a summer that will shape the course of his life.
The verdict: Biopics are notoriously tricky – for each one that gets it right, there are dozens that are abysmal. Fortunately, director Matt Johnson (who also gets screenplay credit alongside Todd Bartels, Lou Howe and Matthew Miller) pretty much nails this coming-of-age story because he focuses on a few pivotal months in Bourdain’s young adulthood rather than trying to cover his entire complex existence. (In reality, the events took place over several years.)
As someone who was never a Bourdain aficionado – I didn’t hate the chef turned TV host or anything, just not my area of interest – I was floored by Sessa’s performance. He manages to become the character without doing an outright impersonation. The actor’s work here proves his breakthrough in 2023’s The Holdovers wasn’t beginner’s luck.
Still, while Sessa is terrific, the film’s most astonishing performance comes from Antonio Banderas as Bourdain’s mentor. The guy is constantly excellent (even in movies that aren’t great), but his work here is on another level. I’d love to see him nab a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Can you believe he doesn’t have an Oscar yet?
Grade: A-
The Magic Faraway Tree
(Rated PG for some rude humor, mild action and brief language. Opens in select theaters on August 21.)
The premise: Based on the beloved novel series, this adaptation follows Tim (Andrew Garfield) and Polly (Claire Foy), along with their children Beth (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), Joe (Phoenix Laroche) and Fran (Billie Gadsdon) as they relocate from the big city to a remote English countryside. Soon, the kids discover a magical tree and its eccentric residents, who whisk them off to fantastical lands.
The verdict: On a surface level, The Magic Faraway Tree is a sweet, enjoyable family flick. However, the actors elevate the material to a level that hits home emotionally. Garfield and Foy are far better than a simple “kid’s movie” requires – they’re both outstanding here.
The film seems interested in kicking off a franchise (the 1939 book has several sequels), which would suggest a British literary series far less mean-spirited than Harry Potter. While the visual effects are par for the course these days, the cast finds the story’s emotional core. The child actors have the usual problems that come with untrained performers, but they’re supported by strong work from Nicola Coughlan and a sadly underutilized Rebecca Ferguson as the story’s villain.
Grade: B+
The Rivals of Amziah King
(Rated R for language and some grisly images. Now playing in select theaters.)
The premise: In the rural Oklahoma backwoods, charismatic Amziah King (Matthew McConaughey) herds a bluegrass-playing band of misfits while overseeing his honey-making operation. When his estranged foster daughter (Angelina LookingGlass) unexpectedly returns, he’s excited to renew their connection and create a family business. But the honey game is ruthless, and Amziah’s rivals threaten to destroy everything.
The verdict: McConaughey’s first big screen effort in several years proves to be an incredible comeback. His collaboration with director Andrew Patterson (who also wrote the screenplay under the pseudonym James Montague) defies typical genre conventions, but the musical/comedy/thriller hybrid marks the actor’s best performance in years.
Patterson, who also helmed the criminally underseen The Vast of Night, surrounds McConaughey with a host of phenomenal character actors including Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori and Jake Horowitz, as well as a memorable extended cameo from former child star Cole Sprouse.
There’s also an entertaining heel turn from Kurt Russell in the film’s second half. However, the astonishing standout in Amziah King is newcomer LookingGlass, who delivers one of the most charming, powerful debuts in recent memory. Combined with M.I. Litten-Menz’s cinematography and an energetic score from Erick Alexander and Jared Bulmer, everything adds up to one of 2026’s best films. There’s a mid-film development that will likely alienate some viewers, but I loved just hanging on for the ride.
Grade: A-
Home Entertainment Spotlight
Power Ballad
(Rated R for language throughout and some drug use. Available August 25 on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD.)
From writer-director John Carney (creator of the excellent Once and Sing Street), Power Ballad centers on wedding singer Rick (Paul Rudd) and fading boy band star Danny (Nick Jonas) who meet during a gig and bond over music. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into a hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Special features include three behind-the-scenes featurettes and theatrical trailers.
The Stranger
(Not rated. Now available on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD.)
In filmmaker François Ozon’s new take on Albert Camus’ classic novel The Stranger, quiet Meursault (Benjamin Voisin) works as a clerk at an office in Algiers during the French colonial occupation and finds his routine upended by the sudden death of his mother. At her funeral, he faces scrutiny from all corners for his failure to perform his grief. As Meursault gets swept up in a cycle of escalating reprisals among his neighbors, tensions come to a head when he murders an Arab man on the beach.
Shot in black-and-white, Ozon’s adaptation is simultaneously faithful to the text and dedicated to discovering fresh perspectives. Bonus features include an interview with director Ozon, along with actors Voisin and Rebecca Marder; costumes and lighting tests; deleted scenes and outtakes; and a poster featurette.
Tony
(Rated R for pervasive language, drug use and sexual content/nudity. Opens in select theaters on August 21.)
The premise: In this semi-fictionalized biopic, 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) travels to Provincetown, Mass. and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen. It ends up being a summer that will shape the course of his life.
The verdict: Biopics are notoriously tricky – for each one that gets it right, there are dozens that are abysmal. Fortunately, director Matt Johnson (who also gets screenplay credit alongside Todd Bartels, Lou Howe and Matthew Miller) pretty much nails this coming-of-age story because he focuses on a few pivotal months in Bourdain’s young adulthood rather than trying to cover his entire complex existence. (In reality, the events took place over several years.)
As someone who was never a Bourdain aficionado – I didn’t hate the chef turned TV host or anything, just not my area of interest – I was floored by Sessa’s performance. He manages to become the character without doing an outright impersonation. The actor’s work here proves his breakthrough in 2023’s The Holdovers wasn’t beginner’s luck.
Still, while Sessa is terrific, the film’s most astonishing performance comes from Antonio Banderas as Bourdain’s mentor. The guy is constantly excellent (even in movies that aren’t great), but his work here is on another level. I’d love to see him nab a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Can you believe he doesn’t have an Oscar yet?
Grade: A-
(Rated PG for some rude humor, mild action and brief language. Opens in select theaters on August 21.)
The premise: Based on the beloved novel series, this adaptation follows Tim (Andrew Garfield) and Polly (Claire Foy), along with their children Beth (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), Joe (Phoenix Laroche) and Fran (Billie Gadsdon) as they relocate from the big city to a remote English countryside. Soon, the kids discover a magical tree and its eccentric residents, who whisk them off to fantastical lands.
The verdict: On a surface level, The Magic Faraway Tree is a sweet, enjoyable family flick. However, the actors elevate the material to a level that hits home emotionally. Garfield and Foy are far better than a simple “kid’s movie” requires – they’re both outstanding here.
The film seems interested in kicking off a franchise (the 1939 book has several sequels), which would suggest a British literary series far less mean-spirited than Harry Potter. While the visual effects are par for the course these days, the cast finds the story’s emotional core. The child actors have the usual problems that come with untrained performers, but they’re supported by strong work from Nicola Coughlan and a sadly underutilized Rebecca Ferguson as the story’s villain.
Grade: B+
(Rated R for language and some grisly images. Now playing in select theaters.)
The premise: In the rural Oklahoma backwoods, charismatic Amziah King (Matthew McConaughey) herds a bluegrass-playing band of misfits while overseeing his honey-making operation. When his estranged foster daughter (Angelina LookingGlass) unexpectedly returns, he’s excited to renew their connection and create a family business. But the honey game is ruthless, and Amziah’s rivals threaten to destroy everything.
The verdict: McConaughey’s first big screen effort in several years proves to be an incredible comeback. His collaboration with director Andrew Patterson (who also wrote the screenplay under the pseudonym James Montague) defies typical genre conventions, but the musical/comedy/thriller hybrid marks the actor’s best performance in years.
Patterson, who also helmed the criminally underseen The Vast of Night, surrounds McConaughey with a host of phenomenal character actors including Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori and Jake Horowitz, as well as a memorable extended cameo from former child star Cole Sprouse.
There’s also an entertaining heel turn from Kurt Russell in the film’s second half. However, the astonishing standout in Amziah King is newcomer LookingGlass, who delivers one of the most charming, powerful debuts in recent memory. Combined with M.I. Litten-Menz’s cinematography and an energetic score from Erick Alexander and Jared Bulmer, everything adds up to one of 2026’s best films. There’s a mid-film development that will likely alienate some viewers, but I loved just hanging on for the ride.
Grade: A-
Home Entertainment Spotlight
(Rated R for language throughout and some drug use. Available August 25 on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD.)
From writer-director John Carney (creator of the excellent Once and Sing Street), Power Ballad centers on wedding singer Rick (Paul Rudd) and fading boy band star Danny (Nick Jonas) who meet during a gig and bond over music. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into a hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Special features include three behind-the-scenes featurettes and theatrical trailers.
(Not rated. Now available on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD.)
In filmmaker François Ozon’s new take on Albert Camus’ classic novel The Stranger, quiet Meursault (Benjamin Voisin) works as a clerk at an office in Algiers during the French colonial occupation and finds his routine upended by the sudden death of his mother. At her funeral, he faces scrutiny from all corners for his failure to perform his grief. As Meursault gets swept up in a cycle of escalating reprisals among his neighbors, tensions come to a head when he murders an Arab man on the beach.
Shot in black-and-white, Ozon’s adaptation is simultaneously faithful to the text and dedicated to discovering fresh perspectives. Bonus features include an interview with director Ozon, along with actors Voisin and Rebecca Marder; costumes and lighting tests; deleted scenes and outtakes; and a poster featurette.
Reach out to Josh Sewell at joshsewell81@gmail.com or on BlueSky @joshsewell.bsky.social
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