The Personal History of David Copperfield: Directed by Armando Iannucci and starring Dev Patel along with some of Iannucci’s usual suspects, this re-telling of the Dickens novel is basically a satire of a period piece drama that also ends up a great period piece drama. Brilliant. *****
Bliss: Salma Hayek can commit to a part and it’s always nice to see Owen Wilson but this doesn’t go beyond an interesting concept. **
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar: I’m conflicted. This might be horrible; if you’re some kind of jerk that sees movies as “good” or “bad” you will probably think it is — but it’s made with too much love and has too many fun bits to not be something I wholeheartedly recommend. Keep it weird. ***1/4
I Care A Lot: This movie about guardianship fraud, stolen identity, and Russian gangsters goes enough places to be good… but it could’ve been funnier. ***1/4
Nomadland: Here, watch Frances McDormand act for a couple hours. I won’t call this film about nomads and vandwellers authentic, truthfully because I have no idea, but it sure is empathetic. ***1/2
