The “Should I See It in a Movie Theater?” Test: ‘Tron: Ares,’ ‘Roofman,’ and ‘After the Hunt.’ Plus, the Magic of ‘Mr. Scorsese.’

Key Takeaways

Actress Diane Keaton was honored for her iconic career and unique screen presence following her passing at 79.
Recent box office underperformance has prompted discussion on what audiences seek in theatrical experiences.
New releases 'Tron: Ares,' 'Roofman,' and 'After the Hunt' were assessed against a communal viewing rubric.
Rebecca Miller's new documentary miniseries 'Mr. Scorsese' explores Martin Scorsese's extensive career and personal life.
Miller's interview details the intimate, five-year process of creating the five-hour Scorsese portrait.

The episode honored actress Diane Keaton (79) after her passing, celebrating iconic roles in films like 'The Godfather' and 'Annie Hall'.
Keaton's career spanned decades, evolving from ingenue to box office star, notably in 'First Wives Club' and 'Something's Gotta Give'.
Her unique screen presence was likened to a hummingbird, blending gravitas and flightiness, as referenced by a Meryl Streep anecdote.

'Tron: Ares,' the third franchise film and first in 15 years, features Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters, with music by Nine Inch Nails.
Hosts criticized the film as a significant misfire, citing a miscast ensemble and Evan Peters' unconvincing performance.
Exposition-heavy narrative disregards previous film continuity, questioning Jared Leto's casting given his past box office failures.
Despite visual appeal and light bike sequences, the film grossed $33 million, deemed negligible without emotional storytelling.

The film introduces a 'Science Corner' plot point about an AI 'permanence code' and an AI orange tree, which the film avoids fully explaining.
One host unequivocally recommended against seeing 'Tron: Ares'.
The film grossed $33 million, with hosts noting large-scale spectacles only succeed with emotionally engaging storytelling.

Directed by D.C. France, 'Roofman' stars Channing Tatum as an army veteran robbing McDonald's to support his family, based on a true story.
Channing Tatum's performance blends charm with a 'dopey Florida boy' persona, effectively portraying post-service struggles.
The film's 'shambolic' nature explores the character's quest for connection, with debate over Tatum's ability to convey complexities.
Despite feeling influenced by other movies, 'Roofman' maintains a unique comfort in its own skin, challenging audience expectations of Tatum.

Luca Guadagnino directed 'After the Hunt,' featuring a cast including Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Chloe Sevigny.
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross provided the film's score.
Cinematographer Malik Hassan Saeed shot the movie after a 27-year hiatus, previously known for 'Belly' and Beyoncé's 'Formation' music video.

Julia Roberts portrays a Yale philosophy professor navigating a sexual assault accusation involving a colleague, debating her character's age and tenure status.
The film's narrative shifts to a more serious tone in its latter half, exploring campus politics and generational clashes.
Julia Roberts' character fabricates a teenage affair and potential assault, leading to her firing for prescription theft and a Rolling Stone interview.

Guest Rebecca Miller discusses her new documentary miniseries, 'Mr. Scorsese,' a thorough exploration of Martin Scorsese’s career.
Miller's initial disinterest in Scorsese's early films evolved into profound appreciation after experiencing 'Raging Bull' and 'The Age of Innocence'.
The project, initially conceived as a feature, grew into a five-hour miniseries to explore Scorsese's spiritual life and career complexity.
Miller proposed a 'cubist approach' to portray Scorsese from various angles, using collaborators and family for a human portrait.

Miller conducted approximately 20 hours of interviews with Scorsese over five years, initially outdoors due to the pandemic.
The documentary focuses on themes of faith and violence in Scorsese's work, and the artistic personality of his mother.
Scorsese actively curated conversations with childhood friends and associates for the documentary.

Robbie Robertson's interview offered significant insights into his time living with Scorsese, likely one of his last contributions.
The documentary highlights the importance of supportive figures like Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and financiers in enabling Scorsese's career.
The film explores the dynamic between Scorsese's life and art, with specific films like 'Shutter Island' pivotal after personal crises.
The guest noted Scorsese's consistent storyboarding from a young age, showcasing his unique ability to visualize film language.