Capsule reviews for Dec. 22
Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johansson lead the voice cast for SING 2. (Photo: Universal Pictures)
Jockey
In horse racing, the spotlight naturally gravitates to the equine athletes. But what about those who ride them? This quietly powerful drama follows an aging jockey (Clifton Collins Jr.) battling injuries as he tries to keep his career afloat. Although a top trainer (Molly Parker) continues to support him, his focus is compromised by a rookie rival (Moises Arias) claiming to be his son. Despite some minor contrivances, Clint Bentley’s richly textured directorial debut resonates with bittersweet authenticity, depicting journeyman riders who risk everything for a meager living to follow their lifelong passion. Meanwhile, Collins’ understated and deeply committed portrayal keeps the film on track. (Rated R, 94 minutes).
Memoria
Emphasizing mood over plot, this meditative drama from Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives) is a hypnotic and quietly perceptive feast for the senses. It follows a Scottish woman (Tilda Swinton) visiting the Colombian jungle, where she becomes bothered by loud and persistent thumping noises that don’t seem to affect anyone around her and might be linked to childhood trauma. The slow pace can be daunting, although the multilingual film — bolstered by striking imagery and Swinton’s nuanced performance — remains captivating as a study of how we process stillness and ambient sounds, along with the haunting mysteries of our memories. (Not rated, 136 minutes).
Sing 2
As it sings a familiar refrain, this follow-up to the 2016 animated musical brings together another impressive roster of voice talent supporting a lackluster script. Many of the anthropomorphic critters from the first film return, led by koala Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey), whose ragtag troupe of performers must persuade a reclusive lion rock legend (Bono) to join them so they can take their act to the masses. Children should appreciate the animal antics and the crisply colorful animation, but outside of a few inspired production numbers, this frenetic sequel feels more familiar than fresh. The cast includes Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and Pharrell Williams. (Rated PG, 112 minutes).
The Velvet Queen
Wildlife photographers must learn to appreciate moments of quiet solitude and serene beauty while patiently awaiting the perfect shot. Indeed, the breathtaking scenery is plentiful in this insightful documentary that follows French multimedia artist Vincent Munier as he spends a week in Tibet obsessively hoping to meet an elusive snow leopard. While immersing us in the remote surroundings rarely explored by outsiders, rookie director Marie Amiguet provides a glimpse into Munier’s process and passion through the eyes of novelist Sylvain Tesson, who tags along. Taking a different approach than the average nature documentary, the result charms the senses while pondering humankind’s place in the world. (Not rated, 92 minutes).