PITTSBURGH (Newsradio KDKA) - No Time to Die finally opened in the US pulling in a respectable $56 million. The 25th official chapter in the 007 franchise and Daniel Craig's last go around as James Bond has been gathering dust on the MGM shelves waiting for just the right moment to hit the theaters. The pandemic delay may have hurt the films US box office take but worldwide box office numbers are as strong as expected raking in a healthy $350 million to date.
This week we look forward to the penultimate chapter in the Halloween series. Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode as she matches wits with Haddonfield's masked butcher Michael Myers. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck write and star in Director Ridley Scott's The Last Duel. Based on actual events in Frances late medieval period, the action/drama delivers one of the best films of the year.
Halloween Kills (R)
Starring - Jamie Lee Curtis and Judy Greer
In 1978 John Carpenter introduced us to young Michael Myers and kicked off one of the most storied horror franchises in box office history. Jamie Lee Curtis in her motion picture debut refused to become another victim and set into motion a battle of wills that over 40 years later is as gruesomely brutal as ever.
Halloween Kills follows up David Gordon Green's 2018 well received reboot Halloween and picks up where we last saw Myers caged up in the basement of a burning house and Laurie Strode heading to the hospital hoping she's seen the last of the Brute. Firefighters inadvertently rescue the beast setting off a series of slashing events that has 3 generations of the strode ladies taking a stand to protect themselves and the residents of Haddonfield.
The Last Dual (R)
Starring - Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer
Director Ridley Scott brings to the big screen a 14th century tale based on a real series of events. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck co-wrote and act in the star-studded film. Jean de Carrouges (Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Driver) are one-time friends who because of a legal dispute over property engage in a bone crunching duel where Gods will determines the winner. The dispute is the rape of Jean's wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) by Jacques where in 14th century France is considered a property matter.
The Last Duel is a huge picture reminiscent of Scott's Gladiator, beautifully written, acted and shot. Comer and Affleck rule as the powerless female victim and the party-hearty trouble maker.
John Mowod, Mowod On Movies, reviews these releases with Larry Richert and Kevin Battle of the KDKA Radio Morning Show. Tune into 100.1 FM or AM 1020 KDKA at 7:05 every Friday morning for more in-depth movie news, reviews and movie trivia.