Screen Time

WITH MARISA PATWA

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January cinema offerings include an awkward teen comedy, a J.Lo rom-com and the return of Eddie Murphy

WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD

First-time director Jesse Eisenberg is passing the role of awkward yet charming teen movie star on to Finn Wolfhard, casting the Stranger Things actor as high schooler Ziggy, a viral musician trying to connect with his mom, played by the incomparable Julianne Moore, all while dealing with the trials and tribulations of growing up. Moore’s Evelyn works with domestic abuse survivors and has an easier time understanding them than her own son, who is in the midst of falling head over heels in love with Lila - played by 13 Reasons Why's Alisha Boe - an ultrapolitical sweetheart. “Excuse my brain for knowing what not to say,” Ziggy croons on his guitar to his 20,000 online followers. The film's title sounds like the makings of a dystopia or end-of-the-world screen grabber, but it's really a heart-warming emotional comedy about the struggles of family bonds and trying to find your place in life. IN THEATERS 1/20

SHOTGUN WEDDING

Rom-com dream team J.Lo and Josh Duhamel take the marriage trope to the next level with this action-packed happily ever after. Only this time it's not a hopeless former lover declaring their dying devotion to one of the soon-to-be newlyweds at the ceremony that derails it. Instead, it's the dangerous heist by criminals. A gang of mask-wearing, big-gun-toting bad guys storm the beach all before they can even say “I do." Lopez gets to continue her line of marriage-focused romantic comedies with everyone’s favorite toxic travel pal Jennifer Coolidge playing the mother-in-law this time. There's no conniving Jane Fonda here, but a well-intentioned momma bear who gifts the couple a cake knife that ends up strategic to the plot. Get ready to tie the knot and holster your gun when this film funnels towards you like a bride throwing her bouquet at a gaggle of gushing single girls.

AMAZON PRIME 1/27 YOU PEOPLE

Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy are comedy chemistry dynamite, pitted against each other in the ironically titled You People. Hill plays an earnest man hopeful to get Murphy’s blessing to marry his daughter – Murphy though, is frightened at such a prospect. Race is a central theme around the film, with Nia Long along for the ride as the just-assuspicious and protective mother. Hill and his boo, Lauren London, though, are ready to take the next step. This means blending their families and accepting their differences.“So, do you hang out in the 'hood all the time or do you just come here for our food and women?” Murphy deadpans to Hill as they sit in a diner during their first meeting. Director Kenya Barris co-penned the script with funnyman Hill, which means this film is sure to keep you crying from laughter and genuine human connection. It’s Guess Who? for 2023. NETFLIX 1/27