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There can be exceptions and it’s likely that “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” will be one of them. (It arrives December 30, a month after a one-week, 600-theater domestic theatrical release.) Rian Johnson’s film will have the benefit of its predecessor, a theatrical hit, as well as its cast and strong reviews. (Coincidentally, “Blonde” star Ana de Armas was part of the initial ensemble). Netflix originals can thrive, but it’s usually for the short term....

If there’s a theme running through reviews of Netflix’s “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” the second installment of Mike Flanagan’s horror anthology, it’s that “Bly Manor” simply isn’t as scary as its predecessor, “The Haunting of Hill House.” In a way, critics aren’t wrong. There are certainly fewer ghoulies lurking in the background of dimly-lit scenes this season and no mysterious figure quite as singularly disturbing as the bent-neck lady of “Hill House....

Based on true events, “Bombay Rose” chronicles the struggles of people who migrate to Mumbai from small towns, and the importance of Bollywood movie fantasies to take their minds off living in the ruthless, crowded city. Painted frame-by-frame by Mumbai-based Paperboat Animation Studios, “Bombay Rose” entices with its aesthetic and doesn’t shy away from such topical themes as inter-faith romance, economic migration, and child labor. What’s noteworthy is the way in which Rao designed urban reality with a striking documentary style, while the intricate dream worlds were inspired by India’s rich and varied folk art styles....

Normally, Sunday results are easily projected from Friday-Saturday numbers, but the $3 National Cinema Day promotion meant no one was certain which films benefited most from the low prices. The new order is “Top Gun: Maverick” #1, “Bullet Train” (Sony) #2 (was #4), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony) #3 (was #1), “DC League of Pets” (Warner Bros.) #4 (was #3). Exact figures and confirmation of the order are still to come from distributors, but “Maverick” and “Bullet” did better than estimated on Sunday, while “No Way Home” and “DC” grossed less....

The “Saturday Night Live” alum writes, stars, and executive produces the upcoming Peacock series, which is now in production. Academy Award winner Joe Pesci plays Davidson’s grandfather, with Emmy winner Edie Falco starring as Davidson’s mom. Both Pesci and Falco are best known for their turns in mafia-themed works, with Pesci frequently collaborating with Martin Scorsese for “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” and 2019’s “The Irishman.” Falco iconically portrayed fictional mob wife Carmela Soprano in HBO’s “The Sopranos....

“The competition is very international and showcases films with many different styles and topics,” Tesson said in a statement (via Variety). “Many films tackle relationships, friendships, family bonds — especially mothers with their children, loved ones we lost, or fighting to get back into our lives.” Critics’ Week 2021 is opening with Constance Meyer’s “Robust,” starring Gérard Depardieu. The selection makes 2021 the first time since 2014 that Critics’ Week is opening with a movie directed by a French woman....

Leachman was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 30, 1926. She started acting as a teenager, and after graduating high school she enrolled at Northwestern University in its School of Education. Her classmates included fellow comics Paul Lynde and Charlotte Rae. In 1946, Leachman participated in the Miss America pageant where she placed in the top 16. She used the scholarship she won to attend the famed Actors Studio in New York City, learning under acclaimed director Elia Kazan....