ON THE BIG SCREEN

JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX
R
Joaquin Phoenix returns to his iconic Joker role in this DC Comic Universe sequel to the massive 2019 hit, this time with Lady Gaga (as Harley Quinn) along for the distinctly demented ride. He won an Oscar for his performance, while Joker scored 11 Academy Award nominations; in this new dive into Arthur Fleck’s twisted mind, director-writer-producer Todd Phillips adds to his popular take on the Batman’s arch nemesis.

VENOM: THE LAST DANCE
Not yet rated
Marvel Comics also has their own sequel coming to theaters this month, as Tom Hardy returns to his dual role as Eddie Brock/Venom in the third and final comic-book flick of the Venom trilogy. Eye-popping special effects and some terrific supporting actors, including Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, round out this made-for-big-screen experience about an alien living inside a human host.

PIECE BY PIECE
PG
Always a man to take a risk, singer-songwriter-fashion designer-film-producer phenomenon Pharrell Williams is going all in with this autobiographical flick told with Legos. He narrates his story, from aspiring hip-hop musician to 13-time Grammy winner, two-time Academy Award-nominee, and lead designer for Louis Vuitton, with this animated movie aimed at kids and adults, too. Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, and a host of others lend their voices to the fun.

SATURDAY NIGHT
Not yet rated
It’s 1975, on the first of the first Saturday Night Live broadcast and nobody is remotely ready. With a cast of unknowns that included Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Garrett Morris, Jan Curtin, and Laraine Newman, this dramady from writer-director Jason Reitman revels in the chaotic legend of that completely insane first night of live late-night comedy.

WHITE BIRD
Not yet rated
Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson star in this follow-up to Wonder, the 2017 story of a boy facing discrimination because of his facial features. Set mostly in the time of the Nazi occupation of France, this is story of teenage redemption and hope, based on R. J. Palacio’s follow-up books and graphic novels in her Wonder saga. Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt costar.