Archive for the 2025 Films Category

2025 (JAPAN, USA)

Directed by: Hikari

Academy Award® winner Brendan Fraser is Philip, an American down on his luck and unable to find meaningful work as an actor in Tokyo, landing only bit parts in commercials and TV shows. That is, until the owner of a “rental family” agency offers him an unusual gig: serve as a stand-in for clients who need help with various challenges in their lives. Reluctant at first, Philip proves a natural; whether it be as a journalist interviewing a retired actor who longs for his glory days or as an absentee father reconnecting with his young daughter at the behest of her mother, he finds himself reenergized with purpose in his own life. However, as the bonds between Philip and his clients deepen, reality creeps in as he discovers that every role has its end. The second feature from Japanese filmmaker HIKARI is a tender, funny and morally complex exploration of human connection and the urge to find meaning in our lives. Fraser turns in a winning performance, imbuing his bumbling character with sincerity, humor and huge amounts of empathy, alongside an equally stellar supporting ensemble.

Premiere – Toronto International Film Festival

Critics Choice Awards – Won – Best Director

Heartland International Film Festival – Won – Audience Award

Northstar Villages Cinemas — December 4 — 8:00pm

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2025 (USA)

Directed by: Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper’s beautifully affecting dramedy stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern in standout performances as a New York couple whose separation leads to major midlife self-reckoning and reinvention. When Arnett’s character attempts open-mic standup at a comedy club with confessional, self-deprecating material, a whole new world opens for him. Shot on location in and around the West Village comedy club scene, IS THIS THING ON? has grit, heart, warmth and a lived-in authenticity too rarely seen in contemporary films, with Cooper once again demonstrating his talent for eliciting great performances and emotions. The outstanding supporting cast includes Cooper, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds and Peyton Manning, along with a host of real-life New York comedy stand-ups and scenesters..

Premiere – New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center

Incline Village Cinema – December 6 – 9:00pm

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2025 (USA)

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Years after the events of Wicked (2024), Elphaba Thropp, now known as the Wicked Witch of the West, continues her fight for animal rights while living as a fugitive. Meanwhile, Glinda Upland, now recognized as Glinda the Good, is a public figure watched over by the Wizard and Madame Morrible. As they face the consequences of their actions, their relationship is put to the test by a series of events—including the surprising arrival of Dorothy Gale from Kansas—that will change the Land of Oz forever.

Incline Village Cinema – December 6 – 4:00pm

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2025 (USA)

Directed by: Craig Brewer

Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning and Thunder, proving it is never too late to find love and follow your dreams. Written, directed and produced by Craig Brewer (FOOTLOOSE, DOLEMITE IS MY NAME) the film also features Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.

Premiere – AFI Film Fest

Incline Village Cinema – December 5 – 7:00pm

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2025 (USA)

Directed by: Rian Johnson

Everyone’s favorite modern movie detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back on the case for the third installment of this beloved murder-mystery franchise, following KNIVES OUT and GLASS ONION. Set in a small-town church, WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY follows Blanc as he cleverly tries to solve another seemingly uncrackable case. Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, Josh O’Connor, and Mila Kunis join the star-studded ensemble for the most dangerous installment of Rian Johnson”s franchise yet.

Premiere – Toronto International Film Festival – Won – People’s Choice Award

Incline Village Cinema – December 7 – 5:30pm

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2025 (USA)

Directed by: Noah Baumbach

In his most captivating film role in years, George Clooney is cast—fittingly—as the last great movie star. Jay Kelly is at a crisis point: uninspired by his work, reeling from the loss of his mentor, and tormented by a run-in with a haunting figure from his past, he does the unthinkable, backing out of a big new production at the 11th hour in order to run off to Europe and catch up with his college-bound daughter in France before attending a career tribute in Italy. Unable to entirely shed his Hollywood skin, he finds himself trailed by his entourage, including his long-suffering manager (played by Adam Sandler). At once introspective and raucous, the stellar character study Jay Kelly peeks at Hollywood narcissism with curiosity rather than judgment. Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story) and co-writer Emily Mortimer walk a delicate balance between industry parody and heartfelt sentiment, moving in and out of Jay’s past and present, fantasy and reality, probing the professional, familial, and moral life of a man for whom “all my memories are movies”—and who may be harboring more regrets than he cares to admit.

Premiere – Venice Film Festival – nominated for Golden Lion
2025 Gotham Awards – Noah Baumbach – Director Tribute

Incline Village Cinema – December 4 – 5:45pm

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