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This weekend brought a couple interesting new releases, as well as a fascinating documentary feature. Below is my take on all the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

Everyone is Lying to You for Money (Limited)
Synopsis: I remember when I first saw Ben McKenzie. I watched the pilot for The O.C., and subsequently followed the run of the series. Turns out I’m not the only one who remembers McKenzie fondly from that series. In fact, it’s one of the charming jokes that kicks off his new documentary, Everyone is Lying to You for Money, which opens in limited release Friday. Before starring as Ryan Atwood, McKenzie earned a college degree in economics. So, when a friend suggested crypto currency, he decided to give it a look. What he found alarmed him, so McKenzie decided to dig deeper and raise the alarm. That led to hiring a crew and filming this documentary. That documentary dives deep into the world of crypto, but it’s also about McKenzie and his own journey. That includes some of his work researching, his interactions with the world, and the charming back-and-forth with his wife, fellow actress Morena Baccarin, as he explores this subject. All of it comes together in a vibrant and engaging way that helps educate and inform. We follow McKenzie as he dives deep into the topic and makes a connection with an anonymous witness. He travels to El Salvador, where a new leader made big promises about crypto. And he even lands an interview with Sam Bankman-Fried before he lands in legal hot water. All of it leads McKenzie to write a book and, later, to testify before Congress. It’s a fascinating look at the world and how this simple suggestion turned into a years-long quest captured for a fascinating and engaging film. Prior to the film, I didn’t know much about crypto currency except that I should stay away. This film tells you that’s a good idea, and also explains why and why it’s a problem. It’s an educational deep dive that looks at all phases of the industry, traveling across the United States and parts of the world. The film also works because of McKenzie. He’s not just the director, he’s the key figure in front of the camera. The screen presence that’s made him a star in scripted fare works well here, too. He does a good job in interviews and a great job with the voiceovers that help tie it all together. A good documentary informs and entertains. That’s what we get with Everyone is Lying to You for Money, a fun and creative look at crypto currency, its dangers, and how its rise and fall has left a trail of damage and broken dreams in its wake. The film opens in limited release this Friday.
Rating: NA
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy (Theaters)
Starring: Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, and Natalie Grace
Synopsis: We’ve seen many versions of the story of the mummy over the years. Those takes have ranged from horror and thriller to something a bit more action oriented. But it’s fair to say we’ve never seen a take quite like this one from Lee Cronin. This one puts the focus on a couple (Reynor and Costa) whose daughter is taken while they are living and working in Egypt. Flash-forward eight years, and they are back living and working in New Mexico with their two other children. When their daughter (Grace) is found alive, it seems like a miracle. But it soon becomes clear she’s not the same, and that leads to plenty of danger and plenty of questions. Cronin delivered with Evil Dead Rise, the most recent installment of the long-running horror franchise. He brings some of those strong horror sequences to this version of the story, but it doesn’t quite fit right. That will be especially true for those who have a fondness for the 1999 version of the franchise featuring Brendan Fraser. There are no jokes or lighter moments to be had here. The film runs too long, and it’s overly dark and disturbing. It wasn’t my cup of tea and I’d wager that many will feel similar. It’s a novel approach to an oft-remade concept, but this is a swing and a miss.
Rating: Rated R for strong disturbing violent content, gore, language and brief drug use.
Verdict: One and a half stars out of five

Normal (Theaters)
Starring: Bob Odenkirk
Synopsis: Often, when you take an interim position, it’s a good place to hide. You slide into a position for a fixed period of time, taking over after someone left unexpectedly, and you’re just the placeholder. You’re the person who comes in to provide a body and some stability. For Ulysses Richardson (Bob Odenkirk) it’s the ideal place to just exist. He was once a sheriff with a good life in a great town. But a tragedy changed the way he looked at the world and the way he viewed himself. So, now, he’s just looking to get by. That’s what made him the perfect choice for interim sheriff in Normal, Minnesota. The town lost their sheriff, who died of a heart attack while freezing to death. Did he lose his mind? Was something more at play? It seems like strange circumstances, but Ulysses isn’t really the guy to investigate. He’s filling the role for eight weeks before the next election. But his laid-back attitude is a hit with residents, and the Mayor (Henry Winkler), who offers him a shot at the permanent job. But Ulysses has skeletons in his closet. There’s a reason he’s moved away from any sense of permanent responsibility. Unfortunately, you can’t run forever. While Normal seems like a great place to hang his hat, it’s really harboring some big secrets that threaten to ruin his plans to lay low. This new action film, Normal, made a debut at festivals in the Fall. Now it gets a wide release for audiences, offering a quirky little tale with some good set pieces and action. It comes from writer Derek Kolstad, who is the man behind John Wick. That should give you a good idea of what kind of secrets are in store. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley, who has done well with other action fare such as The Meg 2 and Free Fire. He handles the assignment well here. The early parts of the film showcase this sleepy little town, creating mystery. The action sequences are well shot and end up a lot of fun, particularly the big third act collision. And there to tie it all together is Odenkirk, who worked on the story here with Kolstad. He’s transitioned into a different phase of his movie career where he plays the unexpected action hero. We saw that with his work headlining Nobody. He brings that same energy here, and he’s very fun in this role. I arguably appreciated his disinterested sheriff more in this one. He’s a lot of fun as the anchor of a quirky and fun story. The supporting cast is fine, too. Winkler, Lena Heady, Ryan Allen, Jess McLeod, and Billy MacLellan all have fun, quirky characters in the world. All of them serve their purpose and help drive the story forward. But this isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. And the journey here is quite a bit of fun. I like the early going of this film. I like the establishment of this world and building the tension toward this mystery. The reveal of the mystery works well enough, too. Even if the second half of the film isn’t as interesting, the action is solid and the final act and closing sequence bring it home in a satisfying way. If you’re a fan of fun, action films, Normal will be the outing for you. This provides a bit of escape and counterprogramming at theaters. The film opens nationwide on Friday, April 17.
Rating: Rated R for strong bloody violence, and language.
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five