The new science-fiction thriller "The End of Oak Street," starring Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway, is being described as unintentionally hilarious, offering a blend of time travel and invading dinosaurs.
Directed by David Robert Mitchell, the film, set in 1982, depicts the crumbling marriage of Denise and Greg Platt. The narrative takes a sharp turn when the couple's suburban neighborhood appears to be transported to a prehistoric era, complete with rampaging dinosaurs. Critics note that while marketed as a survivalist thriller, the film's outlandish premise lends itself more to comedy.
Despite the bizarre plot involving killer raptors and a triceratops, the film aims for tension, reminiscent of Mitchell's previous work like "It Follows." However, reviewers found themselves laughing more than fearing for the characters. McGregor is noted for his range of consternation, while Hathaway is praised for her commitment to the preposterous narrative. The film is compared to "Jurassic Park," with the notable difference that "The End of Oak Street" "really doesn't" make sense, though it's deemed suitable for a family movie night.
In a different vein, "Tony," a film chronicling the early life of chef Anthony Bourdain, receives a more cautious recommendation. The movie follows a 19-year-old Bourdain, portrayed by Dominic Sessa, in the summer of 1975 as he escapes his home for Cape Cod. Unexpectedly, he discovers a passion for cooking. While Sessa is lauded for his portrayal of Bourdain as a confident yet insecure teenager, the film is described as "undercooked" and "rarely as compelling as it could have been."
The film adapts segments from Bourdain's memoir "Kitchen Confidential," featuring Antonio Banderas as an unnamed 'Chef' and Leo Woodall as a fellow worker. Reviewers point out narrative inconsistencies, such as how Banderas's character is perceived and why he believes Bourdain's kitchen skills. Ultimately, the film is seen as raising more questions than it answers about Bourdain's life.