At The Movies for Wednesday 6 September 2023

AT THE MOVIES #938   CHILD’S PLAY

 

Simon Morris reviews three movies inspired by childhood – one based on a Disneyland ride, one featuring a plucky North London kid, and a story of the power of first love.

 

 

Haunted Mansion is a comedy based on the popular fairground attraction, starring LaKeith Stanfield (Get out!), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Rosario Dawson (Sin City) and Danny DeVito (Batman returns).

 

 

 

Scrapper tells the story of 12-year-old Georgie who’s quite happy fending for herself, until the unexpected appearance of someone claiming to be her father.   Stars Harris Dickinson (Triangle of sadness) and first-timer Lola Campbell.  Written and directed by Charlotte Regan.

 

 

 

And Past lives is another debut – playwright-director Celine Song’s touching tale of first love and homesickness for a South Korean childhood.   A Film Festival sensation, it is already gathering Oscar predictions.