SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Will you be riding out into theaters to see the new Austin Butler film, or catching up on the new House of the Dragon season? ABC4 Film Critic Patrick Beatty gives us options this weekend of what to see and what to skip.

The Bikeriders

Where to Watch: Theaters

Directed By: 

Jeff Nichols

Written By: 

Jeff Nichols

Starring:

Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon

Genre:

Crime, Drama

Rated R

All media courtesy of Focus Features

The Bikeriders is centered around one of the first biker clubs formed by Johnny (played by Tom Hardy) adapted from a novel telling his and other members stories and still imagery. Jodie Comer plays Kathy, a woman who after a run-in with a handsome and enigmatic biker Benny (played by Austin Butler), the youngest member in this biker gang called the “Vandals”. The story spans from the club’s origins to its evolution as the culture expands across the country, and new members start to question Johnny’s leadership.

This is a slice of American life film that has great performances by all our leads, and strong themes of comradery, love, and legacy, all told beautifully by Jodie Comer’s character. I loved her accent, and how naturally she was able to bring the humor into the intense moments. She’s the heart of the film and her narrating the story was a very smart angle by director Jeff Nichols.

Benny and Johhny’s relationship is almost like a surrogate father and son, Benny is rough around the edges but shows a lot of promise in Johnny’s eyes, but does Benny want more responsibility in the club that is his life? Hardy and Butler’s chemistry is strong and full of heart and I loved watching any scene with just them talking together.

The sound design is great when it comes to showcasing these loud choppers. You feel every rumble down to your seat as they come screaming across the screen. I love the reverence the film has for the members of this club, and while it doesn’t shy away from recognizing the faults of some members, it tells it in a way that feels honest.

Overall, this is one to see in theaters and a great film for the summer.

See It or Skip It? See It

‘The Bikeriders’ director speaks on adapting imagery to the screen

Thelma

Where to Watch: Theaters

Directed By: 

Josh Margolin

Written By: 

Josh Margolin

Starring:

June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree

Genre:

Action, Comedy

Rated PG-13

All media courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

Thelma is an elderly woman who is taken advantage of by a scam caller pretending to be her grandson. After giving them her money unknowingly, Thelma decides to set out on her own to find the thieves bring them to justice, and get her money back.

I was able to see this during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and I fell in love with the sincerity and funny ride Thelma took me on. June Squibb who plays Thelma is fantastic and deserves to be nominated for her performance. I love the humanity she brings to what may seem all too common now. In a day where AI can imitate almost anyone and be abused by people looking to take advantage of the elderly, Thelma is the John Wick response and turns what seems serious into something entertaining and almost cathartic.

This is one of those films that comes out of nowhere in the movie season and delights everyone who checks it out, which is why I’m begging you to see this in a theater. Mid-budget films like this don’t get made often, and it’s important to keep them in theaters and supported by audiences.

This is an easy and fun watch, definitely check it out with your family… especially your Grandma, and you won’t be disappointed.

See it or Skip it? See It

Inside Out 2, Tuesday, The Boys Season 4 | See It or Skip It

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1

Where to Watch: Theaters

Created By: 

Ryan J. Conda, George R.R. Martin

Starring:

Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke

Genre:

Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Rated TV-MA

All media courtesy of MAX

Episode one of the second season of House of the Dragon was released this past Sunday, and while I don’t consider this a review per se, wanted to call attention to it and make sure if you haven’t started this season now is the time to do so.

The first episode brings us back to the land set 200 years prior to A Song of Ice and Fire. Centered around The Targaryen dynasty as it is split in two between two warring families. The same blood, gore, and incest exist in this show as it did in Game of Thrones, and while I really enjoyed the first season, I am even more so after seeing this first episode.

I would strongly recommend a refresher of the previous season to remember names and such, as these will be important in the first episode’s plot, but check this out and make sure to see the second episode as it’s released this Sunday. A full review will be up after the season ends.

See it or Skip it? See It

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