Better Man is based on the true story of international pop sensation, Robbie Williams. Unlike every biopic you’ve witnessed there is one major factor which sets this film apart. Robbie Williams is played by a CGI ape. He sings, he dances, he is very much Robbie Williams except for the fact that he is an ape. Visionary director Michael Gracey went with the bold decision after asking Robbie how he sees himself. In that conversation Michael instantly knew the decision to have Robbie appear as an ape would transcend the project and have audiences understand him in a true and intimate way. See my out of theater reaction to seeing Better Man, which hits theaters in January.

SYNOPSIS: Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-braking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

Director Robert Eggers is known for his meticulous style in classical horror films like The Witch and The Northman, both features receiving high praises. In Nosferatu, its obvious Eggers spent a good amount of time in the quality of the cinematic sceneries but fell short on the screenplay.

The first few minutes grabbed my attention but dimmed quickly like the darkness throughout the film. Nosferatu is a slow, sluggish burn drama, horror about Count Dracula – Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) and the young lonesome, depressed Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) that falls into the desires of the Count. The majority of the story revolves around Ellen’s husband Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) desperately trying to save her and the town from Count Orlok’s macabre intentions. Thomas is joined by Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and the eccentric Prof. Albin Eberhart von Franz (Willem Dafoe). The storyline gets lost in the extensive scenes of the immense gothic castle and stone tombs. Ultimately, the conclusion was exciting but not worth the wait.

Lily-Rose Depp had a bland performance. I did not find her Exorcist like convulsions one bit thrilling, much less the crotch shots. Lily-Rose did not present the aspects of purity and innocence the way Dracula likes them. She is definitely no Mina Harker.

The other performances from Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were typical. Hoult was better as Renfield and Taylor-Johnson was better as Kraven. Willem Dafoe could have toned down the comedic sarcasm and added some Green Goblin madness.

Last, but not least, Bill Skarsgård earns my praise. He was fang-tastic! He rarely disappoints, especially when it comes to horror characters. He brought the chill factor with the dark creepy voice and haunting looks. I wanted to see more Skarsgård. If more quality time was put into Count Orlok, Nosferatu would not have ended up leaving me coals in my stocking this Christmas.

Vivian Kerr’s first directorial debut film Scrap is a touching, heartfelt drama about adult siblings struggling with their personal issues and overcoming long term emotional pain from the loss of their parents after a tragic plane crash that occurred when they were young. Kerr also wrote the screenplay and plays the role of Beth, a recently laid off executive professional that refuses to come to terms that she will no longer be able to afford her lavish lifestyle and support her five year old daughter Birdy.

In the opening scene we see Beth waking up inside her car in fancy pajamas. This suggests she is at the brink of homelessness. Beth has to get ready for a job interview and finds a clever way to freshen up and look polished with her designer clothes and shoes. Sadly, she does not get the position. In a phone call with her brother Ben (Anthony Rapp), Beth makes up an excuse that her “out of town business meeting” was longer than anticipated and was not able to pick up Birdy. We then learn that her daughter Birdy has been staying with Ben and Stacy (Lana Parrilla), while she sleeps in her car and goes job hunting.

Ben is a successful fantasy novel writer who is married to Stacy, a stressed out lawyer that is going through in vitro fertilization. The tension between the siblings and Stacy is noticeable. Beth’s erratic behavior is nothing new and uses Ben as a financial security net. Ben allows Beth to take advantage of him, because he feels responsible to take care of her and his niece.

Still in denial about needing to let go of her upscale way of life, Beth has the audacity to continue spending money by shopping online. Ben and Stacy are livid as the unnecessary stress is interfering with them trying to make a family of their own. To make matters more tense, Ben struggles to be heard by his publisher. He wants to step away from writing fantasy novels and wants to pursue his passion writing a non-fiction book about Billie Holiday.

Beth spends the day with Ben reminiscing their youth. They stop to visit their childhood home to show Birdy where they were raised. To their disappointment the house was demolished, and an empty lot is all that remains. This scene was so touching. I really wanted them to share a happy moment, because I know Beth really needed something good to help uplift her out of a mental rut. Like a slap in the face, Beth spirals out of control; from maxing out her credit cards, getting her car towed, missing her daughter’s recital, to returning with her ex Joshua – father of Birdy. Beth’s conduct even takes a toll on Ben and Stacy’s marriage.

Through all the turmoil and drama, the story comes to a pivotal point when Joshua gives Beth a ride to Ben’s house. They begin to argue, and Beth realizes that Joshua’s toxic personality is only causing more destruction to her and Birdy. Ben sees the altercation from the doorway and jumps into to action to save Beth from Joshua. From this moment forward, Beth reconciles with Ben and Stacy. Just like an empty lot, Beth rebuilds her life from the ground up. She is hired as a cosmetic salesperson and finds a suitable apartment for her and Birdy. As for Ben, he takes control of his career and decides to write a book about Billie Holiday. He deems it as no more hiding his personal struggles behind the lies of fantasy.

Scrap has amazing relatable characters that the audience can empathize with, especially those that have siblings. Anthony Rapp is a natural in displaying Ben’s guilt from having to take on the role of a father at such a young age after the death of their parents. Rapp deeply connected to the viewers that you are bound to feel sympathy for Ben. Vivian Kerr did an outstanding performance representing Beth as a strong competitive, arrogant pompous that does not settle for subpar, which included not being interested in going out with Marcus (Khleo Thomas) who works at a roller-skating rink.

Vivian Kerr delivered an exceptional performance with an elevating screenplay and film production. Scrap gives a hopeful outlook for overcoming life’s downfalls. It is a manifestation how happiness and success are possible when you liberate yourself from a tragic past. This is absolutely a must see inspiring movie.