Review Roundup 7/28/17

See the Opening section for ratings, casts, and prevue links. Title links in Review Roundup will take you to MetaCritic reviews. (NR) after title is the MetaCritic score.

Atomic Blonde (63)  has generally favorable critical reviews. Those who prefer action films should find this acceptable. Rated R for sequences of strong violence, language throughout, and some sexuality/nudity. Parents Guide
     Punch kick stab shoot. Borrow from “Bourne” and Bond. Rinse and repeat. This is the recipe for the quite ridiculous, ultra-violent and deliriously entertaining Atomic Blonde. Read full review. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper Jul 26, 2017
     Stuntman (“Fight Club,””300”) turned director (he had a hand in “John Wick”) David Leitch proves he was the right guy for the job with every furious blast of onscreen mayhem. Read full review. Movie Nation—Roger Moore Jul 25, 2017 

The Emoji Movie (8)  has overwhelming critical dislike. Clearly, this is a film to skip. Rated PG for rude humor. Parents Guide
     To add to the pain and despair of the experience, The Emoji Movie is preceded by a short, “Puppy,” featuring the characters from the “Hotel Transylvania” animated movies. It is also idiotic. Read full review. The New York Times—Glenn Kenny Jul 27, 2017
     The only thing worse than the dialogue is the absurd product placement. Read full review. New York Daily News—Jordan Hoffman Jul 27, 2017 

A Ghost Story (84) has universal critical acclaim. According to the score and the topic this looks like the one to see for most patrons. Rated R for brief language and a disturbing image. Parents Guide
     There are mysteries here, not the least of them being how such a modest little movie can evoke such profound feelings. Read full review.  Wall Street Journal—Joe Morgenstern Jul 6, 2017
     Roughly 60 percent of A Ghost Story is disturbingly beautiful and spiritually challenging and stuck to me like a memory magnet. About 40 percent of A Ghost Story is maddeningly still and achingly self-conscious and just a little too pleased with itself. Read full review. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper Jul 12, 2017 

Opening 7/28/17

To see where and when a film is showing select "Theatres/Times" below a synopsis. Films listed may not be available in all locations. Title links in Opening will take you to its IMDB entry.

Atomic Blonde R 1 hr. 55 min. Thriller Watch Prevue Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella, Toby Jones. Plot: The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service (Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality, and savagery. Sent alone to Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with the embedded station chief (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies. Theatres/Times

The Emoji Movie PG 1 hr. 26 min. Animated Comedy Watch Prevue Voice Cast: T.J. Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, Steven Wright, Jennifer Coolidge, Maya Rudolph, Jake T. Austin, Patrick Stewart. Plot: an exuberant emoji who was born without a filter and is bursting with multiple expressions decides to become “normal” like the other emojis. Theatres/Times

A Ghost Story R 1 hr. 32 min. Fantasy/Drama Watch Prevue Cast: Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Will Oldham, McColm Sephas Jr., Kenneisha Thompson, Grover Coulson, Liz Cardenas Franke, Barlow Jacobs. Plot: A ghost (Casey Affleck) silently observes his grieving widow (Rooney Mara) in his beloved home. Theatres/Times

Review Roundup 7/21/17

See the Opening section for ratings, casts, and prevue links. Title links in Review Roundup will take you to MetaCritic reviews. (NR) after title is the MetaCritic score.

Dunkirk (96) Critics have given it universal acclaim. Action, history and war movie fans will obviously find this to be the film of choice this week. Rated PG-13 for intense war experience and some language. IMDB Parent's Guide.
     Nolan has crafted a tight, gripping, deeply involving and unforgettable film that ranks about the best war movies of the decade. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper
     Although Dunkirk is technically a war film, its tone and style are those of a high-octane thriller. For his most serious-minded film to date, Christopher Nolan has employed all the weapons in his arsenal to craft something that, despite the Oscar-unfriendly July release date, will almost certainly be remembered when the Best Picture nominations are handed out. ReelViews—James Berardinelli

Girls Trip (71) Critics have given it generally favorable reviews. Yet another girl's gone wild film for those who appreciate this genre. Rated R for crude and sexual content throughout, pervasive language, brief graphic nudity, and drug material. IMDB Parent's Guide.
     The jokes that are there are shocking and hysterical, and unlike some similar comedies about grownup friends, the four core characters are actually likeable. Entertainment Weekly—Devan Coggan
     Girls Trip is just fun, a movie that—even within the context of its broad, exaggerated humor—never seems to be trying too hard. Time—Stephanie Zacharek

Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (54) Critics have given it mixed or average reviews. Sci-Fi fans should consider waiting for this at home unless they really love 3D. Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action, suggestive material and brief language. IMDB Parent's Guide.
    Sure, the pricey special effects are impressive to behold (though, as usually the case, the 3D is nothing to text home about). And yes, at times “Valerian” creates a strange and beautiful universe. Which ultimately means nothing, because the plot is paper-thin.  Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper
     During the film’s intoxicating first 30 minutes, for example, I couldn’t decide whether what I was watching was brilliantly bonkers or total folly. Then, as the story went on, it came into sharper and sharper focus: Valerian is an epic mess. Entertainment Weekly—Chris Nashawaty

Opening 7/21/17

To see where and when a film is showing select "Theatres/Times" below a synopsis. Films listed may not be available in all locations. Title links in Opening will take you to its IMDB entry.

Dunkirk PG-13 1 hr. 45 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D'Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy. Plot: describes the fierce battle in World War II. Theatres/Times

Girls Trip R 2 hrs. 02 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Larenz Tate. Plot: four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival. Theatres/Times

Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets PG-13 2 hrs. 17 min. Sci-Fi Watch Preview Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna , Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu, Rutger Hauer, Elizabeth Debicki. Plot: in the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Theatres/Times

Sun/Mon Only

Kiki's Delivery Service NR Animated film Watch Prevue Cast: Fûka Koshiba.  Plot: an adaption of the first two novels in the Eiko Kadono book series, which follows the adventures of a young witch, Kiki and her cat, Jiji. Dubbed on Sunday, subtitled on Monday. Theatres/Times

Review Roundup 7/14/17

See the Opening section for ratings, casts, and prevue links. Title links in Review Roundup will take you to MetaCritic reviews.

THE BIG SICK (87) This film has universal critic acclaim and would seem to be the pick for a romantic comedy. Rated R for language including some sexual references
     It is funny and smart and wise and silly, it is romantic and sweet and just cynical enough, and it is without a doubt one of the best romantic comedies I have seen in a long time. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper  |  Read full review
     The Big Sick has the qualities that could make it a sleeper hit. It’s funny, touching, and perceptive. ReelViews—James Berardinelli | Read full review

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (81) Indicates universal acclaim and should be the choice for Sci-Fi action fans and those who've loved the previous entries in this series. If you don't like long lines or crowded theatres you may want to wait a week. Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, thematic elements, and some disturbing images. IMDB Parental Guide.
     Serkis is brilliant and memorable and sometimes absolutely heartbreaking as Caesar. The supporting players excel, with each getting a moment or two in the sun. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper | Read full review
     This is a vital, original, and emotionally potent chapter to one of the longest-running movie series out there. It will easily be one of the summer of 2017’s best films and, at the end of the year, it will likely find a space on many respectable Top 10 lists. ReelViews—James Berardinelli | Read full review

WISH UPON has no MetaCritic rating yet which means it hasn't been screened for the critics. You know what that means. Rated PG-13 for violent and disturbing images, thematic elements and language. IMDB Parental Guide

Opening 7/14/17

To see where and when a film is showing select "Theatres/Times" below a synopsis. Films listed may not be available in all locations. Title links in Opening will take you to its IMDB entry.

THE BIG SICK R 2 hrs. Romantic Comedy Watch Prevue Cast: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano. Plot: Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and grad student Emily fall in love, but they struggle as their cultures clash. Theatres/Times

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES PG-13 2 hrs. 20 min. Sci-Fi Action Watch Prevue 
Cast: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval, Terry Notary. Plot: the third chapter of the series: Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. Theatres/Times

WISH UPON PG-13 1 hr. 30 min Horror film Watch Prevue Cast: Joey King, Ryan Phillippe, Ki Hong Lee, Mitchell Slaggert, Shannon Purser, Sydney Park, Kevin Hanchard, Sherilyn Fenn. Plot: 17-year-old Clare (Joey King) is barely surviving the hell that is high school when her dad (Ryan Phillippe) gives her an old music box that promises to grant the owner's wishes. Theatres/Times

Review Roundup 7/7/17

See the Opening section for ratings, casts, and prevue links. Title links in Review Roundup will take you to MetaCritic reviews.

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (73) has generally favorable reviews. This score would correlate to a three-star review. I don't know that the world needs another Spider-Man film, but if you've enjoyed these before this looks as if you'd enjoy this one also. Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language, and brief suggestive comments. IMDB Parent's Guide.

...Spider-Man: Homecoming feels fresh and new, an endearingly awkward kid brother to the glamorous “Wonder Woman.” New York Post—Sara Stewart

A brightly contemporary retelling that is not so much an origin story as a coming of age: The On-His-Way-to-Amazing Spider-Boy. Entertainment Weekly—Leah Greenblatt

The best thing about Spider-Man: Homecoming is Spidey is still more of a kid than a man. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper

Opening 7/7/17

To see where and when a film is showing select "Theatres/Times" below a synopsis. Films listed may not be available in all locations. Title links in Opening will take you to its IMDB entry.

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING 2D/3D/IMAX 3D PG-13 2 hrs. 13 min. Sci-Fi/Action Watch Prevue Cast: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya Coleman, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr. Plot: young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) begins to navigate his newfound identity. Then the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain. Theatres/Times