Review Roundup 8/11/17

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.

Annabelle: Creation (63) has generally favorable reviews. Strictly for horror fans. This will basically draw a younger crowd. Rated R for horror violence and terror. IMDB Parents Guide
     If you can’t get more than just a taste of terror from throwing half a dozen orphans into a haunted house, maybe your “universe” isn’t expanding at all and your “Creation” has run its course. Read full review. Movie Nation—Roger Moore Aug 8, 2017 

The Glass Castle (57) has mixed or average reviews. Unless you have an interest in one-time gossip columnist Jeannette Walls, this looks like one to pass. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content involving family dysfunction, and for some language and smoking. IMDB Parents Guide
     A lumbering ordeal of a picture. Read full review.  Movie Nation—Roger Moore Aug 11, 2017
     It’s a well-made film with strong performances, and it by no means shies away from some of the more shocking and tragic episodes from Jeannette’s upbringing. But when “The Glass Castle” reaches for late-movie moments of closure and self-revelations and forgiveness...it rings sour and false. Read full review. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper Aug 10, 2017 

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (68) has generally favorable reviews. Al Gore has been around long enough for you to know exactly what to expect. Rated PG for thematic elements and some troubling images. IMDB Parents Guide
     It’s never self-congratulatory, rarely “I told you so,” although if anybody on Planet Earth is entitled to owning that phrase it’s Al Gore. Read full review.  Movie Nation—Roger Moore Aug 6, 2017
     Directed in disjointed and sometimes unfocused fashion by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power is nonetheless worth a viewing, if only for the continued, irrefutable, scientifically sound reminders that humankind continues to harm the planet in shocking and sobering ways. Read full review. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper Aug 3, 2017 

The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (40) has mixed or average reviews. Unless you're babysitting, this looks like one to avoid. Rated PG for action and some rude humor. IMDB Parents Guide.
     The one gag that works is probably a little racist, or at least racially touchy. Jackie Chan voices the lead mouse in a sea of martial artist mice who beat the purple out of Surly any time he ventures into Chinatown. Read full review. Movie Nation—Roger Moore Aug 9, 2017 

Opening 8/11/17

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.

Annabelle: Creation R 1 hr. 48 min. Horror Watch Prevue Cast: Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Bateman, Lulu Wilson, Philippa Anne Coulthard, Samara Lee, Tayler Buck, Anthony LaPaglia, Miranda Otto. Plot: several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle. Theatres/Times

The Glass Castle PG-13 2 hrs. 7 min. Biography Watch Prevue Cast: Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, Naomi Watts. Plot: Brie Larson brings Jeannette Walls's best-selling memoir to life as a young woman who, influenced by the joyfully wild nature of her deeply dysfunctional father (Woody Harrelson), found the determination to carve out a successful life. Theatres/Times

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power PG 1 hr. 38 min. Documentary Watch Prevue Cast: Al Gore. Plot: A decade after "An Inconvenient Truth" brought the climate crisis into the heart of popular culture comes the follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution. Looks as if they will be showing this film this week. Theatres/Times

The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature PG 1 hr. 31 min. Animated Comedy Watch Prevue Voice Cast: Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Moynihan, Gabriel Iglesias, Jeff Dunham, Bobby Cannavale, Isabela Moner, Sebastian Maniscalo, Peter Stormare, Jackie Chan. Plot: Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the gang band together to save their home. Theatres/Times

Mune: Guardian of the Moon and Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry are also listed as showing for what appears to be extremely specialized audiences. The title links will give you more information.

Review Roundup 8/4/17

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.

The Dark Tower (35) reviews are generally unfavorable. The majority of King's book to film attempts have not fared well. You'll probably be better off waiting for this to stream at home. Rated PG-13 for thematic material including sequences of gun violence and action. IMDB Parent's Guide
     The cinematography has a washed-out, dull tone. The special effects are mediocre. With a few exceptions, the dialogue is stilted and filled with expository passages so obviously intended to explain things to us, I half-expected characters to turn to the camera and say, “Here’s what you need to know so you can understand what’s happening.” Read full review. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper Aug 3, 2017 
     Bad dialogue, lame plot, fine. The bigger issue: How could a film with Elba and McConaughey have so little swagger? Read full review. Entertainment Weekly—Darren Franich Aug 3, 2017 

Detroit (80) reviews are generally favorable. This is not what I'd consider entertaining, but if you're interested in serious drama this is clearly the film of the week. Rated R for strong violence and pervasive language. IMDB Parent's Guide
     Arriving in theaters almost exactly 50 years since the Detroit riots of late July 1967, Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit is a searing, pulse-pounding, shocking and deeply effective dramatic interpretation of events in and around the Algiers Motel. Read full review. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper Jul 25, 2017 
     Detroit, despite its flaws, is compelling and deeply unsettling. Its thriller and horror elements gain resonance because, at least to some degree, they’re based on real events. Read full review. ReelViews—James Berardinelli Aug 3, 2017 

Kidnap (45) reviews are mixed and average. Strictly for action and Berry fans. The rest will be happier waiting for a cheaper viewing. Rated R for violence and peril. IMDB Parent's Guide

     As Karla turns into Super Mom, brushing off multiple car accidents and more than one attempt on her life, Kidnap provides some easy applause-getting moments but grows increasingly over-the-top. Read full review. Chicago Sun-Times—Richard Roeper Aug 3, 2017 

     It’s a dopey but pulse-pounding B-movie. Read full review. Movie Nation—Roger Moore Aug 1, 2017 

Disney's Newsies the Broadway Musical I could find no reviews for the movie version of this stage musical. The title link above will take you to reviews of the stage production which seem reasonably positive. What your experience will be in the movie theatre is anyone's guess.

Opening 8/4/17

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 Dark Tower PG-13 1 hr. 35 min. Fantasy Watch Prevue Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor, Claudia Kiim, Fran Kranz, Abbey Lee, Jackie Earle Haley. Plot: Stephen King’s novel about good vs. evil comes to the big screen. Theatres/Times

Detroit R 2 hrs. 23 min. Crime drama Watch Prevue Cast: John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, Jason Mitchell, Hannah Murray, Kaitlyn Dever, Jack Reynor, Ben O’Toole, Joseph David-Jones, Ephraim Sykes, Leon Thomas III, Nathan Davis Jr., Peyton Alex Smith, Malcolm David Kelley, Gbenga Akinnabve, Chris Chalk, Jeremy Strong, Laz Alonzo, Austin Hebert, Miguel Pimentel, Kristen Davis, John Krasinski, Anthony Mackie. Plot: story of one of the darkest moments during the civil unrest that rocked Detroit in the summer of '67. Theatres/Times

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power PG 1 hr. 38 min. Documentary Watch Prevue Cast: Al Gore. Plot: A decade after "An Inconvenient Truth" brought the climate crisis into the heart of popular culture comes the follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution. This film has been listed for several days but has disappeared now. I'm leaving it on in case it returns. Theatres/Times

Kidnap R  1 hr. 34 min. Thriller Watch Prevue Cast: Halle Berry, Sage Correa, Lew Temple, Chris McGinn. Plot: one mother's heroic attempt to take back her kidnapped son leads her to ask herself how far she will go to save her child. Theatres/Times

Disney's Newsies the Broadway Musical 2 hrs. 29 min. Musical Watch Prevue Cast: Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Kara Lindsay. Plot: a filmed version of the stage musical. Originally released in February it appears to be making a one day appearance in Wichita. Theatres/Times

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

Worthwhile (or not) 6/30/17

See the Opening section for ratings, casts, and prevue links. Title links in Worthwhile (or not) will take you to MetaCritic reviews.

Baby Driver has one of the highest MetaCritic ratings I've seen in awhile—86, meaning it has virtually universal acclaim. The only negative review I saw said: "a very long (much too long) music video with not very interesting car chases." However, it's a little shy of two hours in length which is about average these days. The positive comments range from "Cinematic Joyride" to "brilliant car chase musical" to "as much fun as you’re going to have in a movie theater this year".  If you like fast car action and loud music, this looks like one to see. The IMDB Parent's Guide will give you a better idea of what's in this one.

Beatriz at Dinner at 68 has generally favorable reviews. However, most of them make the point the film is a little preachy and one reviewer felt it was like a lecture from Al Gore. From the comments, I'm guessing conservative viewers will like this less than progressive ones will. Personally, this seems to me like a film you'd be happier watching at home. The IMDB Parent's Guide says this is what you'll be in for.

Despicable Me 3 at 50 has mixed to average reviews. The Seattle Times' Soren Andersen seems to sum it up best with "It’s a standard kiddie cartoon: noisy, colorful and forgettable." Unless you have kids or grandkids to entertain, this looks like one to miss. IMDB Parent's Guide.

The House finally has a rating of 31, meaning generally unfavorable reviews. This rating showed up at the last minute which I assume means the distributor wasn't eager to screen it. That's never a good sign. It usually indicates the distributor knows the film is a lemon and is trying to hide the fact as long as possible. I purposefully provided the red band trailer in the Opening section so you could get a better idea what this looks like. This appears to be for those who enjoy really raunchy films. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time. IMDB Parent's Guide.

Opening 6/28, 6/30/17

To see where and when a film is showing select "Theatres/Times" below a synopsis. Films listed may not be available in all locations.

Wednesday 6/28/17

Baby Driver R 1 hr. 53 min. Crime Comedy Watch Prevue Cast: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Bernthal, Eiza Gonzales, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx. Plot: a talented, young getaway driver is coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey) and must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom. Theatres/Times

Beatriz at Dinner  R 1 hr. 23 min. Drama Watch Prevue Cast: Salma Hayek, John Lithgow, Chloë Sevigny, Jay Duplass, Connie Britton, Nina Arianda, Amy Landecker, David Warshofsky. Plot: when an immigrant from a poor town in Mexico meets a real estate developer whose cutthroat tactics have made him a self-made, self-satisfied billionaire, their worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Theatres/Times

Friday 6/30/17 

Despicable Me 3  PG 1 hr. 30 min. Animated Family Film Watch Prevue Voice Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Nev Scharrel, Steve Coogan, Jenny Slate, Julie Andrews. Plot: continues the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions. Theatres/Times

The House R 1 hr. 28 min. Comedy Watch Prevue Cast: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Nick Kroll, Allison Tolman, Michaela Watkins, Ryan Simpkins, Jessie Ennis, Rob Huebel, Cedric Yarbrough, Jeremy Renner. Plot: after (Will Ferrell) and (Amy Poehler) lose their daughter's college fund, they become desperate to earn it back so she can pursue her dream of attending a university. With the help of their neighbor (Jason Mantzoukas), they decide to start an illegal casino in the basement of his house. Theatres/Times

Worthwhile (or not) 6/23/17

MetaCritic indicates the only new film this week has generally unfavorable reviews: Transformers: The Last Knight (27) is the fifth episode in this series and hopefully the last. It's basic audience will be teens/twenties action fans so you know who'll you be with if you decide to go.  For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

Opening 6/21/17

To see where and when a film is showing select "Theatres/Times" below a synopsis.

Transformers: The Last Knight 2D/3D/IMAX 3D PG-13 2 hrs.  29 min. Sci-Fi Action Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Jerrod Carmichael, Isabela Moner, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Hopkins, Laura Haddock, Santiago Cabrera, Liam Garrigan, Stanley Tucci. Plot: Humans and Transformers are at war and saving our world falls upon the shoulders of an unlikely alliance: Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg); Bumblebee; an English Lord (Sir Anthony Hopkins); and an Oxford Professor (Laura Haddock). Theatres/Times

Worthwhile (or not) 6/16/17

MetaCritic indicates these new films have mixed or average reviews: Cars 3 (60) is the top ranked film this week, followed by 47 Meters Down (56) and Rough Night (51). Films with generally unfavorable reviews are All Eyez On Me (35) and The Book Of Henry (27). For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above. Frankly, this looks to be a poor week for new films and you should consider saving your money for a better week or catching a film you've been wanting to see from a previous week.

Opening 6/16/17

For any city, select "Theatres/Times" below a synopsis. These links will be updated on the blog when available. Friday times appear Wednesday or Thursday. Previews can be seen by clicking on the title link.

47 Meters Down PG-13 1 hr. 29 min. Thriller Cast: Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Matthew Modine. Plot: (Mandy Moore) and her daring sister (Claire Holt)  go shark diving with some locals.When the cage breaks away from their boat, they find themselves plummeting to the bottom of the seabed. Theatres/Times

All Eyez On Me R 2 hr. 20 min. Biographical/Drama Cast: Kat Graham, Lauren Cohan, Hill Harper, Jamal Woolard, Danai Gurira, Demetrius Shipp Jr. Plot: the true and untold story of rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. Theatres/Times

The Book Of Henry PG-13 1 hr. 55 min. Drama Cast: Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher, Jacob Tremblay, Sarah Silverman, Lee Pace, Maddie Ziegler, Dean Norris. Plot: (Naomi Watts) discovers the family next door, which includes her son’s classmate, (Maddie Ziegler), has an abusive stepfather – and that her son has devised a surprising plan to help. Theatres/Times

Cars 3 2D/3D  PG-13 1 hr. 49 min. Animated Family Film Voice Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, Lea DeLaria, Armie Hammer, Cristela Alonzo, Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suárez, Bubba Wallace. Plot: the legendary Lightning McQueen is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves by a new generation of blazing-fast racers. Theatres/Times

Rough Night R 1 hr. 41 min. Comedy Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Paul W. Downs, Zoe Kravitz, Kate McKinnon, Ilana Glazer, Jillian Bell, Demi Moore. Plot: five best friends from college reunite 10 years later for a wild bachelorette weekend that ends up accidentally killing a male stripper. Theatres/Times

Worthwhile (or not) 6/9/17

MetaCritic indicates these new films have generally favorable reviews: It Comes At Night (70) is the top ranked film this week, followed by Meagan Leavy and My Cousin Rachel, both with (64). The one film with generally unfavorable reviews is The Mummy (34). For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

Opening 6/9/17

There's only one wide release film listed this week although there are several limited releases that could make an appearance. To discover when and where a film is playing select Theatres/Times. As/if other releases are made known the blog post will be updated.

The Mummy 2D/3D/IMAX 3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action/Fantasy Watch Preview Cast: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis, Jake Johnson, Courtney B. Vance, Russell Crowe. Plot: an ancient queen (Sofia Boutella) whose destiny was unjustly taken from her, is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension. Theatres/Times.

Several additional films have been added for this weekend including Meagan Leavey, It Comes At Night, and My Cousin Rachel.

Here's everything playing.