J-Law thriller loses its way

Red Sparrow (15) ●●● ●●

A battered and bruised Jennifer Lawrence is tested like never before in this gripping spy drama.

The 27-year-old bares her soul — and skin — as a reluctant Russian intelligence officer in one of her strongest turns yet.

A few scenes could’ve been left on the cutting room floor, though, as the second half drags.

Allure (18) ●●● ●●

It’s nice to see Evan Rachel Wood back on form after a difficult few years.

She’s gifted a memorable. wellrounded role by first-time directing brothers Carlos and Jason Sanchez.

But while their debut film deserves credit for not holding back, the unsettling content jars alongside a mawkish tone.

Mom and Dad (15) ●● ●●●

You don’t expect subtlety from the director of Crank and Gamer — and boy, Brian Taylor doesn’t let us down.

The B-movie premise of parents suddenly losing the plot and trying to murder their kids could have worked in more secure hands.

Sadly, Taylor’s script forgot to include any likeable characters on either side of the generational divide.

What he does do well, though, is shoot in a hyperactive style that helps distract from the wafer-thin plot.

Herds of zombie-like parents on the hunt leave a visual mark and the sound design is an effective mix of chilling build-up and ear-bashing carnage.

But the acting is pretty dreadful across the board, led by another risible turn from a demented Nicolas Cage.