Entertainment:
Movies opening this week, now playing and special screenings.
MOVIES
Capsule reviews are by Kenneth Turan (K.Tu.), Betsy Sharkey (B.S.), Mark Olsen (M.O.) and other reviewers. Compiled by Oliver Gettell.
Openings
FRIDAY
Aloft A renowned artist and healer encounters her son, a falconer, two decades after an accident tore them apart. With Jennifer Connelly, Cillian Murphy and Melanie Laurent. Written and directed by Claudia Llosa. (1:35) R.
Chocolate City A college student begins moonlighting as an exotic dancer and has to deal with newfound fame while hiding his work from his family. With Robert Ri’chard, Tyson Beckford and Michael Jai White. Written and directed by Jean-Claude La Marre. (1:31) R.
The Film Critic A misanthropic film critic who detests romantic comedies finds his life beginning to resemble one. With Rafael Spregelburd, Dolores Fonzi and Blanca Lewin. Written and directed by Hernan Guerschuny. In French and Spanish, with English subtitles. (1:38) NR.
The Human Centipede III An insane prison warden and his right-hand man take inspiration from a pair of horror movies to surgically attach inmates to one another in gruesome fashion. With Eric Roberts, Dieter Laser and Laurence R. Harvey. Written
and directed by Tom Six. (1:42) NR.
Intrepido: A Lonely Hero A kind middle-aged mantakes on myriad temporary jobs to stay afloat in Milan. With Antonio Albanese, Livia Rossi and Gabriele Rendina. Written by Gianni Amelio and Davide Lantieri. Directed by Amelio. In Italian with English subtitles. (1:44) NR.
Poltergeist A suburban family must come together to rescue their youngest daughter from evil apparitions in this reboot of the 1982 film. With Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt and Jared Harris. Written by David LindsayAbaire. Directed by Gil Kenan. In 3-D. (1:31) PG-13.
The Quiet Riot Movie A documentary about the the rise, fall and reformation of the ’80s metal band Quiet Riot. Directed by Regina Russell. (1:44) NR.
Sunshine Superman A documentary portrait of Carl Boenish, the father of BASE jumping. Directed by Marah Strauch. (1:41) PG.
Tomorrowland A bright teenager and a jaded former boy genius embark on a dangerous mission to unearth the secrets of a mysterious place somewhere in time and space. With Britt Robertson, George Clooney and Hugh Laurie. Written by Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird. Directed by Bird. In Imax. (2:10) PG. (See article onE1)
When Marnie Was There In this animated film, a girl sent from her foster home in the city to a sleepy seaside town in Hokkaido meets a mysterious new friend. With the voices of Hailee Steinfeld, Kiernan Shipka and Grey Griffin. Written by Keiko Niwa, Masashi Ando, Hiromasa Yonebayashi and David Freedman. Directed by Yonebayashi. (1:43) PG.
Critics’ Choices
Dior and I An involving documentary that takes us behind the scenes as new creative director Raf Simons has only eight weeks to prepare his first high-fashion show for the house of Dior. (K.Tu., April 17) In English and French, with English subtitles. (1:29) NR.
Ex Machina Shrewdly imagined and persuasively made, this is a spooky piece of speculative fiction about artificial intelligence that’s completely plausible, capable of thinking big thoughts and providing pulp thrills. But even saying that doesn’t do full justice to this quietly unnerving Alex Garland film starring Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and Alicia Vikander. (K.Tu., April 10) (1:50) R.
Furious 7 is the fuel-injected fusion of all that is and ever has been good in “The Fast and the Furious” saga. The always fabulous autos spend much of the time airborne in stunning, heart-dropping effects. But it is in the handling of heartfelt sentiment that “Furious” truly soars, as the on-screen and off-screen family gives one of their own — franchise star Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in 2013 as “7” was filming — a near-perfect final ride. (B.S., April 3) (2:09) PG-13.
While We’re Young Sharp, funny and dead-onlive today, accurate this film about is not the about way eterna lwe with youth growing but older. about Starring coming Bento terms Stiller satire and about Naomi aging Watts, hipsters this and delicious their discontents is everything we’ve come to expect from the best of Noah Baumbach, as well as several things more. (K.Tu., March 27) (1:34) R.
Also in Theaters
5 Flights Up That "5 Flights Up" exists and stars acting treasures Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman feels like a minor miracle. What a pleasure to see a simple, finely tuned dramedy about real adults with real emotions in a real-life situation. (Gary Goldstein, May 8) (1:32) PG-13. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared Echoes of the hilarious ineptitude of Woody Allen’s “Take the Money and Run” and the historic kookiness of “Forrest Gump” turn up throughout this film starring Sweden’s beloved comic actor Robert Gustafsson. It’s a hoot and a half. (B.S., May 8) In English, Spanish, French, German, Swedish, Italian and Russian, with English subtitles. (1:54) R.
Absolution When a contract killer encounters a girl on the run froma wellconnected mob boss, he’s torn between protecting her and remaining loyal to the government agency that hired him. With Steven Seagal, Byron Mann and Josh Barnett. Written by Keoni Waxman and Richard Beattie. Directed by Waxman. (1:36) R.
The Age of Adaline This sweeping romance starring Blake Lively and Michiel Huisman is beautifully wrapped in classy couture and slightly suspect in the way it uses metaphysics to manipulate matters of the heart. Not “An Affair to Remember,” mind you, but a welcome change from the Nicholas Sparks brand of mush that has overtaken the hearts-and-flowers corner of movieland. (B.S., April 24) (1:53) PG-13.
Animals For a young Chicago couple stuck in the throes of addiction, a life---
altering setback forces them to confront the reality of their situation. With Kim Shaw and David Dastmalchian. Written by Dastmalchian. Directed by Collin Schiffli. (1:30) NR.
Antarctic Edge: 70° South A documentary following a group of researchers exploring the West Antarctic Peninsula as part of the race to understand climate change. Directed by Dena Seidel. (1:12) NR.
Avengers: Age of Ultron It would be silly to pretend that this latest Marvel superhero epic isn’t good at what it does, or that the evil Ultron isn’t a fine villain. However, as the ideal vehicle for our age of instant gratification, it disappears without a trace almost as soon as it’s consumed. (K.Tu., April 30) In 3-D and Imax. (2:21) PG-13.
Clouds of Sils Maria It is best to just let yourself get lost in the “Clouds” for a little while. This richly imperfect piece about the vagaries to be found in a life spent working in film stars Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart and Chloe Grace Moretz. French filmmaker Olivier Assayas leaves a few too many loose ends and allows the
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Days of Grace In Mexico City, an idealistic over cop the battles course crimeof three and consecutivecorruption Huerta, Carlos World BardemCups. With and Dolores Tenoch Heredia. Valerio Written Gout. and In directed Spanish by Everardowith English subtitles. (2:02) NR.
(Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies A documentary exploring the complex impact dishonesty has on our lives and everyday society. Directed by Yael Melamede. (1:30) NR. Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll A documentary about Cambodia’s vibrant pop music scene of the 1950s and ’60s, which was largely wiped out by the Khmer Rogue. Directed by John Pirozzi. In English and Cambodian, with English subtitles. (1:45) NR.
Echoes of War In post-Civil War Texas, two neighboring families grieving their losses become embroiled in another bloody conflict. With James Badge Dale, Ethan Embry and William Forsythe. Written by John Chriss and Kane Senes. Directed by Senes. (1:44) R.
Every Secret Thing A detective who has never gotten over her rookie case, in which she found a missing child an hour too late, is determined not to let the same thing happen again. With Elizabeth Banks, Diane Lane and Dakota Fanning. Written by Nicole Holofcener. Directed by Amy Berg. (1:33) R.
Far From the Madding Crowd This adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel starring an excellent Carey Mulligan is a far lighter examination of the emotional crosscurrents of love and desire that the author dove into so deeply. Less angst, less heart. And like unrequited love, one can’t help but lament what might have been. (B.S., May 1) (1:58) PG-13.
Felix and Meira Maxime Giroux’s new film is an unusual love story that, though shrouded in chill and shadow, has moments of true loveliness. The co-writer and director captures the oppressive winter in Montreal, the cultural specificities of the Hasidic community and the slow blossoming of an individual who begins to make personal choices. (Katie Walsh, April 24) (1:46) R.
Good Kill When an Air Force drone pilot and his crew start taking orders directly from the CIA and the stakes increase, his nerves and marriage begin to fray. With Ethan Hawke, January Jones and Zoe Kravitz. Written and directed by Andrew Niccol. (1:43) R.
Groundswell Rising A documentary about resistance to the controverseial oil and gas drilling method known as fracking. Directed by Renard Cohen. Resolutions Pictures (1:10) NR.
Hot Pursuit This new female buddy comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara is so bad even diehard misogynists would be offended. It’s so bad it will go down as Academyaward winning Witherspoon’s worst movie, at least for the foreseeable future. It’s so bad it will keep “Modern Family” star Vergara locked up tight in her sexy over-the-top Colombian comedian cliche box. It’s an equal-opportunity fiasco. (B.S., May 8) (1:27) PG-13. I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story A documentary portrait of the octogenarian puppeteer who plays Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch of “Sesame Street.” Directed by Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker. (1:27) NR.
I’ll See You in My Dreams After the death of her beloved dog, a seventysomething widow pursues a new love interest, reconnects with her daughter and strikes up a friendship with her pool man. With Blythe Danner, Sam Elliott and Martin Starr. Written by Brett Haley and Marc Basch. Directed by Haley. (1:35) PG-13.
In the Name of My Daughter A biographical drama about the French casino heiress Agnes Le Roux and her deadly power struggle with a defiant daughter and the seductive lawyer who betrayed them both. With Catherine Deneuve, Guillaume Canet and Adele Haenel. Written by Andre Techine, Jean-Charles Le Roux and Cedric Anger. Directed by Techine. In French with English subtitles. (1:56) R.
Iris The late Albert Maysles was one of America’s great documentarians, a force in the field for nearly six decades, but his latest film has got to be one of his most charming. With her trademark huge round glasses and her genius for costume jewelry, the 93year-old Iris Apfel could qualify as the world’s oldest fashionista. But when she talks, you want to listen. (K.Tu., May 6) (1:18) PG-13.
Know How Five youths in foster care confront loss, heartbreak, adulthood and bureaucracy. With Deshawn Brown, Niquana Clark and Michael Kareem Dew. Written and directed by Juan Carlos Pineiro Escoriaza. (1:46) NR.
Mad Max: Fury Road In a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland, a loner haunted by his past gets swept up in a battle against a ruthless warlord. With Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult. Written by George Miller, Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. Directed by Miller. In 3-D. (2 hrs.) R.
Miles to Go A Los Angeles writer who doesn’t believe relationships can last tries to reconnect with his on-again, off-again ex-girlfriend. With Quincy
Rose, Rowe. WrittenJen McPhersonand directed and by Maggie Rose. (1:25) NR.
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Pitch Perfect 2 After a mishap mars theirthe Barden performance Bellas for enter the an president, international themselves.a cappella competitionWith Anna to Kendrick,redeem Written Skylarby Kay Astin Cannon.and Rebel Directed Wilson. by Elizabeth Banks. (1:56) PG-13.
Reality A quiet cameraman who dreams of directing his first horror movie is given the chance by a wealthy producer, on the condition that he finds the perfect film scream in 48 hours. With Alain Chabat, Jonathan Lambert and John Heder. Written and directed by Quentin Dupieux. In English and French, with English subtitles. (1:35) NR.
Saint Laurent There’s good cause to shake the biopic form out of its exhaustively linear rut, and Bertrand Bonello’s film starring Gaspard Ulliel as the storied French designer valiantly tries. Bonello trusts that you know why Yves Saint Laurent was game-changing and scandalous., which leaves lots of time for intimate, drawn-out scenes of dress creation and recreational indulgence but little in the way of dramatic purpose. (Robert Abele, May 8) In French with English subtitles. (2:30) R.
The Seven Five A documentary about the rogue NYPD officer Michael Dowd, who led a ring of corrupt cops in the 1980s and ’90s and served 14 years in prison. Directed by Tiller Russell. (1:44) R.
Shake the Dust A documentary about the reach and influence of breakdancing around the world. Directed by Adam Sjoberg. (1:25) NR.
Slow West A naive 16-year-old Scotsman journeys across the American frontier in search of the woman he loves while accompanied by a mysterious traveler. With Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassbender and Ben Mendelsohn. Written and directed by John Maclean. (1:24) R.
Time Lapse Three friends discover a mysterious machine that takes pictures of the future and conspire to use it for personal gain. With Danielle Panabaker, Matt O’Leary and George Finn. Written by Bradley King and B.P. Cooper. Directed by King. (1:43) NR.
Unfriended Until the screaming hysterics and the killings turn the movie monotonous, director Leo Gabriadze and writer Nelson Greaves find narrative and emotional invention in their first-person, single-screenshot, monitor-lighted gimmick. (Robert Abele, April 17) (1:22) R.
The Water Diviner Russell Crowe makes his feature directing debut with a big, sweeping period film with battle scenes, family drama, personal redemption, twists of fate and a darling ragamuffin boy for good measure. It’s an unsurprisingly ambitious movie from the notoriously, proudly headstrong Crowe, which makes it such a disappointment that it feels so blandly earnest and unexpectedly hesitant, with none of the unnerving conviction the actor often brings even to lightweight promotional appearances. (M.O., April 24) (1:52) R.
Welcome to Me is weirdly off center yet strangely in sync with the times. The indie comedy-drama starring Kristen Wiig delves into our confessional times via the very meta experience of the making of a reality TV star. Wiig’s character comes prepackaged with problems perfectly suited to the kind of comic talent that brought her to our attention on”Saturday Night Live.” The film tends to fracture at key moments, but shemakes it worth watching. (B.S., May 1) (1:28) R.
Where Hope Grows A former baseball player who couldn’t cut it in the big leagues finds himself in a downward spiral until he meets a young man with Down syndrome working at the local grocery store. With Kristoffer Polaha, McKaley Miller and David DeSanctis. Written and directed by Chris Dowling. (1:38) PG-13. All movies are in general release unless noted. Also included: the film’s running time and ratings. MPAA categories: (G) for general audiences; (PG) parental guidance urged because of material possibly unsuitable for children; (PG-13) parents are strongly cautioned to give guidance for attendance of children younger than 13; (R) restricted, younger than 17 admitted only with parent or adult guardian; (NC-17) no one 17 and younger admitted.
Events & Revivals
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 260-1528. Harry
Potter Marathon, Parts 1-4 This twoday movie marathon opens with the first four films in the "Harry Potter" saga, from "The Sorcerer’s Stone" through "The Goblet of Fire." Concludes May 24. Sat., noon.
Bing Theater at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 8576010. Tuesday Matinees Billy Wilder’s 1944 film noir "Double Indemnity," starring Fred MacMurry as an insurance agent who conspires with an alluring woman (Barbara Stanwyck) to kill her wealthy husband and cash in. Tue., 1 p.m.
Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 466-3456. Jackie Chan Favorites The American Cinematheque presents two Jackie Chan double features: "Police Story 3: Supercop" with "Snake in the
Eagle’s Shadow" and "Drunken Master" with "The Legend of Drunken Master." Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.
Hollywood Forever, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 469-1181.
Cinespia The alfresco screening series continues with Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," starring Richard Dreyfuss as a blue-collar electrical worker who has a fateful run-in with a UFO. Sat., 8:30 p.m. Linwood Dunn Theater, 1313 Vine St.,
Los Angeles; Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 247-3000. This Is Widescreen The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ screening series showcasing widescreen films formats pairs
"Shoot the Piano Player" with "Lola" and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" with "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt." Thu., 7:30 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 p.m. and 9:05 p.m.