The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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“Deepwater Horizon”
This film dramatizes the hours leading up to and including the explosion in 2010 of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. It may have sacrificed subtlety for spectacle but in this case, that didn’t turn out to be such a bad trade. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell and Gina Rodriguez. Directed by Peter Berg. (Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Rated PG-13 for prolonged intense disaster sequences and related disturbing images, and brief strong language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 47 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE This amazing true story of real life heroism is appropriate for teens and possibly older kids who are interested, but the disastrous destruction of the rig is intensely scary and too intense for younger kids.
“The Dressmaker”
A dressmaker returns to her tiny Australian hometown to reconnect with her mother and avenge her mistreatment as a child. The few brights spots don’t make up for what becomes a tiresome, increasingly nasty slog. Starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis and Caroline Goodall. Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated R for brief obscenity and a scene of violence. At Tara Theatre and AMC Mansell Crossing. 1 hour, 58 minutes.
“Masterminds”
An armored truck employee is conned into helping a petty thief and her husband steal millions, but he gets stranded in Mexico, unable to enjoy the fruits of his labor, after the deal goes down. Based on the true story of one of the largest cash robberies in the United States, the film devolves into a schlocky ‘90s unlikely-herosaves-the-day routine. Starring Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon. Directed by Jared Hess. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, some language and violence. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 34 minutes.
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
A Florida teen finds a home — located inside a time loop — where child misfits have turned their peculiarities into super powers. The film has a wickedly wry sense of humor, and an enchanting aesthetic of oldfashioned yet modern steampunk spookiness. Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield and Ella Purnell. Directed by Tim Burton. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and peril. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 7 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE This is a charmingly dark tale about preternaturally gifted and different children, appropriate for older kids and teens but too scary for smaller children.
“Operation Avalanche”
Review not available in time for publication. During the Cold War, two young CIA agents go undercover to investigate a possible Russian mole, but end up uncovering a shocking NASA secret that may put their lives at risk. Starring Matt Johnson and Owen Williams. Directed by Matt Johnson. Rated R for language including a brief sexual reference. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 33 minutes.
STILL SHOWING “Bad Moms”
A trio of moms band together to take a hiatus from the responsibilities of motherhood. The problem with the film isn’t the concept or the message about the struggle to raise good people, it’s the execution. Starring Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell. Directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for sexual material, full frontal nudity, language throughout, and drug and alcohol content. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 41 minutes.
“Ben-Hur”
This is a remake of the story of two brothers at odds during the time of Jesus Christ in Roman-dominated Jerusalem. It’s surprisingly noncampy, but for some this might be the film’s ultimate flaw, that it takes the material too seriously. Starring Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell and Rodrigo Santoro. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov. (Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and disturbing images. At Picture Show at Merchants Exchange, Regal Snellville Oaks and Carmike 10. 2 hours, 4 minutes.
“Blair Witch”
The sequel to the first foundfootage film goes back into the same woods but this time, the explorers are armed with better equipment. There’s not quite enough story to support a fulllength film and the atmospheric padding becomes tedious. Starring James Allen McCune and Callie Hernandez. Directed by Adam Wingard. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) Rated R for vulgar language, violence, gore, disturbing imagery. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 29 minutes.
“Bridget Jones’s Baby”
She’s back, and this time, she’s pregnant, but isn’t sure who the father is. It’s relatable and feels current because the character has been allowed to grow. Starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey. Directed by Sharon Maguire. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for language, sex references and some nudity. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 2 minutes.
“Cafe Society”
A New Yorker in the 1930s goes to Hollywood to try to make it big and ends up falling in love. It’s meant to be a comedic yet poignant story, but it just mostly feels a little tired. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carell. Directed by Woody Allen. (Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times) Rated PG-13 for some violence, a drug reference, suggestive material and smoking. At Tara Theatre. 1 hour, 36 minutes.
“Don’t Breathe”
A group of teen burglars target a blind man, but underestimate their victim. There’s clever suspense and terrifying scares that don’t rely on the supernatural or fantasy. Starring Jane Levy, Dylan Minette and Daniel Zovatto. Directed by Fede Alvarez. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for terror, violence, disturbing content, and language including sexual references. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 28 minutes.
“Don’t Think Twice”
A small-time troupe of New York City performers are trying to make it big in the comedy world. The comedy is painfully honest and deathly funny and each role is relatable. Starring Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs and Mike Birbiglia. Directed by Mike Birbiglia. (Colin Covert, Star Tribune Minneapolis) Rated R for language and some drug use. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 32 minutes.
“Equity”
Three women experience Wall Street, making serious sacrifices to get ahead in the world. It’s an exciting, smartly sexy, suspenseful little crime drama that evokes classic Hollywood film noir. Starring Anna Gunn, Sarah Megan Thomas and Alysia Reiner. Directed by Meera Menon. (Tirdad Derakhshani, Philadelphia Inquirer) Rated R for profanity, some sexuality. At Tara Theatre. 1 hour, 40 minutes.
“Finding Dory”
Nemo and his dad work to help Dory find her longlost parents who she barely remembers. The animation is spectacular and it’s impressive how the film celebrates those who are differently-abled. Starring the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks and Ed O’Neill. Directed by Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Services) Rated PG for mild thematic elements. At Austell Stadium. 1 hour, 40 minutes.
“Ghostbusters”
This reboot with female characters shares the same story as the original — fighting ghosts in comic ways. It’s hilarious, spooky and manages to capture the irreverent fun of the original. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Directed by Paul Feig. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for supernatural action and some crude humor. At Picture Show at Merchants Exchange. 1 hour, 56 minutes.
“Hell or High Water”
Two Texas rangers are on the trail of a pair of bank robbing brothers in this post-recession Western. It eschews allegory for direct confrontation with the issues of the day, foreclosure, poverty, gun violence. Starring Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Jeff Bridges. Directed by David Mackenzie. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for some strong violence, language throughout and brief sexuality. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 42 minutes.
“The Hollars”
An aspiring graphic novelist returns home to Ohio when his mother is diagnosed with a brain tumor. The actors offer fine performances, but the film descends into a chaotic free-forall of plot twists. Starring John Krasinski, Margo Martindale and Richard Jenkins. Directed by John Krasinski. (Tirdad Derakhshani, Philadelphia Inquirer) Rated PG13 for some profanity, thematic elements. At AMC Mansell Crossing and Regal Town Center. 1 hour, 28 minutes.
“Ice Age: Collision Course”
As the wooly mammoths prepare to marry off their daughter, the ancient animals also must find magnetic crystals to use to set an asteroid off course. This installment is a perfunctory, watered-down film. Starring Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo. Directed by Mike Thurmeier and Galen T. Chu. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for mild rude humor and some action/peril. At Picture Show at Merchants Exchange. 1 hour, 34 minutes.
“Jason Bourne”
Jason Bourne returns to crack a hacking of files about operations and plans for total, invasive national surveillance. There’s a tightly controlled sense of chaos that rides the line of anarchy. Starring Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones and Alicia Vikander. Directed by Paul Greengrass. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and brief strong language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 3 minutes.
“Kubo and the Two Strings”
young Japanese boy who lost his eye to the supernatural Moon King takes a journey to find truth. The animated film feels like a gorgeously illustrated Japanese fable with gloriously crafted images serving strong narrative points. Starring the voices of Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Ralph Fiennes. Directed by Travis Knight. (Colin Covert, Star Tribune-Minneapolis) Rated PG for thematic elements, scary images, action and peril. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 41 minutes.
“The Light Between Oceans”
A couple isolated on an island rescues a baby girl from a stranded dinghy and claim her as their own. It remains compelling but has a strangely unemotional reservedness. Starring Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz. Directed by Derek Cianfrance. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for thematic material and some sexual content. At GTC Merchants Walk and Regal Snellville Oaks. 2 hours, 12 minutes.
“Lights Out”
Mom has a ghostly friend and the kids try to fight the demon that terrorizes their mother and threatens their lives. It’s smart and stripped down and will make you scared of the dark. Starring Teresa Palmer, Maria Bello and Gabriel Bateman. Directed by David F. Sandberg. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for terror throughout, violence including disturbing images, some thematic material and brief drug content. At Austell Stadium and Carmike Crossroads. 1 hour, 21 minutes.
“The Magnificent Seven”
A villain is terrorizing a town when seven good guys come in to save it. This remake is long on violence and short on story which makes it rather insignificant, not magnificent. Starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke. Directed by Antoine Fuqua. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for extended and intense sequences of Western violence, and for historical smoking, some language and suggestive material. A metro theaters. 2 hours, 12 minutes.
“Nerve”
A teenager gets caught up in an online game where she tackles her life one dare at a time, which escalates dangerously. It builds to a climax, but starts to lose its grip at the end. Starring Emma Roberts, Dave Franco and Juliette Lewis. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving dangerous and risky behavior, some sexual content, language, drug content, drinking and nudity, all involving teens. At Picture Show at Merchants Exchange. 1 hour, 36 minutes.
“Pete’s Dragon”
A boy is orphaned and lives with a dragon in the Pacific Northwest forest until he’s discovered by other. This is a remake of a 1977 film, and the first third is magic. The second half is more conventional. Starring Oakes Fegley, Robert Redford and Bryce Dallas Howard. Directed by David Lowery. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated PG for action, peril and brief language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 43 minutes.
“Queen of Katwe”
A young girl from the Ugandan slums becomes a chess champion, making it to international tournaments. The film drags a bit toward the end, but the moral of the story stands out. Starring Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and Madina Nalwanga. Directed by Mira Nair. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for thematic elements, an accident scene and some suggestive material. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 4 minutes.
“Sausage Party”
An animated sausage and his busty bun girlfriend dream of the time they are chosen by the gods (grocery store shoppers) to go to the Great Beyond. It’s a raunchy animated film with sex talk, swearing and every offensive ethnic stereotype in the grocery store. Starring Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig and Michael Cera. Directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for strong crude sexual content, pervasive language, and drug use. At AMC Mansell Crossing, Regal Snellville Oaks and AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 29 minutes.
“Secret Life of Pets”
Katie’s mutt is unhappy when she brings a new dog home, but they bond after becoming separated from the pack during a walk. It’s a cute and funny film, but there’s not much going on, thematically or emotionally below the surface. Starring Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart and Jenny Slate. Directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for action and some rude humor. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 30 minutes.
“Snowden”
It’s the personal story of the man who exposed shocking illegal surveillance activities by the NSA. The argument whether Edward Snowden is a hero and patriot is a compelling one, but the lack of perspective is limiting. Starring Joseph GordonLevitt, Shailene Woodley and Melissa Leo. Directed by Oliver Stone. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for language and some sexuality/nudity. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 14 minutes.
“Southside With You”
The film follows the first date of the future first couple. It’s an exceedingly pleasant film that’s not necessarily political, but more a deeply personal portrayal of the President and First Lady. Starring Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers. Directed by Richard Tanne. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, smoking, a violent image and a drug reference. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 24 minutes.
“Star Trek Beyond”
The crew of The Enterprise fights nemesis Krall during an alien warrior race. It’s fun, you care about the people and the effects look elegant and interesting. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban. Directed by Justin Lin. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence. At Austell Stadium, Picture Show at Merchants Exchange and Carmike 12. 2 hours, 2 minutes.
“Storks”
An only child desires a baby brother and the storks and their human orphan fire up the baby factory to give him one. The message is that family is what you make of it comes in a wildly weird and funny package. Starring Andy Samberg, Katie Crown and Kelsey Grammar. Directed by Nicholas Stoller and Doug Sweetland. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for mild action and some thematic elements. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 29 minutes.
“Suicide Squad”
A squad of villains fight terrorist “meta-humans,” as superheroes are known. For all the promise of wild and wacky weirdness, it feels somehow smaller in scale than the color pop-art posters promise. Starring Will Smith, Margo Robbie and Jared Leto. Directed by David Ayer. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout, disturbing behavior, suggestive content and language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 10 minutes.
“Sully”
+Capt. Chesley Sullenberger landed a plane in the Hudson River and faced an investigation to detect any human error during the crisis. It’s a story that enthralled a nation desperate for good news, but it’s more about that intangible human element. Starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart and Mike O’Malley. Directed by Clint Eastwood. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for some peril and brief strong language. Check listings for theaters. 1 hour, 36 minutes.
“War Dogs”
Two old friends create a make-shift company selling arms to the U.S. government and ultimately land a contract supplying the Afghan military with ammo. The film promises rollicking bromance but it never has the nerve to challenge the audience. Starring Jonah Hill, Miles Teller and Ana de Armas. Directed by Todd Phillips. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for language throughout, drug use and some sexual references. At Regal Snellville Oaks and Carmike 10. 1 hour, 54 minutes.
“When the Bough Breaks”
Review not available in time for publication. A couple hires a surrogate, but the further along she gets in her pregnancy, the more dangerously fixated she becomes on the husband. It’s a deadly game. Starring Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall. Directed by Jon Cassar. Rated PG-13 for violence, sexuality/partial nudity, thematic elements, some disturbing images and language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 33 minutes.
“The Wild Life”
A cartographer becomes shipwrecked and makes friends with various animals on the island while fighting off a nasty crew of strap ship cats. The animation is impressive, but the story is so straightforward, there’s isn’t a lot to hook you into the tale. Starring Yuri Lowenthal, David Howard and Doug Stone. Directed by Vincent Kesteloot. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for mild action/peril and some rude humor. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 30 minutes.