STILL SHOWING

“Arrival”

A A linguistics professor is called to help translate communications between humans and the aliens that are hanging out above the earth. It’s stunningly photographed and is guaranteed to trigger panic attacks. Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. Directed by Denis Villeneuve. (Colin Covert, Star Tribune-Minneapolis) Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. At Regal Atlantic Station, Regal Hollywood Stadium and Regal Mall of Georgia. 1 hours, 56 minutes.

“Assassin’s Creed”

C+ A death row inmate is hooked up to a machine which takes him back to 15thcentury Spain so a modern-day researcher can search for the cure to violence. The script is at once far too complicated and extremely shallow. Starring Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Michael K. Williams. Directed by Justin Kurzel. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, thematic elements and brief strong language. At Carmike 12. 1 hour, 48 minutes.

“A Cure For Wellness”

C+ An upstart young banker is sent to a spa in the Swiss Alps to retrieve his company’s CEO, but soon finds out the treatments there are not what they seem. It’s well-crafted with attention to detail and design, but in the end, the twists and story beats are fumbled. Starring Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth and Jason Isaacs. Directed by Gore Verbinski. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for disturbing violent content and images, sexual content including an assault, graphic nudity, and language. At metro theaters. 2 hours and 26 minutes.

“Doctor Strange”

A Marvel Comics character Dr. Stephen Strange is an accomplished surgeon when an accident leaves his hands mangled and his attempts at unorthodox healing unlocks mystical powers. The script is perfectly balanced and moves from the intimate to the fantastical without pause. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rachel McAdams. Directed by Scott Derrickson. (Rick Bentley, Fresno Bee) Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action, violence. At Carmike 12. 2 hours, 10 minutes.

“A Dog’s Purpose”

C A stray puppy dies and is constantly reincarnated, but he’s always the same dog inside. The film, based on a book, has the emotional resonance of a novelty coffee table book. It’s adorable, but forgettable. Starring Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad and Bryce Gheisar. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for thematic elements and some peril. At metro theaters. 2 hours.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

B+ A boy smuggles in beasts that are outlawed in the U.S. magical world, but the creatures prove useful just in time to battle a deadly force wreaking havoc on the cobblestone streets of New York. The film is transporting, but its themes are far from escapist — embrace, don’t suppress, one’s unique qualities. Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston and Colin Farrell. Directed by David Yates. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for some fantasy action violence. At Carmike 12. 2 hours, 13 minutes.

“Fences”

B A black garbage collector is frustrated his baseball career is over while his wife patiently endures his big personality. The film, adapted from a Pulitzer-winning play, is a deft exploration of race and society through a personal story. Starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Mykelti Williams. Directed by Denzel Washington. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language and some suggestive references. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 18 minutes.

“Fifty Shades Darker”

C The submissive woman is reunited with her dominant partner to explore their relationship further. The plot is fairly mundane and the sex is pretty tame. Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan and Marcia Gay Harden. Directed by James Foley. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for strong erotic sexual content, some graphic nudity, and language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 58 minutes.

“Fist Fight”

C+ Two teachers at a failing high school face off with threats and a fist fight to try to keep their jobs. There is a theme of can’t-we-all-just-get-along, but everyone is really just going to see the face-off. Starring Ice Cube, Charlie Day and Tracy Morgan. Directed by Richie Keen. (Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Rated R for strong language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug material. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 31 minutes.

“The Founder”

B Ray Kroc was a salesman peddling milkshake mixers out of the trunk of his car when he happened upon the McDonald’s hamburger bar and knew it was the way to the top. There are moments where the film is uneven, with wonky staged archival footage, but the main character is fascinating. Starring Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch. Directed by John Lee Hancock. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. At Lefont Sandy Springs and AMC Mansell Crossing. 1 hour, 55 minutes.

“The Great Wall”

C+ Hordes of slobbering reptilian hyenas with T-Rex heads arrive at The Great Wall of China via meteor and it takes armies to fight them off. There’s lots of fun, but after the impressive initial display, it goes a bit downhill with silly schemes. Starring Matt Damon, Tian Jing and Pedro Pascal. Directed by Zhang Yimou. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action violence. At metro theaters. 1 hour 43 minutes.

“Hidden Figures”

B Three black women overcame gender and racial prejudices to provide significant contributions to the NASA program in the early 1960s. The film does a nice job of organizing and telling a complicated story, though sometimes the tone seems a bit light. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae and Kevin Costner. Directed by Theodore Melfi. (Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle) Rated PG for thematic elements and some languages. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 7 minutes.

“I Am Not Your Negro”

A The film is based on 30 pages of a manuscript written by James Baldwin about his three friends, Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. The result is a contemporary film that is a psychological examination of a nation. Starring James Baldwin and Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Raoul Peck. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for disturbing violent images, thematic material, language and brief nudity. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

“Jackie”

B+ This film spotlights Jackie Kennedy in the days following the assassination of her presidential husband. It’s an odd film, but a fascinating picture that stars a brilliantly cast and consistently compelling Natalie Portman. Also starring Peter Sarsgaard and Greta Gerwig. Directed by Pablo Larrain. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for brief strong violence and some language. At Regal Hollywood. 1 hour, 40 minutes.

“John Wick: Chapter 2”

B The hitman is forced out of retirement to keep a former associate from seizing control of an international assassins’ guild. The film stumbles in its plotting, but the surreal violence in the art exhibit is delicious. Starring Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane and Ruby Rose. Directed by Chad Stahelski. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for strong violence throughout, some language and brief nudity. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 2 minutes.

“La La Land”

B Two people who can’t stop running into each other get together, but then realize they are being pulled in different directions. It’s a crowd-pleaser of a film with universal themes of love, loss and ambition. Starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and John Legend. Directed by Damien Chazelle. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for some language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 8 minutes.

“The Lego Batman Movie”

A The hero made from building blocks is working to save Gotham City from the Joker. It’s done well with visual gags, puns, wordplay and one-liners. It’s hysterical and very lovable. Starring Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes and Michael Cera. Directed by Chris McKay. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for rude humor and some action. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 44 minutes.

“Lion”

B+ A little boy gets separated from his brother at the train station in Khandwa, gets adopted by an Australian couple and ultimately starts to search for his mother and brother who he barely remembers. The film is based on a true story with a message about the human need to always find and return home. Starring Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar and Nicole Kidman. Directed by Garth Davis. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for thematic material and some sensuality. At metro theaters. 2 hours.

“Manchester by the Sea”

A

man is called back to his New England hometown to help deal with a crisis, which forces him to reconnect with his brother and a painful past. It’s a character-driven film that will leave you speechless and weepy. Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams and Kyle Chandler. Directed by Kenneth Lonergan. (Colin Covert, Star Tribune-Minneapolis) Rated R for language throughout and some sexual content. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 15 minutes.

“Moana”

B A young girl decides she must leave her island home to find the the demigod who can help save her people. Overall, it’s smart, funny, thoughtful and full of heart (and girl empowerment). Starring Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison. Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker, Chris Williams and Don Hall. (Kristin Finan, Austin American-Statesman) Rated PG for for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 53 minutes.

“Moonlight”

A

boy copes with being bullied for his apparent homosexuality, which he keeps locked away from nearly everyone, including himself. The triptych of his life leaves us with a plaintive, perfect final shot of a man who has found a measure of peace. Starring Ashton Sanders and Andre Holland. Directed by Barry Jenkins. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for some sexuality, drug use, brief violence, and language throughout. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 50 minutes.

“Passengers”

C While on a 120-year autopilot journey, one man awakes from his suspended animation early and ultimately decides to wake his dream girl and the ship starts to malfunction. What could be an intriguing premise with meaty themes to chew on just turns into sexy space fun times. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt and Michael Sheen. Directed by Morten Tyldum. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for sexuality, nudity and action/peril. At Carmike 12. 1 hour, 56 minutes.

“Patriots Day”

C+ This is the story of the 2013 bombing at the Boston Marathon and the search for the men who planted the bombs. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t share anything new and could’ve used a more personal approach. Starring Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman and J.K. Simmons. Directed by Peter Berg. (Rick Bentley, Fresno Bee) Rated R for violence, graphic images, drug use. At Carmike 12. 2 hours, 10 minutes.

“Rings”

D A woman becomes worried when her boyfriend begins to explore the mysterious videotape said to kill the watcher seven days after viewing it. The film never manages a single sequence of sustained tension or a frisson of genuine terror. Starring Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz and Alex Roe. Directed by J. Javier Gutierrez. (Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times) Rated PG-13 for violence/terror, thematic elements, some sexuality and brief drug material. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 57 minutes.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”

C The first film in a planned series of stand-alone movies is about the suicide mission to steal the Death Star. It’s a long, slow journey to get to the action that happens in the last half-hour of the film. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna and Ben Mendelsohn. Directed by Gareth Edwards. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) Rated PG-13 for war violence. At Regal Hollywood Stadium, GTC Merchants Walk and Regal Mall of Georgia. 2 hours, 13 minutes.

“The Salesman”

B+ A man puts his own need for retribution ahead of his wife’s needs after she is beaten in their Tehran apartment. The acting is wonderful, but the film depicts an especially haunting depiction of one woman’s adversities in a country and marriage that may not have her best interests at heart. Starring Taraneh Alidoosti and Shahab Hosseini. Directed by Asghar Farhadi. In Persian, English and French with English subtitles. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements and a brief bloody image. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 2 hours, 5 minutes.

“Sing”

C+ A koala stages a singing competition even though he doesn’t have the prize money to present. The animated film is full of well-known crowd-pleasers and prove to be an addictive combination for children and adults. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Taron Egerton. Directed by Garth Jennings. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for some rude humor and mild peril. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 48 minutes.

“Sleepless”

Review not available in time for publication. An undercover Las Vegas police officer gets caught in a high stakes heist and when something goes wrong, they kidnap his son. He has one night to get him back. Starring Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan and Gabrielle Union. Directed by Baran bo Odar. Rated R for strong violence and language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

“Split”

B A man has created 23 personalities to cope with childhood abuse, but the darker proclivities have taken over and he kidnaps three young girls to satisfy those urges. It’s a mean and lean psychothriller with racheting tension. Starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content and behavior, violence and some language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 57 minutes.

“Toni Erdmann”

A

daughter receives a visit from her recently retired music teacher father and when they decide to part ways, he reappears as another “character” and the daughter finally realizes she needs to allow her father to be the crackpot he was born to be. It’s a story about a profoundly complicated relationship and a uniquely bracing black comedy of unusual depth of feeling. Starring Peter Simonischek and Sandra Huller. Directed by Maren Ade. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, language and brief drug use. At Tara Theatre. 2 hours, 42 minutes.

“Underworld: Blood Wars”

Review not available in time for publication. The vampire death dealer is back and is trying to stop the war between factions, even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice. Starring Kate Beckinsale, Theo James and Tobias Menzies. Directed by Anna Foerster. Rated R for strong bloody violence and some sexuality. At Austell Stadium. 1 hour, 31 minutes.

“A United Kingdom”

C+ An heir to the throne falls in love with a white commoner and their marriage is protested from the beginning. The acting is superb, but distracted editing doesn’t do the film any favors. Starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike. Directed by Amma Assante and Steven Hall. (Stephanie Merry, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for some strong language, including racial epithets, and a scene of sensuality. At AMC Phipps and Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 51 minutes.