MOVIE MINIS

OPENING TODAY “Alpha”

C

A boy on his first hunt in Europe’s last Ice Age goes off a cliff and is presumed dead, but manages to survive with the help of an alpha wolf. It’s an epic adventure story that tells the story of how humans and dogs came to have the relationship they do, one of devoted companionship and support. Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson and Natassia Malthe. Directed by Albert Hughes. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for some intense peril. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 36 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE Great for kids and teens, but very small children will likely find it too scary.

“Mile 22”

Review not available in time for publication. An operative for the CIA must retrieve and transport someone who has life-threatening information to safety before the enemy finds them. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Lauren Cohan and Ronda Rousey. Directed by Peter Berg. Rated R for strong violence and language throughout. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 30 minutes.

“The Miseducation of Cameron Post”

C+

When a high school girl gets caught making out with another girl in the back of a car, she gets sent to a “reprogramming facility” to make her straight. The film is at its best when evoking the painful labor of adolescent self-discovery. Starring Chloe Grace Moretx and Sasha Lane. Directed by Desiree Akhavan. (Michael O’Sullivan, Washington Post) Unrated but contains sensuality, drug use, obscenity, brief nudity and mature thematic material. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 31 minutes.

“Never Goin’ Back”

Review not available in time for publication. Two young waitresses dream of escaping their jobs at a Texas diner and go through all kinds of unpredictable misadventures to raise cash to do it. Starring Maia Mitchell, Camila Morrone and Kyle Mooney. Directed by Augustine Frizzell. Rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, drug use and brief nudity, all involving teens). At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 23 minutes.

“Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich”

Review not available in time for publication. A man decides to sell a nefarious looking puppet at a convention, but the puppets come alive and go on a killing spree. Starring Thomas Lennon, Udo Kier and Nelson Franklin. Directed by Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund. Unrated. At AMC Conyers Crossing. 1 hour, 24 minutes.

“Puzzle”

C+

A bored housewife begins doing puzzles with a lonely rich man in preparation for a championship behind her family’s back. Much of it feels schematic and a bit lazy, but Kelly Macdonald’s performance is so good, the acting will be enough. Also starring Irrfan Khan and David Denman. Directed by Marc Turtletaub. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for language. At the Springs Cinema & Taphouse and Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 42 minutes.

“Skate Kitchen”

Review not available in time for publication. A teen skateboarder befriends an all-girl skateboarding crew, has a falling out with her mother and starts a relationship with a mysterious skateboarder guy. Starring Rachelle Vinberg, Jaden Smith and Dede Lovelace. Directed by Crystal Moselle. Rated R for drug use and language throughout, strong sexual content and some nudity, all involving teens. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 46 minutes.

STILL SHOWING “Crazy Rich Asians”

B

A woman goes with her boyfriend to Singapore to meet his family but doesn’t realize he’s a multi-multi-millionaire. The film has layers of meaning and nuance that give it richness and will satisfy the sweet tooth of romantic comedy fans everywhere. Starring Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Awkwafina. Directed by Jon M. Chu. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material and coarse language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 1 minute. PARENTS GUIDE Appropriate for older kids and tweens.