FILM BRIEFS
A high school reunion for 2
Mark Duplass (“Togetherness”) is the co- writer and co- star of “Blue Jay,” playing a man who returns to his home town and spends a poignant day and night with his former high school sweetheart ( Sarah Paulson of “American Horror Story”). Already available on demand, “Blue Jay” opens Friday at the Wilmette Theater.
Hawke back in Old West
If “The Magnificent Seven” didn’t show you enough of Ethan Hawke on a horse, now he’s also riding the range in “In a Valley of Violence,” opening Friday at the Music Box Theatre and on demand. Hawke plays a drifter who meanders into a small town and tussles with the troublemaking son of the marshal ( John Travolta).
Age of ‘ Aquarius’ ending?
“Aquarius” is named for the beachfront Brazil apartment building where Clara ( Sonia Braga, “Kiss of the Spider Woman”) has spent most of her life. When a developer orders everyone out, the widow and retired music critic puts up a fight. “Aquarius” opens Friday at Landmark Century Centre.
Keanu for the defense
Keanu Reeves plays a lawyer defending a teenager accused of killing his father ( Jim Belushi) in “The Whole Truth,” opening Friday at AMC Streets of Woodfield and on demand. Renée Zellweger co- stars as the accused’s mother, with Gugu Mbatha- Raw as the lawyer’s suspicious colleague.
One voice at Columbine
After Rachel Joy Scott died at 17, the first victim of the Columbine massacre, the nation came to learn of her determination to spread kindness and compassion, as recorded in her journals and an essay. The biopic “I’m Not Ashamed,” opening Friday at several local theaters, tells Rachel’s story with an emphasis on her Christian faith.
Reversal of the nerds
After high school graduation, the teens in the nerdy clique decide to catch up on all the debauchery they overlooked in “Good Kids,” opening Friday at AMC Streets of Woodfield and on demand. Nicholas Braun, Zoey Deutch and Ashley Judd star in the raucous sex comedy.