The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Movie Minis
NEW THIS WEEK “Blue Bayou”
B
An Asian man who was adopted when he was a child faces deportation when it is discovered his citizenship status was never properly filed and he stands to lose his family. This is a tale of intergenerational traumas and personal redemptions that is an emotionally complicated yet ultimately cathartic viewing experience. Starring Linh Dan Pham and Justin Chon. Directed by Justin Chon. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for some violence and language throughout. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 59 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE: This is a mature film with some violence and expression of mature themes, but it’s appropriate for teenagers.
“Copshop”
C+
A con man is trying to hide from the mobsters he double-crossed and gets himself deliberately arrested, but the mob hit man ultimately joins him in the clink, and a small-town policewoman is caught in the middle. There’s no reinvention of the genre here, but there’s some style, finesse and even fun at times. Starring Gerard Butler, Frank Grillo, Alexis Louder and Toby Huss. Directed by Joe Carnahan. (Michael O’sullivan, Washington Post) Rated R for strong, bloody violence and pervasive crude language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 47 minutes.
“Cry Macho”
C
A man down on his luck takes on an assignment to drive to Mexico and kidnap his boss’s son, who is being abused by the man’s ex-wife. The film feels overly familiar, and the supporting cast is overdrawn. Starring Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam and Eduardo Minett. Directed by Clint Eastwood. (Michael O’sullivan, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and language. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 44 minutes.
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”
B
This is the story of the groundbreaking televangelist and the wife of charismatic preacher Jim Bakker, following her from her life of poverty to Christian stardom. The film has a specific perspective, and it doesn’t stop and dwell on certain things that don’t have to do with Tammy Faye Bakker herself. Starring Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield and Cherry Jones. Directed by Michael Showalter. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for sexual content and drug abuse. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 6 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE: This is more of an adult film, not appropriate or appealing for kids, but OK for teens.
“My Name Is Pauli Murray”
B+
This documentary explores a woman who had significant influence on Ruth Bader Ginsburg as well as sitting in the whites-only section of a bus 15 years before Rosa Parks. The film brings an original and precise lens to everything from discrimination (she was gay and gender-nonconforming) to the foundational values that animated her extraordinary life and career. Starring Patricia Bell-scott, Dolores Chandler and Brittney Cooper. Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for disturbing/violent images and thematic elements. At Landmark’s Midtown Arts. 1 hour, 31 minutes.
“The Starling”
Review not available in time for publication. A woman deals with a feisty bird that’s taken over her garden while adjusting to life after loss. Starring Melissa Mccarthy, Chris O’dowd and Kevin Kline. Directed by Theodore Melfi. Rated PG-13 for some strong language, thematic material and suggestive material. At Landmark’s Midtown Arts. 1 hour, 44 minutes.
STILL SHOWING “The Alpinist”
B
This mountaineering documentary sees Marc-andre Leclerc scale the side of a mountain with minimal gear, in terrible weather, at its most terrifying. It has built-in drama, along with a conflict, a climax and a denouement that you may not expect. Starring Marc-andre Leclerc, Brette Harrington and Alex Honnold. (Michael O’sullivan, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for brief drug content and some strong language. At AMC Phipps Plaza and Regal Atlantic Station. 1 hour, 22 minutes.
“Bell Bottom”
Review not available in time for publication. A man dreams of becoming a detective like his heroes from the movies. Starring Rishab Shetty, Haripriya and Yogaraj Bhat. Directed by Jayatheertha. Unrated. At Regal Medlock Crossing. 2 hours, 10 minutes.
“Black Widow”
B
This Avengers film offers some back story to the Marvel spy who is being pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to harm her. It has the look and feel of a globe-trotting spy thriller, but it isn’t afraid to puncture some of the “Avengers” mythology. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh and David Harbour. Directed by Cate Shortland. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, some language and thematic material. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 13 minutes.
“Candyman”
B+
A painter struggling to find new inspiration creates a mirrored piece inspired by the scary tale of the Candyman at Cabrini-green, and the art world soon is rocked by a series of grisly murders. This film builds on the horrors imagined by the original and is a genuinely terrifying and artful film that speaks to the current moment. Starring Yahya Abdul-mateen II, Teyonah Parris and Nathan Stewart-jarrett. Directed by Nia Dacosta. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for language, bloody horror violence and some sexual references. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 31 minutes.
“The Card Counter”
B
A ex-military interrogator-turned-gambler teams up with two others while traveling the country and is haunted by the guilt of his past decisions. It can be a dull movie to watch, but it does have a crafty, haunting power. Starring Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish and Tye Sheridan. Directed by Paul Schrader. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated R for some disturbing violence, graphic nudity, coarse language and brief sexuality. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 49 minutes.
“Chal Mera Putt 2”
Review not available in time for publication. Two undocumented people have a friendship and love while facing challenges. Starring Amrinder Gill, Simi Chahal and Nasir Chinyoti. Directed by Janjot Singh. Unrated. At Regal Medlock Crossing. 2 hours, 4 minutes.
“Cinderella”
C
This version of the fairy tale positions Cinderella as a fashion designer who wants to open a dress shop in the market square and who isn’t at
all interested in marriage or the prince of her dreams. It’s strident, sassy and silly, with its long-agofar-away aesthetic clashing purposefully with present-day lingo. Starring Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel and Billy Porter. Directed by Kay Cannon. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated PG for language and suggestive material. At Movie Tavern at Sandy Plains Village. 1 hour, 53 minutes.
“Don’t Breathe 2”
Review unavailable in time for publication. Set years in the future, Norman has lived in solace until his past sins catch up to him. Starring Stephen Lang, Brendan Sexton III and Madelyn Grace. Directed by Rodo Sayagues Mendez. Rated R for strong bloody violence, language and gruesome images. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 38 minutes.
“Escape Room: Tournament of Champions”
C+
The one who escaped in the original is going after the organization that runs the games that killed her friends, but she ends up on a subway car with a bunch of people who have participated in escape rooms before, and it’s a tournament of champions. This sequel uses a mosaic of tropes and formula familiarity as a shorthand to keep the film pared down to the basics of what exactly makes it tick. Starring Taylor Russell, Logan Miller and Indya Moore. Directed by Adam Robitel. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG13 for violence, terror/peril and strong language. At Regal Arbor Place and AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 28 minutes.
“F9: The Fast Saga”
B
The younger brother resurfaces, and Dom must deal with the sins of his past while working with his crew to stop a world-shattering plot. Ridiculous set pieces take this film to new heights, but it’s the meta moments and the willingness to dive into the past in a real way that make this movie innovative within its own formula. Starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Charlize Theron. Directed by Justin Lin. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, action and language. At Regal Hollywood Stadium. 2 hours, 25 minutes.
“Free Guy”
C
A background character in a video game steps outside of his code when he spots a comely player walking past his place of employment. It’s an easy, breezy riff on video game culture that’s sure to delight avid gamers, but it’s a bit too smug and glib. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie
Comer and Joe Keery. Directed by Shawn Levy. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for language, crude/suggestive references, strong fantasy violence. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 55 minutes.
“The Green Knight”
B+
A knight goes on a quest to behead a giant green stranger in the forest. There’s an astonishing variety of natural and human-made light to help tell the story, and there’s a lot here, either on the surface or bubbling beneath it. Starring Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton. Directed by David Lowery. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated R for graphic nudity, violence and some sexuality. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 2 hours, 5 minutes.
“Jungle Cruise”
C
A British plant scientist searching the Brazilian jungle for a legendary tree that possesses healing powers hires an Amazon riverboat skipper to guide her, and some curses may show up. This is an untaxing, big-budget summer popcorn movie for the whole family. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt and Edgar Ramirez. Directed by Jaume Collet-serra. (Michael O’sullivan, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for adventure violence. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 7 minutes.
“Language Lessons”
Review not available in time for publication. A man’s Spanish teacher becomes his lifeline when tragedy strikes his world. Starring Mark Duplass, Natalie Morales and Desean Terry. Directed by Natalie Morales. Unrated. At Tara Theatre. 1 hour, 31 minutes.
“Malignant”
B
A woman is having shocking visions that turn into terrifying realities. Just as the script becomes tedious, everything comes together and goes gleefully over the top. Starring Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson and George Young. Directed by James Wan. (Adam Graham, Detroit News) Rated R for strong horror violence, language and gruesome images. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 51 minutes.
“The Night House”
B+
A newly widowed woman is alone in the home she shared with the husband who committed suicide, and she is haunted by his ghost with blaring stereos, gunshots and screams and roars at random. The film’s lead shows a kind of unbridled courage that is rarely seen in a haunted house film, and it is thoughtful and perfectly executed. Starring Rebecca Hall, Sarah Goldberg and Vondie Curtis Hall. Directed by David Bruckner. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for some violence, disturbing images, some sexual references and languages. At AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 50
minutes. “Old”
C+
A family visits a secluded beach that somehow causes them to age rapidly. Though the movie is intriguing and creepy, the ending does not pay off. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Vicky Krieps and Rufus Sewell. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. (Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune) Rated PG-13 for disturbing images, brief strong language, partial nudity, strong violence and suggestive content. At Regal Medlock Crossing and AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 48 minutes.
“Paw Patrol: The Movie”
C+
The pups head to Adventure City when the mayor steals the election, and they are sure chaos is going to break out. It is a better movie than it needs to be, with some neat visuals, an outstanding score and is well told. Starring the voices of Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin and Ron Pardo. Directed by Cal Brunker. (Kristen Page Kirby, Washington Post) Rated G. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 25 minutes.
“Pig”
A
A former chef living in the woods of the Pacific Northwest leaves his shack after his prized truffle pig is stolen, and he goes searching for it in the upscale foodie subculture of downtown Portland. The film is full of visual and narrative poetry, and Nicolas Cage delivers a performance full of unexpected depth and quiet beauty. Also starring Alex Wolff and Adam Arkin. Directed by Michael Sarnoski. (Michael O’sullivan, Washington Post) Rated R for strong language and some violence. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 32 minutes.
“The Protege”
Review not available in time for publication. A man is willing to go to any lengths to keep the taxi company his father left him going. Starring Nelson J. Davis, Monica Crumpler and Jason Hill. Directed by Nelson J. Davis. Unrated. At AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 10 minutes.
“Respect”
B
This is a cinematic portraiture of soulful singer Aretha Franklin from an early age to adulthood, revisiting the hardships and expected triumphs. The film is too run-of-the-mill to qualify as a great film, but it’s a platform for the lead actress’s prodigious gifts. Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker and Marlon Wayans. Directed by Liesl Tommy. (Ann Hornaday, Washington Post) Rated PG-13 for racial epithets, mature thematic content, violence, smoking, strong language, suggestive material. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 25 minutes.
“Shang-chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
B
A young Asian American man has ties to a shadowy crime organization and has to come to terms with his past while embracing his destiny as a superhero. Starring Simu Lu, Awkwafina and Fala Chen. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and language. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 12 minutes.
“Show Me the Father”
Review not available in time for publication. This documentary features a variety of stories about the roles of fathers in today’s society. Starring Rick Altizer, Mark A. Miller and Alex Kendrick. Directed by Rick Altizer. Rated PG for thematic material. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 31 minutes.
“Small Engine Repair” Review not available in time for publication. A man asks his two lifelong friends to do a favor on behalf of his daughter, and things spin out of control. Starring John Pollono, Jon Bernthal and Shea Whigham. Directed by John Pollono. Rated R for sexual assault, crude sexual content, pervasive language, drug use and strong violence. At AMC Colonial 18 and AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 43 minutes.
“Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins”
C
A loner is welcomed into an ancient Japanese clan after saving the life of their heir, but when secrets from the loner’s past are revealed, his honor and allegiance will be tested. It’s got storytelling doldrums, and the action scenes don’t crackle or otherwise raise the film’s pulse. Starring Henry Golding, Andrew Koji and Ursula Corbero. Directed by Robert Schwentke. (Adam Graham, Detroit News) Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence and brief strong language. At AMC Southlake. 2 hours, 1 minute.
“Space Jam: A New Legacy”
C
A basketball star and his young son are trapped in a digital space, and they need the Looney Toons’ help to get to victory and ultimately home. In the end, the sequel is a smoother, less grating experience than the first one. Starring Lebron James, Don Cheadle and Cedric Joe. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee. (Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune) Rated PG for some language and some cartoon violence. At Movie Tavern at Sandy Plains Village. 1 hour, 55 minutes.
“The Suicide Squad”
B
The gang gets back together, this time to infiltrate a South American island nation just taken over in a military coup. They are tasked with destroying a former Nazi experimentation site where an extraterrestrial beast is rumored to live. It’s not often a comic book flick will have you critiquing Reagan-era politics while also enjoying the lizard-brain pleasures of a creature feature smash-em-up. Starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena. Directed by James Gunn. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated R for drug use, brief graphic nudity, language throughout, some sexual references, strong violence and gore. At AMC Phipps Plaza, Regal Hollywood Stadium and AMC Southlake. 2 hours, 12 minutes.
“Thalalvii”
Review not available in time for publication. This is the story of East Indian politician and actress J. Jayalalithaa. Starring Kangana Ranaut, Arvind Swamy and Bhagyshree. Directed by A.L. Vijay. Unrated. At Regal Medlock Crossing. 2 hours, 10 minutes.
“Un rescate de huevitos”
Review not available in time for publication. In this animated film, a rooster and his fowl partner take a trip to the Congo to recover their stolen eggs from a group of Russian goons. Starring the voices of Bruno Bichir, Maine Perroni and Angelica Vale. Directed by Gabriel Riva Palacio Alatriste. Rated PG for rude material and action. At Regal Hollywood Stadium. 1 hour, 28 minutes.