Movie Marquee: Four Film open in Lubbock movie theaters
MOVIE MARQUEE
MOVIES OPENING FRIDAY
A Cure for Wellness
A young executive is sent to retrieve his company’s CEO from a mysterious wellness center in the Swiss Alps. Upon arrival he starts to question the legitimacy of the spa’s treatments, thinking they may not be what they seem. As he unravels horrible secrets his sanity is tested and he is diagnosed with the same curious illness that has been keeping guests at the spa wanting to be cured. Directed by Gore Verbinski.
R: Disturbing violent content and images, sexual content including an assault and nudity and language — Premiere Cinemas, Alamo Drafthouse, Tinseltown 17 and Movies 16.
Fist Fight
Trying to keep his act together on the last day of high school, English teacher Andy (Charlie Day) is fighting a losing battle. In addition to the senior pranks, dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that put his job at risk, he crosses a tougher, feared teacher (Ron, played by Ice Cube) who challenges Andy to fight after school. Directed by Richie Keen.
R: Language, sexual content/nudity and drug material — Premiere Cinemas, Alamo Drafthouse, Tinseltown 17 and Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theater.
The Great Wall 3-D/2-D
William (Matt Damon) fends off an attack from a monster near the Great Wall of China. Taking the monster’s hand with them, he and ally Tovar (Pedro Pascal) are taken captive by Chinese soldiers. They learn the secret of the Great Wall and that China defends its border every 60 years from a monster invasion. The hand is proof the attack is coming sooner than expected, and William joins the battle. Directed by Zhang Yimou.
PG-13: Fantasy action violence — Premiere Cinemas (includes IMAX and D-Box), Alamo Drafthouse, Tinseltown 17 and Movies 16.
I Am Not Your Negro
A documentary based on James Baldwin, who wrote revolutionary, personal accounts of the lives and assassinations of three close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project called “Remember This House” in 1979, but never finished the manuscript. This documentary by filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the completed book.
PG-13: Violent images, thematic material, language and brief nudity — Alamo Drafthouse.
MOVIES CONTINUING THIS WEEK
A Dog’s Purpose
A devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of humans he teaches to love and laugh. Reincarnated as multiple different dogs over 50 years, the pooch develops an unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan (Bryce Gheisar). As the boy grows older and comes to a crossroad, the dog comes back into his life to remind him of his true self. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom.
PG: Thematic elements and some peril — Premiere Cinemas, Tinseltown 17, Movies 16 and the Stars & Stripes Drive-In.
Fences
Kerns rating: HHHHH
Oscar nominee: Best Picture. When considering impact, two aspects are apparent: The crisp exchange of dialogue first was written by August Wilson for his prize-winning Broadway drama, and Denzel Washington starred as Troy Maxson in revivals years before he decided to direct himself in the 2016 film. Washington has not allowed characters’ lives to be further explored. He expands, to a point, environments such as Pittsburgh’s 1950s neighborhood streets and sidewalks. “Fences” remains a story about one man’s misunderstanding of love and denial of age and lost dreams — and their effect on his own family. While a great baseball player in the Negro League, he had passed 40 when the Major League experimented with black ballplayers and blames the white man for his life, where even a promotion carries disappointment. The last thing he wants is to see his son Cory (Jovan Adepo) pass him by; yet Cory needs his help if he is play college football. Viola Davis, as Troy’s wife Rose, delivers a heartbreaking performance every bit as powerful. The entire ensemble shines, memorably Mykelti Williamson as Troy’s brother Gabriel, and Stephen Henderson as longtime friend Bono.
PG-13: Thematic elements, language and some suggestive elements — Alamo Drafthouse.
Fifty Shades Darker
In the film adaptation of chapter two in British novelist E.L. James’ edgy, erotic trilogy, Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and Anastasia “Ana” Steele (Dakota Johnson) are back. Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of Christian, Anastasia has broken off their relationship to begin a new career as personal assistant to Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson), acquisitions editor at Seattle Independent Publishing. Hyde is quickly attracted to Anastasia. However, Ana and Christian rekindle their searing sexual affair, and Anastasia learns much more about the harrowing past, and family, of her partner. While Christian wrestles with inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her. James Foley directs.
R: Strong erotic sexual content, nudity and language — Premiere Cinemas, Alamo Drafthouse, Tinseltown 17 and Movies 16.
Hell or High Water
Kerns Rating: HHHHH
Oscar nominee: Best Picture. Toby (Chris Pine) is a divorced father trying to make a better life for his son. His brother Tanner (Ben Foster) is an ex-convict with a short temper. They plan a series of heists against the bank about to foreclose on the family ranch. Standing in their way is a Texas Ranger, played in crafty style by Jeff Bridges, just weeks away from retirement. As the siblings plot their final robbery, they fail to realize how far they have pushed this lawman who knows West Texas like the back of his hand. An incredible directorial effort by David Mackenzie. Worthy of multiple viewings. One showing per day at Alamo.
R: Strong violence, language and sexuality — Alamo Drafthouse.
Hidden Figures
Kerns rating: HHH 1/2
Oscar nominee: Best Picture. An entertaining comic drama directed by Theodore Melfi, if hardly worthy of an Oscar bid as best film despite its popularity. The story is elevated by three actresses — Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan and Janelle Monae as Mary Jackson — and it is a shame that only Spencer, and not the ensemble, could be recognized for supporting work as historical heroes. The film’s power lies in its unveiling of American history purposely kept hidden — vital elements of the space program relied heavily and quietly on two minorities: African-Americans and women, each denied identities and equality because of the United States’ prevalent bigotry. Rather, these black women were referred to by associates as “computers,” or “colored computers.” Based on truth, real women, the film focuses on “computers” working for NASA. Not as believable is Kevin Costner as a task group leader blind to prejudice in his midst. Glenn Powell is likable but perhaps too young as astronaut John Glenn. Characters created by Jim Parsons and Kirsten Dunst represent an era’s casual prejudice.
PG: Thematic elements and language — Premiere Cinemas, Tinseltown 17 and Movies 16.
John Wick: Chapter 2
Kerns rating: HHHH
The original “John Wick” was a 2014 hit, and co-director Chad Stahelski impresses working solo, delivering a cleverly choreographed ballet of “gun-fu” gun battles and fight scenes. Reeves returns as the super-assassin whose desire to retire is cut short when Italian gangster Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) arrives with a marker, compelling Wick to repay a favor. Santino expects Wick to execute his sister (Claudia Gerini), a ruthless capo atop the Italian Camorra organized crime syndicate. What Santino fails to mention is that, after taking his sister’s place, he placed a bounty on Wick so high that every professional assassin will be gunning for him. Wick already settled affairs with the Russians who killed his dog (he now has another) and stole his vintage Mustang. Ian McShane returns as Winston, proprietor of the Continental Hotel, who reminds Wick to respect the secret assassin society’s ancient code or risk facing his dangers alone. Wick deals first wih those loyal to the executed, namely Common and a mute Ruby Rose, but it very soon becomes nigh on impossible to keep up with Wick’s body count. And if this film has a B-movie story, know that Stahelski transforms it into A-movie non-stop action. No one who sees this sequel will forget what the ending promises for the next one. John Leguizamo and Laurence Fishburne have cameos.
R: Strong violence, language and nudity — Premiere Cinemas (includes D-Box), Alamo Drafthouse, Tinseltown 17, Movies 16 and Stars & Stripes Drive-In.
La La Land
Kerns rating: HHHH
Oscar nominee: Best Picture. Most critics happily leaped aboard a “La La Land” band wagon, with this movie now an Oscar favorite with 14 nominations. (Still, it did not make my Top 10.) The film simply did not emerge the expected next great movie musical, yet one admires colorful risks taken by writer-director Damien Chazelle. The movie juxtaposes its love story against choreographed moments which find Chazelle inspired by Hollywood tradition. Yet more weight is granted visuals over characters. The story arrives with a first angry, then cute, introduction of hopeful actress Mia (Emma Stone) and bitter musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who wants to own his own jazz club. Stone is the more enchanting and giving; for that matter, Gosling reveals more charisma than vocal ability, and Sebastian composes only one tune (“Mia & Sebastian’s Theme”) over a year. Yet romance fuels Chazelle’s fantasy into a gorgeous, gravity-defying dance at the Griffith Observatory, a highlight later matched by Mia’s unexpected vocal audition (“The Fools That Dream”). A final fantasy doesn’t work, but Hollywood will adore this valentine for Hollywood.
PG-13: Language — Premiere Cinemas, Tinseltown 17 and Movies 16.
The Lego Batman Movie 3-D/2-D
The second Lego film comedy, this time directed by Chris McKay, reveals big changes brewing in Gotham. However if Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) wants to save the city from a hostile takeover by the Joker (Zach Galifianakis), he may have to improve his skills at working with others and lighten up. Perhaps sidekick Robin (Michael Cera) and loyal butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) can show him a thing or two.
PG: Rude humor and action — Alamo Drafthouse, Tinseltown 17 (includes XD), Movies 16 (includes XD) and Stars & Stripes Drive-In.
Lion
Kerns rating: HHHH
Oscar nominee: Best Picture. An incredibly touching film adaptation of Saroo Brierly’s autobiography leaves viewers questioning whether an East Indian native, portrayed by Dev Patel can find his way home again after 25 years. Don’t arrive late because youngster Sunny Pawar, portraying Saroo, steals hearts early as an Indian child who, while waiting for his older brother, falls asleep inside a decommissioned passenger train, which speeds west for more than 900 miles before the frightened child can disembark. Not only is he lost for months in an area where he cannot understand the dialect, but he also must rely on instincts to dodge the many degenerates blatantly kidnapping homeless and weakened youths off the streets. Eventually, Saroo is adopted by a caring Australian couple, played by Nicole Kidman and David Wenham. Patel stands out as the older Saroo, hoping to find the mother he lost without hurting his adoptive parents. First-time director Garth Davis captures the beauty of contrasting lands. Cinematography and a moving score help keep audiences involved.
PG-13: Thematic material and some sensuality — Movies 16.
Moana (3-D/2-D)
Kerns rating: HHH 1/2
Oscar nominee: Best Animated Film. Disney’s 56th animated feature. This computer-animated musical fantasy centers on adventurous teenager Moana (voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho), a Polynesian princess who defies her chieftain father and sets sail on a dangerous mission to save her people. Formerly mighty demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock) is convinced by Moana to guide her on her quest. One may have mixed feelings about the animation. Much is beautiful, with movement and waves given equal emphasis to colors. Some scenes with multiple people, however, appear to have been rotoscoped, too obviously using live action as a base. The best songs are the David Bowie-styled “Shiny,” sung by gold-covered crab Tamatoa (voiced by Jemaine Clement), and Johnson’s own funny ditty called “You’re Welcome,” with Maui listing all he’d done for thankless mortals — although Oscar voters may prefer one of young Cravalho’s entertaining thematic numbers, such as “We Know the Way” or “How Far I’ll Go.” Credit veteran Disney co-directors Ron Clements and John Musker for being culturally sensitive to the heritage of Polynesian tribes.
PG: Peril, scary images and thematic elements — Tinseltown 17.
Monster Trucks (3-D/2-D)
High school senior Tripp Coley, played by Lucas Till, uses scrapped car parts to build his own monster truck. The “monster” part becomes real when an accident at a nearby oil-drilling site unleashes a strange subterranean creature with a taste for speed. Tripp names the creature Creech and realizes that he has discovered not only an unlikely friend, but also a way he can fulfill his wish to get out of his small hometown. Supporting roles are played by Amy Ryan, Rob Lowe, Danny Glover, Barry Pepper aand Frank Whaley. Chris Wedge directs the computer-animated action comedy.
PG: Action, peril, scary images and rude humor — Premiere Cinemas, Tinseltown 17 and Movies 16.
Moonlight
Kerns rating: HHHHH
Oscar nominee: Best Picture. Director Barry Jenkins delivers one of the best films of 2016, a surefire Oscar contender. His film defies traditional storytelling techniques while giving us a gay coming of age story via a trio of poetic chapters — titled “Little,” “Chiron” and “Black.” Bullied child Little is played by Alex Hibbert; Ashton Sanders portrays teen-aged Chiron, still harassed and threatened, and Trevante Rhodes is Black, the hardened and feared character. “Little” reveals an African-American’s childhood in drug-filled Miami, where his mother (exceptional work by Naomie Harris) is emotionally abusive. He discovers kindness within a drug dealer (Oscar-worthy work by Mahershala Ali) called Juan. In “Chiron,” the teen-aged character still is beaten and bullied, until a life-changing experience on the beach with childhood Kevin (Jharrel Jerome). In “Black,” one sees the prior influence of Juan and Kevin on Chiron, now an Atlanta dealer but recalling a past kindness, even as his mother has changed. Considering music by Nicholas Britelle, gorgeous cinematography by James Laxton and an inspiring ensemble performance, “Moonlight” represents reasons why we love the movies: opportunities to feel, wonder and hope. Ali reveals incredible range while acting only in the first chapter as Juan. It would be a shame if he is not rewarded with an Oscar bid for his support. The film, Jenkins’ direction and script, Laxton’s cinematography and Ali’s supporting performance are shoo-ins for Academy Award nominations.
R: Sexuality, drug use, violence and language — Movies 16.
Passengers (3-D/2-D)
Kerns rating: HH 1/2
Call it misogynistic goofiness in outer space. Evidently, Earth is undergoing problems, so a huge spacecraft called the Avalon — carrying 5,000 volunteering passengers and 238 crew members — is headed to a colony planet elsewhere in the galaxy. This will be a 120-year trip, with all awakened from induced hibernation pods four months before landing. A glitch arises. Denver mechanical engineer (Chris Pratt) and, later,New York City writer (Jennifer Lawrence) are awakened 90 years too soon. The science fiction story’s effects are visually interesting, but director Morten Tyldum expects a love story which must develop between his futuristic Adam and Eve to carry the story.
PG-13: Sexuality, nudity and action/peril — Movies 16.
Patriot’s Day
Kerns rating: HHH 1/2
Actor Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg partnered in this on docudrama, which works in inconsistent fashion. Wahlberg is cast as composite character Sgt. Tommy Saunders, a flatfoot who takes the attack on his city personally. Terrorist siblings Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Kyrgzstan immigrants, placed pressure-cooker bombs near the finish line of the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring hundreds. Based on the book “Boston Strong,” by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge, the movie places Saunders alongside FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon), Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman) and other investigators in a race against the clock to capture suspects before they can harm and/or kill more Americans. The film shows Saunders taking part in every aspect of the pursuit. The movie builds in intensity and yet, while heartfelt, fails to avoid action movie cliches and dialogue in the process. It’s not boring, not even close, but the future may provide a better film about this tragedy,
R: Violence, realistically graphic injury images, language and drug use — Premiere Cinemas .
Resident Evil: Final Chapter (3-D/2-D)
Kerns rating: H
Perhaps the worst result of lower-budgeted 3-D is a consistent, enveloping darkness, making action difficult to follow. And yet imagery even in a 2-D version of this film also is almost impossible to see, frustratingly dark throughout. Alice, the lead character played by Milla Jovovich, reveals in an explanatory lecture how the Umbrella Corp/ lied while slowly creating worldwide apocalypse during five prior Resident Evils since 2002. Sadly, writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson, Jovovich’s actual husband, failed in efforts to create an involving story. The film instead becomes a series of chase scenes A very early candidate for worst film of ‘17.
R: Violence — Premiere Cinemas.
Rings
Kerns rating: H
The 1998 Japanese original “Ringu” is a chilling introduction to innocents dying within a week of watching a cursed video — that is, unless they convince someone else to watch it — and director Gore Verbinski fared well by making few changes in his spooky 2002 American remake “The Ring.” A forgettable “Ring 2” followed and, now, Spanish filmmaker F. Javier Gutierrez delivers one of the worst motion pictures of any year. :ittle is seen of evil video star Samara — fans recall her climbing out of wells and television sets — until “Rings” collapses in less than shocking fashion. Julia (Matilda Lutz), who becomes worried when boyfriend Holt (Alex Roe) stops skyping and calling from college. Sensing he is in trouble, she heads to campus and soon discovers that a professor (Johnny Galecki) has recruited students for a research project that calls for them to watch a video he picked up at a flea market. Actor Vincent D’Onofrio earns a paycheck, if not respect, as Burke, a blind cemetery caretaker. Bonnie Morgan replaces Daveigh Chase as Samara.
PG-13: Violence/terror, thematic elements, sexuality and drug material — Premiere Cinemas, Tinseltown 17 and the Stars & Stripes Drive-In.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (3-D/2-D)
Kerns rating: HHHH
For more than 35 years, director Irvin Kershner’s “Star Wars: Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back” remained the darkest film within the “Star Wars” canon. That description has been usurped by Gareth Edwards’ involving “Rogue One,” a stand-alone, non-episodic “Star Wars” story unconcerned with good-over-evil. It fills the biggest hole in 1977’s “Star Wars” — how could the Empire have been stupid enough to leave a Death Star exhaust port unprotected? — and focuses on rebel spies hoping to steal the planet-killer’s schematics. Darth Vader is present, with few familiarities other than a glimpse of R2-D2 and C-3PO, and questionable CGI reviving the late Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin. This brilliantly written, consistently original screenplay by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy never was expected to deliver heroes. Still, one loves a rebellion’s being reliant on hope, the sequel called “Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope.” “Rogue One” stresses bleak futures awaiting anyone defying the Empire. Nevertheless, mature audiences will have fun rooting for defiant spies, including courageous Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones). Stealing any number of scenes are Donnie Yen as a blind monk, and Alan Tudyk using performance-capture as K-2SO, a droid armed with one-liners and weaponry. Vader, properly voiced by James Earl Jones, leads an incredible action sequence.
PG-13: Sci-fi violence and action — Premiere Cinemas.
Sing (3-D/2-D)
Kerns rating: HHH 1/2
A bit of a disappointment, which will not stop “Sing” from earning a fortune even before its DVD release and almost-certain sequel. Consider director Garth Jennings’ pitch: “American Idol” filmed in “Zootopia,” braced by cute characters, catchy tunes and, oh yeah, fart jokes. This is the latest from Illumination, home of “Minions” and never mistaken for Pixar. Don’t expect depth with 60-plus cover songs introduced. As for story: Dapper koala Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey) presides over an Art Deco theater, once grand and now falling apart. Facing disaster, he hopes to restore his fading theater by producing a singing competition certain to attract hundreds of hopeful amateurs. His five strongest finalists: Mike, an arrogant mouse Mike (Seth McFarlane); timid elephant Meenah (Tori Kelly); ignored mama pig Rosita (Reese Witherspoon); teenage gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton); and teen-aged, punk-rock porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson). Due to a printing error from a half-blind secretary, contestants are led to believe prize money totals $100,000, when Buster’s net worth is closer to being shy of one grand.
PG: Rude humor and mild peril — Premiere Cinemas.
Sleepless
Las Vegas cops Vincent Downs (Jamie Foxx) and Sean Cass (T.I.) rob a shipment of cocaine belong to entrepreneur Stanley Rubino (Dermot Mulroney), who is associated with a powerful mob boss. The police partners then volunteer to investigate the robbery to cover up their own involvement, but in the process clash with Internal Affairs detectives played by Michelle Monaghan and David Harbour. Few know that Downs has been working undercover to dismantle the crime ring within the police department. But then Downs’ son Thomas, played by Octavius J. Johnson, is kidnapped by Rubino, who threatens to kill him unless his stolen drugs are returned. Downs has only one sleepless night to somehow save his son and bring criminals to justice. Baran bo Odar directs.
R: Violence and language — Movies 16.
The Space Between Us
After space shuttle embarks on a mission to colonize Mars, an astronaut discovers she is pregnant. She dies during childbirth on Mars, never revealing the identity of the father. Her son, Garner Elliott (played by Asa Butterfield), is kept on Mars. While searching for clues about his father and the home planet he’s never known, he begins an online friendship with a street smart girl in Colorado named Tulsa (Britt Roberts). When given an opportunity to visit Earth, he meets Tulsa. Scientists eventually discover that Gardner’s organs cannot withstand Earth’s atmosphere, but he and Tulsa have taken off in search of more answers to his questions. Co-stars include Gary Oldman, Carla Gugino and B.D. Wong. The movie was filmed in Albuquerque, N.M., with direction by Peter Chelson.
PG-13: Sensuality and language — Tinseltown 17.
Split
Kerns rating: HHHH
M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological horror movie “Split” definitely has personality. Better make that personalities! Shyamalan appears to have recaptured his enviable style, with the help of star James McAvoy’s thrilling performance as Kevin, a man diagnosed by his psychologist (the wonderful Betty Buckley) with or dissociative identity disorder. Where Shyamalan can be taken to task, fairly or unfairly, is in the film’s final and biggest twist relying on a familiarity with his past success. Indeed, there may be more than DID at play, although even scenes in the film’s trailer hinted at just that. Regardless, the chilling story begins when McAvoy’s Kevin, who is host to 23 separate personalities, kidnaps three young women and imprisons all in a windowless, underground facility. The more aloof of the three, Casey, is played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Flashbacks involving Casey provide a vital subplot, yet make no mistake: This is McAvoy’s movie. He takes full advantage of a challenging and creepy role, with victims unsure which personality next will step into “the light.” It could be fashion designer Barry, the more formal and prim Miss Patricia, mischievous and perhaps dangerous 9-year-old Hedwig or the controlling Dennis, who warns of a 24th personality called the Beast. Shyamalan holds back more than half of Kevin’s alternative characters, probably for a sequel.
PG-13: Disturbing thematic content and behavior, violence and language — Premiere Cinemas, Tinseltown 17, Movies 16 and Stars & Stripes Drive-In.
Star ratings, reviews are by A-J Media film critic William Kerns.