New in theaters this week is Steve Carell in a story of corruption, Gugu Mbatha-Raw in a love story, and Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey reuniting in a “Dumb” movie after 20 years. Here’s what’s opening wide in theaters this week.
BEYOND THE LIGHTS
Rated PG-13 for sexual content, including suggestive gestures, partial nudity, language and thematic elements | In Theaters 11/14 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Facebook | Twitter
How does a young starlet cope with the pressures of fame? That’s the question examined in “Beyond the Lights,” which follows the story of Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who wow’d audiences in “Belle”), the music world’s latest superstar. Just as Noni reaches her limit, she meets Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker), a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail.
Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall in love, despite the protests of others who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of romance. But ultimately, Kaz’s love gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and follow her own dreams. Directed and written by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this movie also stars Minnie Driver, Aml Ameen, Danny Glover and Aisha Hinds.
DUMB AND DUMBER TO
Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, partial nudity, language and some drug references | In Theaters 11/14 | Ok for Kids 14+ | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Dumblr.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #DumbTo
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in this franchise that began with 1994’s “Dumb and Dumber” and 2003’s “Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd” (a high school prequel that didn’t star Carrey or Daniels).
Yes, it’s been 20 years since that first movie. Now the dimwits are on the road in search of one of their long lost children in the hope of gaining a new kidney. Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, this movie also stars Kathleen Turner, Laurie Holden, Rob Riggle and Paul Blackthorne.
FOXCATCHER
Rated R for some drug use and a scene of violence | In Theaters 11/14 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels | Foxcatcher | Facebook |Twitter
When Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) is invited by wealthy heir John du Pont (Steve Carell, in a chilling performance) to move to the du Pont estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics at his new state-of-the-art facility, Schultz jumps at the chance, hoping to focus on his training and step out of the shadow of his revered brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo).
Driven by hidden needs, du Pont sees backing Schultz and the chance to “coach” a world-class wrestling team as an opportunity to gain the elusive respect of his peers and, more importantly, his disapproving mother (Vanessa Redgrave). But things soon spiral into erratic behavior, paranoia, betrayal and tragedy. Based on a true story and directed by Bennett Miller (“Capote,” “Moneyball”), look for “Foxcatcher” to do well this awards season.
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Images in this feature used courtesy of the studios and distributors.
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