New movies in theaters this week feature Blake Lively as a woman who never grows old, Russell Crowe as an Australian farmer during World War I, and John Travolta as the world’s best art forger. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s opening on the big screen this week.
THE AGE OF ADALINE
PG-13 for a suggestive comment | In Theaters 4/24 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Lionsgate | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Age of Adaline | Facebook | Twitter
After miraculously remaining 29 years old for nearly eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance.
When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, this romantic drama also stars Amanda Crew and Ellen Burstyn.
LITTLE BOY
PG-13 for some thematic material and violence | In Theaters 4/24 | Ok for Kids 14+ | Open Road Films | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | Little Boy
This powerful and moving film set in the 1940s follows a little boy (Jakob Salvati) who’s willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive.
Directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde, this “lift your spirits” movie highlights themes of faith, hope and love in the face of adversity, and also stars Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson, and Ben Chaplin. It’s executive produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett (“Son of God,” the upcoming NBC series “A.D.,” and Paramount’s remake of “Ben-Hur”).
THE FORGER
R for language and some violence | In Theaters & On Demand 4/24 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Saban Films | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels
The world’s best art forger (John Travolta) makes a deal with a crime syndicate to get an early release from prison, but in return, he must pull off an impossible heist – forge a painting by Claude Monet, steal the original from a museum, and replace it with a replica so perfect that no one will notice.
He enlists the help of his father (Christopher Plummer) and son (Tye Sheridan) and together they plan the heist of their lives. Directed by Philip Martin, this movie has been in Hollywood limbo for two years, so it’s nice to see it finally heading to theaters and On Demand.
THE WATER DIVINER
Rated R for war violence, including some disturbing images | In Theaters 4/24 (2D/IMAX | Ok for Kids 17+ | Warner Bros. | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | Facebook
Starring Russell Crowe (who also directs) and Olga Kurylenko, this action adventure movie is set four years after the devastating battle of Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I.
Australian farmer Connor (Crowe) travels to Istanbul to discover the fate of his sons, reported missing in the action, where he forges a relationship with the beautiful Turkish woman (Kurylenko) who owns the hotel in which he stays. Holding on to hope, and with the help of a Turkish Officer, Connor embarks on a journey across the country to find the truth about the fate of his sons.
ADULT BEGINNERS
R for language and some drug use | In Theaters & On Demand 4/24 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Radius-TWC | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | Facebook
This comedy finds Nick Kroll playing a young, narcissistic entrepreneur who crashes and burns on the eve of his company’s big launch.
With his entire life in total disarray, he leaves Manhattan to move in with his estranged pregnant sister (Rose Byrne), brother-in-law (Bobby Cannavale), and 3-year-old nephew in his suburban childhood home — only to become their nanny. “Adult Beginners” is a comedy about priorities, growing up and beginning again … as an adult.
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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