New movies opening in theaters this week include “Goosebumps,” “Bridge of Spies,” “Crimson Peak” and “Woodlawn.”
Limited release movies include “A Ballerina’s Tale” (also on Video On Demand), “Beasts of No Nation” (Netflix), “Momentum” (Video On Demand), “Experimenter,” “Truth, “Meadowland” and “Room.” Let’s take a closer look at the wide releases.
GOOSEBUMPS
PG for scary and intense creature action and images, and for some rude humor | In Theaters 10/16 | Ok for Kids 10+ | Columbia/Sony | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | Goosebumps
Based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine, this movie centers on teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette), who’s upset about moving from the big city to a small town, but finds a silver lining when he meets the beautiful Hannah (Odeya Rush) living next door. Zach learns that Hannah’s mysterious dad is R. L. Stine (Jack Black), author of the bestselling Goosebumps series, and those monsters from his books are indeed real.
Stine protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their books, but when Zach unintentionally unleashes the monsters from their manuscripts, they begin to terrorize the town. It’s up to Stine, Zach, and Hannah to get them back into the books where they belong. Directed by Rob Letterman, this movie also stars Amy Ryan and Ken Marino.
CRIMSON PEAK
R for bloody violence, some sexual content and brief strong language | In Theaters 10/16 (2D/IMAX | Ok for Kids 17+ | Universal/Legendary | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Crimson Peak
Directed by the master of dark fairy tales, Giullermo del Toro, “Crimson Peak” is a haunting gothic horror story written by del Toro and Matthew Robbins and starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Hunnam.
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds, and … remembers. Just in time for Halloween!
BRIDGE OF SPIES
PG-13 for some violence and brief strong language | In Theaters 10/16 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Disney/DreamWorks | Reel Preview: 5 of 5 Reels | Bridge of Spies
This dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of historic events tells the story of James Donovan (Tom Hanks), a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot.
Screenwriters Matt Charman and the Coen Brothers have woven this remarkable story inspired by true events that captures the essence of a man who risked everything. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie also stars Alan Alda, Amy Ryan, Mark Rylance and Sebastian Koch.
WOODLAWN
PG for thematic elements, including some racial tension/violence | In Theaters 10/16 | Ok for Kids 10+ | Pure Flix | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels | Woodlawn
In 1973, a spiritual awakening captured the heart of nearly every player of the Woodlawn High School football team, including its coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop). Their dedication to love and unity in a school filled with racism and hate leads to the largest high school football game ever played in the torn city of Birmingham, Alabama, and the rise of its first African American superstar, Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille).
Directed by The Erwin Brothers and produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, this movie also stars Sean Astin and Jon Voight.
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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