Not many family movies in theaters lately, but never fear. Next week we’ll have the PG-rated “The Jungle Book,” a new live-action version of the classic story. As for this week, Jake Gyllenhaal gets crazy in “Demolition,” Melissa McCarthy is on a power trip in “The Boss,” and lots more.
Let’s take a closer look at the new movies in theaters this week (which do include a dance movie!).
HIGH STRUNG
Rated PG for some thematic elements and mild language | In Theaters 4/8 (limited) | Ok for Kids 12+ | Paladin | Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels
Ruby Adams (Keenan Kampa) is a dancer from the Midwest with a scholarship to one of New York’s toughest performing arts schools. Johnnie Blackwell (Nicholas Galitzine) is an aspiring British musician, playing for money on subway platforms. Ruby’s world is classical and disciplined; Johnnie’s is improvisational and street smart.
When these two young artists are thrown together, they immediately clash, but neither can deny the sparks that fly, or their shared ambition of trying to make it in the most competitive city in the world. When Ruby’s scholarship is threatened and Johnnie faces deportation, they join forces and enter a contest where winning – or losing – could change their lives forever.
With the help of a dynamic dance crew called The SwitchSteps, they prepare to perform in a competition that unites their disparate worlds.
THE INVITATION
Not Rated | In Theaters 4/8 (limited, VOD) | Ok for Kids 17+ | Drafthouse Films | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels
In this psychological thriller directed by Karyn Kusama, tension runs high when Will (Logan Marshall-Green) shows up to his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard) and new husband, David’s (Michiel Huisman) dinner party. The pair’s tragic past haunts an equally spooky present: Amid Eden’s suspicious behavior and her mysterious house guests, Will becomes convinced that his invitation was extended with a hidden agenda.
Unfolding over one dark evening in the Hollywood Hills, “The Invitation” blurs layers of mounting paranoia, mystery, and horror until both Will – and the audience – are unsure what threats are real or imagined.
DEMOLITION
Rated R for language, some sexual references, drug use and disturbing behavior | In Theaters 4/8 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Fox Searchlight | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
Demolition stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Davis, a successful investment banker who struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash. Despite pressure from his father in law Phil (Chris Cooper) to pull it together, Davis continues to unravel.
What starts as a complaint letter to a vending machine company turns into a series of letters revealing startling personal admissions. Davis’ letters catch the attention of customer service rep Karen (Naomi Watts). Amidst emotional and financial burdens of her own, the two form an unlikely connection.
With the help of Karen and her son Chris (Judah Lewis), Davis starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew.
MR. RIGHT
Rated R for violence and language throughout | In Theaters 4/8 (Limited, VOD, Digital HD) | Focus World | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
Hyperactive at the best of times, Martha (Anna Kendrick) has gone full-on manic since her latest breakup. She babbles, parties like a monster, cooks everything in sight, and is looking to do something terrible when she meets Francis (Sam Rockwell).
To anyone else, Francis’s approach would come across as creepy, but Martha can’t help but be intrigued. They seem a perfect match: she’s bananas, he’s bananas … except he’s a deadly sort of bananas. He’s a professional assassin, and his services are solicited by a dubious client who’s being sought by an equally dubious FBI agent (Tim Roth).
As the bodies pile up, Martha needs to decide whether to flee or join in the mayhem.
THE BOSS
Rated R for sexual content, language and brief drug use | In Theaters 4/8 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Universal | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
This comedy from director Ben Falcone stars Melissa McCarthy (who wrote the screenplay with Falcone and Steve Mallory) as “The Boss.” She’s a titan of industry who’s sent to prison after being nailed for insider trading.
When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she wronged is so quick to forgive and forget. This movie also stars Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage and Kathy Bates.
HARDCORE HENRY
Rated R for non-stop bloody brutal violence and mayhem, language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug use | In Theaters 4/8 | Ok for Kids 18+ | STX Entertainment | Reel Preview: 2.5 of 5 Reels
Henry remembers nothing. Mainly because he’s just been brought back from the dead by his wife (Haley Bennett). Five minutes later, he’s being shot at, his wife’s been kidnapped, and he should probably go get her back.
Who’s got her? His name is Akan (Danila Kozlovsky), a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. Everyone wants Henry dead, except for a mysterious British chap called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). If Henry can survive the insanity and solve the mystery, he might just discover his purpose and the truth behind his identity.
Told from a first-person video-game perspective, “Hardcore Henry” is written and directed by Ilya Naishuller.
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.
