New movies in theaters this week include Charlize Theron in The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Tom Hanks in A Hologram for the King, Patrick Stewart in the horror-thriller Green Room, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the new movies in theaters this week.
THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR
Rated PG-13 for fantasy action violence and some sensuality | In Theaters 4/22 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Universal | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
Long before the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) was thought vanquished by Snow White’s blade, she watched silently as her sister, Freya (Emily Blunt), suffered a heartbreaking betrayal and fled their kingdom. With Freya’s ability to freeze any enemy, the young ice queen has spent decades in a remote wintry palace raising a legion of deadly huntsmen, including Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and warrior Sara (Jessica Chastain), only to find that her prized two defied her one demand: Forever harden your hearts to love.
When Freya learns of her sister’s demise, she summons her remaining soldiers to bring the Magic Mirror home to the only sorceress left who can harness its power. But once she discovers Ravenna can be resurrected from its golden depths, the wicked sisters threaten the enchanted land with a dark force. The Huntsman: Winter’s War is directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan and produced by Joe Roth (“Maleficent”).
A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING
Rated R for some sexuality/nudity, language and brief drug use | In Theaters 4/22 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions | Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels
Cultures collide when an American businessman (Tom Hanks) is sent to Saudi Arabia to close what he hopes will be the deal of a lifetime. Baffled by local customs and stymied by an opaque bureaucracy, he finds his footing with the help of a wise-cracking taxi driver (Alexander Black) and a beautiful Saudi doctor (Sarita Choudhury).
Directed by Tom Tykwer and adapted from the book by Dave Eggers, this comedy drama also stars Ben Whishaw and Tom Skerritt.
GREEN ROOM
Rated R for strong brutal graphic violence, gory images, language and some drug content | In Theaters 4/22 | Ok for Kids 18+ | A24 | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels
This horror-thriller stars Patrick Stewart as a diabolical club owner who squares off against an unsuspecting but resilient young punk band. Down on their luck punk rockers “The Ain’t Rights” are finishing up a long and unsuccessful tour. They’re about to call it quits when they get an unexpected booking at an isolated, run-down club deep in the backwoods of Oregon.
What seems like a third-rate gig escalates into something more sinister when they witness an act of violence backstage they weren’t meant to see. Now trapped backstage, they must face off against the club’s depraved owner, Darcy Banker (Stewart), a man who will do anything to protect the secrets of his nefarious enterprise.
Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, this movie also stars Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, and Alia Shawkat.
NINA
Not Rated | In Theaters 4/22 | Ok for Kids 16+ | RLJ Entertainment | Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels
She was one of the century’s most extraordinary talents, a 15-time Grammy nominee and Grammy Hall of Fame Recipient. Her mesmerizing songs and passionate politics combined to make her the unforgettable Nina Simone (Zoe Saldana).
But fame and fortune came with a price, and her later years were riddled with depression, alcohol abuse and isolation. Rediscovering the meaning of her life and work took courage, strength and one true friend: Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo), the man who started out as her assistant and eventually became her loyal manager.
With Clifton’s encouragement, the “high priestess of soul” began a courageous journey back to her music and herself. This biographical drama is directed and written by Cynthia Mort.
ELVIS & NIXON
Rated R for some language | In Theaters 4/22 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Bleecker Street | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels
Directed by Liza Johnson, “Elvis & Nixon” follows two men at the height of their powers who share one famous private moment in the Oval office. The film recounts the morning of Dec. 21, 1970, when the King of Rock ‘n Roll (Michael Shannon) showed up on the White House lawn to request a meeting with the most powerful man in the world, President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey). He had a very urgent request: to be sworn in as an undercover Federal Agent at large.
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.
