New movies in theaters this week include – finally! – a great movie for the whole family, The Jungle Book. This one is a brand new version of the classic Rudyard Kipling tale. Also on the big screen is Kevin Costner in the crime thriller Criminal, Ice Cube in a new Barbershop movie and lots more. Let’s take a closer look at the new movies in theaters this week.
THE JUNGLE BOOK
Rated PG for some sequences of scary action and peril | In Theaters 4/15 (2D, 3D, IMAX) | Ok for Kids 7+ | Disney | Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels
Directed by Jon Favreau and based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories, this live-action version of The Jungle Book centers on Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.
Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-mentor Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) and the free-spirited bear Baloo (Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.
Also stars Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of the wolf pack’s alpha male Akela.
BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT
Rated PG-13 for sexual material and language | In Theaters 4/15 | Ok for Kids 14+ | New Line, Warner Bros. | Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels
It’s been more than 10 years since our last appointment at Calvin’s Barbershop. Calvin (Ice Cube) and his longtime crew, including Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), are still there, but the shop has undergone some major changes. Most noticeably, the once male-dominated sanctuary is now co-ed.
The ladies bring their own flavor, drama and gossip to the shop, challenging the guys at every turn. Also, the surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, forcing Calvin and crew to come together to save the shop AND their neighborhood. Directed by Malcolm Lee, this movie also stars Regina Hall, Anthony Anderson, JB Smoove and Nicki Minaj.
CRIMINAL
Rated R for strong violence and language throughout | In Theaters 4/15 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Summit | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
“Criminal” is a story about the right man in the wrong body. In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s memories, secrets and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate. The hope is that he’ll complete the operative’s mission, but of course, nothing goes as planned.
Directed by Ariel Vroman, this crime thriller stars Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Alice Eve and Gal Gadot.
THE ADDERALL DIARIES
Rated R for language throughout, drug use, sexuality, and some aberrant and disturbing content | In Theaters 4/15 | Ok for Kids 18+ | A24 | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
Directed by Pamela Romanowsky, this drama from producers James Franco and Robert Redford is adapted from Stephen Elliott’s true crime memoir released in 2009. It centers on the real-life investigation into the 2007 murder trial of Hans Reiser, accused of killing his wife, and the ensuing confession of his friend Sean Sturgeon. This movie stars Amber Heard Depp, James Franco, Christian Slater, Ed Harris, Wilmer Valderrama and Cynthia Nixon.
COLONIA
Not yet rated; likely R | In Theaters 4/15 (limited; VOD) | Ok for Kids 17+ | Screen Media Films | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
This political drama stars Emma Watson as Lena, a young woman whose husband (Daniel Bruhl) is abducted by Pinochet’s secret police during the 1973 Chilean military coup d’etat. Lena must join a dangerous cult in the sealed-off Colonia Dignidad area in order to rescue him. This movie also stars Mikael Nyqvist and Florian Gallenberger, who also directs. No MPAA rating at press time.
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.
I have watched the “The Jungle Book” and this is an amazing film, Neel Sethi did a fantastic job as Mowgli and thanks to the graphics which makes it more watchable.