New movies in theaters this week include “Captain Fantastic,” “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” and “The Secret Life of Pets” – fun family movie I’m predicting will be a box office hit. Let’s take a closer look at the new movies in theaters this week.
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS
Rated PG for action and some rude humor | In Theaters 7/8 | Ok for Kids 6+ | Universal | Reel Preview: 5 of 5 Reels
For one bustling Manhattan apartment building, the real day starts after the humans leave for work and school. That’s when the pets of every stripe, fur and feather begin their own nine-to-five routine: hanging out with each other, trading humiliating stories about their owners, and trying out adorable looks to get better snacks.
The building’s top dog, Max (voiced by Louis C.K.), a quick-witted terrier rescue who’s convinced he sits at the center of his owner’s universe, finds his pampered life rocked when she brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a sloppy, massive mess of a mongrel with zero interpersonal skills.
When this reluctant canine duo finds themselves out on the mean streets of New York, they have to set aside their differences and unite against a fluffy-yet-cunning bunny named Snowball (Kevin Hart), who’s building an army of Ex-Pets abandoned by their owners and out to turn the tables on humanity … all before dinnertime.
Directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney, this cute family flick also stars Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Albert Brooks and Bobby Moynihan.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Rated R for language and brief graphic nudity | In Theaters 7/8 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Bleecker Street | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
A father (Viggo Mortensen), devoted to teaching his six children how to live and survive in the deep forests of the Pacific Northwest, is forced to leave his self-created paradise. When confronted with the real world, he begins a journey that challenges his ideas of freedom and what it means to raise a family. Directed by Matt Ross, this movie also stars Frank Langella, Missi Pyle, Steve Zahn and Kathryn Hahn.
MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES
Rated R for crude sexual content, language throughout, drug use and some graphic nudity | In Theaters 7/8 | Ok for Kids 17+ | 20th Century Fox | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels
Hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find the perfect dates for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable female duo, played by Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza. Directed by Jake Szymanski, this comedy also stars Stephen Root.
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.
Jane Boursaw is the film critic and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane. Images in this feature used courtesy of the studios and distributors.
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