The Fantastic Four PG-13
Four young outsiders, played by Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell, teleport to the Negative Zone, a dangerous, alternate universe that gifts them with shocking powers. If this sounds familiar, that’s because the Marvel Comics book franchise was previously adapted by Fox Studios a decade ago, but got a lackluster reception. To reboot the franchise, Fox spent several years developing the script and hired Josh Trank to direct with a production budget of $122 million. Trank has said that Scanners (1981) and The Fly (1986) influenced the film’s look, while its tone is Steven Spielberg meets Tim Burton. (Lisa Miller)
The Gift R
Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall play Simon and Robyn, a married couple recently relocated to a spacious Los Angeles home. While Simon climbs the corporate ladder, Robyn struggles with depression over her recent miscarriage. The couple then runs into Simon’s high school classmate, Gordo (Joel Edgerton). Determined to rekindle his friendship with Simon, Gordo inserts himself into their lives. Initially, Gordo provides Robyn with a welcome distraction, but when his attentions become inappropriate, she learns that her husband’s past may not be as he represents it. Blurring the lines between victim and villain creates a tense plot that has us guessing to the very end. (L.M.)
Ricki and the Flash PG-13
In penning Ricki and the Flash, screenwriter Diablo Cody was inspired by her real-life mother-in-law who was the lead singer of a small-time band. Meryl Streep stars as Ricki, dedicated to her career as a rock singer. Having left her husband and family decades earlier, Ricki returns home upon learning her adult daughter, Julie (played by Streep’s real-life daughter, Mamie Gummer), is in crisis. Family battles ensue, with Ricki, Julie and Ricki’s ex-husband, Pete, all playing central roles. Rick Springfield appears as Ricki’s bandmate, whose unrequited love for her has kept him at her side for many years. (L.M.)
Shaun the Sheep Movie PG
Aardman Animations, makers of the loveable Wallace and Gromit, retool their “Shaun the Sheep” television series for the big screen. Hoping for a day away from the farmer’s prying eyes, Shaun and his friends drug the farmer while he’s in his travel trailer. All’s well until they accidentally send the trailer down the road, and it winds up in the big city. To effect the farmer’s rescue, their herding dog, Bitzer, follows him to the city, while the flock members, ignoring Bitzer’s orders to stay put, dress up as people and make their way to the city. Many misadventures ensue. Written entirely without dialog, this clever film uses stop-and-go Claymation to delightful effect, making this kids’ feature one to be enjoyed by the whole clan. (L.M.)
