Based on the non-fiction book “A Long Way Home,”  Saroo Brierley’s story of how he found his family more than 20 years after he was lost, this is an incredible story that is both uplifting and inspirational. Garth Davis’ film captures the story well, especially in the first half.

Can’t decide what to see this weekend?

Bowling Green Daily News film critic Micheal Compton is here to tell you the best – and worst – now playing at your local cineplex.

Arrival (A-)

A complex, mind-bending piece of science fiction that challenges its audiences, then rewards them with something quite profound. It features strong work behind the camera from Denis Villeneuve (the man behind “Sicaro” and “Prisoners”) and in front from lead Amy Adams. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

The Bye Bye Man (D)

This horror film uses a lot of bells and whistles to appear to be something fresh and new, but is ultimately a bunch of ragged pieces from the genre thrown together into one all-too-familiar stew. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

A Dog’s Purpose (D+)

A film that appears to be marketed for families, “A Dog’s Purpose” is far from fun for all ages. It’s a film where the tone is all over the place, with some elements that really don’t mesh together at all. It’s as if someone tried to make a serious version of “Look Who’s Talking Now,” the ill-fated third installment in the “Look Who’s Talking” franchise. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

Fences (B+)

Denzel Washington shines in front of and behind the camera in August Wilson’s adaptation of his Broadway play, but Viola Davis is the real MVP with a performance that ranks as one of 2016’s very best. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Gold (C-)

Matthew McConaughey tries hard to sell this true story of the rise and fall of a gold prospector, but his performance can’t save a movie that plays its manic subject matter way to close to the vest (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Hidden Figures (B+)

A highly entertaining crowd-pleaser that brings three women (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae) prominent in the early days of the space race to the forefront. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

Jackie (B)

A showcase for Oscar nominated Natalie Portman, who brings the poise and grace to Jackie Kennedy that she is remembered for, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

La La Land (A-)

Writer/Director Damian Chazelle’s follow-up to “Whiplash” is a big love letter to Hollywood that sweeps you off your feet then pulls at your heartstrings.

From its opening number during a traffic jam on a Los Angeles freeway to a final act that features some unexpected depth, “La La Land” plays like a big ole piece of MGM musical nostalgia. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

Lion (B)

This is a film that roars with emotion, even if it isn’t always hitting the mark.

Based on the non-fiction book “A Long Way Home,” Saroo Brierley’s story of how he found his family more than 20 years after he was lost, this is an incredible story that is both uplifting and inspirational. Garth Davis’ film captures the story well, especially in the first half. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Manchester by the Sea (A)

Writer/director Kenneth Lonergan’s story of a janitor forced to care for his nephew after the boy’s father dies is a gut-wrenching experience, a powerful script that allows Casey Affleck and newcomer Lucas Hedges to give two of 2016’s more memorable performances. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

Moana (B)

The latest Disney animated endeavor is full of charm, a gorgeous-looking film that is full of life with some engaging leads and a snappy soundtrack by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Monster Trucks (C-)

A silly Nickelodeon entry that probably should have just confirmed to the cable network instead of being released as a feature film. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

Passengers (C-)

Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence do the best that they can with this science fiction thriller undermined by a shaky plot twist. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

Patriots Day (C+)

This film about the Boston Marathon bombing is well-made and respectful to its subject matter, but it still feels like a better movie is stuck inside with Mark Wahlberg’s fictitious cop overshadowing the real heroes. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (D)

Billed as the last film in this head-scratchingly popular science fiction series, this is pretty much more of the same – an entry that fans of the franchise will like, but probably won’t matter to anyone else. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (C)

This well-intentioned faith based film from WWE Studios feels more like a direct to video production than an actual feature film. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10).

Rings (not reviewed at this time)

(Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (C+)

This spin-off of the Star Wars universe is a technically sound, solid attempt that ultimately falls short of its intentions – a film where the characters never get that emotional connection that helps to make the franchise so successful. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Sing (B-)

An enjoyable animated film about a singing contest that delivers just enough charm to please its target audience. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

Sleepless (D)

A by-the-numbers cop movie that wastes the talents of Jamie Foxx and Michelle Monaghan (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

The Space Between Us (F)

If you ever wanted to know what it was like to see a Nicholas Sparks movie set in space than “The Space Between Us” is the movie for you.

This oft-delayed film is finally dumped into theaters. But no matter how many times you push back the release date (it was moved from summer to December, 2016 only to be moved again at the last minute), you can’t escape the stench of a bad movie that is destined to be among the worst of whatever year it eventually lands. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

Split (C)

James McAvoy’s strong work can’t save this thriller that at times feels too exploitive and then derails into something rather absurd in the final act. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

Underworld: Blood Wars (D+)

The fifth film in this vampire series with Kate Beckinsale is more of the same. If you have seen any of the first four films, you’ve pretty much seen this one. It’s a film made for the fan base that keeps shelling out money to see this and really doesn’t care if anyone else comes or not. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage (B)

I wasn’t really a fan of either of the previous two films in the series, but this “xXx” proves to be a lot of mindless fun – completely ridiculous, but quite entertaining. It’s a film that never takes itself too seriously with a nonstop barrage of action and one liners. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

– For showtimes visit regmovies.com or fandango.com or marqueecinemas.com