In theaters this week

Published 7:57 am Friday, May 5, 2017

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.

Beauty and the Beast (B-)

One of the most beloved Disney animated films of all time gets the live-action treatment as “Beauty and the Beast” arrives on the big screen 26 years after its predecessor became the first animated film to earn a best picture nomination.

While this release is in a no-win situation trying to compare to the 1991 film, it manages to find its footing – thanks to a version that feels like it borrows more from the hit Broadway show than the previous movie. With director Bill Condon, the man behind “Dreamgirls,” it is a film that is full of vibrant musical numbers that bring the story to life. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Franklin Drive-In)

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Born in China (not reviewed at this time)

(Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

The Boss Baby (B-)

How much you like “The Boss Baby,” the new animated film from Dreamworks, may rely on one factor – how excited are you at the prospect of Alec Baldwin playing a wise-cracking baby?

If you enjoy Baldwin’s schtick, then “Boss Baby” should work for you regardless of your age. If not, well at least your children will have a good time. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

The Circle (C)

Despite the star power of Emma Watson and Tom Hanks (in a rare villain role), this would-be high tech thriller falls flat – a film that never seems to find its tone despite desperately trying to find a voice. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

The Fate of the Furious (C+)

“The Fast and the Furious” franchise takes a step back with the eighth installment of the popular series that has evolved into a high-speed version of James Bond.

This time it never quite clicks, despite a few inspired set pieces, ending a string of successful sequels that seemed to get better with each film. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

Gifted (B)

A solid family drama about a single man (Chris Evans) try to raise his child prodigy niece (Mckenna Grace).

The story may take familiar turns, but it still manages to pull at the heartstrings thanks to Grace and a strong adult cast that also includes Jenny Slate and Octavia Spencer. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

Going in Style (B-)

“Going in Style” is way better than it has any business being, thanks to its three Oscar-winning leads: Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin.

The film gives these three old pros a chance to showcase their talents quite well. Their talent might be a notch or two above the level of the script, but they work so hard you can’t help but be marginally entertained. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2 (B)

The follow-up to the 2014 smash doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor, but it is still a lot of fun. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas, Franklin Drive-In)

How to be a Latin Lover (not reviewed at this time)

(Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Kong: Skull Island (B)

A clever reboot of the monster franchise that plays like one big carnival ride – with the all star cast that includes Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, and John C. Reilly more than willing to go along for the ride. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Logan (B)

The Marvel Comics universe continues to expand in a more dark and adult-oriented direction with the third standalone film for Wolverine from the “X-Men” series.

“Logan” follows the lead of “Deadpool,” which pushed the envelope and received in a well-earned R rating, and the result is a film that has plenty of depth between all the bloodshed. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

The Shack (B-)

Solid cast helps this faith based movie based on the popular novel work – a film that understands its audience and delivers to their expectations well. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Their Finest (not reviewed at this time)

(Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Unforgettable (F)

A complete bore of a thriller full of so many missteps, the biggest asking audiences to buy Katherine Heigl as a psychopath. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)