In theaters this week
Published 8:57 am Friday, December 14, 2018
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.
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Bohemian Rhapsody (B-)
This bio-pic of Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury may not bring too much to the table, but it does manage to capture the essence of the band – resulting in a wildly uneven yet somehow entertaining slice of cinema. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
Creed II (B)
Not as good as the 2015 predecessor, but still a solid entry in the Rocky franchise. A film that will appeal to the fan base, but like it’s previous installment, manages to have enough substance to make it more than just another sequel. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (C)
The “Fantastic Beasts” franchise takes a not-so-fantastic turn in “The Crimes of Grindelwald” – the second film in the “Harry Potter” spin-off franchise.
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While the initial film was the perfect foundation for the series, “Crimes” takes a step back with a story that plods along before a frustrating finale. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
The Grinch (B)
The latest incarnation of the Dr. Seuss tale is an update we didn’t know we needed, but it’s a delightful holiday excursion for the whole family that brings the story to life in its own way without losing the charm of perhaps the most loved version of all – the 1960s TV classic. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Instant Family (B-)
A film about family that, for the most part, mixes the delicate balance between laughs and pulling at the heartstrings. With Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne’s comedic chemistry leading the way, “Family” finds its stride early and avoids any major stumbles – making it a nice option for families this holiday season. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Mortal Engines (not reviewed at this time)
(Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
The Mule (not reviewed at this time)
(Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Once Upon a Deadpool (B-)
This reworking of “Deadpool 2” for a PG-13 rating surprisingly works, aided by a fun wrap-around story that feature Fred Savage and Deadpool re-enacting the framing device used in “The Princess Bride.” (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)
The Possession of Hannah Grace (D)
A by-the-numbers horror film whose only saving grace is its 85 minute run time. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Ralph Breaks the Internet (B+)
A delightful sequel to “Wreck It Ralph” with some wonderful animation and a smart script that plays well for adults as well as children. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)
Robin Hood (D+)
The latest incarnation of the man who robs from the rich and gives to the poor is a by-the-numbers, nothing new to see here version that lacks any imagination whatsoever. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (A-)
After six live action films since 2002, the Spider-Man franchise gets animated with “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” – a delightful excursion that is 2018’s best animated film.
Here is a movie that takes its comic book roots and embraces them with such glee the result is perhaps the quintessential Spider-Man film. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)