In theaters this week
Published 9:24 am Friday, March 1, 2019
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.
Alita: Battle Angel (B-)
This science fiction tale from Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron is a fantastic looking film that has more heart than you would expect from a movie where the lead character is a CGI creation. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
Aquaman (B)
The latest entry to the D.C. Comics Universe is as easy and laid back as its very likable lead (Jason Momoa) – a bit clunky at times but ultimately a lot of fun. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
Cold Pursuit (B)
A darkly comic spin on the Liam Neeson revenge genre, that finds Neeson as a mild-mannered snowplow worker who gets mixed up in a drug war after his son is killed by one of the kingpins. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)
The Favourite (A)
The new film from director Yorgos Lanthimos, may look all prim and proper – with its “Downton Abbey” appearance on the surface.
But this is anything but another stuffy period piece. Working from a script by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, Lanthimos crafted a deliciously dark comedic gold mine that’s anchored by three of the best performances of 2018 from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
Fighting With My Family (B)
This solid bio-pic about WWE superstar Paige is a film that even non-wrestling fans can enjoy – a family drama that depicts the highs and lows of aspiring to make it in the wrestling world. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Glass (F)
The spin-off from “Split” and “Unbreakable” proves to be the very worst of writer/director M. Night Shyamalan – an arrogant piece of filmmaking that is nothing more than a contrived mess of comic book psychobabble that wears thin very quickly. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
Green Book (B)
Sometimes it’s the films that seem the most effortless that are the most fun.
That is the case with this highly entertaining film from Peter Farrelly that features strong work from leads Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)
Greta (B-)
This thriller starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Isabelle Huppert feels like it is about to come off the rails most of the way, yet manages to stay on path until it finds its footing in a satisfying final act that embraces the craziness. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)
Happy Death Day 2U (B)
The follow-up to the surprise 2017 hit “Happy Death Day,” is that rare sequel that surpasses the original – a fun, genre-bending excursion that takes the franchise in a different direction that is more enjoyable than the first one. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (B)
Another well-crafted entry into the popular animated series that feels like the final chapter of a very satisfying trilogy. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Isn’t It Romantic (C)
This spoof of romantic comedies is pretty much like your average film in the genre – light, fluffy, and easily forgettable. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (B+)
The return to the original Lego world is a joyful reunion that may not have quite the same charm as the original, but it is still pretty awesome. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
Run the Race (not reviewed at this time)
(Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)
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)
A Star is Born (A)
It’s the fourth incarnation, yet this latest version from Bradley Cooper feels fresh and new.
That is a testament to Cooper, who co-wrote, directed and stars. He has created a very personal movie that you can feel on every frame – a stripped-down version that is raw and intimate, with a pair of knockout performances from Cooper and Lady Gaga. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral (D)
What is billed as the final film to feature Tyler Perry’s beloved character Madea is pretty much like every other one in the series – an uneven comedy that is poorly edited and poorly directed. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)
The Upside (B-)
The remake of the French film “The Intouchables” is a formulaic film that really doesn’t take many chances. Sometimes the pacing feels off and the story never really has any surprises.
Even with all of that “The Upside” manages to work thanks to an ace, make that two aces, up its sleeve – Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)
What Men Want (C)
Taraji P. Henson gives it her all in this reboot of the Mel Gibson film “What Women Want,” but she can’t overcome a flimsy screenplay that doesn’t make use of it’s gimmick (Henson’s character’s ability to hear men’s thoughts) as much as it should. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)