In theaters this week

Published 7:17 am Friday, March 10, 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.

Before I Fall (B-)

More than just a teenage spin on “Groundhog Day” thanks to a very endearing performance from Zoey Deutch, who makes you care about her character − a teenage girl forced to live a specific day over and over until she makes everything right. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

A Dog’s Purpose (D+)

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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)

Fifty Shades Darker (D)

“Darker” does manage to be better than “Grey,” but the bar was so low that really isn’t saying much.

Like “50 Shades of Grey” I will admit that I am clearly not the target audience for this adaptation of the very popular E.L. James novel. Once again though I have trouble believing even fans of the novel will have much to enjoy about this overstuffed melodrama. This won’t be the worst film of the year, like the original was in 2015, but it’s still pretty dreadful. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

Fist Fight (C)

This is the kind of comedy that tries to bombard you with jokes, hoping that if you laugh enough you won’t notice all the flaws throughout the film.

And while this comedy does provide some laugh-out-loud moments, it still manages to overstay its welcome − even at a rather flimsy 90 minute runtime. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

Get Out (A-)

A highly original mixture of horror and comedy from “Key and Peele’s” Jordan Peele.

After helping write “Keanu” last year (a film he co-starred in with TV partner Keegan-Michael Key) Peele writes and makes his feature film debut as director here – pretty much announcing his arrival as a filmmaker to watch. He’s crafted a film so meticulous in its detail it will take multiple viewings to truly appreciate it. (Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas)

The Great Wall (C)

A perfect example of all style, no substance, this beautifully shot action film directed by Yimou Zhang (the same man behind “House of the Flying Daggers”) quickly becomes repetitive and wears out its welcome. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

John Wick Chapter Two (B+)

This follow-up to the surprise 2014 hit is a ballet of bloodshed that expands on the hitman universe introduced in the first film to create an ultra-violent, but loads of fun, franchise worthy of future chapters (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10)

Kong: Skull Island (not reviewed at this time)

(Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

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)

The Lego Batman Movie (A-)

The first truly memorable movie of 2017 has arrived in this follow-up to the 2014 smash hit that is just as charming and delightful as its predecessor. It’s a film full of life, smart writing and clever visuals that is fun for the entire family (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas)

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, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Franklin Drive-in)

Moonlight (A)

A powerful piece of filmmaking – a stirring portrait that stays with you long after you leave the theater.

Writer/director Barry Jenkins crafted a masterpiece in terms of storytelling, a tale that could take place in almost any era and still resonate as strongly as it does. It is one of 2016’s best films. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

Rock Dog (C-)

A fairly lazy animated film that has a lot in common with the recent release “Sing” − although nowhere near as entertaining. (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, 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)

Table 19 (C)

A large ensemble cast, led by Anna Kendrick, can’t save this benign comedy that stretches its one joke premise way too far. (Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12)

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. (Franklin Drive-in)