Here's a look at what's new in theaters this weekend:
Skyscraper
This week we start up in the sky with "Skyscraper." Action superstar Dwayne Johnson plays a security expert hired to make sure the tallest building in the world is safe. Terrorists have other ideas and set a fire that traps his family. Can he rescue them in time? You can drive a truck through the holes in the plot. The villain isn't all that memorable, but Johnson's feats, performed with his character as an amputee, (he didn't do them all) are both ridiculous and impressive.
I especially enjoyed Neve Campbell. We haven't seen her in awhile, and she's perfect playing his wife, a former a combat medic. Don't come in with sky high expectations, and you'll have fun!
Universal Pictures - Rated PG-13
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Dracula needs a vacation, so it's time for a monster cruise in the third installment of "Hotel Transylvania." "Zing" is the feeling when vampires fall in love. It's only supposed to happen once. But the widower Dracula goes gaga for the pretty ship's captain, and the waters get choppy. I like these movies.
It's fun family entertainment, dreamed up by Adam Sandler, the voice of Drac. Kathryn Hahn is new on board as the captain. Plenty of monster sight gags to keep kids and parents alike happy.
Sony Pictures Animation - Rated PG
Sorry To Bother You
You'll recognize Lakeith Stanfield from the FX "Atlanta "and the Oscar-winning movie "Get Out." But as the lead in "Sorry To Bother You," this is his real breakthrough role! He plays a telemarketer who works his way up to "power caller" by using a so-called "white" voice on the phone. The top job ends up revealing a wildly subversive secret, and I mean wild! Let's be clear, this is heavy satire that works its way from comedy into sci-fi.
It's bold filmmaking by first-time feature writer/director Boots Riley, who's better known as a rapper. Tessa Thompson and Armie Hammer lend strong support. It's really good. But set in Oakland, it comes out two weeks before an even better Oakland-based film, "Blindspotting."
Annapurna Pictures - Rated R
The Cakemaker
I have not seen "The Cakemaker" but plan to. The foreign film is supposed to be excellent. A German baker has an affair with a married Israeli man, who dies. The baker travels to Israel to learn more about his lover's death, and begins working for his widow. Where will their relationship go, and will he ever tell her the truth?
This is also a feature debut for Israeli writer/director Ofia Raul Graizer.
Strand Releasing - NR
Catching up from last week:
Boundaries
I told you i was going to see the Christopher Plummer movie "Boundaries." As I expected, the Oscar-winner has not lost his charm. However Vera Farmiga, who plays his daughter, tends to overact. And though it's a road trip film, it doesn't tend to go anywhere. I was a little disappointed.
Sony Pictures Classics - Rated R
Three Identical Strangers
This documentary about triplets boys separated at birth and adopted by different families is fascinating. The story reveals itself in a way that will shock you, so i don't dare give anything away. The boys became New York celebrities when reunited, however it's what they missed growing up that can never be replaced.
Neon - Rated PG-13
