This week in theaters, it's all about fun at the movies. We have Todd Phillips R-rated dramedy inspired by an absurd true story, an epic remake of "Ben-Hur", and LAIKA's new animated feature "Kubo and the Two Strings". In limited release, come meet Daniel Radcliffe as a skinheaded undercover FBI agent in "Imperium". More about each movie after the jump.
Synopses, details, critical reception, trailers, clips and more after the jump.
WAR DOGS
Official Synopsis
"War Dogs" follows two friends in their early 20s (Hill and Teller) living in Miami Beach during the Iraq War who exploit a little-known government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts. Starting small, they begin raking in big money and are living the high life. But the pair gets in over their heads when they land a 300 million dollar deal to arm the Afghan Military--a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people, not the least of which turns out to be the U.S. Government.
Film Details
- Starring: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Bradley Cooper, Barry Livingston, Ana de Armas
- Director: Todd Phillips
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
- Running Time: 114 min.
- Rating: R for language throughout, drug use and some sexual references
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 58% (65 fresh, 46 rotten, score: 6.0/10)
- Metacritic: 58 out of 100 (19 positive, 10 mixed, 6 negative).
It isn't the thunderous masterpiece it could have been, but director Todd Phillips delivers a fun, entertaining film based on a ridiculous true story, and he gets a lot of help from his excellent cast, particularly Jonah Hill, who turns in the best performance of his career. Considering Hill already has two Academy Award nominations under his belt, it's a pretty huge achievement.
Trailers, Clips, Posters and More
BEN-HUR
Official Synopsis
The epic story of Judah Ben-Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala, an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves, Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but an encounter with Jesus leads him to the Crucifixion, where he discovers forgiveness and finds redemption.
Film Details
- Starring: Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Nazanin Boniadi, Morgan Freeman, Rodrigo Santoro, Ayelet Zurer, Sofia Black D'Elia
- Director: Timur Bekmambetov
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, History
- Running Time: 124 min.
- Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence and disturbing images
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 31% (27 fresh, 60 rotten, score: 4.9/10)
- Metacritic: 37 out of 100 (2 positive, 16 mixed, 9 negative).
This isn't the first unnecessary remake delivered by Hollywood, and it surely won't be the last. The 2016 version of "Ben-Hur" (which was actually marketed more as a new adaptation of the book than a bonafide remake) is merely a CGI version of a classic, focusing extensively on set pieces and effects, and not so much on the human element, which is exactly where the previous versions excelled. The only good thing about the 2016 "Ben Hur" is that it's not 3 1/2 hours long.
Trailers, Clips, Posters and More
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
Official Synopsis
Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of "Game of Thrones") ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen - a magical musical instrument - Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.
Film Details
- Starring: Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Minae Noji, Brenda Vaccaro
- Director: Travis Knight
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Running Time: 101 min.
- Rating: PG for thematic elements, scary images, action and peril
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 95% (105 fresh, 5 rotten, score: 8.3/10)
- Metacritic: 83 out of 100 (32 positive, 3 mixed, 0 negative).
"Kubo and the Two Strings" is yet another amazing work of cinema from LAIKA that excells in all areas, from the beautiful animation and powerful story to the voice talent and assured direction. It's an unforgettable experience that will appeal to audiences of all ages.
Trailers, Clips, Posters and More
IMPERIUM
Official Synopsis
Nate Foster (Daniel Radcliffe), a young, idealistic FBI agent, goes undercover to take down a radical right-wing terrorist group. The bright up-and-coming analyst must confront the challenge of sticking to a new identity while maintaining his real principles as he navigates the dangerous underworld of white supremacy. Inspired by real events, IMPERIUM stars Daniel Radcliffe, Toni Collette, Tracy Letts, with Nestor Carbonell, Burn Gorman and Sam Trammell.
Film Details
- Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Toni Collette, Tracy Letts, Sam Trammell, Burn Gorman, Nestor Carbonell
- Director: Daniel Ragussis
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Running Time: 109 min.
- Rating: R for language throughout
Critical Reception
- Rottentomatoes: 81% (22 fresh, 5 rotten, score: 7.0/10)
- Metacritic: 70 out of 100 (10 positive, 2 mixed, 0 negative).
Daniel Radcliffe fearlessly leads "Imperium", an unsettling thriller featuring a powerful performance from the young actor that helps the film rise above its shortcomings. While not very subtle, and not always original, the film tells a timely story in an effective and satisfying manner.
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