In Theaters: THE LION KING, ROSIE and LUZ

The only new wide release this week is Disney's so-called "live-action" remake of "The Lion King", which throws away the dusty old animation of the 1994 classic and replaces it with sharply detailed photorealistic CGI. Critics failed to see the point of doing a shot-for-shot remake, but audiences seem to enjoy it.

The film already brought in $23 million from Thursday night previews and could finish the weekend somewhere between $180-200 million from 4,725 theaters. Overseas, "The Lion King" has raked in a total of $130.5 million, so far, from 42 markets. With a budget estimated at $260 million, not counting publicity costs, Disney needs an impressive debut.

In limited release it might be worth checking out the Irish drama "Rosie" starring Sarah Greene, and the disturbing horror film "Luz".

Synopses, details, critical/audience reception, trailers, and more after the jump.

THE LION KING

Official Synopsis

From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau's all-new "The Lion King" journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother-and former heir to the throne-has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

Film Details

• Director: Jon Favreau
  
  
• Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Beyonce, James Earl Jones, Florence Kasumba, Keegan-Michael Key, Eric Andre
  
  
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
  
  
• Running Time: 118 min.
  
  
• Rating: Animation, Adventure, Drama
  
  

Critical Reception

• Rottentomatoes: 55% (160 fresh, 129 rotten, score: 6.1/10)
  
• Metacritic: 55 out of 100 (20 positive, 26 mixed, 5 negative).

Audience Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: 89% (average score: 4.4/5 from 8,138 user ratings)
• Metacritic: 7.7/10 (173 positive, 13 mixed, 49 negative).
• IMDb: 7.0/10 (17,021 votes)
  

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ROSIE

Official Synopsis

ROSIE tells the story of a mother trying to protect her family after their landlord sells their rented home and they become homeless. Over 36 hours, Rosie and her partner John Paul strive to find somewhere to stay while shielding their young family from the reality of the situation around them. ROSIE examines how even in times of crises; the love and strength of a family can endure.

Film Details

• Director: Paddy Breathnach
  
  
• Starring: Sarah Greene, Moe Dunford, Ellie O'Halloran, Ruby Dunne, Darragh McKenzie
  
  
• Genre: Drama
  
  
• Running Time: 86 min.
  
  
• Rating: PG-13 for thematic material
  
  

Critical Reception

• Rottentomatoes: 97% (32 fresh, 1 rotten, score: 7.7/10)
  
• Metacritic: 84 out of 100 (5 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative).

Audience Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
• Metacritic: N/A
• IMDb: 7.1/10 (305 votes)
  

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LUZ

Official Synopsis

In this slick and disturbing horror film, Luz is a young cab driver fleeing from the grasp of a possessed woman, whose confession could endanger the lives of everyone who crosses her path.

Film Details

• Director: Tilman Singer
  
  
• Starring: Luana Velis, Johannes Benecke, Nadja Stübiger, Jan Bluthardt
  
  
• Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
  
  
• Running Time: 70 min.
  
  
• Rating: Not Rated
  
  

Critical Reception

• Rottentomatoes: 90% (28 fresh, 3 rotten, score: 7.2/10)
  
• Metacritic: 59 out of 100 (5 positive, 3 mixed, 0 negative).

Audience Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
• Metacritic: N/A
• IMDb: 6.0/10 (375 votes)
  

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