New movies in theaters this week include a new “Conjuring” movie, the video game-based “Warcraft,” and “Now You See Me 2.” Below is a closer look at these films.
Also, playing at the State Theater is “Love & Friendship,” a PG-rated costume comedy starring Kate Beckinsale and Xavier Samuel. And at the Bijou is “The Nice Guys,” an R-rated 1970s crime comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. I’ve seen both of these films, and both are really entertaining. For movie times, visit the State/Bijou website.
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THE CONJURING 2
Rated R for terror and horror violence | In Theaters 6/10 | Ok for Kids 17+ | New Line/Warner Bros. | Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels
If you like scary movies, this one’s for you! I’m so glad there were a lot of people in the theater with me when I saw it last night. Reprising their roles, Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel”) and Patrick Wilson (“Insidious”) star as famed paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. In one of their most terrifying cases, they travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.
Based on the real-life Enfield haunting, one of the most documented paranormal cases in history, this thriller is directed by James Wan and also stars David Thewlis and Frances O’Connor.
WARCRAFT
Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy violence | In Theaters 6/10 (2D, 3D, IMAX 3D)| Ok for Kids 13+ | Legendary Pictures | Reel Review: 4 of 5 Reels
Because I have a son who’s into gaming, I’m familiar with Blizzard Entertainment’s “Warcraft” universe. This movie is based on that game, and is an epic 3D adventure of world-colliding conflict. But even if you’re not into gaming, you might like this film, which features amazing special effects, a compelling story, and great characters.
Directed by Duncan Jones (“Moon,” “Source Code”) and written by Charles Leavitt and Duncan Jones, the film stars Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Dominic Cooper and Toby Kebbell. The world of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization, led by the humans, face a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying world of Draenor to find their place in another.
As a gateway known as the Dark Portal opens to connect the two worlds, the humans face destruction while the orcs face extinction. The leaders of both groups are sent on a collision course that will decide the fate of their families, their people and their home.
NOW YOU SEE ME 2
Rated PG-13 for violence and some language | In Theaters 6/10 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Legendary Summit/Lionsgate | Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels
This second installment of the franchise is entertaining, and made me want to take up magic after seeing it last night. Plus, the idea of people outwitting corrupt big-wigs and giving the money to the less fortunate is always compelling.
The Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Lizzy Caplan) return for a second mind-bending adventure, elevating the limits of stage illusion to new heights and taking them around the globe.
One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, the illusionists resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate. The man behind their vanishing act is none other than Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe), a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet.
Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all. Directed by Jon Chu, this movie also stars Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo and Michael Caine.
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Images used in the story courtesy of the studios and distributors.
