New movies in theaters this week include Bryan Cranston in a real-life drug story, a brand new Ghostbusters, and a new Woody Allen movie. Here’s the rundown.
THE INFILTRATOR
Rated R for strong violence, language throughout, some sexual content and drug material | In Theaters 7/13 | Broad Green Pictures | Reel Review: 4.5 of 5 Reels
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Based on a true story, Federal agent Robert “Bob” Mazur (Bryan Cranston) goes deep undercover to infiltrate Pablo Escobar’s drug trafficking scene plaguing the nation in 1986 by posing as slick, money-laundering businessman Bob Musella. Teamed with impulsive and streetwise fellow agent Emir Abreu (John Leguizamo) and rookie agent posing as his fiancé Kathy Ertz (Diane Kruger), Mazur befriends Escobar’s top lieutenant Roberto Alcaino (Benjamin Bratt).
Navigating a vicious criminal network in which the slightest slip-up could cost him his life, Mazur risks it all building a case that leads to indictments of 85 drug lords and the corrupt bankers who cleaned their dirty money, along with the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International, one of the largest money-laundering banks in the world.
“The Infiltrator” is everything you want in a gritty ripped-from-the-headlines crime drama. Directed by Brad Furman and written by his mom, Ellen Furman (full disclosure: she’s a Facebook buddy of mine), this movie also stars Amy Ryan and Olympia Dukakis.
GHOSTBUSTERS
Rated PG-13 for supernatural action and some crude humor | In Theaters 7/15 | Columbia/Sony | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
Thirty years after the original film took the world by storm, Ghostbusters is back and fully rebooted for a new generation. Director Paul Feig combines all the paranormal fighting elements that made the original franchise so beloved with a cast of new characters, played by the funniest actors working today, including Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Michael Kenneth Williams and Chris Hemsworth.
I laughed out lout several times during “Ghostbusters,” a solid summer blockbuster that takes you away from the grim news reports every day.
CAFE SOCIETY
Rated PG-13 for some violence, a drug reference, suggestive material and smoking | In Theaters 7/15 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Lionsgate | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels
Set in the 1930s, this bittersweet romance from director Woody Allen follows Bronx-born Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg) to Hollywood, where he falls in love, and back to New York, where he is swept up in the vibrant world of high society nightclub life. Bobby’s family includes his relentlessly bickering parents Rose (Jeannie Berlin) and Marty (Ken Stott), his casually amoral gangster brother Ben (Corey Stoll); his good-hearted teacher sister Evelyn (Sari Lennick), and her egghead husband Leonard (Stephen Kunken).
Seeking more out of life, Bobby flees his father’s jewelry store for Hollywood, where he works for his high-powered agent uncle Phil (Steve Carell). He soon falls for Phil’s charming assistant Vonnie (Kristen Stewart), but as she’s involved with another man, he settles for friendship. Bobby also befriends Rad (Parker Posey), a model agency owner, and her husband Steve (Paul Schneider), a wealthy producer.
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 with permission of the studios and distributors.
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