Unless you've been living under a Death Star-sized rock, there's a new
Star Wars movie out this weekend, and experts are estimating it'll make
all the dollars.
But if all the screenings in your area are sold out, there
are a couple other releases hitting big screens — one a heartwarming animated fable, the other a Woody Allen film about a dude drooling over a much younger woman. Wow,
great timing.
FERDINAND (3½ stars)
An animated adaptation of the 1936 children’s book about a misunderstood bull (voiced by John Cena) who would rather frolic in fields of flowers than fight in an arena. MaryAnn Johnason calls it a smart, funny family film that espouses a refreshing message about gender stereotypes. Rated PG.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
Hey, did you hear? There’s a new
Star Wars movie coming out! Director Rian Johnson (
Looper) joins the franchise for its eighth episode, which continues young Jedi Rey’s quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the exile of Luke Skywalker. We’ll have a review of the year’s most anticipated blockbuster next week; in the meantime, do your best to avoid spoilers. Rated PG-13.
WONDER WHEEL
Woody Allen continues to recycle pet themes — and, we can assume, air his questionable personal hang ups — in this 1950s-set drama about a love triangle that develops between an aspiring writer, a married woman and her stepdaughter. A bit on the nose, don’t you think? Rated PG-13.