The Gentlemen
Director Guy Ritchie last brought us "Aladdin," but now he's back to his signature modern gangster style in "The Gentlemen." Texan Matthew McConaughey plays an ex-pat who runs a marijuana empire in England. (Imagine, McConaughey in a film about weed) When he wants out, unsavory types want in. Meanwhile, private investigator Hugh Grant is trying to blackmail him. This is vintage Ritchie: the dialogue flies as fast as the fists and bullets. McConaughey's character is surprisingly on the dull side until he gets angry. The versatile Grant continues to show why he should have never been stuck in rom-coms for so long (though we loved him in those.) Along with Grant, Colin Farrell steals the show in a supporting role you wish were larger. And wait 'til you see Michelle Dockery as McConaughey's wife. She'll make you forget the Downton days!
STX Films - Rated R
The Last Full Measure
"The Last Full Measure," tells the true story of Vietnam War medic William Pitsenbarger, Jr. who saved dozens of soldiers, then refused a helicopter ride to safety in order to help more. So, he should be a shoo-in for a Medal of Honor, right? When decades pass and he hasn't received one, veterans plead on his behalf. A Pentagon staffer investigates and uncovers a high-level conspiracy. Sebastian Stan of "Avengers" fame ('Winter Soldier') stars as the investigator. And talk about Avengers assembling, how's this for a list of co-stars? William Hurt, Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris and the late Peter Fonda in a final film role. I was not able to screen this in time, so I cannot tell you what I think, but Stan told me it plays in the vein of 90's thrillers like "The Pelican Brief" and "The Firm."
Roadside Attractions - Rated R
The Turning
I'm not sure I would have seen this one even if given the chance. "The Turning" updates the classic story, "The Turn of the Screw." A young woman played by Mackenzie Davis, (recent star of "Terminator: Dark Fate" ) accepts a position as a governess. The estate is haunted, the kids are disturbed (one played by "Stranger Things'" Finn Wolfhard) and she's pushed to the limits.
Universal Pictures - Rated PG-13
Troop Zero
If you have Amazon Prime, check our "Troop Zero." Starring North Texas actress McKenna Grace as well as grownups Viola Davis (doubling as producer), Jim Gaffigan and Alison Janey, it's a sweet story of a girl with a dream to communicate with Outer Space. Making such a recording is the winning prize at a scout talent show. So she gathers some oddball friends, forms a troop and goes for it.
Amazon Studios - Rated PG
And don't forget KidFilm Family Fest at Angelika Dallas Saturday and Sunday. It's free but you need tickets for showings.
