DALLAS — As another weekend rolls around there's no shortage of brand-new movies to add to your watch list.
GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE
It’s been 40 years. We're up to the fifth "Ghostbusters" movie. And I feel like I’ve been ghosted. Abandoned by my nostalgic past! 2021's "Afterlife" breathed some new life into the franchise with a second generation of busters in Oklahoma, featuring a visit from the O.Gs.
"Frozen Empire" returns to New York City where it all started (remember the giant Stay Puff marshmallow ghost?) Carrie Coon (“The Guilded Age”) is still with tagalong boyfriend/pseudo-dad Paul Rudd. The kids are once again played by "Stranger Thing's" Finn Wolfhard and North Texas actress Mckenna Grace. Together they ride around in the iconic 'Ecto-1' vehicle combating ghosts from their home base, the original firehouse. But the movie gets mired in strange mythology presented off the top, presumably to give more layers. The Big Apple is threatened by spikes of ice, and a potential firestarter played by Kumail Nanjiani, might have the answer. Also dragging it down, is an awkward relationship between Grace's character and a teen female ghost. They appear to be attracted to one another, but the story never fully goes there. Thank God for the O.G.s! Bill Murray's one-liners are about the only thing that put a smile on my face. If the franchise continues, they need to remember the stupid fun he and his buddies brought way back when and bring that back - if it’s not too late.
(Warner Bros. Rated PG-13. Running Time 1 hr. 55 mins. In Theaters Only.)
IMMACULATE
What's up with these nun horror stories.. and why won’t they go away? Popular young actress Sydney Sweeney stars and executive produces "Immaculate." She's an American novitiate who moves to Italy where she'll take her vows. We’ve already found out, that this place has a history and not the spiritual kind. If we could only warn her! "Miraculously" -- and there's a reason that's in quotes – Sweeney’s ‘Sister Cecilia’ becomes pregnant. The religious order and the clergy that serve them treat her as the host of the Savior's second coming. But this is one creepy convent, and I don’t want to give away too many details. When Cecilia tries to escape the horror and the madness, things spiral out of control faster than you can say a decade of the rosary!
This is Sydney's movie, and she is the only reason to see it. She owns it and gives one of the longest blood-curdling screams you'll ever hear. You'll have to wait 'til the gory end for it, which comes prayerfully fast.
(NEON. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 29 mins. In Theaters Only)
ROAD HOUSE
I didn't think we needed to revisit Patrick Swayze's iconic 80s movie "Road House" 'til I saw the new one. It's really entertaining! Jake Gyllenhaal knew Swayze from their "Donnie Darko" days. He steps into the role of ‘Dalton’ in revisiting the cult classic directed by another friend, Doug Limon ("The Bourne Identity).
Instead of Missouri, this version is set in the Florida Keys. A corrupt businessman wants to take the Road House away from its owner ("Shrinking's" Jessica Williams) to build a resort. Dalton is a former UFC fighter who, like Swayze, takes a job as a bouncer at the joint, and fists fly. Jake is jacked! His character is like the actor’s mild-mannered self, ‘til you mess with him. There’s a bit of a love story with a doctor who treats him for injuries, but let’s face it, audiences just want to see the fights. Real-life UFC superstar Conor McGregor plays a hired hitman in his first major movie role, and he's a hoot. Post Malone also has a cameo. Hint: don't miss the opening scene. The good thing is you watch this at home, exclusively streaming on Prime Video. I'm surprised it didn't open in theaters. I think it would have drawn a crowd.
(Amazon-MGM. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs. 1 min. Streaming Only)
QUEEN OF KNIVES
This is an amusing little movie about a Baby Boomer in full crisis complete with an outdated ponytail. Gene Pope is behind the story and stars. He's dating a woman half his age. "thirtysomething's" Mel Harris is his ex. She's in a new relationship with a woman who used to be Gene's accountant. The issues don't end with them. Their two daughters are dealing with their own, but it would be nice if dad would grow up.
The title "Queen of Knives" refers to the tarot card. "King of Knives" was an earlier movie. And if you want to invest yourself in the characters, I'm told you should seek that one out first. As a standalone, it's just okay.
(Pope 3 Enterprises. Not Rated. Running Time 1 hr. 42 mins. On Demand)
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