This week at the movies: A love story surrounding a quadriplegic and his caretaker; a hilarious mockumentary about a rap group star who ventures off into a solo career; and the heroic Ninja Turtles are back to stir up some action and attempt to save the world.
Me Before You
Young and quirky Louisa "Lou" Clark (Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones) moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Will's cynical outlook starts to change when Lou shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined. Based on the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes.
Perfect for: Those who love deep, romantic dramas.
What the Critics Say:
“Predictable but still affecting, Me Before You is wonderfully elevated by an enchanting Emilia Clarke and will provoke the floods of tears its audience wants.” – Cinema Blend
“Cable-TV dragon goddess Emilia Clarke doesn’t need mythical fire-breathers around her to shine bonfire-bright. She does it all on her own, thanks to her inner radiance… Her warm and winning star turn lifts this checklist chick flick.” – New York Daily News
Our Take: Sounds like the perfect flick for a weekend date night (just don’t forget to bring a tissue or two)...
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Childhood friends Conner (Andy Samberg), Owen (Jorma Taccone), and Lawrence (Akiva Schaffer) found fame and fortune after forming the hip-hop group the Style Boyz. Owen and Lawrence faded into the background when frontman Conner left the band to launch a successful solo career. Now, the egotistical singer decides to film a documentary about his life while he's still on top. When his second album flops, the camera is there to capture his world come crashing down. Also starring Sarah Silverman, Imogen Poots, and Tim Meadows (and not to mention numerous celebrity appearances and cameos).
Perfect for: Comedy and satire enthusiasts; fans of funny mockumentaries.
What the Critics Say:
“The cameo-crammed mockumentary hits all the right notes as Andy Samberg’s group the Lonely Island turn up the pop satire to 11.” – The Guardian
“It’s crisply made, moves fast, faithfully replicates the aesthetics of its satirical targets, and is packed with jokes… And, in the style of the best spoof movies, the jokes are so rapid-fire that one missed reference won’t linger long anyway.” – Flavorwire
“In this summer of overheated special-effects movies, Popstar is a cool blast of fresh air.” – New York Daily News
Our Take: We love Andy Samberg! Looking forward to laughing out loud (a lot!) during this one...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
The Turtles face a new challenge when Shredder (Brian Tee) escapes from custody and joins forces with Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry), a mad scientist who plans to use a serum to take over the world. Along for the ride are Bebop (Gary Anthony Williams) and Rocksteady (WWE pro wrestler Sheamus), two dimwitted henchmen who provide plenty of muscle. Luckily, the turtles have their own allies in April O'Neil (Megan Fox), Vernon Fenwick (Will Arnett), and Casey Jones (Stephen Arnell), a hockey-masked vigilante. As the pizza-loving heroes prepare for battle, the notorious Krang (Brad Garrett) also emerges to pose an even greater threat. Also starring Noel Fisher, Johnny Knoxville, Alan Ritchson, and Jeremy Howard as the renowned Ninja Turtles Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello.
Perfect for: Fans of the Ninja Turtles franchise.
What the Critics Say:
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is Michael Bay for kids… The movie is chockablock with low and canted angles, lens flares, an endlessly roving camera, rich colors… Yet while it’s not necessarily a good thing to aim this kind of weaponized marketing at kids, it’s also silly and colorful enough to nearly work as a live-action cartoon. It might rot brains, but perhaps not while regarding them with utter contempt.” – A.V. Club
“[This] sequel promises a brighter, more kid-friendly, and more coherent adventure than the first, filled with fan-favorite characters… The film is truly turtle-focused, with a story that offers understandable conflict and entertaining interactions for our heroes in a half-shell. Kids will love it, and adult fans of the property will get the TMNT movie they always wanted.” – Forbes
Our Take: Clearly, the Ninja Turtles make for some fun and exciting family entertainment. But it is rated PG-13, so it’s probably best to leave the younger ones at home. Turtle Power!!