DALLAS — Not sure which new releases to check out? Let us help you figure out what to watch this weekend!
CIVIL WAR
"Civil War" goes out of its way to suggest we're not too far from becoming a truly divided country. Divided as in the brink of war. If that’s not far-fetched, what about this: California and Texas have formed a Western Alliance against the federal government! Nick Offerman is the U.S. president. The film follows the press as they cover the battles. They are right in the middle of combat, and the scenes are intense as they move toward the nation’s capital now under siege.
Kristen Dunst does a great job as a photojournalist who is mentoring Cailee Spaeney, recent star of "Priscilla." Alex Garland is writer/director. My favorite of his past movies is his first, the robot film "Ex Machina," nominated for three Oscars. This is not nearly as enticing.
The release date was clearly chosen in an election year. Can politics be polarizing? Yes, it can. Does this film take it way beyond the realm of feasible? It sure does.
(A24. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 49 mins. In Theaters Only)
THE LONG GAME
How 'bout a Texas-based baseball movie?
Set in the 1950s, "The Long Game" is based on the true story of five Mexican-American high school students in Del Rio who overcame country club racism to pursue a Texas state golf championship. Jay Hernandez plays the school superintendent who's also the boys’ coach.
Jaina Lee Ortiz, from ABC's "Station 19," plays his wife. Dennis Quaid, who's always the perfect fit for a sports movie, is their mentor. You can’t help but feel for these kids, and embrace their pride.
The movie is far from “Rudy,” but it is quietly inspirational. I dare say, you'll get a lump in your throat by the end.
(Mucho Mass Media. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hr. 46 mins. In Theaters Only)
STING
"Sting" is an Australian horror movie. A 12-year-old girl (Alyla Browne) is having a hard time adjusting to her stepfather, even though he’s cool enough to illustrate comics. Why not take on a new pet? How much harm could a spider bring? Turns out - pretty much! '
Charlotte' (cute reference to "Charlotte's Web)" names it 'Sting' (not sure why, it's not a wasp, it's a spider! ) She feeds it, and it continues to grow. And before you can say "Little Shop of Horrors," it's no longer satisfied with insect food. This is a modest film, never moving out of an apartment building and its ventilation ducts. And there’s some humor to it, thanks to the oblivious grandma and the exterminator who answers the call.
(Well Go USA Entertainment. Running Time 1 hr. 31 mins. In Theaters Only)
DON'T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER'S DEAD
The studio didn't preview this. It's a remake of the 1991 film that Nicole Ritchie still quotes from. So, when she got the opportunity to star in an updated version, she jumped at the chance. Oscar-nominee June Squibb plays the babysitter.
(BET+. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 39 mins. In Theaters Only)
