What to Watch in the Theater:
Maze Runner: The Death Cure (PG13) is in theaters now. We probably should have re-watched the second installment, since it was three years between that and this one. We lost some of the connection we had previously felt with the characters and story. It still had entertainment value, as a dystopian movie about teens running for their lives, while trying to save others. At 2 hours 21 minutes, it felt like it could have – and perhaps should have – concluded a few times before it finally reached the ending.
Our rating: 3.17 out of 5
Peter Rabbit (PG) opens today. One of us has a pretty significant childhood attachment to the Peter Rabbit stories, and this movie did not disappoint! It’s an action-packed romp full of fun characters (human and animal) and the CGI animals are incredibly life-like. This shows just how far the live action/animation hybrid has come. Lessons are learned, and only one of us had an issue with the (cartoonish) violence. That’s just what happens when humans try to get rid of cute, furry animals in an inhumane fashion. [Be sure to watch the video version for a special in-studio guest appearance by one of Peter Rabbit’s friends!]
Our rating: 4.75 out of 5
Lady Bird (R) is still in theaters. This film has won a lot of awards already, and is up for 5 Oscars. It’s a coming of age film about a young girl desperate to escape her hometown and make a life for herself, while struggling to deal with her mother – who wants to keep her close – and other teen angst (like first love). It’s interesting and well-acted, but the story won’t appeal to everyone.
Our rating: 3.25 out of 5
What to Watch at Home (Or Not):
Rip Tide (Unrated, but PG) This Aussie film, which we streamed on Netflix, features Disney alum, Debby Ryan, in the lead role. It’s a sweet teen “fish out of water” meets “coming of age” story about following your dreams, second chances, etc. It’s a little predictable and the acting isn’t the best, but there are good messages about unplugging, figuring out what matters most, speaking up for yourself, and learning when to let go. Plus there’s some gorgeous scenery. Not a bad watch, especially for pre-teens and their parents.
Our rating: 3.83 out of 5
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