What to Watch in the Theater:
The Hate U Give (PG13) is in theaters now. This story follows Starr, who finds herself between two worlds, where she feels like she’s two different people at her mostly white prep school and her mostly black, poor neighborhood. When she’s the only witness to the killing of her childhood friend by a white police officer, Starr must figure out not only what’s best for her, but how to honor her slain friend and try to make a difference for the entire neighborhood. It’s a powerful movie that should be seen, no matter what your demographic.
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Johnny English Strikes Again (PG) opens today. Watching the original and first sequel helps a bit with the backstory of this bumbling spy, but it’s not required to enjoy the antics. Rowan Atkinson’s Johnny English is like a British Inspector Clouseau (from the Pink Panther movies). He screws everything up along the way, and it’s a wonder he makes it out alive. In this installment, English goes old school with the car and gadgets, and stays off the grid so he can’t be tracked by whomever is hacking the government. It’s a fun ride, as always!
Our rating: 4.25 out of 5
What to Watch at Home (Or Not):
Little Monsters (PG) is available on Netflix. This “kids” movie was made in 1989, before PG13, and it’s quite obvious. The main issue is the language and one violent scene. Otherwise, it’s a fun story about Brian (played by a very young Fred Savage), who discovers there really are monsters under the bed, and Maurice (Howie Mandell), the monster he traps, who takes him to the under-the-bed world. Lots of pranks and less than stellar special effects, as you’d expect for the time period. Definitely not a Halloween movie for the youngest kids, but older ones might enjoy it, and parents will like the 80s nostalgia.
Our rating: 3.67 out of 5
Gnome Alone (PG) is a Netflix original. This animated film is about a girl named Chloe who discovers her spooky new house is filled with gnomes, who are trying to save the world. Chloe unknowingly makes their job harder, when she tries to impress the mean girl at school. There’s some great voice talent at work here, and although the gnomes could’ve just as well been some other type of creature, it’s an interesting premise with some fun action and good messages.
Our rating: 3.83 out of 5
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