Kam's Kapsules for Movies Opening 6-10-16

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

by Kam Williams

OPENING THIS WEEK

BIG BUDGET FILMS

The Conjuring 2 (R for violence and terror) Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as peripatetic investigators of paranormal activity in this suspense thriller, set in London, where the couple comes to the assistance of a family whose house is haunted by evil spirits. With Frances O'Connor, Lauren Esposito and Franka Potente.

Now You See Me 2 (PG-13 for violence and some profanity) Mind-bending sequel finds the Four Horsemen (Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco and Lizzy Caplan) reuniting for another illusion-driven adventure in order to clear their names while exposing the unethical practices of a young tech magnate (Daniel Radcliffe). A-list ensemble includes Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Sanaa Lathan and Mark Ruffalo.

Warcraft (PG-13 for intense violence) Fantasy adventure, inspired by the video game series of the same name, revolving around an epic showdown between the peaceful inhabitants of an idyllic realm and a race of warlike invaders from a dying world facing extinction. Starring Paula Patton, Travis Fimmel, Ben Foster and Dominic Cooper.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Be Somebody (PG for mature themes, suggestive comments and mild epithets) Romance drama about a jaded pop star (Matthew Espinosa) burdened by fame who finds love with an ordinary, small-town girl (Sarah Jeffery) while taking a break from the limelight. With Allison Paige, LaMonica Garrett and Mahaley Patel and Caitlin Keats.

De Palma (R for sexuality, profanity, violent images and graphic nudity) Reverential portrait of iconoclastic filmmaker Brian De Palma, director of such screen classics as Scarface, The Untouchables, Carlito's Way, Carrie, Blow Out and Mission Impossible.

Genius (PG-13 for mature themes and suggestive content) Prestige biopic chronicling the career of Max Perkins (Colin Firth), the legendary editor at Scribner's who discovered such literary giants as Ernest Hemingway (Dominic West), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Guy Pearce) and Thomas Wolfe (Jude Law). Supporting cast includes Nicole Kidman, Laura Linney and Vanessa Kirby.

Germans & Jews (Unrated) Truth and reconciliation documentary chronicling the cultural transformation of Berlin, the European city with the fastest growing Jewish population.

King Jack (Unrated) Charlie Plummer plays the title character in this coming-of-age tale, set over the course of a very eventful weekend, about an ostracized 15 year-old outcast being bullied by a sadistic, bigger boy (Danny Flaherty). With Cory Nichols, Christian Madsen, Chloe Levine and Erin Davie.

Last Cab to Darwin (Unrated) Bittersweet dramedy about a terminally-ill loner (Michael Caton) who embarks on a long trek to the Australian Outback in order to pass away on his own terms. Featuring Ningali Lawford, Mark Coles Smith and Emma Hamilton and Jacki Weaver.

The Music of Strangers (PG-13 for brief profanity) Multicultural documentary in which renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and members of the Silk Road Ensemble expound upon their musical philosophies.

Puerto Ricans in Paris (R for profanity and sexual references) Fish-out-of-water comedy about a couple of Latino NYPD detectives (Luis Guzman and Edgar Garcia) who travel to France to track down some stolen designer handbags. With Rosario Dawson, Rosie Perez and Ravi Patel.

Traded (Unrated) High body-count Western, set in Kansas in the 1880s, about a gunslinger-turned-rancher's (Michael Pare) attempt to rescue his 17 year-old daughter (Brittany Elizabeth Williams) from the clutches of an evil adversary (Trace Adkins) with the help of a wily, old sidekick (Kris Kristofferson). Cast includes Tom Sizemore, Martin Kove and Quinton Aaron.