Kam's Kapsules for movies opening January 11, 2019

 

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun 

by Kam Williams

OPENING THIS WEEK

WIDE RELEASES

A Dog's Way Home (PG for peril, mild epithets and mature themes) Adaptation of W. Bruce Cameron's best seller of the same name about a pet pooch (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) that embarks on a very eventful, 400-mile journey after being separated from her owner (Jonah Hauer-King). With Ashley Judd, Edward James Olmos and Alexandra Shipp.



Replicas (PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, mature themes, nudity and sexual references) Sci-fi thriller about a biologist (Keanu Reeves) willing to violate his scientific ethical principles to resurrect his family after a tragic car accident. Cast includes Alice Eve, Thomas Middleditch and Emjay Anthony.



The Upside (PG-13 for drug use and suggestive content) English language remake of The Intouchables, the 2011 French dramedy inspired by the real-life relationship of a paralyzed billionaire (Bryan Cranston) and the ex-con (Kevin Hart) he hires as a live-in caregiver. With Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies and Aja Naomi King.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Anthem of a Teenage Prophet (Unrated) Coming-of-age drama about the fallout visited upon a clairvoyant teen (Cameron Monaghan) whose premonition about the death of his best friend (Alex MacNicoll) becomes a reality. With Juliette Lewis, Peyton List and Grayson Gabriel.

Ashes in the Snow (Unrated) World War II saga, set in Siberia in 1941, revolving around a 16 year-old, aspiring artist (Bel Powley) whose secret drawings document her family's ordeal in a Soviet labor camp. Cast includes Sophie Cookson, Peter Franzen and James Cosmo.

The Aspern Papers (R for some nudity and sexuality) Adaptation of Henry James' novella of the same name, set in Venice in 1885, about a young writer's (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) attempt to read the collection of romantic letters sent decades earlier by a famous poet (Jon Kortajarena) to his mistress (Vanessa Redgrave). With Joely Richardson, Lois Robbins and Morgane Polanski (Roman's daughter).

Perfect Strangers (Unrated) Spanish language remake of the 2016 Italian comedy about seven friends who agree to read aloud all their incoming text messages during a revealing dinner party. Co-starring Cecilia Suárez, Bruno Bichir, Mariana Treviño, Manuel García Rulfo, Miguel Rodarte, Franky Martin, Ana Claudia Talancón and Camila Valero. (In Spanish with subtitles)

Sgt. Will Gardner (Unrated) Max Martini wrote, directed and stars in this poignant portrait of an Iraq War vet suffering from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury who attempts to pick up the pieces of his broken life during a cross-country motorcycle trip. Featuring Gary Sinise, Omari Hardwick, Dermot Mulroney and Robert Patrick.

Tall Tales (PG for mature themes) Animated comedy about a kindhearted cricket (Justin Long) framed for the kidnapping of the queen bee (Kate Mara) by her treacherous cousin (Anne Tilloy). Voice cast includes Kev Adams and Haley Chey Lynch.

The Untold Story (Unrated) Against the odds dramedy revolving around an aging Hollywood icon (Barry Van Dyke) inspired to mount a comeback by his new next-door neighbor (Nia Peeples). Supporting cast includes Jordan Ladd, Miko Hughes and Joe Lando.