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arts entertainmentMovies

Movies in North Texas theaters on Oct. 11 and coming soon

‘Piece by Piece’ leads this week’s lineup of new releases.

NEW THIS WEEK

Opening dates are subject to change.

(B-) THE APPRENTICE In this spirited and entertaining docudrama, Sebastian Stan portrays Donald Trump as he builds his New York real estate business in the 1970s and ‘80s under the tutelage of infamous lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). For its first half, the movie is a knockout. Yet it never really solves the mystery of what Trump was thinking, deep down, when he chose to become Donald Trump. Also starring Maria Bakalova and Martin Donovan. R (for sexual content, some graphic nudity, language, sexual assault and drug use). 120 mins. In wide release.

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BAD GENIUS In this thriller, a brilliant student (Callina Liang) comes up with a cheating scheme to help her friends ace their exams. Also starring Benedict Wong, Jabari Banks and Taylor Hickson. Not rated. 96 mins. At the Angelika Dallas.

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HOLY CASH Paul Rodriguez wrote, directed and stars in this comedy about a pair of con artists who get an ex-convict preacher to create a successful religious show. Also starring Emilio Rivera. Not rated. 94 mins. At AMC Mesquite and AMC The Parks at Arlington.

MY HERO ACADEMIA: YOU’RE NEXT A high school student confronts a villain in the latest film in the Japanese anime series. PG-13 (for violence and bloody images). 110 mins. In wide release.

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(B) PIECE BY PIECE This bright, clever and often adorable documentary uses Lego animation to examine the life of music star and cultural icon Pharrell Williams. But is it high concept or low? Like Williams, it’s a bit of both. PG (for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements). 93 mins. In wide release. (Focus, 93)

(B) SATURDAY NIGHT Director Jason Reitman’s comedy-drama, based on what happened during the night of the 1975 opening show of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, is as entertaining as a movie can be that has no genuine point beyond nostalgia. Starring Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt and Matt Wood. R (for language throughout, sexual references, some drug use and brief graphic nudity). 109 mins. In wide release.

SIX DAYS IN AUGUST This historical drama looks at the succession crisis that gripped the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after its prophet Joseph Smith was killed by a mob. Starring John Donovan Wilson, Paul Wuthrich and Noah Kershisnik. PG-13 (for some violence). 123 mins. At Cinemark Legacy in Plano.

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(A) SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY This moving, wrenching and compellingly well-made documentary examines the late Superman star’s rise from unknown to iconic movie star, and his second act as an activist and advocate after being paralyzed in a near-fatal horse-riding accident. PG-13 (for some strong language and thematic elements). 104 mins. In wide release.

TERRIFIER 3 After surviving a massacre by Art the Clown, two siblings struggle to rebuild their lives and embrace the holiday spirit. But the killer clown unleashes a new round of horrors on Christmas Eve. Starring Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton and Jason Patric. Not rated. 125 mins. In wide release.

TWISTED HEARTS Three couples at a relationship retreat navigate issues of intimacy, infidelity and bias. Starring Cocoa Brown, Emelina Adams and Adrian Lockett. Not rated. 90 mins. At AMC Mesquite and Look Dine-In Cinemas Arlington.

COMING NEXT WEEK

BOOKWORM An 11-year-old girl (Nell Fisher) has her life turned upside down when her mother is hospitalized and her estranged father (Elijah Wood), a washed-up magician, agrees to take her on a camping trip to search for a mythical beast.

CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID! This documentary follows famed Democratic political consultant James Carville as he navigates the current political landscape and plays a pivotal role in urging President Joe Biden not to seek re-election.

DAAAAAALÍ! Six actors (one for each “A” in the title) portray surrealist artist Salvador Dalí in this French comedy-drama.

EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS A painter (André Holland) has his career ascent interrupted by an unexpected visit from his estranged father (John Earl Jelks), a recovering addict who’s eager to reconcile with his son.

GOODRICH After his wife enters a rehab program, a man (Michael Keaton) is left to care for their two young children alone. He leans on help from his adult daughter from his first marriage, Grace (Mila Kunis), as he strives to become the father that Grace never had. Also starring Andie MacDowell and Carmen Ejogo.

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GRACIE AND PEDRO: PETS TO THE RESCUE In this animated tale, a pampered show dog and a street-smart alley cat embark on an unexpected adventure after they’re separated from their family during a cross-country move. Featuring the voices of Danny Trejo, Bill Nighy, Susan Sarandon, Alicia Silverstone, Brooke Shields and Al Franken.

KENSUKE’S KINGDOM In this animated family adventure film, a boy and his dog are shipwrecked on a remote island and encounter a Japanese man who has lived there in secret since World War II. Featuring the voices of Cillian Murphy, Raffey Cassidy, Sally Hawkins, Ken Watanabe and Aaron MacGregor.

PANDA PLAN Movie star Jackie Chan sets out to rescue a beloved panda in this action-adventure flick from China.

RIPPY In this Australian horror comedy, a young sheriff (Tess Haubrich) must track down a zombie kangaroo that’s been ripping the locals to shreds.

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RUMOURS While attending the annual G7 summit, the leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies get lost in the woods in this genre-hopping satire that mixes comedy and horror. Starring Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, Rolando Ravello and Charles Dance.

SMILE 2 A pop star (Naomi Scott) experiences a series of increasingly terrifying and disturbing events in this horror thriller. Also starring Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley and Peter Jacobson.

WE LIVE IN TIME Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield star in this decade-spanning romance.

CURRENT RELEASES

(B) ALIEN: ROMULUS Young space colonizers come face to face with a terrifying life form in the latest entry in the long-running franchise. The cast is appealingly plucky, and the screenplay is ruthlessly efficient while touching on recognizable themes from the series: pregnancy, feminine strength, and the clash between human and artificial intelligence. Starring Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson. R (for bloody violent content and language). 119 mins.

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AM I RACIST? Conservative political activist Matt Walsh goes undercover to investigate and skewer diversity, equity and inclusion practices. PG-13 (for strong language, thematic material, some sexual references and smoking). 101 mins.

(A) BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE In this laugh-out-loud sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 Beetlejuice, three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River. There, Lydia (Winona Ryder) has her life turned upside down when her teen daughter (Jenna Ortega) opens a portal to the afterlife, where the mischievous Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) awaits. Also starring Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe. PG-13 (for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material and brief drug use). 104 mins.

BLINK This documentary follows a family taking a round-the-world trip to try to experience as much of the Earth’s beauty as they can before three of the four children lose their sight to a rare and incurable disease. PG (for thematic elements, some language and brief smoking). 84 mins.

(B-) BLINK TWICE In this daring directorial debut from co-writer Zoë Kravitz, a disgraced tech billionaire (Channing Tatum) invites some cocktail waitresses to join him on his private island. But then things get weird and scary. Kravitz nails the social analysis and the dark, satirical tone, and she pulls fantastic performances out of the cast. But as the film becomes a horror/suspense thriller, her directorial execution falters. Also starring Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat and Adria Arjona. R (for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout, and some sexual references). 102 mins.

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(C) DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Two of Marvel’s most popular superheroes team up in this R-rated action-comedy flick filled with meaningless speeches, Hollywood inside jokes and zero-stakes fights. While it will probably amuse its target audience of comic book geeks and the terminally online, Deadpool and Wolverine is a whole lot of hot air and not much else. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Emma Corrin. R (for strong bloody violence and language throughout, gore and sexual references). 127 mins.

(C) DESPICABLE ME 4 Villain-turned-hero Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) would seem to have his hands full in this so-so sixth entry in the animated Minions franchise. His family keeps growing — in addition to wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and three adopted daughters, there’s now the trouble-making Gru Jr. — and characters voiced by Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara and Joey King are out to get him. The film is silly, breezy and not particularly memorable. PG (for action and rude humor). 95 mins.

(B) A DIFFERENT MAN An aspiring actor with a conspicuous facial deformity undergoes a radical surgery to alter his appearance. But when he loses out on the role he was born to play, he longs to go back to his old life in this absorbing story told with confidence and brio. The cast is excellent. Starring Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson. R (for sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some violent content). 112 mins.

FAITH OF ANGELS A man (John Michael Finley) is mysteriously compelled to search for a boy lost in an abandoned Utah mine in this faith-based drama inspired by a true story. Also starring Cameron Arnett and Kirby Heyborne. PG (for thematic elements). 98 mins.

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THE FORGE In this faith-based drama, an aimless high school graduate (Aspen Kennedy) is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to chart a better course for his life. PG (for thematic elements). 123 mins.

FRANKIE FREAKO In this horror comedy, evil forces are unleashed after an uptight yuppie (Conor Sweeney) calls a party hotline hosted by a dancing goblin. Not rated. 85 mins.

I, THE EXECUTIONER In this action thriller from South Korea, a rookie detective and a veteran investigator team up to pursue a serial killer. In Korean, with subtitles. Not rated. 118 mins.

(A-) IT ENDS WITH US A woman (Blake Lively) overcomes a traumatic childhood to pursue her dreams in Boston in this twisty and affecting romantic drama based on a novel by Texas author Colleen Hoover. It’s an avid and emotional movie that pulls you right along. If you go in not knowing what it’s about, it may be even more effective. PG-13 (for domestic violence, sexual content and some strong language). 130 mins.

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(B-) JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as the infamous Batman villain, who finds himself institutionalized and on trial in this uneven sequel. Lady Gaga is a compelling live-wire presence as his love interest, Lee, the character who will go on to become Harley Quinn. And the film’s splashy musical numbers have a vitality that the often dour film desperately needs. But the film feels narratively thin and at times dull. R (for some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality and brief full nudity). 138 mins.

(B) LEE Kate Winslet delivers a standout performance that feels too honest and emotionally raw for this mostly by-the-numbers biopic about American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. Also starring Alexander Skarsgård, Josh O’Connor, Andy Samberg and Marion Cotillard. R (for disturbing images, language and nudity). 116 mins.

(B-) MEGALOPOLIS Adam Driver stars in Francis Ford Coppola’s ambitious epic (self-financed to the tune of $120 million) that re-imagines the Roman Empire in a modern-day New York City on the brink of ruin. Megalopolis is anything but lazy, and while many of the ideas don’t pan out as planned, this is the kind of bold late-career statement that devotees wanted from the maverick filmmaker. Also starring Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza and Shia LaBeouf. R (for sexual content, nudity, drug use, language and some violence). 138 mins.

MONSTER SUMMER After a mysterious force disrupts their summer fun, a teen (Dallas native Mason Thames) and his friends team up with a retired police officer to try to save their island. Also starring Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco, Kevin James and Nora Zehetner. PG-13 (for some violence and terror). 97 mins.

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(B+) MY OLD ASS A mushroom trip brings a free-spirited teen (Maisy Stella) face to face with her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza), who delivers warnings that prompt her to re-evaluate her life in this wistful coming-of-age tale. It’s a testament to writer-director Megan Park’s writing talent that the script is funny first, poignant second and only the slightest bit patronizing. R (for language throughout, drug use and sexual material). 89 mins.

(B) NEVER LET GO Halle Berry stars in this psychologically taut horror thriller about a woman who says she must stay connected to her twin sons (Anthony B. Jenkins and Percy Daggs IV) at all times because of an evil spirit. When one of the boys questions whether the evil force is real, it triggers a family crisis and a fight for survival. The actors’ performances are excellent; all that is lacking is a smart, satiating ending. R (for strong violent content and grisly images). 101 mins.

(B) THE OUTRUN Saoirse Ronan puts herself through the physical and emotional wringer as a young woman repeatedly redefining her rock bottom as she seeks to summon the resolve to control her alcohol addiction. The drama, set on Scotland’s Orkney Islands, is often punishing, but it’s punctuated throughout by beacons signaling the transcendent power of nature. R (for language and brief sexuality). 118 mins.

(D+) REAGAN In this shallow hagiography of Ronald Reagan, Dennis Quaid offers a congenial impersonation but none of the 40th president’s folksy charisma. For a movie about the Great Communicator, the drama communicates surprisingly little about Reagan’s life, giving us the public moments and one-liners but little of actual substance. Also starring Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, Kevin Sorbo and Mena Suvari. Not rated. 135 mins.

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SAM AND COLBY: THE LEGEND OF SKINWALKER RANCH A pair of paranormal investigators head to a mysterious desert ranch to look into reports of ghosts, UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. Starring Sam Golbach and Colby Brock. Not rated. 98 mins.

(B) SPEAK NO EVIL An American family is invited to spend the weekend at the country estate of a British family they befriended on vacation. But their dream holiday turns into a nightmare in this film that works best when it focuses on the Americans’ escalating fears before it collapses near the end. But for a good three-quarters of the way, this Blumhouse production is an entertainingly elevated genre piece. Starring James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy and Aisling Franciosi. R (for some strong violence, language, some sexual content and brief drug use). 110 mins.

(B+) THE SUBSTANCE In this stylish body horror film, a fading celebrity (Demi Moore) decides to try a black-market drug that claims to produce a younger, better version of herself (Margaret Qualley). Moore imbues her character with a visceral desperation, one that enriches the unsettling undercurrents of the film as it examines society’s ghoulish obsession with youth and beauty. Also starring Dennis Quaid. R (for strong bloody violent content, gore, graphic nudity and language). 140 mins.

(B+) TRANSFORMERS ONE This animated film tells the origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who were close friends before becoming sworn enemies. While still delivering the fun and excitement expected of Hasbro’s metamorphosizing robots, Transformers One approaches the well-known characters with a degree of nuance and complexity that marks their most sophisticated onscreen portrait to date. Featuring the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm. PG (for sci-fi violence and animated action throughout and language). 104 mins.

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(B) WHITE BIRD A woman (Helen Mirren) tells her troubled grandson (Bryce Gheisar) the story of how she survived in Nazi-occupied France thanks to the kindness of a local family in this refined adaptation of a young adult graphic novel. Mixing the Holocaust and teen romance, the period piece hits the desired poignant and inspirational notes without belaboring them. Also starring Ariela Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, Gillian Anderson, Jem Matthews and Olivia Ross. PG-13 (for some strong violence, thematic material and language). 120 mins.

(A-) THE WILD ROBOT In this gorgeous computer-generated cartoon with a human heart beating beneath its state-of-the-art surface, an intelligent robot named Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o) is shipwrecked on an island and begins to build relationships with the island’s animals while caring for an orphaned baby goose. There’s never been an animated movie that reflects the world in quite this way. While the animals are somewhat disappointingly designed, the expressionistic environments can take your breath away. Also featuring the voices of Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O’Hara and Bill Nighy. PG (for action/peril and thematic elements). 101 mins.

Compiled from staff and wire reports

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