Don't Let Go
A detective's beloved niece is murdered, along with her parents, then he receives a chilling phone call. It's his niece! They join forces across time to try to prevent her death. David Oyelowo stars as the confounded but determined L.A detective. A young Storm Reid is very effective in a role with little face-to-face interaction. A decent movie that keeps you guessing 'til the end.
Blumhouse Productions/Universal - Rated R
Bennett's War
"Bennett's War" is about a young soldier, badly injured in the war, who comes home to the farm his dad is about to lose. He reenters the world of motocross, where he was once a champion racer. Country star Trace Adkins plays the dad (not his first film). Michael Roark is the veteran. I have not seen this. It looks like it ticks the boxes of family and patriotism, and I do know it features real-life motocross racers.
ESX Entertainment - Rated PG-13
The Fanatic
What's happened to John Travolta's career? In "The Fanatic," he plays a super fan named Moose, who wants to meet his idol, a horror/action star, and bad things happen when he does. His character is either on the spectrum or has Asperger's. It's never addressed. I respect John's willingness to take a risk, but he makes all the wrong choices in his cringe-worthy portrayal, and the writing and direction by Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst is weak. The story has so many holes, you could drive Moose's scooter right through them. This is one of the worst movies of the year.
Quiver Distribution - Rated R
Aquarela
If there ever was visual evidence of global warming, "Aquarela" is it -- a stunning documentary featuring fabulous images of melting glaciers and other forms of powerful water. Viktor Kossakovsky does an incredible job, but Morgan Freeman must have been on vacation, because it could really use some narration, as much as you could say the video speaks for itself. And I wish there were some title plates that show us exactly where in the world we are.
Sony Pictures Classics - Rated PG
Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins
Molly Ivins was a bigger than life Texas journalist and the subject of this really enjoyable documentary. She splashed her razor-sharp wit across the country in her syndicated column, too Texan for the 'New York Times' to handle. We're reminded how articulate and unapologetic she was right up until she lost her battle with breast cancer. A staunch critic of George W. Bush, you have to wonder what she'd think of the present political climate.
Magnolia Pictures - Not Rated
The Matrix
Keanu Reaves is back in theaters in "The Matrix" for just one week to mark the movie's 20th anniversary. The sci-fi classic will be at AMC Dolby cinemas only -- complete with Dolby picture and audio. It will be fun to see how the special effects hold up after two decades.
Warner Bros. - Rated R
