Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
"Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" is an animated look at the web-slinger. Miles Morales is the new teen with superpowers. He teams up with other 'Spidey' heroes in parallel universes to save the day. Such a fresh and energetic take on the genre, using both 2-D and 3-D animation. "Aquaman" may give hope to DC Comics movies when it opens next week, but right now, this version of Spider-Man is the coolest guy in town! Columbia Pictures - Rated PG
Mary Queen of Scots
If you want to get your history on, there's "Mary Queen of Scots." Saoirse Ronan stars as Mary Stuart who returns to regain her rightful place on the British throne. Queen Elizabeth, played by Margot Robbie, has other ideas. Star of last year's indie hit "Lady Bird," Ronan shows us just how versatile she is, with her fierce portrayal. And it's Robbie like you've never seen her before, unattractive as the stalwart Liz. The story has an interesting theory on Stuart's personal life, but the end game's the same. Nicely done, but not a classic. The ladies could get royal Oscar nods, though. Focus Features - Rated R
The Mule
Clint Eastwood directs himself for the first time in a decade in "The Mule." Based on a true story, his character loses his horticulture business and ends up running drugs for a Mexican cartel. The studio didn't screen this ahead of time. It looks compelling, though it might beg comparison to Robert Redford's critical darling about an elderly criminal, "The Old Man & rhe Gun." Eastwood's "American Sniper" buddy Bradley Cooper is featured. Warner Bros. - Rated R
Once Upon A Deadpool
If your kids bugged you to see "Deadpool 2" but you had to say 'no,' because you knew it was too raunchy, Ryan Reynolds has made a cleaner version. It started as a dare, now it's for real. They call it "Once Upon a Deadpool." Fred Savage helps out, as Deadpool tells him the irreverent bedtime story which is basically the R-rated version with cleaned up language. Easy to do when the star wears a mask! A portion of ticket sales goes to charity.
Mortal Engines
Just when you thought you've seen every young adult dystopian adventure, comes "Mortal Engines." It also comes with a fine pedigree. It's co-written by Peter Jackson (based on the first of four novels) and directed by his right-hand special effects guy. It starts out visually stunning. Giant traction cities on a steampunk chase, with the biggest devouring the other for resources. But it quickly turns into the same thing we've seen again and again, even dares to be derivative of "Star Wars." I doubt we'll see four installments of this. Universal Pictures - Rated PG-13
Vox Lux
They didn't screen "Vox Lux" ahead of time either. Oscar winner Natalie Portman stars as a former music prodigy who survived a horrific school shooting. Now she's a pop star on a shaky comeback trail with scandal and other struggles threatening her career. Jude Law co-stars as her manager. The music was written by Sia with Portman singing. My guess, it's no "A Star Is Born." Neon - Rated R