FREEZE FRAME: “Don’t Breathe,” “Southside With You,” “Hands of Stone,” “Eat That Question”

There are times while watching “Don’t Breathe” that you probably won’t. Yes, it’s yet another sordid, R-rated horror flick, but it’s an exceptionally well made edge-of-your-seat chiller. Three young and foolish thieves break into the house of a blind man, thinking they’ll make off with easy money. Their victim, however, is a former military man who turns the tables on them. Smart and original, “Don’t Breathe” may very well take your breath away.

Barak Obama’s 1989 first date with future wife Michelle is the focus of “Southside With You,” a likable, nicely acted romance. TIka Sumpter and Parker Sawyers give appealing performances as the sharp lawyer and the brash intern who pursues her. Like the first couple themselves, “Southside With You” has an easygoing charm.

The infamous words “No mas” get some cinematic context in “Hands of Stone,” a biopic about celebrated Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran. Edgar Ramirez plays the troubled welterweight, Robert Di Niro is Ray Arcel, his astute trainer, and Usher Raymond portrays his nemesis, Sugar Ray Leonard. It plays a bit like a mash-up of every boxing movie you’ve ever seen, but benefits from a solid cast and sincere approach.

“Eat that Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words” is an example of truth in advertising. This documentary is made up almost exclusively of interviews with the iconoclastic rock musician who turned aggravating the establishment into a fine art. For fans, it’s a must-see. For others, it’s an illuminating glimpse into the mind of an artistic rebel.

Also opening this week, Jason Statham returns as hit man Arthur Bishop in the thriller “Mechanic: Resurrection.” “Equity” is a drama about sexism in the world of high finance. Anna Gunn stars. “The Intervention” is an ensemble drama about a weekend retreat that turns out to be a surprise marital intervention. “The Land” is an urban drama about skateboarding.


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