Freeze Frame: “The Predator” (R), “The Wife” (R)

“The Predator” is the fifth entry in the popular alien huntsman series. Writer/director Shane Black offers lots of chaotic violence as well as a good deal of jokey humor. Jacob Tremblay, who may be the best child actor working today, plays a kid genius who becomes an alien target. Fans of the series, yes. Others, no.

 

A highly controlled and nuanced performance by Glenn Close is the main attraction of “The Wife.” Jonathan Pryce plays an author who is invited to Sweden to accept the Nobel Prize. On the trip, his relationship with his wife hits the skids when a biographer threatens to expose the truth about their relationship. A great cast makes the most from an iffy premise.

 

Also opening this week, “A Simple Favor” is a modern film noir entry about a mommy blogger, played by Anna Kendrick, who tries to discern why her friend, played by Blake Lively, has disappeared.

 

“White Boy Rick” tells the strange but true story of a teenager, played by Richie Merritt, who gets mixed up with crack in the 1980s, first as an informant and then as a dealer. Matthew McConaughey plays Rick’s dad.

 

“Pick of the Litter” is a documentary about guide dog training. Where Hands Touch” is a drama about the struggles of a mixed-race girl in Germany during WWII. “American Chaos” is a documentary featuring Trump supporters in their own voice. Nicholas Cage stars in “Mandy,” an over-the-top revenge drama involving a cult in the Northwest. Lost Child” is a mystery suspense drama about a woman who discovers an abandoned boy in the woods. “Let the Corpses Tan” is a violent Belgian entry with a high body count. “Unbroken: Path to Redemption” is a faith-based sequel to the 2014 war drama.


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