Kip Mooney
On Mr Holmes And The Rest Of This Weekend’s New Releases.
Ant-Man.
Director: Peyton Reed.
Writers: Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Paul Rudd, Adam McKay.
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly.
Playing At: Wide.
There are two groups of people in this world: Comic book fans who are slightly worried since Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead) left this film over “creative differences” and the people who are just going to ask, “Who the hell is Ant-Man?” Neither group should be concerned, since Peyton Reed is a sharp director and Marvel, especially in its origin stories, knows what it's doing.
Trainwreck.
Director: Judd Apatow.
Writer: Amy Schumer.
Cast: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, LeBron James.
Playing At: Wide.
All hail the queen. Amy Schumer is the new ruler of comedy. Trainwreck is both hilarious and honest, and it features a slew of talented comedians — including the unlikely stylings of John Cena and LeBron James. I think it's the best comedy of the year.
Mr. Holmes.
Director: Bill Condon.
Writer: Jeffrey Hatcher.
Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Milo Parker, Hiroyuki Sanada.
Playing At: Angelika Dallas, Angelika Plano.
Between the CBS and BBC shows, not to mention Robert Downey Jr.'s on-screen portrayal, we probably don't need another take on Sherlock Holmes. But Ian McKellen is always worth watching no matter what, and his take — playing him as a crotchety retired detective — should offer a bit of distinction.
Cartel Land.
Director: Matthew Heineman.
Playing At: Angelika Plano.
Few directors can truly say they risked their lives making a movie, but Matthew Heineman can certainly make that claim. For months, he embedded himself with two vigilante groups defending themselves from vicious Mexican drug cartels. What he captured plays out like an intense action movie. The jury at Sundance found it so captivating they named the best documentary at the festival.
Lila & Eve.
Director: Charles Stone III.
Writer: Pat Gilfillan.
Cast: Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Shea Whigham, Aml Ameen.
Playing At: LOOK Cinemas.
I love Viola Davis. I think she should have won Oscars for Doubt and The Help, and I believe she's the only reason to watch the otherwise ridiculous How to Get Away with Murder. But she's way over-qualified for this potboiler about two mothers who arm themselves in their quest for vengeance against the thugs who killed their sons. This one probably should have gone straight to Lifetime.
Asian Film Festival of Dallas.
Playing At: Angelika Dallas.
For the 14th year, filmmakers from all across Asia bring their films to Dallas — and, in some cases, it'll be the first time these films will be screened anywhere in the states. And, with 33 features and a load of professional and student shorts, there's something for everyone here, too. This year, the programming expands beyond the typical martial arts flicks and cop dramas, and features romantic comedies, anime and the 3D The Legend of Qin.
Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Director: Jack Arnold.
Writers: Harry Essex, Arthur Ross.
Cast: Richard Carlson, Julie Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno.
Playing At: Alamo Drafthouse.
Showing: Monday, July 20.
Most people will tell you that Frankenstein or Dracula are the best of the original Universal monster movies. But, for all their formal expertise, neither film offers anywhere near the chills and thrills of Creature from the Black Lagoon. This restored 3D print (which I caught at the USA Film Festival last year) is a true sight to behold on the big screen.
