#Middlebury
“Creed II” (PG-13) – Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) faces off against the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) with the help of his mentor and boxing legend Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). The “Rocky” blueprint is in full effect here, so you won’t be surprised when, say, the fighter comes into the ring too arrogant and loses, or later when a grizzled, tough trainer (in this case, Rocky) breaks the fighter down and rebuilds him in an unforgiving environment (in this case, the desert). What you also should not be surprised to see is attention to detail, themes of honor and commitment to family, and some wonderful character development. Rather than being played-out, it’s well-played – a “Rocky IV” for the next generation.
Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges in “Ben Is Back” (Roadside Attractions photo)
“Ben Is Back” (R) – The bonds of a mother and son are tested on Christmas Eve, as Ben (Lucas Hedges) unexpectedly returns from rehab and is given an iron-clad rule for remaining: He must stay within the sight of his mother (Julia Roberts) at all times. As the lure of Ben’s old life tests him time and again, the proximity reveals how addiction and drug use have distorted, marred and even taken lives in a small town. It is an understandably emotional journey for both, and Roberts and Hedges have done a lovely job of giving insight into the small tensions and big dramatic moments alike.
“Instant Family” (PG-13) – Rose Byrne and Mark Wahlberg play Ellie and Pete Wagner, a sweet middle-class couple who, ready to be parents (they think), enter the foster system and come out on the other side as parents of not one but THREE siblings who needed a home. Teenage Lizzy (Isabela Moner) is sarcastic and rebellious; young Juan is serious and sensitive; and little Lita is a handful. It’s an awkward and heartwarming and painful process of getting to know and trust one another, while dealing with the very real issues of these kids’ traumatic past, all done with love and humor and sincerity. Based on the real-life story of director Sean Anders.
“Vox Lux” (R) – Natalie Portman is Celeste, an overblown icon and narcissistic celebrity on a comeback tour while attempting to manage her professional life with a smarmy manager (Jude Law) and her relationship with her daughter (Raffey Cassidy). After surviving a high-school shooting, Celeste and her sister wrote and performed a tribute song that rocketed Celeste to fame along an alcohol- and drug-fueled path. Is this a statement on the celebrity of tragedy or a cautionary tale of the instant fame of this generation? I’m still not sure. That it came out in the same flow as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “A Star Is Born” certainly dimmed its star. There will be no encore.
New TV Releases
“Condor” Season 1
“Fear the Walking Dead”
“Gunpowder” TV miniseries
“House of Cards” Season 6
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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