#MiddleburyCT #Movies
“Back in Action” (PG-13) – Who’s been missing 2000s movie darling Cameron Diaz (“Gangs of New York,” “Charlie’s Angels”)? This action-comedy film premiering Jan. 17 marks her first film in nine years, and she’s starring alongside her former “Annie” co-star Jamie Foxx (“Not Another Church Movie”). They play former CIA spies, Emily and Matt, who have been enjoying married life with their two children when their secret identities are suddenly revealed. They get thrown back into the chaotic world of espionage and pray that muscle memory carries them through their missions. While it’s great to see Diaz literally back in action, this film is overly reminiscent of hundreds of other action films that streaming services continue to tout out every month. (Looking at you, “The Fall Guy.”) (Netflix)
“Unstoppable” (PG-13) – Someone who hasn’t been missed but could be hoping for a better year is Jennifer Lopez. In this heartwarming film, she takes on a supporting role to Jharrel Jerome’s (“I’m a Virgo”) leading role as real-life wrestler Anthony Robles. Robles was born without a right leg and grew up with his single mother, Judy (Lopez), in Mesa, Arizona. But his tumultuous upbringing creates a strong fighting spirit within him, and amid his difficulties, he joins his school’s wrestling team and becomes an unstoppable force to reckon with. Michael Pena (“Narcos: Mexico”), Bobby Cannavale (“MaXXXine”), and Don Cheadle (“Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist”) co-star in this biographical sports film, out on Jan. 16. (Amazon Prime Video)
“A Different Man” (R) – This psychological black-comedy film helped Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”) bring home a Golden Globe recently for his performance as Edward Lemuel, an aspiring actor with the condition neurofibromatosis that disfigures his face. When given the opportunity, Edward jumps at the chance to cure his condition and assumes a completely new identity, named Guy, to match his new face. Shortly after, Guy learns that a play is being developed based on his old life and, thinking he’s perfect for the role, auditions for it. But he gets overshadowed by another actor, Oswald (Adam Pearson), who has accepted his own neurofibromatosis diagnosis, causing Guy to realize that the only thing he was lacking in the first place was acceptance of himself. Premieres Jan. 17. (Max)
In Case You Missed It
“Tar” (R) – Over her three decades of working as an actress, Cate Blanchett (“Borderlands”) has undoubtedly built a respectable repertoire of work. This includes this psychological-drama film, where Blanchett takes center stage as conductor Lydia Tar. Taking place in Berlin, the film follows Lydia as she prepares her orchestra for a live recording of “Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.” Unfiltered, unbothered and unapologetic, Lydia draws in her fellow musicians with her one-of-a-kind talent and expertise but also pushes them away with her tough, no-nonsense exterior, which makes her sudden fall from stardom very intriguing. Blanchett won the Golden Globe in 2023 for her performance as Lydia. Available now. (Hulu)
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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