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Rose Byrne in “Peter Rabbit” (Sony Pictures photo)
“Peter Rabbit” (PG) – Beatrix Potter’s adorable woodland creatures are given an irreverent update in “Peter Rabbit,” starring James Corben as the voice of the cocky, confident Peter. Sure of his place in Bea’s (Rose Byrne) heart and at the top of his vegetable-stealing game, Peter manages to escape the clutches of Old Man McGregor when the farmer unexpectedly dies. His nephew – a fussy, exacting department store supervisor, played delightfully by Domnhall Gleeson – inherits the property. The younger McGregor moves in and shuts out Peter. The two then begin an escalating battle for control of the garden and Bea’s affection. It’s fast-paced fun with a great soundtrack, and plenty of laughs and “aww” moments for kids and adults alike.
“12 Strong” (R) – This is a war movie set in modern times and based on real-life 21st century events, but it looks and feels like a throwback to World War II-era portrayals or even a Western – the soldiers ride in, guns-blaring, on horses. Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) and Hal Spencer (Michael Shannon) head a small covert force that descend on Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan in the days following the Sept. 11 attacks in New York. Their goal is to liberate the city from the clutches of the Taliban, with the guidance and assistance of Afghani rebel forces. The combination of technologically advanced military might in a rugged, undeveloped country is initially jarring, but at its soul this film is representative of the indefatigable, vociferously supportive American spirit of the times.
“Winchester” (PG-13) – Sarah Winchester (Helen Mirren) is the lone heir to the Winchester Rifle fortune – and, unfortunately, legacy of death. She and her remaining family members are allegedly tortured by visions of ghosts. This much is true, and even today you can visit the Winchester Mystery House. This fantasy film by the Spierig brothers attempts to expand on the legend and codify the madness of Sarah Winchester’s obsessive decades-long building spree: a supernatural prison for the souls who mean to avenge their deaths at the hands of a Winchester rifle. Jason Clarke plays Dr. Price, who comes to assess Mrs. Winchester’s mental stability, and unintentionally joins her battle against the unknown.
“Please Stand By” (PG-13) – Dakota Fanning heads as Wendy, a young autistic woman living in a group home, whose overriding interest is in watching “Star Trek” movies and writing fan fiction set in the Trekkie world. She lives a reasonably structured life with a job and a small dog named Pete, and is supported by a sympathetic caregiver named Scottie (Toni Collette). The news broadcasts a contest for writing a Star Trek script, and this small, unworldly but determined young lady sets out on a journey to hand in her script in Los Angeles. It’s predictable, but it is also very sweet and uplifting. While you might see the ending coming, the good feels are still there. Bonus performance by Patton Oswald as a beat cop turned Klingon translator.
New TV Releases
“Broken” miniseries
“Dear Murderer” Series 1
“When Calls the Heart: Hearts and Minds”
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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