The summer movie season may be winding down, but theaters aren't giving up yet. Friday, August 14, brings an eclectic assortment ranging from big-screen dinosaurs and an offbeat Matthew McConaughey crime drama to stoner comedy, Cold War history and a Broadway phenomenon. Here's a quick look at what's new and whether it's worth leaving the house for.
THE END OF OAK STREET
Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor head David Robert Mitchell's (It Follows) science-fiction adventure about a suburban family whose entire neighborhood is mysteriously transported into a prehistoric world where dinosaurs suddenly become the neighbors. Maisy Stella and Christian Convery co-star. Early reviews have been encouraging, particularly for Mitchell's mixture of family drama, mystery and old-fashioned spectacle. Recommendation: SEE IT. This looks like the weekend's best bet for anyone wanting a genuine big-screen summer movie.
PAW PATROL: THE DINO MOVIE
The pups encounter dinosaurs after becoming stranded on an uncharted island, where Mayor Humdinger's latest scheme awakens a dormant volcano. Cal Brunker directs, with a voice cast that includes Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews, Jameela Jamil and Fortune Feimster. This is unabashedly aimed at young children rather than accompanying adults, but early reaction suggests it delivers exactly what its audience expects. Recommendation: SEE IT—with the kids. PAW Patrol plus dinosaurs is probably all its target audience needs to hear.
THE WRONG GIRLS
Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat play perpetually stoned best friends whose attempt to make some money goes wildly wrong after they consume an experimental drug and apparently develop psychic abilities. Dylan Meyer makes her feature directing debut, with LaKeith Stanfield and Kate McKinnon among the supporting players. Critics are divided: Stewart and Shawkat's chemistry has been praised, while the comedy itself has received a more uneven response. Recommendation: MAYBE. Stoner-comedy and Stewart fans will probably get considerably more out of it than everyone else.
SIX: THE MUSICAL LIVE!
Henry VIII's six wives finally get to tell their side of the story—through pop music—in this filmed version of the enormously successful stage musical. Directed for the screen by Liz Clare, it reunites the original West End cast and captures the show's concert-like energy. Fans have responded enthusiastically to the performances and songs. Recommendation: SEE IT if you're a musical-theater fan. For everyone who has heard about SIX but never seen it onstage, this is an excellent introduction.
THE BRINK OF WAR
Jeff Daniels portrays Ronald Reagan opposite Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev in this historical drama centered on the tense 1986 Reykjavik summit and the possibility of nuclear disarmament. Michael Russell Gunn directs, with J.K. Simmons and Hope Davis also starring. Reviews have been mixed, although Daniels and Harris have generally received strong notices. Recommendation: MAYBE. History buffs and viewers who enjoy dialogue-heavy political dramas should find it more rewarding than audiences expecting a conventional Cold War thriller.
UNION COUNTY
Will Poulter stars in Adam Meeks' intimate drama about addiction, recovery and two brothers attempting to rebuild their lives in rural Ohio. Noah Centineo and Emily Meade co-star, alongside people from the real recovery community. Critics have responded warmly to its compassionate, unsensational treatment of opioid addiction and Poulter's performance. Recommendation: SEE IT. A small, serious film that could easily disappear beneath the bigger releases but sounds worth seeking out.
AMERICAN DOCTOR
Director Poh Si Teng follows American physicians Thaer Ahmad, Mark Perlmutter and Feroze Sidhwa as their medical work takes them to Gaza and subsequently to Washington, where they attempt to bring what they witnessed to policymakers. Early critical response has been exceptionally positive, although the subject matter is understandably difficult. Recommendation: SEE IT for documentary viewers prepared for a sobering and emotionally demanding experience.
A FEW OLD FRIENDS RETURN...
Moviegoers also have several opportunities to revisit familiar films. Gregg Araki's Mysterious Skin and the terrific Korean zombie thriller Train to Busan return in limited engagements Friday, while Point Break, with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, celebrates its 35th anniversary in theaters beginning Sunday.
If you're choosing just one new movie, The End of Oak Street looks like the weekend's crowd-pleaser. Families have PAW Patrol, musical lovers have SIX, and adventurous moviegoers have several worthwhile independent choices. Not a bad selection for the dog days of August.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for another journey into Hollywood's fascinating past as The Hollywoodland Revue uncovers another remarkable story from the Golden Age of motion pictures. You never know what forgotten landmark, legendary personality, or little-known chapter of film history we'll bring back into the spotlight next!
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