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DOWNHILL (2020)

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A family's ski vacation in the Alps splits them apart. When a controlled avalanche hits the lodge patio, husband Pete (Will Ferrell) bolts - leaving wife Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and their two sons (Julian Grey & Ammon Jacob Ford) to fend for themselves. The remainder of the trip is spent coming to terms with what happened and taking a hard look at their lives. What could have been a powerful and emotional family drama quickly disintegrates. This American remake of director/writer Ruben Östlund's (listed as an executive producer on this misstep) 2014 Swedish drama "Force Majeure" gets

BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN)

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After the Joker breaks up with her, Harley Quinn's (Margot Robbie) life takes a turn for the worse. Everyone's out to get her, including nasty crime lord Roman Sionis/Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). Standing in his way of getting back a valuable diamond stolen by young pickpocket Cass (Ella Jay Basco) is Quinn. She gets some unexpected help from vigilantes Dinah Lance/Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a metahuman with hypersonic screams, and revenge-seeking Helena Bertinelli/Huntress ( Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Joining the battle is Gotham police detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), who's building a case against Sionis. Defeating the villain and his main henchman Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina) proves to be dangerous. This spirited DC big screen venture is a mixed bag. Mesmerizing comic book visuals and a pop tune soundtrack, with artists like Halsey and Megan Thee Stallion, keep things

THE RHYTHM SECTION

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When depressed, drug-addicted prostitute Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) learns the plane crash that killed her family wasn't an accident, she sets out to avenge their deaths. With the help of a former British MI6 agent (Jude Law), Stephanie trains to become an assassin. Under various disguises, she takes on missions that will lead to vengeance. A strong performance by Blake Lively and sudden bursts of action can't save this mostly lackluster thriller. Based on the popular book by Mark Burnell, who also wrote the screenplay, director Reed Morano ("Meadowland") relies heavily on

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE

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Miami buddy cops Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are contemplating changes in their lives. Marcus wants to retire and enjoy life - bringing an end to the successful team. When Mike is targeted by an unknown assassin, Marcus gathers the strength to help save his partner and police department from a deadly threat. Put your brain on hold and savor another wild joyride with Lowrey and Burnett. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence were an

1917

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During WWI, young British soldiers Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are tasked with going behind enemy lines to deliver a message to advancing troops that a German trap awaits them. If the messengers don't arrive in time, there will be a massacre that includes Blake's brother (Richard Madden). This sensational war drama presents the familiar deadly mission scenario in a unique way. Director Sam Mendes ("Skyfall"), who co-wrote the script with Krysty Wilson-Cairns, draws

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

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The Resistance, under General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), continues the war against the First Order and its mysterious leader. While Rey (Daisy Ridley) is immersed in Jedi training, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega) carry on without her needed help. The villainous Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) has a secret mission of his own that could decide more than just his fate. With new weapons, the opposition is gaining strength. The heroic Resistance fighters have an uphill battle. Hyperspeed action and stunning effects fuel this satisfying sci-fi adventure. J.J. Abrams returns to the director's chair for the final chapter in this Skywalker saga. Working from

RICHARD JEWELL

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Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser), the security guard who reported finding the explosive device at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics bombing, became an instant hero when his actions saved many lives. Desperate to find the culprit, the FBI's rushed investigation under agent Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm) made Jewell their number one suspect. With his life now in shambles, thanks in part to pushy reporter Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde), the hounded wannabe lawman sought help from his friend and lawyer Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell). It was an uphill battle for the attorney with no public support and only his client's mother Bobi (Kathy Bates) on their side. Iconic director Clint Eastwood makes this straightforward telling of a terrible real-life injustice an engaging cinematic experience. Working from the screenplay by Billy Ray, based on a Vanity Fair magazine article by Marie Brenner, the filmmaker keeps things

KNIVES OUT

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Following his 85th birthday party, famed crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate. Distinguished detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is hired by an unknown person to aid the police, led by Lieutenant Elliott (LaKeith Stanfield), in the investigation. There's no shortage of suspects in the mansion. Among the dysfunctional family members with motive include: Harlan's daughter Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her avaricious husband Richard (Don Johnson), their disinherited black sheep son Ransom (Chris Evans) and Thrombey's son Walt (Michael Shannon) who recently was fired from running his father’s publishing company. Walt's wife Donna (Riki Lindhome), son Jacob (Jaeden Martell), the patriarch's widowed daughter-in-law Joni (Toni Collette), who has been found stealing from Harlan, and her daughter Meg (Katherine Langford) are also on the list. Chief among the staff is Harlan’s loyal private nurse and companion Marta (Ana de Armas

FROZEN II

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Queen Elsa (the voice of Idina Menzel), listening to a distant voice only she can hear, hopes to learn about her past. With forces of nature threatening the kingdom of Arendelle at the same time, she sets out on a journey to save her realm and uncover the mystery of her icy powers. Elsa's sister Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell), Anna's boyfriend Kristoff (the voice of Jonathan Groff), his reindeer Sven and snowman Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad) join the queen on the quest to find an enchanted forest where the answers await. Unwilling to let it go, Disney has concocted another magical musical "Frozen" adventure. While not as captivating as the original,

MIDWAY (2019)

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On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked with devastating results. The United States entered WWII, beginning the clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy. As the war escalated, Admiral Chester Nimitz (Woody Harrelson) and intelligence officer Lieutenant Commander Edwin T. Layton (Patrick Wilson) desperately sought the upper hand for America. Gathered information led to the battle for control of Midway Island from June 4-7 in 1942. This confrontation became the pivotal turning point of the war in the  Pacific Theater. Superb battle sequences and a solid ensemble cast bring this harrowing conflict to life. Director Roland Emmerich ("Independence Day") is no stranger to delivering