Khalil Ramos in “2 Cool”
2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten
Directed by Petersen Vargas; stars Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador, Jameson Blake, Ana Capri
A bright nerd’s world changes when a handsome guy seeks his help in school. Vargas volunteers that his goal is “to capture a youthful and carefree vibe.” The best film winner in last year’s Cinema One Originals fest features Ramos in his most challenging role to date. The young actor insists that he welcomes playing “riskier, more daring” characters. Opens today.
Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams in “Get Out”
Get Out
Directed by Jordan Peele; stars Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford
Interracial couple spends a dreadful weekend with the girl’s parents. Screen International’s John Hazelton quips: “Retro horror and racial tension mix to surprisingly entertaining effect.” New Yorker’s Anthony Lane points out: “The result is like an all-out attack on a rainbow…could hardly be more provocative.” Opens today.
Convergence
Directed by Drew Hall; stars Clayne Crawford, Ethan Embry, Mykelti Williamson
Cop wakes up from a coma in a hospital that’s the gateway to hell. The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck relates: “Spins off in so many enigmatic, complex directions that the main reaction it induces is ‘WTF?’” Screenrelish’s Lewis Stephenson agrees: “Has enough twists and turns … but can go one step too far.” Opens today.
Death Note: Light Up the New World
Directed by Shinsuke Sato; stars Masaki Suda, Masahiro Higashide, Sergey Kuyaev, Tatsuya Fujiwara
High-school kid stumbles on a notebook with supernatural powers. South China Morning Post’s Edmund Lee calls it “a thrilling but sometimes illogical piece of pulp entertainment.” The Straits Times’ Boon Chan asserts: “Twist at the end is quite a whopper and leaves the door wide open for the next movie chapter.” Opens today.
Dan Stevens and Emma Watson in “Beauty and the Beast”
Beauty and the Beast
Directed by Bill Condon; stars Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen
Bookish lass must learn to befriend and, later, love her captor, a cursed beast. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman says it’s a “sometimes entrancing, sometimes awkward mixture of recreation and reimagining.” New York Times’ AO Scott thinks “its classicism feels unforced and fresh. Its romance neither winks nor panders.” Opens tomorrow.