At the Movies: November 27

This week at the movies: A captivating Rocky spinoff and Pixar’s latest heart-tugger, plus a not-so-hot Frankenstein flick.

Creed

Fruitvale Station writer-director Ryan Coogler takes the seventh Rocky film in a whole new direction. Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station, Fantastic Four) is Adonis Johnson, a troubled young man and low-level prizefighter who discovers he’s the son of the late Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa’s original opponent. Now aware of his paternity, Adonis sets his sights on becoming a great boxer and seeks out Rocky (who else but Sylvester Stallone) to train him.

Perfect For: Fans of the Rocky series, as well as anyone who likes to root for the underdog.

What the Critics Say: There’s high praise for this one, which brings much-needed freshness and vibrancy to the Rocky franchise. The New Yorker says, “Coogler…links the physical sacrifices of boxing and acting alike and binds Adonis’s martial passion to his family feeling. (The focused heat of Jordan’s commitment meshes well with Stallone’s wry, haunted serenity.)” And Variety calls the film “a smart, kinetic, exhilaratingly well-crafted piece of mainstream filmmaking.”

Our Take: By all means, go for it. Should be a knockout.

The Good Dinosaur

Disney/Pixar’s latest animated feature pairs Arlo, an awkward Apatosaurus (Raymond Ochoa), with the wild boy Spot (Jack Bright), who helps Arlo find his way back to his family. Adventure ensues, with a colorful cast of characters in the mix (voices include Sam Elliott, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand and Steve Zahn).

Perfect For: Families, especially around the holidays when you need a movie that everyone will like; Pixar fans who have to see every single release at least once.

What the Critics Say: While not among the best of the Pixar collection, certainly good enough. Says USA Today: “What the simple animated story of a young Apatosaurus and a little cave kid lacks in complexity is made up for in glorious visuals, way-cute critters and a hearty amount of sincerity.” Writes Forbes: “Come what may, The Good Dinosaur is an unassuming bit of old-school buddy comedy road trip goodness from a company we shouldn’t take for granted.” 

Our Take: Any Pixar film is worth at least one viewing, and this one looks particularly good for the kiddos.

Victor Frankenstein

Yet another retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic horror story, this time with some comic touches, and told from Igor’s (Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe) point of view. Also stars James McAvoy (X-Men series) in the title role, Andrew Scott (Spectre) and Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey).

Perfect For: Radcliffe fans who want to see him in grown-up movies. Frankenstein fans who want to see every possible version of this story.

What the Critics Say: A misfire. Says The Wrap: “…the movie feels as stitched together as one of the title character’s monsters, flirting with horror, action, comedy and even romance but committing to nothing but loud messiness.” And writes The Hollywood Reporter: “…the film abounds in organs, limbs, entrails and bodily fluids, both human and non. Yet it never gets beneath the skin.”

Our Take: Won’t make our priority list.