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Movies CalendarTGIF

Movies: ‘A Walk in the Woods,’ ‘American Ultra’

ASSOCIATED PRESS
This photo provided by Broad Green Pictures shows, Robert Redford, left, as Bill Bryson, and Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz, in the film, "A Walk in the Woods." Redford co-stars with Nolte and Emma Thompson in the movie which releases in U.S. theaters on Sept. 2, 2015. (Frank Masi, SMPSP/Broad Green Pictures via AP)

Wide-release film synopses from the Los Angeles Times. For full reviews of movies opening this weekend, see the Today section. The list of movies playing at Dole Cannery Stadium 18 was unavailable.

OPENED WEDNESDAY

‘A Walk in the Woods’ **

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte star in this adaptation of Bill Bryson’s best-seller about old friends hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. With Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Offerman and Kristen Schaal. Written by Rick Kerb and Bill Holderman. Directed by Ken Kwapis. (R, 1:44)

OPENING FRIDAY

‘Dragon Blade’ (Not reviewed)

When Roman leader Tiberius (Adrien Brody) leads an army to claim the Silk Road, trained warriors team with an elite legion of defected Roman soldiers to maintain the delicate balance of power. With Jackie Chan and John Cusack. Written and directed by Daniel Lee. (R, 2:07) At Mililani and Ward Stadium 16

‘Meru’ ***

A documentary following three American climbers as they attempt to become the first people to scale Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru, a 21,000-foot peak in the Himalayas. Directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. (R, 1:30) At Kahala 8

‘Phoenix’ *** 1/2

In post-World War II Berlin, a German-Jewish concentration camp survivor begins a dangerous double life to determine whether her husband was the one who betrayed her to the Nazis. With Nina Hoss, Ronald Zehrfeld and Nina Kunzendorf. Written and directed by Christian Petzold. In German with English subtitles. (PG-13, 1:39) At Kahala 8

‘The Transporter Refueled’ (Not reviewed)

An expert wheelman is coerced by a quartet of femmes fatales to help them take down a crew of Russian human traffickers. With Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson and Loan Chabanol. Written by Bill Collage, Adam Cooper and Luc Besson. Directed by Camille Delamarre. (PG-13, 1:36)

NOW PLAYING

‘American Ultra’ ** 1/2

A stoner (Jesse Eisenberg) and his girlfriend (Kristen Stewart) have a quiet small-town existence until it’s (comically) upended when his sleeper-assassin past comes back to cause explosive problems. With Topher Grace. Written by Max Landis. Directed by Nima Nourizadeh. (R, 1:36)

‘Ant-Man’ ** 1/2

A master thief (Paul Rudd) seeking redemption dons a suit that allows him to shrink in size but increase in strength to face down a new generation of threats. With Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas and Corey Stoll. Written by Rudd and Adam McKay. Directed by Peyton Reed.(PG-13, 1:57)

Assassination

(Not reviewed)

During Japan’s colonial rule of Korea, resistance fighters plot to kill two high-level targets. With Gianna Jun, Lee Jung-jae and Ha Jung-woo. Written and directed by Choi Dong-hoon. In Korean with English subtitles. (NR, 2:20) At Pearlridge West

‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’ ***

In 1976 San Francisco, a teenage girl (Bel Powley) left rudderless by her hard-partying mother (Kristen Wiig) and absent father begins an affair with her mom’s boyfriend (Alexander Skarsgard). Written by Phoebe Gloeckner. Directed by Marielle Heller. (R, 1:41) At Kahala 8

‘Dope’ ** 1/2

A trio of geeky, hip-hop- and punk-loving Inglewood, Calif., teens encounters an Ecstasy dealer at an underground party in this dramatic comedy, leading to trouble with gangsters and other unexpected adventures. With Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori and Kiersey Clemons. Written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa. (R, 1:43) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Kapolei

‘Fantastic Four’ * 1/2

When a scientific expedition to an alternate universe transforms them, a quartet of outsiders must learn to harness their new abilities and stop a former friend turned enemy. With Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell. Written by Jeremy Slater, Simon Kinberg and Josh Trank. Directed by Trank. In 3-D. (PG-13, 1:40)

‘The Gift’ ***

Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall star as a young married couple who have a chance encounter with an old high school acquaintance (Joel Edgerton), throwing their lives into a dark tailspin. Written and directed by Edgerton. (R, 1:48) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18

‘Hitman: Agent 47’ **

Hitman 47 (Rupert Friend), a genetically engineered assassin, teams up with a woman (Hannah Ware) to find her father, the master scientist behind the robotic killing machines. Based on the "Hitman" video game series. With Zachary Quinto and Ciaran Hinds. (R, 1:48)

‘Inside Out’ *** 1/2

An 11-year-old girl and her family move to a new city, prompting her five personified emotions to help guide her through the transition in this animated Disney/Pixar film. With the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black and Mindy Kaling. Written by Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley. Directed by Docter and Ronnie del Carmen. (PG, 1:35)

‘Jurassic World’ ***

At an island theme park where dinosaurs have been resurrected through science, a genetically engineered specimen escapes confinement and plunges the park into chaos. With Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Vincent D’Onofrio. Written by Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow. Directed by Trevorrow. In 3-D. (PG-13, 2:04) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Ward Stadium 16

‘The Love Affair’

(Not reviewed)

Two lawyers help each other get over broken relationships. With Bea Alonzo, Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. In Filipino with English subtitles. (Not rated, 2:05) At Kapolei and Pearlridge West

‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ **

At the height of the Cold War, a CIA operative and a KGB agent join forces to stop an international criminal organization. With Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander. Written by Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram. Directed by Ritchie. In Imax. (PG-13, 1:56)

‘Memories of the Sword’ ***

As the greed and excess of a corrupt monarchy threatens to destroy a once-glorious dynasty, three legendary warriors lead a revolt to overthrow the empire and save its people. With Lee Byung-Hun, Jeon Do-Yeon and Kim Go-Eun. Directed by Park Heung-Sik. In Korean with English subtitles. (NR, 2:01) At Pearlridge West

‘Minions’ *** 1/2

The capsule-shaped creatures known as Minions search for a new evil mastermind to follow in this spinoff of the "Despicable Me" animated films. With the voices of Sandra Bullock and Jon Hamm. Written by Brian Lynch. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda. In 3-D.(PG, 1:28)

‘Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation’ ***

With the IMF disbanded, secret agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team face off against a shadowy group of highly trained operatives hellbent on creating a new world order. With Jeremy Renner and Rebecca Ferguson. Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie. (PG-13, 2:11)

‘Mistress America’ ***

A lonely college freshman (Lola Kirke) in New York City is taken under the wing of her adventurous soon-to-be stepsister (Greta Gerwig). Written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. Directed by Baumbach. (R, 1:24) At Kahala 8

‘No Escape’ ** 1/2

Shortly after settling into their new home in Southeast Asia, an American businessman (Owen Wilson) and his family are caught in the middle of a violent political uprising. With Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell. Written by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle. Directed by John Erick Dowdle. (R, 1:41)

‘Pixels’ **

Aliens misinterpret videos of classic arcade video games as a declaration of war and use them as models for an invasion of Earth, and an old-school joystick jockey (Adam Sandler) is enlisted to fend them off. With Kevin James and Michelle Monaghan. Written by Tim Herlihy Dowling. Directed by Chris Columbus. (PG-13, 1:38)

‘Ricki and the Flash’ *** 1/2

A fading rock musician (Meryl Streep) who chased stardom at the expense of her family tries to reconnect with her daughter (Mamie Gummer), who has been devastated by a failed marriage. With Kevin Kline and Rick Springfield. Written by Diablo Cody. Directed by Jonathan Demme. (PG-13, 1:40) At Kahala 8

‘Sinister 2* 1/2

A protective mother (Shannyn Sossamon) and her twin 9-year-old sons (Robert and Dartanian Sloan) find themselves in a rural house haunted by an evil spirit. With James Ransone. Written by Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill. Directed by Ciaran Foy. (R, 1:37)

‘Southpaw’ ** 1/2

When a lefty boxing champ (Jake Gyllenhaal) known for his brutal but effective style suffers a personal tragedy, he teams with a hard-bitten former pugilist (Forest Whitaker) to fight his way back to redemption. With Rachel McAdams. Written by Kurt Sutter and Richard Wenk. Directed by Antoine Fuqua. (R, 2:04)

‘Straight Outta Compton’ ** 1/2

A biopic about the rise and fall of the seminal Los Angeles gangsta rap group N.W.A,cq no final period led by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. With O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell. Written by Andrea Berloff. Directed by F. Gary Gray. (R, 2:22)

‘War Room’

(Not reviewed)

A husband and wife’s lives take an unexpected turn when the latter’s new client challenges her to fight for her family through prayer. With Priscilla Shirer, T.C. Stallings and Alex Kendrick. Written by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick. Directed by Alex Kendrick. (PG, 1:20)

‘We Are Your Friends’ ** 1/2

An aspiring 23-year-old Hollywood DJ spends his days scheming with his childhood friends and his nights trying to create the one track that will set the world on fire, when he meets a charismatic but damaged older DJ, who takes him under his wing. With Zac Efron, Emily Ratajkowski and Shiloh Fernandez. Written by Max Joseph and Meaghan Oppenheimer. Directed by Joseph. (R, 1:36)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

"How to Change the World Live Premier Premiere"

7:30 p.m. WednesdaySept. 9 at Dole Cannery Stadium 18, $15.70

Documentary showing Robert Hunter’s courageous act to change the world, which sparked a revolution that turned into the global organization called Greenpeace. Followed by a Q&A about the movie and the Greenpeace movement with panelists Vivienne Westwood, fashion designer and longtime Greenpeace supporter; Jerry Rothwell, director; Emily Hunter, Robert Hunter’s daughter; and others. 

BLEEKER STREET

ARTHOUSE

DORIS DUKE THEATRE 

Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St. (532-8768, honolulumuseum.org); $10, $8 members. 

‘Charlie’s Country’ 

7:30 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1 p.m. Thursday 

Dutch-Australian director Rolf de Heer shows what it’s like to be a refugee in one’s own country by introducing us to Charlie (played by film co-writer David Gulpilil), a warrior living past his prime in a remote Aboriginal community who is torn between traditional and modern ways of life. In English and Yolngu with English subtitles. (2014, Australia, 1:47) 

MOVIE MUSEUM 

3566 Harding Ave. (735-8771); $5, $4 members 

‘Your Next Life’ (‘La vida que te espera’) 

11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 2:45 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday 

Set in beautiful northern Spain, this film is about a farmer who must raise two modern-day daughters in 2004 but wishes to be living in the year 1604 instead. For ages 15 and older. In Spanish with English subtitles. (2004, Spain, 1:40) 

‘Only Yesterday’ (‘Omohide Poro Poro’) 

1, 3, 5 and 9 p.m. Friday; 12:45 and 8:15 p.m. Sunday 

Animated film about a 27-year-old woman visiting relatives in the countryside; memories of life as a 10-year-old race through her thoughts as she reflects on how they help shape an individual’s adulthood. For ages 12 and older. In Japanese with English subtitles. (1991, Japan, 1:58) 

‘Citizenfour’ 

11 a.m., 2:30, 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday 

Laura Poitras’ Oscar-winning documentary about Edward Snowden’s expose of the National Security Agency’s illegal surveillance of U.S. citizens. Rated R. (2014, U.S./Germany/U.K., 1:54) 

‘Hello Carter’ 

1 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday; 1, 4:30 and 8 p.m. Monday 

A down-on-his-luck Brit who wants desperately to get back together with his American ex-girlfriend tries to get her phone number from her brother, who sends him on a funny ride through London. With Charlie Cox and Jodie Whittaker in this London version of "After Hours." For ages 15 and older. (2013, U.K., 1:20) 

‘I’ll See You in My Dreams’ 

11 a.m., 2:45, 4:30, 6:15 and 10:15 p.m. Sunday 

A widow in her 70s finally decides to get in the dating game again (after 20 years) and, at the urging of her friends, tries speed dating with humorous results. Meanwhile, two men appear in her life: a young man named Lloyd who cleans her pool, and silver-haired Bill, whom she meets at a pharmacy. With Blythe Danner and Sam Elliott. Rated PG-13. (2015, 1:32) 

‘The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared’ 

11 a.m., 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday; 12:45, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday 

In this comedy a man named Allan who has long lived a troubled life due to his "talent" with explosives escapes the old folks’ home on his 100th birthday and winds up on an adventure involving an elephant and a cash-filled suitcase. With Robert Gustafsson. Rated R. With English subtitles. (2013, Sweden/Russia/U.K./France/Spanish, 1:54) 

FRESH CAFE DOWNTOWN 

Monday Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m. Monday, 1111 Nuuanu Ave. (436-4326); free. A calligraphy demonstration follows with a Tao calligraphy master teacher and healer. 

‘Soul Healing Miracles’ 

This documentary showcases Master Zhi Gang Sha and his teachings and healing worldwide through Source Ling Guang Calligraphies. Directed by Desiree Lim. (2013, 0:43) 

UNITE HERE! LOCAL 5 HALL 

Screening of films on food justice presented by Hawaii People’s Fund, followed by discussion with local activists. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, 1516 S. King St., free; potluck encouraged, 593-9969. RSVP: peoples@lava.net. Continues Oct. 1 with a showing of the documentary "Food Chains." 

‘The Hand That Feeds’

Award-winning documentary goes behind the scenes of a deli in New York’s Upper East Side, where immigrant workers facing subpar working conditions form an independent union to fight back, risking their jobs and deportation. (2014, 1:28) 

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