Wide-release film synopses from the Los Angeles Times. For full reviews of movies opening this weekend, see the Today section.
OPENING TODAY
‘Heneral Luna’
(Not reviewed)
The authority of Gen. Antonio Luna, commander of the Philippine Revolutionary Army, is challenged as war breaks out in 1899. With John Arcilla, Arron Villaflor and Mon Confiado. Directed by Jerrold Tarog. In Filipino (Tagalog dialect) with English subtitles. (NR, 1:58) At Pearlridge West
‘In the Heart of the Sea’ **
Ron Howard directed this epic about the 1820 battle between the whaling ship Essex and a mammoth whale off the coast of New England that inspired “Moby-Dick.” With Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw and Brendan Gleeson. Written by Charles Leavitt, story by Leavitt, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, based on the book “In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex,” by Nathaniel Philbrick. (PG-13, 2:01)
‘Macbeth’ **
Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard star in William Shakespeare’s bloody tale of a Scottish general driven by his ambitious wife to seek the throne by any means necessary. With Paddy Considine and David Thewlis. Written by Jacob Koskoff, Todd Louiso and Michael Lesslie, based on the play. Directed by Justin Kurzel. (R, 1:53) At Kahala 8
‘The Priests’
(Not reviewed)
Two priests (Kim Yoon-seok and Kang Dong-won) try to free a demon from a girl (Park So-dam) who is in a coma. (NR, 1:48) At Pearlridge West
NOW PLAYING
‘The 33’ **
Dramatic telling of the 2010 Chilean mine disaster, when an international team raced the clock to rescue 33 miners trapped 2000 stories below ground. With Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Juliette Binoche, James Brolin, Lou Diamond Phillips and Gabriel Byrne. Written by Mikko Alanne, Craig Borten and Michael Thomas, based on the screen story by Jose Rivera and the book “Deep Down Dark,” by Hector Tobar. Directed by Patricia Riggen. (PG-13, 2:00) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18
‘A Second Chance’
(Not reviewed)
John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo resurrect their roles as Poppy and Basha in this sequel to the 2007 romantic film “One More Chance.” (NR, 2:10) At Kapolei and Pearlridge West
‘The Assassin’ ****
In ninth-century China, a young woman, who had been abducted as a child and raised by a nun who trained her in the martial arts, returns home to assassinate a man she once loved. With Shu Qi and Chang Cheen. Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien. In Mandarin with English subtitles. (NR, 1:44) At Kahala 8
‘Brooklyn’ ****
A young Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) making her way through 1950s Brooklyn is torn between her new home and the pull of her past. With Domhnall Gleeson and Emory Cohen. Written by Nick Hornby. Directed by John Crowley. (PG-13, 1:51) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Kahala 8
‘Chi-Raq’ **1/2
The death of a child propels Chicago women to organize in opposition to the violence on the city’s South Side in Spike Lee’s contemporary adaptation of the ancient Greek play “Lysistrata,” by Aristophanes. With Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Teyonah Parris, D.B. Sweeney, Harry Lennix, Steve Harris, Angela Bassett, John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. Written by Lee and Kevin Willmott. Directed by Lee. (R, 2:04) At Kapolei
‘Creed’ ***1/2
“Fruitvale Station” star Michael B. Jordan portrays Apollo Creed’s son, who asks his late father’s former rival, Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, to return to boxing as his trainer. With Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad and Anthony Bellew. Directed by Ryan Coogler; written by Coogler and Aaron Covington, based on characters from the “Rocky” series written by Stallone. (PG-13, 2:12)
‘The Good Dinosaur’ **1/2
An apatosaurus makes a human friend in a world where dinosaurs did not go extinct in Pixar’s latest animated film. With the voices of Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Steve Zahn, Anna Paquin and Sam Elliott. Directed by Peter Sohn. (PG, 1:40)
‘Goosebumps’ ***
The new boy in town and the girl next door must spring into action after accidentally releasing the monsters trapped in her father’s books. With Dylan Minnette, Halston Sage and Jack Black. Written by Darren Lemke. Directed by Rob Letterman. (PG, 1:43) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18
‘Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2’ ***
Jennifer Lawrence is back for the fourth and final film in the young adult franchise, which pits Katniss and friends against President Snow as they attempt to liberate the citizens of Panem. With Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland. Written by Peter Craig and Danny Strong; adaptation by Suzanne Collins, based on her novel “Mockingjay.” Directed by Francis Lawrence. (PG-13, 2:17)
‘Krampus’
(Not reviewed)
A family’s lack of Christmas spirit triggers the onslaught of a dark force and his minions. With Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner and Conchata Ferrell. Co-written by Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields and Todd Casey. Directed by Dougherty. (PG-13, 1:38)
‘The Letters’ ***
The personal correspondence of Mother Teresa illuminates her life and work for a Vatican priest. With Juliet Stevenson, Max von Sydow and Rutger Hauer. Written and directed by William Riead. (PG, 1:54) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Kapolei
‘Love the Coopers’ **
Four generations gather for their annual Christmas Eve festivities, which are upended by unexpected guests and a surprising turn of events. With Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, Diane Keaton and Olivia Wilde. Written by Steven Rogers. Directed by Jessie Nelson. (PG-13, 1:47) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Windward Stadium 10
‘The Martian’ ***1/2
Separated from his crew and presumed dead after a massive storm, an astronaut (Matt Damon) stranded on the red planet does everything he can to survive until he’s rescued. With Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Kristen Wiig. Written by Drew Goddard. Directed by Ridley Scott. In 3-D. (PG-13, 2:10) At Ward Stadium 16
‘The Night Before’ **1/2
Three longtime friends — Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anthony Mackie — fend off adulthood while pursuing the ultimate Christmas party. With Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, Michael Shannon and Mindy Kaling. Written by Jonathan Levine, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir. Directed by Levine. (R, 1:41)
‘The Peanuts Movie’ ***
Lovable loser Charlie Brown and his daring beagle, Snoopy, embark on fateful adventures. With the voices of Noah Schnapp, Hadley Miller and Alex Garfin. Written by Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano. Directed by Steve Martino. In 3-D. (G, 1:33)
‘Secret in Their Eyes’ **
An FBI investigator (Chiwetel Ejiofor) turns up a new lead in the murder of a young girl, a case that tore apart his team 13 years earlier. With Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts. Written and directed by Billy Ray. (PG-13, 1:51) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Pearl Highlands Stadium 12
‘Spectre’ **1/2
A cryptic message from his past sends secret agent James Bond on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. With Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz and Lea Seydoux. Written by John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Directed by Sam Mendes. (PG-13, 2:28)
‘Spotlight’ ****
A fact-based drama about the Boston Globe’s months-long investigation of a cover-up of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. With Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber and Mark Ruffalo. Written by Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer. Directed by McCarthy. (R, 2:08) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Kahala 8
‘Trumbo’ ***
In the 1940s, screenwriter Dalton Trumbo’s successful career comes crashing down as he and other Hollywood figures are blacklisted for their political beliefs. With Bryan Cranston, Elle Fanning and Diane Lane. Written by John McNamara. Directed by Jay Roach. (R, 2:04) At Koko Marina
‘Victor Frankenstein’ *
James McAvoy stars with Daniel Radcliffe as Igor in this revamp of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, in which the doctor’s cutting-edge research into immortality goes too far, resulting in terrifying consequences. Written by Max Landis. Directed by Paul McGuigan. (PG-13, 1:49)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
The Metropolitan Opera: “The Magic Flute” Special Encore
12:55 p.m. Saturday at Dole Cannery Stadium 18, $19
Director Julie Taymor and conductor James Levine brings Mozart’s opera to life. (NR, 2:00)
Bolshoi Ballet: ‘Lady of Camellias’
12:30 p.m. Sunday at Kahala 8, $20
John Neumeier’s tragic masterpiece about a young bourgeois who will do anything to win the heart of a gorgeous courtesan. (PG, 3:05)
Rifftrax Live: “Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny”
7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Dole Cannery Stadium 18, $13
Mike, Kevin and Bill poke fun at the 1972 children’s fantasy film about a bunch of kids trying to help Santa Claus free his sleigh from a Florida beach. (PG-13, 1:50)
National Theatre Live: “Jane Eyre”
7 p.m. Tuesday and 2 p.m. Wednesday at Kahala 8, $20
Director Sally Cookson’s production of the Charlotte Bronte classic, starring Madeleine Worrall. (NR, 3:45)
ARTHOUSE
DORIS DUKE THEATRE
Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St. (532-8768, honolulumuseum.org); $10, $8 members
Opera on Screen: ‘The Three Tenors Christmas Concert’
1 p.m. Sunday and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, $20, $18 for members
The world-renowned trio of Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras are featured in their first-ever holiday concert, during which they will perform international season favorites with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen Children’s Choir. (1999, Vienna, 1:21)
The A-List
Festival runs through Jan. 1. Curator Abbie Algar selects the best films released in theaters and festivals throughout the year.
>> ‘Phoenix’
1 p.m. today
A German-Jewish nightclub singer survives a concentration camp but must undergo reconstructive face surgery due to a bullet wound. She emerges with a new face that even her former husband doesn’t recognize, but instead of revealing herself, she aims to figure out whether he was the one who betrayed her to the Nazis. In German with English subtitles. (2014, Germany, 1:35)
>> ‘Johnnie To’s Office’
7:30 p.m. today
Movie musical about high-level corporate intrigue that was filmed entirely on a three-story, $6.3 million set. When a feared and respected CEO plans to take her billion-dollar company public following the 2008 global financial crisis, her chairman and former mentor-turned-lover learns of her backroom dealings through an audit. In Cantonese and Mandarin with English subtitles. (2015, China/Hong Kong, 1:57)
>> ‘Breathe’ (‘Respire’)
4 p.m. Sunday
The depth of female friendships and teenage infatuations is explored in Melanie Laurent’s adaptation of the French young-adult novel. When Charlie meets transfer student Sarah, they instantly form a connection as their relationship goes beyond unspoken intimacy — but in turn, jealousy and unrealistic expectations develop. In French with English subtitles. (2014, France, 1:31)
>> ‘The Second Mother’ (‘Que Horas Ela Volta?’)
7:30 p.m. Sunday
Relationship dynamics change and loyalties are tested when the estranged daughter of a hardworking, devoted live-in housekeeper to a wealthy family unexpectedly shows up. In Portuguese with English subtitles. (2015, Brazil, 1:52)
>> ‘Theeb’
7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Naji Abu Nowar’s directorial debut, set in the land of Lawrence of Arabia in 1916, is about a boy who must live up to his father’s name in order to survive while a war rages on in the Ottoman Empire. In Arabic with English subtitles. (2014, United Arab Emirates/Qatar/Jordan/U.K., 1:40)
>> ‘The Look of Silence’
1 p.m. Thursday
Joshua Oppenheimer’s follow-up to the Oscar-nominated ‘The Act of Killing’ documents the perpetrators of the Indonesian genocide as parents learn how their son was slain and the identity of the killers. In Indonesian with English subtitles. (2014, Denmark/Indonesia/Finland/Norway/U.K./Israel/France/U.S./Germany/Netherlands, 1:43)
>> ‘Ayanda’
7:30 p.m. Thursday
Coming-of-age tale about a 21-year-old artist who endures a journey of self-discovery while struggling to save her father’s car repair shop and refusing to allow her femininity to define or hinder her. In Zulu, Sesotho and English with English subtitles. (2015, S. Africa, 1:58)
MOVIE MUSEUM
3566 Harding Ave. (735-8771); $5, $4 members
‘Mistress America’
11 a.m. and 2:30, 4, 5:30 and 9 p.m. today; noon and 3:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday
First-year college student Tracy asks her soon-to-be-stepsister Brooke, an interior designer/restaurateur/fitness instructor, to show her the ropes in New York. Brooke takes her under her wing, but together they get into a whirlwind of trouble as their parents are set to get married. Rated R. (2015, 1:24)
‘The Fifth Wheel’ (‘L’ultima ruota del carro’)
12:30 and 7 p.m. today
This comedy-drama revolves around Ernesto, who, since childhood, was told by his father he would amount to nothing. When he falls for a woman named Angela, he strives to do anything to build her a happy home while struggling in the midst of Italy’s shifting politics, economy and society. For ages 12 and older. In Italian with English subtitles. (2013, Italy, 1:53)
‘Ant-Man’
11 a.m. and 3, 5:15 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday
Marvel superhero story about a particle physicist who, in 1989, invents a weapons technology coveted by S.H.I.E.L.D. Fast-forward 25 years to when a cat burglar breaks into the scientist’s safe and experiences the technology firsthand, shrinking down to the size of an ant. With Paul Rudd, Michael Pena, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Bobby Cannavale and Anthony Mackie. Rated PG-13. (2015, 1:57)
‘A Feast at Midnight’
1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
When a stern Latin teacher disallows 10-year-old Magnus to visit his sick father, Magnus forms a secret society dedicated to creating delicious desserts in an effort to create contraband delights in an act of sweet revenge. With Christopher Lee. (1994, U.K., 1:42)
‘Populaire’
1:30, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday; 2:15 and 6:30 p.m. Monday
Rose travels to Normandy to apply for a job to escape her boring life as a housewife. Although she fails the interview, Rose impresses the boss with her typing speed and develops a crush on him. How can she make him see she’s more than a typing champion? Rated R. In French with English subtitles. (2012, France/Belgium, 1:51)
‘Under the Sun’ (‘Under solen’)
Noon, 4:15 and 8:30 p.m. Monday
After the death of his mother, Olof, who cannot read or write, is forced to live alone on a farm. Although dependent on his younger brother, Erik, Olof decides to advertise for a housekeeper. Ellen enters their life, creating a stir in Olof’s heart and Erik’s desires. In Swedish with English subtitles. (1998, Sweden, 2:10)
Double feature:
Noon, 4:30 and 9 p.m. Thursday
>> ‘Father Brown’ (‘The Detective’)
When a master thief steals a holy relic that is under the watch of Father Brown, the priest is determined to get it back while making sure the thief repents his wicked ways. For all ages. (1954, U.K., 1:31)
>> ‘The Avengers: The Interrogators’
An agent discovers an ingenious method of getting British agents to reveal confidential information. Spoof of “The Manchurian Candidate” starring Christopher Lee as the villain, David Sumner and Patrick Newell. For ages 12 and older. (1969, U.K., 0:50)
‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’
2:30 and 7 p.m. Thursday
At the urging of his mother, a high-school student visits a classmate he barely knows who has been diagnosed with leukemia, and in the end they develop a true friendship. Rated PG-13. (2015, 1:45)
FRESH CAFE DOWNTOWN
Monday Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m. Monday, 1111 Nuuanu Ave. (436-4326); $5 at the door
‘Kings of Pastry’
Watch as 16 of the world’s best pastry chefs prepare for the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, an intense three-day competition held once every four years. Judges scrutinize their every move as they perfect elaborate and delectable creations. Directed by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker. (2010, 1:33)
