Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Cinema

Trailer Watch: Which movie should you go see this weekend?

What’s a must-watch, and what’s a miss? We tell you.

THE WEEKEND IS coming up, and that means new movies for you to see.

But which is a must-watch, and are there any you should avoid?

We take a look.

Elvis and Nixon

Movieclips Trailers / YouTube

What we know

The always awesome Michael Shannon plays Elvis, with Kevin Spacey playing the Nixon who he talked his way into the White House to meet. Their audacious meeting is played out – in pretty comic form – here.

What the critics say

  • “The sheer absurdity of that moment encapsulates what makes “Elvis & Nixon” so effective — assuming you can get on its wavelength: Instead of showing deference to these two 20th-century icons, Johnson essentially treats them as buffoons (nothing like Spacey’s shrewd “House of Cards” character), and while their cluelessness is easy enough for us to recognize, each wields such power that their exasperated underlings have no choice but to play along.” - Variety
  • “Directed by Liza Johnson, “Elvis & Nixon,” a fictionalized take on the face-to-face, doesn’t add much to this rundown; mostly it adds groovy threads and the improbably cast Michael Shannon as Elvis.” - New York Times

What’s it rated?

The Secret Life of Pets

Zero Media / YouTube

What we know

Louis CK, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper and Eric Stonestreet are among the voices featured in this latest animation. Pet lovers will probably love this.

What the critics say

  • “In what may as well be Illumination’s answer to Toy Story, The Secret Life of Pets imagines how domesticated animals behave while their owners’ backs are turned, concentrating on a dynamic where newly adopted dog Duke (Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet, in the Buzz Lightyear role) disrupts the balance in a household where Max (Louis CK, as the Woody equivalent) had previously been his human’s best friend.” - Variety
  • “While it ultimately falls short of the standards set by the likes of Zootropolis, or even co-director Chris Renaud’s Despicable Me, The Secret Life Of Pets introduces an engaging cast of characters, who could easily sustain a number of sequels. And, with the world established, there’s room for a little more innovation next time.” - Empire

What’s it rated?

Independence Day: Resurgence

20th Century Fox / YouTube

What we know

Uh oh, they’re ba-ack. If you’ve been waiting for a sequel to Independence Day, complete with massive special effects, this is the film for you. (Plus: Bonus Jeff Goldblum)

What the critics say

  • “Like its predecessor, Independence Day: Resurgence is a 50s B-movie writ extra-large. Critics who railed against the original film’s pulpy sensibility will probably find themselves enraged all over again. For the rest of us, Independence Day: Resurgence is another goofily entertaining July the 4th fireworks display.” - Den of Geek
  • “It’s technically and visually marvelous, but it’s hard not to get a little fatigued before the big finish . The was also little room for escalation after the initial, impressive reveals, which makes the ending feel flat.” - CNet

What’s it rated?

Which one would you go see first?


Poll Results:

Independence Day: Resurgence (2361)
The Secret Life of Pets (895)
Elvis and Nixon (376)

Your Voice
Readers Comments
24
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.