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Thief Edgin (Chris Pine) and Warrior Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) set out on a quest for a magic relic. But, along the way an encounter with Lord Forge (Hugh Grant) goes most foul and the duo must band together with a host of unlikely characters to free the people of Forge’s fiefdom and certain death.Written by Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, and Michael Gilio and Directed by Goldstein and Francis Daley this very PG-13 romp into D&D lore and legend sets up what could very easily be the next fantasy world and series of films intent on draining your wallet. Stale in story and plot this Macguffin driven narrative does little to bring new ideas to the table and instead relies on its cascading action set pieces, stiff attempts at humor, and ho hum wizardry to make a splash. That is to say, for a film based on a game largely played out in the imaginations of its participants, the lack of imagination involved here is disappointing. Still, its nice to see that Hollywood hasn’t totally given up on the genre, perhaps we’ll get a more compelling story on the next roll. Running two hours and 14 minutes, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is rated PG-13.

After becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the world, Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) seems to be in a good place, strong family life, thriving gym, nice house, all indicators point to the good life. But, when an old childhood friend, Damian (Jonathan Majors), is released from prison, Adonis is called back to the ring for one more fight, a grudge match that’s been a lifetime in the making.Written by Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin, and Ryan Coogler, and Directed by Michael B. Jordan this jump back into the Rocky universe delivers some of the heaviest hitting blows and transporting boxing cinematography leaving the viewer stunned from the time the bell first rings. But for all the punches that land, the emotional impact of the story overall still seems to miss a beat or two leaving the viewer a bit underwhelmed by the overall character arcs involved. Additionally, a few cheese whiz edits and CGI added for dramatic effect and stylistics manage to detract more than add to the narrative. Also, noticeably absent this go round, Bill Conti’s ever famous “Gonna Fly Now” from the film’s score, bummer, was really hoping to hear that infused one last time, then again also absent, Sly Stallone, although he was a producer on the film, so, perhaps this was all intentional, leaving room for Jordan to put his signature on the Rocky Franchise in his own way. Running one hour and 56 minutes, Creed III is rated PG-13.

Inspired by actual events in 1985 surrounding a crashed drug runner’s plane in Georgia, missing cocaine, and the apex predator/black bear that ate the stash; a handful of unlikely players, park rangers, drug dealers, parents and kids alike find themselves wrapped up in the rampage. The rules are simple, keep your nose clean enough to kill or be killed, but who will walk away?Written by Jimmy Warden and Directed by Elizabeth Banks, this gruesome period piece embodies and replicates the spirit and feel of the decade it’s set in from art direction, acting style, and cinematic vision. Steeped in absurdity, this horrific ride delivers gallon for gallon, kilo for kilo, the most blood we’ve seen on screen in quite some time, yet, acerbic humor cuts the edge and keeps things moving. So, for all of its short comings in editing and continuity, Banks has faithfully re-created a horror/thriller B-film spark that children of the 80’s will be familiar with. High cinema (no pun intended), not even close, screwball romp, absolutely. Enjoy it for what it is, entertainment that doesn’t overstay its welcome with a runtime of 95 minutes. Cocaine Bear is rated R….surprise.