What to watch in theaters and at home this weekend Aug. 18-20, 2023

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The week's biggest releases are "Strays” and “Blue Beetle.” “Strays” is a raunchy road comedy with talking dogs. It's essentially "The Incredible Journey" told by a 13-year-old child that is obsessed with sex and body functions. Voices provided by the likes of Will Ferrell, Jamie, Foxx, Ilsa Fisher, Randall Park. Personally, I’d like those 93 minutes back. However, there are plenty of good reviews floating out on the interweb. If you think the trailer is hilarious, you’ll probably like the film itself.

“Blue Beetle,” the latest film in the DC Universe. Warner Bros. decided not to screen the film for local critics. There was a time when that was a clear indicator of how the studio felt about the film. In recent times, it’s a way to save money. So, I caught a screening last night. It’s a standalone, there’s no obvious connect to any of the previous films that would require any reconning if James Gunn really wants to keep the character as-is for the future. It’s a little silly and juvenile, but so are the Superman films from the’80s and even Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films had their kookiness. “Blue Beetle” felt a lot like “Bumblebee” without John Cena getting in the way.

In limited release is a solid sci-fi/horror film called “Birth/Rebirth.” I saw the movie at Sundance earlier this year and itt’s an inventive spin on the classic Frankenstein story. Smart and creepy. Loved it.

Those wanting to stay indoors have a few options including a new Peanuts (or Snoopy Presents, as it appears to have been rebranded) feature on Apple TV+. Sticking with animated films, there is also “The Monkey King” on Netflix. Horror fans can turn to Shudder for “Bad Things.”

I’ll be sitting down with a pair of episodes from “Ahsoka.” I really, really want it to blow me away. I’ll let you know how that goes next week.

Strays

Studio Synopsis:When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug (Will Forte; The Last Man on Earth, Nebraska), Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose.But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug (Oscar winner Jamie Foxx), a stray who loves his freedom and believes that owners are for suckers, Reggie finally realizes he was in a toxic relationship and begins to see Doug for the heartless sleazeball that he is.
Reaction: Vulgar and crude, "Strays" will divide audiences. If you like the trailer, you'll probably enjoy the movie. [Review]
Where to Watch: Theaters

Blue Beetle

Studio Synopsis:Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE.
Reaction: Influenced by superhero films of the late 80's and '90s, "Blue Beetle" exudes matinee vibes.It’s coherent and fun. A solid popcorn film.
Where to Watch: Theaters

Birth/Rebirth

Studio Synopsis:A single mother and a childless morgue technician are bound together by their relationship to a little girl they have reanimated from the dead.Reaction: A great horror/thriller with sci-fi elements
Where to Watch: Theaters

Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie

Studio Synopsis:Sometimes the people who make the biggest difference, aren’t the ones who grab the spotlight. In “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” the latest Apple Original Peanuts special, we get to see first-hand how our lovable introvert, Marcie, makes a monumental difference from behind the scenes both for her friends and her community. To train for the school golf championship, Marcie assists Peppermint Patty as her caddie, offering thoughtful and deliberate advice to help her win. Meanwhile, after coming up with brilliant solutions to her classmates’ problems – from hallway traffic jams to lunchtime pizza shortages – Marcie is unexpectedly elected as class president...a role she never wanted. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Marcie struggles to cope with the expectations of her new job and retreats as far from the public eye as possible. As the golf championship begins, Marcie is still in hiding and Peppermint Patty is forced to tee off with Charlie Brown filling in as her caddie. But after some wise advice and a little introspection, Marcie realizes she can still make a difference for her friends and the school – she’ll just have to buck other people’s expectations and do it her own unique way.
Where to Watch: Apple TV+

The Monkey King

Studio Synopsis:The Monkey King is an action-packed family comedy that follows a charismatic Monkey and his magical fighting Stick on an epic quest for victory over 100 demons, an eccentric Dragon King, and Monkey’s greatest foe of all —his own ego! Along the way, a young village girl challenges his self-centered attitude and shows him that even the smallest pebble can have a big effect on the world.
Where to Watch: Netflix

Bad Things

Studio Synopsis:When a group of friends escape the city to spend the weekend in an abandoned hotel, a pervading eerie energy begins to illuminate the cracks in their little family unit. Ruthie Nodd (Gayle Rankin) inherits the hotel from her grandmother and with bad childhood memories threatening to burst to the surface, Ruthie wants to sell the hotel and never return. But her partner Cal (Hari Nef) drags her there in the hopes of returning it to its former glory. They are joined by their amiable friend Maddie (Rad Pereira) and mysterious grifter Fran (Annabelle Dexter-Jones), whose unhinged seduction threatens to drive a wedge between the couple. As the friends dance, cook, flirt, and fight up and down the halls of the hotel, they begin to find themselves indelibly entwined in the hotel’s seductive embrace and start doing bad things to each other.
Where to Watch: Shudder