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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

Another Round (Hulu)
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, and Magnus Millang
Synopsis: This film, nominated as Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director for Thomas Vinterberg by the Oscars, centers on four middle age men, all teachers, who are in a rut. The men come across a theory that maintaining a constant low level of alcohol in the blood will improve one's life. They under take the experiment with varying results. This is a film that has fun and funny moments, but also some heart-rending moments. Mikkelsen is great in the lead role, and I particularly liked the freedom in his performance in the third act. Vinterberg does a nice job putting the story together and delivering something interesting and unique. This was an enjoyable film and one that should be a front-runner for the Best Foreign Film category.
Rating: NA
Verdict: Three stars out of four

Church People (Limited)
Starring: Thor Ramsey, Erin Cahill, Michael Monks, Stephen Baldwin, and Joey Fatone
Synopsis: Faith-based films can be a toss up. This one, starring and co-written by Ramsey, a Christian comedian, takes a hard look at Evangelical mega churches. I was hoping to laugh going to this, and I did. But I was also moved. This doesn't just poke fun at the foibles of the church, it seeks to communicate what is really important, the heart of the Gospel. This is a fun, funny and, at times, poignant film. I caught a screening during the special presentation last week and I'm glad I did. The performances and characters a great, especially Ramsey as Youth Pastor Guy Sides. He is the heart of the film and I really enjoyed it. Also a special shout out to Baldwin who delivers one of the most interesting and engaging performances in the film. If you get a chance, go see this one!
Rating: NA
Verdict: Three stars out of four

Coming 2 America (Amazon Prime)
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and Shari Headley
Synopsis: This sequel to the John Landis film comes from Craig Brewer, who teamed with Murphy on Dolemite for Netflix. This one returns the cast from the original and offers a fun, original story. Murphy and Hall play a number of characters, as in the 1988 original, and this one sets more of the action back in Zumunda. This a fun and at times funny film that serves as a fitting homage and follow up to the original. It's not quite as good, but it's a nice piece of nostalgia, particularly for fans.
Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual content, language and drug content.
Verdict: Two stars out of four

Kid 90 (Hulu)
Synopsis: This new documentary comes from actress Soleil Moon Frye, who starred as Punky Brewster in the 1980s and in the rival released earlier this year. The film is comprised of the home video recordings she made of herself and all her friends, most fellow child stars, during the 1990s. It's a nostalgic look back at times, but also a reflection on the pressures and pitfalls of that life, and those lost far too soon. It's only about 70 minutes, and has some interesting interviews and sequences, but it also wears a bit thin at times. I was excited about the idea, but the execution was just OK. Still for those who were fans of these stars and shows, it's worth checking out.
Rating: TV-MA
Verdict: Two stars out of four

Moxie (Netflix)
Starring: Hadley Robinson, Lauren Tsai, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Amy Poehler
Synopsis: This new Netflix film tackles some of the tough moments of teen life, particularly for girls who feel like they don't have a voice or an advocate. The film centers on a high schooler (Robinson) who becomes frustrated with an oppressive culture and starts an anonymous publication that spawns a movement. The film co-stars Poehler, who directed the film, and takes a hard look at some tough issues. Some have had qualms with the story and execution, but I thought both worked well. This was an engaging and, at times, empowering film. I thought the story was solid and appreciated Robinson in the lead role.
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, strong language and sexual material, and some teen drinking.
Verdict: Three stars out of four

My Octopus Teacher (Netflix)
Synopsis: This documentary, streaming on Netflix, was one of five nominated for an Academy Award in the Documentary Feature category. It centers on Craig Foster, who forms an unusual bond with an octopus living in a kelp forest near South Africa. There is a lot of gorgeous under water footage, and the interviews with Foster tie the story and his learning lessons together. There are moments of beauty in the film, which runs about 85 minutes. However, I thought it was a little dry a times in terms of story and emotional resonance. It's fine and has some stunning visuals, but it will likely have a narrow appeal.
Rating: TV-G
Verdict: Two stars out of four

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (Netflix)
Synopsis: This was one of the five films nominated as Best Animated Feature for the Academy Awards. If follows the same clay-mation style of other Shaun the Sheep productions, and is a nearly 90 minute film devoid of dialogue. That's not to say it doesn't tell a sometimes funny, sometimes heart-warming story. In this one, when an alien with amazing powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun the Sheep goes on a mission to shepherd the visitor home. This has some fun moments, and if you're a fan of Shaun the Sheep, you'll get into the spirit here. It was an uneven year for animated films, but this wasn't one of my favorites. It's all right, but not incredible.
Rating: G
Verdict: Twos stars out of four

Yes Day (Netflix)
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez, Nat Faxon, and Jenny Ortega
Synopsis: This latest Netflix film centers on a couple of buckle down parents (Garner and Ramirez) who decide to cut loose and bond with their three kids with a Yes Day, a day when they say yes to everything. This is a fun, family film with a decent cast and a fun story. There are some wacky hijinks and laughs, and it comes in a nice, family-friendly package. This isn't deep or complicated, but it has some good performances. I particularly enjoyed the mother-daughter sequences with Garner and Ortega. This was a nice, light watch and a lot of fun.
Rating: PG for some rude and suggestive material, and brief language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four