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

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Starring: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, and Hugh Grant
Synopsis: Based on the old spy show from the 1960s, "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." takes the action back to the Cold War and tells the story of an American spy, a Russian spy, and the mission that unites them despite all their differences. Director Guy Ritchie ("Sherlock Holmes," "Snatch") gives this story a modern sheen and, judging by the way the film ended, hopes to build a film franchise. Audiences didn't flock to see the movie. I think it's in part because it's not as popular a classic show among new audiences and in part because the film lacks a defined star. It was also hard to tell from the trailer what the movie would be like. I liked "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." for what it was, and I could see future installments working well, too. I liked Cavill and Hammer in the lead roles, and Vikander was great as part of the team, too. The story was a little hard to follow and wasn't incredibly compelling, but the characters and the setting made the movie entertaining. If nothing else, Ritchie has a talent for doing classy action sequences.
Rating: PG-13 for action violence, some suggestive content, and partial nudity.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Max
Starring: Thomas Haden Church, Lauren Graham, and Josh Wiggins
Synopsis: This little movie slipped out in theaters in the end of June and didn't make a huge splash at the Box Office. I missed it when it first came out but picked it up at the dollar theater in town this weekend. It's about a family in Texas that gets the service dog from their eldest son after he's killed in combat. That leaves his younger brother (Wiggins) to care for the dog and bond with it, while at the same time finding a way to make peace with his father. It's billed as a family story, and it is, but it's also somewhat of a drama, as the younger brother and dog have to figured out the truth behind what happened to the brother that died, and what his best friend is hiding. This movie has tender moments, comedic moments and a good pace. It's an enjoyable watch and well worth seeking out in the dog days of summer.
Rating: PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Straight Outta Compton
Starring: O'Shea Jackson, Jr., Jason Mitchell, Corey Hawkins, and Paul Giamatti
Synopsis: Biopics have to walk a tightrope. They’re telling the story of real people, so the end point and the major points in the story are part of history. But they also have to capture context and depth. The best biopics present an unvarnished picture of their subjects — a warts and all approach to telling the story. The people aren’t saints, but there is something compelling about their story that needs to be told. Most people are familiar with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre at this point. Maybe they know them from movies or the world’s nicest headphones. But before all that — in the late 1980s in Compton, Calif., the pair were aspiring emcees that had a unique perspective on the world. Everyone probably remembers the controversy around NWA and some of their songs, but “Straight Outta Compton” is about their friendship, their personal story and what inspired those inflammatory lyrics. From that standpoint, the film is a success, and one of the more dynamic films of summer. “Straight Outta Compton” isn’t an easy movie to watch, and it isn’t for everyone. Rap music, when done well, can be a lyrical way of sharing ones experience with the world. It can be like poetry set to the backdrop of a killer beat. But not everyone appreciates that. The contribution that N.W.A., and in particular that Ice Cube and Dr. Dre have made to the genre is undeniable. But for those that simply can’t get past the adult content, thumping bass or attitude in the music, “Straight Outta Compton” will be a rough watch. In addition, as part of the warts and all approach to telling the story, there are a number of party sequences that feature plenty of rough, adult content. I didn’t go to the movie hoping to see lavish parties or because I needed to spend 147 minutes listening to these songs. I went because there is a part of the story that I find fascinating and poignant even today. Even if you don’t resonate with the music, it’s hard not to appreciate that many of the songs come from a place of honesty — of hurt and struggle — that is representative of not just their experience in Compton in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but is true of many neighborhoods today. When you think about the continued struggle between men of color and the police that persists, this is a story that becomes more fascinating. Some of N.W.A.’s lyrics might have been offensive, but so was the treatment and experience that inspired the rhymes. That’s an important part of the story that often gets left out. In terms of filmmaking, I appreciated the performances of Jackson, Jr. — Ice Cube’s real life son — Hawkins and Mitchell. They brought these people to life, gave the story depth and provided some emotional heft. Giamatti is good in his role, too. There’s been some controversy — mostly created by Heller — about the portrayal in the film, but it’s a fascinating piece of history. And I was impressed that the film — which is produced by Ice Cube and Dr. Dre — doesn’t portray any of them as saints, just real people with passion and a unique perspective trying to make it in the world. There is a reason this film soared at the Box Office last weekend. You might not appreciate their art, but it’s hard not to appreciate their story and their struggle.
Rating: R for language throughout, strong sexuality/nudity, violence, and drug use. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, August 21 - "Sinister 2," "Hitman: Agent 47," "American Ultra"

Friday, August 28 - "Regression," "We Are Your Friends"