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

Cut Throat City (Netflix)
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, T.I., Terrence Howard, Shameik Moore, Keenan Johnson, Denzel Whitaker, and Demetrius Shipp Jr.
Synopsis: Woof. This ultra-violent gangster film was directed by The RZA of the Wu Tang Clan, and was released in the spring of 2020. It's set in New Orleans, specifically the Lower Ninth Ward, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Four friends (Moore, Johnson, Whitaker and Shipp, Jr.) can't find work or provide for their family in the aftermath of the tragedy, so they turn to a life of crime. It doesn't work out that great. This one is dark, violent and uneven. It has some big names, like Hawke, Howard and Snipes, who have roles on the fringes. Mostly it centers on the young men. Moore, who was great as Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, is probably the best of the leads here. I didn't care for the story or the production, and I was relieved when it ended. This is a violent mess that you can safely skip.
Rating: R for violence, pervasive language, drug content, some sexual material and nudity.
Verdict: One Star out of four

Finding Ohana (Netflix)
Starring: Kelly Hu, Ke Huy Quan, Lindsay Watson, Branscombe Richmond, Owen Vaccaro, Kea Peahu, and Alex Aiono
Synopsis: This latest family adventure sees a couple teens (Peahu and Aiono) head home to Hawaii with their mother (Hu) to take care of an ailing and struggling family member (Richmond). Money troubles threaten to force them to lose their home in New York, so they set out with a pair of friends (Watson and Vaccaro) looking for a long lost treasure that could be the answer to all their problems. They find thrills, chills, danger and adventure along the way. This one feels an awful lot like The Goonies at times, and that includes co-starring Quan, who played Data in that film. There are some fun moments and this one has a nice, family-friendly story. It's a decent watch if not as memorable as the other films it seeks to emulate. If you're looking for a fun watch for viewers of all ages, this is a great option.
Rating: PG for language, crude references, adventure action and some suggestive comments.
Verdict: Two Stars out of four

I Care A Lot (Netflix)
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Eiza González, Peter Dinklage, Isiah Whitlock, Jr., Chris Messina, and Dianne Wiest
Synopsis: This original film finds Pike starring as Marla Grayson, a shrewd operator who has carved out her own mini-empire as the legal guardian for adults that can't take care of themselves. In many cases, she's used her network of doctors to get these rulings whether it's the truth or not. Her latest target (Wiest) appears to be the perfect, vulnerable older woman with no family. But it soon becomes clear that Marla has accidentally stepped into something that threatens her business and her life. She squares off against a ruthless man (Dinklage) who will do anything to free his mother, and it becomes a high stakes game of cat-and-mouse. This is an engaging film that ends up taking a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I thought Wiest was good, and Dinklage made a good foil, but the heavy lifting here is carried by Pike, who is exceptional in the lead role. This is one of the better films I've seen this year and could put Pike on the short list this expanded awards season.
Rating: R for language throughout and some violence.
Verdict: Three stars out of four

Pelè (Netflix)
Synopsis: This new Netflix documentary traces the run from 1958 to 1970 when Pele won three World Cups and became an international soccer icon. It's told through interviews and file footage, covering not only the action on the field but what was happening in Brazil and the rest of the world during that time. It's a fascinating look at a great athlete and his historical run. I thought the film was well put together and engaging, particularly for those that enjoy a good sports documentary. If you're a fan of soccer, or just want to learn more about Pele and his career, check this one out.
Rating: TV-14
Verdict: Three stars out of four

Penguin Bloom (Netflix)
Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Naomi Watts, and Jacki Weaver
Synopsis: This biopic follows the true story of Sam Bloom (Watts), a wife and mother of three who was injured during a fall while on vacation in Thailand. The fall did permanent damage to her spine and put her in a wheel chair. In the aftermath, Sam struggled to find purpose and move forward with her life, despite the support of her husband (Lincoln), mother (Weaver) and children. When her son (Felix Cameron) finds a penguin that needs help, it becomes the inspiration for Sam and the rest of the family to get back on a better path. This one is a feel good story that doesn't wear out its welcome. Watts gives a strong lead performance, and I liked Lincoln here too. This is a decent cast and an interesting story of triumph that will inspire others who have their own hurdles to climb.
Rating: TV-14
Verdict: Three stars out of four