Freeze Frame: “1992” (R), “Reagan” (PG-13), “You Gotta Believe” (PG), “The Deliverance” (R)

The crime drama “1992” is a typical thriller but is infused with social relevance. Tyrese Gibson plays a worker at a metals plant who winds up battling thieves out to steal platinum. Scott Eastwood and the late Ray Liotta are the bad guys using the chaos of the LA riots that ensued after the death of Rodney King to cover their tracks. It’s modestly effective despite some glaring plot holes.

The 40th President of the United States gets the movie biopic treatment in “Reagan.” Dennis Quaid plays the actor turned politician in a well-produced but superficial overview that the term “hagiography” was coined for. It’s less an insightful look at the man and more of a fawning idealization promoting a political viewpoint. While it skims the surface, “Reagan” is still an informative synopsis that should appeal to the Gipper’s many admirers.

Luke Wilson and Greg Kinnear headline the family friendly sports movie, “You Gotta Believe.” It tells the true story of a ragtag little league baseball team whose coach is afflicted with cancer. His struggles inspire them, propelling a team with little natural talent to the Little League World Series. The filmmaking is standard, but the heartwarming story carries the day.

Director Lee Daniels offers yet another rip-off of “The Exorcist.” In the dreary Netflix horror entry “The Deliverance,” Andra Day plays an alcoholic mother whose three children are threatened by an evil spirit. The only thing more prevalent than cliches are f-bombs. I suspect that Day and the talented cast that includes Glenn Close, Mo’Nique and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor would like their names exorcised from the credits.


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