Freeze Frame: “Luca” (PG), “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” (R), “Fatherhood” (PG-13)

Even lesser Pixar offerings are better than most of their competitors’ work. Such is the case with “Luca,” a sweet and beautifully animated fantasy about the adventures of some nice sea monsters. Two young ocean dwellers near the Italian Riviera venture onto land and discover they turn human whenever they’re out of the water. It’s no classic, but “Luca” has just enough warmth and humor to appeal to both adults and kids and has a gentle message of tolerance. “Luca” is a minor charmer.

“The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” is a sequel to the 2017 comic action flick “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.” Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek are back in another goofy, over-the-top and chaotic extravaganza of violence and mayhem. At least they get to riff and blow people away against the background of dozens of beautiful European locales. If your idea of a good time is a high body count, sarcastic banter and a script that bludgeons you with F-bombs, then “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” may be the movie for you. To others, it will feel like being mugged on a rickety roller coaster.

Comedian Kevin Hart goes for a serious change of pace with the comic drama “Fatherhood.” He plays a man struggling to bring up his daughter alone after his wife tragically dies shortly after giving birth. There’s a lot that seems derivative in the familiar beats of the plot, but an appealing cast and the film’s tender nature enable it to gloss over some of its flaws. The real litmus test is one’s reaction to Hart’s performance. Is it earnest or affected? In any case, “Fatherhood” is a tender homage to those who embrace the paternal challenge.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.

Share This Episode