Freeze Frame: “Spaceman” (R), “Kung Fu Panda 4” (PG), “Damsel” (PG-13)

In the Netflix sci-fi flick “Spaceman,” Adam Sandler plays a cosmonaut who befriends a giant space spider. No, this ain’t a comedy. “Spaceman” is a slow-moving but thoughtful drama from the director of the acclaimed series, “Chernobyl.” It attempts to tackle some thorny existential questions. Sandler plays a Czech cosmonaut sent solo to explore a mysterious glowing space cloud beyond Jupiter. He and the wise space spider chat about his strained relationship with his pregnant wife back on Earth, played by Carrie Mulligan. While “Spaceman” doesn’t deliver on its promise of enlightenment, it’s a modestly effective psychoanalysis session.

Jack Black is back as the voice of Po, the dumpling-loving martial arts master in the Dreamworks animated comedy, “Kung Fu Panda 4.” New to the voice cast are Awkafina and Viola Davis. It’s exactly what you’d expect, a fast paced, well animated farce with plenty of frenetic action and goofy humor. In other words, “Kung Fu Panda 4” delivers the same qualities that made the first three movies box office hits. Undoubtedly, it will have fans saying, “Skadoosh!”

Millie Bobby Brown of “Stranger Things” fame stars in the Netflix medieval action fantasy, “Damsel.” She plays a young woman tricked into marrying a prince. Problem is, she’s to be used as a sacrifice to a fire-breathing dragon. It’s workmanlike and Brown is an appealing heroine, but don’t be fooled. “Damsel” is not Disney, and this fairytale is too dark and violent for the kiddies. Still, “Damsel” is a reasonably entertaining bit of mythology with modern feminist sensibilities.

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