Freeze Frame: “The Intruder” (R), “The Long Shot” (R), “UglyDolls” (PG)

Dennis Quaid may be best-known for his good-guy roles in movies like “The Rookie” and “The Right Stuff.” But he takes a successful turn to the dark side in the new thriller, “The Intruder.” Meagan Goode and Michael Ealy play a nice couple who buy Quaid’s lovely Napa Valley home. Problem is, the strange senior citizen refuses to leave. At first, he just pesters them. As time goes on, he becomes a terrifying menace.

 

“The Intruder” is a throwback to the horror movies of the 80s, replete with growing tension and collective jump scares. Writer/director Deon Taylor pulls out all of the stops with moments that serve as homage to other classic creepfests. It doesn’t plow any new ground, but “The Intruder” a modestly effective suspense flick.

 

Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan star in “The Long Shot,” a raunchy R-rated comedy about the unlikely romance between a stoner journalist and the Secretary of State of the United States. The premise stretches credibility to the limit, but Theron is always watchable and Rogen handles the bawdy material with his usual free-and-easy timing. It’s predictably silly, but “The Long Shot” is good for a few off-color laughs.

 

“UglyDolls” is the latest computer animated musical comedy inspired by the popular brand of plush toys. Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monáe and Nick Jonas are among the cast members who provide both the acting and singing voices. While passable, its themes have been handled better in countless other movies.

 

Also opening this week, “Sunset” is a Hungarian historical drama set in Budapest just prior to WW I. “The Brink” is a documentary about right-wing firebrand Steve Bannon. “Ask Dr. Ruth” is a documentary about tiny 90-year-old sex therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer. “I Trapped the Devil” is a horror film about a man who locked someone in his basement who he believes to be Satan.


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