Freeze Frame: “The Kitchen” (R), “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” (PG), “Brian Banks” (PG-13), “Maiden” (PG), “Them That Follow” (R)

The mob drama “The Kitchen” is a bit undercooked. Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elizabeth Moss star in this ethically dubious thriller based on a comic book series. They play the wives of Irish mobsters who take over their husbands’ protection racket when the men are sent to prison. In spite of its fine cast, it never rings true. Last year’s drama “Widows” handled these gender-flipped themes much more effectively.

 

“Dora and the Lost City of Gold” is a live-action version of the popular cartoon, “Dora the Explorer.” Isabela Moner and her castmates are likeable and the adventure story is suitably wacky. It’s harmless, but if you can reach my elbow, you’re too tall for this movie.

 

“Brian Banks” is a true story about a gross miscarriage of justice. Aldis Hodge is fine as an innocent man and wannabe NFL player sent to prison on a false rape charge. The filmmaking is pedestrian, but “Brian Banks” inspiring just the same.

 

“Maiden” is a documentary about Tracy Edwards, a young British woman who skippered the first all-female crew on a dangerous round-the-world yacht race. It’s an involving feminist chronicle.

 

Terrific acting saves the laconic drama, “Them That Follow.” Alice Englert and Olivia Coleman star in the story of troubles that befall snake-handling Pentecostals in rural Appalachia. It’s earnest, but never quite catches fire.

 

Also opening this week, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a tearjerker about a racecar driver and his dog, voiced by Kevin Costner. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is a PG-13 rated horror film. “Light of My Life” is a post-apocalyptic drama starring Casey Affleck. “Rapid Eye Movement” is a thriller about a man who must stay awake for 11 days or be murdered. “Ecco” is drama about a retired assassin who tries to protect his family from his former employers.


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