Freeze Frame: “Tolkien” (PG-13), “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” (PG), “The Hustle” (PG-13), “Red Joan” (R)

The early years of author J.R.R. Tolkien are the focus of the lethargic biopic, “Tolkien.” Nicholas Hoult plays the “Lord of the Rings” scribe who suffered multiple losses in his youth. Lily Collins portrays his lover and muse, Edith Bratt. Although it’s sincere, “Tolkien” never provides much insight into the novelist’s imagination.

 

The vocal wisecracks of Ryan Reynolds provide most of the entertainment value in “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu,” a beautifully produced comic mystery featuring the popular video game characters. The visuals are impressive and the cast is likable, but the storyline gets overly complex for young kids who are, ostensively, the movie’s main audience. “Detective Pikachu” is amiable enough, but no “Zootopia,” which may have been its inspiration.

 

Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson star in “The Hustle,” a gender flip remake of “Dirty

Rotten Scoundrels,” which was, in turn, also a remake. Hathaway plays a sophisticated con-woman whose territory is invaded by a brash, uncouth Australian upstart, played by Wilson. While it certainly has its funny moments, this broad and goofy comedy is merely the third-best big screen version of this story.

 

Dame Judi Dench has a supporting role in the drama, “Red Joan,” loosely based on a true story. Dench plays the older version of a British woman who spied for the KGB from the 30s through the 90s, supplying the Russians with British nuclear secrets. In flashback, young Joan is played by Sophie Cookson. Although well-acted, “Red Joan” is oddly sluggish and dispassionate.

 

Also opening this week, “Charlie Says” is a drama about the women who fell under the spell of Charles Manson. “Faith, Hope and Love” is a faith-based rom-com about a couple who enter a dance contest. “Poms” is a comedy about a woman who stars a cheerleading squad at her retirement home. Diane Keaton and Pam Grier star.