Freeze Frame: “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse” (R), “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (PG), “Things Heard and Seen” (TV-MA), “Four Good Days” (R), “YouthMin” (Not rated)

Michael B. Jordan steps into the role of Navy Seal and CIA operative John Clark in the involving action drama, “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse.” The plot has been updated from the Viet Nam era to contemporary times to provide an origin story for Clark, who attempts to thwart a plot to instigate war between the US and Russia. Jordan fits the role well and while the plot requires considerable suspension of disbelief, “Without Remorse” is a rousing, high voltage thriller.

 

“The Mitchells vs. the Machines” is an energetic and snappy animated sci-fi farce about how one nerdy dysfunctional family attempts to save mankind from a robo-apocalypse. It’s a goofy but entertaining family feature infused with a surprising amount of heart.

 

“Things Heard & Seen” is a creepy, well-acted ghost story. Amanda Seyfried stars as a woman who begins to see apparitions when her self-absorbed husband takes a professor’s job at a small, rural college. The filmmakers create an eerie atmosphere that carries the movie even as it goes a bit off the rails in the finale.

 

Glenn Close and Mila Kunis star in “Four Good Days,” a drama inspired by a true story. Close plays the long-suffering mom of a heroin addict, played by Kunis, who makes multiple agonizing attempts at sobriety. The cast is fine, but the film is a one-note affair that lacks a dramatic arc.  “Four Good Days” is well intentioned, but an excruciating watch

 

The dotty comedy “YouthMin” is a mockumentary about an inept and egocentric youth minister who takes a diverse group of teens to a Christian summer camp. It doesn’t all work, but it’s a genial indie that could provide inspiration to budding filmmakers who need an example of what can be done on a meager budget.

 

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.


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