A mixed bag of movies opens this weekend at local theaters.

Shazam! is a winner because of its laugh-out-loud humor and the chemistry and character kneaded into what could have been a very cheesy and dull adventure movie if handled with less clarity and levity.

While the film is bland from my point of view, the kids I was surrounded by in the theater did seem to enjoy it.

Anyone who has seen more than a few Westerns would likely be able to predict the film’s climax, but I still enjoyed making my way through the movie to the expected end.

If you are headed to the movies this week and aren’t planning to see the latest ‘Captain Marvel,’ there are some decent-looking choices.

For me, the film fits squarely in the middle of the 20 plus Marvel movies that have been released so far.

The humorous script hits all the right notes propelling the story along with conflict, danger, and action.

I couldn’t have been more stunned if The Rock had laid me out with The People’s Elbow after watching writer-director Stephen Merchant’s latest movie Fighting With My Family.

The film is a black comedy, and some of the setups and deaths of Tree are admittedly funny, but the gag gets a bit long in the tooth.

The movie is filled with funny gags and cute cameos that hit way more often than they miss.

It’s an earnest but fun reimagining of the King Arthur legend, but with a twist. This time the kids are running the castle.

While the Oscar ceremony is almost a month away, here’s my too early guesses who might bring home the hardware in the major categories.

Shyamalan’s message to be wary of society stifling the individual is nice, but I would have preferred a bit more action built in to my super-hero morality play.

It’s conceivable that Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart could make a funny even touching dramedy together, but ‘The Upside’ just isn’t it.

McKay, who cut his teeth directing silly comedies, has proven to be one of the most inventive and daring directors.

If director James Wan’s latest film accomplishes anything, it makes sure that Aquaman will no longer be the butt of every third-rate comedian’s joke.

The animation is stunningly beautiful, but like the best Spider-Man tales from the comics, the story is full of heart and centered on family and sacrifice.

This week is the calm before the storm. The floodgates are just waiting to burst forth as the Christmas movie-going season draws nigh.

The Front Runner is a movie that ultimately asks questions that are more interesting than the the film itself.

It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year at local movie theaters.

I enjoyed reading J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter novels as well as watching the previous films. I can’t say the same about the latest venture into the wizarding world.