Weekend Movies: Mixed Reviews for “Uncle Drew,” “Sicario 2,” raves for “Leave No Trace”

sic“Sicario” was a movie that needed no sequel. It set up a quest, twisted and turned — with shocking moments of violence — until that quest was at an end. Like too few action pictures these days, it gave us closure, a sense of completion. It dared to leave us wanting more. Lionsgate had a modest hit on its hands, and more importantly, a good movie, one that’s as rewatchable as it was surprising.

Then Sony got its hands on the property, more money was involved and here we have a sequel. As I said in my review, I loved “Sicario,” “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” I liked — much more conventional. And then the third act took even that away. Early reviews entailed a lot of underwear changing over “Soldado.” Then the better critics weighed in and poof, there goes the “masterpiece” silliness, right out the door.

Kudos to “Uncle Drew” director Charles Stone III. Check out the performances he got out of Kyrie Irving, Shaq, Reggie Miller and especially Chris Webber in this comedy. Pepsi did the proof of concept, that NBA stars of today, done up in old age makeup, old school track suits, surprising and skunking “young bloods” on the playground, is funny. Stone’s film took that to a (slightly) new level. He needed a better non-baller lead, and the script, despite the delights of seeing these “old men” dazzling on the court and surprise on the dance floor, has too few funny ideas to pay off. Mixed reviews for this one, too.

Neither of these two films should challenge “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” which will plummet on its second weekend, or “Incredibles 2,” which is sure to hold audience another weekend. Box Office Mojo figures these two newcomers, both being established “brands,” will manage $17 or so. That’s selling the family-friendly farce “Drew” short. I’d be surprised if it didn’t clear $25.

“Leave No Trace,” the wilderness, off-the-grid vet (Ben Foster) raising his daughter in the woods drama, has earned great reviews but is going into limited release.

“Dark River,” a superb British “battle my personal demons when I return to the family farm” drama starring the formidable Ruth Wilson, is terrific and worth checking out if it’s showing in your neck of the woods.

“World” should manage another $50, 60 million this weekend, and anything below $50 will suggest buyer’s remorse and audience finally coming to its senses. If “Incredibles 2” does close to $50, it just might be close.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor” should stick around the top ten one more week. Go see it while you have the chance.

About Roger Moore

Movie Critic, formerly with McClatchy-Tribune News Service, Orlando Sentinel, published in Spin Magazine, The World and now published here, Orlando Magazine, Autoweek Magazine
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