Movies Out This Weekend: 'Battle Of The Sexes,' 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle,' 'Victoria And Abdul,' 'Stronger'

This weekend is chock full of movies of every genre. First up are two inspiring true stories: "Battle of the Sexes" stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell and recounts the epic match between tennis legends Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, while "Stronger" stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Jeff Bauman, a victim-turned-hero who shows strength and courage following the Boston Marathon bombing.

Adventure seekers will love "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," which is a sequel to the original spy flick starring Taron Egerton, Halle Berry and Colin Firth.

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? There's "The LEGO Ninjago Movie," starring Dave Franco and Jackie Chan.

Here's what to see and what to skip this weekend.

Opening This Weekend

“Battle of the Sexes” — Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, directed by Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton

Based on the legendary 1973 tennis match that pitted Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) against Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), “Battle of the Sexes” centers on the private and complex lives of the two tennis superstars against the backdrop of rampant sexism and gender inequality in the 1970s. Although the match had far- reaching social implications, the tennis champions’ personal stakes were extremely high. This dramedy serves up an ace in acting, direction, screenplay and production design.

See it. The sporting spectacle was a massive game-changer in American culture.

Related: Interview With "Battle Of The Sexes" Star Andrea Riseborough

"Victoria and Abdul"— Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, directed by Stephen Frears

Stephen Frears reunites with his “Philomena” star Judi Dench in this enthralling story about the friendship between Queen Victoria (Dench) and a penniless young Indian man, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal). Set in 1887, the film chronicles the special bond they shared as Her Majesty treated the young servant as if he were her own son, even making him her personal teacher despite the royal court’s opposition.

See it. Dench’s range as an actress is in full display in this lavishly rendered period drama.

"Kingsman: The Golden Circle"— Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Halle Berry, directed by Matthew Vaughn

Remember the team of undercover spies from “Kingsman: The Secret Service"? Well, they’re back for the sequel after the 2014 original mega-hit made a whopping $418.5 million worldwide. Also returning is Matthew Vaughn to direct the new epic adventure, which unites the Kingsman team with their cousins across the pond, the Statesman, to battle an evil empire. Brimming with wild action sequences, colorful direction, an impressive cast and razor-sharp script, this movie has something in it for everyone. Check out Patch’s coverage of the movie premiere in London.

See it. Did we tell you that Sir Elton John makes a funny cameo appearance?

“Stronger” — Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, directed by David Gordon Green

An inspiring true story of courage in the face of tragedy, this movie follows the story of Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal), a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing who helped identify the bomber. A film adaptation of his memoir of the same name, “Stronger,” celebrates Bauman’s heroism and his willpower to face the harsh realities of the aftermath — both of his legs had to be amputated.

See it. Transcending inspirational drama clichés, the movie shines with Gyllenhaal’s Oscar-caliber performance.

“The LEGO Ninjago Movie” — Dave Franco, Jackie Chan, directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher

The third installment in the LEGO movie franchise focuses on the characters from its ninja-themed line. In this animated movie, ninja Lloyd Garmadon (voiced by Dave Franco) and his fellow young ninjas set out on a dangerous journey to find their inner strength. How exactly? Master Wu (voiced by Jackie Chan) comes to the rescue.

See it. Despite lacking the pizzazz of its predecessors, it’s entertaining enough for the whole family to enjoy.

"Friend Request"— Alycia Debnam-Carey, William Mosely, Liesl Ahlers, directed by Simon Verhoeven

Alycia Debnam-Carey stars as popular college student Laura who accepts a cyber friend request from one of her loner classmates. She soon finds herself in the throes of a sinister force, and people close to her start dying. Sound too familiar? Yes, it does— reminding us of “Unfriended” and “The Den.” Although the movie has a good amount of shocks and jolts, die-hard horror fans might find them rather unconvincing and dull.

Skip it. By the end, the 92-minute horror flick is not chillingly memorable.

Check out trailers:

More movie news:

• Stars Shine At 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle' World Premiere
• Reviews of 'Mother!,' American Assassin,' 'Brad's Status,' 'First They Killed My Father'
• Reviews of 'It,' 'Home Again' And 'Rebel in the Rye'
• 5 Most-Anticipated Films From 2017 Toronto International Film Festival
• What's New On Netflix: September 2017

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  Top photo: Emma Stone attends the "Battle of the Sexes" premiere on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Fox Searchlight Pictures)