Movies Out This Weekend: 'The Meg,' 'BlacKkKlansman' And More

This weekend, the new releases are certainly varied, ranging from sci-fi thrillers to romantic comedies.

In "The Meg," Jason Statham stars as a deep-sea rescue diver destined to face off against a prehistoric megalodon shark. Also headed to theaters is "BlacKkKlansman," starring John David Washington as a cop determined to take down an underground organization.

Meanwhile, "Dog Days" follows the lives of of a group of interconnected people and their dogs, featuring Nina Dobrev ,Vanessa Hudgens, and Eva Longoria.

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

Movies Out This Weekend

“The Meg” — Jason Statham, Li Bingbing directed by Jon Turteltaub

Jon Turteltaub’s sci-fi horror movie is a film adaptation of Steve Alten’s novel about a pre-historic 75-foot-long shark known as the Meg, short for megalodon.

In the film, Jason Statham plays Jonas Taylor, a former deep-sea rescue diver who is plagued by memories of a mega-shark attack that claimed the lives of his two friends.

Unfortunately, no one has ever believed Taylor’s story— that is, until now, when a megalodon suddenly emerges at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, threatening the lives of an oceanic-research crew trapped inside a deep-sea submersible.

With time running out, Taylor could be their last and only hope. Will he be able to save the crew's lives before it’s too late?

Skip it. While Statham is obviously a natural action hero, the movie, overall, is too formulaic and predictable to endure. By the end, it feels bland and forgettable.

Watch the trailer:

“BlacKkKlansman” — John David Washington, Adam Driver, directed by Spike Lee

Ron Stallworth’s 2014 memoir, “Black Klansman,” comes to life in Spike Lee’s dramedy, which is a depiction of how a black cop came to be a member of the Ku Klax Klan in the 1970s.

In the movie, John David Washington plays Stallworth, who, in the 70s, becomes the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Faced with skepticism and open hostility from the division’s rank and file, the cop decides to set out on a dangerous mission to infiltrate and expose the KKK.

Through a series of daring encounters, it doesn’t take long before the undercover detective is invited to meet members of the underground organization. What ensues will propel Stallworth to a trajectory that will change his life forever.

See it. “BlacKkKlansman” is a piercing, witty, and deliberative film, an exhilarating treat that is bound to engage audiences.

Watch the trailer:

“Dog Days” — Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, directed by Ken Marino

Ken Marino’s ensemble film is about people and their dogs in sunny Los Angeles. The romantic comedy highlights a series of subplots featuring a diverse cast of characters, both human and canine.

One of the highlights follows the story of news anchor Elizabeth (Nina Dobrev) and her new co-host Jimmy (Tone Bell) as their fluffy pals bond together. Then, there’s the love triangle between spunky barista Tara (Vanessa Hudgens), charming vet Dr. Mike (Michael Cassidy), and dog adoption owner Garrett (Jon Bass).

Meanwhile, Ruth (Jessica St. Clair) leaves her rambunctious mutt to the care of her brother, stoner musician Dax (Adam Pally). Last but not the least, there’s the story of a wistful pup, Mabel, which ultimately binds the Chapman couple (Eva Longoria and Rob Corddry), widower Walter (Ron Chephas Jones) and pizza delivery boy Tyler (Finn Wolfhard).

See it. While the film opens with a wobbly first act, “Dog Days” eventually manages to land on a solid ground full of delightful zingers, ad-libs, and one-liners.

Watch the trailer:

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Top Photo: Jason Statham (L) and Li Bingbing attend the Premiere of 'The Meg' on August 6, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)