Movies Out This Weekend: 'Tomb Raider,' 'Journey's End' And More

With a hostage crisis based on a true story, an epic World War 1 film and a new actress filling Angelina Jolie's boots as Lara Croft, adventure seekers have plenty of entertainment to look forward to this weekend.

In the gripping war movie “Journey’s End,” Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany and Asa Butterfield play military soldiers grappling with the chaos of the first World War. The “Tomb Raider” reboot is also finally hitting theaters, with Alicia Vikander showing her true grit as Lara Croft.

Looking to watch an emotional journey rather than a physical one? “Love, Simon” is a touching coming-of-age story in which Nick Robinson plays a teenager who doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online.

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

Movies Out This Weekend

“Tomb Raider” — Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, directed by Roar Uthaug

Based on the popular video game franchise, this reboot of the 2001 classic stars Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, a 21-year-old woman whose eccentric and wealthy father (Dominic West) vanished when she was just a teenager.

Extremely fierce and determined to solve the riddle of his disappearance, our modernized heroine embarks on a perilous adventure, armed only with a puzzle box containing a clue to her father’s fate. As her personal quest unfolds, Lara uncovers her father’s last known destination, where she will have to endure the ultimate test of courage and resolve in order to survive.

See it. With Vikander's authentic and gritty take on the iconic character, this epic adventure shines both viscerally and visually, notwithstanding a somewhat uncompelling third act.

Watch the trailer:

“Love, Simon” — Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, directed by Greg Berlanti

Greg Berlanti’s film adaptation of Becky Albertalli’s young adult novel “Simon Vs. The Homo Sapien’s Agenda” is a poignant coming-of-age feature about being true to yourself and falling in love for the first time.

Starring Nick Robinson in the titular role, the film centers around 17-year-old Simon Spier, a high school student struggling with his sexual identity. The teenager is not openly gay, but as he strikes up an online relationship with an anonymous male classmate of his, Simon needs to make hard decisions to claim his happiness and place in the world.

See it. This well-acted and well-thought-out rom-com is very relatable and engaging. The romance is euphoric; the comedy is contagious!

Watch the trailer:

“Journey’s End” — Paul Bettany, Asa Butterfield, Sam Claflin, directed by Saul Dibb

The latest film adaptation of R.C. Sheriff’s 1928 stage drama, “Journey’s End” is about the invisible scars of war and its impact of fear on even the bravest of people.

Set during World War I, the movie tells the story of a British infantry company led by the war-weary Capt. Stanhope (Sam Claflin), along with his right-hand man Lt. Osborne (Paul Bettany) and the newly-drafted 2nd Lt. Raleigh (Asa Butterfield).

Over the course of five days, these men and their fellow soldiers face a number of trials and tribulations as they prepare for the looming German offensive that could end up killing them.

See it. With compelling performances from a talented cast as well as Saul Dibb’s brilliant direction, you can practically feel the chaos of war running through your veins.

Watch the trailer:

“7 Days In Entebbe” — Rosamund Pike, Daniel Bruhl, Eddie Marsan, directed by Jose Padilha

Inspired by true events, the story of one of the most daring rescue missions comes alive in Jose Padilha’s “7 Days In Entebbe.”

The movie chronicles a hostage crisis in the summer of 1976, when a French commercial jet en route from Tel Aviv to Paris is hijacked by two Palestinians and two left-wing German radicals (Rosamund Pike and Daniel Bruhl).

When the plane is diverted to Entebbe Airport in Uganda, the 248 plane passengers become bargaining chips in a mounting political standoff. As tensions rise, an elite squadron of Israeli commandos attempt to free the hostages before it’s too late.

Skip it. Disappointingly, the screenplay meanders with convoluted, preachy tones.

Watch the trailer:

More entertainment news:

• Movie Reviews of 'A Wrinkle in Time,' 'Gringo,' And More
• Movie Reviews of 'Red Sparrow,' 'Death Wish,' And 'Foxtrot'
• What's New On Netflix: March 2018
• Patch Living: Your March Entertainment Guide

Top Photo: Alicia Vikander attends the premiere of “Tomb Raider” at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 12, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images/Warner Bros)