Weekend Movie Guide: 'Skyscraper,' 'Hotel Transylvania 3,' More

This weekend's new releases span a variety of genres, but they all center around family and acceptance.

First up is the colossal action adventure "Skyscraper," in which Dwayne Johnson plays a war veteran-turned-risk assessor faced with high-stakes decisions. Meanwhile, "Eighth Grade" dazzles with Elsie Fisher in her breakthrough performance as an eighth grader beset with adolescent awkwardness.

Also making a splash this weekend is the animated comedy "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation," which stars Adam Sandler as hotelier Count Dracula as well as Selena Gomez as his daughter, Mavis.

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

Movies Out This Weekend

“Skyscraper” — Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber

High-stakes action flick “Skyscraper” is the second collaboration between Dwayne Johnson and writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber following their highly successful action-comedy “Central Intelligence.”

Set in Hong Kong, the film opens with The Pearl, the world’s tallest skyscraper. At 225 stories and more than 3,500 feet high, the towering marvel is about to open its upper floors to future residents. But first, skyscraper risk consultant Will Sawyer (Johnson) must assess the safety and security limitations of the vertical structure.

One day Sawyer suddenly finds the The Pearl ablaze, with his wife (Neve Campbell) and their two kids (Noah Cottrell and McKenna Roberts) trapped inside the building. Will he be able to rescue his family before it’s too late?

See it. While the screenplay is full of clichés, “Skyscraper” provides 105 minutes of enjoyable logic-defying escapism. Be forewarned: This movie might not be appropriate for people who are afraid of heights.

Watch the trailer:

“Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” — Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Adam Sandberg, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky

The animation franchise “Hotel Transylvania” is back for an all-new monster comedy adventure. This time around, hotelier Count Dracula (Adam Sandler) and his pack embark on a luxury cruise vacation organized by his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez).

In this third installment, Drac is feeling lonely due to the lack of romance in his life. That all seemingly changes once he meets the enchanting Ericka (Kathryn Hahn) during their vacation, but what he doesn't know is that the temptress has an ulterior motive.

See it. While it languishes at times, the kid-friendly movie offers fun and excitement for the whole family.

Watch the trailer:

“Eighth Grade” — Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, directed by Bo Burnham

YouTuber star Bo Burnham’s directorial debut centers around the life of a 13-year-old girl trying to survive awkward adolescence in the age of social media influencers.

In the movie, Elsie Fisher plays Kayla, an eighth grader who makes affirmational videos on her YouTube channel. Her constant companion and friend is her cellphone, which makes her feel secure and self-confident; but deep inside, she is in an emotional roller coaster — especially when her angst gets the best of her during her last week of eighth-grade.

See it. The movie will make you laugh and cry, bolstered by Fisher's outstanding performance and Burnham's well-written screenplay.

Watch the trailer:

Other entertainment news:

• Patch Living: Your July Entertainment Guide
• 'Ant-Man and the Wasp': Film Review
• Reviews of 'Whitney,' 'The First Purge,' And 'Sorry To Bother You'
• Emmy Nominations 2018: 'Game Of Thrones' Dominates
• Reviews of 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado,' 'Uncle Drew,' And 'Leave No Trace'
• What's New On Netflix: July 2018

First Photo: Dwayne Johnson attends the 'Skyscraper' New York Premiere on July 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Universal Studios)