Weekend Movie Review: 'Dark Phoenix,' 'Late Night' And More

This weekend, the "X-Men" film series takes its final bow with the highly anticipated "Dark Phoenix," starring Sophie Turner in the titular role of a young woman struggling with her personal demons.

The animation film, "The Secret Life of Pets 2," also lights up the big screen with Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Lake Bell and Harrison Ford lending their voices in the energetic sequel.

In the mood for a good dose of comedy? Look no further than "Late Night," in which Emma Thompson plays an iconic late-night talk-show host who hires an inexperienced writer (Mindy Kaling) in order to save her legendary career.

Here's what to see and skip this weekend:

Movies Out This Weekend

“Dark Phoenix” — Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence; directed by Simon Kinberg

After 19 years in the making, the “X-Men” film series culminates with Simon Kinberg’s directorial debut, “Dark Phoenix.” A tale about power, conflict and redemption, the latest chapter is the grand finale to a 12-film superhero saga that began with 2000’s “X-Men.”

Set in 1992, the film opens with the celebrated X-men superheroes on a dangerous rescue mission to save imperiled astronauts in the deep outer space. As their X-Jet traverses the galaxy, a mysterious cosmic entity targets Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), a mutant who possesses the ability to move objects using her mind alone. Overwhelmingly, it leaves her unconscious.

When she awakens, Jean initially feels invigorated and strong. However, when she unearths long-held secrets of her childhood, she starts to lose self control and becomes the “Dark Phoenix,” a powerful menace to the entire world. Can her X-men family save her from self-destruction?

Skip it. Simply put, the screenplay is lackluster, notwithstanding a superb charismatic cast.

Watch the trailer:

“The Secret Life of Pets 2” — Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart; directed by Chris Renaud and Jonathan del Val

Remember terrier Max (voiced by Patton Oswalt), his adopted brother, Duke (voiced by Eric Stonestreet), hopped-up bunny, Snowball (voiced by Kevin Hart), adorable Pomeranian, Gidget (voiced by Jenny Slate) and the scene-stealing cat, Chloe (voiced by Lake Bell)? Well, they’re back for the sequel to the 2016's “The Secret Life of Pets.”

This time around, we get to see the deep emotional bond between them and the families who love them.

“Pets 2” follows three interwoven short stories. One of them pertains to Max's distress when his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper), has a baby. Suddenly, the terrier needs to learn how to co-exist with the newest member of the family.

Meanwhile, a fearless Shi Tzu named Daisy (voiced by Tiffany Haddish) enlists Snowball’s help to rescue a tiger cub from the hands of a sinister circus master. Finally, we also learn about Gidget’s misfortune when she loses Max’s favorite toy.

See it. It brings joy and excitement, though, at times, the movie feels somewhat muddled up.

Fun Fact: Harrison Ford makes his animated-film debut in "Pets 2"as a wise farm dog.

Watch the trailer:

“Late Night” — Emma Thompson, Mindy Kaling; directed by Nisha Ganatra

In “Late Night,” Emma Thompson plays Katherine Newbury, the queen of late-night TV for nearly 30 years. As a legendary talk-show host, she holds the sole distinction of being the only woman ever to have a long-running program on late night.

However, her days are numbered. Unless her plummeting ratings recover, she is bound to lose her coveted seat to a younger, hipper male host. What is the TV veteran to do?

Enter Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling), a chemical-plant efficiency expert, whom Katherine hires as the first and only female writer on her "all-white-dude" writing staff. As it turns out, Molly does not have any writing experience — but as a long-time fan of the show, she knows exactly how to re-ignite Katherine’s career. Besides, Molly has the lioness’ desire to prove that she’s not just a diversity hire.

With Molly as her newfound sidekick, will Katherine and her career prevail in the end?

See it. The movie shines with its incisive screenplay. Plus, Thompson and Kaling have magnetic chemistry.

Watch the trailer:

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