Weekend Movie Review: 'The Gentlemen' And 'The Turning'

This weekend, two films are slated for wide release. First up is "The Gentlemen," starring Matthew McConaughey as a drug kingpin angling to sell his empire in order to enjoy retirement with his wife (Michelle Dockery).

Meanwhile, Henry James' classic novel comes to life in "The Turning," in which Mackenzie Davis plays a governess whose world suddenly comes crashing down in a mysterious estate in the Maine countryside.

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

Movies Out This Weekend

“The Gentlemen” — Matthew McConaughey, Michelle Dockery; directed by Guy Ritchie

From Guy Ritchie, the writer-director of Disney’s live-action “Aladdin” and the crime-comedy “Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels,” comes “The Gentlemen,” an action-crime film about a British drug lord trying to sell his highly profitable cannabis empire.

That kingpin is Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), an American expat who plans to spend more time with his wife, Rosalind (Michelle Dockery), in retirement. He soon identifies a potential buyer, fellow American expat Matthew Berger (Jeremy Strong), triggering tremors of chaos in London’s criminal underworld.

As the story unfolds, we will learn about the other eccentric “gentlemen,” including private investigator Fletcher (Hugh Grant), gangster Ray (Charlie Hunnam), young Dry Eye (Henry Golding) and a boxing instructor called Coach (Colin Farrell).

See it. Ritchie delivers a smart, entertaining film that is full of surprises and is anchored by an electrifying acting ensemble. However, the storytelling will require patience to absorb all the ins and outs of the film.

Watch the trailer:

“The Turning” — Mackenzie Davis, Brooklynn Prince, Finn Wolfhard; directed by Floria Sigismondi

Floria Sigismondi delivers a modern, soap-opera version of Henry James’ classic novel, “The Turn of the Screw.”

Set in Maine in 1994, the film adaptation introduces our heroine Kate (Mackenzie Davis) as a live-in nanny for Flora (Brooklynn Prince), an ultra-rich troubled orphan who lives in a sprawling estate with housekeeper Mrs. Grose (Barbara Marten). Unexpectedly, Flora’s 15-year-old brother Miles (Finn Wolfhard) arrives — and Kate’s life turns upside down.

Why? Kate discovers that there’s more than meets the eye, as both children and the house have dark secrets.

Skip it. Simply put: It does not have enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Watch the trailer:

Other Entertainment News:

• Grammy Awards 2020: Time, Date, Nominees And More
• Golden Globes 2020: Best Moments Of The Awards Show (Photos)
• Critics' Choice Awards 2020: Complete List Of Winners
• The Best Movies Of 2019 You'll Want To Catch Up On
• What's New On Netflix: January 2020
• Reviews of 'Just Mercy' And '1917'