What To Watch In Theaters: 'John Wick: Chapter 3' And More

Fans of the "John Wick" universe will be excited to learn that "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum" hits theaters this weekend with Keanu Reeves reprising his titular role of a former super-assassin. Joining him in this third chapter are Halle Berry and Angelica Huston as a couple of people who shed light upon his past.

Also making a big debut this weekend is the drama-adventure "A Dog's Journey," starring Josh Gad as the voice of the lovable dog Bailey, and Dennis Quaid as Bailey's long-time best pal.

And finally, Nicola Yoon’s best-selling young-adult novel, "The Sun Is Also a Star," comes to life on the big screen, starring Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton as a couple of star-crossed lovers.

Here's what to see and skip this weekend:

“John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” — Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry; directed by Chad Stahelski

Keanu Reeves leads the returning cast of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,” the latest entry in Chad Stahelski’s killer franchise known for its unvarnished kinetic and emotional thrills in a universe inhabited by assassins for hire.

Picking up after the events of “Chapter 2,” the saga continues with Wick on the verge of being excommunicated from his assassin’s guild after killing a member of the underworld organization called The High Table. With a $14 million price tag on his head and an army of assassins hell-bent on collecting the huge bounty, John Wick is now on the run.

Along the way, he will test allegiances as he encounters compelling newcomers, including High Table’s theatrical institute’s director (Angelica Huston); Sofia (Halle Berry), a fellow assassin from John’s past; The Adjudicator (Asia Kate Dillon), High Table’s judge and jury; and Zero, a sushi chef tasked to kill his idol, John Wick.

Can John dodge the huge price on his head?

See it. The movie dazzles with outstanding talent, visual ingenuity, element of surprise, and deft direction, notwithstanding a convoluted third act and underdeveloped characters.

Watch the trailer:

“A Dog’s Journey” — Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Kathryn Prescott; directed by Gail Mancuso

Gail Mancuso’s “A Dog’s Journey” is a follow up to Lasse Hallstrom’s 2017 “A Dog’s Purpose,” a drama-adventure about a dog named Bailey who gets re-incarnated over the course of several lifetimes and owners.

Josh Gad once again voices Bailey, who is still at a farmhouse with his “boy” Ethan (Dennis Quaid), and Ethan's wife, Hannah (Marg Helgenberger), joined by their widowed daughter-in-law, Gloria (Betty Gilpin), and her 2-year-old toddler, CJ (Emma Volk).

Determined to strike it on her own as an aspiring singer, Gloria takes CJ with her and drives away, leaving Ethan, Hannah and Bailey behind feeling sad and depressed. As Bailey prepares to depart his final days of this incarnation, Ethan tells him to come back, look after CJ and love her.

Fast forward a decade later, Bailey’s soul is re-incarnated CJ’s Beaglier puppy Molly. As CJ grows into a young woman (Kathryn Prescott), she encounters Max, a Yorkshire terrier who turns out to be Bailey’s next re-incarnation.

Will Ethan and Hannah ever get to see their granddaughter CJ again? Will Ethan and Bailey ever meet again?

See it. It’s sentimental and heartwarming, though it feels too formulaic at times.

Watch the trailer:

“The Sun Is Also a Star” — Yara Shahidi, Charles Melton; directed by Ry Russo-Young

Ry Russo-Young’s young-adult romance is based on Nicola Yoon’s best-seller novel about love at first sight— and finding love over the course of a single day.

Yara Shahidi stars as Natasha Kingsley, a Jamaican-born aspiring astronomer who lives with her family in New York City. Amidst the hustle and bustle, she crosses paths with college-bound Daniel Bae (Charles Melton), a young man who aspires to become a poet despite his parents’ insistence of pursuing a medical degree. Sparks fly between the two, and Daniel is convinced that he has found the love of his life.

Determined to woo Natasha, the young man decides to prove to her that love at first sight is real— and that they are meant to be together forever. But it won’t be easy! As it turns out, Natasha and her family will be deported in the next 24 hours. Will they fall in love and be together in the end?

Skip it. Despite the leads’ convincing performances, the chemistry between Shahidi and Melton fails to impress overall.

Watch the trailer:

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