SHOW DOGS Rated PG Will Arnett stars in this family-friendly comedy that goes to the dogs. Listen carefully to the canines (who all talk in this fantasy, along with other supporting critters), and you’ll soon discover that there’s a conspiracy going on that can only be solved by a Rottweiler doggie police detective-infiltrator who takes on the rigors of a dog show to try to solve a big mystery. Listen closely to hear the vocal talents of Ludacris, Stanley Tucci, Shaquille O’Neal and Alan Cumming as some of the other dogs in the pack.
SERIOUS STUFF BREAKING IN Rated PG-13 Gabrielle Union takes the lead in this disturbing thriller about a woman who does everything and anything to protect her family from a gang of thugs who want the wealth that her father left behind in his vacation home. She’s got to solve the mystery of why they targeted her dad’s home, then do whatever she must in order to make sure her kids are not harmed. Breaking In is a tense thriller designed to make every mother gasp with anger, then go along as this thriller builds to an incredible climax. It’s an outrageous and emotional story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. FIRST REFORMED Rated R Writer-director Paul Schrader has always liked dark subjects, even since the earliest days of his career back in the 1970s when he helmed films like American Gigolo and Hardcore and penned classics including Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. All those films had strong sexual themes; these days, the now 71-year-old filmmaker is more obsessed with religion than sex, as evidenced by First Reformed, his look at how a priest (Ethan Hawke) deals with an unhealthy obsession with personal guilt and a drive to take violent action. Amanda Seyfried and Cedric the Entertainer co-star in this intense drama. THE SEAGULL Rated PG-13 Bringing Anton Chekhov’s famous play The Seagull to the silver screen was a challenge director Michael Mayer (27 Dresses) tackled by casting a group of some of the world’s most talented actors in the principal roles. Led by Annette Bening and Saoirse Ronan, with able support from Corey Stoll, Elisabeth Moss, Mare Winningham, Jon Tenney and Brian Dennehy, the film follows the exploits of aging actress Irina Arkadina (Bening), whose selfish behavior wreaks havoc in the lives of all who cross her path. As this classic drama unfolds in a gorgeous country estate summer setting, there’s little doubt that many of the relationships are doomed to unhappy endings. • MAY 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 93