Movies Out This Weekend: '12 Strong,' 'Den Of Thieves,' And More

If you've been craving a good action movie lately, you're in luck. Two films headed to theaters this weekend — one of which is based on a true story — are sure to get your heart rate up. In "12 Strong," Chris Hemsworth leads a group of soldiers across Afghanistan after Sept. 11 to take down the Taliban on horseback. On the fictional front, Gerard Butler must stop a bank heist in its tracks in "Den Of Thieves."

Those in the mood for a romance flick can check out "Forever My Girl," which tells the story of a country music star who is confronted by his past (and his ex high school sweetheart) after returning to his hometown. Here's what to see and to skip this weekend:

Opening This Weekend

“12 Strong” — Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Pena, directed by Nicolai Fuglsig

Based on Doug Stanton’s 2005 nonfiction book, “Horse Soldiers,” Fuglsig’s biopic is a tale of trials and tribulations, valor and wartime woes. In the film, Chris Hemsworth plays Captain Mitch Nelson, who leads a squad of elite Special Forces soldiers attempting to oust the Taliban in the war-torn country of Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. With courage and determination, they will have to ride horses to war across a perilous mountainous terrain.

See it. Despite its bland cinematography and underdeveloped characters, “12 Strong” is intriguing and compelling.

“Den of Thieves” — Gerard Butler, 50 Cent, Pablo Schreiber, directed by Christian Gudegast

Set in Los Angeles, the crime saga explores the dynamic between two groups of enemies on opposite sides of the law. Nick O’Brien (Gerard Butler) leads the Crimes Unit of LA County Sheriff’s Department, who are up against a group of bank robbers planning to pull off a risky heist at the Federal Reserve Bank.

See it. While its plot may lack some originality, the heist movie is full of energy and action gusto.

“Forever My Girl” — Alex Roe, Jessica Rothe, Abby Ryder Fortson, directed by Bethany Ashton Wolf

Alex Roe stars as country music superstar Liam Page who left his bride, Josie (Jessica Rothe), at the altar to pursue fame and fortune instead. Ten years later and now a country star, Liam unexpectedly returns to his hometown for the funeral of his high school best friend, discovering startling revelations about the life he left behind.

Skip it. Sadly, the movie lacks the much-needed sparks between the two leads to buoy the movie's predictable conclusion.

More movie news:

• Patch Living: Your January Entertainment Guide
• Movie Reviews of 'Paddington 2,' 'The Commuter,' And More
• 2018 Entertainment Awards Show Guide
• Patch Picks: 13 Snow Day Movies
• What's New On Netflix: January 2018

First Photo: Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth attend the world premiere of '12 Strong' at Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 16, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)