Movies Out This Weekend: 'Disaster Artist,' 'Wonder Wheel,' More

Action, fantasy, laughs and romance abound at the movie theaters this weekend. In "The Disaster Artist," James and Dave Franco bring to life "The Room" -- hailed as being the best worst film ever -- in the most hilarious way possible.

Woody Allen's latest film "Wonder Wheel" stars Kate Winslet and Justin Timberlake, whose characters carry on a secret love affair in 1950s Coney Island.

Those looking for some thrilling action should go see "24 Hours To Live," in which Ethan Hawke plays a man who is brought back to life for only, you guessed it, 24 hours. Or, check out "The Shape Of Water" to satisfy your imagination with some magical monsters.

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

Movies Out This Weekend

“The Disaster Artist” — James Franco, Dave Franco, directed by James Franco

Have you heard of “The Room” — the most well-loved worst movie ever made ? (By the way, this is not the Brie Larson’s 2015 movie, "Room.") If not, this is your chance to learn about it and its creator, Tommy Wiseau, portrayed brilliantly in “The Disaster Artist” by James Franco, who also directed the movie.

Based on a memoir of the same name, the film version chronicles the making of “The Room” as recalled by Wiseau’s friend and co-star, Greg Sestero (played by Dave Franco). Boasting a parade of surprise celebrities, the comedy dazzles with riotous laughter.

See it. Trust us, the Franco brothers are delightful in the movie.

“Wonder Wheel” — Kate Winslet, Jim Belushi, Juno Temple, directed by Woody Allen

Set in 1950s Coney Island, Woody Allen’s latest revolves around people’s selfishness, romantic delusions and perverse love affairs. At the center of the film is Ginny (Kate Winslet), a former actress who’s now a waitress at a boardwalk clam house and married to an insensitive man, Humpty (Jim Belushi). Feeling trapped and frustrated over her domestic woes, Ginny embarks on an intense affair with a young hunky lifeguard (Justin Timberlake) whom she sees as her last chance for escape — that is, until complications ensue when the young man meets her stepdaughter (Juno Temple).

Disappointingly, the film meanders through a series of melodramas which muddle its narrative along the way. However, it’s buoyed by Winslet’s Oscar-caliber performance, and a beautiful cinematography that pays homage to bygone eras.

See it. And you’ll be amazed at how the damsel in distress saves the carousel from careening— figuratively, of course!

“The Shape Of Water” — Octavia Spencer, Sally Hawkins, directed by Guillermo del Toro

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War in 1960s Baltimore, Guillermo del Toro's (who directed "Pan's Labyrinth") other-worldly fairytale follows the story of Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a cleaning lady in a high-tech U.S. government laboratory, who accidentally discovers a magnificent monster being held captive in the top-secret facility. As her story unfolds, it is not before long that the mute young woman befriends the fascinating amphibious creature.

Thanks to the powerful performances of the actors (particularly Hawkins) and del Toro’s poetic direction, the monster movie is magical and visually imaginative — an ode to classic cinema.

See it. Surrender to the romance of del Toro’s finest film yet.

“24 Hours To Live” — Ethan Hawke, Paul Anderson, directed by Brian Smrz

Ethan Hawke stars as Travis Conrad, a former elite soldier-turned-dubious mercenary in Smrz’s pulse-pounding action thriller. Along the way, Conrad dies in a brutal fire, but he’s soon mysteriously resurrected. Naturally, there’s good news and bad news for the revived assassin.

The good news: He has a second chance at life and another shot at redemption. The bad news: His “new” life will only last for 24 hours, and the timer implant in his arm has begun ticking. Conrad must navigate his way through the deadliest game of political crossfires and evil conspiracies before his time is up.

See it. Notwithstanding its predictability, the movie is enjoyably brisk, and Hawke oozes gusto as an action man.

Check out the movie trailers:

More movie news:

• Reviews of 'Darkest Hour,' 'Coco,' 'The Man Who Invented Christmas,' 'Call Me By Your Name'
• Behind The Scenes Of 'Lady Bird' With Director Greta Gerwig
• Inside The Making Of 'Wonderstruck' With Director Todd Haynes
• Reviews of 'Justice League,' 'Wonder,' 'Mudbound,' 'The Star,' 'Roman J. Israel, ESQ'
• Reviews of 'Murder On The Orient Express,'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer,' 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,' 'Daddy's Home 2'

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  Top Photo: James and Dave Franco attend a screening of 'The Disaster Artist' at Picturehouse Central on November 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)