Movies Out This Weekend: 'I, Tonya,' 'Just Getting Started,' More

Scandal, rivalry and murder are all coming to a theater near you this weekend. In "I Tonya," Margot Robbie stars as the infamous Tonya Harding, whose 1994 attack on fellow figure skater Nancy Kerrigan took the nation by storm. Tommy Lee Jones and Morgan Freeman are also competing on the big screen against the backdrop of a grand Palm Springs villa in "Just Getting Started."

Now onto the murder part: "November Criminals" stars Ansel Elgort and Chloe Grace Moretz as two young lovebirds who attempt to solve their friend's murder after local authorities drop the ball.

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

Movies Out This Weekend

“I, Tonya” — Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan, directed by Craig Gillespie

Before O.J. Simpson's case became a 24-hour media frenzy in 1994, there was the sensationalized Tonya Harding scandal, which made the champion skater a household name after she attacked rival skater Nancy Kerrigan at the U.S. Nationals in Detroit.

The darkly comedic “I, Tonya” chronicles the rise and fall of the gifted athlete from age 4 to 44, through the eyes of its central figures including Harding (Margot Robbie), her ex husband, Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan), and her ironclad mother Lavona Golden (Allison Janney).

See it. A story of resilience and perseverance, the biopic offers a sensitive look into Harding’s personal life and tragedy, and might make you rethink the way you view her by the end. Plus, Robbie and Janney are magnificent!

“Just Getting Started” — Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, directed by Ron Shelton

Welcome to Villa Capri — a luxury resort in Palm Springs, managed by the uninhibited, mysterious Duke Diver (Morgan Freeman), who always pampers his fun-loving retired residents with big parties. Diver is the man of the house — that is, until the arrival of ex-military charmer Leo (Tommy Lee Jones) creates a rivalry between the two alpha males as they fight for the affections of gorgeous new resident Suzie (Rene Russo).

Once details about Duke’s sordid past as an ex-mob lawyer surface and someone wants him dead, the two men must set aside their differences to catch the assassin and save the villa from collapse.

Skip it. The action comedy lacks originality, and it meanders with too many subplots, losing its luster in the process. Additionally, the screenplay fails to make the most of the trio’s star power despite their delightful performances.

“November Criminals” — Chloe Grace Moretz, Ansel Elgort, directed by Sacha Gervasi

A film adaptation of Sam Munson’s 2010 YA novel, “November Criminals” tells the story of Addison (Ansel Elgort), a college-bound high school senior who’s passionate about academics and his beautiful best friend, Phoebe (Chloe Grace Moretz).

While the two love birds are at a coffee shop, Addison’s friend, Kevin (Jared Kemp), gets shot to death. Local enforcement authorities dismiss the murder case as an unsolvable drug-related crime, but Addison is not convinced and tries to solve the murder case himself.

Between Addison and Phoebe's love story, the murder case and the premature death of Addison's mother, you'll find yourself intrigued about where the plot is headed next.

Skip it. Sadly, a woeful screenplay with underdeveloped characters muddles up the movie’s potential to be highly enjoyable. As an alternative, if you'd like to see Elgort in one of his better performances, watch "Baby Driver" instead.

Note: In addition to the three movies above, past weeks' favorites — Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird," Joe Wright's "Darkest Hour," Luca Guadagnino's "Call Me By Your Name," James Franco's "The Disaster Artist," and Guillermo del Toro's "The Shape of Water," continue their platform expansion in other markets.

More movie news:

• What's New On Netflix: December 2017
• Reviews of 'The Disaster Artist,' 'Wonder Wheel,' 'The Shape of Water,' 24 Hours To Live'
• Reviews of 'Darkest Hour,' 'Coco,' 'The Man Who Invented Christmas,' 'Call Me By Your Name'
• Inside The Making Of 'Wonderstruck' With Director Todd Haynes

Top Photo: Margot Robbie attends the Los Angeles Premiere of 'I, Tonya' on December 5 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for NEON)