Weekend Movie Review: 'Dark Waters' And 'The Aeronauts'

This weekend, thrillers dominate the new releases coming to theaters near you.

In the legal drama-thriller "Dark Waters," Mark Ruffalo brings to life the true tale of Robert Bilott, a corporate lawyer turned environmental activist.

Looking for a thrilling adventure? Look no further than "The Aeronauts," starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones as an unlikely pair of explorers determined to make history.

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

Movies Out This Weekend

“Dark Waters” — Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway; directed by Todd Haynes

From Todd Haynes — a filmmaker whose signature films delve more into immersive ruminations and character studies — comes a contemporary exposé on crimes committed by one powerful, giant corporation.

Based on Nathaniel Rich’s 2016 New York Times magazine article, “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare,” the film is the real-life story of Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo), an Ohio corporate lawyer turned environmental activist.

In the film, we first meet Bilott as he is being made a partner at his big Cincinnati law firm. Out of the blue, his meeting is suddenly interrupted by Wilbur Tennant, a cattle farmer (Bill Camp) who claims that his livestock are dying due to a DuPont-owned factory near Parkersburg, West Virginia. Naturally, Bilott rejects Tennant’s plea to take the case, given that his firm represents a long list of giant chemical companies. However, the determined farmer has certainly piqued Bilott’s interest.

And so begins the lawyer’s personal probe into the matter. It will just be a matter of time before he finds a mounting evidence against the chemical company.

See it. “Dark Waters” will strike a chord with moviegoers, but don’t expect it to be that highly affecting compared to other activist films such as “Erin Brockovich” and “Spotlight.”

Watch the trailer:

“The Aeronauts” — Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne; directed by Tom Harper

Eddie Redmayne reunites with his “The Theory of Everything” costar Felicity Jones in Tom Harper’s adventure film that is loosely based on a record-setting 19th century balloon flight into the atmosphere.

It is 1862, and real-life pioneering British meteorologist James Glaisher (Redmayne) applies for a funding grant from the Royal Society to undertake his balloon expedition. He’s determined to prove his theory that atmospheric conditions could predict the weather. Unfortunately, his application for funds gets declined.

Undeterred, James teams up with balloon pilot Amelia Wren (Jones) and turns the daring flight into a profitable circus act, setting in motion a myriad of death-defying stunts and unforeseen events that will change their lives forever.

See it. The chemistry between Redmayne and Jones is palpable. Plus, the movie is visually electrifying.

Watch the trailer:

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