Coming To Theaters Near You: 'Kung Fu Panda 3,' 'The Finest Hours,' 'Fifty Shades of Black,' and More

By Beau Behan, Film Critic:

Are you planning on going to the movies this weekend? Here are this week’s new releases:

“Kung Fu Panda 3”

“45 Years”

“Fifty Shades of Black”

“Jane Got a Gun”

“Lazer Team”

“The Clan”

“The Finest Hours”

“Youth”

And here’s what they’re all about.

“Kung Fu Panda 3” (Nationwide, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above movie review and find out why “Kung Fu Panda 3” deserves 5 dumplings out of 5 dumplings in its report card.

PG, 95 min, Animation

Directors: Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Alessandro Carloni

Writers: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger

Stars: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman

In 2016, one of the most successful animated franchises in the world returns with its biggest comedy adventure yet, “Kung Fu Panda 3.” When Po’s long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible-learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas! – 20th Century Fox

“45 Years” (Limited, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

R, 95 min, Drama, Romance

Director: Andrew Haigh

Writers: David Constantine, Andrew Haigh

Stars: Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay, Dolly Wells

There is just one week until Kate Mercer’s (Charlotte Rampling) 45th wedding anniversary and the planning for the party is going well. But then a letter arrives for her husband (Tom Courtenay). The body of his first love has been discovered, frozen and preserved in the icy glaciers of the Swiss Alps. By the time the party is upon them, five days later, there may not be a marriage left to celebrate. – Sundance Selects

“Fifty Shades of Black” (Nationwide, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

R, 92 min, Comedy

Director: Michael Tiddes

Writers: Rick Alvarez, Marlon Wayans

Stars: Kali Hawk, Marlon Wayans, Jane Seymour,

This spoof from the Wayans Brothers parodies the ultra-popular novel/film series Fifty Shades of Grey. – Open Road Films

“Jane Got a Gun” (Nationwide, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

PG - 13, 105 min, Action, Biography, Drama

Director: Gavin O’Connor

Writers: Brian Duffield, Anthony Tambakis

Stars: Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton, Ewan McGregor

Jane Hammond (Natalie Portman) has built a new life with her husband Bill “Ham” Hammond (Noah Emmerich) after being tormented by the Bishop Boys gang. She finds herself in the gang’s crosshairs once again when Ham stumbles home riddled with bullets after dueling with the Boys and their relentless leader, Colin (Ewan McGregor). With the vengeful crew hot on Ham’s trail, Jane has nowhere to turn but to her former fiance Dan Frost (Joel Edgerton) for help in defending her family against certain death. Haunted by old memories, Jane’s past meets the present in a heart-stopping battle for survival. – Weinstein

“Lazer Team” (Limited, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

PG-13, 102 min, Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Director: Matt Hullum

Writers: Bernie Burns,

Stars: Alan Ritchson, Irina Voronina, Colton Dunn

When four small-town losers stumble across an alien crash site containing an incredible battle suit, they soon find themselves responsible for the fate of the entire planet. With this new alien equipment genetically bound to them, and the government hot on their heels, the foursome have no choice but to work together as one to save humanity. All they have to do is learn to use a strange alien device meant for only one-person, train for a battle against an omnipotent enemy, and not kill each other in the process. They may not be strong, smart, or talented... but they’re Lazer Team. – Rooster Teeth Productions

“The Clan” (Limited, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above.

R, 110 min, Biography, Crime, Drama

Director: Pablo Trapero

Writers: Julian Loyola, Esteban Student

Stars: Antonia Bengoechea, Gaston Cocchiarale, Guillermo Francella

The true story of the Puccio Clan, a family who kidnapped and killed people in the 80s. – El Deseo

“The Finest Hours” (Nationwide, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

PG-13, 117 min, Action, Drama, History

Director: Craig Gillespie

Writers: Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy

Stars: Chris Pine, Holliday Grainger, Casey Affleck

A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. – Walt Disney Pictures

“Youth” (Limited, Jan. 29)

WATCH the above movie trailer.

R, 118 min, Drama

Director: Paolo Sorrentino

Writers: Paolo Sorrentino

Stars: Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz

“Youth” is about two longtime friends vacationing in the Swiss Alps. Oscar winning actor Michael Caine plays Fred, an acclaimed composer and conductor, brings along his daughter (Rachel Weisz) and best friend Mick (Harvey Keitel), a renowned filmmaker. While Mick scrambles to finish the screenplay for what he imagines will be his last important film, Fred has no intention of resuming his musical career. The two men reflect on their past, each finding that some of the most important experiences can come later in life. – Fox Searchlight