Movies Out This Weekend: 'Born in China,' 'Free Fire,' 'The Promise,' And 'Unforgettable'

Get the verdict on "Born in China," "Free Fire," "The Promise," and "Unforgettable."

Opening This Weekend

“Born in China” — John Krasinski, Xun Zhou, directed by Chuan Lu

Disneynature’s “Born in China” gives viewers an exquisite look into the fascinating and wild world of China. Narrated by John Krasinski, the documentary follows the lives of three animal families: a snow leopard raising her two cubs in extreme conditions; a panda bear guiding her cub to his independence while she consumes 40 pounds of bamboo a day; and a two-year-old monkey Tau Tau feeling displaced by his new little sister.

See it. Make sure to stay through the film’s closing credits to see the jaw-dropping lengths filmmakers went to in order to bring us the incredible genius of “Born in China.”

“Free Fire” — Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy, directed by Ben Wheatley

Set in 1970s Boston, “Free Fire” feels like “American Hustle” has met up with “Battle Royale.” It's the story of a weapons deal that brings an unlikely group of flamboyant players together – business woman Justine (Brie Larson), her associate Ord (Armie Hammer), IRA foot soldier Chris (Cillian Murphy), and South African gun dealer Vern (Sharlto Copley). What starts as an initial friendly exchange escalates to a complete disaster. This is British director Ben Wheatley’s first American film, and despite its lack of originality, it’s buoyant, witty and zany.

See it. “Free Fire” will have you constantly guessing and desperate to find out who survives this highly entertaining shootout extravaganza.

“The Promise” — Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, Christian Bale, directed by Terry George

Unfolding during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, “The Promise” centers on the love triangle between the stunning Ana (Charlotte Le Bon), a brilliant medical student (Oscar Isaac), and her renowned journalist boyfriend (Christian Bale). Terry George’s film captures the harrowing horrors of war, and Oscar Isaac’s performance is powerful. However, by the end, the narrative fails to strike the right balance between love and war.

Skip it. As an alternative, I would recommend “Atonement” or “Casablanca.”

“Unforgettable” — Rosario Dawson, Katherine Heigl, Geoff Stults, directed by Denise Di Novi

At the center of this romantic-obsession thriller is Tessa (Katherine Heigl) who’s bitter about her divorce. Her unrelenting hostility towards her ex-husband (Geoff Stults) and his new fiancée (Rosario Dawson) turns violent. “Unforgettable” tries hard to fit into the “Fatal Attraction” genre, but it just can't chill our bones. Long story short — it's a psychological love story that falls flat.

Skip it. I would recommend Joel Edgerton’s “The Gift” instead.

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Top Photo Credit: Brie Larson and Armie Hammer attend the premiere of A24's 'Free Fire' at ArcLight Hollywood on April 13, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images)