At the Movies: July 22

Ice Age: Collision Course, Star Trek Beyond, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, Lights Out

Now playing at the movies: Ice Age: Collision Course; Star Trek Beyond; Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie; and Lights Out.

Ice Age: Collision Course

Scrat's epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid (John Leguizamo), Manny (Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary), and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, travelling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. Also starring the voices of Queen Latifah, Sean William Scott, Keke Palmer, Adam Devine, Jennifer Lopez, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

Rated PG. Directed by Mike Thurmeier. Animated/Action. 1h 40m.

What the Critics Say:

“A cosmic comedy about facing down the end of the world as we know it. It may be a slight entertainment in the grand scheme of things, but it's been made with a busy, nattering joy.” – Variety

“The message in Collision Course, as in all four previous Ice Age movies, is about the importance of love and friendship, overcoming differences and pulling together in a dangerous world. This animated 3-D chapter, fine for kids 6 and older, is funnier and brainier than its 2012 predecessor, Continental Drift…” – The Washington Post

Our Take: The perfect summer family film. If you’re fans of the other Ice Age films (this is – believe it or not – the fifth installment!), you won’t want to miss this one.

Star Trek Beyond:

A surprise attack in outer space forces the Enterprise to crash-land on a mysterious world. The assault came from Krall (Idris Elba), a lizard-like dictator who derives his energy by sucking the life out of his victims. Krall needs an ancient and valuable artifact that's aboard the badly damaged starship. Left stranded in a rugged wilderness, Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto) and the rest of the crew must now battle a deadly alien race while trying to find a way off their hostile planet. Also starring the late Anton Yelchin.

Rated PG-13. Directed by Justin Lin. Fantasy/Science fiction. 2h.

What the Critics Say:

“One of the abiding pleasures of Star Trek, in its old and newer iterations, lies in its balance of stubborn consistency and canny inventiveness.” – The New York Times

“The actors, in particular, carry the essence of Roddenberry’s inclusive vision into the present. Star Trek Beyond is designed to dazzle.” – Time

Our Take: Trekkies – get excited! This one is definitely worth seeing on the big screen (aren’t they all?).

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

Publicist Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders) and best friend Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley) are still shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London's trendiest hot spots. While attending an elite party, they wind up knocking supermodel Kate Moss into the River Thames. Her untimely demise creates a media firestorm, leading the paparazzi to relentlessly pursue the hapless duo. Seeking refuge, the gals flee to the French Riviera where they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever.

Rated R. Directed by Mandie Fletcher. Comedy. 1h 30m.

What the Critics Say:

“It's scatty, scrappy and thoroughly OTT, but then that's like the characters themselves.” – Empire

“A beloved and boozy sitcom hits the big screen.” – New York Daily News

“It's not great cinema, or even peak Fabulous, but for a post-Brexit Britain in dire need of some cheering up, it more than does the job.” – Variety

Our Take: If you used to watch the BBC series, then this raucous comedy is right up your alley. Get ready for some big laughs!

Lights Out

When Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) left home, she thought that her childhood fears were behind her. As a young girl growing up, she was never really sure of what was real when the lights went out at night. Now, her little brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman) is experiencing the same unexplained and terrifying events that jeopardized her safety and sanity. Holding a mysterious attachment to their mother (Maria Bello), the supernatural entity has returned with a vengeance to torment the entire family.

Rated PG-13. Directed by David Sandberg. Horror. 1h 21m.

What the Critics Say:

“Those who are scared of the dark won't find much in the way of easy comfort watching Lights Out.” – New York Daily News

“This is a scary movie made by gifted filmmakers who clearly love scary movies… Be afraid of the dark. Be very, very afraid.” – The Chicago Sun Times

Our Take: This one sounds super spooky. Horror movie fans: this one’s for you!