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Daughter of Russian descent but living in America, Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is a housekeeper with the rest of the women in her family struggling to make a living. But, as fate would allow, Jupiter also happens to be the identical genetic match to deceased royalty from outside our galaxy. Being a genetic match makes Jupiter the heir to the Abrasax family, and a large chunk of the human race (which incidentally extends across the universe on many planets). But politics within the Abrasax family are untidy to say the least, brothers Balem and Titus (Eddie Redmayne and Douglas Booth) and sister Kalique (Tuppence Middleton) all want a piece of Jupiter for their own selfish reasons. Meanwhile, Earth is in danger of extinction. Protected by the mighty dog man, Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), Jupiter will need to straighten out the politics, save her own family, and save Earth; no sweat, or is it already too late? Directed by The Wachowskis, this modern day cinderella meets Dune sic-fi romp into deep space succeeds on many factions but ultimately fails once the dust has settled. From the outset, the look of the film in all of its NOT necessary 3D glory is sharp, the art direction and costuming is all interesting and eye-catching , the acting’s not half bad. But, with a convoluted storyline, meaningless exposition that does little to advance the plot, characters that fail to emotionally connect with the audience, drawn out and repetitive action sequences that numb the senses and of course the ultimate suspension of disbelief, a lumbering lunker of a film awaits. All aboard this starship to planet “Meh,” maybe consider a matinee or rental later, Jupiter Ascending is rated PG-13.

Recently fired from his job in marine salvage, Captain Robinson (Jude Law) still has hopes of providing for his family and perhaps exacting some revenge on his former employer; so, when a fellow unemployed co-worker offers a get rich quick scheme right in Robinson’s wheelhouse, perhaps the stars have aligned for once? Trouble is, the scheme involves a sunken Nazi submarine loaded with gold bullion on the bottom of the Black Sea, recovering this lost treasure will take a highly specialized team of salty dogs. Temptation, corruption, and the struggle to keep going in the face of the abyss, returning home a rich man might not happen after all?Calling to question one’s sanity at 100 meters below, Director Kevin MacDonald and Writer Dennis Kelly have crafted this little gem with significantly more heart than the average January release. Loaded with rich characters, and the right degree of wildfire troubleshooting, it’s safe to say there’s a good chance you’ll catch yourself holding your breath in sympathy and plotting “what ifs” all the while. Humorous when it needs to be and gritty from the get go this fun escape delivers the thrills in a claustrophobic environment, simple but effective. Black Sea is rated R.

With a marriage on the rocks and a young teenage son to raise, High School Classics teacher, Claire Peterson (Jennifer Lopez), is a at her weakest moment. But, timing is everything, and new neighbor Noah Sandborn (Ryan Guzman) is in the right place at the right time to catch and seduce Claire. Driven mad with passion, Noah’s affection for Claire comes on strong and loud but a dangerous breaking point seems imminent. Can Claire appease the demon that is Noah, will she save her family, or will she be silenced and forced to live in a self imposed purgatory? Directed by Rob Cohen, written by Barbara Curry, and produced by Jennifer Lopez this narcissistic “thriller” is not only poorly written, miserably and laughably acted, it’s also horridly edited in what appears to be a cover up for lack of coverage whilst on set. Meanwhile, the film’s overall plot is so telegraphed and anticlimactic, when we finally get to the 91 minute closing sequence, a gasp for fresh air feels mandatory. Not worth your movie dollar, unless you feel like looking at Mystery Science Theater fodder? The Boy Next Door is rated R.