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A visionary architect who’s long since stepped away from her craft, Bernadette (Cate Blanchett), rediscovers her passion lest her idle hands turn to malevolent creations. But first, before this butterfly can emerge from a 20 year chrysalis, the squaring of cards with her husband and daughter (Billy Crudup and Emma Nelson) will also carry a weight, can she make it all happen before sabotaging herself? Directed by Richard Linklater and based on the book by Maria Semple, this emotional journey to find a lost passion is a chuckle worthy endeavor with an amazingly deep talent pool for an ensemble. Curiously, a bit questionable in its pacing as Bernadette’s story is spilled out between the bustling of Seattle and the desolation of the arctic circle, this oddly shaped narrative appears difficult to condense, even for an experienced storyteller such as Linklater. Regardless, enough, charm, quirk, and comedy from Blanchett manages to sell the drama, even while fans of the novel moan of the film’s shortcomings. Worthy of your matinee dollar or a rental later, Where’d You Go, Bernadette is rated PG-13.

When Stella, Chuck, Augie, and Ramón (Zoe Margaret Colletti, Austin Zajur, Gabriel Rush, and Michael Garza) break into the old Bellows mansion on Halloween night the gang get more than they bargained for when they accidentally raise the malevolent spirit of Sarah Bellows (Kathleen Pollard). Now unleashing stories untold and written in blood, tempering these flames of rage will take teamwork and fast thinking….before it’s too late. Directed by André Øvredal, Produced by Guillermo del Toro and based around the stories and artwork of Alvin Schwartz’s now classic compendium of horror titled Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, this faithful and heartfelt interpretation and incorporation of the source material delivers the chills and thrills with the perfect balance of creepshow and comedy all told in semi-vingnette style. With top notch art direction, dizzying cinematography, polished acting, and a loving score all based around the traditional arrangement of the Hearse Song, this is a perfect release to herald Halloween’s early arrival currently haunting grocery stores everywhere, it’s just around the corner but who’s counting? Of note for the parents, the gore factor here is low, but the scares are real, and some language pushes the PG-13 envelope, keep the young ones at home. For the rest, you’re about to fall in love with horror all over again, here’s your gateway, don’t mind the pitchforks on the way in…..Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is rated PG-13.

The dreams of Brian Banks (Aldis Hodge), a high school student slated to play football for USC on a full ride scholarship and already showing strong NFL potential are shattered when he’s wrongfully accused and convicted of rape. Now, struggling for employment and hounded by his parole officer, it will take his intelligence, eternal optimism, and tenacity to overturn his conviction and reach for the stars. Directed by Tom Shadyac and Written by Doug Atchison, this story based on true events is a mixed bag of critical remark. For Director Shadyac, the film’s appeal is quite apparent in light of his own mission to use his super powers for good making the world a better place, work similar to the pro-bono efforts of real life lawyer Justin Brooks working to exonerate the wrongfully convicted. And, positive notes to the film’s lead, Hodge, who’s herculean efforts to portray a decade of Banks’ life are earnest and real. However, despite the film’s best intentions, the story’s one note tonality and on the nose messaging makes for a bit too much schmaltz and plays out more like a made for TV movie, more depth please. Waiting for this on the small screen is in the best interest of your wallet this go round. Brian Banks is rated PG-13.