Kam Williams Reviews Movies Opening Jan. 15, 2016

BIG BUDGET FILMS

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (R for profanity, pervasive violence and bloody images) Docudrama revisiting the events surrounding the September 11, 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. embassy in Libya which claimed the lives of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. Starring Toby Stephens, John Krasinski and Freddie Stroma.

Norm of the North (PG for action and rude humor) Rob Schneider portrays the title character in this animated adventure about an anthropomorphic polar bear that travels to Manhattan with several lemmings to prevent a real estate developer from ruining their Arctic habitat by erecting luxury condos. Voice cast includes Bill Nighy, Heather Graham, James Corden, Loretta Devine and Dr. Ken Jeong.

Ride Along 2 (PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, violence and drug use) Unlikely-buddies comedy revolving around a hard-nosed Atlanta cop (Ice Cube) reluctantly partnered with a flamboyant rookie (Kevin Hart) who's also his sister's (Tika Sumpter) fiance. Action-oriented sequel finds pair attempting to bring a Miami drug kingpin (Benjamin Bratt) to justice. With T.I., Tyrese, Olivia Munn, Dr. Ken Jeong and Sherri Shepherd, with cameos by NBA stars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Band of Robbers (Unrated) Present-day reimagining of Mark Twain's classic tales with adult versions of Tom Sawyer (Adam Nee) and Huck Finn (Kyle Gallner) still searching for the buried treasure that eluded them in childhood. Supporting cast includes Melissa Beloist as Becky Thatcher, Stephen Lang as Injun Joe and Beth Grant as Widow Douglas.

The Benefactor (Unrated) Richard Gere plays the title role in this thriller about a devious philanthropist who uses his money to manipulate a couple of naive newlyweds (Dakota Fanning and Theo James). With Cheryl Hines, Brian Anthony Wilson and Maria Breyman.

In the Shadow of Women (Unrated) Romance drama revolving around the complications which ensue after a fledgling filmmaker (Stanislas Merhar) cheats on his wife ((Clotilde Courau) with their new assistant (Lena Paugam). With Vimala Pons, Antoinette Moya and Jean Pommier. (In French with subtitles)

Intruders (Unrated) Haunted house horror flick about three thieves who get more than they bargained for when they break into the home of an agoraphobic young woman (Beth Riesgraf). Featuring Jack Kesy, Leticia Jimenez and Martin Starr.

Moonwalkers (R for profanity, graphic violence, frontal nudity and a profusion of drug use) Conspiracy theory comedy, set in 1969, about the CIA Agent (Ron Perlman) who teamed up with a rock band manger (Rupert Grint) to fake the first Apollo moon landing. With Robert Sheehan, Stephen Campbell Moore and Kevin Bishop.

A Perfect Day (R for profanity and sexual references) Balkans war saga, set in Eastern Europe, about a trio of aid workers (Tim Robbins, Benicio Del Toro and Olga Kurylenko) who try to save a devastated community's water supply. Support cast includes Melanie Thierry, Sergi Lopez and Fedja Stukan. (In English, Serbian, Spanish and french with subtitles)