Movies To Watch: 'Transformers One,' 'The Substance,' And 'Wolfs'
Arts & Entertainment
Movies To Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry star in "Transformers One," while George Clooney & Brad Pitt star in "Wolfs."HOLLYWOOD, CA — Whether you're in the mood for an action adventure, a caper comedy or a body-horror epic, look no further than these movies headed to theaters this weekend.
In the animated "Transformers One," the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron comes to life on the big screen with Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry as the two bitter rivals, who were once brothers-in-arms.
Craving the intensity of a satirical visceral horror-thriller? "The Substance" follows the story of Elizabeth (Demi Moore), an aging celeb who resorts to an experimental drug that quickly turns back time to her younger and better-looking self (Margaret Qualley).
Also opening this weekend is the crime comedy "Wolfs," starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt as two lone professional fixers hired separately to cover up a grisly crime.
Check out what we thought of the three new releases below.
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Movies Out This Weekend
"Transformers One"
Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson; directed by Josh Cooley
"Transformers One," the franchise's first animated movie in theaters since 1986, transports audiences to a spectacular and eye-popping adventure, tracing the origins of the fractured relationship between rivals Optimus Prime and Megatron, leaders of the two major factions on planet Cybertron.
Fans of the franchise will recall that in the "Transformers" universe, the bots or transformers turn into automobile creatures. Optimus Prime leads the friendly Autobots, while Megatron leads the villainous Decepticons.
The new movie begins with a pair of besties, bots Orion Pax/Optimus Prime (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) and D-16/Megatron (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry), as they embark on a mission to seek Energon, the once-superabundant lifeblood of the transformers. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the two brothers in arms, their masters, the overlords, have been keeping them in the dark about the besties' true identities.
"Transformers One" is highly entertaining, infused with intoxicating humor, and well-thought-out action sequences. Kudos to the leads' outstanding voice talent!
"The Substance"
Margaret Qualley, Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid; directed by Coralie Fargeat
Wouldn't it be celestially wonderful if there were a way to turn back time to a younger and better version of ourselves when we get old?
This Coralie Fargeat body-horror flick posits that such a utopia exists in the form of a mysterious drug called "The Substance." Enter Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fading 50-year-old fitness star who is growingly concerned about her highly visible wrinkles and sagging skin. Unfortunately, her boorish boss Harvey (Dennis Quaid), is now even considering firing her because of her aging imperfections.
Soon, Elizabeth uses the controversial experimental drug. In the process, what emerges is a younger and better-looking clone named Sue (Margaret Qualley). So, yes, the substance works, but there's a catch— that is, you can only revert to your younger you every other seven days at a time. Will the substance satiate Elizabeth's cravings? Of course, complications ensue as Elizabeth tries to defy aging.
"The Substance" is not for the faintest of hearts. It is excruciatingly painful to watch at times; nevertheless, it is absorbingly mind-bending altogether. Fargeat's take on youth obsession carries a razor-sharp wit, elevated by the leads' nuanced performances.
"Wolfs"
Brad Pitt, George Clooney; directed by Jon Watts
"Ocean's" heist trilogy stars, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, reunite in the Jon Watts caper comedy "Wolfs."
In the new film, Amy Ryan plays Margaret, a hard-nosed Manhattan prosecutor, who sets up a tryst with a young man (Austin Abrams). But on that fateful night of their rendezvous, she discovers his body in the penthouse suite.
Whom is she gonna call? Of course, her fixer called Margaret's man (Clooney). Moments later, he arrives. As he is about to start cleaning up the mess, a second fixer arrives known as Pam's man (Pitt). Complications arise as the two lone fixers are forced to work together. Can they reconcile their differences and make it work for Margaret?
There's more to it than meets the eye. However, it is best for us not to spoil the movie.
Undeniably, "Wolfs" is very engaging, further elevated by the clever and funny repartees between Clooney and Pitt.
("Wolfs" will also be available on Apple TV+ Sept. 27.)
