We’re in mid-September, which leaves us with an interesting mix of films in theaters and on streaming. Below is my take on all this week’s new releases. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

The Killer’s Game (Theaters)
Starring: Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Ben Kingsley, and Sophia Boutella
Synopsis: The latest is an action film starring Bautista as Joe, a contract killer who is one of the best in the game. In the midst of a job, a dancer, Maize (Boutella), catches his eye. When he helps her out of a jam, he catches her eye, too. Soon, a spark flies and he decides to jump in. His friend and handler Zvi (Kingsley) is a fan of the relationship and makes plans to help Joe retire from his trade. Before he can, he gets a terminal diagnosis. Wanting to go out on his own terms, Joe makes arrangements for Maize to be taken care of and wants to put a hit on him to end his suffering quickly. Zvi won’t handle it, so he turns to a rival, Marianna (Klementieff), with whom he has bad blood, all seems to be handled. But just as the contract is about to take effect, Joe changes his mind. Marianna won’t cancel the job, which leaves Joe—and soon Maize—to fight to stay alive. The trailer for this film gives away most of the plot. But with a film like this, twists and turns in the story aren’t really the point. The goal is to develop some interesting characters and craft some good action sequences. On that account, this does fine. I liked Bautista in the lead role and the rest of the supporting cast works well enough. The action sequences are fun and stylish, and the story moves at a decent pace. This isn’t anything special but it’s a good time for fans of action films that just want to kick back and escape for a bit.
Rating: Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual material, brief drug use and nudity.

Uglies (Netflix)
Starring: Joey King, Laverne Cox, Chase Stokes, and Keith Powers
Synopsis: The latest from Netflix is based on the novel from Scott Westerfeld. The story is set in the future where society has radically changed in order to stave off war, violence, and discontent. Youths are raised with an aspiration—to receive a surgery when they turn 16 that will make them their perfect selves in order to live their perfect life. Up until that surgery, they’re known as uglies. They spend their days focusing on their imperfections and preparing to undergo a change. But is that the only option? Tally (King) is mere months from her procedure, but her best friend Peris (Stokes) is up now. They promise never to lose who they are or forget one another, but after Peris has his procedure, Tally sees a change. As her big day approaches, she’s challenged there is another way. She meets David (Powers), who expands her knowledge of the world and the truth behind the surgery that everyone is so eager to get. Soon, Tally finds her world challenged as she considers who she really is and what she wants. This film comes from McG, who offers a nice, glossy sheen on the film. It’s a well-constructed world with some decent enough performances. The idea, while a new twist, feels all-too-familiar, as do the character archetypes. Meanwhile the story is just OK, and the characters aren’t drawn well enough in the film to hold your gaze. We’ve seen this kind of story play out before in better ways. This film is OK, but hardly compelling.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for some violence and action, and brief strong language.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.