.jpg "HCPH-Riverside-0708-1870×125-Spa (1)")
Moviegoers have several new choices arriving in theaters Friday, Sept. 25. The new movie releases this weekend include family animation, a wilderness thriller, a media drama and a major Marvel rerelease.
Availability may vary by theater and screening format. Audiences should confirm local showtimes before making plans.
‘Forgotten Island’ Brings Filipino Culture to Animation
DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island follows lifelong friends Jo and Raissa as graduation sends them toward separate futures. During their final night together, they discover a portal leading to the mysterious island of Nakali.
The island contains magical creatures drawn from stories the friends heard from their Filipino families. The adventure forces them to repair their relationship before they drift apart.
H.E.R. and Liza Soberano lead the voice cast. Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng also appear. Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado wrote and directed the film, according to DreamWorks.
Brad Pitt Faces the Wilderness in ‘Heart of the Beast’
Brad Pitt stars as Special Forces officer James Belmont in Heart of the Beast. After a plane crash, Belmont and his combat dog, Odin, become stranded in the Alaskan wilderness.
The pair must survive dangerous terrain and extreme conditions while finding a path home. The story centers on the loyalty between the soldier and his canine companion.
David Ayer, whose credits include Fury and The Beekeeper, directed the adventure thriller. J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe also star. Paramount Pictures releases the film nationwide Friday.
Robert Pattinson Takes On ‘Primetime’
Robert Pattinson portrays television journalist Chris Hansen in A24’s Primetime. Set in 2006, the film follows Hansen as he works to turn televised investigations into a national phenomenon.
The drama takes inspiration from the rise of NBC’s To Catch a Predator. It also examines the ethical pressures and public attention surrounding reality-based television.
Documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim directed the film. The cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine. A24 lists the film for theatrical release Sept. 25.
‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Returns to Theaters
Marvel Studios brings its 2019 blockbuster back to the big screen as Avengers: Endgame Encore. The special presentation opens Friday ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, which arrives Dec. 18.
The original story follows the surviving Avengers after Thanos wipes out half of all life. The heroes reunite for a final effort to reverse the destruction and restore those who disappeared.
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner lead the ensemble cast. Anthony and Joe Russo directed the film.
The Encore presentation includes an exclusive look at Avengers: Doomsday. Audiences attending IMAX or Infinity Vision screenings will receive an additional preview, according to the official Marvel trailer.
More Choices at Local Theaters
The weekend lineup provides broad options for families, action fans and adult audiences. Forgotten Island, Heart of the Beast, Primetime and Avengers: Endgame Encore should receive wide availability.
Independent films may screen at fewer locations or expand later. Moviegoers across Houston and other Texas markets should check theater websites for current times, formats and ticket availability.