Current Movie Summaries & Reviews – Chapel Hill & Carrboro

ARTS AND CULTURE

MOVIE REVIEWS FOR LOCAL THEATERS AS OF JUNE 18, 2025

Mainstream Releases

Inside Out 2

Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure
Review: Pixar’s sequel dives into Riley’s teenage mind, introducing new emotions like Anxiety and Envy. Critics call it “thoughtful, funny, and deeply moving,” capturing the complexity of growing up while retaining Pixar’s visual magic. A hit with both kids and adults.
Where Playing: Silverspot Cinema (Chapel Hill), The Lumina Theater (Southern Village)

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Genre: Action, Comedy
Review: Smith and Lawrence return with another explosive and chaotic buddy-cop ride. Critics are mixed: some enjoy its throwback fun, while others feel the series is growing stale. Action fans will likely enjoy the spectacle.
Where Playing: Silverspot Cinema (Chapel Hill), The Lumina Theater (Southern Village)

The Bikeriders

Genre: Crime, Drama
Review: Gritty and atmospheric, this film stars Austin Butler and Tom Hardy as members of a 1960s Midwestern biker gang. It’s praised for its moody style and strong performances, but some find its pacing slow.
Where Playing: The Chelsea Theatre

The Fall Guy

Genre: Action, Comedy
Review: Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt deliver charm and chemistry in this behind-the-scenes Hollywood stuntman story. Critics praise its mix of humor and heart, calling it a fun, self-aware summer blockbuster.
Where Playing: Silverspot Cinema (Chapel Hill), The Lumina Theater (Southern Village)

The Dead Don’t Hurt

Genre: Western, Drama
Review: Viggo Mortensen’s quiet, poetic Western is heavy on atmosphere and slow-burn emotion. Reviewers note its beautiful cinematography and introspective storytelling, appealing to fans of thoughtful period pieces.
Where Playing: The Chelsea Theatre

Challengers

Genre: Drama, Romance, Sports
Review: Zendaya commands the screen in this intense tennis drama. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, it explores ambition, rivalry, and complex relationships with energy and sensuality. Critics call it bold and unpredictable.
Where Playing: The Chelsea Theatre

IF (Imaginary Friends)

Genre: Family, Fantasy, Comedy
Review: John Krasinski directs this heartwarming fantasy about forgotten imaginary friends. Ryan Reynolds co-stars in a film praised for its whimsy and emotional appeal, though some find the story predictable. Great for families.
Where Playing: The Lumina Theater (Southern Village)