In Theaters: 'Kung Fu Panda 3' roundhouse kicks its way into our hearts

Looking for a movie to see this weekend? Here's what's upening in theaters.

» READ MORE: Kung Fu Panda 3

» READ MORE: The Lady in the Van

» READ MORE: Oscar Nominated Short Films 2016: Animation

» READ MORE: Oscar Nominated Short Films 2016: Live Action

War and conflict are dominant among the five live-action shorts vying for Academy Award glory. From wariness between Israels and Palestinians, to strife in war torn Kosovo to a frightening US Army sortee in Afghanistan, and even a seemingly innocent visitation between a young girl and her divorced dad — the tension mounts, the drama is intense. Perhaps because it's the sole entry that addresses issues of romance and longing, "Stutterer" is the one that really stands out — the British film is also beautifully acted, and, yes, hopeful, too. — S.R.

» READ MORE: Anesthesia

A group of New Yorkers are unknowingly connected by a beloved professor who is mugged and stabbed on the street. Tim Blake Nelson's film is heavy-handed, and none of the fine ensemble — including Sam Waterston, Glenn Close, Kristen Stewart and Corey Stoll — don't have any meaty characters to bite in to. --Molly Eichel

» READ MORE: The Finest Hours

The Finest Hours suffers from the same problem as this season's other 3-D maritime adventure, In the Heart of the Sea. Though both fact-based adventures of the high seas are told with gripping intensity and eye-popping — if also, at times, seasick-making — visuals, both stories are constrained by landlocked framing devices that weaken the gale-force winds that propel their narratives. Set in the winter of 1952, The Finest Hours is loosely inspired by the wreck of the SS Pendleton, a tanker that broke in two during a fierce nor'easter. After the bow of the ship sinks — with the captain and several other crew members on board — the 33 remaining men on the stern struggle to keep the hull afloat, as they await rescue.