Capsule reviews for Jan. 5
Zachary Quinto and Jacob Elordi star in HE WENT THAT WAY. (Photo: Vertical)
He Went That Way
An animal trainer, a serial killer, and a rambunctious chimpanzee share a road trip across Route 66. That enticing setup yields a lackluster dramatic punchline in this uneven thriller inspired by a crazy true story. In the early 1960s, timid Jim (Zachary Quinto) picks up hitchhiker Bobby (Jacob Elordi) at a rural gas station, unaware of his troubled past or his loose-cannon demeanor. However, Bobby doesn’t know that Jim has a chimp in the back who will shift the dynamic between them in unexpected ways. Despite some evocative period visuals, the film struggles to generate tension or navigate the inherent tonal shifts in the material. (Not rated, 95 minutes).
Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia
Motorsports enthusiasts might be intrigued, but this formulaic glimpse into the history of European rally racing otherwise seems unlikely to get moviegoer engines revved up. It chronicles the intense true-life rivalry between the Audi team from Germany and the Lancia team from Italy that culminated during a 1983 season filled with twists and tragedy. Specifically, it probes Lancia boss Cesare Fiorio (Ricardo Scamarcio), whose ego and obsession with victory leads him to recklessly cut corners in the pursuit of speed. The stylish road-race sequences featuring vintage vehicles are thrilling, although the behind-the-scenes drama is only mildly insightful as the emotional stakes remain stuck in neutral. (Rated R, 93 minutes).
Weak Layers
It has neither the adrenaline rush you’d expect from a skiing movie nor the consistent laughs you need from a comedy, and this quirky underdog saga doesn’t yield enough heartfelt charm to compensate. Cleo (Katie Burrell, who also directed) and her two party-seeking roommates (Jadyn Wong and Chelsea Conwright) are evicted from their apartment near Lake Tahoe, so they scheme to win an amateur film competition — while hooking up with some handsome guys along the way, of course. As hijinks ensue, the film conveys an amusing throwback vibe as a breezy tribute to tight-knit ski towns, but the characters lack depth to resonate off the slopes. (Not rated, 91 minutes).