If you’re thinking about leaving the couch behind and seeing a movie the old-fashioned way—big screen, dark room, popcorn in hand—here are a few worth checking out this weekend, plus where they’re playing around southeastern Connecticut.
This week feels like the calm before the storm… the early spark of summer movie season starting to flicker to life. The Devil Wears Prada 2 brings Miranda back to the screen, and if the first one was your kind of ride, this follow-up should feel like slipping back into something familiar. But honestly, the one that’s got my attention leans in a completely different direction… a rare kind of horror release that’s actually landing with critics and stars a comedic actor I already trust. That combination doesn’t come around often. And yeah… there’s also one this week you might want to skip entirely. Let’s get into it.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
If you loved the first outing way back before Obama, Facebook, and Netflix streaming became part of everyday life, then odds are you’ll feel right at home here. The Devil Wears Prada 2 lands with a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score… exactly the same as the original, which honestly tells you everything. It’s not reinventing anything. It’s picking up that same tone, same world, and trusting that the formula still works.
This time around, the story leans into how much the fashion and media landscape has changed. Miranda Priestly is still at the center, but she’s navigating an industry that’s been reshaped by digital media, shifting power structures, and a younger generation coming up fast. The tension builds around relevance… who still has it, who’s losing it, and what it takes to stay on top when the rules keep changing. Familiar faces return, but the dynamic isn’t quite the same anymore, which gives it just enough movement to justify coming back.
At the end of the day, this is comfort viewing with sharp edges. The performances carry it, the dialogue still snaps when it needs to, and if you’re coming in expecting that same mix of fashion, attitude, and behind-the-scenes pressure, you’ll get it. It’s not trying to outdo the original… just sit alongside it. And for fans, that’s probably enough.
Playing everywhere and often:
Hokum (2026)
Next up is the one I’ve been waiting for. Hokum checks every box for me… highly rated (sitting around 90% on Rotten Tomatoes), firmly in the horror lane, and led by Adam Scott, who’s been quietly stacking serious dramatic credibility lately with Severance. Put all that together and yeah… I’m already in the front row for this one.
The ghost story with a wry, fun center is about a small, struggling town that becomes the focus of a slick, too-good-to-be-true revitalization effort led by a mysterious organization promising jobs, tourism, and a fresh start. Scott plays a local figure who starts to notice the cracks early… odd behavior, missing people, and a creeping sense that the “revival” is built on something much darker.
What starts as quiet unease escalates into something far more consuming, with the town slowly realizing they didn’t just invite change… they welcomed something in. Supporting performances, including Jessie Buckley and Scoot McNairy, help ground the story as it builds toward a tense, unraveling finale.
If you’re a horror fan, this is the kind of release you’ve been waiting for. It’s smart, atmospheric, and actually knows how to build tension instead of just throwing noise at you. It’s playing just about everywhere—aside from my go-to spot, Mystic Luxury—so you’ve got plenty of options. Pick your theater, grab a seat, and get in before the buzz gets too loud.
Playing at:
Animal Farm (2026)
The other release of note this week is worth mentioning for all the wrong reasons… and you don’t have to look any further than the reviews to understand why. Animal Farm takes George Orwell’s sharp, biting political allegory and reshapes it into something far more kid-friendly… and far less effective. Critics have been brutal, pointing out that while pieces of the original story are still recognizable, the film is “far too disorderly to substitute for the book.” (Forbes)
At its core, the story still follows the familiar setup: farm animals revolt against their human owner, take control, and attempt to build a society of equality. But from there, it veers hard. Instead of a slow, unsettling descent into dictatorship, the film introduces new characters like a heroic piglet named Lucky, shifts the focus toward corporate villains and modern themes, and leans heavily into broad humor. (Parents)
The darker elements are toned down, replaced with jokes, flashy sequences, and even things like drones and modern tech layered into the world. (AP News) What was once a tight, devastating critique of power becomes something closer to a chaotic, kid-aimed adventure.
If you still want to see it, it’s available at the following theaters:
- Regal Waterford
- AMC Classic Lisbon 12
- Westbrook Cinemas 12
- All South County Luxury Cinemas
- Showcase Warwick
Until Next Week
That’s the lineup for this week… but things really start to heat up next weekend as we march toward the official kickoff of summer movie season on Memorial Day. Leading the charge is Mortal Kombat 2, bringing the tournament front and center this time as Earthrealm’s fighters face off against Outworld in a full-scale battle that leans harder into the games fans know. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got The Sheep Detectives, a lighter, kid-friendly mystery where a group of unlikely farm animals teams up to solve a series of small-town crimes.
Two very different vibes, both setting the stage for what’s coming as the summer slate officially kicks in.
Last modified: April 29, 2026
