New in Theaters: Jack Black as a Wizard, Oscar Isaac as a Father, and the Controversial “Assassination Nation”

1.  “The House with a Clock in Its Walls“  (PG)  Trailer

Jack Black teaches magic to his recently orphaned nephew and then enlists his help in defending the world from a dark wizard who left a doomsday clock in their home.  Cate Blanchett is a witch fighting alongside them and Kyle McLachlan is the villain.

2.  “Life Itself“  (R)  Trailer

This movie spans multiple generations, starting with Oscar Isaac dating Olivia Wilde, and later proposing to her.  Olivia Cookefrom “Ready Player One” and “Bates Motel” plays their grown-up daughter.  And Mandy Patinkin plays Oscar Isaac’s father.

Antonio Banderas and Annette Bening are also in it.

The movie was written and directed by “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman.

3.  “Assassination Nation“  (R)  Trailer

Odessa Young, Suki Waterhouse, R&B singer ABRA, and transgender model Hari Nef are four high school girls fighting to survive a wave of “Purge”-like chaos that erupts after a massive internet hack exposes all of their small town’s dirty secrets.

The extremely violent movie confronts a lot of sensitive issues like gun violence, bullying, homophobia, transphobia, racism, and drugs, alcohol, and sexual abuse.  “Variety” also reported yesterday that the movie was having trouble placing ads online and getting billboard ad space because of its controversial content.