Jay Roach's latest dark comedy, "The Roses," offers a fresh and witty 21st-century reinterpretation of Warren Adler’s anti-romantic-comedy novel, previously adapted as Danny DeVito’s 1989 film “The War of the Roses.” While not a direct remake, this new take drops the "war" from the title, presenting a less belligerent but equally biting exploration of matrimony's potential descent into acrimony. The film stars Olivia Colman as Ivy and Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose, a seemingly well-matched British couple whose relationship thrives on sharp repartee, even in the confines of a therapist's office where insults like "I’d rather live with her than a wolf" are exchanged.

The narrative of "The Roses" traces the evolution of Ivy, a chef, and Theo, an architect, from a steamy meet-cute in a restaurant freezer to a life navigating non-compatible parenting styles with their two children. The central conflict arises when Theo's ambitious architectural project collapses, coinciding with the booming success of Ivy’s long-desired crab shack. This dramatic shift in professional identity and power dynamics—with Theo becoming a stay-at-home dad and Ivy a career woman—sets the stage for a "slow and painfully funny break-up," culminating in the couple trying to kill each other under the roof of their custom-built home. Writer Tony McNamara, who initially had reservations about tackling a remake, aimed to create a show more focused on marriage, emphasizing its verbally brilliant and complex nature.

Critics offer varied perspectives on the film's execution. One review notes a missing "spark" in the chemistry between Colman and Cumberbatch compared to the scorching passion of Turner and Douglas in the original. However, another review praises their "electric comic chemistry," highlighting their ability to portray chaotic cruelty while maintaining a "glint of true love." The film features a stellar comedic ensemble, including Allison Janney as an intimidatingly deadpan divorce lawyer, Andy Samberg as a useless lawyer, Kate McKinnon as a nympho neighbor, and appearances by Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, and Ncuti Gatwa. Cumberbatch, also a producer, considers this role a step towards something "new," relishing the opportunity to match wits with Colman.

Beyond "The Roses," the cinematic landscape also features other notable releases. "The Toxic Avenger," directed by Macon Blair, attempts a slicker reboot of the scrappy 1980s cult classic. Starring Peter Dinklage (who voices the mutated janitor Winston Gooze, played by stunt performer Luisa Guerreiro), Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, and Kevin Bacon as the cartoonishly evil villain, the film aims to be a sharp spoof of superhero adventures. However, it is largely deemed a "middling reboot," with jokes landing sporadically and comically bad scares, failing to consistently deliver on its promise.

Another intriguing release is Darren Aronofsky’s "Caught Stealing," a gritty crime thriller that marks a radical departure for the director known for intense psychological works like "Black Swan." Austin Butler delivers a captivating performance as Hank Thompson, a washed-up New York bartender whose agreement to cat-sit spirals into a high-octane chase involving gangsters. Adapted from Charlie Huston’s novel, the film features a strong ensemble cast including Matt Smith, pop star Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, and Regina King. While the pace is occasionally uneven, "Caught Stealing" is highlighted as a fantastic showcase for both Aronofsky's new direction and Butler's classic Hollywood magnetism.