The cinematic landscape is currently enriched by a diverse array of new releases, ranging from incisive dark comedies that re-examine modern relationships to reboots of cult classics and gritty crime thrillers. Among these, "The Roses," directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, stands out as a compelling, albeit less belligerent, re-imagining of Danny DeVito’s 1989 dark comedy "The War of the Roses." This new take brings a 21st-century perspective on gender politics to Warren Adler’s anti-romantic-comedy novel, exploring how matrimony can devolve into acrimony, especially when power dynamics shift between spouses.

Starring Olivia Colman as Ivy and Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose, "The Roses" delves into the complexities of a seemingly well-matched couple. Their relationship, initially thriving on biting repartee and a seemingly insatiable sex life—evidenced by a steamy meet-cute and subsequent encounter in a walk-in freezer—is ultimately tested by professional reversals. The film opens in couple’s therapy, where the British duo’s humor is so dry and mutually deprecating that it initially shocks their therapist, yet still fuels their attraction. While the film aims to portray a couple with intense chemistry, some critics note a missing "spark" between Colman and Cumberbatch, particularly when compared to the scorching passion of Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in the original.

The core conflict in "The Roses" arises when hotshot architect Theo’s big project collapses, derailing his career, just as Ivy’s long-cherished dream of opening a crab shack begins to boom with success and buzz. This sudden shift in roles—with Ivy becoming the career woman and Theo a stay-at-home dad—introduces depression and jealousy into their marriage. The narrative raises questions about whether modern couples, especially two artists, can truly "have it all" and the impact on an ambitious man when his professional identity is brusquely challenged. Despite the escalating animosity, the film maintains a witty tone, with Colman’s spirited and suddenly selfish Ivy and Cumberbatch’s beleaguered and increasingly bitchy Theo delivering sharp, memorable one-liners.

The ensemble cast further elevates the dark comedy, featuring Allison Janney as an intimidatingly deadpan divorce lawyer, Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon as a couple whose bed has gone cold (with McKinnon also playing a "nympho neighbour" in one of the film's running gags), Jamie Demetriou as Rory, Zoë Chao as Sally, and appearances by Sunita Mani and Ncuti Gatwa. Cumberbatch, known for period dramas and Doctor Strange, considers his role in "The Roses" a step towards something "new," appreciating the character’s emotional intuition, impulsiveness, pragmatism, and capacity for both deep love and hatred. Writer Tony McNamara initially had reservations about remaking "The War of the Roses" but saw an opportunity to create a "verbally brilliant" film more focused on marriage itself, a theme director Jay Roach also brought personal insights to. "The Roses," rated 15, runs for 105 minutes and is slated to open in theaters on August 29.

Beyond the marital struggles explored in "The Roses," the cinematic week also offers a new take on a cult classic with Macon Blair’s reboot of "The Toxic Avenger." This film stars Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze, a widowed janitor who transforms into a mutated hero after a toxic accident. While Dinklage provides the voice, stunt performer Luisa Guerreiro brings the monster to life in the suit. The impressive cast also includes Jacob Tremblay as Winston’s teenage son Wade, Taylour Paige as crusader JJ Doherty, and Kevin Bacon as the cartoonishly evil corporate villain. Despite the talent involved, "The Toxic Avenger" is described as a "mostly middling reboot," earning 3 out of 5 stars. Critics note that it struggles to live up to the promise of its script, with jokes landing sporadically and scares that are comically bad, resulting in a "hit and miss" outcome compared to the original 1980s scrappy trash-horror classic. The film is rated 18 and has a running time of 102 minutes.

Meanwhile, Darren Aronofsky takes a radical turn from his usual intense psychological works with "Caught Stealing," a gritty crime thriller. Starring Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, a washed-up New York bartender with a busted knee, the film showcases Butler’s captivating presence and "classic Hollywood magnetism" even in his character's lowest moments. Adapted from Charlie Huston’s novel, the story follows Hank’s unexpected entanglement in a wild chase involving gangsters after agreeing to cat-sit for his punk neighbor, played by Matt Smith. The ensemble cast includes pop star Bad Bunny in a memorable turn, Liev Schreiber, and Regina King. While the film’s pace is noted to be "a little off at times," "Caught Stealing" is lauded as a fantastic showcase for both Aronofsky’s new directorial style and Butler’s acting prowess. This high-octane crime spree, reminiscent of the Safdie brothers, is rated 15 and runs for 107 minutes.