The contemporary cinematic landscape continues to offer a diverse range of genres and narrative approaches, from dark comedies re-examining classic themes to gritty crime thrillers and superhero reboots. Recent releases highlight this variety, featuring a star-studded cast in a modern take on marital strife, a comedic yet flawed revival of a cult classic, and a surprising stylistic shift from a renowned director.

One notable film is Jay Roach’s "The Roses," written by Tony McNamara, which offers a fresh, 21st-century perspective on Warren Adler’s anti-romantic-comedy novel that inspired Danny DeVito’s 1989 film, "The War of the Roses." While not a direct remake and perhaps less belligerent, "The Roses" retains a biting edge, depicting life partners Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch) descending into attempts to destroy each other by its conclusion. The film opens in couple's therapy, revealing their relationship's foundation of sharp, mutually deprecating humor. Though an initial spark between Colman and Cumberbatch might be debated compared to the scorching chemistry of Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in the original "War," their dynamic is verbally brilliant. The plot explores how matrimony can devolve into acrimony, especially when power shifts. Ivy, a confidence-challenged chef, and Theo, a hotshot architect, navigate differing parenting styles and a steamy meet-cute. However, Theo's career collapse and Ivy's crab shack's booming success drastically alter their dynamic, leading to a "slow and painfully funny break-up." The film, which also features a strong comedic ensemble including Allison Janney as a deadpan divorce lawyer, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Jamie Demetriou, and Zoë Chao, is rated 15 and runs for 105 minutes, receiving four out of five stars for its hilariously funny and viciously feisty portrayal of modern marriage.

In a different vein, Macon Blair’s reboot of "The Toxic Avenger" attempts to revive Troma’s scrappy 1980s trash-horror cult classic. This slicker version, rated 18 and 102 minutes long, stars Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze, a widowed janitor who mutates after a toxic accident (with stunt performer Luisa Guerreiro in the suit and Dinklage providing the voice). Jacob Tremblay shines as Winston’s teenage son, Wade, while Taylour Paige offers determined energy as crusader JJ Doherty, and Kevin Bacon chews the scenery as the cartoonishly evil corporate villain. Despite an impressive cast, the film often stumbles. It aims to be a sharp spoof of superhero adventures, but its jokes land sporadically and scares are comically bad, resulting in a mostly middling reboot that earns three out of five stars.

Finally, Darren Aronofsky takes a radical turn with "Caught Stealing," a gritty crime thriller that deviates from his signature intense psychological works like "Black Swan." This high-octane crime spree, reminiscent of the Safdie brothers, centers on Austin Butler’s captivating performance as Hank Thompson, a washed-up New York bartender with a busted knee. Adapted from Charlie Huston’s novel, the story follows Hank’s agreement to cat-sit for his punk neighbor (Matt Smith), which spirals into a wild chase involving gangsters, with a memorable turn from pop star Bad Bunny. The ensemble cast also includes Liev Schreiber and Regina King. Although the pace is occasionally off, "Caught Stealing" is lauded as a fantastic showcase for both Aronofsky’s new direction and Butler’s classic Hollywood magnetism. It is rated 15, runs for 107 minutes, and receives four out of five stars.