New movies this week: Ben-Hur, War Dogs

RALEIGH, N.C. — A look at what's new in theaters this week.

Ben-Hur (Action/Adventure, Drama, PG-13, Starring Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi, Ayelet Zurer) - The epic story of Judah Ben-Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala, an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves, Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but an encounter with Jesus leads him to the Crucifixion, where he discovers forgiveness and finds redemption.

Kubo and the Two Strings (Animation, PG, Starring Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei) - Clever, kindhearted Kubo ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato, Hashi and Kamekichi. But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle, and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen - a magical musical instrument - Kubo must battle gods and monsters to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.

War Dogs (Comedy, R, Starring Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas, Bradley Cooper, Shaun Toub) - Two friends in their early 20s living in Miami Beach during the Iraq War, exploit a little-known government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts. Starting small, they begin raking in big money and are living the high life. But the pair gets in over their heads when they land a 300 million dollar deal to arm the Afghan Military—a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people, not the least of which turns out to be the U.S. Government.