Friday, August 31, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/31/07
This week started out with three films scheduled but the best, Death At A Funeral, was dropped for some reason. Hopefully, this British comedy will turn up a little later. That only leaves this week with Death Sentence (48/100) and Halloween (unscreened), according to MetaCritic. Slim pickings, indeed!
HALLOWEEN 0*
John Carpenter started this series back in 1978 with a pretty good little horror film. Several films later, Rob Zombie has gotten his hands on it as writer/director and managed to create a film that for the cast will surely rank as the nadir of their careers. Among this group of unfortunate thespians are: Scout Taylor-Compton, Tyler Mane, Malcolm McDowell, Brad Dourif, Daeg Faerch, Sheri Moon, William Forsythe, Dee Wallace, and Udo Kier.
The film introduces us to Michael as a little boy in what surely must be one of the more dysfunctional households you've been exposed to. The purpose of this prologue is to let you know how he became a sociopath (frankly, I didn't really care, and certainly not for 30 minutes worth). Then we see his first killings, followed by fifteen years of incarceration in a mental institution, and his escape due to the most unbelievably incompetent guards it will ever be your misfortune to see. He immediately heads for home to look for his baby sister, who he last saw as an infant. He has no trouble immediately finding her (we need to send him after bin Laden), and the final slaughter begins.
This has got to be one of the worst films I've ever suffered through. It is full of characters you're more than willing to see slaughtered, makes absolutely no sense, and except for one scene close to the end, isn't in the least scary. The language is continually profane and most of the female cast is occasionally topless. The carnage is virtually unending (you don't know why) and special kudos should be given to the sound man for giving us very realistic sonic depictions of baseball bats crushing skulls, knives rending flesh, and people drowning in their own blood. If you're into this type of thing, OK, but consider therapy. I personally wouldn't advise wasting time or money on something this bad.
The film introduces us to Michael as a little boy in what surely must be one of the more dysfunctional households you've been exposed to. The purpose of this prologue is to let you know how he became a sociopath (frankly, I didn't really care, and certainly not for 30 minutes worth). Then we see his first killings, followed by fifteen years of incarceration in a mental institution, and his escape due to the most unbelievably incompetent guards it will ever be your misfortune to see. He immediately heads for home to look for his baby sister, who he last saw as an infant. He has no trouble immediately finding her (we need to send him after bin Laden), and the final slaughter begins.
This has got to be one of the worst films I've ever suffered through. It is full of characters you're more than willing to see slaughtered, makes absolutely no sense, and except for one scene close to the end, isn't in the least scary. The language is continually profane and most of the female cast is occasionally topless. The carnage is virtually unending (you don't know why) and special kudos should be given to the sound man for giving us very realistic sonic depictions of baseball bats crushing skulls, knives rending flesh, and people drowning in their own blood. If you're into this type of thing, OK, but consider therapy. I personally wouldn't advise wasting time or money on something this bad.
DEATH SENTENCE *½
Back in 1974 Charles Bronson made Death Wish. a film about a man seeking random revenge for the death of his wife. This film has the same theme but is a little less random, as our protagonist knows exactly who he wants to kill. Starring are: Kevin Bacon, Kelly Preston, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, Aisha Tyler, and Matt O'Leary. James Wan, best known as the director of the Saw films, is the director.
Bacon portrays a mild mannered executive with the perfect family. On the way home with his oldest son, a gang initiation leads to the son's death. Convinced the guilty party will not be brought to justice, he determines to take matters into his own hands, leading to deadly consequences.
This pic puts an experienced director in charge of a very experienced cast and comes up wanting. My reaction to Bacon's character for most of the film was one of annoyance. He makes bad choice after obvious bad choice and then compounds it all with some unbelievable choices. Preston is good although mostly wasted and Goodman shines as one of the nastiest characters you'll ever run across. Tyler is fine as the police detective but it's a rather thankless role. There is a fair amount of action and lots of bloody violence but since none of it rings true, it really doesn't matter. This is a DVD bargain day rental at best.
Bacon portrays a mild mannered executive with the perfect family. On the way home with his oldest son, a gang initiation leads to the son's death. Convinced the guilty party will not be brought to justice, he determines to take matters into his own hands, leading to deadly consequences.
This pic puts an experienced director in charge of a very experienced cast and comes up wanting. My reaction to Bacon's character for most of the film was one of annoyance. He makes bad choice after obvious bad choice and then compounds it all with some unbelievable choices. Preston is good although mostly wasted and Goodman shines as one of the nastiest characters you'll ever run across. Tyler is fine as the police detective but it's a rather thankless role. There is a fair amount of action and lots of bloody violence but since none of it rings true, it really doesn't matter. This is a DVD bargain day rental at best.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Opening 8/31/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
DEATH SENTENCE [R] 1hr. 45 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Aisha Tyler, Garrett Hedlun, John Goodman, Jordan Garrett, Kelly Preston, Kevin Bacon, Leigh Whannell, Matt O'Leary, Yorgo Constantine. Plot: a mild-mannered executive with a perfect life witnesses/experiences something that changes him forever. Transformed by grief, he comes to the disturbing conclusion that no length is too great when protecting his family. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
HALLOWEEN [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Horror Trailer Cast: Brad Dourif, Danielle Harris, Malcolm McDowell, Scout Taylor Compton, Sheri Moon Zombie, Tyler Mane, William Forsythe. Plot: an entirely new take on the highly successful and terrifying Halloween legacy that began in 1978, as director Rob Zombie turns back time to uncover the making of a pathologically disturbed, even cursed child named Michael Myers. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Sneak Preview, Sunday 9/2/07
3:10 TO YUMA [R] 2 hrs. 10 min. Western Trailer Cast: Alan Tudyk, Ben Foster, Christian Bale, Dallas Roberts, Gretchen Mol, Logan Lerman, Luce Rains, Peter Fonda, Russell Crowe, Vinessa Shaw. Plot: in Arizona in the late 1800's, an infamous outlaw is captured and a Civil War veteran, struggling to survive on his drought-plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver him alive to the "3:10 to Yuma", a train that will take the killer to trial. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively (7:00 p.m. - replaces WAR at same time).
Leaving 8/30/2007
Derby Plaza - The Simpsons Movie
Movie Machine - Bourne Ultimatum
Northrock 14 - The Last Legion, Talk To Me
Palace West - Ocean's 13, Nancy Drew, Wild Hogs
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Warren Old Town - The Invasion
Warren West 21st - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Movie Machine - Bourne Ultimatum
Northrock 14 - The Last Legion, Talk To Me
Palace West - Ocean's 13, Nancy Drew, Wild Hogs
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Warren Old Town - The Invasion
Warren West 21st - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Friday, August 24, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/24/07
So many pictures...so little time. Here's what MetaCritic thought of this week's offerings: Once (88/100), Mr. Bean's Holiday (57/100), Resurrectng the Champ (54/100), Illegal Tender (51/100), The Nanny Diaries (45/100), September Dawn (39/100), and War (not reviewed).
I haven't had a chance to write my review of Mr. Bean's Holiday yet but I'll get it posted later today or tomorrow at the latest.
I haven't had a chance to write my review of Mr. Bean's Holiday yet but I'll get it posted later today or tomorrow at the latest.
WAR **½
WAR is a slice 'n dice (literally) action film starring: Jet Li, Jason Statham, John Lone, Steph Song, Nadine Velazquez, Kane Kosugi, Andrea Roth, and Devon Aoki The director is Philip G. Atwell, who has basically been a video/Tv director until now.
The plot is more convoluted than usual for this type of film. It starts with two FBI agents in the middle of a gun battle which includes a deadly killer named Rogue. Rogue is supposedly killed by one of the agents and then some time later, that agent and his wife and daughter are killed by Rogue, who has resurfaced. The remaining partner vows revenge and finds Rogue three years later in the middle of a fight between elements of the Chinese Triads and the Japanese Yakuza. It soon becomes obvious Rogue is working both ends of the fight and instigating a fight to the death between the two groups. The battle you'd expect erupts and ends with the agent and the assassin finally coming face to face.
This is the type of film many males greatly enjoy. It features non-stop violence, sword slicing, explosions, lots of blood and flying body parts, fast cars, and a plethora of scantily clad young women. What's not to like? Most women will be much happier with something like Becoming Jane or The Nanny Diaries. But for those for whom fast paced action equals entertainment, this fills the bill nicely. There is a plot flaw which you'll realize at the end but most won't really care. A big screen and good sound will add to the pleasure.
The plot is more convoluted than usual for this type of film. It starts with two FBI agents in the middle of a gun battle which includes a deadly killer named Rogue. Rogue is supposedly killed by one of the agents and then some time later, that agent and his wife and daughter are killed by Rogue, who has resurfaced. The remaining partner vows revenge and finds Rogue three years later in the middle of a fight between elements of the Chinese Triads and the Japanese Yakuza. It soon becomes obvious Rogue is working both ends of the fight and instigating a fight to the death between the two groups. The battle you'd expect erupts and ends with the agent and the assassin finally coming face to face.
This is the type of film many males greatly enjoy. It features non-stop violence, sword slicing, explosions, lots of blood and flying body parts, fast cars, and a plethora of scantily clad young women. What's not to like? Most women will be much happier with something like Becoming Jane or The Nanny Diaries. But for those for whom fast paced action equals entertainment, this fills the bill nicely. There is a plot flaw which you'll realize at the end but most won't really care. A big screen and good sound will add to the pleasure.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Opening 8/24/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
ILLEGAL TENDER [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Dania Ramirez, Gary Perez, Manny Perez, Rick Gonzalez, Tego Calderon, Wanda De Jesus. Plot: after the gangsters who killed his father come to settle a score, a teenage boy and his mother turn the tables on the killers. Showing at: 21st Street Warren exclusively.
MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY [G] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Antoine de Caunes, Emma de Caunes, Jean Rochefort, Rowan Atkinson, Willem Dafoe. Plot: in his latest misadventure, Mr. Bean--the nearly wordless misfit who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks--goes on holiday to the French Riviera where he is wrongly thought to be both a kidnapper and an acclaimed filmmaker. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Warren.
THE NANNY DIARIES [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Alicia Keys, Chris Evans, Donna Murphy, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, Scarlett Johansson. Plot: the story of the emotional and often humorous journey of a young woman from a working-class neighborhood in New Jersey, struggling to understand her place in the world, who accepts the position as a nanny for a wealthy family and learns that life is not very rosy on the other side of the tax bracket. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
ONCE [R] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy/Drama/Musical/Romance Trailer Cast: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova. Plot: the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RESURRECTING THE CHAMP [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Alan Alda, Chris Ippolito, Dakota Goyo, David Paymer, Eugene Clark, Glenn Hunter, Harry J. Lennix, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Morris, Peter Coyote, Rachel Nichols, Ryan McDonald, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephen Strachan, Teri Hatcher. Plot: when an up-and-coming sports writer saves a homeless man from a scrape with a group of rowdy college kids, he discovers he's no ordinary bum, but Champ, a one-time boxing great. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SEPTEMBER DAWN [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Western/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Dean Cain, Huntley Ritter, Jon Gries, Jon Voight, Krisinda Cain, Lolita Davidovich, Shaun Johnston, Tamara Hope, Taylor Handley, Terence Stamp, Trent Ford. Plot: on September 11, 1857 in an unspoiled valley of the Utah Territory-and in the name of God-120 men, women and children were savagely murdered. This controversial film dramatizes who ordered the massacre, and why. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
WAR [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Andrea Roth, Devon Aoki, Jason Statham, Jet Li, John Lone, Kane Kosugi, Kennedy Lauren Montano, Luis Guzman, Mark Cheng, Mathew St. Patrick, Nadine Velazquez, Ryo Ishibashi, Saul Rubinek, Terry Chen. Plot: two adversaries set on a violent collision course in the Asian mob underground. Showing at: Northrock, 21st Street Warren, 13th Avenue Warren.
Opens Wednesday, 8/29/07
BALLS OF FURY [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Action/Comedy/Crime/Sport Trailer Cast: Christopher Walken, Dan Fogler, George Lopez, Maggie Q, Robert Patrick, Thomas Lennon. Plot: a down-and-out former professional Ping-Pong phenom is sucked into the unsanctioned, underground, and unhinged world of extreme Ping-Pong when an FBI Agent recruits him for a secret mission. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY [G] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Antoine de Caunes, Emma de Caunes, Jean Rochefort, Rowan Atkinson, Willem Dafoe. Plot: in his latest misadventure, Mr. Bean--the nearly wordless misfit who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks--goes on holiday to the French Riviera where he is wrongly thought to be both a kidnapper and an acclaimed filmmaker. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Warren.
THE NANNY DIARIES [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Alicia Keys, Chris Evans, Donna Murphy, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, Scarlett Johansson. Plot: the story of the emotional and often humorous journey of a young woman from a working-class neighborhood in New Jersey, struggling to understand her place in the world, who accepts the position as a nanny for a wealthy family and learns that life is not very rosy on the other side of the tax bracket. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
ONCE [R] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy/Drama/Musical/Romance Trailer Cast: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova. Plot: the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RESURRECTING THE CHAMP [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Alan Alda, Chris Ippolito, Dakota Goyo, David Paymer, Eugene Clark, Glenn Hunter, Harry J. Lennix, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Morris, Peter Coyote, Rachel Nichols, Ryan McDonald, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephen Strachan, Teri Hatcher. Plot: when an up-and-coming sports writer saves a homeless man from a scrape with a group of rowdy college kids, he discovers he's no ordinary bum, but Champ, a one-time boxing great. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SEPTEMBER DAWN [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Western/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Dean Cain, Huntley Ritter, Jon Gries, Jon Voight, Krisinda Cain, Lolita Davidovich, Shaun Johnston, Tamara Hope, Taylor Handley, Terence Stamp, Trent Ford. Plot: on September 11, 1857 in an unspoiled valley of the Utah Territory-and in the name of God-120 men, women and children were savagely murdered. This controversial film dramatizes who ordered the massacre, and why. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
WAR [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Andrea Roth, Devon Aoki, Jason Statham, Jet Li, John Lone, Kane Kosugi, Kennedy Lauren Montano, Luis Guzman, Mark Cheng, Mathew St. Patrick, Nadine Velazquez, Ryo Ishibashi, Saul Rubinek, Terry Chen. Plot: two adversaries set on a violent collision course in the Asian mob underground. Showing at: Northrock, 21st Street Warren, 13th Avenue Warren.
Opens Wednesday, 8/29/07
BALLS OF FURY [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Action/Comedy/Crime/Sport Trailer Cast: Christopher Walken, Dan Fogler, George Lopez, Maggie Q, Robert Patrick, Thomas Lennon. Plot: a down-and-out former professional Ping-Pong phenom is sucked into the unsanctioned, underground, and unhinged world of extreme Ping-Pong when an FBI Agent recruits him for a secret mission. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 8/23/2007
Derby Plaza - Hairspray
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Ratatouille, The Simpsons Movie, Stardust, Daddy Day Camp, Harry Potter
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Daddy Day Camp, Hot Rod, Talk To Me
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Rescue Dawn, Daddy Day Camp
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Ratatouille, The Simpsons Movie, Stardust, Daddy Day Camp, Harry Potter
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Daddy Day Camp, Hot Rod, Talk To Me
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Rescue Dawn, Daddy Day Camp
Friday, August 17, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/17/07
At first glance this week looked as if it had nothing to offer. But, it turns out I was in for a surprise (see my review below). As far as MetaCrtic is concerned, here's how they rate: SUPERBAD (78), TALK TO ME (69), THE INVASION (49), and THE LAST LEGION (not screened, and you know what that means).
Incidentally, INVASION is the fourth time INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS has been made and according to the bulk of the reviews they shouldnt have wasted their time.
For those who've been enjoying the cult film at the Palace West, here's the lineup for the next couple of months: August 24 & 25- Rocky Horror Picture Show, August 31 & Sept.1- National Lampoon Vacation, September 7 & 8- Revenge of the Nerds, September 14 & 15- Clockwork Orange, September 21 & 22- Monty Python Life of Brian, September 28 & 29- Blazing Saddles, October 5 & 6- The Shining , October 12 & 13- Evil Dead 2.
Update: Here's the latest on the weekend from Nikki Finke's blog.
Incidentally, INVASION is the fourth time INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS has been made and according to the bulk of the reviews they shouldnt have wasted their time.
For those who've been enjoying the cult film at the Palace West, here's the lineup for the next couple of months: August 24 & 25- Rocky Horror Picture Show, August 31 & Sept.1- National Lampoon Vacation, September 7 & 8- Revenge of the Nerds, September 14 & 15- Clockwork Orange, September 21 & 22- Monty Python Life of Brian, September 28 & 29- Blazing Saddles, October 5 & 6- The Shining , October 12 & 13- Evil Dead 2.
Update: Here's the latest on the weekend from Nikki Finke's blog.
SUPERBAD ***
This is a rude, crude and highly profane coming-of-age comedy starring: Jonah Hill (Seth), Michael Cera (Evan), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fogell), Bill Hader (Officer Slater), Seth Rogen (Officer Michales), Emma Stone (Jules), Martha MacIsaac (Becca), and Aviva (Nicola).
The plot involves three high school seniors (Seth, Evan and Fogell) heading out to obtain liquor for a party using a phony I.D. They hope by providing the drinks for the party they'll get lucky with the objects of their desire (Jules, Becca and Nicola) and have girl friends for the summer before they leave for college (thus providing them with some experience they desperately need). Things don't quite go as planned and Fogell ends up riding around with Officers Slater and Michales while Seth and Evan try another approach at obtaining the necessary booze.
I suspect most who read my reviews are older than the target age for this film which is late teens and college age. I can assure you this group will absolutely love this film. Older patrons can plan on being surrounded by the younger ones and may have difficulty hearing the dialogue over the laughter. The language is continually profane and sexually graphic but I don't remember any nudity. What makes this film work is the likeability of the characters and the recognition that many of the situations involved are not entirely improbable. The closest comparison movie I can think of is Porky's. I should also point out the end credits have some of the most unusual graphics you'll see in a film. If you're in the right mood and you're old enough, this is definitely worth the money.
The plot involves three high school seniors (Seth, Evan and Fogell) heading out to obtain liquor for a party using a phony I.D. They hope by providing the drinks for the party they'll get lucky with the objects of their desire (Jules, Becca and Nicola) and have girl friends for the summer before they leave for college (thus providing them with some experience they desperately need). Things don't quite go as planned and Fogell ends up riding around with Officers Slater and Michales while Seth and Evan try another approach at obtaining the necessary booze.
I suspect most who read my reviews are older than the target age for this film which is late teens and college age. I can assure you this group will absolutely love this film. Older patrons can plan on being surrounded by the younger ones and may have difficulty hearing the dialogue over the laughter. The language is continually profane and sexually graphic but I don't remember any nudity. What makes this film work is the likeability of the characters and the recognition that many of the situations involved are not entirely improbable. The closest comparison movie I can think of is Porky's. I should also point out the end credits have some of the most unusual graphics you'll see in a film. If you're in the right mood and you're old enough, this is definitely worth the money.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Opening 8/17/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
THE INVASION [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Sci-Fi/Thriller Trailer Cast: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, Malin Akerman. Plot: the mysterious crash of a space shuttle leads to the terrifying discovery there is something alien within the wreckage causing a growing extraterrestrial epidemic: it attacks its victims while they sleep, leaving them physically unchanged but strangely unfeeling and inhuman. The only hope is to stay awake long enough to find someone who may hold the key to stopping the devastating invasion. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
THE LAST LEGION [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Action/Adventure/Fantasy Trailer Cast: Colin Firth, Aishwarya Rai, Sir Ben Kingsley, Thomas Sangster, Peter Mullan, Iain Glen. Plot: set against the fall of Rome and its last emperor, 12 year-old Romulus Augustus travels to Britannia in search of the last Roman Legion – the fabled Dragon Legion. There, Romulus will fight alongside his friends and take his first steps to becoming a man and the king who would father a legend. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SUPERBAD [R] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Bill Hader. Plot: two school seniors set out to score alcohol for a party, believing girls will then hook up with them and they will be ready for college. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
TALK TO ME [R] 2 hrs. Drama Trailer Cast: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Mike Epps, Vondie Curtis Hall, Martin Sheen. Plot: the story of the one and only Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr.; set in the mid-to-late 1960s, in Washington, D.C., where vibrant soul music and exploding social consciousness were combined to unique and powerful effect. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren.
Leaving 8/16/2007
Derby Plaza - Harry Potter
Movie Machine - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Northrock 14 - Hot Rod, Who's Your Caddy?, Bratz
Palace West - Surf's Up, Spider-Man 3
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Rescue Dawn, Skinwalkers
Warren Old Town - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Harry Potter, Hairspray
Warren West 21st - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Skinwalkers
Movie Machine - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Northrock 14 - Hot Rod, Who's Your Caddy?, Bratz
Palace West - Surf's Up, Spider-Man 3
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Rescue Dawn, Skinwalkers
Warren Old Town - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Harry Potter, Hairspray
Warren West 21st - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Skinwalkers
Friday, August 10, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/10/07
The highest MetaCritic score this week goes to STARDUST (64), followed by BECOMING JANE (55), RUSH HOUR 3 (43), DADDY DAY CAMP (which opened Wednesday and only got 18) and SKINWALKERS with nothing since it evidently wasn't screened (bad, bad sign). None of these have a high enough score to get excited about although that's not unusual for this time of year. A studio is not going to release a major film just as school is opening.
Added Sunday: Here's a summary of the weekend business from Nikki Finke's blog.
Added Sunday: Here's a summary of the weekend business from Nikki Finke's blog.
RUSH HOUR 3 *
The first of the RUSH HOUR movies was released in 1998, followed by number 2 in 2001 and now six years later here we are with the threequel. Once again it stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker plus this time: Vinnie Jones, Hiroyuki Sanada, Noémie Lenoir, Yvan Attal, Sun Ming Ming, and Max von Sydow. Brett Ratner returns once again as the director.
After a brief prelude involving an attempted assassination, the boys head off to Paris in an attempt to stop a group of Chinese gangsters, known as the Triad, from killing Chan's former assignment and daughter as a way of keeping secret the Triad's membership. To do so they must find someone named Genevieve, who also knows the membership, then evade a passel of assassins which culminates in a battle at the top of the Eiffel Tower. They are aided by a cabbie who initially doesn't think much of Americans but decides he likes the thought of being a "secret agent."
I thought the first two films in this series were mildly amusing but it becomes quickly obvious this film has nothing new to offer and is just a grab for some fast bucks. The initial few minutes are almost painfully bad, even resorting to a variation on an old Abbott and Costello routine (who's on first) in an attempt to coerce some laughter. Once you become numbed by the lack of an intelligent plot, the latter part of the film has a few entertaining moments, but not nearly enough to justify buying a ticket. There was no joy in this one for me but younger teen audiences will probably find it at least palatable.
After a brief prelude involving an attempted assassination, the boys head off to Paris in an attempt to stop a group of Chinese gangsters, known as the Triad, from killing Chan's former assignment and daughter as a way of keeping secret the Triad's membership. To do so they must find someone named Genevieve, who also knows the membership, then evade a passel of assassins which culminates in a battle at the top of the Eiffel Tower. They are aided by a cabbie who initially doesn't think much of Americans but decides he likes the thought of being a "secret agent."
I thought the first two films in this series were mildly amusing but it becomes quickly obvious this film has nothing new to offer and is just a grab for some fast bucks. The initial few minutes are almost painfully bad, even resorting to a variation on an old Abbott and Costello routine (who's on first) in an attempt to coerce some laughter. Once you become numbed by the lack of an intelligent plot, the latter part of the film has a few entertaining moments, but not nearly enough to justify buying a ticket. There was no joy in this one for me but younger teen audiences will probably find it at least palatable.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Opening 8/10/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
BECOMING JANE [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith. Plot: the story of the great, untold romance that inspired a young Jane Austen. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RUSH HOUR 3 [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Action/Comedy/Crime Trailer Cast: Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Youki Kudoh, Max Von Sydow, Noemie Lenoir, Vinnie Jones, Yvan Attel, Roselyn Sanchez, Roman Polanski. Plot: in this threequel, the two must travel to Paris to battle a wing of the Chinese organized crime family, the Triads. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
SKINWALKERS [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action.Horror Trailer Cast: Scott Anderson, Jason Behr, Lyriq Bent, Sarah Carter, Kim Coates, Barbara Gordon, Tom Jackson, Rogue Johnston, Matthew Knight, Elias Koteas, Natassia Malthe, Carl Marotte, Rhona Mitra, Ramona Pringle, Shawn Roberts, David Sparrow. Plot: a 12-year-old boy suddenly finds himself at the center of a battle between two warring groups of werewolves; one sworn to protect him, the other trying to kill him -- and his mother must find out why before time runs out. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
STARDUST [PG-13] 2 hrs. 10 min. Adventure/Fantasy/Romance Trailer Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Jason Flemyng, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen. Plot: based on the best-selling graphic novel about a young man going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star which has transformed into a striking girl. There are others desperately searching for her but he discovers he must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
BECOMING JANE [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith. Plot: the story of the great, untold romance that inspired a young Jane Austen. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RUSH HOUR 3 [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Action/Comedy/Crime Trailer Cast: Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Youki Kudoh, Max Von Sydow, Noemie Lenoir, Vinnie Jones, Yvan Attel, Roselyn Sanchez, Roman Polanski. Plot: in this threequel, the two must travel to Paris to battle a wing of the Chinese organized crime family, the Triads. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
SKINWALKERS [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action.Horror Trailer Cast: Scott Anderson, Jason Behr, Lyriq Bent, Sarah Carter, Kim Coates, Barbara Gordon, Tom Jackson, Rogue Johnston, Matthew Knight, Elias Koteas, Natassia Malthe, Carl Marotte, Rhona Mitra, Ramona Pringle, Shawn Roberts, David Sparrow. Plot: a 12-year-old boy suddenly finds himself at the center of a battle between two warring groups of werewolves; one sworn to protect him, the other trying to kill him -- and his mother must find out why before time runs out. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
STARDUST [PG-13] 2 hrs. 10 min. Adventure/Fantasy/Romance Trailer Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Jason Flemyng, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen. Plot: based on the best-selling graphic novel about a young man going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star which has transformed into a striking girl. There are others desperately searching for her but he discovers he must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 8/9/2007
Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Hairspray
Northrock 14 - Transformers, Live Free Or Die Hard, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Palace West - Mr. Brooks, Meet The Robinsons, A Mighty Heart
Starlite Drive-In - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry ONLY OPEN FRI/SAT STARTING FRIDAY
Warren East 13th - Harry Potter, 1408, I Know Who Killed Me, Sunshine
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Who's Your Caddy, I Know Who Killed Me, Evan Almighty
Movie Machine - Hairspray
Northrock 14 - Transformers, Live Free Or Die Hard, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Palace West - Mr. Brooks, Meet The Robinsons, A Mighty Heart
Starlite Drive-In - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry ONLY OPEN FRI/SAT STARTING FRIDAY
Warren East 13th - Harry Potter, 1408, I Know Who Killed Me, Sunshine
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Who's Your Caddy, I Know Who Killed Me, Evan Almighty
Friday, August 03, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/3/07
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM ****
This film has the same title as Robert Ludlum's third and last novel in his Bourne series. Before you get worried about no more Bourne movies, two additional sequels have been written by another author and the movies have never closely followed Ludlum's plots in any event. If this film's grossses are as good as I suspect they will be, I don't think there's much doubt we'll see Jason Bourne in future films. Starring this time around are: Matt Damon (Jason Bourne), Julia Stiles (Nicky Parsons), David Strathairn (Noah Vosen), Scott Glenn (Ezra Kramer), Paddy Considine (Simon Ross), Edgar Ramirez (Paz), Albert Finney (Dr. Albert Hirsch) and Joan Allen (Pam Landy).
The story starts in Moscow and never stops moving as Bourne closes in on the people who can help him regain his identity. He reads a story about himself in a British newspaper and heads to London to see if the reporter has additional information. Chasing a lead, he runs into Nicky Parsons again, who helps him in his quest at the risk of her life. After several additional stops he lands in New York where he confronts the individuals in the CIA who know all about him and are determined to kill him before he releases the information he's remembering.
This film passed my entertainment test with flying colors...I never once looked at my watch. The production values are first rate, the cast is perfect and the plot moves at a pace that keeps you constantly involved with nary a draggy moment. If you want an interesting, intelligent, action film, they don't get any better than this. A large screen and good surround sound will add greatly to your enjoyment.
The story starts in Moscow and never stops moving as Bourne closes in on the people who can help him regain his identity. He reads a story about himself in a British newspaper and heads to London to see if the reporter has additional information. Chasing a lead, he runs into Nicky Parsons again, who helps him in his quest at the risk of her life. After several additional stops he lands in New York where he confronts the individuals in the CIA who know all about him and are determined to kill him before he releases the information he's remembering.
This film passed my entertainment test with flying colors...I never once looked at my watch. The production values are first rate, the cast is perfect and the plot moves at a pace that keeps you constantly involved with nary a draggy moment. If you want an interesting, intelligent, action film, they don't get any better than this. A large screen and good surround sound will add greatly to your enjoyment.
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About Me
- Wichita, KS, United States
- I've spent most of my adult life in film exhibition management, from which I've retired. As a result of my work I've seen thousands of movies over the years and maintain a strong interest in movies and theatres.
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