I've seen two of the four new films this week and as you can tell by my reviews below I clearly preferred PENELOPE to SEMI-PRO and to a much greater extent than shown below. As usual, the aggregate critics don't necessarily agree with me and the highest rated film for the week is one I didn't see. Here are the MetaCritic ratings:
73 I'm Not There,
53 Other Boleyn Girl, The,
47 Penelope,
45 Semi-Pro
Friday, February 29, 2008
PENELOPE **½
Marking director Mark Palansky's feature film debut, Penelope stars Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant, and Simon Woods. The comedy/drama/fantasy is one hour and thirty minutes long and is rated PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language.
Ricci is a young woman afflicted by a secret family curse that can only be broken when she is loved by one of her own kind. She's been hidden away since birth by her wealthy parents, O'Hara and Grant, who as she becomes a young woman try and find someone to marry her so the curse will be lifted. Woods plays one of the suitors who is appalled by her looks and who joins with photographer Dinklage in attempting to get a picture of her. McAvoy originally meets her as a way to make money but their relationship develops into something else.
This film has been sitting on the shelf for a year so I can't say I was expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. It is a romantic fantasy that doesn't end as well as it starts but is enjoyable nonetheless. Had the ending been a little stronger this could easily have been a three star film. Ricci is great, O'Hara is typical O'Hara and Witherspoon is fine in her limited role (she was also a producer). The rest of the cast acquitted themselves well. This is a good couples film and should also be enjoyed by young and teen girls.
Ricci is a young woman afflicted by a secret family curse that can only be broken when she is loved by one of her own kind. She's been hidden away since birth by her wealthy parents, O'Hara and Grant, who as she becomes a young woman try and find someone to marry her so the curse will be lifted. Woods plays one of the suitors who is appalled by her looks and who joins with photographer Dinklage in attempting to get a picture of her. McAvoy originally meets her as a way to make money but their relationship develops into something else.
This film has been sitting on the shelf for a year so I can't say I was expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. It is a romantic fantasy that doesn't end as well as it starts but is enjoyable nonetheless. Had the ending been a little stronger this could easily have been a three star film. Ricci is great, O'Hara is typical O'Hara and Witherspoon is fine in her limited role (she was also a producer). The rest of the cast acquitted themselves well. This is a good couples film and should also be enjoyed by young and teen girls.
SEMI-PRO ½
Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, and Maura Tierney star is what's supposed to be a sports comedy. Directed by Kent Alterman it's one hour and thirty minutes long and is rated R.
Ferrell is the owner of the Flint Michigan Tropics, the worst team in the ABA. It's in danger of folding but salvation seems imminent when a merger with the NBA is announced. However, the NBA doesn't want them and the only way they can be accepted is to be one of the top four teams and have an average crowd of 2,000. In order to become a winning team he brings in Harrelson, a former NBA player who only comes because he's in love with Tierney. That leaves Ferrell with time to think of some audience building stunts (like boxing a grizzly bear during half time).
I can think of several films that have been crude, profane but outrageously funny. When the funny is missing, however, what you have is dull, and that's what we have here. There's a much larger cast than I listed above but I left them out because they really don't have much to do. Tierney isn't used all that much and it's too bad I can't say the same about Ferrell. To be honest, I'm not a fan of Ferrell and I don't really care for basketball so this film had two strikes against it before I sat down to watch. But I do like comedy and I can recognize its absence which is why I don't recall laughing once during this mess. Those adolescent males who think crude and profane is in itself funny may well like this film. Everyone else, not so much.
Ferrell is the owner of the Flint Michigan Tropics, the worst team in the ABA. It's in danger of folding but salvation seems imminent when a merger with the NBA is announced. However, the NBA doesn't want them and the only way they can be accepted is to be one of the top four teams and have an average crowd of 2,000. In order to become a winning team he brings in Harrelson, a former NBA player who only comes because he's in love with Tierney. That leaves Ferrell with time to think of some audience building stunts (like boxing a grizzly bear during half time).
I can think of several films that have been crude, profane but outrageously funny. When the funny is missing, however, what you have is dull, and that's what we have here. There's a much larger cast than I listed above but I left them out because they really don't have much to do. Tierney isn't used all that much and it's too bad I can't say the same about Ferrell. To be honest, I'm not a fan of Ferrell and I don't really care for basketball so this film had two strikes against it before I sat down to watch. But I do like comedy and I can recognize its absence which is why I don't recall laughing once during this mess. Those adolescent males who think crude and profane is in itself funny may well like this film. Everyone else, not so much.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Opening 2/29/08
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
I'M NOT THERE [R] 2 hr. 10 min. Drama/Music Trailer Cast: Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Ben Whishaw, Marcus, Carl Franklin, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood. Plot: biographical film about legendary singer and songwriter Bob Dylan, follows six distinct characters, depicting different stages of Dylan's life, embodying a different aspect of his life story and music. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.
THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL [PG-13] 2 hr. 10 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance, David Morrissey, Eddie Redmayne, Jim Sturgess, Benedict Cumberbatch. Plot: two sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, are driven by their ambitious father and uncle to advance the family's power and status by courting the affections of the King of England. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.
PENELOPE [PG] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy/Drama/Fantasy Trailer Cast: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant, Simon Woods, Ronni Ancona, Nick Frost, Richard James. Plot: a young woman is afflicted by a secret family curse that can only be broken when she is loved by one of her own kind. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SEMI-PRO [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy/Sports Trailer Cast: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin, Maura Tierney, Will Arnett, Andy Richter, Rob Corddry, DeRay Davis, Josh Braaten, Jay Phillips, Jackie Earle Haley. Plot: the owner of the Flint Michigan Tropics, the worst team in the ABA and in danger of folding, is elated when a merger with the NBA is announced. But, if they want to survive, the Tropics must now do the seemingly impossible – win. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 2/28/2008
Derby Plaza - Definitely, Maybe
Movie Machine - Fool's Gold
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Golden Compass, P.S. I Love You
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring - Opens March 27th
Warren East 13th - 27 Dresses, National Treasure 2, Persepolis, The Eye
Warren Old Town - Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, The Bucket List
Warren West 21st - Rambo, The Eye
Movie Machine - Fool's Gold
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Golden Compass, P.S. I Love You
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring - Opens March 27th
Warren East 13th - 27 Dresses, National Treasure 2, Persepolis, The Eye
Warren Old Town - Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, The Bucket List
Warren West 21st - Rambo, The Eye
Friday, February 22, 2008
Worthwhile (or not) 2/22/08
Here's how this week's menu stacks up according to MetaCritic:
52 Be Kind Rewind,
54 Charlie Bartlett,
90 Persepolis,
83 U2 3D
41 Vantage Point,
xx Witless Protection (not screened; surprise, surprise).
The ratings are as of 3:30 a.m. on 2/22. Take the links to see if they change as new reviews are entered and to read those reviews.
52 Be Kind Rewind,
54 Charlie Bartlett,
90 Persepolis,
83 U2 3D
41 Vantage Point,
xx Witless Protection (not screened; surprise, surprise).
The ratings are as of 3:30 a.m. on 2/22. Take the links to see if they change as new reviews are entered and to read those reviews.
VANTAGE POINT **½
Directed by Pete Travis this action thriller stars Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, and William Hurt. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense violence and action, some disturbing images and brief strong language, it is one hour and thirty minutes long.
For most of the film we watch the assassination of the President of the United States from eight different vantage points including two Secret Service agents (Quaid and Fox), the President (Hurt), a tourist (Whitaker), a Spanish security agent and several of the supposed assassins. As we get more information we learn the plot we're seeing may not be an assassination and some of the individuals are not who we originally thought they were.
Frankly, the continual retelling of the story starts to get tiring long before the plot has completely unfolded. And Whitaker's character gets downright aggravating, I kept wanting someone to tell him to sit down and butt out. It isn't that hard to figure out the surprise plot twist and the ending doesn't ring true at all. Also, as much as I prefer 90 minute films, a couple of the characters need a little fleshing out as we have no real idea why they're doing what we're seeing. Action fans who don't require a believable plot may really enjoy this film, however, as there's plenty of gunfire, shooting and explosions plus an exciting car chase through crowded streets. Still, considering the cast, this should have been better.
For most of the film we watch the assassination of the President of the United States from eight different vantage points including two Secret Service agents (Quaid and Fox), the President (Hurt), a tourist (Whitaker), a Spanish security agent and several of the supposed assassins. As we get more information we learn the plot we're seeing may not be an assassination and some of the individuals are not who we originally thought they were.
Frankly, the continual retelling of the story starts to get tiring long before the plot has completely unfolded. And Whitaker's character gets downright aggravating, I kept wanting someone to tell him to sit down and butt out. It isn't that hard to figure out the surprise plot twist and the ending doesn't ring true at all. Also, as much as I prefer 90 minute films, a couple of the characters need a little fleshing out as we have no real idea why they're doing what we're seeing. Action fans who don't require a believable plot may really enjoy this film, however, as there's plenty of gunfire, shooting and explosions plus an exciting car chase through crowded streets. Still, considering the cast, this should have been better.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Opening 2/22/08
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
BE KIND REWIND [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow, Melonie Diaz, Arjay Smith, Paul Dinello, Marcus Carl Franklin, P.J. Byrne, Chandler Parker. Plot: a loveable loser unintentionally erases all the tapes in a video store where his best friend works, and devises a plan to satisfy the store's few loyal customers by re-creating and re-filming every movie they decide to rent. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
CHARLIE BARTLETT [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis, Tyler Hilton, Jake Epstein, Lauren Collins, Dylan Taylor, Mark Rendall, Kat Dennings, Derek McGrath. Plot: a wealthy teenager's foray into bathroom-stall psychiatry becomes a one-man battle against the loneliness, angst and hypocrisy of the modern world. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
PERSEPOLIS [PG-13] 1 hr. 35 min. Animated Drama Trailer Cast: voices of Catherine Deneuve, Chiara Mastroianni. Plot: the animated, true story of a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. When her uncle is senselessly executed and as bombs fall around Tehran in the Iran/Iraq war, her parents send her to Austria. After high school she returns to Iran but after several years realizes she can no longer live there and goes to France, where she lives today. In French with English subtitles. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.
U2 3D [G] 1 hr. 25 min. Documentary Trailer Cast: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr.. Plot: marrying advanced digital 3D imagery and 5.1 Surround Sound with the unique excitement of a live U2 concert, this film takes viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
VANTAGE POINT [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt. Plot: eight strangers with eight different points of view try to unlock the truth behind an assassination attempt on the president of the United States. As they and others reveal their stories, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place – revealing the shocking motivations lurking just beneath the surface. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
WITLESS PROTECTION [PG-13] 1 hr. 35 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Larry The Cable Guy, Ivana Milicevic, Yaphet Kotto, Peter Stormare, Eric Roberts, Joe Mantegna, Jenny McCarthy. Plot: a small town sheriff during routine patrolling witnesses a beautiful, high-class woman being held against her will by four mysterious, black-suited men. Recognizing the opportunity to save the day, he "kidnaps" her, only to learn she's actually a key witness in a high-stakes Chicago crime case and her captors are FBI agents assigned to protect her. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 2/21/2008
Derby Plaza - Alvin And The Chipmunks, Bucket List
Movie Machine - Alvin And The Chipmunks, Meet The Spartans
Northrock 14 - The Eye, First Sunday, Vince Vaughan's Comedy Show
Palace West - The Mist, Game Plan
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring - Opens March 27th
Warren East 13th - Rambo, Cloverfield, Untraceable
Warren Old Town - Nothing
Warren West 21st - Strange Wilderness, Alvin And The Chipmunks, Untraceable, Cloberfield, There Will Be Blood, Meet The Spartans
Movie Machine - Alvin And The Chipmunks, Meet The Spartans
Northrock 14 - The Eye, First Sunday, Vince Vaughan's Comedy Show
Palace West - The Mist, Game Plan
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring - Opens March 27th
Warren East 13th - Rambo, Cloverfield, Untraceable
Warren Old Town - Nothing
Warren West 21st - Strange Wilderness, Alvin And The Chipmunks, Untraceable, Cloberfield, There Will Be Blood, Meet The Spartans
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Worthwhile (or not) 2/14/08
Here's how this weekend's new films rate according to MetaCritic. Take the link to see updated ratings and to check out the reviews that contributed to them.
62/100 Definitely, Maybe;
43/100 Jumper;
85/100 Savages, The;
58/100 Spiderwick Chronicles, The;
58/100 Step Up 2 the Streets
62/100 Definitely, Maybe;
43/100 Jumper;
85/100 Savages, The;
58/100 Spiderwick Chronicles, The;
58/100 Step Up 2 the Streets
DEFINITELY, MAYBE ***
Directed by Adam Brooks this romance stars Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, Derek Luke, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz, and Kevin Kline. The two hour film is rated PG-13 for sexual content, including some frank dialogue, language and smoking.
The 10-year-old daughter (Breslin) of a 30-something Manhattan dad (Reynolds) in the midst of a divorce (from Banks) starts to question him about his love life before marriage. He explains he has been in love with three women: Banks, Weisz and Fisher from his college days, through political campaigning, and finally as an advertising executive. The daughter simply wants her father to be happy and as he tells his story he finally decides which of the three could make that happen.
This is a richly textured romantic drama which doesn't contain enough humor to be considered a comedy. The daughter's role is very minor with most of the time spent with the three loves of the father as well as an exploration of his career development. The cast is uniformly good and provides an entertaining if unnecessarily long drama. Kline's part could have easily been cut although it's always a pleasure to see him on screen. Women will most likely enjoy this film more than men, but that's the reason it's been released on Valentine's Day. The subsequent DVD release will be just as entertaining as the theatre experience.
The 10-year-old daughter (Breslin) of a 30-something Manhattan dad (Reynolds) in the midst of a divorce (from Banks) starts to question him about his love life before marriage. He explains he has been in love with three women: Banks, Weisz and Fisher from his college days, through political campaigning, and finally as an advertising executive. The daughter simply wants her father to be happy and as he tells his story he finally decides which of the three could make that happen.
This is a richly textured romantic drama which doesn't contain enough humor to be considered a comedy. The daughter's role is very minor with most of the time spent with the three loves of the father as well as an exploration of his career development. The cast is uniformly good and provides an entertaining if unnecessarily long drama. Kline's part could have easily been cut although it's always a pleasure to see him on screen. Women will most likely enjoy this film more than men, but that's the reason it's been released on Valentine's Day. The subsequent DVD release will be just as entertaining as the theatre experience.
JUMPER **½
Directed by Doug Liman this sci-fi/thriller stars Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell, Diane Lane, and Michael Rooker. It's one and a half hours long and is rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some language and brief sexuality.
After a nearly fatal accident a young man (Christensen) learns he can teleport himself anywhere. He spends several years developing this skill and then becomes reacquainted with a girl (Bilson) he had long been attracted to. While showing her the sights of the world he discovers he isn't the only one who can jump (Bell), and, there are those who wish him and all other jumpers as well as anyone acquainted with them, dead (Jackson).
There's a kernel of an interesting sci-fi story here but it doesn't seem well thought out. For one thing, we normal mortals aren't supposed to be aware of the jumpers and the battles between them and their adversaries. But since neither of the two go to much effort to hide their activity, it's hard to imagine someone wouldn't have noticed something down through the ages. And you have to wonder why perfectly innocent and unknowledgeable people are killed. My real problem with the film, however, is the producers seem very intent on making sequels and consequently leave too much of this plot unresolved. Still, there's a fair amount of action and this is a quality cast so sci-fi/action fans should be reasonably pleased.
After a nearly fatal accident a young man (Christensen) learns he can teleport himself anywhere. He spends several years developing this skill and then becomes reacquainted with a girl (Bilson) he had long been attracted to. While showing her the sights of the world he discovers he isn't the only one who can jump (Bell), and, there are those who wish him and all other jumpers as well as anyone acquainted with them, dead (Jackson).
There's a kernel of an interesting sci-fi story here but it doesn't seem well thought out. For one thing, we normal mortals aren't supposed to be aware of the jumpers and the battles between them and their adversaries. But since neither of the two go to much effort to hide their activity, it's hard to imagine someone wouldn't have noticed something down through the ages. And you have to wonder why perfectly innocent and unknowledgeable people are killed. My real problem with the film, however, is the producers seem very intent on making sequels and consequently leave too much of this plot unresolved. Still, there's a fair amount of action and this is a quality cast so sci-fi/action fans should be reasonably pleased.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Opening 2/14/08
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
DEFINITELY, MAYBE [PG-13] 2 hr. Comedy/Romance Trailer Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, Derek Luke, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz, Kevin Kline. Plot: the 10-year-old daughter of a 30-something Manhattan dad in the midst of a divorce starts to question him about his love life before marriage. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Ave. Warren, 21st St. Warren.
JUMPER [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Sci-Fi/Thriller Trailer Cast: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell, Max Thieriot, Shawn Roberts, AnnaSophia Robb, Diane Lane, Michael Rooker, Tom Hulce, Nathalie Cox. Plot: a young man learns he can teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Ave. Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st St. Warren.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES [PG] 1 hr. 35 min. Fantasy Trailer Cast: Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright, David Strathairn, Seth Rogen, Martin Short. Plot: a fantasy adventure for the child in all of us. Peculiar things start to happen the moment the Grace family leave New York and move into the secluded old house owned by their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. Investigating the strange disappearances and accidents that seem to be happening on a daily basis, they uncover the fantastic truth about the Spiderwick estate and the creatures that inhabit it. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Ave. Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st St. Warren.
STEP UP 2: THE STREETS [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama/Musical/Romance Trailer Cast: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp, Cassie Ventura, Adam G. Sevani, Telisha Shaw. Plot: when a rebellious street dancer Andie lands at the elite Maryland School of the Arts, she finds herself fighting to fit in while also trying to hold onto her old life. Ultimately she finds a way to live her dream while building a bridge between her two separate worlds. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Ave. Warren, 21st St. Warren.
Starts Friday, 2/15
THE SAVAGES [R] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco. Plot: when adult siblings are plucked from their everyday, ordinary, self-centered lives to care for an estranged elderly parent, there is a moment when childhood ends and adulthood begins. For Jon and Wendy Savage that moment is now. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
JUMPER [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Sci-Fi/Thriller Trailer Cast: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell, Max Thieriot, Shawn Roberts, AnnaSophia Robb, Diane Lane, Michael Rooker, Tom Hulce, Nathalie Cox. Plot: a young man learns he can teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Ave. Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st St. Warren.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES [PG] 1 hr. 35 min. Fantasy Trailer Cast: Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright, David Strathairn, Seth Rogen, Martin Short. Plot: a fantasy adventure for the child in all of us. Peculiar things start to happen the moment the Grace family leave New York and move into the secluded old house owned by their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. Investigating the strange disappearances and accidents that seem to be happening on a daily basis, they uncover the fantastic truth about the Spiderwick estate and the creatures that inhabit it. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Ave. Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st St. Warren.
STEP UP 2: THE STREETS [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama/Musical/Romance Trailer Cast: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp, Cassie Ventura, Adam G. Sevani, Telisha Shaw. Plot: when a rebellious street dancer Andie lands at the elite Maryland School of the Arts, she finds herself fighting to fit in while also trying to hold onto her old life. Ultimately she finds a way to live her dream while building a bridge between her two separate worlds. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Ave. Warren, 21st St. Warren.
Starts Friday, 2/15
THE SAVAGES [R] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco. Plot: when adult siblings are plucked from their everyday, ordinary, self-centered lives to care for an estranged elderly parent, there is a moment when childhood ends and adulthood begins. For Jon and Wendy Savage that moment is now. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
Leaving 2/13/2008
Derby Plaza - The Eye, 27 Dresses, No Country For Old Men
Movie Machine - 27 Dresses, Cloverfield
Northrock 14 - 27 Dresses, Juno, No Country For Old Men, Untraceable
Palace West - Gone, Baby, Gone, Awake, Charlie Wilson's War, August Rush
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring - Opens March 27th
Warren East 13th - Vince Vaughan's Comedy Show, Over Her Dead Body, Strange Wilderness, Mad Money, The Diving Bell & The Butterfly, Meet The Spartans
Warren Old Town - Rambo, No Country For Old Men
Warren West 21st - Over Her Dead Body, Mad Money, National Treasure 2, I Am Legend, Vince Vaughan's Comedy Show
Movie Machine - 27 Dresses, Cloverfield
Northrock 14 - 27 Dresses, Juno, No Country For Old Men, Untraceable
Palace West - Gone, Baby, Gone, Awake, Charlie Wilson's War, August Rush
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring - Opens March 27th
Warren East 13th - Vince Vaughan's Comedy Show, Over Her Dead Body, Strange Wilderness, Mad Money, The Diving Bell & The Butterfly, Meet The Spartans
Warren Old Town - Rambo, No Country For Old Men
Warren West 21st - Over Her Dead Body, Mad Money, National Treasure 2, I Am Legend, Vince Vaughan's Comedy Show
Friday, February 08, 2008
Worthwhile (or not) 2/8/08
Here's what the MetaCritic roster of critics thought of this week's menu. At least these were all screened for the critics this week. You can get updated rankings plus read the reviews by taking the title link.
51/100 Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
48/100 Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights
27/100 Fool's Gold
Just a reminder, the major films next week will be opening on Thursday to try and get your attention (and attendance) on Valentine's Day. So far this is what is scheduled for the 14th: a family fantasy, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES; a Sci-Fi thriller, JUMPER; and a romantic comedy, DEFINITELY, MAYBE (there you go, guys).
51/100 Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
48/100 Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights
27/100 Fool's Gold
Just a reminder, the major films next week will be opening on Thursday to try and get your attention (and attendance) on Valentine's Day. So far this is what is scheduled for the 14th: a family fantasy, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES; a Sci-Fi thriller, JUMPER; and a romantic comedy, DEFINITELY, MAYBE (there you go, guys).
FOOL'S GOLD **
Directed by Andy Tennant this comedy adventure stars Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremner, Alexis Dziena, Kevin Hart, and Ray Winstone. It is one hour and 50 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for action violence, some sexual material, brief nudity and language.
McConaughey is modern-day treasure hunter so obsessed with finding 40 chests of priceless treasure lost at sea in 1715, that he's deep in debt to gangster Hart and destroyed his marriage to Hudson. When he discovers a vital clue to the treasure's whereabouts he teams back up with Hudson along with Sutherland and his daughter Dziena. But Hart and Winstone are also hot on the trail.
There's a three star action comedy buried in this overly long, slow paced mess of a film. Take out the Winstone subplot which is never fully explained and drop Bremner who simply isn't needed, pick up the pace and you'd have a pleasant treat. You could also have Sutherland drop the terribly fake British accent which really makes no sense, except perhaps that his character's name is Nigel. Unless you're desperate for a night at the movies I'd wait for the DVD and speed through the slow parts. You'll spend a lot less money and time and be much, much happier.
McConaughey is modern-day treasure hunter so obsessed with finding 40 chests of priceless treasure lost at sea in 1715, that he's deep in debt to gangster Hart and destroyed his marriage to Hudson. When he discovers a vital clue to the treasure's whereabouts he teams back up with Hudson along with Sutherland and his daughter Dziena. But Hart and Winstone are also hot on the trail.
There's a three star action comedy buried in this overly long, slow paced mess of a film. Take out the Winstone subplot which is never fully explained and drop Bremner who simply isn't needed, pick up the pace and you'd have a pleasant treat. You could also have Sutherland drop the terribly fake British accent which really makes no sense, except perhaps that his character's name is Nigel. Unless you're desperate for a night at the movies I'd wait for the DVD and speed through the slow parts. You'll spend a lot less money and time and be much, much happier.
VINCE VAUGHAN'S WILD WEST COMEDY SHOW *
This documentary stars Vince Vaughn and a group of comedians I've never heard of. Go here to get the full cast, such as it is. The film is one hour and forty minutes long and is rated R for pervasive language and some sex-related humor.
The film follows Vaughn as he handpicks four up-and-coming comics and leads them on a 30-city, 30-day, 30-show tour as tour creator and emcee. The film features footage from the tour's performances as well as from behind-the-scenes, plus a host of surprise guests. It appears to have been filmed about the time Hurricane Katrina struck.
You've got to be a lot more interested than I am in Vince Vaughn and his traveling companions to find this interesting. I can also see why these are "up and coming" comedians, they're not nearly funny enough to have arrived. To me, this doesn't belong in theatres at all. It's more suited to HBO comedy or some similar cable channel. If you're about 50 years younger than I am you might find this mildly amusing. Anyone older will feel they've wasted their money.
The film follows Vaughn as he handpicks four up-and-coming comics and leads them on a 30-city, 30-day, 30-show tour as tour creator and emcee. The film features footage from the tour's performances as well as from behind-the-scenes, plus a host of surprise guests. It appears to have been filmed about the time Hurricane Katrina struck.
You've got to be a lot more interested than I am in Vince Vaughn and his traveling companions to find this interesting. I can also see why these are "up and coming" comedians, they're not nearly funny enough to have arrived. To me, this doesn't belong in theatres at all. It's more suited to HBO comedy or some similar cable channel. If you're about 50 years younger than I am you might find this mildly amusing. Anyone older will feel they've wasted their money.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Opening 2/8/08
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
FOOL'S GOLD [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Adventure/Comedy Trailer Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremner, Alexis Dziena, Kevin Hart, Ray Winstone. Plot: an affable, modern-day treasure hunter is so obsessed with finding 40 chests of priceless treasure lost at sea in 1715 he has sunk everything, including his marriage, in the quest. Then he discovers a vital clue to the treasure's whereabouts. But others are intent on beating him to the prize. Let the treasure hunt begin... Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
VINCE VAUGHAN'S WILD WEST COMEDY SHOW [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Documentary Trailer Cast: Vince Vaughn, Ahmed Ahmed, John Caparulo, Bret Ernst, Sebastian Maniscalco, Justin Long, Jon Favreau, Peter Billingsley, Keir O’Donnell, Dwight Yoakam. Plot: the film follows Vaughn as he handpicks four up-and-coming comics and leads them on a remarkable 30-city, 30-day, 30-show tour as tour creator and emcee. The film features footage from the tour's performances as well as from behind-the-scenes, plus a host of surprise guests. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
WELCOME HOME ROSCOE JENKINS [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Martin Lawrence, Margaret Avery, Joy Bryant, Michael Clarke Duncan, Louis C.K., Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, Cedric the Entertainer, James Earl Jones. Plot: when a talk-show sensation who left behind his modest Southern upbringing and family name to transform into a self-help guru is asked by his parents to come home for their 50th wedding anniversary, he packs up his 10-year-old son and diva bride-to-be and heads back to Georgia. It's a chance to prove to his family that he's no longer the awkward kid they relentlessly picked on. At least, that's the plan... Showing at: Movie Machine, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
VINCE VAUGHAN'S WILD WEST COMEDY SHOW [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Documentary Trailer Cast: Vince Vaughn, Ahmed Ahmed, John Caparulo, Bret Ernst, Sebastian Maniscalco, Justin Long, Jon Favreau, Peter Billingsley, Keir O’Donnell, Dwight Yoakam. Plot: the film follows Vaughn as he handpicks four up-and-coming comics and leads them on a remarkable 30-city, 30-day, 30-show tour as tour creator and emcee. The film features footage from the tour's performances as well as from behind-the-scenes, plus a host of surprise guests. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
WELCOME HOME ROSCOE JENKINS [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Martin Lawrence, Margaret Avery, Joy Bryant, Michael Clarke Duncan, Louis C.K., Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, Cedric the Entertainer, James Earl Jones. Plot: when a talk-show sensation who left behind his modest Southern upbringing and family name to transform into a self-help guru is asked by his parents to come home for their 50th wedding anniversary, he packs up his 10-year-old son and diva bride-to-be and heads back to Georgia. It's a chance to prove to his family that he's no longer the awkward kid they relentlessly picked on. At least, that's the plan... Showing at: Movie Machine, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 2/7/2008
Derby Plaza - Cloverfield, Rambo, National Treasure 2
Movie Machine - Th Bucket List, I Am Legend
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - In The Name Of The King, Mr. Magorium's, Dan In Real Life, Walk Hard
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring
Warren East 13th - Kite Runner, First Sunday, Alvin & The Chipmunks, I Am Legend
Warren Old Town - National Treasure 2, Cloverfield, Juno
Warren West 21st - How She Move, Michael Clayton, I Am Legend
Movie Machine - Th Bucket List, I Am Legend
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - In The Name Of The King, Mr. Magorium's, Dan In Real Life, Walk Hard
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring
Warren East 13th - Kite Runner, First Sunday, Alvin & The Chipmunks, I Am Legend
Warren Old Town - National Treasure 2, Cloverfield, Juno
Warren West 21st - How She Move, Michael Clayton, I Am Legend
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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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