ROCKnROLLA ***

Guy Ritchie wrote, produced, and directed this British underground caper which stars: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong, Toby Kebbell, and Dragan Micanovic. The film is rated R for pervasive language, violence, drug use and brief sexuality. Running time is one hour and fifty-five minutes.

When a Russian mobster (Micanovic) orchestrates a crooked land deal, everyone from a dangerous crime lord (Wilkinson), his enforcer (Strong), the crime lord's stepson (Kebbell), a sexy accountant (Newton), and down-on-their-luck petty thieves (lead by Butler) conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick.

If you enjoy British caper films this is for you. The dialogue is at times not understandable and the plot is highly convoluted, but it all pulls together at the end after a fast paced, action filled, beginning and middle. Most of the criminals involved are none to bright, which leads to much of the humor amid the mayhem. The violence is pervasive and sometimes very graphic which is the main reason for the R rating. At the end of the film a sequel is indicated so it's very likely you'll be seeing many of these lads again. You may need to watch this two or three times to catch the entire plot so a DVD may be the logical choice (or follow up). You won't be penalized by watching this pic on a smaller screen.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/31/08

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). This week we have a drama based on a true story, a horror film the distributor didn't want to screen (you know what that means), a British gangster caper film, and an adult comedy. Everything reviewed appears to be at least above average.

63 Changeling
xx Haunting of Molly Hartley. The,
55 RocknRolla,
55 Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in.

My review of ROCKnROLLA will be on this site after 4:30 pm.

Here are previews of films opening on Friday, 11/7: MADAGASCAR - ESCAPE 2 APRICA, ROLE MODELS, and SOUL MEN.

Opening 10/31/08

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

CHANGELING [R] 2 hrs. Thriller Trailer Cast: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Michael Kelly. Plot: based on the actual incident that rocked California's legal system, "Changeling" tells the story of a mother's quest to find her missing son, and those who won't stop until they silence her. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

THE HAUNTING OF MOLLY HARTLEY [PG-13] 1hr. 25min. Horror/Thriller Trailer Cast: Chace Crawford, Haley Bennett, Shannon Marie Woodward, Shanna Collins, AnnaLynne McCord. Plot: on the eve of her 18th birthday, a young woman is about to discover the truth of just who, or rather what, she's destined to become. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

ROCKnROLLA [R] 1 hr 55 min. Action Trailer Cast: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Toby Kebbell, Jeremy Piven, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges. Plot: when a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick. Poster. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Traci Lords, Katie Morgan, Ricky Mabe, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes. Plot: two lifelong friends, deep in debt, enlist the help of their friends to make a porno movie for some quick cash. But as everybody starts "doing" everybody, they realize they may have more feelings for each other than they previously thought. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 10/30/08

Derby Plaza - Max Payne, Eagle Eye
Movie Machine - Eagle Eye
Northrock 14 - Secret Life Of Bees, Sex Drive, Body Of Lies, Quartine
Palace West - The Mummy, Get Smart, Mamma Mia, Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring
Warren East 13th - Sex Drive, Lakeview Terrace, The Express
Warren Old Town - Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Eagle Eye
Warren West 21st - Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist, Sex Drive, The Express

PRIDE AND GLORY **½

Gavin O'Connor both wrote and directed this action/thriller which stars: Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, and Noah Emmerich. Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language and brief drug content. Running time is two hours and five minutes.

A multi-generational police family's moral code is tested when one of two sons (Norton) on the force investigates a case involving his older brother (Emmerich) and brother-in-law (Farrell), forcing the family (Voight is the father of the brothers) to choose between their loyalties to one another and their loyalties to the department.

A fine cast and good production values are unfortunately tarnished by excessive length, a predictable plot and an ending that borders on the ludicrous. For the first hour and a half I was entertained by the action and the relatively fast pacing. However, the family times seemed excessive and didn't justify the added length. After a couple of potential endings passed and the plot continued, I started looking at my watch...never a good sign. When the ending finally arrived, it was so over the top I felt a real sense of disappointment. A big screen will give this film more impact but we're closing in on the holiday films and you may prefer to save your money for something a little better.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/24/08

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). A family musical, a gritty cop drama and the fifth rendition of a horror film series that wasn't screened for the critics, are on the list for this week. Fans of the new digital 3-D process can also take in the first showing in Wichita in 3-D of the Nightmare Before Christmas. Since that picture is over ten years old it is not on the list below. It is, however, a very entertaining film and 3-D should make it even more so.

55 High School Musical 3: Senior Year,
42 Pride and Glory,
xx Saw V

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in.

My review of PRIDE AND GLORY will be on this site after 4:30 pm.

Here are previews of film opening on Friday, 10/31: ZACH AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO and THE HAUNTING OF MOLLY HARTLEY.

Opening 10/24/08

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR [G] 1 hr. 50 min. Musical Trailer Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Bart Johnson, Alyson Reed, Olesya Rulin, Chris Warren, Jr., Ryne Sanborn, KayCee Stroh, Matt Prokop, Justin Martin, Jemma McKenzie-Brown. Plot: America's favorite high school students hit senior year. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS 3D [PG] 1 hr. 15 min. Animated family musical Trailer Plot: "The Pumpkin King" of Halloween Town sets out to find something exciting. When he discovers "Christmas Town" he takes it upon himself to deliver toys across the world to children. First Wichita showing in 3D. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.

PRIDE AND GLORY [R] 2 hr. 15 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich, Jennifer Ehle, Frank Grillo, Rick Gonzalez, Shea Wigham, Jessica Pimentel, John Ortiz, Lake Bell, Manny Perez, Carmen Ejogo. Plot: a multi-generational police family's moral code is tested when one of two sons on the force investigates a case involving his older brother and brother-in-law, forcing the family to choose between their loyalties to one another and their loyalties to the department. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

SAW V [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Horror/Thriller Trailer Cast: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell, Mark Rolston, Carlo Rota, Julie Benz, Greg Bryk, Laura Gordon, Meagan Good. Plot: Hoffman is seemingly the last person alive to carry on the Jigsaw legacy. But when his secret is threatened, Hoffman must go on the hunt to eliminate all loose ends. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 10/23/08

Derby Plaza - City Of Ember, Body Of Lies, The Express, Nights In Rodanthe
Movie Machine - City Of Ember, The Express
Northrock 14 - City Of Ember, Nights In Rodanthe, The Express, An American Carol
Palace West - The Clone Wars, The Step Brothers, Kung Fu Panda, Pineapple Express
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring
Warren East 13th - My Best Friend's Girl, Burn After Reading, An American Carol, City Of Ember, Body Of Lies
Warren Old Town - The Express
Warren West 21st -Lakeview Terrace, Burn After Reading, City Of Ember Body Of Lies

Worthwhile (or not) 10/17/08

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). Nothing really appealed to me this week so I skipped my weekly viewing habit. BEES and W. look acceptable although I doubt they're very entertaining. MAX appears to be a loser but I've heard SEX is very funny but very crude.

29 Max Payne,
58 Secret Life of Bees, The,
48 Sex Drive,
58 W.

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in.

Opening 10/17/08

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

MAX PANE [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Olga Kurylenko, Chris O'Donnell. Plot: maverick cop Max Payne is hell-bent on revenge against those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner. His obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmarish journey into a dark underworld where he is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Adventure/Drama Trailer Cast: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Nate Parker, Tristan Wilds, Hilarie Burton, Paul Bettany. Plot: based on the New York Times best selling novel about a 14 year-old girl haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father she flees to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

SEX DRIVE [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: James Marsden, Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Katrina Bowden, Seth Green, Clark Duke. Plot: an eighteen-year-old sets out on a cross country drive with his best friends in order to lose his virginity to a red-hot babe he met on the Internet on the road trip of a lifetime!. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

W [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Richard Dreyfuss, James Cromwell, Ellen Burstyn, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Scott Glenn, Ioan Gruffudd, Jesse Bradford. Plot: acclaimed director Oliver Stone brings the life of our 43rd President to the big screen as only he can. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 10/16/08

Derby Plaza - An American Carol
Movie Machine - The Dark Knight, Blindness
Northrock 14 - Lakeview Terrace, How To Lose Friends And Alienate People, Billy: The Early Years, Blindness, The Dark Knight
Palace West - Mirrors
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring
Warren East 13th - Miracle At St. Anna, How To Lose Friends And Alienate People, Blindness, Flash Of Genius, Billy: The Early Years
Warren Old Town - An American Carol
Warren West 21st - Blindness, How To Lose Friends And Alienate People, Billy: The Early Years, The Express, Flash Of Genius

BODY OF LIES **½

Directed by Ridley Scott this action/thriller stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, and Golshifteh Farahani. Rated R for strong violence including some torture, and for language throughout, it is two hours and thirty-five minutes long.

The best man U.S. Intelligence has on the ground (DiCaprio) is on the trail of an emerging terrorist, aided by his Washington D.C. based handler (Crowe), who has orchestrated a campaign of bombings while eluding the most sophisticated intelligence network in the world. To lure the terrorist out into the open, he will have to penetrate his murky world, hopefully aided by the head of the Jordanian Secret Service (Strong). Adding to his turmoil, he is attracted to a young nurse (Farahani). Based on Washington Post columnist David Ignatius's 2007 novel.

Technically, Scott has directed an impressively orchestrated version of the Mid-East turmoil our government finds itself involved in. But, while it has an impressive plot and plenty of action, the two main characters are not particularly likeable, so I wasn't that involved in their lives and didn't care what happened to them. Strong is good as the cold, cynical spy master and Farahani adds welcome if brief romantic relief amidst the carnage.The pace is such that this reasonably lengthy film sped by fairly quickly and did hold my attention. But it's not someplace I have any desire to visit again. A large screen and good sound will add to your appreciation of this film.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/10/08

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). BILLY wasn't screened altho that won't mean much to its crowd; the next four pics all appear to have been reviewed as roughly equivalent in quality while QUARANTINE's lack of critic screenings tells you all you need to know about it (run away, fast).

xx Billy: The Early Years,
58 Body of Lies,
57 City of Ember,
62 Duchess, The,
58 Express, The,
xx Quarantine

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in.

My review of BODY OF LIES will be on this site between 4:30-5:00 p.m. Friday.

Watch the previews of what's opening 10/17: MAX PAYNE, SEX DRIVE, W.

Opening 10/10/08

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

BILLY: THE EARLY YEARS [PG] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Armie Hammer, Stefanie Butler, Martin Landau, Lindsay Wagner, Krisoffer Polaha, Josh Turner. Plot: a film about Billy Graham as an earnest and promising young man at the crossroads of faith and doubt, ultimately facing the moment of decision that launched one of history’s most powerful evangelistic careers. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

BODY OF LIES [R] 2 hrs. 10 min. Drama/Thriller Trailer Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani, Oscar Isaac, Simon McBurney. Plot: the best man U.S. Intelligence has on the ground is on the trail of an emerging terrorist leader who has orchestrated a campaign of bombings while eluding the most sophisticated intelligence network in the world. To lure the terrorist out into the open, he will have to penetrate his murky world. But who can he trust while doing so? Based on Washington Post columnist David Ignatius's 2007 novel, Body Of Lies. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

CITY OF EMBER [PG] 1 hr. 35 min. Fantasy/Adventure Trailer Cast: Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway, Martin Landau, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Toby Jones, Mary Kay Place. Plot: for generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing... and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

THE DUCHESS [PG] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell. Plot: the story of an extraordinary woman, the Duchess of Devonshire, who rose to fame by staying true to her passions in a world of protocol, gossip and social rules – and paid the price. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.

THE EXPRESS [PG] 2 hrs. 10 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller, Clancy Brown, Charles S. Dutton. Plot: follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. His fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of American sports, and his story continues to inspire new generations. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

QUARANTINE [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Horror/Thriller Trailer Cast: Jennifer Carpenter, Jay Hernandez, Columbus Short, Greg Germann, Steve Harris, Dania Ramirez, Rade Sherbedgia, Jonathon Schaech. Plot: a television reporter and her cameraman are assigned to spend the night shift with a Los Angeles Fire Station. After a routine 911 call takes them to a small apartment building, they find police officers already on the scene in response to blood curdling screams coming from one of the apartment units. They try to escape only to find the CDC has quarantined the building and they are totally cut off from the outside and at the mercy of what's inside. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 10/9/08

Derby Plaza - Igor, The Women, My Best Friend's Girl
Movie Machine - Igor, Wall-E
Northrock 14 - The Family That Preys, Igor, Star Wars: Clone Wars
Palace West - Swing Vote, Indiana Jones 3
Starlite Drive-In - Closed until Spring
Warren East 13th - Fly Me To The Moon, Journey To The Center Of The Earth, The Women, Family That Preys, Ghost Town, Choke, Igor
Warren Old Town - Burn After Reading, Blindness
Warren West 21st - The Women, Igor, Righteous Kill, My Best Friend's Girl, Ghost Town, Miracle At St. Anna

APPALOOSA ***

This is Ed Harris' film as he wrote, directed and starred in it along with: Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger, and Jeremy Irons. Rated R for some violence and language, this Western is one hour and fifty-four minutes long.

A pair of hired guns (Harris and Mortensen) come to clean up a dangerous town run by a ruthless, powerful rancher (Irons) and his band of outlaws. While boldly bringing new order to the town, the two fearless lawmen meet a provocative outsider (Zellweger) whose unconventional ways threaten to destroy their decade-old bond.

It's been quite a while since a traditional Western has graced our screens but at last one has arrived. Harris and Mortensen are about as laconic a pair as you'd care to entrust a town to. They're comfortable with each other and absolutely committed to enforcing the law. Irons presents something of a challenge but it's Zellweger who really causes problems. I'm not personally sure a character like Zellweger portrays would have actually been around in the late 1800's, but she certainly adds a little spice to the film. Production values are very good and the scenery is spectacular. The big screen adds impact your TV won't be able to match. The last musical number during the end credits is a real hoot and worth staying for.

NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST ***

Directed by Peter Sollett this comedy/romance stars: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Ari Graynor, and Alexis Dziena. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including teen drinking, sexuality, language and crude behavior, the film is one hour and thirty minutes long.

A comedy about two people (Cera and Dennings) thrust together for one hilarious, sleepless night of adventure in a world of mix tapes, late-night living, and, live, loud music, which ends up becoming the first date in a romance that could change both their lives. During the evening they search for a very inebriated friend (Graynor) and try and elude a former girlfriend who wants to get back together (Dziena).

This is not the type of film I usually watch but the previews made it appear it might have possibilities (usually a mistake). Imagine my surprise when I found myself actually enjoying this, even though I don't care for rock music and teen romances are not usually high on my list. The reason for my enjoyment is the likeability of the cast. Cera and Dennings are very appealing and have good on screen chemistry, Graynor is very funny and Dziena is very attractive. There is a constant playlist of music in the background but it never really got in the way of the story, younger viewers will probably actually like it. This will be fine on DVD but if you're in the mood for a romantic comedy this fits the bill nicely.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/3/08

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). CAROL is evidently bad enough the distributor's chose not to let reviewers see it; APPALOOSA is a very good traditional Western; CHIHUAHUA is a Disney family film so you know what you're getting there; BLINDNESS is being called pretentious and not very entertaining; FLASH was getting a lot of TV advertising but the reviewers haven't been raving; ALIENATE appears to have done just that as far as the reviewers are concerned; and N&N is worth watching.

xx American Carol, An,
63 Appaloosa,
43 Beverly Hills Chihuahua,
48 Blindness,
57 Flash of Genius,
36 How to Lose Friends & Alienate People,
63 Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in.

My review of APPALOOSA and NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST will be on this site between 4:30-5:00 p.m. Friday.

Watch the previews of what's opening 10/10: BODY OF LIES, CITY OF EMBER, THE EXPRESS, and QUARANTINE.