Ethan Coen and Joel Coen directed this Western. Watch Preview. Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, Hailee Steinfeld. Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images. Running time is one hour and fifty minutes.
Fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross's (Hailee Steinfeld) father has been shot in cold blood by the coward Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), and she is determined to bring him to justice by enlisting the help of a trigger-happy, drunken U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges).
I still remember the 1969 John Wayne version of this film fondly, but this version is quite capable of standing on its own merits. Supposedly the Coen's went back to the original book rather than trying to update the earlier film but this version still seems familiar. Bridges does a good job of making the 'Rooster' character his own and Steinfeld is excellent as Mattie. Damon is also good but his role is a little more in the background. The dialogue sounds like something you'd expect from the 19th century and the photography is very good at presenting a view of a much less civilized time. If you're one of those who are always asking why they don't make Westerns any more...well, they do, and very well. Times/Theatres.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Little Fockers *½
Paul Weitz directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Jessica Alba, Laura Dern, Harvey Keitel, Teri Polo, Barbra Streisand. Rated PG-13 for mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content. Running time is one hour and thirty-eight minutes.
The test of wills between Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) escalates to new heights in the third installment of the series.
I remember the first film in this series as being fairly funny and the second as OK. This time around the franchise has run out of steam and there aren't enough laughs for it to be worth your while. The cast is fine, of course, but there's just nothing for them to do with a plot that's basically all yawns. I did laugh at one scene but you could see that one if you watch the preview. There are better films for your dollars right now.Times/Theatres.
The test of wills between Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) escalates to new heights in the third installment of the series.
I remember the first film in this series as being fairly funny and the second as OK. This time around the franchise has run out of steam and there aren't enough laughs for it to be worth your while. The cast is fine, of course, but there's just nothing for them to do with a plot that's basically all yawns. I did laugh at one scene but you could see that one if you watch the preview. There are better films for your dollars right now.Times/Theatres.
Worthwhile (or not), 12/24/2010
MetaCritic indicates THE KING'S SPEECH (88) is the highest rated film for the week, closely followed by TRUE GRIT (80) with GULLIVER'S TRAVELS (36) and LITTLE FOCKERS (27) coming in a very low third and fourth. I've seen GRIT and FOCKERS and the ratings this week are right on the nose. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
My review of TRUE GRIT and LITTLE ROCKERS will be posted after 4:30 pm Wednesday.
My review of TRUE GRIT and LITTLE ROCKERS will be posted after 4:30 pm Wednesday.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Opening, 12/22, 25/2010
For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.
Opens Wednesday, 12/22
Little Fockers [PG-13] 1 hr. 39 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Jessica Alba, Laura Dern, Harvey Keitel, Teri Polo, Barbra Streisand. Plot: the test of wills between Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) escalates to new heights of comedy in the third installment of the series. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
True Grit [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Western Watch Preview Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, Hailee Steinfeld. Plot: fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross's (Hailee Steinfeld) father has been shot in cold blood by the coward Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), and she is determined to bring him to justice by enlisting the help of a trigger-happy, drunken U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Opens Saturday, 12/25
Gulliver's Travels [PG] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Fantasy Watch Preview Cast: Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly, James Corden, Catherine Tate, Chris O'Dowd. Plot: a contemporary re–imagining of the classic tale with Jack Black as Gulliver, a big–talking mailroom clerk who, after he's mistakenly assigned a travel piece on the Bermuda Triangle, suddenly finds himself a giant among men when he washes ashore on the hidden island of Lilliput, home to a population of very tiny people. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.
The King's Speech [R] 1 hr.58 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon. Plot: based on the true story of the Queen of England's father and his remarkable friendship with maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Showing at: Warren East.
Leaving, 12/21-24/2010
Derby Plaza -Megamind, Unstoppable, Tangled
Movie Machine - Harry Potter 7.1
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - Megamind, Burlesque, Love & Other Drugs
Warren Old Town - Harry Potter 7.1
Warren West 21st - Love & Other Drugs, Unstoppable
Movie Machine - Harry Potter 7.1
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - Megamind, Burlesque, Love & Other Drugs
Warren Old Town - Harry Potter 7.1
Warren West 21st - Love & Other Drugs, Unstoppable
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tron: Legacy **
Joseph Kosinski directed this Sci-Fi Adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, James Frain, Beau Garrett, Michael Sheen. Rated PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language. Running time is two hours and seven minutes.
A rebellious 27-year-old (Garrett Hedlund), is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father (Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world's leading video-game developer. When he investigates a strange signal sent from the father's old Arcade he finds himself pulled into a digital world where his father has been trapped for 20 years.
I'm a long-time Sci-Fi fan but even I can't get excited by this film. The plot is threadbare and at times makes no sense. The actors do fine considering what they've got to work with and the process that gives us both a young and old Jeff Bridges is interesting. The visuals of the digital world are interesting but we've seen most of them before, and the over-all background is dark and gloomy. The soundtrack is loud and bombastic and will probably not be appreciated by older patrons. Fortunately, the running time is not excessive although they could have easily cut thirty minutes without anyone noticing. I doubt that most over forty are going care much for this unless they're a gamer. Under forty, and especially gamers will probably find this more enjoyable than I did. If you're going to see it, by all means go for the largest possible screen and 3D (which is effective). 3D Theatres/Times. 2D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D.
A rebellious 27-year-old (Garrett Hedlund), is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father (Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world's leading video-game developer. When he investigates a strange signal sent from the father's old Arcade he finds himself pulled into a digital world where his father has been trapped for 20 years.
I'm a long-time Sci-Fi fan but even I can't get excited by this film. The plot is threadbare and at times makes no sense. The actors do fine considering what they've got to work with and the process that gives us both a young and old Jeff Bridges is interesting. The visuals of the digital world are interesting but we've seen most of them before, and the over-all background is dark and gloomy. The soundtrack is loud and bombastic and will probably not be appreciated by older patrons. Fortunately, the running time is not excessive although they could have easily cut thirty minutes without anyone noticing. I doubt that most over forty are going care much for this unless they're a gamer. Under forty, and especially gamers will probably find this more enjoyable than I did. If you're going to see it, by all means go for the largest possible screen and 3D (which is effective). 3D Theatres/Times. 2D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D.
Worthwhile (or not), 12/17/2010
MetaCritic indicates THE FIGHTER (78) and THE BLACK SWAN (78) are tied for this week's highest rated film followed by: TRON: LEGACY (51), HOW DO YOU KNOW (44), and YOGI BEAR (35). The only one I've seen is TRON and it wouldn't be high on my personal list, either. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
My review of TRON: LEGACY will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).
My review of TRON: LEGACY will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).
Monday, December 13, 2010
Opening, 12/17/2010
For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.
Black Swan [R] 1 hr. 49 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder. Plot: follows the story of Nina (Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company, and her competitor, a new dancer, Lily (Kunis). Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.
The Fighter [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Sports Drama Watch Preview Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Jack McGee. Plot: a drama about boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his unlikely path to become world lightweight champion. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
How Do You Know [PG-13] Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn, Jack Nicholson. Plot: a woman whose athletic ability is the defining passion of her life is cut from her team, and soon starts relationships with two entirely different men. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.
Tron: Legacy [PG] 2 hrs. 5 min. Sci-Fi Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, James Frain, Beau Garrett, Michael Sheen. Plot: a rebellious 27-year-old (Garrett Hedlund), is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father (Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world's leading video-game developer. When he investigates a strange signal sent from the father's old Arcade he finds himself pulled into a digital world where his father has been trapped for 20 years. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Yogi Bear [PG] 1 hr. 23 min. Animated/Live Adventure Watch Preview Voices Of: Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Tom Cavanagh, Anna Faris, Andy Daly. Plot: faced with his biggest challenge ever, Yogi must prove that he really is "smarter than the average bear" as he and Boo Boo join forces with their old nemesis, Ranger Smith, to find a way to save Jellystone Park from closing forever. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.
Leaving, 12/16/2010
Derby Plaza -Burlesque, The Next Three Days
Movie Machine - Unstoppable, Megamind
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - Fair Game, Red, Faster, Morning Glory, The Next Three Days, Tamara Drewe, The Warrior's Way, Due Date
Warren Old Town - Love And Other Drugs, Faster
Warren West 21st - Burlesque, The Next Three Days, Megamind 3D, Faster, The Warrior's Way
Movie Machine - Unstoppable, Megamind
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - Fair Game, Red, Faster, Morning Glory, The Next Three Days, Tamara Drewe, The Warrior's Way, Due Date
Warren Old Town - Love And Other Drugs, Faster
Warren West 21st - Burlesque, The Next Three Days, Megamind 3D, Faster, The Warrior's Way
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Tourist ***
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck directed this Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff. Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and forty-three minutes.
An American tourist (Depp)visiting Italy to mend a broken heart meets an extraordinary woman (Jolie) who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Venice, he pursues a potential romance but soon finds himself the pursued as both are caught in a whirlwind of intrigue and danger.
If you really enjoy films and you've been watching them as long as I have, this will provide you with a pleasant couple of hours. The plot's a little weak, although not as bad as many I've seen in the past few years. The cast is attractive but neither Depp nor Jolie is in any way taxed by their respective roles. The pacing is slow but I found that a refreshing change from today's ultra-fast MTV style. The locale filming is very nice, especially Venice. But what I found so pleasant about this film is how it reminded me of the classic thrillers from the '60s (Charade, etc). If you're under 40 I don't think this will ever be on your "must see" list. But, if you're a little older, this is a pleasant homage to a film style from the past, and one I found very entertaining. Theatres/Times.
An American tourist (Depp)visiting Italy to mend a broken heart meets an extraordinary woman (Jolie) who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Venice, he pursues a potential romance but soon finds himself the pursued as both are caught in a whirlwind of intrigue and danger.
If you really enjoy films and you've been watching them as long as I have, this will provide you with a pleasant couple of hours. The plot's a little weak, although not as bad as many I've seen in the past few years. The cast is attractive but neither Depp nor Jolie is in any way taxed by their respective roles. The pacing is slow but I found that a refreshing change from today's ultra-fast MTV style. The locale filming is very nice, especially Venice. But what I found so pleasant about this film is how it reminded me of the classic thrillers from the '60s (Charade, etc). If you're under 40 I don't think this will ever be on your "must see" list. But, if you're a little older, this is a pleasant homage to a film style from the past, and one I found very entertaining. Theatres/Times.
The Chronicles Of Narnia: Dawn Treader **
Michael Apted directed this Family Fantasy. Watch Preview. Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes, Will Poulter, Gary Sweet, Bruce Spence, Arthur Angel, Shane Rangi, Liam Neeson. Rated PG for some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action. Running time is one hour and fifty-five minutes. Shown in both 3D and 2D.
This time around – Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubb – find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the very edges of the world.
I've watched the earlier two films in this series and don't remember being as bored as I was this time around. This film is most definitely aimed at the teen/subteen crowd — the younger the better — and I imagine most adults will wish they were somewhere else if they attend. If you read the books and loved them you might get some satisfaction but since I didn't I could hardly wait for this one to end. I saw the 3D version and wished I hadn't. For the most part it adds nothing and proved to be more annoying than enhancing. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.
This time around – Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubb – find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the very edges of the world.
I've watched the earlier two films in this series and don't remember being as bored as I was this time around. This film is most definitely aimed at the teen/subteen crowd — the younger the better — and I imagine most adults will wish they were somewhere else if they attend. If you read the books and loved them you might get some satisfaction but since I didn't I could hardly wait for this one to end. I saw the 3D version and wished I hadn't. For the most part it adds nothing and proved to be more annoying than enhancing. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.
Worthwhile (or not), 12/10/2010
MetaCritic indicates NARNIA has a rating of (53), THE TOURIST (40) and nothing yet on TAMARA DREW. I'd say NARNIA is OK for kids but most adults will find it boring and I'd chose 2D rather than 3D. THE TOURIST is much better than most reviews I've seen indicate and I think it's a fine choice for adults. I've seen nothing on TAMARA DREW but since Stephen Frears is the director I'm guessing it will be good. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
My reviews of NARNIA and THE TOURIST will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).
My reviews of NARNIA and THE TOURIST will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).
Monday, December 06, 2010
Opening, 12/10/2010
For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.
The Chronicles Of Narnia: Dawn Treader [PG] 2 hrs. 10 min. Family Fantasy Watch Preview Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes, Will Poulter, Gary Sweet, Bruce Spence, Arthur Angel, Shane Rangi, Liam Neeson. Plot: this time around – Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubb – find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the very edges of the world. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Tamara Drewe [R] 1 hr. 51 min. Comedy/Romance Watch Preview Cast: Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper, Roger Allam, Luke Evans, Bill Camp, Tamsin Greig. Plot: a live-action feature adaptation of Posy Simmonds' acclaimed graphic novel "Tamara Drewe." — A sexy flirt returns to her small country village and stirs up dark passions among the locals. Showing at: Warren East.
The Tourist [PG-13] 2 hrs.Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff. Plot: an American tourist (Depp)visiting Italy to mend a broken heart meets an extraordinary woman (Jolie) who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Venice, he pursues a potential romance but soon finds himself the pursued as both are caught in a whirlwind of intrigue and danger. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Leaving, 12/9/2010
Derby Plaza - Morning Glory
Movie Machine -Burlesque
Northrock 14 -
Palace West -Toy Story 3, Resident Evil: Afterlife
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th -Hornet's Nest, Secretariat
Warren Old Town -Burlesque, Unstoppable
Warren West 21st -Red, Morning Glory
Movie Machine -Burlesque
Northrock 14 -
Palace West -Toy Story 3, Resident Evil: Afterlife
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th -Hornet's Nest, Secretariat
Warren Old Town -Burlesque, Unstoppable
Warren West 21st -Red, Morning Glory
Friday, December 03, 2010
Worthwhile (or not), 12/3/2010
MetaCritic indicates the best film this week is 127 HOURS (82), which is a very good rating if you're interesting in watching someone cut his arm off. THE WARRIOR'S WAY doesn't have a rating yet but it looks as if viewers have given it a 50. I didn't watch either film as neither of them were personally appealing. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
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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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