Opening, 2/4/11

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.

Another Year [PG-13] 2 hr. 9 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville, Ruth Sheen, Peter Wight, Oliver Maltman, David Bradley, Karina Fernandez, Martin Savage, Michele Austin, Phil Davis, Stuart McQuarrie, Imelda Staunton. Plot: a happily married, middle-aged couple is visited by a number of friends who use them as confidants. Showing at:  Warren East.

The Roommate [PG-13] 1 hr. 32 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Leighton Meester, Minka Kelly, Cam Gigandet, Aly Michalka, Danneel Harris, Frances Fisher, Billy Zane. Plot: a deranged college freshman (Leighton Meester) becomes obsessed with her new roommate (Minka Kelly). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Sanctum [R] 1 hr. 49 min.Action/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield, Ioan Gruffudd, Alice Parkinson, Dan Wyllie. Plot: a team of underwater cave divers goes on a treacherous expedition to the largest, most beautiful and least accessible cave system on Earth. When a tropical storm forces them deep into the caverns, they must fight raging water, deadly terrain and creeping panic as they search for an unknown escape route to the sea. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 2/3/11

Derby Plaza -The Dilemma, Country Strong
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Buried, The Next Three Days
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - The Tourist, The Way Back, Season Of The Witch
Warren Old Town - Black Swan, The Green Hornet, True Grit
Warren West 21st - Season Of The Witch, Tron: Legacy

The Mechanic **½

Simon West directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Christa Campbell. Rated R for strong brutal violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity. Running time is one hour and thirty-two minutes.

When the mentor and close friend (Sutherland) of an elite assassin (Statham) is murdered, his next assignment is making sure those responsible pay for it. The friend's son (Foster) insists on helping out.

Statham is back in form as the taciturn, professional killer. The film opens well and ends well but wanders a lot during the middle parts. Still, you go to a film like this looking for action, not necessarily plot, and that's what you get here. Foster adds some interest in a role as the unlikeable son but he's such a wild card you know it's not going to work out. Action fans will enjoy this, but if you require a strong plot I'd skip this one.

The Rite **

Mikael Håfström directed this  Psychological Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds, Rutger Hauer. Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic material, violence, frightening images, and language including sexual references. Running time is one hour and fifty-two minutes.

A skeptical seminary student (Colin O'Donoghue) is introduced to the darker side of his faith by an unorthodox priest (Anthony Hopkins), uncovering the devil's reach in one of the holiest places on Earth.

This is a mild exorcism pic with a very good cast. There are limited CG effects that are put to good use. While unsettling at times  I wouldn't class this film as being particularly scary. No screaming out loud or jumping up from your seat and heading for the exit bits. To my way of thinking it would have been better if attempts weren't made to assure you this was real and that it should be taken at face value. From that viewpoint, it was far from convincing. Hopkins is always worth watching but this is nowhere close to being one of his better flms.

Worthwhile (or not), 1/281/2011

MetaCritic indicates BLUE VALENTINE (81) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by THE MECHANIC (49) and THE RITE (38). I saw the last two and pretty much agree with the national ratings.  Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

Opening, 1/28/11

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.

Blue Valentine [R] 1 hr. 54 min. Romantic Drama Watch Preview Cast: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel, John Doman, Maryann Plunkett. Plot: flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean(Gosling) and Cindy (Williams) use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Showing at:  Warren East.

The Mechanic [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Christa Campbell.  Plot: when the mentor and close friend (Sutherland) of an elite assassin (Statham) is murdered, his next assignment is making sure those responsible pay for it. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Rite [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Psychological Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds, Rutger Hauer. Plot: skeptical seminary student (Colin O'Donoghue) is introduced to the darker side of his faith by an unorthodox priest (Anthony Hopkins), uncovering the devil's reach in one of the holiest places on Earth. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 1/27/11

Derby Plaza -True Grit, Little Fockers, Yogi Bear, Chronicles Of Narnia
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Burlesque, The Social Network, Despicable Me
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - Made in Dagenham, How Do You Know
Warren Old Town - The Fighter
Warren West 21st - nothing

Worthwhile (or not), 1/21/2011

A chest cold that seemed to hang on forever kept me out of the movies this week. Even if I'd have felt like going the constant coughing would not have been pleasant for the others in the auditorium. So, no personal review this week. MetaCritic indicates THE WAY BACK (66) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by NO STRINGS ATTACHED (53). That puts them in the 2-2½ range although I understand STRINGS is enjoyable but very predictable.  Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

Opening, 1/21/11

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.

No Strings Attached [R] 1 hr. 48 min. Romantic Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Cary Elwes, Kevin Kline, Greta Gerwig, Ophelia Lovibond, Ben Lawson, Chris Bridges, Olivia Thirlby, Jake M. Johnson, Lake Bell, Guy Brannum. Plot: life-long friends almost ruin everything by having sex one morning. In order to protect their friendship, they make a pact to keep their relationship strictly "no strings attached." Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Way Back [PG-13] 2 hrs. 13 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, Jim Sturgess, Saoirse Ronan. Plot: the fact-based story of the escape of soldiers from a Siberian gulag in 1940. Showing at:   Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 1/20/11

Derby Plaza - Season Of The Witch
Movie Machine - Little Fockers
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - For Colored Girls
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - Chronicles Of Narnia, Gulliver's Travels, 127 Hours
Warren Old Town - Season Of The Witch, Little Fockers
Warren West 21st - Gulliver's Travels, How Do You Know, Little Fockers

The Green Hornet *½

Michel Gondry directed this Action/Crime film Watch Preview Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Christoph Waltz, Edward James Olmos, David Harbour, Tom Wilkinson. Rated PG-13 for sequences of violent action, language, sensuality and drug content. Running time is one hour and fifty-nine minutes.

The son (Rogen) of LA's most prominent and respected media magnate (Wilkinson) inherits a media empire after his father's mysterious death. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father's more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime lord, Chudnofsky (Waltz).

I don't think Rogen makes a good lead actor, especially in a non-comedic role. I never found him the least bit believable as someone who would think of becoming a crime fighter. I disliked his character from the beginning of the film until about five minutes from the end and that was enough to make me dislike the film also. Chou  and Diaz were fine in their roles and Waltz was note perfect as the ruthless crime lord with a sense of style. Action fans will find plenty to like and if a believable plot isn't necessary that may make the film worthwhile. I wouldn't waste my money on the 3D as it is never properly used and adds absolutely nothing to the film's impact. IMAX Times. 3D Times. 2D Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 1/14/2011

MetaCritic indicates MADE IN DAGENHAM (65) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by THE DILEMMA (46) and GREEN HORNET (38). I've seen HORNET and thought it pretty much a waste of time.  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 GREEN HORNET will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 1/14/11

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 Dilemma [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Channing Tatum, Queen Latifah. Plot: a story about far you can bend a brotherly bond before it snaps.
Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Green Hornet [PG-13] 1 hr. 59 min. Action/Crime Watch Preview Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Christoph Waltz, Edward James Olmos, David Harbour, Tom Wilkinson. Plot: the son (Rogen) of LA's most prominent and respected media magnate (Wilkinson) inherits a media empire after his father's mysterious death. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father's more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Made In Dagenham [R] 1 hr. 53 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson, Rosamund Pike, Jamie Winstone, Nicola Duffett, Andrea Riseborough, Lorraine Stanley, Geraldine James. Plot: based on a true story about a group of spirited women working in an English Ford Motor Factory in 1968 who joined forces, took a stand for what was right, and in doing so, found their own inner strength. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving, 1/13/11

Derby Plaza - Gulliver's Travels, Tron: Legacy
Movie Machine - Gulliver's Travels, Tron: Legacy, True Grit
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Morning Glory, Legend Of The Guardians, Paranormal Activity 2, Alpha And Omega, The Town
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - Yogi Bear 3D, Unstoppable, Chronicles Of Narnia 3D
Warren Old Town - Chronicles Of Narnia, The Tourist
Warren West 21st - Chronicles Of Narnia 3D, The Tourist, Due Date, The Tourist

Season Of The Witch *½

Dominic Sena directed this Supernatural\Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Campbell Moore, Robert Sheehan, Claire Foy, Ulrich Thomsen, Stephen Graham, Christopher Lee. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, violence and disturbing content. Run time is one hour and thirty-five minutes.

A heroic Crusader (Cage) and his closest friend (Perlman) return home after decades of fierce fighting, only to find their world destroyed by the Plague. The church elders, convinced a girl (Foy) accused of being a witch is responsible for the devastation, command the two to transport her to a remote monastery where monks will perform an ancient ritual to rid the land of her curse.

This film is well produced and directed which means it cost many millions of dollars. The question has to be, why spend all that money on a carbon copy of virtually every witch movie you've ever seen? The only reason I can think of is if you want to see every movie starring Nicolas Cage. Otherwise, you should save your money for something slightly more unique. Foy stars in the new version of Upstairs, Downstairs which hasn't been shown on our local PBS station yet, but is very, very good. You'll really dislike her in that role. I will say if you're someone who suffers from hot flashes, you might consider attending. It was shot in Hungary and Austria during the cold season when there's lots of rain and snow and gloom and even though the special effects won't give you a chill, the scenic atmosphere will. To sum it up: it's a well made film that isn't special enough to justify spending your money on. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 1/7/2011

MetaCritic indicates COUNTRY STRONG (45) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by SEASON OF THE WITCH (29). I've seen WITCH and I'd agree it's nothing to shout about.  I could have watched the Paltrow film but I dislike country Western music so much I couldn't bring myself to go. 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 SEASON OF THE WITCH will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 1/7/11

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.

Country Strong [PG-13] 1 hr. 57 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, Leighton Meester. Plot: after a rising young singer-songwriter (Hedlund) gets involved with a fallen, emotionally unstable country star (Paltrow), the pair embarks on a career resurrection tour helmed by her husband/manager (McGraw) and featuring a beauty-queen-turned-singer (Meester). Showing at:  Warren East.

Season Of The Witch [PG-13] 1 hr. 38 min. Supernatural\Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Campbell Moore, Robert Sheehan, Claire Foy, Ulrich Thomsen, Stephen Graham, Christopher Lee. Plot: a heroic Crusader and his closest friend return home after decades of fierce fighting, only to find their world destroyed by the Plague. The church elders, convinced a girl accused of being a witch is responsible for the devastation, command the two to transport her to a remote monastery where monks will perform an ancient ritual to rid the land of her curse. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 1/6/11

Derby Plaza - How Do You Know
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Jackass 3, Saw 7
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for winter
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren Old Town - Tron: Legacy
Warren West 21st - nothing