Opening, 6/3/11

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.

X-Men: First Class 2 hrs. 12 min. Action/Adventure Watch Preview Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Till, Edi Gathegi, Jason Flemyng, Oliver Platt, Morgan Lily, Zoe Kravitz, Bill Bilner. Plot: charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga, and reveals a secret history of famous global events, before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and while Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr were the closest of friends. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/2/11

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Rio, Priest
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Scream 4
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Pom Wonderful
Warren Old Town - Fast Five
Warren West 21st - Rio, The Lincoln Lawyer

Everything Must Go **½

Dan Rush directed this Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Michael Peña, Christopher C.J. Wallace, Glenn Howerton, Stephen Root, Laura Dern. Rated R for language and some sexual content. Running time is one hour and thirty-seven minutes.

The story of Nick Porter, (Will Ferrell) a career salesman whose days of being on top are long gone. The same day he gets fired for falling off the wagon again, he returns home to discover his wife has left him, changed the locks on their suburban home, frozen their bank account, and dumped all his possessions on the front yard.

This is Ferrell's picture entirely and I'm somewhat surprised to say he's actually a very good serious actor. I've only seen him in comedies before, and frankly didn't care that much for him, but here he acquits himself nicely. The rest of the cast have very small roles, with Dern especially being underused. You can't really call this film entertaining, it's not played for laughs at all. But the pacing is good, the story is interesting, and the run time is perfect. You won't have a problem finding a seat but I don't expect it to be here long. If you're interested in seeing another side of Ferrell, I wouldn't wait to do so. Theatre/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/27/2011

Unless I'm wrong, this week the national critics choice for lowest score will  have the highest attendance.   MetaCritic indicates KUNG FU PANDA 2 (68) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD (66), EVERYTHING MUST GO (65), and in last place, THE HANGOVER PART II (46). I watched HANGOVER 2  and EVERYTHING and thought the latter show better than the former. 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 THE HANGOVER PART II (**) is already on this site and my review of EVERYTHING MUST GO (**½) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

The Hangover, Part II **

Todd Phillips once again directs this Comedy sequel. Watch Preview Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike Tyson, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Bryan Callen, Nick Cassavetes. Rated R for pervasive language, strong sexual content including graphic nudity, drug use and brief violent images. Running time is one hour and forty-two minutes.

Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined.

This is virtually an exact remake of the original except the locale is Thailand instead of Las Vegas and the dialogue and visuals are cruder. Oh, there are some plot differences, but if you'd pull out your DVD of the original and play it, you'd save a few bucks and see almost the same thing. If you haven't seen the first film, or if you watch this in a full house of younger viewers, you'll probably find this pretty funny. Those two conditions didn't apply to me so I found this film mostly frantic with just a few chuckles. Parents should be aware this is a very sexually graphic movie, enough so this would have been a NC-17 just a few years ago. Screen size or sound won't have a major impact on your impression. Theatres/Times.

Opening, 5/26-27/11

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.

Opening Thursday May 26

The Hangover, Part II [R] 1 hr. 42 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike Tyson, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Bryan Callen, Nick Cassavetes. Plot: Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Kung Fu Panda 2 [PG] 1 hr. 30 min. Animated adventure Watch Preview Voices of: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride. Plot: Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Opening Friday May 27

Everything Must Go [R] 1 hr. 36 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Michael Peña, Christopher C.J. Wallace, Glenn Howerton, Stephen Root, Laura Dern. Plot: the story of Nick Porter (Will Ferrell) a career salesman whose days of being on top are long gone. The same day Nick gets fired, for falling off the wagon one last time, he returns home to discover his wife has left him, changed the locks on their suburban home and dumped all his possessions on the front yard. Showing at:  Warren East.

Pom Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold [PG-13] 1 hr. 28 min. Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Peter Berg, Paul Brennan, Noam Chomsky. Plot: a documentary about branding, advertising and product placement financed and made possible by brands, advertising and product placement. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving, 5/25-26/11

Derby Plaza - Priest
Movie Machine -Thor, Something Borrowed
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - 5/26: The Adjust Bureau, Arthur, Battle: L.A.
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - 5/25: African Cats, Insidious, Soul Surfer, The Conspirator; 5/26: The Beaver
Warren Old Town - Priest, Thor
Warren West 21st -African Cats, Prom, Jumping The Broom, Source Code

Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides ***

Rob Marshall directed this Adventure/Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Sam Claflin, Geoffrey Rush. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action/adventure violence, some frightening images, sensuality and innuendo. Running time is two hours and seventeen minutes.

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crosses paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), who forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge," the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane) as they all go in search of the Fountain Of Youth.

If you've seen the first three films in this series and liked them, you should like this edition also. There have been a couple of cast changes, Cruz and McShane have been added, but Bloom and Knightley were never that integral before. This series is Depp's and he carries it nicely once again. The film is too long but at least it isn't as long as those previously, and the pace is such I never thought about looking at my watch. This time around you have your choice of 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D. I saw it in the latter version and found the 3D very good but I don't think you'd miss anything if you opted for a 2D screening. If you're willing to stay until the very end of the credits there's a brief addition to the story that will give you a good idea of what Jack Sparrow's immediate future will hold. It is humorous if not pivotal.  2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/20/2011

MetaCritic indicates THE BEAVER (59) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 (47). I watched PIRATES and thought it was as expected but this is a week where critic ratings and audience attendance will be miles apart. No doubt BEAVER is a well made film but people I've talked to who've seen it thought it was terribly depressing. 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 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 (***) will be available after 7:30 a.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 5/20/11

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 Beaver [PG-13] 1 hr. 31 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Cherry Jones. Plot: two-time Academy Award® winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award® winner Mel Gibson in an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Showing at:  Warren East.

Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides 2D,3D, 3D IMAX [PG] 2 hrs. 17 min.Adventure/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Sam Claflin, Geoffrey Rush. Plot: Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crosses paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), who forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge," the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/19/11

Derby Plaza - Water For Elephants, Rio 3D
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Your Highness, I Am # 4, Beastly, Paul
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Source Code, Prom, Madea's Big Happy Family, Hanna
Warren Old Town - Something Borrowed, Water For Elephants
Warren West 21st - Madea's Big Happy Family

Priest **

Scott Charles Stewart directed this Horror/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Lily Collins, Steven Moyer, Brad Dourif, Christopher Plummer. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, disturbing images and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and twenty-seven minutes.

In this western-fused post-apocalyptic thriller set in an alternate world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires, a priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.

In this film, which looks something like Bladerunner with a plot like The Searchers there really are no good times. Either you're a human living in a walled city and ruled by a repressive church or living in the outlands (the readioactive result of nuclear war) without the benefit of much civilization, or you're a repulsive, blind vampire dedicated to the destruction of humanity. That the vampires have figured out a new way to win the war and there are few who can stop them is the story, but while somewhat interesting, I can't say it's particularly entertaining. I saw the 3D version and wasn't impressed enough to recommend you spend the extra money for it. Sci-fi/ horror fans will be the only audience and if there are enough of them it's obvious a sequel will be forthcoming. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Bridesmaids **

Paul Feig directed this Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Matt Lucas, Jill Clayburgh, Rebel Wilson, Michael Hitchcock. Rated R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout. Running time is two hours and five minutes.

A maid of honor's (Kristen Wiig) life unravels as she leads her best friend (Maya Rudolph) and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.

I enjoy Wiig on SNL and think she's a great comedy sketch performer, but one who's not quite ready to carry an entire movie by herself. I suspect younger audiences will be more in tune with the sensibilities of this film but I personally thought they made the same mistake so many current comedies do, by mistaking crude for humorous. Marines and the younger generation will feel right at home with the language but an older audience will become bored with the constant use of profanity where better scripting would have been more appropriate. I did laugh occasionally but thought there was too much crudity and negativity for a film that's supposed to be a comedy. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/13/2011

This is one of the weeks I don't agree with the critics at all. MetaCritic indicates BRIDESMAIDS (76) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by PRIEST (37). I watched both of these films this week, neither of which was great, especially for a mature audience.  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 BRIDESMAIDS (**) and PRIEST (**) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 5/13/11

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.

Bridesmaids [R] 2 hrs. 5 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Matt Lucas, Jill Clayburgh, Rebel Wilson, Michael Hitchcock. Plot: a maid of honor's (Kristen Wiig) life unravels as she leads her best friend (Maya Rudolph) and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Priest [PG-13] 2D & 3D 1 hr. 28 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Lily Collins, Steven Moyer, Brad Dourif, Christopher Plummer. Plot: in this western-fused post-apocalyptic thriller set in an alternate world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires, a priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/12/11

Derby Plaza - Prom, Hoodwinked Too!
Movie Machine - Prom, Hoodwinked Too!
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Sucker Punch, Gnomeo And Juliet
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Hoodwinked Too! 3D
Warren Old Town - Thor 3D
Warren West 21st - The Conspirator, Insidious, Rio 3D

Something Borrowed **

Luke Greenfield directed this Romantic comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Ashley Williams, Steve Howey. Rated PG-13 for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material. Running time is one hour and forty-three minutes.

After one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel (Goodwin) unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy (Egglesfield) she's had a crush on since law school who just happens to be her best friend's (Hudson) fiancé.

Another romantic comedy in the 'pleasant enough' category. Cast and direction is fine and the picture moved right along. There's never much doubt how it will end although there were a couple of plot lines that could have been taken, and weren't. The ending feels a little unfinished but that's because they're planning on a sequel.  Hudson's role is a little frenetic to be completely enjoyable, but that's the script and not her. Goodwin is appealing in her role. Williams doesn't have a major role but steals the scenes she's in. If you stay through the credits you'll see an additional scene with "To Be Continued" superimposed, giving you an idea where the sequel is headed. There's nothing in this film to separate it from any number of other light romantic comedies so let your wallet be your guide.

Thor ***

Kenneth Branagh directed this Fantasy adventure. Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence. Running time is one hour and fifty-four minutes.

A powerful but arrogant warrior's (Hemsworth) reckless actions reignite an ancient war causing him to be sent to Earth by his father, Odin, (Anthony Hopkins) and forced to live among humans, where he falls in love with a beautiful scientist (Portman).

Norse mythology becomes Sci-Fi as it turns out the old  Norse Gods actually live on another planet and occasionally travel here via worm hole to straighten us out. It helps they speak flawless English instead of Norwegian (who knew). But, if you can forget that silliness this is actually a pretty entertaining action film that will nicely fill a couple of hours. Branagh, of course, is a top notch director and the cast is above average for a film of this type although many of them have little screen time. I saw the IMAX version and was once again struck by how superior their 3D process is. I watched the entire movie and never thought about taking off the glasses to rest my eyes. The sound was too loud but it's set for a full house and it definitely wasn't that when I saw it. The ending clearly is meant to be a bridge to a sequel (The Avenger) and if you stay until the end of the credits you will see a short film clip from that film.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/6/2011

MetaCritic indicates THOR (58) is the highest rated film for the week, although it's tied with JUMPING THE BROOM (58), with SOMETHING BORROWED (37) bringing up the rear. I watched two of these films this week, one of which was very entertaining.  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 THOR (***) and SOMETHING BORROWED (**) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 5/6/11

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.

Jumping The Broom [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Mike Epps, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good, Tasha Smith, DeRay Davis, Julie Bowen, Romeo Miller, Gary Dourdan, Pooch Hall, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Valarie Pettiford. Plot: focuses on a weekend wedding in Martha's Vineyard where two families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds clash during their first meeting before the big event. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East,  Warren West.

Something Borrowed [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Steve Howey. Plot: after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel (Goodwin) unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy (Egglesfield) she's had a crush on since law school who just happens to be her best friend's (Hudson) fiancé. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Thor [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Fantasy adventure Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson. Plot: a powerful but arrogant warrior's (Hemsworth) reckless actions reignite an ancient war causing him to be cast down to Earth by his father, Odin, (Anthony Hopkins) and forced to live among humans. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/5/11

Derby Plaza - Hop, Soul Surfer
Movie Machine - Hop
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Red Riding Hood, The King's Speech
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Dylan Dog, Kill The Irishman, Limitless, Scream 4, Hop, Arthur, Atlas Shrugged, Lincoln Lawyer
Warren Old Town - Hanna, Source Code, Your Highness, Dylan Dog
Warren West 21st - Hop, Limitless, Scream 4, Hanna