Opening, 6/29, 7/1/11

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.

Opens Wednesday

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 34 min. Sci-Fi Action Watch Preview Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Ken Jeong, Patrick Dempsey, Alan Tudyk, John Turturro, Leonard Nimoy. Plot: a mysterious event from Earth's past threatens to bring a war to Earth so big the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Opens Friday

Larry Crowne [PG-13] 1 hr. 39 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Gugu Mbatha Raw, Wilmer Valderrama, Pam Grier, Rami Malek, George Takei, Grace Gummer, Rita Wilson, Jon Seda. Plot: a dramatic comedy about how the hard knocks from today's recession inspire one everyday guy to undergo a personal reinvention. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Monte Carlo [PG] 1 hr. 49 min. Comedy/Romance Watch Preview Cast: Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy, Andie MacDowell, Cory Monteith. Plot: a girl and her best friend travel to Paris, accompanied by her future, uptight stepsister. When one of the girls is mistaken for a spoiled British heiress, they find themselves going on a dream vacation to Monte Carlo. Showing at:  Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/28, 30/11

Derby Plaza - 6/28: Pirates Of The Caribbean. 6/30: nothing

Movie Machine - 6/28: nothing. 6/30: Green Lantern
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - 6/28: nothing. 6/30: Hop, Source Code
Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - 6/28: Cave Of Forgotten Dreams, Art Of Getting By. 6/30: Judy Moody
Warren Old Town - 6/28: The Hangover II, Bridesmaids. 6/30: Green Lantern 3D
Warren West 21st - Super 8 IMAX, Thor. 6/30: Midnight In Paris

Bad Teacher **½

Jake Kasdan directed this Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, John Michael Higgins, Jason Segel, Phyllis Smith, Thomas Lennon, Eric Stonestreet. Rated R for sexual content, nudity, language and some drug use. Running time is one hour and thirty-two minutes.

A foul-mouthed, ruthless, and inappropriate teacher (Diaz) fights off the advances of a sarcastic, irreverent gym teacher (Segel), while attempting to woo a rich, handsome substitute (Timberlake). Her rival is an overachieving teacher (Punch) who will stop at nothing to win the contest.

Diaz plays a character who is just as described above but her screen persona is such you like her just the same. She may be all of those things but she's also very smart and eventually she figures out what's really best for her. There is plenty of profanity but in this case it fits the character's personality and doesn't seem as gratuitous as in many films of late. Punch does a terrific job as the competing teacher and Segel is also quite good. Timberlake's character isn't in the same league as the others but that has to do with the script and not his ability. If profanity doesn't bother you this film is amusing at times although not a major laugh riot. Theatres/Times.

Cars 2 *½

John Lasseter, Brad Lewis directed this Animated comedy. Watch Preview Voices of: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Tony Shalhoub. Rated G. Running time is one hour and fifty-three minutes.

Using advanced animation technology this sequel has star race car Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix.

Hopefully this pic isn't an example of what can be expected from Pixar after being bought by Disney because this is a dud. I have always enjoyed the Pixar animated films because they could be enjoyed by both adults and kids. I don't know who this film was aimed at but it misses by a mile, with the possible exception of young boys who might enjoy the racing scenes. Simply put, it's dull and boring and that's the kiss of death for an animated film. It will probably open strongly and then die rather quickly. The quality of the animation is very good and the 3D quality is excellent but those aren't enough to offset the lack of an interesting story. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/24/2011

MetaCritic indicates THE TREE OF LIFE (85) is the best of the week, followed by CARS 2 (58), with BAD TEACHER (46) in last place. I watched the last two and found one mildly entertaining and one a snoozefest. 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 Cars 2 (*½) and Bad Teacher (**½) will be available at 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 6/24/11

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.

Bad Teacher [R] 1 hr. 32 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, John Michael Higgins, Jason Segel, Phyllis Smith, Thomas Lennon, Eric Stonestreet. Plot: a foul-mouthed, ruthless, and inappropriate teacher (Diaz) fights off the advances of a sarcastic, irreverent gym teacher (Segel), while attempting to woo a rich, handsome substitute (Timberlake). Advance word is it's very foul mouthed but only marginally funny. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Cars 2 2D, 3D [G] 1 hr. 53 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices of: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Tony Shalhoub. Plot: using advanced animation technology this sequel has star race car Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. Advance word is it's above average if not quite as good as the original.  Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Tree Of Life [PG-13] 2 hrs. 19 min. Fantsay/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain, Joanna Going, Jackson Hurst, Fiona Shaw, Crystal Mantecon, Tamara Jolaine, Hunter McCracken, Dustin Allen. Plot: follows the life journey of a family's eldest son, Jack, (Penn as the adult son) through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father (Brad Pitt). Advance word is it's well above average but its non-linear approach may be confusing. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving, 6/23/11

Derby Plaza - Hangover 2, Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer, Kung Fu Panda 2
Movie Machine - Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - African Cats, Hoodwinked Too, Limitless
Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - Thor, Kung Fu Panda 3D, Fast Five, Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 3D
Warren Old Town - X-Men: First Class
Warren West 21st - Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer, Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 3D, Kung Fu Panda 3D

Green Lantern **½

Martin Campbell directed this Comic book/Action film. Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins, Temuera Morrison, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Clarke Duncan. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, the Green Lantern Corps, faces a new enemy called Parallax. Their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds).

As a Sci-fi fan I found this enjoyable although not enough to need to see it again. It has a nice mix of humor, action, romance and CGI effects so it wasn't quite as one dimensional as I was afraid it would be. Not being a comic book aficionado I wasn't aware of the plot in advance, which was good as the basic premise is silly. Still, I suspect comic book and Reynolds fans will be satisfied if not overwhelmed. An obvious sequel is planned although the scene leading to that conclusion made absolutely no sense to me. I watched the 3D version and while enjoyable enough I don't think you're  going to get much for the extra money it takes to do so. A large screen and good sound will add more to your enjoyment than will 3D.  2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/17/2011

MetaCritic indicates MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS (51) is the best of the week, followed by GREEN LANTERN (40), with THE ART OF GETTING BY (38) in last place. I watched GREEN LANTERN and found it entertaining, although comic book fans will be more impressed. 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 LANTERN (**½) will be available at 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 6/17/11

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 Art Of Getting By [PG-13] 2 hrs. 2 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Sam Robards, Jarlath Conroy, Ann Dowd, Marcus Carl Franklin, Sasha Spielberg with Rita Wilson, Blair Underwood. Plot: a lonely and fatalistic teen (Highmore) who's made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work is befriended by a beautiful and complicated girl (Roberts) who recognizes in him a kindred spirit. Showing at:  Warren East.

Green Lantern [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins, Temuera Morrison, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Clarke Duncan. Plot: a brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, the Green Lantern Corps, faces a new enemy called Parallax. Their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Mr. Popper's Penguins [PG] 1 hr. 35 min. Family comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Ophelia Lovibond, Philip Baker Hall, Andrew Stewart-Jones, James Tupper, Clark Gregg, David Krumholtz, Angela Lansbury. Plot: a driven businessman (Carrey) who is clueless when it comes to the important things in life inherits six penguins. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/16/11

Derby Plaza - X-Men: First Class
Movie Machine - X-Men: First Class, The Hangover 2
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Prom, Hanna, Insidious, Wimpy Kid 2
Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - Rio, Water For Elephants, Everything Must Go
Warren Old Town - Pirates Of The Caribbean 4
Warren West 21st - Water For Elephants, Fast Five

Super 8 ***½

J.J. Abrams wrote and directed this Sci-Fi/Action film, produced by Steven Spielberg. Watch Preview Cast: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso, Noah Emmerich, Ron Eldard, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some drug use. Running time is one hour and fifty-two minutes.

A group of young friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train derailment while making a super 8 movie and soon know it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place.

This film is classic proof the main ingredient of an entertaining movie is the plot, no multi-million dollar cast is required when you have a good story with cast members you care about. During the course of this story you do like and care about the youngsters who are the main focus. By now you are probably aware there is an alien involved and that it's not quite as lovable and benign as E.T.  But don't let that discourage you, this is a film with something for everyone and will work nicely as one an entire family can attend together and enjoy. The CGI effects are good but not overwhelming. I saw this on the IMAX screen and would recommend you watch it on the largest screen available for maximum effect. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/10/2011

Sorry to be late this week, but lost all power for seven hours due to the storm. Four new films this week but I'll bet the #1 title comes in #4 at the boxoffice..   MetaCritic indicates CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS (86) is the best of the week, closely followed by Woody Allen's MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (81), then, what will no doubt be the top pic this weekend, SUPER 8 (72), which is certainly a respectable rating, especially when compared to JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER (38). I watched SUPER 8 and found it very entertaining, with younger crowds probably finding it even more so. 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 SUPER 8 (***½) is available now.

Opening, 6/10/11

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.

Cave Of Forgotten Dreams [G] 1 hr. 35 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: breathtaking new 3D documentary from the incomparable Werner Herzog ("Encounters at the End of the World," "Grizzly Man") follows an exclusive expedition into the nearly inaccessible Chauvet Cave in France, home to the most ancient visual art known to have been created by man. Showing at: Warren East.

Judy Moody And The NOT Bummer Summer [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Family Watch Preview Cast: Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Parris Mostelle. Plot: chronicles Judy's (Jordana Beatty) adventures in which she sets out to have the most thrilling summer of her life with the help of her little brother Stink (Parris Mosteller) and fun-loving Aunt Opal (Heather Graham). Based on the novel series. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Midnight In Paris [PG-13] 1 hr. 28 min. Comedy/Romance Watch Preview Cast: Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Owen Wilson, Nina Arianda, Kurt Fuller, Tom Hiddleston, Mimi Kennedy, Alison Pill, Corey Stoll. Plot: Woody Allen's latest follows a family traveling to the city and simultaneously explores the illusion people have that a life different from their own is better. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Super 8  [PG-13] 1 hr. 42 min. Action/Horror Watch Preview Cast: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso, Noah Emmerich, Ron Eldard, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills. Plot: a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/9/11

Derby Plaza - Bridesmaids, Thor
Movie Machine - Pirates Of The Caribbean, Fast Five
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Mars Needs Moms, Just Go With It
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th -Jumping The Broom, Priest, Something Borrowed
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Something Borrowed, Priest, Soul Surfer

X-Men: First Class ***

Matthew Vaughn directed this Sci-Fi/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. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language. Running time is two hours and twelve minutes.

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 (McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Fassbender) were the closest of friends who shared a common enemy (Bacon).

If you've never seen one of the X-Men films, not to worry. It isn't necessary in order to follow this plot which stands very nicely on it's own. If you have seen the previous films,  this will give you some history you've not known before. As are so many movies nowadays, this one is a good half hour too long. You won't have any trouble finding whole sections unnecessary to the story, especially the ones with too much dialogue. Still, there's enough action and effects to keep most sci-fi/action fans happy. A large screen and good sound will add to your enjoyment. Unless you just want to see all the credits, there's no reason to sit through them as there's no final scene at the end.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/3/2011

Only one new film this week so it's either it or something you've missed from past weeks.   MetaCritic indicates X-MEN: FIRST CLASS is rated (66). I watched it and found it slightly better than expected. 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 X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (***) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).