Opening 12/2/2011

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.

Anonymous [PG-13] 2 hrs. 26 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, Xavier Samuel, Sebastian Armesto, Rafe Spall, Edward Hogg, Jamie Campbell Bower, Derek Jacobi. Plot: set in the political snake-pit of Elizabethan England, "Anonymous" speculates on an issue that has for centuries intrigued academics and brilliant minds, namely: who was the author of the plays credited to William Shakespeare? Showing at: Warren Old Town.

The Skin I Live In [R] 1 hr. 57 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Marisa Paredes, Jan Cornet, Roberto Álamo, Blanca Suárez. Plot: since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonia Banderas), an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving 12/1/2011

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Johnny English Reborn, Seven Days In Utopia
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Martha Marcy May Marlene
Warren Old Town - J. Edgar, Jack And  Jill
Warren West 21st - nothing

Hugo ***½

Martin Scorsese directed this Family Fantasy. Watch Preview. Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Emily Mortimer, Michael Stuhlbarg. Rated PG for mild thematic material, some action/peril and smoking. Running time is two hours and seven minutes.

The story of an orphan boy (Butterfield) living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. With the help of an eccentric girl (Moretz), he searches for the answer to a mystery linking the father (Law) he recently lost, the ill-tempered toy shop owner (Kingsley) living below him and a heart shaped lock, seemingly without a key. All the while he must avoid the clutches of the station Inspector (Cohen).

I can't remember the last time I was so impressed by the sheer quality of a film. The story is interesting, the production values are superb and the acting is top notch. It does have in my opinion one flaw, and it's the reason I didn't give it four stars. For most audiences the pacing is too slow resulting in a film at least twenty minutes too long. For that reason I have a hard time thinking children won't be bored, which is too bad considering the subject matter. Adults, however, who love a well made film shouldn't miss this one.

I watched the 2D version but this was made as a 3D film and considering its quality I'm betting the 3D version will look great. Auditorium size will  make no  difference in the film's enjoyability. There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 11/25/2011

MetaCritic indicates HUGO (80) is the best of the new films this week, followed by THE MUPPETS (76), LIKE CRAZY (70), and in last place, ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (68). I've seen one of these and thought it was great. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

Check out Monday's Opening section to see the previews and synopses.

My review of HUGO (***½) will be posted later today. In the meantime, here's an assortment of national reviews:

Roger Moore review of ARTHUR CHRISTMAS.
Rolling Stone review of HUGO.
Roger Ebert review of LIKE CRAZY.
James Berardinelli review of THE MUPPETS.

Opening 11/23/2011

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.

Arthur Christmas 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 39 min. Animated Comedy Watch Preview Voices: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Ashley Jensen. Plot: at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child's question: 'So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Hugo 2D/3D [PG] 2 hrs. 02 min. Family Fantasy Watch Preview Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Emily Mortimer, Michael Stuhlbarg. Plot: the story of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. With the help of an eccentric girl, he searches for the answer to a mystery linking the father he recently lost, the ill-tempered toy shop owner living below him and a heart shaped lock, seemingly without a key. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Like Crazy [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Romantic Drama Watch Preview Cast: Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Bewley, Alex Kingston, Oliver Muirhead, Chris Messina, Finola Hughes, Ben York Jones, Jamie Thomas King. Plot: a British college student (Felicity Jones) falls for her American classmate (Anton Yelchin) and they embark on a passionate and life-changing journey only to be separated when she violates the terms of her visa. Showing at:  Warren East.

The Muppets [PG] 1 hr. 50 min. Family Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Alan Arkin, Jack Black, Billy Crystal, Zach Galifianakis, Kathy Griffin, Ricky Gervais, Emily Blunt, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Walter. Plot: on vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 11/22/2011

Derby Plaza - Tower Heist
Movie Machine - Immortals
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Thing, Cars 2, Dream House
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Real Steel, Moneyball, Footloose, Paranormal Activity 3, Courageous, Harold & Kumar 3D
Warren Old Town - Puss In Boots, Harold & Kumar 3D
Warren West 21st - Courageous, Real Steel, Harold & Kumar 3D, Footloose, Paranormal Activity 3

Happy Feet Two **

George Miller directed this Animated feature. Watch Preview. Voices: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Alecia Moore (P!nk), Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Sofia Vergara, Common, Hugo Weaving, Magda Szubanski, Anthony LaPaglia, Richard Carter, Benjamin "Lil P-Nut" Flores, Jr. Rated PG for some rude humor and mild peril. Running time is one hour and forty minutes.

Sequel to the Academy Award winning animated hit returns to Antarctica in 3D.

Frankly, I don't see much purpose for this sequel. It's not as entertaining as the first although small children will probably like it well enough. I watched the 3D version but I didn't find  it compelling enough to recommend you pay extra for  it. The only reason I'm giving it two stars is because it had one of my favorite Puccini arias in one of the scenes, but I'm just guessing that won't thrill too many others.

Screen/auditorium size is not important to enjoyability. There are no additional scenes once the credits start and those are extremely difficult to read anyway. 3D Theatres/Times. 2D Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 **

Bill Condon directed this Romance/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Elizabeth Reaser, Nikki Reed, Billy Burke. Rated PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity and some thematic elements. Running time is one hour and 57 minutes.

Bella's marriage results in a pregnancy that poses a threat to both the wolf pack and vampire coven.

This didn't do much for me but then I'm the wrong age and gender for its intended audience. I found it surprisingly emotionless although none of the leads are known for their acting ability. The whole "baby is killing her" schtick went by the wayside once you saw her. She looked like a normal, average sized infant to me. There was hardly any action from the wolf pack other than some growling and the vampire coven was nice to the point of boring. Teen age girls will care nothing about these comments but adults should be aware this is not worth waiting in line for.

A big screen will make little difference to your enjoyability. There is one additional scene that gives something of a preview for next year's sequel after the credits start.  Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 11/18/2011

MetaCritic indicates MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (76) is the best of the new films this week, followed by HAPPY FEET TWO (50), and in last place, TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (45). I've seen two of the three and thought they were OK but not great. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

Check out Monday's Opening section to see the previews and synopses.

My reviews of HAPPY FEET  TWO and TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 will be posted at 4:30 pm today. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see below:

Chicago Tribune review of HAPPY FEET TWO.
Washington Post review of MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE.
Entertainment Weekly review of TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1.

Opening, 11/18/11

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.

Happy Feet Two 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D [PG] 1 hr. 43 min. Animated Watch Preview Voices: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Alecia Moore (P!nk), Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Sofia Vergara, Common, Hugo Weaving, Magda Szubanski, Anthony LaPaglia, Richard Carter, Benjamin "Lil P-Nut" Flores, Jr. Plot: sequel to the Academy Award winning animated hit returns to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica in 3D. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Martha Marcy May Marlene [R] 1 hr. 42 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Christopher Abbott, Brady Corbet, Hugh Dancy, Maria Dizzia, Julia Garner, John Hawkes, Louisa Krause, Sarah Paulson. Plot: psychological thriller about a young woman (Elizabeth Olsen) rapidly unraveling during her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a cult and its charismatic leader (John Hawkes). Showing at: Warren East.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Romance/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Elizabeth Reaser, Nikki Reed, Billy Burke. Plot: Bella's unborn child poses a threat to both the wolf pack and vampire coven. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 11/17/11

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Tower Heist, Paranormal Activity 3, Real Steel
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - I Don't Know How She Does It, Warrior, Captain America
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - The Ides  Of March, 50/50, The Way, Rum Diary, Margin Call
Warren Old Town - Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
Warren West 21st - Moneyball, The Three Musketeers

Worthwhile (or not), 11/11/2011

MetaCritic indicates J. EDGAR (59) is the best of the new films this week, followed by IMMORTALS (43), and in last place, JACK AND JILL (24). I've been a little under the weather this week and haven't seen any of them. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

Check out Monday's Opening section to see the previews and synopses.

Sorry, no reviews from me this week. But I haven't forgotten you, see the reviews below:

Philadelphia Inquirer review of J. EDGAR.
New York Times review of JACK AND JILL.
USA Today review of  IMMORTALS.

Opening, 11/11/11

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.

Immortals 2D, 3D [R] 1 hr. 50 min.Fantasy adventure Watch Preview Cast: Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Isabel Lucas, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans, Kellan Lutz, John Hurt, Mickey Rourke. Plot: as a power-mad king razes ancient Greece in search of a legendary weapon, a heroic young villager rises up against him. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

J.Edgar [R] 2 hrs. 17 min. Biographical drama Watch Preview Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Judi Dench, Armie Hammer, Josh Lucas, Ken Howard. Plot: ss the face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years, J. Edgar Hoover (DiCaprio) was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. Showing at: Northrock 14?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Jack And Jill [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino. Plot: a successful advertising executive (Adam Sandler) in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife and kids, dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 11/10/11

Derby Plaza -Courageous
Movie Machine - In Time, Footloose
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Killer Elite, Our Idiot Brother, Apollo 18
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - The Three Musketeers, Dolphin Tale
Warren Old Town - The Rum Diary, In Time, Paranormal Activity 3
Warren West 21st -Dolphin Tale, 50/50, Paranormal Activity 3, The Rum Diary

Tower Heist **

Brett Ratner directed this Action comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, Téa Leoni, Gabourey Sidibe, Casey Affleck, Stephen Henderson, Judd Hirsch, Michael Pena, Alan Alda. Rated PG-13 for language and sexual content. Running time is one hour and forty-four minutes.

After the workers (Stiller, Sidibe,  Affleck) at a luxury Central Park condominium discover the penthouse billionaire (Alda) has stolen their retirement, they plot the ultimate revenge: a heist to reclaim what he took from them.

This had the potential to be an enjoyable caper film but dropped the ball in so many places it turns out not to have either action or comedy. There's all sorts of potential, from the cast to an intriguing plot. But nothing works quite right and by the time you reach the ending you're more than ready to leave. There's much better fare coming for the holidays so I'd save my money for them.

 There are no additional scenes once the final credits start. I don't think either a large screen or a large crowd are going to be of much benefit for this one. Theatres/Times.

Margin Call ***

J.C. Chandor wrote and directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci. Rated R for language. Running time is one hour and forty-seven minutes.

Set in the high-stakes world of the financial industry, the key players at an investment firm scramble to save their company during one perilous 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis.

I don't know how much actual truth there is in this plot but it sure feels like it could be true, enough so you're going to be mad when it's over. The first class cast takes us through the realization that selling bundled toxic mortgages isn't going to work out as planned. But, it's what they do once they discover the problem that will make you wonder why none of them are in jail. This isn't entertainment in the usual sense but the cast and pacing keep you interested throughout and may provide some background on our country's current financial mess. Theatre/Times.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits start. Any size screen and auditorium will suffice since there won't be much in the way of audience reaction. Theatre/Time.

Worthwhile (or not), 11/4/2011

MetaCritic indicates MARGIN CALL (75) is the best of the new films this week, followed by TOWER HEIST (59), and in last place, A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS (57). I've seen two of these and found one enjoyable and the other not so much. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

Check out Monday's Opening section to see the previews and synopses.

My reviews of MARGIN CALL (***) and TOWER HEIST (**) will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see the reviews below:

Miami Herald review of MARGIN CALL.
Philadelphia Inquirer review of TOWER HEIST.
USA Today review of A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS.