Opening 5/4/12

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.

Bully [PG-13] 1 hr. 38 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: with an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals' offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children. Showing at:  Warren East.

Marvel's The Avengers 2D/3D/IMAX 3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 23 min. Action Watch Preview Cast:  Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Cobie Smulders, Clark Gregg, Samuel L. Jackson. Plot: when an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, the Director of the international peacekeeping agency finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 5/3/12

Derby Plaza - Mirror Mirror
Movie Machine - Three Stooges, The Lorax, Mirror Mirror
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Red Tails
Starlite Drive-In - Open Friday-Saturday
Warren East 13th - Lockout, Wrath Of The Titans, Blue Like Jazz, Titanic
Warren Old Town - The Lucky One, Cabin In The Woods, American Reunion
Warren West 21st - Lockout

Worthwhile (or not) 4/27/12

MetaCritic indicates THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS (74) Is the best movie this week, followed by THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT (58), SAFE (55) and THE RAVEN (43).  I've been under the weather this week so I 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.

Here are national reviews of all this week's new films:

USA Today review of THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT.
Chicago Tribune review of  THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS.
Roger Ebert  review of  THE RAVEN.
Rolling Stone  review of  SAFE.

Opening 4/27/12

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 Five-Year Engagement [R] 2 hrs. 4. min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt, Alison Brie, Rhys Ifans. Plot: looks at what happens when an engaged couple (Segel and Blunt) keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Pirates! Band Of Misfits 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 28 min. Animated Feature Watch Preview Voices of: Hugh Grant, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Martin Freeman, Jeremy Piven. Plot: a somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas (Hugh Grant) has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14?, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren West.

The Raven [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve, Brendan Gleeson, Oliver Jackson-Cohen. Plot: when a madman begins committing horrific murders inspired by Poe's darkest works, a young Baltimore detective (Luke Evans) joins forces with Poe (John Cusack) in a quest to get inside the killer's mind in order to stop him from making every one of Poe's brutal stories a blood chilling reality. Showing at: Northrock 14?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Safe [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Jason Statham, Robert John Burke, Chris Sarandon, Anson Mount, Catherine Chan. Plot: an ex-second-rate cage fighter on the mixed martial arts circuit tears a swath through the city's brutal underworld to save an innocent girl's life... and perhaps even redeem his own. Showing at: Northrock 14?, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 4/26/12

Derby Plaza - The Cabin In The Woods, Titanic
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Secret World Of Arrietty, The Woman In Black, Chronicle
Starlite Drive-In - Open Friday-Saturday
Warren East 13th - October Baby, The Lorax, Salmon Fishing In The Yemen, The Raid: Redemption
Warren Old Town - Lockout, Titanic, American Revolution
Warren West 21st - The Lorax

The Lucky One **

Scott Hicks directed this Romance. Watch Preview. Cast: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Jay R. Ferguson, Riley Thomas Stewart, Adam Lefevre, Blythe Danner. Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence. Running time is one hour and forty-one minutes.

A U.S. Marine Sergeant (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive--a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. He shows up at her (Schilling) door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Romance ensues.

This is the type of romance drama that many women seem to love and drag their partners to see. It's exactly what you expect it to be. Efron and Schilling nicely portray a couple falling in love and Danner is the grandmother encouraging their romance along. Frankly, none of it makes any rational sense so plan on suspending reality while watching. The final act especially goes out of its way to create tension where none need be. Still, there is some pretty scenery...a lot of it as a matter of fact. And, no matter how unimaginative I found it to be, this is a film most women will enjoy, so you won't go wrong there, guys.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. The scenery will look good on a big screen but one isn't essential for the plot.

Worthwhile (or not) 4/20/12

MetaCritic indicates CHIMPAZEE (58) Is the best movie this week, followed by THINK LIKE A MAN (52), BLUE LIKE JAZZ (47) and THE LUCKY ONE (38).  No matter what the critics say, THE LUCKY ONE will be the one to see this weekend. I watched it and found it to be just as formulaic as I expected. 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 THE LUCKY ONE (**) will be posted at 4:30 p.m. today. Until then, here are national reviews of all the films.

New York Post review of BLUE LIKE JAZZ.
Variety review of  CHIMPAZEE.
Chicago Tribune  review of  THE LUCKY ONE.
Roger Ebert review of  THINK LIKE A MAN.

Opening 4/20/12

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 Like Jazz [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Marshall Allman, Claire Holt, Tania Raymonde. Plot: a pious nineteen-year-old sophomore at a Texas junior college, impulsively decides to escape his evangelical upbringing for life in the Pacific Northwest at one of the most progressive campuses in America. Showing at:  Warren East.

Chimpanzee [G] 1 hr. 18 min. True Life Adventure Watch Preview Plot: showcases the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Showing at:  Northrock 14?, Warren East, Warren West.

The Lucky One [PG-13] 1 hr. 41 min. Romance Watch Preview Cast: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Jay R. Ferguson, Riley Thomas Stewart, Adam Lefevre, Blythe Danner. Plot: a U.S. Marine Sergeant (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive--a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. He shows up at her (Schilling) door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Romance ensues. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Think Like A Man [PG-13] 2 hrs. 2 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence J, Jenifer Lewis, Romany Malco, Gary Owen, Gabrielle Union. Plot: four interconnected and diverse men's love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy a book and start taking its advice to heart. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 4/19/12

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - Wrath Of The Titans
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Alvin And The Chipmunks, Gone
Starlite Drive-In - Open Friday-Saturday
Warren East 13th -Pina, John Carter, This Means War
Warren Old Town - Wrath Of The Titans, 21 Jump Street
Warren West 21st - This Means War, John Carter, Act Of Valor

The Cabin In The Woods ***

Drew Goddard co-wrote and directed this Horror/Fantasy. Watch Preview. Cast: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford. Rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use and some sexuality/nudity. Running time is one hour and thirty-five minutes.

Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen.

Your first  clue there's something different about this film is the cast.  Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford are not normally seen in your run-of-the-mill horror films. And indeed, this certainly isn't one, although it's bloody and violent enough to stand with the best of them. Right from the start, there are plot elements that simply don't fit, but it's not until the last act you finally find out what's going on. Unfortunately, that's all I can tell you. If you knew what was really going on, it would destroy the impact of finally seeing the complete story. I don't know that I can recommend this for everyone. It is very violent and bloody. But if horror films appeal  to you, this one will give you a little extra to go with the gore.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Watching this with a large audience with provide extra impact.

Lockout **½

James Mather, Stephen St. Leger co-directed this Sci-Fi Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare, Lennie James, Vincent Regan, Tim Plester, Anne-Solenne Hatte, Yan Dron, Patrick Cauderlier, Milorad Kapor, Bojan Peric, Mark Tankersley. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and language including some sexual references. Running time is one hour and thirty-five minutes.

A falsely convicted ex-government agent's (Pearce) one chance at obtaining freedom lies in the dangerous mission of rescuing the President’s daughter (Grace) from rioting convicts at an outer space maximum security prison.

As long as you don't get fixated on some of the ridiculous plot elements (especially the last ten minutes) this is an enjoyable, tongue-in-cheek action film with a good cast and pretty fair cgi effects. It will never win any awards and it won't be around long, but if you want to have a couple of hours of sci-fi fun, this will fill the bill. It's one of those awkward films that's too expensive for the Sci-Fi channel, where it belongs, but not quite good enough to wow a theatre audience.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will make this more impressive.

Worthwhile (or not) 4/13/12

MetaCritic indicates THE CABIN IN THE WOODS (73) and THE RAID: REDEMPTION (73) are tied as the best movies this week, followed by THE THREE STOOGES (55) and LOCKOUT (48).  Sci-Fi/Horror fans shouldn't miss THE CABIN IN THE WOODS and action fans should be satisfied with LOCKOUT. I watched two of this week's new films and found both of them better than expected. 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 THE CABIN IN THE WOODS (***) and LOCKOUT (**½) will be posted at 4:30 p.m. today. Until then, here are national reviews of all the films.

USA Today review of THE CABIN IN THE WOODS.
Roger Ebert review of  LOCKOUT.
James Berardinelli  review of  THE RAID: REDEMPTION.
The Rolling Stone review of  THE THREE STOOGES.

Opening 4/13/12

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 Cabin In The Woods [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Fantasy/Horror Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford. Plot: Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Lockout [PG-13] 1 hr. 35 min. Sci-Fi Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare, Lennie James, Vincent Regan, Tim Plester, Anne-Solenne Hatte, Yan Dron, Patrick Cauderlier, Milorad Kapor, Bojan Peric, Mark Tankersley. Plot: a falsely convicted ex-government agent's (Pearce) one chance at obtaining freedom lies in the dangerous mission of rescuing the President’s daughter (Grace) from rioting convicts at an outer space maximum security prison. Showing at:  Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Raid: Redemption [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Iko Uwais, Doni Alamsyah, Joe Taslim, Yayan Ruhian, Ray Sahetapy. Plot: a rookie member of an elite special-forces team (Iko Uwais) takes part in a covert mission involving the extraction of a brutal crime lord from a rundown thirty-story apartment block filled with an army of thugs.Showing at: Warren East.

The Three Stooges [PG] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Chris Diamantopoulos, Will Sasso, Sean Hayes, Jane Lynch, Larry David, Stephen Collins, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Hudson. Plot: out to save their childhood home, The Three Stooges become embroiled in an oddball murder plot... while also stumbling into starring in a phenomenally successful TV reality show. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 4/12/12

Derby Plaza - Wrath Of The Titans, Dr.Seuss' The Lorax
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Silent House
Starlite Drive-In - Open Friday-Saturday
Warren East 13th -Jeff Who Lives At Home
Warren Old Town - Mirror Mirror
Warren West 21st - Act Of Valor, October Baby

American Reunion **

Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg directed this Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Jennifer Coolidge, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Shannon Elizabeth. Rated R for crude and sexual content throughout, nudity, language, brief drug use and teen drinking. Running time  is one hour and fifty-three minutes.

All the "American Pie" characters we met a little more than a decade ago return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion.

Some time comedy sequels work, most of the time they don't. This mildly amusing comedy falls in the latter, larger group. You've got to wonder who they made this for. Those who found it funny the first time around are old enough now to look for something with a lot more substance. A younger audience isn't going to be particularly thrilled with a group of older actors who are doing nothing that outrageous by today's standards. I purposefully watched this with a younger  group to get a crowd reaction, and for the most part, there wasn't one. A few laughs at a couple of crude scenes and that was it. Unless you're really into retro comedy, I'd give this a pass.

A large screen won't make much difference and neither will a large crowd. There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin although there are several stills accompanying the early credits. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 4/6/12

MetaCritic indicates PINA (83) is the best movie this week, followed by AMERICAN REUNION (51).  I watched one of this week's new films and found it so-so. This week teenage females should consider TITANIC 3D and teenage males should go for AMERICAN REUNION. Adults should check out PINA or TITANIC. The reviews on the reissue of TTIANIC are very good and I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the 3D quality, several saying it makes it a much more impressive film. 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 AMERICAN REUNION (**)  will be posted at 4:30 p.m. today. Until then, here are national reviews of all the films.

USA Today review of AMERICAN REUNION
Roger Ebert review of  PINA.

Opening 4/6/12

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.

Wednesday 4/4

Titanic [PG-13] 2D/3D 3 hr. 14 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton, Bernard Hill, David Warner, Victor Garber, Jonathan Hyde, Suzy Amis. Plot: 3D re-release of the winner of eleven Academy Awards. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Friday 4/6

American Reunion [R] 1 hr. 53 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Jennifer Coolidge, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Shannon Elizabeth. Plot: all the "American Pie" characters we met a little more than a decade ago return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Pina [PG] 3D 1 hr. 43 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: director Wim Wenders' ("Wings of Desire," "Buena Vista Social Club") breathtaking tribute to the legendary choreographer Pina Bausch. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 4/5/12

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Iron Lady, Underworld Awakening, War Horse, We Bought A Zoo
Starlite Drive-In - Open Friday-Saturday
Warren East 13th - 4/3: Friends  With Kids, The Vow, Rampart, Act Of Valor; 4/5: A Thousand Words, Safe House
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - 4/3: Safe House, Project X; 4/5: The Vow