Looper ***

Rian Johnson directed this Sci-Fi Thriller Watch Preview Cast:  Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan, Piper Perabo, Jeff Daniels. Rated R for strong violence, language, some sexuality/nudity and drug content. Run time is one hour and fifty-eight minutes.

In this futuristic action thriller a killer's (Gordon-Levitt) future self (Bruce Willis) is sent to the past for assassination by his younger self. When the younger man recognizes the victim as himself, he hesitates and the older self escapes, leading to numerous complications.

Any fan of Sci-Fi novels knows you can't have the same person existing twice at the same time. This film does away with that problem and manages to make it appear realistic while doing so. At one point Willis' character tells you to stop worrying about the time travel and just follow the plot. Good advice. The films does well at explaining the why and how of the paradox and then shifts gears and slowly moves to another plot line which is finally resolved. Production values are good and the cast is fine although I wonder why they felt the need to mess with Gordon-Levitt's appearance since he still never looks like a younger Willis. Blunt plays a decidedly different type of character than I've seen her as before but acquits herself well. I really have to wonder why Perabo chose to take her role as a topless call girl/dancer since it's a very small bit part and she's the star of her own TV series (Covert Affairs). The film is longer than it needs to be with a middle section that really starts to drag, but the opening and closing thirds are just fine.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. This should play well on any size screen. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Looper (86) is the best picture this week, followed by Pitch Perfect (62),  Hotel Transylvania (47), and Won't Back Down (46). I saw one of these films and enjoyed it. 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 Looper (***) will be on the site after 4:30 p.m., Friday.

Opening 9/28

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.

Hotel Transylvania 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, Cee-Lo Green, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, Jon Lovitz. Plot: as a haven for his daughter, Dracula opens the Hotel Transylvania, where she and some of the world's most famous monsters – Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more – can kick back in safety and peace. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Looper [R] 1 hr. 58 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast:  Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan, Piper Perabo, Jeff Daniels. Plot: in this futuristic action thriller a killer's (Gordon-Levitt) future self (Bruce Willis) is sent to the past for assassination. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Pitch Perfect [PG-13] 2 hr. 02 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast:  Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine, Freddie Stroma. Plot: a freshman college girl is muscled into a group she never would have picked on her own: girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together a capella. Showing at: Warren East.

Won't Back Down [PG] 2 hr. 01 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Oscar Isaac, Holly Hunter, Rosie Perez, Lance Reddick, Emily Alyn Lind. Plot: two determined mothers, one a teacher, will stop at nothing to transform their children's failing inner city school. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 9/27

Derby Plaza - The Possession, Lawless
Movie Machine - ParaNorman, Last Ounce Of Courage
Palace West - Safety Not Guaranteed, Hit And Run, Madagascar 3, Madea's Witness Protection
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat Only
Warren East 13th - The Possession, Expendables 2, ParaNorman, The Dark Knight Rises, Odd Life Of Timothy Green
Warren Old Town - The Possession, Resident Evil: Retribution, Lawless
Warren West 21st - The Dark Knight Rises, Odd Life Of Timothy Green, Expendables 2

End Of Watch ***

David Ayer directed this Crime Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick, Frank Gillo, America Ferrera. Rated R for strong violence, some disturbing images, pervasive language including sexual references, and some drug use. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.

Two young Los Angeles police officers (Gyllenhaal and Pena) patrol the city's meanest streets of south central Los Angeles. When their actions hurt a Mexican crime lord's business, he puts a hit on them.

This is an extremely well made film, riveting at times, with excellent production values and a superb cast. But, unless you're into gritty police dramas, and comfortable with present day street language, (extremely profane) this is not a film the average patron will enjoy. In fact it's not meant for entertaining at all, but rather shows a slice of contemporary life most of us don't ever want to experience. Its graphic brutality will make many squirm, but perhaps provide a look at what big city police are faced with daily. If you have a son or daughter who think they'd like to join a police force because watching TV dramas has made it look glamorous, have them take a look at this. It will certainly give them something to think about.

There are no additional scenes after the final credits begin. A large screen is not necessary. Theatres/Times.

Trouble With The Curve ***½

Robert Lorenz directed this Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Robert Patrick, Matthew Lillard, Scott Eastwood, Joe Massingill. Rated PG-13 for language, sexual references, some thematic material and smoking. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.

A daughter (Adams) joins her aging, sight-impaired father (Eastwood) on his latest baseball scouting trip to North Carolina, jeopardizing her own career to save his but meeting someone to whom she's romantically attracted (Timberlake).

I don't imagine this will win any awards but it is one of the most pleasurable films I've seen in a long time. The cast is first rate and they interact with each other to perfection. While it has a baseball theme it really isn't about the game, but rather about relationships; from the grumpy father, to the daughter who has tried all her life to please him, to the young man who finally brings some real romance into her life. The film has some plot foibles and is entirely predictable, but is so enjoyable it provides a highly entertaining couple of hours. This is a very good date or couples movie.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A big screen isn't necessary. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates The Master (89) is the best picture this week, followed by End Of Watch (66), Dredd (62), Trouble With The Curve (60), with House At The End Of The Street not being reviewed by the national critics. I saw two of these films and think they're both worth your time and money. 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 End Of Watch (***) and  Trouble With The Curve (***½) will be on the site after 4:30 p.m., Friday.

Opening 9/21/12

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.

End Of Watch [R] 1 hr. 49 min. Crime Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick, Frank Gillo, America Ferrera. Plot: two young Los Angeles police officers (Gyllenhaal and Pena) patrol the city's meanest streets of south central Los Angeles. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Dredd 3D 2D/3D [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Sci-Fi/Action Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey. Plot: in a future where the only force of order lies with urban cops called "Judges" who possess the combined powers of judge, jury and instant executioner, Dredd (Karl Urban) is the ultimate Judge, challenged with ridding the city of its latest scourge - a dangerous drug epidemic that has users of "Slo-Mo" experiencing reality at a fraction of its normal speed. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

House At The End Of The Street [PG-13] 1 hr. 41 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Shue, Max Thieriot, Gil Bellows. Plot: a newly divorced woman (Elisabeth Shue) and her daughter (Jennifer Lawrence) find the house of their dreams in a small, upscale, rural town. But startling and unexplainable events begin to happen. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Master [R] 2 hrs. 17 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Jesse Plemons, David Warshofsky, Amy Adams, Rami Malek. Plot: a charismatic intellectual (Philip Seymour Hoffman) launches a faith-based organization and taps a young drifter (Joaquin Phoenix) as his right-hand man. But as the faith begins to gain a fervent following, the onetime vagabond finds himself questioning the belief system he has embraced, and his mentor. Showing at: Warren East.

Trouble With The Curve [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Robert Patrick, Matthew Lillard, Scott Eastwood, Joe Massingill. Plot: a daughter (Adams) joins her aging father (Eastwood) on his latest baseball scouting trip to North Carolina, jeopardizing her own career to save his. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 9/20/12

Derby Plaza - Lawless, The Words, Odd Life Of Timothy Green, Hope Springs
Movie Machine - Expendables 2
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Watch, Step Up Revolution
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th - The Words, Cold Light Of Day, Hit And Run, Premium Rush
Warren Old Town - The Words, Expendables 2, Bourne Legacy, The Campaign
Warren West 21st - The Words, Cold Light Of Day, Hit And Run, Premium Rush, ParaNorman

Resident Evil: Retribution 2D/3D/IMAX 3D *½

Paul W.S. Anderson wrote and directed this Sci-Fi/Action film. Watch Preview Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Kevin Durand, Shawn Roberts, Colin Salmon, Johann Urb, Boris Kodjoe, Li Bingbing. Rated R for sequences of strong violence throughout. Running time is one hour and thirty-five minutes.

The human race’s last and only hope (Milla Jovovich) awakens in the heart of Umbrella's most clandestine operations facility and must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion.

I like Sci-Fi, IMAX and 3D but this film is an unwatchable mess for anyone who also wants a coherent plot. It looks good and the special effects (CGI) are fine but the story and events are so ridiculous it made all the good things meaningless. There is a group who will enjoy this, younger audiences who are into action computer games, but everyone else should just pass and save their money. I'm relatively sure it will do good business in its initial week, perhaps enough to justify the sequel the ending so blatantly indicates is forthcoming., but this is not a film that will satisfy the majority of movie patrons.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen with good sound is absolutely necessary if you're to get anything out of this at all. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Arbitrage (73) is the best picture this week, very, very weakly followed by Last Ounce Of Courage (13). Resident Evil: Retribution evidently wasn't screened for the national critics but if my opinion is worth anything, the ratings for it will be abysmal. 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 Resident Evil: Retribution (*½) will be on the site after 4:30

Opening 9/14/12

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.

Aribtrage [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Suspense/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, Brit Marling, Laetitia Casta, Nate Parker. Plot: a hedge-fund magnate (Richard Gere)  desperately trys to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the depths of his fraud are revealed. Showing at: Warren East.

Finding Nemo 3D [G] 1 hr. 40 min. Animated Watch Preview Voices: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres and Alexander Gould. Plot: released in 2003, it now returns in 3D. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren West.

Last Ounce Of Courage [PG] 1 hr. 41 min. Political Drama Watch Preview Cast: Marshall R. Teague, Jennifer O'Neill, Fred Williamson, Jenna Boyd, Rusty Joiner, Hunter Gomez. Plot: a boy and his grandfather discover a way to unite and  make a difference in their community by claiming their freedom of expression in this right-wing political/religious film. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Resident Evil: Retribution 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 1 hr. 57 min. Sci-Fi/Action Watch Preview Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Kevin Durand, Shawn Roberts, Colin Salmon, Johann Urb, Boris Kodjoe, Li Bingbing. Plot: the human race’s last and only hope (Milla Jovovich) awakens in the heart of Umbrella's most clandestine operations facility and must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 9/13/12

Derby Plaza - The Expendables 2, 2016: Obama's America
Movie Machine - Brave
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Watch
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th - Ice Age, The Apparition, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Celeste And Jesse Forever, Ruby Sparks, Beast Of The Southern Wild, Total Recall, Sparkle, The Avengers
Warren Old Town - None
Warren West 21st - The Avengers, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Total Recall, Ice Age, Raiders Of The Lost Ark

The Cold Light Of Day **½

Mabrouk El Mechri directed this Action Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Henry Cavill, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Echegui, Bruce Willis. Rated PG-13 for language and sexual content. Running time is one hour and thirty-three minutes.

A man (Henry Cavill) goes to Spain for a week long sailing vacation with his family, but the family is kidnapped by an intelligence agent (Weaver) hell-bent on recovering a mysterious briefcase and he finds himself on the run with no idea of what's happening or what to do.

The first early reviews I've seen on this film are not favorable. I'll agree this is never going to win any awards, but I was entertained and never felt the need to check my watch. The film definitely feels like an European production, which is to say it isn't nearly as polished as your typical Hollywood film. And, I didn't enjoy the close up/fast cut technique used by the director, which makes it hard to follow action scenes. But I did find the plot interesting and the cast competent. If nothing else, the film will introduce you to the new Superman (Cavill). Weaver is good even if her role is a little over-the-top, while Willis isn't around for long (not necessarily a bad thing). There's nothing to think about after you leave the theatre but action fans should get their fill.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A larger screen and good sound will add to the film's impact. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates The Words (38) is the best picture this week. The Cold Light Of Day evidently wasn't screened for the national critics but the few ratings available are very low.  I saw one film this week and found it mildly entertaining.  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 Cold Light Of Day (**½) will be on the site after 4:30 p.m.

Opening 9/7/12

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 Cold Light Of Day [PG-13] 1 hr. 33 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Henry Cavill, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Echegui, Bruce Willis. Plot: a man (Henry Cavill) goes to Spain for a week long sailing vacation with his family, but the family is kidnapped by intelligence agents hell-bent on recovering a mysterious briefcase and he finds himself on the run. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Raiders Of The Lost Ark [PG] IMAX 1 hr. 55 min. Note: a re-release in the IMAX format scheduled for one week only. Showing at:  Warren West.

The Words [PG-13] 1 hr. 36 min. Romance/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Zoe Saldana. Plot: a young writer (Cooper) finally achieves long sought after literary success after publishing the next great American novel. There's only one catch - he didn't write it. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 9/6/12

Derby Plaza - The Campaign, Hit And Run, ParaNorman, Oogieloves Big Balloon Adventure
Movie Machine - Oogieloves Big Balloon Adventure, Bourne Legacy
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Magic Mike, The Hunger Games
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th - Oogieloves Big Balloon Adventure, Brave, ParaNorman 3D
Warren Old Town - Hit And Run
Warren West 21st - Oogieloves Big Balloon Adventure, Brave, ParaNorman 3D, The Apparition, The Dark Knight Rises IMAX