Killing Them Softly **

Andrew Dominik directed this Crime Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, Sam Rockwell, Richard Jenkins, Bella Heathcote, Vincent Curatola, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Linara Washington. Rated R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language, and some drug use. Running time is one hour and thirty-seven minutes.

Three dumb guys who think they're smart rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. An enforcer (Brad Pitt) is hired to track them down and restore order.

This was classed as a comedy but if there was anything funny about it I failed to see it. There's not a likeable character in this film so I was completely indifferent to their problems. Adding insult to injury, it's set during the 2008 election so the only thing on TV is the election and the terrible state of the economy. Frankly, I think most of us have had enough of that for awhile. There's a plethora of violence and all of it, from beatings to murders, is very graphically displayed. The cast is very good at portraying totally despicable characters and the run time is acceptable, but that's about all I can say positively about it. Males, 18-30 might find the violence acceptable but the rest will not find this at all entertaining.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size or sound quality are unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Killing Them Softly (65) is the best picture this week, followed by Anna Karenina (63) and The Collection (48). I watched one of these films and found it to be disappointing. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

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

Opening 11/30

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.

Anna Karenina [R] 2 hrs. 10 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Wilson, Alicia Vikander, Olivia Williams, Emily Watson. Plot: a bold, theatrical new vision of the epic story of love, adapted from Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel. Showing at: Warren East.

The Collection [R] 1 hr. 22 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Josh Stewart, Emma Fitzpatrick, Christopher McDonald. Plot: a young woman (Emma Fitzpatrick) is kidnapped and transported to an abandoned hotel transformed into a private maze of torture and death by a psychopathic killer. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West

Killing Them Softly [R] 1 hr. 37 min. Crime/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, Sam Rockwell, Richard Jenkins, Bella Heathcote, Vincent Curatola, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Linara Washington. Plot: three dumb guys who think they're smart rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. An enforcer (Brad Pitt) is hired to track them down and restore order. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West

Leaving 11/29

Derby Plaza - Nothing
Movie Machine - Nothing
Palace West - ParaNorman, Trouble With The Curve
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - The Sessions
Warren Old Town - Nothing
Warren West 21st - Here Comes The Boom

Red Dawn **½

Dan Bradley directed this War Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Connor Cruise, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense war violence and action, and for language. Running time is one hour and fifty-four minutes.

An American city awakens to the surreal sight of North Korean paratroopers dropping from the sky; discovering the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. A band of local teens join together to fight them and liberate friends being held prisoner.

The fist time I saw this film was in 1984, and it had a much better cast than this remake. Twenty-eight years later the North Koreans are the villains instead of the Russians, although you would think the Chinese would be more probable. The story is virtually the same although technical improvements make the battle scenes seem more realistic this time around. Younger action fans won't be aware of the first film and I suspect this version will be just fine for them. This is a film you will forget about shortly after leaving the theatre, but it will provide some excitement for a couple of hours.

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

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Life of Pi (79) is the best picture this week, followed by Rise Of The Guardians (59) and Red Dawn (36). I watched one of these films and found it to be just what I thought it would be. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

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

Opening 11/21

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.

Life Of Pi 2D/3D [PG] 2 hrs. 7 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irffan Khan, Gerard Depardieu, Adil Hussain, Rafe Spall. Plot: a young man survives a tragic disaster at sea and while marooned on a lifeboat,  forms an amazing and unexpected connection with the ship's only other survivor -- a fearsome Bengal tiger. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine,Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Red Dawn [PG-13] 1 hr. 32 min. War Drama Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Connor Cruise, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Plot: an American city awakens to the surreal sight of North Korean paratroopers dropping from the sky; discovering the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Rise Of The Guardians 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 37 min. Animated Family Adventure Watch Preview Voices of: Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Jude Law. Plot: when an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children everywhere. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 11/20

Derby Plaza - Here Comes The Boom, Taken 2
Movie Machine - Hotel Transylvania, Taken 2
Palace West - 11/22: House At The End Of The Street, The Campaign
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Killer Joe, Man With The Iron Fists, Cloud Atlas, Perks Of Being a Wallflower, Here Comes The Boom
Warren Old Town - Taken 2
Warren West 21st - Here Comes The Boom, Hotel Transylvania, Sinister, Taken 2, Paranormal Activity 4

Lincoln ****

Steven Spielberg directed this Historical Drama. Watch Preview. Cast:  Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones. Rated PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language. Running time is two hours and twenty-nine minutes.

Period drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery via the passage of the thirteenth amendment.

Normally, I wouldn't think of giving four stars to a film over two hours long, but this one is so well done and so involves the viewer I'm breaking my rule.  Day-Lewis is spectacular as Lincoln, bringing him to life in a way I think would be impossible for any other actor. Field is good in her role but her character is not the most pleasant of people. Strathairn and Jones also receive highest marks for their respective roles. I was surprised the film didn't feature more war footage, and focused instead on the political infighting needed to get the votes necessary for the passage of the amendment. You might be inclined to feel you've had enough politics for awhile but this is so well done the time passes relatively quickly. The attention to detail seems meticulous, enhancing the feeling of actually being there. I'd encourage parents to take children to see this as it will go a long way toward providing a better understanding of an important era of our nation's history.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Most of the scenes are indoors so a large screen will be nice but not necessary. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Lincoln (86) is the best picture this week, followed by The Sessions (80) and Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (56). I watched one of these films and thought it was excellent although it clearly will not be the number one film this week. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

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

Opening 11/16

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.

Lincoln [PG-13] 2 hrs. 30 min. Historical Drama Watch Preview Cast:  Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones. Plot: drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. Showing at: Derby Plaza (opens 11 21), Warren East, Warren West.

The Sessions [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Moon Bloodgood. Plot: the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined at age 38 to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality. Showing at: Warren East.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min. Sci-Fi/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Elizabeth Reaser, Nikki Reed, Billy Burke, Rami Malek, Maggie Grace, Mackenzie Foy, Tracey Heggins, Judi Shekoni, Omar Metwally, Andrea Gabriel, Rami Malek, Angela Sarafyan, Marlane Barnes, Lisa Howard, Patrick Brennan, Noel Fisher, Guri Weinberg, Lee Pace, Toni Trucks, Bill Tangradi, Erik Odom, Valorie Curry, Joe Anderson, Masami Kosaka, Wendell Pierce, Dakota Fanning. Plot: after the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/15

Derby Plaza -Silent Hill: Revelation
Movie Machine - Fun Size
Palace West - Hope Springs
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Hotel Transylvania, Paranormal Activity 4, Alex Cross, Silent Hill: Revelation, Sinister
Warren Old Town - The Man With The Iron Fists
Warren West 21st - Cloud Atlas,Silent Hill: Revelation, The Man With The Iron Fists

Killer Joe **½

William Friedkin directed this Crime drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church, Gina Gershon. Rated NC-17 for graphic disturbing content involving violence and sexuality, and a scene of brutality. Running time is one hour and forty-two minutes.

When a 22 year old drug dealer's (Hirsch) stash is stolen by his mother, he has to get six thousand dollars quickly or he's dead. Desperate, he turns to "Killer Joe" (McConaughey) when he finds out his mother's life insurance policy is worth $50,000. Although Joe usually demands cash up front, he finds himself willing to bend the rules in exchange for Chris' attractive younger sister (Temple), who will serve as sexual collateral.

 This is one dysfunctional family, perfectly willing to trade a young girl (she's supposed to be twelve but the actress is in her 20s) as a sexual down payment for a contract killing. The only likeable one of the bunch is the daughter but even she is no paragon of virtue. The cast is very good with, in my opinion, the exception of McConaughey who always seems to be the same, no matter what role he's playing. The NC-17 rating is well deserved, with a plethora of full female nudity, foul language and violence throughout. Plus, there's an orgasmic scene toward the end that's so strange it has to be seen to be believed. Production values and plot pacing are good. I don't quite know who the audience for this film is but I can warn you it's certainly not a good first date film.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is unimportant which is good since this will no doubt be in a small auditorium. Theatres/Times.

Skyfall ***½

Sam Mendes directed this Action/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Ola Rapace, Tonia Sotiropoulou. Rated PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking. Running time is two hours and twenty-three minutes.

Bond’s (Craig) loyalty to M (Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Action fans will get their money's worth with this film. This episode doesn't feature all of the gadgets and gimmicks we've become used to, but it does have some spectacular effects to keep us entertained. We see a lot more of Dench than is usual who is almost a co-star this time around. Barden is absolutely creepy as the psychotic villain while Craig seems a bit more human and not so much a superman. Albert Finney fans will only recognize him by his voice as his face is almost completely hidden by a beard. Pacing is very good although the film is unnecessarily long. I found myself checking my watch toward the end. I saw this in IMAX and think the enlarged and enhanced image a definite plus.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will be definitely desirable. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times. 

Opening 11/9

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.

Killer Joe [NC17] 1 hr. 43 min. Crime Drama Watch Preview Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church, Gina Gershon. Plot: when a 22 year old drug dealer's (Hirsch) stash is stolen by his mother, he has to get six thousand dollars quickly or he's dead. Desperate, he turns to "Killer Joe" (McConaughey) when he finds out his mother's life insurance policy is worth $50,000. Showing at: Warren East.

Skyfall [PG-13] 2 hrs. 23 min. Conventional and IMAX (opens 11/8 at Imax) Action/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Ola Rapace, Tonia Sotiropoulou. Plot: Bond’s (Craig) loyalty to M (Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/8

Derby Plaza - Hotel Transylvania, Fun Size
Movie Machine - Paranormal Activity 4
Palace West - The Possession, Expendables 2
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Looper, Chasing Mavericks, Frankenweenie, Fun Size, Death By China, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, Hotel Transylvania 3D
Warren Old Town - Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, Cloud Atlas
Warren West 21st - Chasing Mavericks, Alex Cross, Frankenweenie, Perks Of Being A Wallflower, Hotel Transylvania 3D, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, Fun Size, Cloud Atlas IMAX (leaving Wednesday)

Flight***

Robert Zemeckis directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Don Cheadle, Bruce Greenwood, Brian Geraghty, John Goodman, Tamara Tunie. Rated R for drug and alcohol abuse, language, sexuality/nudity and an intense action sequence. Running time is two hours and eighteen minutes.

A commercial airline pilot (Washington) pulls off a heroic feat of flying in a damaged plane, but is held up to the scrutiny of an investigation about his behavior the night before the doomed flight.

This  is an extremely well made film with an excellent cast but  don't mistake it for a pleasant night at the movies. Washington plays an alcoholic/cocaine addict who manages to function well under the influence. British actress Reilly does well as a heroin addict whom he meets while in the hospital (she also has a very convincing Southern accent). The first half hour concerns the doomed flight and Washington's miraculous landing of the plane. This is tense, edge of the seat action. But after that we go into his personal life and demons and the pace becomes far too slow. We  know from the beginning he has a problem—all the rest of the film is about how he's going to resolve it. It takes far too long for him to reach that decision. If this had been ninety minutes it would  have easily been a four star film. But, I'm afraid a lot of people are going to be very tired of his problems before the film is over.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will provide more visual impact during the first half hour but is totally unnecessary for the rest of the film. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Flight (77) is the best picture this week, followed by Wreck-It Ralph (72), and The Man with the Iron Fists (53). I watched one of these films and once again thought it was far too long, but a very good film nonetheless. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

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