Opening 1/3/14

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.

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones [R] 1 hr. 24 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra, Tonja Kahlens, Frank Salinas. Plot: this spin-off from the "Paranormal Activity" series focuses on a Latino family. Showing at:Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 1/2/14

Derby Plaza - unknown
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Escape Plan
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing

The Wolf Of Wall Street **½

Martin Scorsese directed this Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Favreau, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jean Dujardin, Pj Byrne, Kenneth Choi. Rated R for sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence. Running time is three hours.

The story of a New York stockbroker (Leonardo DiCaprio), who went from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late 80s.

This is a film about excess. It's has excessive profanity, excessive nudity, excessive sexual content, excessive drug use, excessive greed, and excessive length. In other words if you've ever been offended by a movie, I can guarantee this one will offend you. It offers a first rate cast and superior direction which makes the unnecessary length pass relatively quickly. The story itself is interesting and based on the experiences of stockbroker Jordon Belfort. I'm told the original edit was three-and-a-half hours long and would have been a NC-17. If you want to see that version, I'm certain a director's cut  DVD will be on its way soon. I wasn't offended by the film and thought the quality of the production made it worth watching. But, I would never recommend you see it unless I knew you well.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. An excessively large screen might be appropriate for full appreciation of the on screen activity. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/25/13

MetaCritic indicates The Wolf Of Wall Street (76) is the best picture this week, followed by Mandela: Long  Walk To Freedom (60), Secret Life Of  Walter Mitty (54), Grudge Match (37) and in last place, 47 Ronin (25). Justin Bieber's Believe evidently wasn't screened for the critics (imagine my surprise). I saw one of these and found it interesting although it would be hard to recommend to someone I didn't know. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/25/13

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.

47 Ronin 2D/3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 7 min. Fantasy/Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ko Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi. Plot: after a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Grudge Match [PG-13] 1 hr. 53 min. Dramedy Watch Preview Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Kevin Hart, Alan Arkin, Kim Basinger, Jon Bernthal, Camden Gray. Plot: two fighters (Stallone and DeNiro) whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight decide to re-enter the ring after thirty years and settle the score once and for all. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Justin Bieber's Believe [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Music Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Justin Bieber, Scooter Braun, Usher Raymond, Rodney Jerkins, Ludacris, Mike Posner. Plot: captures 19-year-old Justin Bieber, unfiltered and brutally honest in brand new interviews and concert footage. Showing at: Warren West.

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom [PG-13] 2 hrs. 19 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz, Terry Pheto. Plot: based on South African President Nelson Mandela's autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President. Showing at: Warren East.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty [PG] 1 hr. 54 min. Adventure/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn. Plot: James Thurber's classic story of a day-dreamer (Stiller) who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Wolf Of Wall Street [R] 3 hrs. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Favreau, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jean Dujardin, Pj Byrne, Kenneth Choi. Plot: the story of a New York stockbroker (Leonardo DiCaprio), who went from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late 80s. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/24/13

Derby Plaza - unknown
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Planes, Insidious Chapter 2
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Thor: The Dark World, Last Vegas, Dallas Buyer's Club, Walking With Dinosaurs 3D
Warren Old Town - A Madea Christmas, Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Warren West 21st - Delivery Man, Thor: The Dark World, Walking With Dinosaurs 3D, The Book Thief

American Hustle ***

David O. Russell co-wrote and directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence. Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence. Running time is two hours and eighteen minutes.

The story of a brilliant con man (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive partner (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent (Bradley Cooper), who is setting up what would come to be called Abscam.

On the positive side: a first rate cast and an interesting story. On the negative  side: too long and too slow before it finally concludes. Perhaps it's just me, but almost all films seem too long lately. This could have easily been edited to make for a faster paced film that would have held your attention throughout. As it is, I was restless in several spots. The film never really lets you in on who's being hustled until the very end, and that made it more confusing than it needed to be. It's very much worth watching, if for no other reason than letting Adams and Lawrence show you what they can do, but it could have been so much more so.

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

Saving Mr. Banks **½

John Lee Hancock directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, Annie Rose Buckley, Ruth Wilson, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffiths, Kathy Baker. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some unsettling images. Running time is two hours and five minutes.

In his quest to obtain the rights to her novel, Walt Disney (Hanks) comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer (Thompson) who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved Mary Poppins get mauled by the Hollywood machine.

This is a rather serious drama with a very good cast, telling a story I doubt most (especially the younger crowd) will be interested in. It's basically the story about the childhood of the author of Mary Poppins, and what she was trying to do when she wrote the books, and why they were so important to her. I found it somewhat interesting (my wife really enjoyed it) but there's very little tension in the story and  two hours  was  simply more than I was comfortable with. I think the primary audience for this will be middle-aged and older women and  I doubt you'll have any trouble getting a ticket to see it.

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

Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues **

 Adam McKay directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Dylan Baker, Meagan Good, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, Josh Lawson, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Nicole Kidman. Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, drug use, language and comic violence. Running time is one hour and fifty-nine minutes.

San Diego's top rated newsman (Will Ferrell) returns to the news desk along with his co-anchor and wife (Christina Applegate), weather man (Steve Carell), man on the street (Paul Rudd) and sports guy (David Koechner) - all of whom won't make it easy to stay classy…while taking the nation's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

I watched this with a group of younger patrons and was fascinated by the differences in what they and I found funny. They were laughing at things I found no humor in at all, and when I was snickering, they were quiet.I guess you could call this the generation gap and I suspect that will affect those attending this film. The younger you are, the more you're likely to enjoy it. It's basically a collection of skits, very loosely tied together with a mere thread of a plot. Some of these I found very funny, but the majority were simply too outlandish for my tastes. And, the film is a good thirty minutes too long. My age group is simply not the target for this film, and older readers may want to keep that in mind.

There was an additional scene at the end of the credits, but it's meaningless. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/20/13

MetaCritic indicates American Hustle (88) is the best picture this week, followed by Nebraska (86), Saving Mr.Banks (66), Anchorman 2 (62) and in last place, Walking With Dinosaurs (37). I saw three of these and didn't think any of them were as good as the national critics did. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/18, 20/13

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.

Opening Wednesday 12/18/13

Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues [PG-13] 1 hr. 59 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Dylan Baker, Meagan Good, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, Josh Lawson, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Nicole Kidman. Plot: San Diego's top rated newsman (Will Ferrell) returns to the news desk along with his co-anchor and wife (Christina Applegate), weather man (Steve Carell), man on the street (Paul Rudd) and sports guy (David Koechner) - all of whom won't make it easy to stay classy…while taking the nation's first 24-hour news channel by storm. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Opening Friday 12/20/13

American Hustle [R] 2 hrs. 18 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence. Plot: the story of a brilliant con man (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent (Bradley Cooper). Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Nebraska [R] 2 hrs. 1 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, Stacy Keach, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk. Plot: after receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Bruce Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Will Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Showing at: Warren East.

Saving Mr. Banks [PG-13] 2 hrs. 5 min. Dramedy Watch Preview Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, Annie Rose Buckley, Ruth Wilson, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffiths, Kathy Baker. Plot: in his quest to obtain the rights to her novel, Walt Disney (Hanks) comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer (Thompson) who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved Mary Poppins get mauled by the Hollywood machine. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren West.

Walking With Dinosaurs 3D/2D [PG] Animated Family Film Watch Preview Voices: Justin Long, John Leguizamo. Plot: a breakthrough in technology will introduce new and unique dinosaurs that are more real than ever before and put moviegoers in the middle of a thrilling prehistoric adventure, where an underdog dinosaur triumphs against all odds to become a hero for the ages. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 12/17, 19/13

Derby Plaza - unknown, will update if I hear
Movie Machine - 12/17: The Delivery Man; 12/17: Thor: The DarkWorld
Palace West - 12/19: Don Jon, The Counselor
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - 12/17: Homefront, The Best Man Holiday; 12/19: Out Of The Furnace, The Delivery Man 12 Years A Slave, Frozen 3D
Warren Old Town - 12/17: Homefront; 12/19: Out Of The Furnace
Warren West 21st - 12/17: 12 Years A Slave, Last Vegas; 12/19: Captain Phillips, Bad Grandpa, Homefront, Out Of The Furnace, Frozen 3D

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug **½

Peter Jackson directed this Fantasy adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Michael Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner. Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. Running time is two hours and forty-one minutes.

Continues the adventure of Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf  (McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage), on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fire-breathing dragon, Smaug.

You'll have to be a real fan of these films to be satisfied with this offering. It goes without saying that it has a very good cast, fantastic production values and looks like millions and millions of dollars on the screen. But there's simply no reason for the excessive length and languid pacing which started me looking at my watch before the half-way point. There's plenty of action throughout but this is so long you become numb to it long before it's over. On the other hand, if you decide  to see this on your home TV, there's no way you'll come close to the experience you'll get in the theatre. I saw this in IMAX 3D, and while it was exceptional as usual, I don't think the 3D added that much to the proceedings. Or perhaps I was just too tired of the whole thing to care. If you're going to see it on a regular screen I'd skip the 3D and make sure you find a really, really comfortable seat! If you want to see this in the latest and greatest format, High Frame Rate 3D (48 fps instead of 24 fps) you'll need to see it at the Warren 13th. 

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will add  to the impressiveness of the presentation. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/13/13

MetaCritic indicates The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (65) is the best picture this week, which once again isn't difficult when you're the only film reviewed. Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas has no rating as it evidently wasn't screened for the critics (never a good sign). If you take the link over the next couple of days a rating should appear after reviewers have seen it. I saw The Hobbit and think fans will enjoy it but everyone else will think it just so-so. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/13/13

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 Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug [PG-13] 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 2 hrs. 41 min. Fantasy adventure Watch Preview Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Michael Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner. Plot: continues the adventure of Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf  (McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage), on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Tyler Perry, Kathy Najimy, Chad Michael Murray, Anna Maria Horsford, Tika Sumpter, Eric Lively, JR Lemon, Alicia Witt, Lisa Whelchel, Larry the Cable Guy. Plot: Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/12/13

Derby Plaza - unknown, will update if I hear
Movie Machine - Free Birds, The Butler
Palace West - About Time, Grown Ups 2, Elysium
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Ender's Game, Captain Phillips, Old Boy, Christmas Candle, Bad Grandpa, Free Birds, Black Nativity
Warren Old Town - The Book Thief, The Delivery Man, Thor: The DarkWorld
Warren West 21st - Free Birds, Gravity, Black Nativity, The Christmas Candle, The Best  Man Holiday

Out Of The Furnace **

Scott Cooper directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoë Saldana, Sam Shepard. Rated R for strong violence, language and drug content. Running time is one hour and fifty-six minutes.

After his brother (Affleck) disappears, a man (Bale) takes matters into his own hands, putting his life on the line to seek justice for him after local law enforcement drops the ball.

If you find yourself brimming over with Christmas cheer and you want to ratchet that back a few notches while you still have a bank balance, this is a must see film. I don't remember the last time I saw a film this depressing. It has a great cast and good production values, but a plot that moves at a snail's pace and eventually stumbles and just dies. Why actors of this caliber would want to be in this film is beyond me, and unless you revel in deep depression, you don't want to be in it either. Bare knuckle fight fans may find a few scenes to their liking but that's the only group that's  going to get anything out of this. This won't be here long, so hurry if you still think you want to see it.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is relatively unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/6/13

MetaCritic indicates Out Of The Furnace (65) is the best picture this week. Once again, it's in the top position because it's the only new film this week. I saw it and wasn't nearly as impressed as the national critics. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/6/13

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.

Out Of The Furnace [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoë Saldana, Sam Shepard. Plot: after his brother (Affleck) disappears, a man (Bale) takes matters into his own hands, putting his life on the line to seek justice for him after local law enforcement drops the ball. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/5/13

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - One Direction: This Is Us
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing

Homefront **½

Gary Fleder directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, Frank Gillo. Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, drug content and brief sexuality. Running time is one hour and forty minutes.

A widowed ex-DEA agent (Statham) retires to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old daughter but discovers he picked the wrong town.

All you can say about this film is that it's a Jason Statham action pic. Then again, that's about all you have to say since this is the only action film for this holiday period. The plot is threadbare, Sylvester Stallone wrote it.  And, it's silly enough in parts it's really hard to take seriously. But, plot isn't what this about so the action fans will  be more than pleased. Production values are fine and the rest of the cast do their part, although Bosworth is the only one who really emotes. This will lose its screens once the big Christmas films arrive so Statham fans should catch it quickly.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is relatively unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Frozen ***½

Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee directed this Animated Family Musical Adventure. Watch Preview. Voices:  Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk. Rated PG for some action and mild rude humor. Running time is one hour and forty-eight minutes.

When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, a fearless optimist (voice of Kristen Bell) sets out on an epic journey to find her sister (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell.

This was a very pleasant surprise. A film with something for everyone: comedy, action, very good animation and some very nice music and vocals. It's  nice to see Disney with another great family film that will be enjoyed by all ages. Bell's spoken dialogue and singing selections are spot on and Menzel has an equally attractive voice as the older sister. My only quibble is that it's a bit too long and the smaller patrons may get a little restless. I saw the 2D version so I have no comment on the 3D quality.

There is a final scene after all the credits. Screen size is relatively unimportant. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 11/27/13

MetaCritic indicates Philomena (82) is the best picture this week followed by Frozen (77), The Book Thief (54), Black Nativity (51), Oldboy (50) and Homefront (37). I saw two of the films this week and thought one was excellent and the other acceptable. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 11/27/13

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.

Black Nativity [PG] 1 hr. 33 min. Family musical drama Watch Preview Cast: Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore, Nas, Luke James. Plot: a street-wise teen (Latimore) from Baltimore raised by a single mother (Hudson), journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, but finds himself unwilling to live by their rules. Showing at:Warren East,  Warren West.
 
The Book Thief [PG-13] 2 hrs. 11 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Sophie Nélisse. Plot: based on the beloved bestselling book about a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Frozen [PG] 2D/3D 1 hr. 48 min. Animated Family Musical Adventure Watch Preview Voices:  Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk. Plot: when a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, a fearless optimist (voice of Kristen Bell) sets out on an epic journey to find her sister (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren West.

Homefront [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, Frank Gillo. Plot: a widowed ex-DEA agent (Statham) retires to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old daughter but discovers he picked the wrong town. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Oldboy [R] 1 hr. 44  min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, James Ransone, Samuel L. Jackson. Plot: an advertising executive (Josh Brolin) is abruptly kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement. When he gets out, he wants to know why. Showing at: Warren East.

Philomena [PG-13] 1 hr. 35 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark. Plot: a mother (Dench) decides to discover the long-lost son she was forced to give away at birth. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 11/26/13

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Prisoners, Monsters University, The Family
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Enough Said, All Is Lost, About Time, Gravity
Warren Old Town - Last Vegas, Bad Grandpa
Warren West 21st - Cloudy With Meatballs 2, About Time, Ender's Game

Delivery Man **½

Ken Scott directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smulders, Britt Robertson. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual content, some drug material, brief violence and language. Running time is one hour and forty-three minutes.

An affable underachiever (Vaughan) discovers his anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years earlier resulted in 533 children. Now. several of them want to know who their father is.

This is a pleasant but easily forgettable comedy. Production values are fine and Vaughn is enjoyable as a middle aged guy who suddenly discovers he's the father of hundreds. Pratt (as his lawyer) and Smulders (as his pregnant girlfriend) provide decent if  minimal support, but this is all Vaughn. Most of the films released this time of year are of the epic, expensive variety so if all you want is to kill a couple of hours in an auditorium that isn't packed, this is a good bet. I wouldn't wait too long, though. I'm guessing this won't be here for long.

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

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ***

Francis Lawrence directed this Sci-Fi Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amanda Plummer, Lynn Cohen, Patrick St. Esprit, Meta Golding, Bruno Gunn, Alan Ritchson, E. Roger Mitchell, Maria Howell, Stephanie Leigh Schlund, Sam Claflin, Jeffrey Wright. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language. Running time is two hours and twenty-six minutes.

As Katniss (Lawrence)  embarks on a "Victor's Tour' of the districts with Peeta (Hutcherson), she discovers  a rebellion is building.

Other than filling the tills once again it's hard to justify this film. It's well made and with good production values, but the story doesn't add up to much. Oh, we have different contestants in these games and they face different obstacles, but once you get past that you aren't  much further along in the story than you were when the last one ended. There's no reason for the excessive length but the pacing is good enough I only checked my watch twice. And, it's hard for me to believe many will be satisfied with the ending, which is abrupt to say the least. Clearly, this is a mere stepping stone to the next book in the series and they've already made it known that's going to be split into two films. It's getting hard not to believe this is becoming a cash cow that's being milked for all it's worth! I saw the IMAX version (which was its usual high quality) although it was obvious it wasn't filmed in IMAX except possibly for a few minutes close to the end (the full screen height isn't used during most of the film).

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen is preferable for the action scenes. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 11/22/13

MetaCritic indicates The Dallas Buyer's Club (84) is the best picture this week followed by Hunger Games: Catching Fire (75), Delivery Man (43) and The Christmas Candle (36). I saw two of the films this week and thought both were OK. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 11/22/13

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 Christmas Candle [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Family Drama Watch Preview Cast: Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, Lesley Manville, Sylvester McCoy, John Hannah, Barbara Flynn, James Cosmo, Susan Boyle. Plot: legend has it every 25 years an angel visits an English village and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Dallas Buyer's Club [R] 1 hr. 57 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Matthew McConaughy, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto. Plot: in 1985, diagnosed as HIV-positive and given 30 days to live, a man (McConaughy) decides to take matters in his own hands, tracking down alternative treatments from all over the world by means both legal and illegal. Showing at: Warren East.

Delivery Man [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smulders, Britt Robertson. Plot: an affable underachiever (Vaughan) discovers his anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years earlier resulted in 533 children. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 2D/IMAX 2D 2 hrs. 26 min. Sci-Fi Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amanda Plummer, Lynn Cohen, Patrick St. Esprit, Meta Golding, Bruno Gunn, Alan Ritchson, E. Roger Mitchell, Maria Howell, Stephanie Leigh Schlund, Sam Claflin, Jeffrey Wright. Plot: as Katniss (Lawrence)  embarks on a "Victor's Tour' of the districts, she senses  a rebellion is simmering.
Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/21/13

Derby Plaza - Captain Phillips
Movie Machine - Ender's Game, Last Vegas, Jackass: Bad Grandpa
Palace West - Rush, Runner  Runner, Battle Of The Year
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Escape Plan, Cloudy With Meatballs 2, Carrie, The Counselor
Warren Old Town - Captain Phillips, Ender's Game, Thor: The DarkWorld
Warren West 21st - Carrie, Escape Plan, We're The Millers, Ender's Game IMAX, Thor 3D/3D IMAX

Worthwhile (or not) 11/15/13

MetaCritic indicates The Best Man Holiday (58) is the best picture this week which isn't that hard since it was the only new film this week. I didn't watch anything this week as I'm resting up for next week (Hunger Games opens)! For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 11/15/2013

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 Best Man Holiday [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, Monica Calhoun, Melissa De Sousa. Plot: when college friends reunite after fifteen years over the Christmas holidays, they discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and romances to be ignited.
Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 11/14/2013

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Riddick, Mortal Instruments
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - The Counselor

Thor: The Dark World **½

Alan Taylor directed this  Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano, Jaimie Alexander, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content. Running time is one hour and fifty-two minutes.

Continues the big-screen adventures of Thor (Hemsworth) as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy (Eccleston) that predates the universe itself.

This is an odd mixture of Norse mythology and science-fiction where you have horn-helmeted warriors with shields and swords battling others arriving in an invisible space ship with ray guns. Frankly, it looks pretty silly a great deal of the time. The cast is fine, although Portman seems wasted in this role and doesn't have much chemistry with Hemsworth. We already know this is going to make a ton of money, it opened a week earlier in Europe to big bucks. It's  mildly entertaining and well paced but instantly forgettable as soon as you leave the theatre. I saw this in IMAX 3D which was fine as usual, but this is a 2D conversion so there's no real reason to see it in 3D since the depth effects are minimal.

There are two extra sequences after the credits begin, both of which give you some info about the next film in the series. For maximum impact you will want to see this on a large screen. 2D Theatres/Times, 3D Theatres/Times, IMAX 3D Times.

About Time **½

Richard Curtis directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie. Rated R for language and some sexual content. Running time is two hours and three minutes.

After another unsatisfactory New Year party, a father (Bill Nighy) tells his son (Domhnall Gleeson) the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time.

I like British comedies and since that's what this is, I liked it. But, only mildly. The cast is good, and familiar to one who watches a lot of  British TV, and the production values are fine. But, it's a one note movie, the men can travel back in time, and that got a little tiresome after awhile when it became obvious the film had nothing else to offer but the repair of missed opportunities. The pacing is rather slow and the film is at least thirty minutes too long, so I was ready for this to be over before it was. This won't be here for long so I'd hurry if you want to see it.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 11/8/13

MetaCritic indicates 12 Years A Slave (97) is the best picture this week followed by All Is Lost (88), About Time (55) and Thor: The Dark World (54).  I saw two of these films this week and thought both were entertaining. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 11/8/13

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.

12 Years A Slave [R] 2 hrs. 13 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Michael Kenneth Williams, Alfre Woodard, Chris Chalk, Taran Killam, Bill Camp. Plot: based on a true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom in the pre-Civil War United States. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

About Time [R]  2 hrs. 3 min.Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie. Plot: after another unsatisfactory New Year party, a father (Bill Nighy) tells his son (Domhnall Gleeson) the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

All Is Lost [PG-13] 1 hr. 46 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Robert Redford. Plot: an open-water thriller about one man's battle for survival against the elements after his sailboat is destroyed at sea. Showing at: Warren East.

Thor: The Dark World 2D/3D/3D IMAX [PG-13] 1 hr. 52 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano, Jaimie Alexander, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins. Plot: continues the big-screen adventures of Thor as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/7/13

Derby Plaza - The Counselor, Gravity 2D
Movie Machine - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs2
Palace West - Machete Kills, Percy Jackson
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - The Fifth Estate, Prisoners, Rush, We're The Millers, Free Birds 3D
Warren Old Town - The Counselor, Carrie
Warren West 21st - Insidious Chapter 2, Grace Unplugged, Free Birds 3D

Ender's Game **½

Gavin Hood wrote and directed this SciFi Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Viola Davis, Nonso Anozie, Stevie Ray Dillmore, Andrea Powell, Moises Arias, Conor Carroll, Aramis Knight, Brandon Soo hoo, Jimmy "Jax" Pinchak, Suraj Parthasarathy, Khylin Rhambo. Rated PG-13 for some violence, sci-fi action and thematic material. Running time is one hour and fifty-four minutes.

In the near future, a hostile alien race has attacked Earth. In preparation for the next attack, a highly esteemed Colonel (Harrison Ford) and the International Military are training only the best young minds to fight the next battle.

I found this a bit disappointing. It has good production values, good CGI and a good cast. What it doesn't have is a story that makes sense. The final few minutes seem more like a literary contrivance  than a flash of  mental brilliance and the ending just doesn't ring true. The other problem with the film is there's no real involvement with the characters so when all is said and done, you don't really care about them or their problems. I think part of this is because you never get to see the aliens in action, you just hear they killed millions, so for the most part they are faceless entities. That makes it hard to root for someone against something completely unknown. I saw this in IMAX and thought it a very good presentation even though I can't say the same about the film. A lot of people made the book a bestseller. It'll be interesting to hear what they have to say about the movie.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen is better for this film. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 11/1/13

MetaCritic indicates Ender's Game (57) is the best picture this week followed by Lost Vegas (49) and Free Birds (37).  I saw one of these films this week and thought it just so-so. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 11/1/13

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.

Ender's Game 2D, IMAX [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. SciFi Drama Watch Preview Cast: Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Viola Davis, Nonso Anozie, Stevie Ray Dillmore, Andrea Powell, Moises Arias, Conor Carroll, Aramis Knight, Brandon Soo hoo, Jimmy "Jax" Pinchak, Suraj Parthasarathy, Khylin Rhambo. Plot: in the near future, a hostile alien race has attacked Earth. In preparation for the next attack, a highly esteemed Colonel (Harrison Ford) and the International Military are training only the best young minds to fight the next battle. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Free Birds 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 25 min. Animated Comedy Watch Preview Voices: Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler, Dan Fogler, Lesley Nicol, George Takei, Colm Meaney, Keith David, Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo, Dwight Howard. Plot: two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history - and get turkey off the Thanksgiving menu. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Last Vegas [PG-13] 1 hr. 44 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, Mary Steenburgen, Jerry Ferrara, Romany Malco, Roger Bart. Plot: best friends since childhood, four men head to Las Vegas with a plan to stop acting their age and relive their glory days. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 10/31/13

Derby Plaza - Carrie, Escape Plan
Movie Machine - Carrie, Escape Plan, Gravity
Palace West - Turbo, Red 2
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Runner Runner, Insidious Chapter 2, Pulling Strings
Warren Old Town - Escape Plan, Gravity
Warren West 21st - The Fifth Estate, Prisoners, Runner Runner

The Counselor **

Ridley Scott directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Brad Pitt. Rated R for graphic violence, some grisly images, strong sexual content and language. Running time is one hour ans fifty-seven minutes.

A respected lawyer's (Fassbender) dalliance with drug trafficking spirals out of control.

What a disappointment! I've been looking forward to this one since it features a first class director and a cast of very accomplished actors. But, instead of a taut thriller, we get an extremely slow paced two hours of meandering, meaningless scenes where those actors spend their time mouthing what can only be classed as psychobabble. Everything and everyone looks good but there's no depth to their characters, making us indifferent to whatever befalls them. There are a couple of extremely graphic scenes involving heads (and the loss thereof) that may satisfy fans of gore but the rest are going to be extremely bored, constantly checking their watches and wondering whether this film will ever end.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin (thank God!). Screen size is relatively unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/25/13

MetaCritic indicates Bad Grandpa (53) is the best picture this week (that's really hard for me to comprehend) followed by The Counselor (49).  I saw one of these films this week and was really, really disappointed. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 10/25/13

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 Counselor [R] 1 hr. 51 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Brad Pitt. Plot: a respected lawyer's dalliance with drug trafficking spirals out of control. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa [R] 1 hr. 32 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Jason "Wee Man" Acuña, Chris Pontius, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey. Plot: Irving Zisman (Johnny Knoxville) and Billy (Jackson Nicholl)  take movie audiences along for an insane hidden camera road trip. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 10/24/13

Derby Plaza - Prisoners
Movie Machine - Insidious Chapter 2
Palace West - Turbo, Red 2
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Baggage Claim, Romeo & Juliet, Machete Kills, Don Jon
Warren Old Town - Machete Kills, Runner Runner, Prisoners
Warren West 21st - Machete Kills, The Family, Rush

Escape Plan **

Mikael Håfström directed this Action/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Vinnie Jones, Vincent D'Onofrio, Amy Ryan. Rated R for violence and language throughout. Running time is one hour and fifty-six minutes.

After being deceived and wrongly imprisoned, one of the world's foremost authorities on structural security (Stallone) becomes determined to break out of the ultra-secret, high-tech facility and partners with another inmate (Schwarzenegger) to do so.

I'm not much for emotionalism in films but watching these two as the leads made me wish for just a little on occasion. As the old line goes, 'their acting range goes from A to B'. But when brute force is required, they're just the ticket. This is pretty much what you'd expect if you've seen the trailer, and for action fans that will be enough. There was a little twist at the end I wasn't expecting but there's no way you'd say this film breaks any new ground. I doubt this will be around long so I'd catch it while you can if you're so inclined.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is relatively unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Carrie **

Kimberly Peirce directed this Horror/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Judy Greer, Portia Doubleday, Alex Russell, Gabriella Wilde, Ansel Elgort, Julianne Moore. Rated R for bloody violence, disturbing images, language and some sexual content. Running time is one hour and forty minutes.

A shy girl (Moretz), outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom.

There's nothing really wrong with this film as far as thrillers of this type are concerned. It has two very good actresses in the lead roles and an interesting Stephen King plot. But, if you're of a certain age and saw the original 1976 version with Piper Laurie and Sissy Spacek, there's not much different either. Oh, the CGI effects are better this time around and perhaps it's a little bloodier, but it's pretty ho hum otherwise when you already know how it's going to end. If you've never seen the original and you like films of this nature you'll probably be well satisfied if you want to get out of the house. Otherwise, check out NetFlicks or Amazon for the original.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is relatively unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/18/13

MetaCritic indicates Carrie (53) is the best picture this week with The Fifth Estate and Escape Plan tied at (49).  I saw two films this week and thought neither a 'must see'. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 10/18/13

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.

Carrie [R] 1 hr. 1 hr. 39 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Judy Greer, Portia Doubleday, Alex Russell, Gabriella Wilde, Ansel Elgort, Julianne Moore. Plot: a shy girl (Moretz) outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West

Escape Plan [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Action/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Vinnie Jones, Vincent D'Onofrio, Amy Ryan. Plot: after being deceived and wrongly imprisoned, one of the world's foremost authorities on structural security becomes determined to break out of the ultra-secret, high-tech facility. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West

The Fifth Estate [R] 2 hr. 8 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl, Anthony Mackie, David Thewlis, Alicia Vikander, Peter Capaldi, Carice van Houten, Dan Stevens, Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney. Plot: reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned WikiLeaks into the 21st century's most fiercely debated organization. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West

Leaving 10/17/13

Derby Plaza - Runner Runner
Movie Machine - Runner Runner, Prisoners
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Parkland, Instructions Not Included, The Butler, The Family
Warren Old Town - We're The Millers
Warren West 21st - Instructions Not Included, Don Jon

Captain Phillips **

Paul Greengrass directed this Action/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Max Martini, Yul Vazquez, Michael Chernus, Chris Mulkey, Corey Johnson, David Warshofsky, John Magaro, Angus MacInnes. Rated PG-13 for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and for substance use. Running time is two hours and fourteen minutes.

The story of Captain Richard Phillips (Hanks) and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

I find myself at odds with the national critics on this one. They seemed to like it and I thought it too long and with pacing that made sections quite dull. The film spends too much time on the background of the pirates (I realize there's not a lot to do there, but still...) and the final thirty minutes is a long, slow slog. Hanks is fine as usual but the rest of the cast spent the rest of the time screaming and being quite unpleasant (yes, I know, they were unpleasant, but a little of that goes a long way). I also found the Phillips character somewhat disconcerting, especially in the final scenes when he seems to lose all emotional control. Younger crowds may like this better than I did but I suspect older patrons are going to be spending a lot of time looking at their watches.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will provide more impact. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/11/13

MetaCritic indicates Captain Phillips (81) is the best picture this week followed by  Parkland (51), and tied in last place, Machete Kills (43) and Romeo & Juliet (43).  I saw just one film this week and wasn't nearly as impressed as the national critics. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 10/11/13

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.

Captain Phillips [PG-13] 2 hrs. 14 min. Action/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Max Martini, Yul Vazquez, Michael Chernus, Chris Mulkey, Corey Johnson, David Warshofsky, John Magaro, Angus MacInnes. Plot: the true story of Captain Richard Phillips (Hanks) and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Machete Kills [R] 1 hr. 48 min. Action/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Sofia Vergara, Amber Heard, Carlos Estevez, Lady Gaga, Antonio Banderas, Jessica Alba, Demián Bichir, Alexa Vega, Vanessa Hudgens, Cuba Gooding, Jr., William Sadler, Marko Zaror, Mel Gibson. Plot: an ex-Federale agent (Trejo) is recruited by the President of the United States for a mission to take down a madman revolutionary. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Parkland [PG-13] 1 hr. 32 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Zac Efron, Marcia Gay Harden, Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver, Paul Giamatti, James Badge Dale, Jackie Earle Haley, Colin Hanks, David Harbour, Ron Livingston, Jeremy Strong, Tom Welling. Plot: based on the book "Four Days In November," by renowned author and former prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi concerning the events surrounding the JFK assassination. Showing at: Warren East.

Romeo & Juliet [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Douglas Booth, Stellan Skarsgard, Paul Giamatti, Ed Westwick, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Christian Cooke, Tom Wisdon, Damian Lewis, Natascha McElhone, Tomas Arana, Laura Morante. Plot: an ageless story from the world's most renowned author is reimagined yet again. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 10/10/13

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - The Conjuring, 2 Guns
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Riddick, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 3D
Warren Old Town - Rush, Don Jon
Warren West 21st - Baggage Claim, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 3D

Gravity****

Alfonso Cuarón co-wrote and directed this Sci-Fi thriller Watch Preview Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney. Rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and thirty minutes.

A brilliant medical engineer (Bullock) on her first shuttle mission, and a veteran astronaut (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring are faced with disaster when space debris strikes their space station.

As you know, I watch a lot of  movies, and I'd be hard pressed to think of one I've seen in the past few years better than this one. It starts fairly normally but within a few minutes the action starts and never lets up. It features edge-of-your-seat intensity, and photography so stunning you'll swear it was actually shot in orbit. Although Clooney has his moments, this is Bullock's film from start to finish and she is absolutely outstanding. I knew she was very good in light comedy roles but I had no idea she could pull something like this off. Additionally, the pacing is spot on and I guarantee you won't be looking at your watch during this film. I saw this in IMAX 3D and want to point out if you've been thinking about attending an IMAX feature and haven't yet done so, this is the one to see on that giant screen. The 3D is breathtaking without feeling in the least contrived. If Bullock doesn't get a Best Actress nomination for this it will be a real travesty.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. This is a film I highly recommend you see in IMAX. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.