The Heat **½

Paul Feig directed this Action Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demián Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport. Rated R for pervasive language, strong crude content and some violence. Running time is one hour and fifty-seven minutes.

Two wildly incompatible law officers (Bullock, McCarthy) join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord and become the last thing anyone expected: buddies.

Unfortunately, this wasn't as good as I was hoping for, especially considering the comedic talents of the two leads. If you look at the rating info above you'll see my basic problem in the words "strong crude content". Profanity doesn't bother me and I've been known to use it myself on multiple occasions. But when it's used in a film instead of well written dialogue, I start to object. McCarthy is the really foul mouthed one but Bullock picks up speed in that regard as the film progresses. The film does have its moments and I did laugh on occasion, but nearly as much as I was hoping to. My wife watched this with me and seemed to enjoy it more than I did (I don't know what that says). As long as almost incessant profanity isn't a turn-off for you, this is a film you may enjoy.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is not important. Theatres/Times.

White House Down **

Roland Emmerich directed this Action Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, James Woods. Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action and violence including intense gunfire and explosions, some language and a brief sexual image. Running time is two hours and eleven minutes.

A Capitol Policeman (Channing Tatum) and his daughter are on a tour of the White House when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. With the nation's government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to him to save the president, his daughter, and the country.

The best thing I can say about this film is: it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's a fairly typical action film, oriented to the younger audience. As such, plot takes second place to violence, and there's plenty of that. Production values are fine and the cast is good, although Foxx isn't the most impressive of actor/presidents. Just for fun, I also watched Olympus Has Fallen, which is the same story with some plot differences. I thought the cast and storyline were a bit more believable in that film than in this one. This would have been a better film if edited properly. They could have done away with the entire first half hour and decided to use just one of the three endings that kept dragging things out.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen with make the violence more effective. Theatres/Times.

Worthile (or not) 6/28/13

MetaCritic indicates The Heat (60) is the best picture this week followed by White House Down (51). I've seen both of these and find myself in basic agreement with the national critics.  Take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above for all the reviews.

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

Opening 6/28/13

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 Heat [R] 1 hr. 57 min. Action Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demián Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport. Plot: two wildly incompatible law officers (Bullock, McCarthy) join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord and become the last thing anyone expected: buddies. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

White House Down [PG-13] 2 hr. 17 min. Action Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, James Woods. Plot: a Capitol Policeman (Channing Tatum) and his daughter are on a tour of the White House when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. With the nation's government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to him to save the president, his daughter, and the country. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 6/27/13

Derby Plaza - This Is The End, Man Of Steel 3D, The Purge
Movie Machine - This Is The End, Now You See Me
Palace West - Oblivion
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - Epic, Iron Man 3, After Earth, Before Midnight
Warren Old Town - World War Z 3D
Warren West 21st - Epic, Iron Man 3, After Earth

World War Z 2D/3D **½

Marc Forster directed this Action thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox, David Morse. Rated PG-13 for intense frightening zombie sequences, violence and disturbing images. Running time is one hour and fifty-six minutes.

A United Nations employee (Pitt) traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

Yet another film for a younger crowd more interested in action than plot. I've read this film cost $190 million to make and to be fair it does look good on the screen. I've also read they re-shot the last hour which caused a delay in the release of the film. They should have delayed longer, developed the plot a little better and cut that last hour by thirty minutes. Why is a U.N. employee the one finding a solution to the problem? How does Pitt come up with the eventual solution instead of the brilliant scientists he's talking to? How did he manage to survive the plane wreck that totally decimated the plane he was on?  I'll stop there or this review could go on for ever. There are plenty of scary scenes and explosions for those who think that makes a good movie, but the plot was so unbelievable I lost interest in those. I watched this in 3D, and while it was good, it added nothing to the film.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A larger screen will present the action more vividly. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

The Bling Ring **

Sofia Coppola directed this Crime comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Emma Watson, Leslie Mann, Taissa Farmiga, Claire Julien, Israel Broussard, Katie Chang, Georgia Rock, Gavin Rossdale. Rated R for teen drug and alcohol use, and for language including some brief sexual references. Running time is one hour and thirty minutes.

A group of teenagers go on a disturbing crime-spree in the Hollywood hills. Based on a true story about a teenaged gang who stole more than three million dollars from various Hollywood celebrities.

My rating will tell you I wasn't overly impressed with this film. For one thing, if it's a comedy it's a bad one since I didn't laugh once. Second, these characters are the most unlikeable I've seen in a long time, and when you don't like the characters it's really hard to care what happens to them. This is a well made film with a good cast but the characters they play have only one value: personal self-gratification. They're supposed to be high-school students but they party and drink at bars at night and are no strangers to cocaine. Add stupidity to their character traits in that they photographed themselves wearing the items they had stolen and posted the pics on Facebook. You may appreciate the skill of the actors and the director but if you're anything like me, you won't find this film enjoyable.

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

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates The East (69) is the best picture this week followed by The Bling Ring (66), Monsters University (63) and World War Z (63). I've seen two of these and don't find myself in agreement with the national critics. Bling Ring's problem is all of the characters are unlikeable which makes it really hard to care about them. WWZ doesn't make much sense and is at least 30 minutes too long. Take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above for all the reviews.

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

Opening 6/20/13

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.

The Bling Ring [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Crime comedy Watch Preview Cast: Emma Watson, Leslie Mann, Taissa Farmiga, Claire Julien, Israel Broussard, Katie Chang, Georgia Rock, Gavin Rossdale. Plot: a group of teenagers go on a thrilling and disturbing crime-spree in the Hollywood hills. Showing at:Warren East,  Warren West.

The East [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgård, Ellen Page, Toby Kebbell, Shiloh Fernandez, Patricia Clarkson. Plot: a former FBI agent starts a new career at an elite private intelligence firm that ruthlessly protects the interests of its A-list corporate clientele and awakens to the moral contradictions between her personal and professional life. Showing at: Warren East.

Monsters University 2D/3D [G] 1 hr. 50 min.Animated Comedy Watch Preview Voices: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Dave Foley, Sean P. Hayes, Joel Murray, Peter Sohn, Charlie Day, Nathan Fillion, Bobby Moynihan, Julia Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza, Tyler Labine, John Krasinski, Bonnie Hunt, Beth Behrs, John Ratzenberger. Plot: ever since a college age student was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In Warren East, Warren West.

World War Z 2D/3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min. Action thriller Watch Preview Cast: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox, David Morse. Plot: a United Nations employee (Pitt) traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.  Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 6/20/13

Derby Plaza - Fast And Furious 6, Epic
Movie Machine - Fast And Furious 6, Epic, The Internship
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - The Great Gatsby, The Hangover III
Warren Old Town - Fast And Furious 6, The Internship, Man Of Steel 3D
Warren West 21st - Mud, The Great Gatsby, The Hangover III

Worthwhile (or not) 6/14/13

MetaCritic indicates This Is the End (67) is the best picture this week followed by Man of Steel (55). I don't think either of these films will be viewed by older audiences as favorably as they were by the national critics. They are both well made but definitely aimed at a young audience. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments.

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

Opening 6/12, 14/13

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.

Wednesday 6/12/13

This Is The End [R] 1 hr. 47 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Jonah Hill. Plot: six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles discover they are experiencing the Apocalypse. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Friday 6/14/13

Before Midnight [R] 1 hr. 48 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick, Ariane Labed, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Walter Lassally, Yannis Papadopoulos. Plot: the third installment in Richard Linklater's series that, so far, has included "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset." Showing at: Warren East

Man Of Steel [PG-13] 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 2 hr. 23 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Russell Crowe, Michael Kelly, Harry Lennix, Richard Schiff. Plot: a young boy learns he has extraordinary powers and journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 6/11, 13/13

Derby Plaza - Star Trek Into Darkness
Movie Machine - 6/13: After Earth
Palace West - 6/13: Evil Dead, Quartet, Identity Thief
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - 42
Warren Old Town - 6/11: The Hangover 3; 6/13: After Earth, Star Trek Into Darkness
Warren West 21st - 6/13: Star Trek Into Darkness IMAX 3D

The Internship **

Shawn Levy directed this Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Max Minghella, Rose Byrne, John Goodman, Dylan O'Brien, JoAnna Garcia, Eric Andre, Josh Brener, Tiya Sircar, Tobit Raphael, Will Ferrell. Rated PG-13 for sexuality, some crude humor, partying and language. Running time is one hour and fifty-nine minutes.

Two  salesmen (Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson) whose careers have been torpedoed by the digital world defy odds by talking their way into a coveted internship at Google, along with a battalion of brilliant college students.

The last time Vaughan and Wilson appeared together was eight years ago in Wedding Crashers. That film was hilarious so I was hoping for more of the same. Boy, was I disappointed. I never laughed once during this film although I suspect a full auditorium of younger patrons will find it more humorous than I did. Basically, these two just talk constantly and it got really annoying after awhile. One of the other characters in the film describes it best with the comment: "You're saying a lot of words really fast that don't mean anything." The rest of the cast is fine although Rose Byrne is too good to be wasting her talent in something this bad (I did find her native Aussie accent interesting, though). We know Vaughan and Wilson can be really funny so here's hoping in another eight years they figure out how to do it at least one more time.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 6/7/13

MetaCritic indicates The Internship (51) is the best picture this week followed by The Purge (45). There are films that look a lot more interesting than either of these arriving in the near future. I'd suggest you save your money and wait for them.. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments.

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

Opening 6/7/13

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 Internship [PG-13] 1 hr. 59 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Max Minghella, Rose Byrne, John Goodman, Dylan O'Brien, JoAnna Garcia, Eric Andre, Josh Brener, Tiya Sircar, Tobit Raphael, Will Ferrell. Plot: two  salesmen (Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson) whose careers have been torpedoed by the digital world defy odds by talking their way into a coveted internship at Google, along with a battalion of brilliant college students. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Purge [R] 1 hr. 25 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Adelaide Kane, Max Burkholder. Plot: one family wrestles with the decision of who they will become during a government sanctioned 12-hour period in which any and all criminal activity—including murder—becomes legal. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 6/6/13

Derby Plaza - The Great Gatsby
Movie Machine - The Hangover III
Palace West - Temptation, Escape From Planet Earth, The Call, Jack The Giant Slayer
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - Epic 3D
Warren Old Town - Iron Man 3, The Great Gatsby
Warren West 21st - Epic 3D