Opening 7/31, 8/2/13

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 7/31/13

The Smurfs 2 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 45 min. Live/Animated comedy Watch Preview Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters, Christina Ricci, JB Smoove, George Lopez, Anton Yelchin, John Oliver. Plot: the evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures  he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Friday 8/2/13

Frances Ha [R] 1 hr. 26 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner. Plot: a modern fable exploring New York, friendship, class, ambition, failure, and redemption. Showing at: Warren East.

2 Guns [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Action/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, Edward James Olmos, James Marsden. Plot: two operatives from competing bureaus are forced on the run together, without knowing the other is an undercover federal agent. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 8/1/13

Derby Plaza - 7/30: The Heat
Movie Machine - 7/30: Red 2
Palace West - 8/1: 42
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - 7/30: World War Z, White House Down; 8/1: Girl Most Likely, Monsters University, Kevin Hart
Warren Old Town - 8/1: R.I.P.D., Pacific Rim
Warren West 21st - 7/30: Man Of Steel, White House Down, Monsters University, Lone Ranger; 8/1: World War Z, The Wolverine 3D

The Wolverine 2D/3D **½

James Mangold directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Brian Tee. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, some sexuality and language. Running time is two hours and six minutes.

Epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world, he faces a host of unexpected, deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that forces him to confront his past.

I've got to admit I've never really been a fan of these films. Perhaps it's because I was never into comic books or into playing games. That said, this time around there's actually a plausible plot, unlike some of the earlier efforts. Production values are fine and Jackman does a good job in the lead, which is good since he's in almost every scene. Most of the rest of the cast are unknowns to American audiences. There are some good CGI effects and a scene on top of a bullet train that's exciting to watch. It doesn't really matter what I think of this film, it's going to do huge business, so keep that in mind when heading out to the theatre. I watched this in the 2D version and didn't feel at all deprived.

There is another scene between the opening and final credits that X-Men fans will find very interesting. You'll want to watch this on the largest possible screen to get the maximum effect of the action sequences. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

The To Do List **½

Maggie Carey wrote and directed this Drama Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Bill Hader, Alia Shawkat, Sarah Steele, Rachel Bilson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Donald Glover, Scott Porter, Andy Samberg, Connie Britton, Clark Gregg. Rated R for pervasive strong crude and sexual content including graphic dialogue, drug and alcohol use, and language - all involving teens. Running time is one hour and forty-four minutes.

A high school valedictorian (Aubrey Plaza) wants to shed her uptight image before college, so she assembles a to do list of all the sexual “activities” she missed out on in high school and sets out to experience them during the summer.

I was torn about my star  rating since I think it's actually a three star film. But, only if discussions and actions about sex aren't uncomfortable for you. I know many perfectly nice people who would be outraged by the activities in this film so I backed off a little. Plaza is outstanding as the ultra smart, driven high school student with no sexual experience or knowledge. She sets out to bone up (sorry, I just couldn't resist) on her sexual education with a vengeance. There's no visual sexual content but other than that, nothing is left to the imagination. The film is also interesting in that it has a female viewpoint, unusual in teen films. The crowd who would really find this entertaining are not going to be allowed to see it (until DVD time) because of the rating, and considering the other feature releases I'm doubtful if many others will see it either.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is relatively unimportant although seeing it with a larger audience will enhance the laughter. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 7/26/13

MetaCritic indicates Fruitvale Station (84) is the best picture this week followed by The Way, Way Back (67), The To Do List 64) and Wolverine (59). A good film week as these are good ratings for the most part. I've seen two of these and found both of them 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 7/26/13

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.

Fruitvale Station [R] 1 hr. 31 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz, Ahna O'Reilly, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray. Plot: BART officers shoot a 22-year-old man (Michael B. Jordan) in cold blood at the Fruitvale subway stop on New Year’s Day. His life and tragic death would shake the Bay Area – and the entire nation – to its very core. Showing at: Warren East.

The To Do List [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Bill Hader, Alia Shawkat, Sarah Steele, Rachel Bilson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Donald Glover, Scott Porter, Andy Samberg, Connie Britton, Clark Gregg. Plot: a high school valedictorian (Aubrey Plaza) wants to shed her uptight image before college, so she assembles a to do list of all the “activities” she missed out on in high school. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

The Way, Way Back [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Liam James, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry. Plot: the funny and poignant coming of age story of a 14-year-old's (Liam James) summer vacation. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

The Wolverine 2D/3D 2 hrs. 06 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Brian Tee. Plot: epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world, he will face a host of unexpected, deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 7/25/13

Derby Plaza - Pacific Rim, R.I.P.D. 3D, Turbo 3D
Movie Machine - Pacific Rim
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - Now You See Me, This Is The End, Turbo 3D, R.I.P.D. 3D
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - R.I.P.D. 3D, Turbo 3D

Red 2 ***

Dean Parisot directed this Action comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Byung Hun Lee, Brian Cox, Neal McDonough. Rated PG-13 for pervasive action and violence including frenetic gunplay, and for some language and drug material. Running time is one hour and forty-six minutes.

A retired black-ops CIA agent (Willis) reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device.

If you liked the first RED you should find this sequel entertainingly acceptable. While there's plenty of action, none of it is gross-out quality and there's more than enough comedy for several laugh-out-loud scenes, making it a perfect couple's film. Production values are very good and it's virtually impossible to go wrong with a cast with this much talent. I personally found the film overly long by at least fifteen minutes, but not insufferably so. This is just the thing for this time of year, a cool theatre and plenty of laughs.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Action films are always best on the largest possible screen. Theatres/Times.

R.I.P.D. 2D/3D **½

Robert Schwentke directed this Supernatural Action/Comedy.  Watch Preview. Cast: Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker, Stephanie Szostak, Robert Knepper, James Hong, Marisa Miller, Mike O’Malley, Devin Ratray. Rated PG-13 for violence, sci-fi/fantasy action, some sensuality, and language including sex references. Running time is one hour and thirty-six minutes.

Two cops (Bridges, Reynolds) are dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side.

There's nothing new or original in this film. If you want to compare it to something, look at Men In Black, with the deceased instead of aliens being the source of police activity. That said, the production values are very good with some impressive CGI effects and a very talented and experienced cast. The running time is excellent so you won't get tired of the film before it's over. If you just want to be entertained for and hour and a half with some light comedy, and you don't insist on something unique, this should work. Otherwise, go watch Men In Black again. I saw this in the 2D version but I can see where there could be some outstanding 3D effects.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. The larger the screen the more impressive the effects will be. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 7/19/13

MetaCritic indicates The Conjuring (68) is the best picture this week followed by Turbo (59), Red 2 (47), Girl Most Likely (37) and R.I.P.D. (21). I've seen two of these and think the MetaCritic ratings are too low as far as entertainment value goes.  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 7/17, 19/13

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 7/17/13

Turbo 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 36 min. Animated film Watch Preview Voices: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Luis Guzmán, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Snoop Dogg, a.k.a. Snoop Lion, Samuel L. Jackson. Plot: an underdog snail's dreams kick into overdrive when he miraculously attains the power of super-speed. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren West.

Friday 7/19/13

The Conjuring [R] 1 hr. 52 min. Supernatural thriller Watch Preview Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor, Joey King, Shanley Caswell, Haley McFarland, Mackenzie Foy, Kyla Deaver, Sterling Jerins. Plot: tells the true story of Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga), world renowned paranormal investigators, who were called to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Girl Most Likely [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Drama, comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Wiig, Annette Bening, Matt Dillon, Christopher Fitzgerald, Darren Criss. Plot: a once promising, young New York playwright uses her skill for drama to stage an elaborate fake suicide in an appeal for sympathy. Showing at: Warren East.

R.I.P.D. 2D/3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Supernatural Action/Comedy film Watch Preview Cast: Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker, Stephanie Szostak, Robert Knepper, James Hong, Marisa Miller, Mike O’Malley, Devin Ratray. Plot: two cops are (Bridges, Reynolds) dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Red 2 [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Action comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Byung Hun Lee, Brian Cox, Neal McDonough. Plot: a retired black-ops CIA agent (Willis) reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 7/18/13

Derby Plaza - Despicable Me 3D, The Lone Ranger, Monster University, Pacific Rim 3D
Movie Machine - The Heat, The Lone Ranger
Palace West - The Hangover III
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - Star Trek, Despicable Me 3D
Warren Old Town - The Lone Ranger, White House Down, World War Z
Warren West 21st - Now You See Me, This Is The End, Despicable Me 3D

Pacific Rim 2D/3D/IMAX 3D ***

Guillermo del Toro directed this Sci-fi thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, Larry Joe Campbell, Brad William Henke, Diego Klattenhoff. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief language. Running time is two hours and thirty-one minutes.

When legions of monstrous creatures start rising from the sea, a special type of weapon is devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge.

Prior to watching this film I'd heard nothing but bad reports. And, if you're looking for a well written sci-fi epic, it's not going to be anywhere near the top of the list. Production values are very good and the CGI effects would probably be spectacular, if you see them, but most of the action takes place at night in the rain or underwater. The cast is OK, with the major leads being fairly undistinguished. Charlie Day and Burn Gorman manage to steal every scene they're in with some funny comedy relief. Ron Perlman is an over-the-top bad guy. And, there's even some romance thrown in for good measure including a James Bond style ending. If you're looking for an epic like Avatar, avoid this like the plague. But, if you look at it as a very expensive piece of sci-fi camp, i.e. Godzilla 2013, it has its moments. I saw this in IMAX 3D and the effects were very good.

There is another scene after the initial credits that changes one character's storyline.  To get the most from this film go for the largest possible screen, and I do recommend the IMAX version. 2d Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D times.

Worthwhile (or not) 7/12/13

MetaCritic indicates Pacific Rim (67) is the best picture this week followed by Grown Ups 2 (16). I've seen one of these and am in agreement with its MetaCritic rating.  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 7/12/13

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.

Grown Ups 2 [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph, Maria Bello, Nick Swardson. Plot: Lenny (Adam Sandler) has relocated his family back to the small town where he and his friends grew up. This time around, the grown ups are the ones learning lessons from their kids on a day notoriously full of surprises: the last day of school. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Pacific Rim 2D/3D/IMAX 3D  [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Sci-fi thriller Watch Preview Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, Larry Joe Campbell, Brad William Henke, Diego Klattenhoff. Plot: when legions of monstrous creatures start rising from the sea, a special type of weapon is devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 7/11/13

Derby Plaza - White House Down, Man Of Steel, World War Z
Movie Machine - White House Down, Monster University, World War Z
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren Old Town - Man Of Steel
Warren West 21st - Man Of Steel IMAX 3D

The Lone Ranger ***

Gore Verbinski directed this Action adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson, Helena Bonham Carter. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence, and some suggestive material. Running time is two hours and twenty-nine minutes.

The famed masked hero (Armie Hammer) is brought to life through through the eyes of Native American spirit warrior, Tonto (Johnny Depp).

This is one of those films people will either like or really dislike, without much ambivalence in the middle. There are a couple of things I disliked: the excessive length and the unnecessary plot contrivance of an elderly Tonto meeting a young boy years after the film's events. But I did enjoy the terrific CGI effects and the bits of dry humor thrown in at unexpected moments. I also found the storyline entertaining, if not what I was expecting. I would discourage parents from taking their small children to what they think is a movie version of the TV series they saw years ago. It isn't even close to that, and there is one particular scene that could give a small child nightmares. The pacing is very good and the cast is top notch. Depp is in a league of his own, of course, but Fichtner and Carter are also outstanding (I didn't even recognize Fichtner until I was checking the credits). I would find this film hard to recommend unless I knew you well, but I enjoyed it.

There is a scene behind the credits but it amounts to nothing. To get the most impact from the spectacular CGI you should watch this on the largest possible screen. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 7/3/13

MetaCritic indicates Despicable Me 2 (61) is the best picture this week followed by The Lone Ranger (37). I've seen one of these and and don't agree with its MetaCritic rating at all.  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 7/3/13

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.

Despicable Me 2 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 38 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt. Plot: an all-new comedy sequel featuring the return of Gru (Steve Carell), the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions... and a host of new and outrageously funny characters. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Starlite Drive-In, Warren West.

Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain [R] 1 hr. 15 min. Comedy, Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Kevin Hart. Plot: captures the laughter, energy and mayhem from Hart's 2012 comedy concert tour. Showing at: Warren East.

The Lone Ranger [PG-13] 2 hrs. 29 min. Action adventure Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson, Helena Bonham Carter. Plot: the famed masked hero (Armie Hammer) is brought to life through through the eyes of Native American spirit warrior, Tonto (Johnny Depp). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Starlite Drive-In, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 7/2/13

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Man Of Steel
Palace West - Scary Movie 5, The Big Wedding, Olympus Has Fallen, Ox The Great & Powerful, G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Starlite Drive-In - Open daily
Warren East 13th - The Purge, Fast & Furious 6, World War Z 3D, Internship, The Bling Ring, The East, Monsters University 3D, Mud
Warren Old Town - Now You See Me
Warren West 21st - The Purge, Fast & Furious 6, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Bling Ring, The Internship, World War Z 3D