The Hateful Eight **½

Quentin Tarantino directed this Western. Watch Preview. Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, , Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Demian Bichir, Walton Goggins, Channing Tatum. Rated R for strong bloody violence, a scene of violent sexual content, language and some graphic nudity. Running time is two hours and 48 minutes.

A bounty hunter (Russell) and his prisoner (Leigh) find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters and he becomes convinced they may not make it to their destination after all.

There is truly something to offend almost everyone in this film. It's hard to imagine a less appropriate film for the Christmas season. It is, however, a very well done Western if you can stomach the gruesome violence, sexual scenes and almost constant profanity. This was filmed in 70mm and is being shown is some markets in that format, but I have to wonder why since virtually the entire story takes place in a one room cabin. The cast is first rate with Jackson, Groggins (Boyd Crowder in the TV series Justified), and Russell in the leads. There is enough action along with good pacing to make the excessive length bearable and I don't recall looking at my watch once if that tells you anything. The plot keeps twisting so you're never sure where it's heading, which keeps you involved (whether you want to be or not). I don't have any idea who the audience for this film will be and my guess is it won't have a lengthy run due to its excesses. This would definitely be a poor choice for a date movie.

There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen is preferred but not necessary. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/31/15

MetaCritic indicates The Hateful Eight (69) is the top ranking film this week.  I saw it and found it so graphic I have to wonder who the audience is. For national 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 12/31/15

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 Hateful Eight [R] 2 hrs. 47 min. Western Watch Preview Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, , Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Demian Bichir, Walton Goggins, Channing Tatum. Plot: a bounty hunter (Russell) and his prisoner (Leigh) find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters and become convinced they may not make it to their destination after all. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 12/30/15

Movie Machine -The Good Dinosaur
Palace West -  The 33
Warren East 13th - Krampus
Warren West 21st - Krampus, In The Heart Of The Sea
Warren Old Town - nothing

Concussion **½

Peter Landesman co-wrote and directed this Drama. Watch Preview .Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, David Morse, Albert Brooks. Rated PG-13 for thematic material including some disturbing images, and language. Running time is two hours and three minutes.

Based on the David vs. Goliath journey of Dr. Bennet Omalu, the forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of football-related brain trauma in a pro player and fought to bring awareness to the public.

As a medical documentary this is a very well made film. For me the problems started when it was felt necessary to introduce a love story into the mix, which added thirty unnecessary minutes to the film without making it any more interesting. I will have to say my wife enjoyed that part of the film, so perhaps women will care more for this film than I did. The medical part is informative and the fight against letting this information be known publicly certainly doesn't do the NFL's reputation any favors. Smith is clearly the lead actor in the film although Baldwin and Brooks have strong secondary roles. Mbatha-Raw is fine as an actress but adds little to the story. If you're looking for a football film, this isn't it. It's far more about medicine than gamesmanship.

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

Joy **½

David O. Russell  directed this Drama .Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini, Elisabeth Rohm, Bradley Cooper. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. Running time is two hours and four minutes.

About a girl (Lawrence) who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty, starting with the Miracle Mop, and becomes a matriarch in her own right despite the antics of her dysfunctional father (De Niro) and mother (Madsen), but with the help of the manager of QVC (Cooper).

This would have been a bit more enjoyable with a few less downs and a few more ups, but it does show the hardships of an entrepreneur, especially one who doesn't have a lot of support. It's probably more appropriate for a business school class than a general audience but I found it did hold my attention. This has a high powered cast who are all in supporting roles to Lawrence, who does a fine job as the plucky girl with dreams who becomes a savvy business owner. This wouldn't be my first choice for a holiday film but it is worth your while. I should point out that although they're selling this as a comedy/drama, there's very little laughter in this film.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 12/25/15

MetaCritic indicates The Big Short (81) is the top ranking film this week followed by The Danish Girl (66), Joy and Concussion tied at (56), Point Break (45) and Daddy's Home (44).  I saw three of these and found one excellent and the other two worth watching. For national 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. 

The Big Short ****

Adam McKay directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei, Melissa Leo, Brad Pitt, Rafe Spall, Tracy Letts, John Magaro, Jeremy Strong, Byron Mann, Finn Wittrock, Hamish Linklater. Rated R for pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.

When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis ("The Blind Side," "Moneyball").

If you have even the slightest interest in things financial, or why the economy crashed in 2008, this is a must see film. It manages to clearly explain what happened, and does so while being entertaining. I have to warn you, though, after seeing it you're going to want to sell your stocks, close out your bank accounts and bury it all in a Mason fruit jar in your backyard! And you're really going to wonder why none of the people who caused the collapse ended up in prison! At the end it summarizes what happened to the film's characters and points out that it's starting over again. The cast is first rate and the pacing is so good I barely noticed this was over two hours long. I highly recommend you see this film, and do so soon as, unfortunately, I don't think it will be here long.

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

Opening 12/23,25/15

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 12/23/15

The Big Short [R] 2 hrs. 10 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei, Melissa Leo, Brad Pitt, Rafe Spall, Tracy Letts, John Magaro, Jeremy Strong, Byron Mann, Finn Wittrock, Hamish Linklater. Plot: when four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis ("The Blind Side," "Moneyball"). Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Friday 12/25/15

Concussion [PG-13] 2 hrs. 4 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, David Morse, Albert Brooks. Plot: based on the David vs. Goliath journey of Dr. Bennet Omalu, the forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of football-related brain trauma in a pro player and fought to bring awareness to the public. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Daddy's Home [PG-13] 1 hr. 36 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church, Hannibal Buress. Plot: a mild-mannered stepfather (Ferrell) is forced to compete for the affection of his kids with their real, freeloading father (Wahlberg). Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

The Danish Girl [R] 2 hrs. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Ben Whishaw, Sebastian Koch, Amber Heard, Matthias Schoenaerts. Plot: iInspired by the true story of Danish painter Einar Wegener and his wife, this tender portrait of a marriage asks: What do you do when someone you love wants to change? Showing at: Warren East.

Joy [PG-13] 2 hrs.Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini, Elisabeth Rohm, Bradley Cooper. Plot: about a girl (Lawrence) who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Point Break 2D/3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Delroy Lindo, Ray Winstone. Plot: a young FBI agent, (Luke Bracey) infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes suspected of carrying out a spate of crimes in extremely unusual ways. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/22,24/15

Movie Machine -12/24 - In The Heart Of The Sea
Palace West -  Sicario, The Last Witch Hunter, Ant-Man
Warren East 13th - 12/22 - Spotlight; 12/24 - Spectre, Love The Coopers, The Night Before, The Peanuts Movie, In The Heart Of The Sea, Dilwale
Warren West 21st - 12/22 - Spectre; 12/24 - The Peanuts Movie, The Night Before, StarWars 3D, Love The Coopers
Warren Old Town - 12/22 - The Night Before; 12/24 - In the Heart Of The Sea, Star Wars 3D

Sisters **½

Jason Moore directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Ike Barinholtz, John Leguizamo, Dianne Wiest, John Cena, James Brolin. Rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, and for drug use. Running time is one hour and fifty-eight minutes.

Two disconnected sisters (Fey and Poehler) are summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents (Weist and Brolin) sell the family house. They decide to throw a party for their old school classmates before the new owners move in.

There are a lot of laughs in this, even for older adults. But this film was clearly made with a young audience (18-35) in mind, because the totally unnecessary volume of profanity is detracting for those of us who don't find massive amounts of it humorous in and of itself. Fey and Poehler are first rate comedians who are fun to watch. The rest of the basically SNL cast pale in comparison. It was interesting to see Weist and Brolin as a married couple since they're playing the same roles on the TV series Life In Pieces, which is actually funnier, at least for adults, than is this film. I watched this with a basically younger audience and they clearly liked it more than I did, as did my wife. My guess is everyone will find something to laugh about, which is fine as long as you don't mind wading through a lot of crudeness along the way.

There are outtakes that occur during the credits. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens ***½

J.J. Abrams directed this Sci-Fi Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Harrison Ford, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Max von Sydow, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Lupita Nyong'o, Crystal Clarke, Pip Anderson, Christina Chong, Miltos Yerolemou. Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence. Running time is two hours and fifteen minutes.

Thirty years after the events of "Return of the Jedi."the saga continues. New characters are added to old familiar ones as the Force is once again needed to fight evil as the Resistance faces off against the First Order.

While I have seen all of the Star Wars films and basically enjoyed them, I wouldn't consider myself  a fan...no light saber for me. That said, number seven is very entertaining and really shines, especially  when compared to the three prequels. There's plenty of action and the plot keeps everything moving along nicely. The film is longer than I prefer, but the pacing is good enough it didn't seem overly long. While it was nice seeing some of the familiar characters from versions past, the real attraction to me was the new character, Rey, played by Daisy Ridley. She is the glue that holds everything together and I certainly hope, no, I'm sure, we'll be seeing more of her in the sequels scheduled to follow. While this film wasn't actually shot in 3D, the digitally remastered IMAX 3D version I saw was excellent and the 3D actually added to the film's enjoyment.

There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. You must see this on a large screen for maximum graphic impact. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/18/15

MetaCritic indicates Star Wars: The Force Awakens (81) is the top ranking film this week followed by Sisters (58) and Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip (30). The Bollywood film, Dilwale, has no MetaCritic rating. I saw two of these and found one very good and the other a mixed bag. For national 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 12/18/15

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.

Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip [PG] 1 hr. 28 min. Family film Watch Preview Voices: Jason Lee, Tony Hale, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Josh Green, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate. Plot: Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami…and dump them. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Dilwale [PG] 2 hrs. 30 min. Indian musical comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon. Plot: a couple in love try to overcome the violent conflict between their respective families. Showing at: Warren East.

Sisters [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Ike Barinholtz, John Leguizamo, Dianne Wiest, John Cena, James Brolin. Plot: two disconnected sisters are summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2D/3D, IMAX 2D/3D 2hrs. 16 min. Sci-Fi Action film Watch Preview Cast: Harrison Ford, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Max von Sydow, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Lupita Nyong'o, Crystal Clarke, Pip Anderson, Christina Chong, Miltos Yerolemou. Plot: 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi."the saga continues. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/17/15

Movie Machine - Krampus, Creed, Mockingjay Part 2
Palace West -  Inside Out, Woodlawn, War Room
Warren East 13th - Bridge Of Spies, The Martian, Spotlight, Secret In Their Eyes, Trumbo, The Letters, In The Heart Of The Sea 3D
Warren West 21st - Bridge Of Spies, The Martian, Secret In Their Eyes, The Letters, In The Heart Of The Sea IMAX 2D/3D
Warren Old Town - Krampus, Creed, Mockingjay Part 2, Spectre

In The Heart Of The Sea **

 Ron Howard directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw, Cillian Murphy, Chris Hemsworth, Jordi Molla, Benjamin Walker, Tom Holland, Michelle Fairley.

In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Melville's Moby-Dick.

This is a well made film, as you would expect from director Ron Howard, but because it's so depressing I can't imagine what prompted the film company to release it at this time, especially a week before the latest Star Wars feature. It was originally scheduled for release in March of this year which would have been a much better time period. As it is, this will be shunted off to a small auditorium after a week where its scale can't be appreciated and my guess is it will disappear shortly thereafter. You won't be disappointed in this film's quality but if you're  in the least depressed when thinking about seeing it, avoid it like the plague. I saw this in the 2D IMAX version. The 3D version is a digitally remastered version of the 2D version as this was not filmed in the 3D process.

There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen is needed to appreciate the action sequences. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. 2D IMAX Times. 3D IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/11/15

MetaCritic indicates In The Heart Of The Sea (51) is the top ranking film this week. Since it's the only film opening this week it wins by default. I saw this film and found it well made but very depressing. For national 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 12/11/15

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.

In The Heart Of The Sea 2D/3D/IMAX 2D/3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 2 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw, Cillian Murphy, Chris Hemsworth, Jordi Molla, Benjamin Walker, Tom Holland. Plot: in the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Melville's Moby-Dick. Shown in 2D and digitally remastered 3D. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/10/15

Movie Machine - Victor Frankenstein, Peanuts Movie
Palace West -  Our Brand Is Crisis, Crimson Peak, Everest
Warren East 13th - Good Dinosaur 3D, Victor Frankenstein
Warren West 21st - Good Dinosaur 3D, Victor Frankenstein, Mockingjay Part 2 IMAX
Warren Old Town - Victor Frankenstein

Worthwhile (or not) 12/4/15

MetaCritic indicates Krampus (45) is the top ranking film this week, followed by The Letters (26). Since I'm not fond of horror films and the Mother Teresa film had horrible reviews, I decided to pass this week, so no reviews. For national 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 12/4/15

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.

Krampus [PG-13] 1 hr. 47 min. Comedy/Horror film Watch Preview Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, Emjay Anthony, Allison Tollman, David Koechner, Conchata Ferrell, Stefania Owen, Krista Stadler. Plot: a young boys learns his lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Letters [PG] 1 hr. 20 min.Biography Watch Preview Cast: Juliet Stevenson, Max Van Sydow, Rutger Hauer. Plot: Mother Teresa's story is told from the point of view of a Vatican priest charged with the task of investigating acts and events following her death. He recounts her life’s work, her political oppression, her religious zeal and her unbreakable spirit. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 12/3/15

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West -  The Visit
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing
Warren Old Town - nothing

Worthwhile (or not) 11/25/15

MetaCritic indicates Brooklyn (87) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Creed (80), The Good Dinosaur (75), Trumbo (60), and Victor Frankenstein (34). Due to holiday time restraints this week I didn't get a chance to watch any of these, so no reviews. For national 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 11/25/15

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.

Brooklyn [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters. Plot: lured by the promise of America, a young Irish girl (Ronan) departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City in the 1950's. Showing at:  Warren East.

Creed  [PG-13] 2 hrs. 9 min. Sports drama Watch Preview Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Anthony Bellew. Plot: the son of Apollo Creed (Jordan) asks Rocky (Stallone) to be his trainer. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Good Dinosaur 2D/3D  [PG] 1 hr. 51 min. Animated adventure Watch Preview Voices: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla. Plot: what if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Trumbo [R] 2 hrs. 4 min. Biographical drama Watch Preview Cast: Bryan Cranston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, John Goodman, Diane Lane, Alan Tudyk, Michael Stuhlbarg, Helen Mirren. Plot: tells the story of a screenwriter's (Bryan Cranston) fight against the U.S. government and studio bosses in a war over words and freedom, which entangled everyone in Hollywood from Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) and John Wayne to Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Victor Frankenstein [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott, Freddie Fox. Plot: a dynamic and thrilling twist on a legendary tale about an experiment gone too far. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/24/15

Movie Machine - Goosebumps, Spectre
Palace West -  Walk In TheWoods, Minions,  The Perfect Guy
Warren East 13th - Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, The Intern, Goosebumps, My All American, Hotel Transylvania 2, Maze Runner 2, Suffragette, The 33
Warren West 21st - Goosebumps, Last Witch Hunter, Woodlawn, My All American, The Intern, Hotel Transylvania 2,  The 33
Warren Old Town - The 33, Love The Coopers

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 ***

Francis Lawrence directed this Sci-Fi drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for some thematic material. Running time is two hours and seventeen minutes.

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown.

I've seen all the films in this series although I wouldn't call myself a fan. Nonetheless, this is a fitting ending to the series and I expect it will be enjoyed by all who've been anxiously awaiting its arrival. Production values are very good and the cast acquits themselves well. The CG effects are good without being overwhelming. It is, as are so many films these days, too long, which means you're going to be constantly interrupted by those who need to use the restroom. I'm a little surprised this isn't being shown in 3D since it was filmed in that process (and is being shown in 3D in the rest of the world), but the cynic in me has a feeling this will show up in a few months in that process here so additional ticket sales can be garnered. Adults will have to fight their way in for the first few days but this will be around for some time so you're not going to miss it if you choose to wait awhile.

There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen is a must. Theatre/Times. IMAX Times.

Secret In Their Eyes **

Billy Ray wrote and directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts. Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving disturbing violent content, language and some sexual references. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.

Thirteen years after an investigator's (Roberts) daughter was murdered,  a new lead is uncovered that can permanently resolve the case, nail the vicious murderer, and bring long-desired closure, but no one is prepared for the destructive effects of personal vengeance.

Thriller would not be my description of this film. Plodder/downer is more like it. I was astonished I was so totally uninvolved in a plot with a cast this good. Roberts pulls out the stops on this one, even managing to look thirteen years older at the appropriate times. Ejiofor and Kidman are fine but not particularly believable in their roles and I never bought for a minute their supposed romantic feelings for each other. The ending provides a little twist but it wasn't enough to offset the earlier tepidness. If you want to see these stars in their latest film, fine. But don't expect to leave the theatre feeling wowed! This will not last through the holidays.

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

The Night Before *½

Jonathan Levine directed this Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, Michael Shannon, Mindy Kaling. Rated R for drug use and language throughout, some strong sexual content and graphic nudity. Running time is one hour and forty-one minutes.

Friends since childhood (Gordon-Levitt, Rogen, Mackie) set out to find the Nutcracka Ball – the Holy Grail of Christmas parties.

For adults over thirty-five, this barely qualifies as a comedy. It consists of about ninety percent absolutely stupid behavior and maybe ten percent action that's funny. But, the ninety percent is so bad it completely negated the effect of the rest. The cast is fine but capable of much better and the production values are acceptable. Michael Shannon pretty much steals the good parts as the mysterious drug dealer. I'm guessing 18-35 audiences will find more to laugh at than I did but for the rest, this is pretty much a Christmas lump of coal. It won't be here long so you'd better hurry if you want to see it.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 11/20/15

MetaCritic indicates Spotlight (93) is the top ranking film this week, followed by The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (66), The Night Before (58), and Secret In Their Eyes (47). I watched three of these and found one good and two basically forgettable. For national 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 11/20/15

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.

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 2D/IMAX 2D [PG-13] 2 hr. 16 min. Sci-Fi drama Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland. Plot: with the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Night Before [R] 1 hr. 51 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, Michael Shannon, Mindy Kaling. Plot: friends since childhood (Gordon-Levitt, Rogen, Mackie) set out to find the Nutcracka Ball – the Holy Grail of Christmas parties. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Secret In Their Eyes [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts. Plot: thirteen years after an investigator's daughter was murdered,  a new lead is uncovered that can permanently resolve the case, nail the vicious murderer, and bring long-desired closure, but no one is prepared for the destructive effects of personal vengeance. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren West.

Spotlight [R] 2 hrs. 8 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Brian d'Arcy James, Billy Crudup. Plot: when a team of reporters delves into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving 11/19/15

Movie Machine - Last Witch Hunter, Hotel Transylvania 2
Palace West -  Jurassic World
Warren East 13th - Last Witch Hunter, Paranormal Activity, Woodlawn, Burnt, Peanuts Movie 3D
Warren West 21st - Crimson Peak, Paranormal Activity, Peanuts Movie 3D, Spectre IMAX
Warren Old Town - Bridge Of Spies, The Martian

Love The Coopers **½

Jessie Nelson directed this Comedy/drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, Marisa Tomei, Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Ed Helms. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language and some sexuality. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

Four generations of the Cooper clan come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration, where a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down.

I can see why they released this film a couple of weeks ahead of the holiday movie season. It isn't good enough to make it through that onslaught. I'm guessing it will be doing well to make it much past Thanksgiving. It's not that it's bad, it just isn't what you expect at this time of year. It's much more a drama than a comedy, although it did have its laugh-out-loud moments. The film spends the majority of it's length examining the problems of the various Cooper clan members and waits until the end to give us an upbeat finale. The cast is terrific, but this story doesn't match their talent. I'm a logic oriented person so the holes in the story were pretty glaring and off putting. Those who are more emotionally oriented will find a lot to like, even if it is predictable. This is an acceptable couple's movie but if you're rushed for time you won't have missed a major film.

There are some minor scenes after the credits begin but nothing really worthwhile. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 11/13/15

MetaCritic indicates Suffragette (67) is the top ranking film this week, followed by The 33 (55), My All American (44) and Love The Coopers (24). Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is unrated at this time. I watched one of these and found it pleasant but not what I expected. For national 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 11/13/15

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 33 [PG-13] 2 hrs. Biographical drama Watch Preview Cast: Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Juliette Binoche, James Brolin, Lou Diamond Phillips. Plot: based on the 2010 mine collapse in Chile, where 33 miners were buried alive by the catastrophic explosion of a 100-year-old gold and copper mine. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Love The Coopers [PG-13] 1 hr. 46 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, Marisa Tomei, Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Alan Arkin. Plot: four generations of the Cooper clan come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration, where a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

My All American [PG] 1 hr. 58 min. Biographical drama Watch Preview Cast: Finn Wittrock, Sarah Bolger, Robin Tunney, Aaron Eckhart. Plot: awarded a scholarship and a chance to play for the Texas Longhorns, Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) sets off to Austin where he leads the team to a championship season. Then, he suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis and the biggest challenge he will ever face. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo [NR] 2 hrs. 51 min. Romantic drama Watch Preview Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh. Plot: Bollywood (Indian) version of the novel The Prince and the Pauper. In Hindi with English subtitles. Showing at: Warren East.

Suffragette [PG-13] 1 hr. 46 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Ben Whishaw, Romola Garai, Natalie Press, Meryl Streep. Plot: drama about the women who were willing to lose everything in their fight for equality in early-20th-century Britain. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 11/12/15

Movie Machine - Burnt
Palace West -  Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Pixels
Warren East 13th - Our Brand Is Crisis, Scout's Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse, Crimson Peak
Warren West 21st - Our Brand Is Crisis, Scout's Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse, Burnt, Maze Runner 2
Warren Old Town - Steve Jobs, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

Spectre ***

Sam Mendes directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Christoph Waltz, Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Léa Seydoux. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language. Running time is two hours and twenty-eight minutes.

While M (Fiennes) battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond (Craig) peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE and its leader (Waltz).

I think I've seen all the Bond movies, which means this is the 24th one I've watched. Bond has been portrayed by different actors but the plots are all similar so they all tend to blur together for me. They have gotten longer over the years, which is not a good thing in my opinion. Two and a half hours is stretching my attention span, no matter how good the film is. This one starts off with an exciting action sequence and then segues into a long list of credits. That will give you plenty of time to visit the concession stand or restroom if you were in a hurry when you arrived. After that, we're treated to the usual Bond action sequences and another love interest. Basically, if you've enjoyed the previous Bond episodes, you should like this one as well, even if you do get restless toward the end. I saw this in IMAX which was good as usual, although this is not a full screen height feature.

There are no additional scenes once the end credits begin. You want to see this on a large screen for maximum action impact. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times. 

Worthwhile (or not) 11/6/15

MetaCritic indicates The Peanuts Movie (67) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Spectre (61). I watched one of these and found it good but a little long for my taste. For national 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 11/6/15

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 Peanuts Movie 2D/3D [G] 1 hr. 28 min. Animated family film Watch Preview Voices: Bill Melendez, Francesca Capaldi, Hadley Belle Miller, Noah Schnapp. Plot: Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Spectre 2D/IMAX 2D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 15 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Christoph Waltz, Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Léa Seydoux. Plot: while M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/5/15

Movie Machine - Jem And The Holograms, Scout's Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse
Palace West -  nothing
Warren East 13th - Jem And The Holograms, Steve Jobs, Rock The Kasbah, Pan, Sicario, Truth
Warren West 21st - Jem And The Holograms, Steve Jobs, Rock The Kasbah, The Martian IMAX 3D
Warren Old Town - Steve Jobs, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

Our Brand Is Crisis **

David Gordon Green directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Sandra Bullock, Joaquim de Almeida. Rated R for language including some sexual references. Running time is one hour and forty-seven minutes.

A Bolivian presidential candidate (Joaquim de Almeida) enlists an elite American management team, led by a deeply damaged but still brilliant strategist (Sandra Bullock), whose primary interest is attempting to beat her professional nemesis (Billy Bob Thornton), now coaching the opposition.

I'm at a loss to understand why this was made. Oh, I like the stars and they both do a good job in their roles, but who the audience is and why they would want to see this eludes me. Basically, the film is a two hour riff on why you should never trust a politician. But all of us already know that, which makes this somewhat redundant. Also, it's about politics in Bolivia when we're all sick of politics here...so why would we want to see foreign politics? There is a little humor, but not nearly enough to class this as a comedy. Maybe the film's purpose is to just let us watch Bullock and Thornton in a different role...but somehow I don't think the public is going to find that a compelling reason to go to a theatre. So, I guess that leaves me with this: if you just can't wait to see Bullock or Thornton in a new movie, here's your chance (and I'd hurry...I don't see this being here long). Otherwise, there are some really interesting films coming shortly you might be happier waiting for.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 10/30/15

MetaCritic indicates Truth (69) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Our Brand Is Crises (54), Burnt (42), and Scout's Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse (29). I watched one of these and found it acceptable but not a "must see". For national 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 10/30/15

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.

Burnt [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bradley Cooper, Daniel Brühl, Omar Sy, Riccardo Scamarcio, Sienna Miller. Plot: a two-star Michelin rockstar (Bradley Cooper) wants his own kitchen and that third elusive Michelin star though, he’ll need the best on his side, including the beautiful Helene (Sienna Miller). Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Our Brand Is Crisis [R] 1 hr. 47 min. Drama/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Sandra Bullock. Plot: a Bolivian presidential candidate enlists an elite American management team, led by a deeply damaged but still brilliant strategist (Sandra Bullock), whose primary interest is attempting to beat her professional nemesis (Billy Bob Thornton), now coaching the opposition. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Scout's Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse [R] 1 hr. 33 min. Horror/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Cloris Leachman, David Koechner, Halston Sage, Hiram A. Murray, Joey Morgan, Logan Miller, Niki Koss, Sarah Dumont, Tye Sheridan. Plot: three scouts and lifelong friends join forces with one badass cocktail waitress to become the world’s most unlikely team of heroes. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Truth [R] 2 hrs. 5 min. Biographical drama Watch Preview Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Cate Blanchett, Dennis Quaid, Elisabeth Moss, Robert Redford, Topher Grace. Plot: about the news segment that ruined Dan Rather's career, nearly changed a US Presidential election, and almost took down all of CBS News in the process. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 10/29/15

Movie Machine - Crimson Peak
Palace West -  No Escape, Transporter Refueled
Warren East 13th - War Room, Everest
Warren West 21st - The Visit, Sicario, Crimson Peak IMAX
Warren Old Town - Crimson Peak

The Last Witch Hunter **½

Breck Eisner directed this Fantasy/Action film Watch Preview Cast: Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie, Olafur Darri Olafsson, Julie Engelbrecht, Michael Caine. Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. Running time is one hour and forty-six minutes.

An immortal witch hunter (Diesel) has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones.

Whether you like this film will depend on whether you like fantasy films and novels. If you do (I happen to be one of those) it's an acceptable film. If you don't, there's no way you're going to care for this. The plot is typical of the fantasy genre with a few elements of horror mixed in. Production values are good and the CG effects are plentiful and good. The cast is above average for a film of this type, with Diesel, Wood and Caine being very well known, as is the Scottish, Leslie (if you watch Game Of Thrones, she was Ygritte). This is clearly meant to be the first in a series if it draws good B.O. results, but my guess is that won't happen even though the Halloween release date is excellent for a film like this. If you like fantasy films, it's worth your time. Otherwise, pass and wait a couple of weeks for the start of the holiday films.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 10/23/15

MetaCritic indicates Steve Jobs (81) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Jem And The Holograms (44), The Last Witch Hunter (35), and Rock The Kasbah (29). Paranormal Activity: Ghost Dimension has no rating.  I watched one of these and found it more acceptable than did the national critics. For national 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 10/23/15

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.

Jem And The Holograms [PG] 1 hr. 46 min. Musical Watch Preview Cast: Juliette Lewis, Molly Ringwald, Stefanie Scott, Ryan Guzman, Aubrey Peeples, Hayley Kiyoko, Aurora Perrineau. Plot: a small-town girl and her three sisters begin a one-in-a-million journey of discovering some talents are too special to keep hidden. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

The Last Witch Hunter [PG-13] 1 hr. 46 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie, Olafur Darri Olafsson, Julie Engelbrecht, Michael Caine. Plot: an immortal witch hunter has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension [R] 1 hr. 28 min.Horror film Watch Preview Cast: Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George, Dan Gill, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Chloe Csengary, Jessica Tyler Brown, Don McManon. Plot: a family must protect their daughter from an evil entity with a sinister plan. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Rock The Kasbah [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bill Murray, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Danny McBride, Scott Caan, Leem Lubany, Arian Moayed, Bruce Willis. Plot: a has-been rock manager discovers a Pashtun teenager with a beautiful voice and manages his new protégée into becoming the “Afghan Star.” Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Steve Jobs [R] 2 hr. 02 min. Biographical drama Watch Preview Cast: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Waterston, Michael Stuhlbarg. Plot: takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint an intimate portrait of the brilliant man at its epicenter. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 10/22/15

Movie Machine - Pan, The Martian
Palace West -  Southpaw, Ricki And The Flash, Straight Outta Compton
Warren East 13th - Ladrones, The Walk, He Named Me Malala, Black Mass, Perfect Guy, Goosebumps 3D
Warren West 21st - The Walk, Everest, The Martian 3D, Pan, Goosebumps 3D
Warren Old Town - Pan, Sicario, The Intern, The Walk, The Martian 3D

Bridge Of Spies ***½

Steven Spielberg directed this Drama/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Scott Shepherd, Amy Ryan, Sebastian Koch, Alan Alda. Rated PG-13 for some violence and brief strong language. Running time is two hours and twenty-one minutes.

The story of a Brooklyn lawyer (Hanks) who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task of negotiating the release of a captured American U-2 pilot in return for a captured Russian spy (Mark Rylance).

Over the years Spielberg and Hanks have had nine projects together including three films in which Spielberg was the director and Hanks the lead actor. This third pairing has given us a very entertaining film that is also informative for those of us who lived during the time of this event but only vaguely remember the details. Virtually all of the screen time features Hanks or Rylance, or both. And both are terrific in their roles. The production values are first class, providing us with a very believable view of the cold war era. The editing is first rate, also, as the film smoothly segues through the various subplots being presented, and at a pace that keeps us interested throughout the almost two and a half hour length. I don't know that younger audiences will have much interest in the subject matter, but those who appreciate superb filmmaking should put this on their 'must see' list.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 10/16/15

MetaCritic indicates Bridge Of Spies (81) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Crimson Peak (66) and Goosebumps (60). Woodlawn has no rating.  I watched one of these and found it excellent. For national 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 10/16/15

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.

Bridge Of Spies [PG-13] 2 hrs. 22 min. Drama/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Scott Shepherd, Amy Ryan, Sebastian Koch, Alan Alda. Plot: the story of a Brooklyn lawyer (Hanks) who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Crimson Peak 2D/IMAX 2D [R] 1 hr. 59 min. Horror film Watch Preview Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver. Plot: trying to escape the ghosts of her past, an aspiring author is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds…and remembers. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Goosebumps 2D/3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 35 min. Family adventure Watch Preview Cast: Jack Black, Amy Ryan, Ken Marino, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Jillian Bell, Ryan Lee. Plot: a teenage boy (Dylan Minnette) meets a beautiful girl (Odeya Rush) whose dad (Jack Black) is revealed to be the author of a bestselling monster book series...but the monsters are real, and on the loose. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Woodlawn [PG] 2 hrs. 5 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Sean Astin, Nic Bishop, Caleb Castille, Sherri Shepherd, Jon Voight. Plot: the love and unity of the football team in a school filled with racism and hate leads to the largest high school football game ever played in the torn city of Birmingham, Alabama, and the rise of its first African American superstar. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 10/15/15

Movie Machine - Maze Runner 2, The Intern
Palace West -  Vacation
Warren East 13th - The Visit, The Martian 3D. Pan 3D, The Walk 3D
Warren West 21st - War Room, Green Inferno, Walk In The Woods, The Walk IMAX 3D. Black Mass, Pan 3D
Warren Old Town - Black Mass, Maze Runner 2, The Walk 3D

Pan **

Joe Wright directed this Family drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Garrett Hedlund, Hugh Jackman, Jimmy Vee, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried. Rated PG for fantasy action violence, language and some thematic material. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.

A mischievous 12-year-old orphan boy (Levi Miller) is whisked away to a fantastical world of pirates, warriors and fairies called Neverland.

To me, this is a film in search of an identity. It has most of the characteristics of a musical, except there are no songs. It isn't what you'd call a drama, nor is there enough action to be that genre, and not enough laughs to be a comedy. Rather it's a muddle of all of those, which works at times but mostly just limps along. I'm sure they paid Jackman a lot of money for this role, but you have to wonder why since he's almost unrecognizable (although his presence does make you wonder if this was originally planned as a musical).  I imagine Seyfried also didn't come cheaply, but she's hardly in the film. Hedlund, Mara and Miller have most of the screen time and they do well, but they're hardly on the A list. On top of all that, the story is confusing since it has the characters of Peter Pan, but very little semblance to the original plot. The graphics are impressive but overly complex at times, however I saw the 2D version and suspect the 3D version might really have made those graphics stunning. I can't recommend this but I will say it kept me involved throughout, although I can't imagine I'd want to sit through it again.

There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen is definitely preferable. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/9/15

MetaCritic indicates He Named Me Malala (60) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Pan (35). Ladrones has no rating.  I watched one of these and found it too busy to be really entertaining. For national 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 10/9/15

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.

He Named Me Malala [PG-13] 1 hr. 27 min. Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Malala Yousafzai, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Toorpekai Yousafzai, Khusal Yousafzai, Atal Yousafzai. Plot: shows us how Malala, her father Zia and her family are committed to fighting for education for all girls worldwide. Showing at: Warren East.

Ladrones  [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Fernando Colunga, Miguel Varoni, Eduardo Yanez, Jessica Lindsey, Christina Rodlo, Oscar Torre. Plot: the two thieves must work to reclaim land stolen from a hard working community by a ruthless family of crooks led by a beautiful but lethal diva. In Spanish. Showing at: Warren East.

Pan 2D/3D  [PG] 1 hr. 51 min. Family drama Watch Preview Cast: Garrett Hedlund, Hugh Jackman, Jimmy Vee, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara. Plot: a mischievous 12-year-old orphan boy is whisked away  and spirited off to a fantastical world of pirates, warriors and fairies called Neverland. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Walk 2D/3D  [PG-13] 2 hr. 3 min. expands it's run this week. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.