Opening 7/1/15

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.

Faith Of Our Fathers [PG-13] 1 hr. 33 min. Religious Oriented Drama Watch Preview Cast: Rebecca St. James, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Downes, David A.R. White, Candance Cameron Bure, Si Robertson. Plot: two men discover the devastation of war cannot break the love of a father for his son. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Magic Mike XXL [R] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Channing Tatum, Amber Heard, Adam Rodriguez, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Gabriel Iglesias, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andie MacDowell, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Glover, Michael Strahan. Plot: on the road to their final show, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Terminator Genisys [PG-13] 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 2 hrs. 5 min. Sci-Fi Action Watch Preview Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney, Matt Smith, Emilia Clarke, Byung-hun Lee, J.K. Simmons, Sandrine Holt, Dayo Okeniyi, Michael Gladis. Plot: when John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 6/30/15

Movie Machine - Spy
Palace West - Poltergeist, Monkey Kingdom [Both Drop 7/2]
Warren East 13th - Insidious Chapter 3, Tomorrowland, Jurassic World 3D
Warren West 21st - Dope, Mad Max: Fury Road, Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Jurassic World IMAX 3D, Inside Out 3D
Warren Old Town - San Andreas,

Max **½

Boaz Yakin co-wrote and directed this Family adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: Lauren Graham, Thomas Haden Church, Jay Hernandez, Robbie Amell, Josh Wiggins, Luke Kleintank, Miles Mussenden, Dejon LaQuake. Rated PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.

A precision-trained military dog, Max, whose handler is mortally wounded, is adopted by his handler's troubled younger brother. When he begins to suspect his older brother's death was not as he and his family had been told, he and Max start searching for answers.

Back in my theatre management days I used to constantly hear the complaint that Hollywood didn't make enough family films. Well, here's one and I'd be willing to bet it will do poorly and will leave quickly. The reason is simple enough: there isn't any real difference between a PG rated movie and your typical TV drama that's available for free (although with a plethora of obnoxious commercials). And families have learned a film like this will be on their TV sets in a relatively short time. When it gets there I think you'll enjoy it. Graham and Haden Church are known TV personalities and the rest of the cast is competent. Production values are fine and the pacing moves right along so you're never bored even though it's twenty minutes too long. If you decide you want to see it (sans commercials) I wouldn't dally, this is unlikely to be here long.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 6/26/15

MetaCritic indicates Me And Earl And The Dying Girl (74) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Ted 2 (52) and Max (43).  I saw one of these and found it acceptable but not outstanding. 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 6/26/15

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.

Max [PG] 1 hr. 51 min. Family adventure Watch Preview Cast: Lauren Graham, Thomas Haden Church, Jay Hernandez, Robbie Amell, Josh Wiggins, Luke Kleintank, Miles Mussenden, Dejon LaQuake. Plot: a precision-trained military dog, whose handler is mortally wounded, is adopted by his handler's troubled younger brother. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Me And Earl And The Dying Girl [PG-13] 1 hr. 44 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Connie Britton, Molly Shannon, Nick Offerman, Jon Bernthal, Bobb'E J. Thompson, Olivia Cooke, Thomas Mann, Ronald Cyler II. Plot: about a high school senior (Thomas Mann) who is trying to blend in anonymously, avoiding deeper relationships, until he begins spending time with a girl diagnosed with cancer. Showing at: Warren East.

Ted 2 [R] 1 hr. 59 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Mark Wahlberg, Dennis Haysbert, Amanda Seyfried, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Jessica Barth. Plot: Ted and Tami-Lynn want to have a baby, but first Ted will have to prove he's a person in a court of law. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 6/25/15

Movie Machine - San Andreas
Palace West - Spongebog Movie: Out Of Water, Get Hard
Warren East 13th - Far From The Madding Crowd, Aloha, Pitch Perfect 2
Warren West 21st - Aloha, Tomorrowland
Warren Old Town - Entourage, Mad Max: Fury Road, Jurassic World 3D

Worthwhile (or not) 6/19/15

MetaCritic indicates Inside Out (93) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Dope (71).  Those are good numbers so if either sounds appealing you should be good to go. Neither appealed to me (perhaps I'm a little old for either) so I won't be reviewing anything this week. 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 6/19/15

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.

Dope [R] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Kimberly Elise, Forest Whitaker, Zoe Kravitz, Blake Anderson, Tony Revolori, Shameik Moore, Kiersey Clemons. Plot: a chance invitation to an underground party leads a student into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Inside Out [PG] 1 hr. 42 min. Animated Film Watch Preview Voices: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan. Plot: the film takes us to the most extraordinary location of all – inside the mind of an 11-year-old named Riley. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 6/18/15

Movie Machine - Insidious Chapter 3
Palace West - Paddington, American Sniper, Longest Ride
Warren East 13th - Insidious Chapter 3, Age Of Adaline, Poltergeist, Entourage
Warren West 21st - Entourage, Insidious Chapter 3, Where Hope Grows, Poltergiest
Warren Old Town - nothing

Jurassic World ***

Colin Trevorrow directed this Sci-Fi adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Greer, Chris Pratt, Ty Simpkins, Jake Johnson, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D'Onofrio, BD Wong, Omar Sy, Katie McGrath, Lauren Lapkus, Andy Buckley. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril. Running time is two hours and four minutes.

A new sci-fi terror adventure set 22 years after the horrific events of the original "Jurassic Park." The park management decides they need a new attraction and engineer a hybrid dinosaur that's far too smart...so smart it can escape its 'inescapable' pen.

If you haven't seen the earlier versions, this should prove entertaining. If you have seen the earlier versions, other than a different cast and one new dinosaur, there isn't much difference. I feel the earlier versions were more tense and perhaps scarier while the latest version is lacking much tension but features a lot more chompin'. CGI is good this time around but it wasn't bad the first times. The cast is fine with Pratt and Howard taking care of business nicely. D'Onofrio has the villain part down pat and it's just a matter of waiting to see how long it takes for him to get what he deserves. I was surprised this wasn't in 'scope but perhaps IMAX is supposed to take care of that. I watched the 2D version and didn't feel a bit deprived.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen is going to provide more action impact. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 6/12/15

MetaCritic indicates Love & Mercy (80) is the top ranking film this week, followed by I'll See You In My Dreams (75) and Jurassic World (58).  I saw one of these and found it pretty much as 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 6/12/15

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.

I'll See You In My Dreams [PG-13] 1 hr. 36 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Blythe Danner, Mary Kay Place, Martin Starr, Sam Elliot, June Squibb, Reid Scott, Malik Akerman, Rheal Perlman. Plot: a widow in her 70s is forced to confront her fears about love, family, and death and decides to start dating again. Showing at: Warren East.

Jurassic World 2D/3D/IMAX 3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 4 min. Sci-Fi adventure Watch Preview Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Greer, Chris Pratt, Ty Simpkins, Jake Johnson, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D'Onofrio, BD Wong, Omar Sy, Katie McGrath, Lauren Lapkus, Andy Buckley. Plot: a new sci-fi terror adventure set 22 years after the horrific events of the original "Jurassic Park." Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Love & Mercy [PG-13] 2 hrs.. Biographical Drama Watch Preview Cast: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Elizabeth Banks. Plot: biographical film about musician and songwriter Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 6/11/15

Movie Machine - Tomorrowland, Pitch Perfect 2
Palace West - nothing
Warren East 13th - Poltergeist, Hot Pursuit, Woman In Gold, San Andreas 3D
Warren West 21st - Hot Pursuit, Tomorrowland, San Andreas IMAX 3D
Warren Old Town - Aloha, Pitch Perfect 2

Spy ***

Paul Feig wrote and directed this Action Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Miranda Hart, Peter Serafinowicz, Allison Janney, Bobby Cannavale, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. Rated R for language throughout, violence, and some sexual content including brief graphic nudity. Running time is two hours.

An unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst (McCarthy) volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster, after she sees her field partner (Law) killed by a Russian heiress (Byrne).

There are several laughs in this James Bond spoof but they could have made it better and a half hour shorter by cutting back on the profanity. Younger crowds seem to fine profanity funny but older patrons are likely to find it annoying unless used sparingly. McCarthy is more likeable in this film than she has been her last couple of features. The rest of the cast are very good and Statham shows a flair for humor I haven't noticed before. There are several brief foreign location scenes that are enjoyable although the visits aren't that long. If you're looking for some summer humor you won't find this film far off the mark, and if this does as well as I suspect it will, a sequel in a couple of years won't be surprising.

There is one funny scene after all the credits that is worth waiting for. Screen size is relatively unimportant although this will be funnier with a large audience.

Worthwhile (or not) 6/3, 5/15

MetaCritic indicates Spy (74) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Insidious: Chapter  3 (51) and Entourage (38).  I saw one of these and found it funny but overly crude. 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 6/3, 5/15

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 6/3/15

Entourage [R] 1 hr. 44 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jeremy Piven, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Haley Joel Osment, Billy Bob Thornton, Rex Lee, Perrey Reeves, Emily Ratajkowski, Rhys Coiro, Nora Dunn, Debi Mazar, Constance Zimmer, Ronda Rousey, Scott 'Kid Cudi' Mescudi. Plot: the big-screen version of the award-winning hit HBO series. A movie star (Adrian Grenier) and his boys navigate the capricious and often cutthroat world of Hollywood. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Friday 6/5/15

Insidious Chapter 3 [PG-13] 1 hr. 37 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Lin Shaye, Stefanie Scott, Dermot Mulroney, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Hayley Kiyoko. Plot: this prequel reveals how a gifted psychic (Lin Shaye) reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl (Stefanie Scott) who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Spy [R] 2 hrs. Action Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Miranda Hart, Peter Serafinowicz, Allison Janney, Bobby Cannavale, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. Plot: an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst (McCarthy) volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 6/4/15

Movie Machine - Poltergeist, Avengers: Age Of Ultron
Palace West - Unfriended, Little Boy, Do You Believe, McFarland USA, Kingsman
Warren East 13th - Furious 7, Ex Machina, Home, Paul Blart 2
Warren West 21st - Age Of Adeline, Home, Tomorrowland IMAX, Furious 7, San Andreas 3D
Warren Old Town - Tomorrowland, Poltergeist, San Andreas 3D