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.

Leaving 10/8/15

Movie Machine - Everest
Palace West -  Shaun The Sheep, Man From U.N.C.L,E., Age Of Ultron, Shanghi
Warren East 13th - Pawn Sacrifice, Grandma, A Walk In The Woods, Green Inferno, Everest 3D, Hotel Transylvania 2 3D
Warren West 21st - The Perfect Guy, Hotel Transylvania 2 3D
Warren Old Town - Everest, Maze Runner: Scorch Trials

Sicario ***

Denis Villeneuve directed this Action/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal. Rated R for strong violence, grisly images, and language. Running time is two hours and one minute.

An idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is enlisted by an elite government task force official (Josh Brolin) to aid in the escalating war against drugs.

I can't say this was entertaining but it was interesting and will cause you think about its message long after you leave the theatre. It's basically about the conflict between idealism and brutal pragmatism, and which method is more effective in combating the drug problem. Blunt's character is in a constant struggle between what she's doing and what's the right thing to do. Brolin and Del Toro don't face that struggle at all, they know what they hope to achieve and they don't really care what they have to do to succeed. I didn't find Blunt's character to be sympathetic and the fact she smoked throughout didn't improve my opinion of her character. Del Toro's character is someone you'd definitely want on your side in a conflict. He's also not sympathetic but a little more understandable. The film's Mexican title (hitman) describes him perfectly. Production values are very good. You should be aware the R rating is well deserved. This film also featured a soundtrack that was as good as I've heard at setting the mood for the screen action.

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

The Martian ***

Ridley Scott  directed this Adventure Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor. Rated PG-13 for some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity. Running time is two hours and twenty-one minutes.

During a manned mission to Mars, an Astronaut (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But he has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet, with help four years away and only his ingenuity to keep him alive.

This is an extremely well made film that almost holds your attention throughout. The reason for the 'almost' is because the film is unnecessarily long. Had it been a more reasonable two hours or less it would be worth another star. Even though this has a first rate cast, it's Damon's film throughout. Everyone else is just along for the ride. I'm not a scientist so I don't know how realistic it is, but it feels realistic enough to be satisfying. At least I didn't see any glaring scientific errors that often plague films like this. I understand this was filmed in 3D (not converted after filming) but I didn't see it in that process so I can't comment on its quality. However, if you can see it on a very bright screen it should provide some spectacular 3D effects.

There are no scenes once the credits begin. A large screen is necessary for maximum effect. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 9/30,10/2/15

MetaCritic indicates Sicario (83) is the top ranking film this week, followed by The Martian (78), and The Walk (70).  I watched two of these and found both to be very good although not necessarily 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.