MetaCritic indicates Everybody Wants Some (83) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Keanu (61), A Hologram For The King (58), Ratchet & Clank (30) and Mother's Day (17). The IMAX short subject A Beautiful Planet was rated (73). I was unable to watch anything this week but there are plenty of national reviews available. For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
Opening 4/29/16
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.
A Beautiful Planet IMAX 3D [G] 46 min. Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Lawrence. Plot: a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, providing a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before. Showing at: Warren West.
Everybody Wants Some [R] 1 hr. 57 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Blake Jenner, Tyler Hoechlin, Wyatt Russell. Plot: a group of freshmen work their way through the first year of college, as they try to make the baseball team. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Green Room [R] 1 hr. 34 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Patrick Stewart, Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Alia Shawkat, Joe Cole, Callum Turner, Mark Webber, Eric Edelstein, Macon Blair, Kai Lennox. Plot: a diabolical club owner (Stewart) squares off against an unsuspecting but resilient young punk band. Showing at: Warren East.
A Hologram For The King [R] 1 hr. 37 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tom Hanks, Ben Whishaw, Tom Skerritt, Sarita Choudhury. Plot: an American businessman (Tom Hanks) is sent to Saudi Arabia to close what he hopes will be the deal of a lifetime. Showing at: Warren East.
Mother's Day [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Jason Sudeikis, Britt Robertson, Timothy Olyphant, Hector Elizondo, Jack Whitehall. Plot: three generations come together in the week leading up to Mother's Day. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Ratchet & Clank [PG] 1 hr. 34 min. Animated Sci-Fi Watch Preview Cast: James A. Taylor, David Kaye, Jim Ward. Plot: two unlikely heroes struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.
Leavig 4/28/16
Movie Machine - The Boss
Palace West - Perfect Match, Race
Warren East 13th - Jungle Book 3D
Warren West 21st - My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Miles Ahead
Warren Old Town - Criminal, Batman Vs. Superman
Palace West - Perfect Match, Race
Warren East 13th - Jungle Book 3D
Warren West 21st - My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Miles Ahead
Warren Old Town - Criminal, Batman Vs. Superman
Friday, April 22, 2016
Elvis & Nixon **
Liza Johnson directed this Comedy/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Michael Shannon, Kevin Spacey, Alex Pettyfer, Johnny Knoxville, Colin Hanks, Evan Peters. Rated R for some language. Running time is one hour and twenty-six minutes.
Recounts the morning of December 21st 1970, when the King of Rock' n Roll (Michael Shannon) showed up on the White House lawn to request a meeting with the most powerful man in the world, President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey).
This film is based on a picture taken of Elvis and Nixon that apparently is in high demand. No one really knows what actually went on in the meeting so what we're shown is supposition. My problem with this pic is there isn't enough material to justify a full length movie. It feels as if you're sitting through a lot of padding. Plus, they're selling this as a comedy but it is one only in the broader sense. I didn't find the film funny at all although I must admit the idea this actually occurred is ludicrous. Spacey is pretty good as Nixon, but Shannon looks so little like Elvis it was hard to believe him in the role, although he did the voice well. I didn't find this very entertaining and my suggestion is you wait to see it until it shows up on your Amazon Prime movie list.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. Screen size is unimportant. Theatre/Times.
Recounts the morning of December 21st 1970, when the King of Rock' n Roll (Michael Shannon) showed up on the White House lawn to request a meeting with the most powerful man in the world, President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey).
This film is based on a picture taken of Elvis and Nixon that apparently is in high demand. No one really knows what actually went on in the meeting so what we're shown is supposition. My problem with this pic is there isn't enough material to justify a full length movie. It feels as if you're sitting through a lot of padding. Plus, they're selling this as a comedy but it is one only in the broader sense. I didn't find the film funny at all although I must admit the idea this actually occurred is ludicrous. Spacey is pretty good as Nixon, but Shannon looks so little like Elvis it was hard to believe him in the role, although he did the voice well. I didn't find this very entertaining and my suggestion is you wait to see it until it shows up on your Amazon Prime movie list.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. Screen size is unimportant. Theatre/Times.
The Huntsman: Winter's War **½
Cedric Nicolas-Troyan directed this Fantasy/Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Nick Frost. Rated PG-13 for fantasy action violence and some sensuality. Running time is one hour and fifty-four minutes.
In this sequel, Ravenna (Theron) is resurrected and she and her wicked sister (Blunt) threaten the land with twice the darkest force it’s ever seen.
Fantasy/actions fans should find this mildly entertaining, although the plot is really far fetched. What the film does offer is a first rate cast and very good CG effects. Unfortunately, the film is a good twenty minutes too long; I was checking my watch before it was over. Still, there's plenty of action plus some romance so a younger crowd should be happy with it. Older patrons will be happiest giving this one a pass.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen will maximize the CG effects. Theatres/Times.
In this sequel, Ravenna (Theron) is resurrected and she and her wicked sister (Blunt) threaten the land with twice the darkest force it’s ever seen.
Fantasy/actions fans should find this mildly entertaining, although the plot is really far fetched. What the film does offer is a first rate cast and very good CG effects. Unfortunately, the film is a good twenty minutes too long; I was checking my watch before it was over. Still, there's plenty of action plus some romance so a younger crowd should be happy with it. Older patrons will be happiest giving this one a pass.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen will maximize the CG effects. Theatres/Times.
Worthwhile (or not) 4/22/16
MetaCritic indicates Miles Ahead (64) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Elvis & Nixon (55), and The Huntsman: Winter's War (36). Compadres has not yet received enough reviews for a rating. I saw two of these and don't feel the national critics' ratings are a good indicator of entertainment value. For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Opening 4/22/16
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.
Compadres [PG-13] 1 hr. 42 min. Action/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Omar Chaparro, Joey Morgan, Eric Roberts, Kevin Pollak, Erick Elías, Aislinn Derbez, Camila Sodi, Héctor Jiménez, Mauricio Barrientos, José Sefami. Plot: after being released from prison, a former Mexican cop (Omar Chaparro) seeks revenge on the man (Erick Elias) who has kidnapped his girlfriend (Aislinn Derbez) and framed him for a crime he didn't commit. Showing at: Warren West.
Miles Ahead [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Biographical film Watch Preview Cast: Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Michael Stuhlbarg, Keith Stanfield. Plot: tells the story of a few lost days in the life of Miles Davis (Cheadle). Showing at: Warren West.
The Huntsman: Winter's War [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Nick Frost. Plot: in this sequel, Ravenna (Theron) is resurrected and she and her wicked sister (Blunt) threaten the land with twice the darkest force it’s ever seen. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Leaving 4/21/16
Movie Machine - Miracles From Heaven, God's Not Dead 2
Palace West - Pride And Prejudice And Zombies
Warren East 13th - Midnight Special, Hardcore Henry, God's Not Dead 2
Warren West 21st - Demolition, Hardcore Henry, Meet The Blacks
Warren Old Town - Hardcore Henry, Deadpool
Palace West - Pride And Prejudice And Zombies
Warren East 13th - Midnight Special, Hardcore Henry, God's Not Dead 2
Warren West 21st - Demolition, Hardcore Henry, Meet The Blacks
Warren Old Town - Hardcore Henry, Deadpool
Friday, April 15, 2016
Criminal **½
Ariel Vromen directed this Sci-Fi Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Alice Eve, Gal Gadot, Ryan Reynolds. Rated R for strong violence and language throughout. Running time is one hour and fifty-three minutes.
In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s (Ryan Reynolds) memories, secrets and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate (Kevin Costner).
I've always liked Sci-Fi films and this looked as if it had a good cast so I decided to give it a look. The film looks polished and there's plenty of action and graphic violence. But, what there isn't is a sympathetic leading character, which makes it really hard to care what happens to any one of them. Reynolds isn't around long enough to make an impact, Oldman is over the top and unlikable, Jones is really looking his age and doesn't play a major role, and Costner's character is someone you'd never want to be alone with. The basic premise of the film about transplanting memories from one person to another seems farfetched, but who knows these days. The film does move right along so there's never a chance to get bored, but you're never really involved in what's happening. The ending leaves the impression they were hoping for a sequel but I have my doubts that will happen. If you're interested basically in action films, this will do, but there are better films available.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen is preferable but not necessary. Theatres/Times.
In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s (Ryan Reynolds) memories, secrets and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate (Kevin Costner).
I've always liked Sci-Fi films and this looked as if it had a good cast so I decided to give it a look. The film looks polished and there's plenty of action and graphic violence. But, what there isn't is a sympathetic leading character, which makes it really hard to care what happens to any one of them. Reynolds isn't around long enough to make an impact, Oldman is over the top and unlikable, Jones is really looking his age and doesn't play a major role, and Costner's character is someone you'd never want to be alone with. The basic premise of the film about transplanting memories from one person to another seems farfetched, but who knows these days. The film does move right along so there's never a chance to get bored, but you're never really involved in what's happening. The ending leaves the impression they were hoping for a sequel but I have my doubts that will happen. If you're interested basically in action films, this will do, but there are better films available.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. A large screen is preferable but not necessary. Theatres/Times.
Worthwhile (or not) 4/15/16
MetaCritic indicates The Jungle Book (78) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Barbershop: The Next Cut (66), and Criminal (38). I saw only one of these due to scheduling problems but liked it better than did the national critics. For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Opening 4/15/16
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.
Barbershop: The Next Cut [PG-13] 1 hr. 52 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Anthony Anderson, Eve , JB Smoove, Lamorne Morris, Sean Patrick Thomas, Deon Cole, Common , Nicki Minaj. Plot: it's been more than ten years since we last visited Calvin’s Barbershop and it's undergone some major changes. The once male-dominated sanctuary is now co-ed and the ladies bring their own flavor, Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
The Jungle Book 2D/3D/IMAX 3D [PG] 1 hr. 45 min. Family adventure film Watch Preview Voices: Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Neel Sethi, Christopher Walken. Plot: all-new live-action adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Leaving 4/14/16
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - The Brothers Grimsby, Eddie The Eagle, The Hateful Eight
Warren East 13th - Deadpool, 10 Cloverfield Lane
Warren West 21st - London Has Fallen, I Saw The Light, Batman vs. Superman IMAX 2D/3D
Warren Old Town - Allegiant, 10 Cloverfield Lane
Palace West - The Brothers Grimsby, Eddie The Eagle, The Hateful Eight
Warren East 13th - Deadpool, 10 Cloverfield Lane
Warren West 21st - London Has Fallen, I Saw The Light, Batman vs. Superman IMAX 2D/3D
Warren Old Town - Allegiant, 10 Cloverfield Lane
Friday, April 08, 2016
Hardcore Henry **
Ilya Naishuller co-wrote and directed this Sci-Fi Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, Andrey Dementiev, Dasha Charusa, Sveta Ustinova. Rated R for non-stop bloody brutal violence and mayhem, language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug use. Running time is one hour and thirty-six minutes.
A man is brought back from the dead by his wife (Haley Bennett). Five minutes later, he is being shot at, and his wife has been kidnapped..
I can think of only two groups who will enjoy this film: those who like unlimited, gory violence; and gamers. Cinema students might also find it interesting in that the title character, Henry, is the camera and you see the entire film through his eyes. After the first five minutes the film become non-stop action with an incredible amount of violence. This becomes disorienting occasionally. Plus the character you see the most keeps getting killed but keeps returning, and a great deal of the dialogue appears to be in Russian. Those facts make it difficult to get immersed in the plot or to care for anyone in it. I don't think most adult patrons will care for this unless, as I said before, they're gamers or violence lovers.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.
A man is brought back from the dead by his wife (Haley Bennett). Five minutes later, he is being shot at, and his wife has been kidnapped..
I can think of only two groups who will enjoy this film: those who like unlimited, gory violence; and gamers. Cinema students might also find it interesting in that the title character, Henry, is the camera and you see the entire film through his eyes. After the first five minutes the film become non-stop action with an incredible amount of violence. This becomes disorienting occasionally. Plus the character you see the most keeps getting killed but keeps returning, and a great deal of the dialogue appears to be in Russian. Those facts make it difficult to get immersed in the plot or to care for anyone in it. I don't think most adult patrons will care for this unless, as I said before, they're gamers or violence lovers.
There are no additional scenes once the credits begin. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.
The Boss **½
Ben Falcone co-wrote and directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage, Kathy Bates. Rated R for sexual content, language and brief drug use. Running time is one hour and thirty-nine minutes.
A titan of industry (McCarthy) is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she gets out she finds she's a penniless pariah and is forced to move in with her former assistant (Bell).
The national critics have not been kind to this film and I'm not surprised. There's absolutely nothing classy or sophisticated about this comedy. But, it is funny and there are scenes where I'll bet you'll laugh. It's biggest drawback in my opinion is the non-stop use of profanity. There's so much it gets forced and tiresome. But McCarthy is funny, Bell is winsome, and the running time is not overly long. This is not a film I'd take young grandchildren to, but most everyone else will find this amusing.
There are take-out scenes during the first half of the credits that are funny. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.
A titan of industry (McCarthy) is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she gets out she finds she's a penniless pariah and is forced to move in with her former assistant (Bell).
The national critics have not been kind to this film and I'm not surprised. There's absolutely nothing classy or sophisticated about this comedy. But, it is funny and there are scenes where I'll bet you'll laugh. It's biggest drawback in my opinion is the non-stop use of profanity. There's so much it gets forced and tiresome. But McCarthy is funny, Bell is winsome, and the running time is not overly long. This is not a film I'd take young grandchildren to, but most everyone else will find this amusing.
There are take-out scenes during the first half of the credits that are funny. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.
Worthwhile ( or not) 4/8/16
MetaCritic indicates Midnight Special (76) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Hardcore Henry (51), Demolition (48), and The Boss (37). I saw two of these and disagreed with the national critics on one and agreed with them on the other. For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.
Monday, April 04, 2016
Opening 4/8/16
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 Boss [R] 1 hr. 29 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage, Kathy Bates. Plot: a titan of industry is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Hardcore Henry [R] 1 hr. 36 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, Andrey Dementiev, Dasha Charusa, Sveta Ustinova. Plot: a man is brought back from the dead by his wife (Haley Bennett). Five minutes later, he is being shot at, and his wife has been kidnapped..Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Midnight Special [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min. Sci-fi film Watch Preview Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Adam Driver, Jaeden Lieberher, Sam Shepard, Bill Camp, Scott Haze, Paul Sparks. Plot: a father and son are forced into going on the run when the eight-year-old boy develops an extraordinary power. Showing at: Warren East.
Leaving 4/7/16
Movie Machine - My Big Fat Greet Wedding 2
Palace West - The Big Short, How To Be Single, The 5th Wave
Warren East 13th - London Has Fallen, Batman vs. Superman 3D
Warren West 21st - nothing
Warren Old Town - My Big Fat Greet Wedding 2
Palace West - The Big Short, How To Be Single, The 5th Wave
Warren East 13th - London Has Fallen, Batman vs. Superman 3D
Warren West 21st - nothing
Warren Old Town - My Big Fat Greet Wedding 2
Friday, April 01, 2016
Worthwhile (or not) 4/1/16
MetaCritic indicates Eye In The Sky (72) is the top ranking film this week, followed by I Saw The Light (45). Evidently neither God's Not Dead 2 nor Meet The Blacks were screened as neither has a rating. I was unable to watch any of these this week, so no reviews from me. For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.
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About Me
- Wichita, KS, United States
- I've spent most of my adult life in film exhibition management, from which I've retired. As a result of my work I've seen thousands of movies over the years and maintain a strong interest in movies and theatres.
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