Derby Plaza - Halloween, Bourne Ultimatum, Nanny Diaries
Movie Machine - Halloween, The Brothers Solomon
Northrock 14 - Becoming Jane, Halloween, Shoot 'Em Up, Superbad
Palace West - 1408, Live Free Or Die Hard
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Death At A Funersl, Arctic Tale, Stardust, Hairspray
Warren Old Town - Halloween, Superbad
Warren West 21st - Shoot 'Em Up, Hairspray, War, Transformers
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 9/14/07
The MetaCritic ratings seem a little strange to me this week but here's what they are: ARCTIC TALE (64/100), THE BRAVE ONE (55/100), MR. WOODCOCK (42/100), and DRAGON WARS (unrated as of this writing but something will show up later). Foster's picture ratings are lowered by a number of terrible reviews that indicate those reviewers are only reviewing for art and not for entertainment. Trust me, most will thoroughly enjoy her pic.
At least there's something for almost everyone. Arctic Tale for families, Brave One for adults, Woodcock for teens, and Dragon Wars for those who march to the beat of a different drummer.
At least there's something for almost everyone. Arctic Tale for families, Brave One for adults, Woodcock for teens, and Dragon Wars for those who march to the beat of a different drummer.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
THE BRAVE ONE ****
A few weeks back we had Kevin Bacon's reprise of the old Charles Bronson DEATH WISH. This week we have a much, much better telling of the same basic story but this time starring: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky Katt, Naveen Andrews, and Mary Steenburgen. The director is Neil Jordan.
Foster and Andrews are lovers about to be married when they go out to walk the dog one night in Central Park (even I know better than to do that, and I've never been there). They are mugged by a gang and Andrews is killed and Foster barely survives. After several weeks of recovery she goes to the police to see if any progress has been made and is basically put on hold. She decides justice is probably not going to be served, gets a gun and almost immediately, but accidentally, must use it to protect herself. She's appalled at the fear she feels because of her attackers and decides she doesn't want to feel that emotion any longer and sets out to remove those who cross her path intending to do her harm. Howard notices her at the scene of a subway killing and remembers her from the earlier attack. They meet, talk, like each other but he starts to put two and two together and the rest of the film is spent figuring out what he will do about the "Vigilante Killer" if he can find enough actual evidence to charge her.
Nicole Kidman was originally slated for this film but it's hard to imagine how she could have done this part nearly as well as Foster, who is absolutely mesmerizing. We watch as she turns from a loving companion into a grief stricken woman who finds herself completely alone. Then she is fearful, vengeful and finally totally bewildered at the person she has become. She reaches a point where she doesn't care if she's caught as long as she can achieve a sense of closure for the loss she has suffered. This is Foster's picture from start to finish. Howard is fine as is Katt, Andrews is hardly there since he's killed early on, and Steenburgen is basically unimportant to the story. There is a fair amount of violence, although it isn't overly stressed, a brief flash of nudity, and some profanity that seems realistic. This is a first class drama that should bring Foster rave reviews. Highly recommended.
Foster and Andrews are lovers about to be married when they go out to walk the dog one night in Central Park (even I know better than to do that, and I've never been there). They are mugged by a gang and Andrews is killed and Foster barely survives. After several weeks of recovery she goes to the police to see if any progress has been made and is basically put on hold. She decides justice is probably not going to be served, gets a gun and almost immediately, but accidentally, must use it to protect herself. She's appalled at the fear she feels because of her attackers and decides she doesn't want to feel that emotion any longer and sets out to remove those who cross her path intending to do her harm. Howard notices her at the scene of a subway killing and remembers her from the earlier attack. They meet, talk, like each other but he starts to put two and two together and the rest of the film is spent figuring out what he will do about the "Vigilante Killer" if he can find enough actual evidence to charge her.
Nicole Kidman was originally slated for this film but it's hard to imagine how she could have done this part nearly as well as Foster, who is absolutely mesmerizing. We watch as she turns from a loving companion into a grief stricken woman who finds herself completely alone. Then she is fearful, vengeful and finally totally bewildered at the person she has become. She reaches a point where she doesn't care if she's caught as long as she can achieve a sense of closure for the loss she has suffered. This is Foster's picture from start to finish. Howard is fine as is Katt, Andrews is hardly there since he's killed early on, and Steenburgen is basically unimportant to the story. There is a fair amount of violence, although it isn't overly stressed, a brief flash of nudity, and some profanity that seems realistic. This is a first class drama that should bring Foster rave reviews. Highly recommended.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Opening 9/14/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
ARCTIC TALE [G] 1 hr. 25 min. Documentary Trailer Cast: Queen Latifah. Plot: from National Geographic Films, an epic adventure that explores the vast world of the Great North. Narrated by Queen Latifah, the film features music from Cat Stevens, Ben Harper, Aimee Mann, and The Shins. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
THE BRAVE ONE [R] 2 hrs. Psychological Thriller Trailer Cast: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen. Plot: after her fiancé is killed in a brutal attack, a radio host begins prowling the city streets at night to track down the men she holds responsible. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
DRAGON WARS [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Action/Fantasy Trailer Cast: Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, Robert Forster, Aimee Garcia, Craig Robinson. Plot: based on a Korean legend, unknown creatures return and devastate Earth, and only an investigative reporter and a young woman (they're reincarnated, don't you know) can stop this from happening. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
MR. WOODCOCK [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Seann William Scott, Susan Sarandon, Ethan Suplee, Melissa Sagemiller, Amy Poehler. Plot: a self-help author returns to his hometown only to discover his mother has fallen in love with his old high school nemesis – the gruff, no-nonsense gym teacher who had put him through years of mental and physical humiliation. Determined to prevent history from repeating itself, he sets out to stop his mother from marrying the man who had made life miserable for him and his classmates. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 9/13/2007
Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - The Nanny Diaries
Northrock 14 - Death Sentence, No Reservations, Nanny Diaries
Palace West - Knocked Up
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - The Brothers Solomon, La Vie En Rose, Death Sentence, War, I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry
Warren Old Town - Balls Of Fury
Warren West 21st - Death Sentence, Harry Potter
Movie Machine - The Nanny Diaries
Northrock 14 - Death Sentence, No Reservations, Nanny Diaries
Palace West - Knocked Up
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - The Brothers Solomon, La Vie En Rose, Death Sentence, War, I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry
Warren Old Town - Balls Of Fury
Warren West 21st - Death Sentence, Harry Potter
Friday, September 07, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 9/7/07
Here's how the critics averaged on MetaCritic. The top rated film was the classic Western, 3:10 TO YUMA (73/100), followed by the British comedy, DEATH AT A FUNERAL (67/100), the French film about Edith Piaf, LA VIE EN ROSE (66/100), the over-the-top action pic, SHOOT 'EM UP (53/100) and bringing up the rear, the SNL cast comedy, THE BROTHERS SOLOMON (33/100).
SHOOT 'EM UP **½
This over-the-top action film has a cast of hundreds of dead bodies but only three that are really important to the plot: Clive Owen, Monica Bellucci, and Paul Giamatti. The director is Michael Davis.
The story has Owen sitting around eating a carrot (really) when a pregnant woman about to give birth runs by him being chased by a man who clearly wants to kill her. Owen rescues her (you won't believe how lethal a carrot can be) initially but she's soon killed, leaving Owen with the newborn baby. He takes the baby to a lactating prostitute and the real action begins, as Giamatti arrives on the scene determined to kill the baby for reasons you won't discover until the movie is almost over.
Perhaps Saving Private Ryan had a higher body count but this film would give it a good run for the highest total. You are clearly not meant to take the slaughter seriously. This is a film where you just sit back and go along for the ride, seeing just how many ways one man can take out an army of killers. Owen is perfect for his role and Giamatti absolutely shines as a maniacal killer who's constantly interrupted by his wife wanting him home for their son's birthday party. Bellucci is gorgeous to looks at and participates with Owen in one of the most unusual sexual orgasms you're ever likely to see. As you might surmise, the movie is extremely violent and there's a fair amount of nudity. If you can suspend belief while watching, this is a quick paced action film many will greatly enjoy.
The story has Owen sitting around eating a carrot (really) when a pregnant woman about to give birth runs by him being chased by a man who clearly wants to kill her. Owen rescues her (you won't believe how lethal a carrot can be) initially but she's soon killed, leaving Owen with the newborn baby. He takes the baby to a lactating prostitute and the real action begins, as Giamatti arrives on the scene determined to kill the baby for reasons you won't discover until the movie is almost over.
Perhaps Saving Private Ryan had a higher body count but this film would give it a good run for the highest total. You are clearly not meant to take the slaughter seriously. This is a film where you just sit back and go along for the ride, seeing just how many ways one man can take out an army of killers. Owen is perfect for his role and Giamatti absolutely shines as a maniacal killer who's constantly interrupted by his wife wanting him home for their son's birthday party. Bellucci is gorgeous to looks at and participates with Owen in one of the most unusual sexual orgasms you're ever likely to see. As you might surmise, the movie is extremely violent and there's a fair amount of nudity. If you can suspend belief while watching, this is a quick paced action film many will greatly enjoy.
3:10 TO YUMA ***½
Based on an Elmore Leonard short story, 3:10 To Yuma was first made as a Western in 1957 starring Van Heflin as the rancher and Glenn Ford as the desperado. This time around the cast includes: Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Dallas Roberts, Gretchen Mol, Alan Tudyk, Ben Foster, Logan Lerman, Luce Rains, Peter Fonda, and Vinessa Shaw.
The plot is fairly typical for a "Code of the West" film. Bale is a desperate rancher who's about to lose his spread due to lack of water. Crowe is a well-known desperado who's high on the Pinkerton Agency's list. When he's captured while dallying with a bar maid, the rancher offers to help take him to meet the 3:10 train to Yuma in return for $200 which will help save his ranch. It's obvious this won't be an easy task as Crowe has a gang willing to do anything to gain his freedom. To compound the rancher's problems, his oldest son (14) insists on going along on the deadly trip. Is the rancher as honorable as he appears? Is the bandit as evil as he appears? Those are the questions answered as the trip draws to its conclusion.
No matter what you may think of Crowe's real life actions, he is a terrific actor, (Bale is no slouch, either). Together they bring this story to life and give us an entertaining Western drama, something we haven't seen a lot of in the past few years. There's lots of violence and a little profanity, but this is basically a character study that becomes more absorbing as the plot progresses. Highly recommended for Western and action fans.
The plot is fairly typical for a "Code of the West" film. Bale is a desperate rancher who's about to lose his spread due to lack of water. Crowe is a well-known desperado who's high on the Pinkerton Agency's list. When he's captured while dallying with a bar maid, the rancher offers to help take him to meet the 3:10 train to Yuma in return for $200 which will help save his ranch. It's obvious this won't be an easy task as Crowe has a gang willing to do anything to gain his freedom. To compound the rancher's problems, his oldest son (14) insists on going along on the deadly trip. Is the rancher as honorable as he appears? Is the bandit as evil as he appears? Those are the questions answered as the trip draws to its conclusion.
No matter what you may think of Crowe's real life actions, he is a terrific actor, (Bale is no slouch, either). Together they bring this story to life and give us an entertaining Western drama, something we haven't seen a lot of in the past few years. There's lots of violence and a little profanity, but this is basically a character study that becomes more absorbing as the plot progresses. Highly recommended for Western and action fans.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Opening 9/7/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
3:10 TO YUMA [R] 2 hrs. 10 min. Western Trailer Cast: Alan Tudyk, Ben Foster, Christian Bale, Dallas Roberts, Gretchen Mol, Logan Lerman, Luce Rains, Peter Fonda, Russell Crowe, Vinessa Shaw. Plot: in Arizona in the late 1800's, an infamous outlaw is captured and a Civil War veteran, struggling to survive on his drought-plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver him alive to the "3:10 to Yuma", a train that will take the killer to trial. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Oldtown, 21st Street Warren.
THE BROTHERS SOLOMON [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Chi McBride, Kristen Wiig, Malin Akerman, Will Arnett, Will Forte. Plot: two good-hearted but romantically-challenged brothers set out to find someone to have a baby with but their social skills prove to be somewhat lacking and their attempts at fatherhood go hysterically and disastrously wrong. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
DEATH AT A FUNERAL [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Alan Tudyk, Andy Nyman, Daisy Donovan, Jane Asher, Kris Marshall, Matthew Macfayden, Peter Dinklage, Rupert Graves. Plot: a dignified funeral for a loved one erupts into uproarious chaos when romance, jealousy, in-laws, hallucinogens, dark secrets, life-long yearnings and a spot of bold blackmail all collide in this irreverent British comedy. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
LA VIE EN ROSE [PG-13] 2 hrs. 20 min. Drama/Foreign Trailer Cast: Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Clotilde Courau, Pascal Greggory, Marc Barbé, Caroline Sihol, Emmanuelle Seigner, Catherine Allégret, Jean-Pierre Martins. Plot: Edith Piaf's life was a battle to sing and survive, live and love. But in her audacious attempt to tame her tragic destiny, the Little Sparrow - her nickname - flew so high she could not fail to burn her wings. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
SHOOT 'EM UP [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Chris Jericho, Clive Owen, Daniel Pilon, Greg Bryk, Jane McLean, Monica Bellucci, Paul Giamatti, Stephen McHattie. Plot: a mysterious loner teams up with an unlikely ally to protect a newborn baby from a determined criminal who hunts them throughout the bowels of the city. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 9/06/2007
Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Nothing
Northrock 14 - Hairspray, Resurrecting The Champ, Invasion
Palace West - I Know Who Killed Me
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Once, Underdog, September Dawn, Harry Potter 3, Invasion, Ratatouille, Resurrecting The Champ
Warren Old Town - Rush Hour 3
Warren West 21st - Stardust, Underdog, I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry, Invasion, Ratatouille, Resurrecting The Champ
Movie Machine - Nothing
Northrock 14 - Hairspray, Resurrecting The Champ, Invasion
Palace West - I Know Who Killed Me
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Once, Underdog, September Dawn, Harry Potter 3, Invasion, Ratatouille, Resurrecting The Champ
Warren Old Town - Rush Hour 3
Warren West 21st - Stardust, Underdog, I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry, Invasion, Ratatouille, Resurrecting The Champ
Friday, August 31, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/31/07
This week started out with three films scheduled but the best, Death At A Funeral, was dropped for some reason. Hopefully, this British comedy will turn up a little later. That only leaves this week with Death Sentence (48/100) and Halloween (unscreened), according to MetaCritic. Slim pickings, indeed!
HALLOWEEN 0*
John Carpenter started this series back in 1978 with a pretty good little horror film. Several films later, Rob Zombie has gotten his hands on it as writer/director and managed to create a film that for the cast will surely rank as the nadir of their careers. Among this group of unfortunate thespians are: Scout Taylor-Compton, Tyler Mane, Malcolm McDowell, Brad Dourif, Daeg Faerch, Sheri Moon, William Forsythe, Dee Wallace, and Udo Kier.
The film introduces us to Michael as a little boy in what surely must be one of the more dysfunctional households you've been exposed to. The purpose of this prologue is to let you know how he became a sociopath (frankly, I didn't really care, and certainly not for 30 minutes worth). Then we see his first killings, followed by fifteen years of incarceration in a mental institution, and his escape due to the most unbelievably incompetent guards it will ever be your misfortune to see. He immediately heads for home to look for his baby sister, who he last saw as an infant. He has no trouble immediately finding her (we need to send him after bin Laden), and the final slaughter begins.
This has got to be one of the worst films I've ever suffered through. It is full of characters you're more than willing to see slaughtered, makes absolutely no sense, and except for one scene close to the end, isn't in the least scary. The language is continually profane and most of the female cast is occasionally topless. The carnage is virtually unending (you don't know why) and special kudos should be given to the sound man for giving us very realistic sonic depictions of baseball bats crushing skulls, knives rending flesh, and people drowning in their own blood. If you're into this type of thing, OK, but consider therapy. I personally wouldn't advise wasting time or money on something this bad.
The film introduces us to Michael as a little boy in what surely must be one of the more dysfunctional households you've been exposed to. The purpose of this prologue is to let you know how he became a sociopath (frankly, I didn't really care, and certainly not for 30 minutes worth). Then we see his first killings, followed by fifteen years of incarceration in a mental institution, and his escape due to the most unbelievably incompetent guards it will ever be your misfortune to see. He immediately heads for home to look for his baby sister, who he last saw as an infant. He has no trouble immediately finding her (we need to send him after bin Laden), and the final slaughter begins.
This has got to be one of the worst films I've ever suffered through. It is full of characters you're more than willing to see slaughtered, makes absolutely no sense, and except for one scene close to the end, isn't in the least scary. The language is continually profane and most of the female cast is occasionally topless. The carnage is virtually unending (you don't know why) and special kudos should be given to the sound man for giving us very realistic sonic depictions of baseball bats crushing skulls, knives rending flesh, and people drowning in their own blood. If you're into this type of thing, OK, but consider therapy. I personally wouldn't advise wasting time or money on something this bad.
DEATH SENTENCE *½
Back in 1974 Charles Bronson made Death Wish. a film about a man seeking random revenge for the death of his wife. This film has the same theme but is a little less random, as our protagonist knows exactly who he wants to kill. Starring are: Kevin Bacon, Kelly Preston, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, Aisha Tyler, and Matt O'Leary. James Wan, best known as the director of the Saw films, is the director.
Bacon portrays a mild mannered executive with the perfect family. On the way home with his oldest son, a gang initiation leads to the son's death. Convinced the guilty party will not be brought to justice, he determines to take matters into his own hands, leading to deadly consequences.
This pic puts an experienced director in charge of a very experienced cast and comes up wanting. My reaction to Bacon's character for most of the film was one of annoyance. He makes bad choice after obvious bad choice and then compounds it all with some unbelievable choices. Preston is good although mostly wasted and Goodman shines as one of the nastiest characters you'll ever run across. Tyler is fine as the police detective but it's a rather thankless role. There is a fair amount of action and lots of bloody violence but since none of it rings true, it really doesn't matter. This is a DVD bargain day rental at best.
Bacon portrays a mild mannered executive with the perfect family. On the way home with his oldest son, a gang initiation leads to the son's death. Convinced the guilty party will not be brought to justice, he determines to take matters into his own hands, leading to deadly consequences.
This pic puts an experienced director in charge of a very experienced cast and comes up wanting. My reaction to Bacon's character for most of the film was one of annoyance. He makes bad choice after obvious bad choice and then compounds it all with some unbelievable choices. Preston is good although mostly wasted and Goodman shines as one of the nastiest characters you'll ever run across. Tyler is fine as the police detective but it's a rather thankless role. There is a fair amount of action and lots of bloody violence but since none of it rings true, it really doesn't matter. This is a DVD bargain day rental at best.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Opening 8/31/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
DEATH SENTENCE [R] 1hr. 45 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Aisha Tyler, Garrett Hedlun, John Goodman, Jordan Garrett, Kelly Preston, Kevin Bacon, Leigh Whannell, Matt O'Leary, Yorgo Constantine. Plot: a mild-mannered executive with a perfect life witnesses/experiences something that changes him forever. Transformed by grief, he comes to the disturbing conclusion that no length is too great when protecting his family. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
HALLOWEEN [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Horror Trailer Cast: Brad Dourif, Danielle Harris, Malcolm McDowell, Scout Taylor Compton, Sheri Moon Zombie, Tyler Mane, William Forsythe. Plot: an entirely new take on the highly successful and terrifying Halloween legacy that began in 1978, as director Rob Zombie turns back time to uncover the making of a pathologically disturbed, even cursed child named Michael Myers. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Sneak Preview, Sunday 9/2/07
3:10 TO YUMA [R] 2 hrs. 10 min. Western Trailer Cast: Alan Tudyk, Ben Foster, Christian Bale, Dallas Roberts, Gretchen Mol, Logan Lerman, Luce Rains, Peter Fonda, Russell Crowe, Vinessa Shaw. Plot: in Arizona in the late 1800's, an infamous outlaw is captured and a Civil War veteran, struggling to survive on his drought-plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver him alive to the "3:10 to Yuma", a train that will take the killer to trial. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively (7:00 p.m. - replaces WAR at same time).
Leaving 8/30/2007
Derby Plaza - The Simpsons Movie
Movie Machine - Bourne Ultimatum
Northrock 14 - The Last Legion, Talk To Me
Palace West - Ocean's 13, Nancy Drew, Wild Hogs
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Warren Old Town - The Invasion
Warren West 21st - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Movie Machine - Bourne Ultimatum
Northrock 14 - The Last Legion, Talk To Me
Palace West - Ocean's 13, Nancy Drew, Wild Hogs
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Warren Old Town - The Invasion
Warren West 21st - The Simpsons Movie, Transformers
Friday, August 24, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/24/07
So many pictures...so little time. Here's what MetaCritic thought of this week's offerings: Once (88/100), Mr. Bean's Holiday (57/100), Resurrectng the Champ (54/100), Illegal Tender (51/100), The Nanny Diaries (45/100), September Dawn (39/100), and War (not reviewed).
I haven't had a chance to write my review of Mr. Bean's Holiday yet but I'll get it posted later today or tomorrow at the latest.
I haven't had a chance to write my review of Mr. Bean's Holiday yet but I'll get it posted later today or tomorrow at the latest.
WAR **½
WAR is a slice 'n dice (literally) action film starring: Jet Li, Jason Statham, John Lone, Steph Song, Nadine Velazquez, Kane Kosugi, Andrea Roth, and Devon Aoki The director is Philip G. Atwell, who has basically been a video/Tv director until now.
The plot is more convoluted than usual for this type of film. It starts with two FBI agents in the middle of a gun battle which includes a deadly killer named Rogue. Rogue is supposedly killed by one of the agents and then some time later, that agent and his wife and daughter are killed by Rogue, who has resurfaced. The remaining partner vows revenge and finds Rogue three years later in the middle of a fight between elements of the Chinese Triads and the Japanese Yakuza. It soon becomes obvious Rogue is working both ends of the fight and instigating a fight to the death between the two groups. The battle you'd expect erupts and ends with the agent and the assassin finally coming face to face.
This is the type of film many males greatly enjoy. It features non-stop violence, sword slicing, explosions, lots of blood and flying body parts, fast cars, and a plethora of scantily clad young women. What's not to like? Most women will be much happier with something like Becoming Jane or The Nanny Diaries. But for those for whom fast paced action equals entertainment, this fills the bill nicely. There is a plot flaw which you'll realize at the end but most won't really care. A big screen and good sound will add to the pleasure.
The plot is more convoluted than usual for this type of film. It starts with two FBI agents in the middle of a gun battle which includes a deadly killer named Rogue. Rogue is supposedly killed by one of the agents and then some time later, that agent and his wife and daughter are killed by Rogue, who has resurfaced. The remaining partner vows revenge and finds Rogue three years later in the middle of a fight between elements of the Chinese Triads and the Japanese Yakuza. It soon becomes obvious Rogue is working both ends of the fight and instigating a fight to the death between the two groups. The battle you'd expect erupts and ends with the agent and the assassin finally coming face to face.
This is the type of film many males greatly enjoy. It features non-stop violence, sword slicing, explosions, lots of blood and flying body parts, fast cars, and a plethora of scantily clad young women. What's not to like? Most women will be much happier with something like Becoming Jane or The Nanny Diaries. But for those for whom fast paced action equals entertainment, this fills the bill nicely. There is a plot flaw which you'll realize at the end but most won't really care. A big screen and good sound will add to the pleasure.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Opening 8/24/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
ILLEGAL TENDER [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Dania Ramirez, Gary Perez, Manny Perez, Rick Gonzalez, Tego Calderon, Wanda De Jesus. Plot: after the gangsters who killed his father come to settle a score, a teenage boy and his mother turn the tables on the killers. Showing at: 21st Street Warren exclusively.
MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY [G] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Antoine de Caunes, Emma de Caunes, Jean Rochefort, Rowan Atkinson, Willem Dafoe. Plot: in his latest misadventure, Mr. Bean--the nearly wordless misfit who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks--goes on holiday to the French Riviera where he is wrongly thought to be both a kidnapper and an acclaimed filmmaker. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Warren.
THE NANNY DIARIES [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Alicia Keys, Chris Evans, Donna Murphy, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, Scarlett Johansson. Plot: the story of the emotional and often humorous journey of a young woman from a working-class neighborhood in New Jersey, struggling to understand her place in the world, who accepts the position as a nanny for a wealthy family and learns that life is not very rosy on the other side of the tax bracket. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
ONCE [R] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy/Drama/Musical/Romance Trailer Cast: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova. Plot: the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RESURRECTING THE CHAMP [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Alan Alda, Chris Ippolito, Dakota Goyo, David Paymer, Eugene Clark, Glenn Hunter, Harry J. Lennix, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Morris, Peter Coyote, Rachel Nichols, Ryan McDonald, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephen Strachan, Teri Hatcher. Plot: when an up-and-coming sports writer saves a homeless man from a scrape with a group of rowdy college kids, he discovers he's no ordinary bum, but Champ, a one-time boxing great. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SEPTEMBER DAWN [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Western/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Dean Cain, Huntley Ritter, Jon Gries, Jon Voight, Krisinda Cain, Lolita Davidovich, Shaun Johnston, Tamara Hope, Taylor Handley, Terence Stamp, Trent Ford. Plot: on September 11, 1857 in an unspoiled valley of the Utah Territory-and in the name of God-120 men, women and children were savagely murdered. This controversial film dramatizes who ordered the massacre, and why. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
WAR [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Andrea Roth, Devon Aoki, Jason Statham, Jet Li, John Lone, Kane Kosugi, Kennedy Lauren Montano, Luis Guzman, Mark Cheng, Mathew St. Patrick, Nadine Velazquez, Ryo Ishibashi, Saul Rubinek, Terry Chen. Plot: two adversaries set on a violent collision course in the Asian mob underground. Showing at: Northrock, 21st Street Warren, 13th Avenue Warren.
Opens Wednesday, 8/29/07
BALLS OF FURY [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Action/Comedy/Crime/Sport Trailer Cast: Christopher Walken, Dan Fogler, George Lopez, Maggie Q, Robert Patrick, Thomas Lennon. Plot: a down-and-out former professional Ping-Pong phenom is sucked into the unsanctioned, underground, and unhinged world of extreme Ping-Pong when an FBI Agent recruits him for a secret mission. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY [G] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Antoine de Caunes, Emma de Caunes, Jean Rochefort, Rowan Atkinson, Willem Dafoe. Plot: in his latest misadventure, Mr. Bean--the nearly wordless misfit who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks--goes on holiday to the French Riviera where he is wrongly thought to be both a kidnapper and an acclaimed filmmaker. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Warren.
THE NANNY DIARIES [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Alicia Keys, Chris Evans, Donna Murphy, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, Scarlett Johansson. Plot: the story of the emotional and often humorous journey of a young woman from a working-class neighborhood in New Jersey, struggling to understand her place in the world, who accepts the position as a nanny for a wealthy family and learns that life is not very rosy on the other side of the tax bracket. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
ONCE [R] 1 hr. 25 min. Comedy/Drama/Musical/Romance Trailer Cast: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova. Plot: the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RESURRECTING THE CHAMP [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Alan Alda, Chris Ippolito, Dakota Goyo, David Paymer, Eugene Clark, Glenn Hunter, Harry J. Lennix, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Morris, Peter Coyote, Rachel Nichols, Ryan McDonald, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephen Strachan, Teri Hatcher. Plot: when an up-and-coming sports writer saves a homeless man from a scrape with a group of rowdy college kids, he discovers he's no ordinary bum, but Champ, a one-time boxing great. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SEPTEMBER DAWN [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Western/Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Dean Cain, Huntley Ritter, Jon Gries, Jon Voight, Krisinda Cain, Lolita Davidovich, Shaun Johnston, Tamara Hope, Taylor Handley, Terence Stamp, Trent Ford. Plot: on September 11, 1857 in an unspoiled valley of the Utah Territory-and in the name of God-120 men, women and children were savagely murdered. This controversial film dramatizes who ordered the massacre, and why. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
WAR [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Andrea Roth, Devon Aoki, Jason Statham, Jet Li, John Lone, Kane Kosugi, Kennedy Lauren Montano, Luis Guzman, Mark Cheng, Mathew St. Patrick, Nadine Velazquez, Ryo Ishibashi, Saul Rubinek, Terry Chen. Plot: two adversaries set on a violent collision course in the Asian mob underground. Showing at: Northrock, 21st Street Warren, 13th Avenue Warren.
Opens Wednesday, 8/29/07
BALLS OF FURY [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Action/Comedy/Crime/Sport Trailer Cast: Christopher Walken, Dan Fogler, George Lopez, Maggie Q, Robert Patrick, Thomas Lennon. Plot: a down-and-out former professional Ping-Pong phenom is sucked into the unsanctioned, underground, and unhinged world of extreme Ping-Pong when an FBI Agent recruits him for a secret mission. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 8/23/2007
Derby Plaza - Hairspray
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Ratatouille, The Simpsons Movie, Stardust, Daddy Day Camp, Harry Potter
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Daddy Day Camp, Hot Rod, Talk To Me
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Rescue Dawn, Daddy Day Camp
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Ratatouille, The Simpsons Movie, Stardust, Daddy Day Camp, Harry Potter
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Daddy Day Camp, Hot Rod, Talk To Me
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Rescue Dawn, Daddy Day Camp
Friday, August 17, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/17/07
At first glance this week looked as if it had nothing to offer. But, it turns out I was in for a surprise (see my review below). As far as MetaCrtic is concerned, here's how they rate: SUPERBAD (78), TALK TO ME (69), THE INVASION (49), and THE LAST LEGION (not screened, and you know what that means).
Incidentally, INVASION is the fourth time INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS has been made and according to the bulk of the reviews they shouldnt have wasted their time.
For those who've been enjoying the cult film at the Palace West, here's the lineup for the next couple of months: August 24 & 25- Rocky Horror Picture Show, August 31 & Sept.1- National Lampoon Vacation, September 7 & 8- Revenge of the Nerds, September 14 & 15- Clockwork Orange, September 21 & 22- Monty Python Life of Brian, September 28 & 29- Blazing Saddles, October 5 & 6- The Shining , October 12 & 13- Evil Dead 2.
Update: Here's the latest on the weekend from Nikki Finke's blog.
Incidentally, INVASION is the fourth time INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS has been made and according to the bulk of the reviews they shouldnt have wasted their time.
For those who've been enjoying the cult film at the Palace West, here's the lineup for the next couple of months: August 24 & 25- Rocky Horror Picture Show, August 31 & Sept.1- National Lampoon Vacation, September 7 & 8- Revenge of the Nerds, September 14 & 15- Clockwork Orange, September 21 & 22- Monty Python Life of Brian, September 28 & 29- Blazing Saddles, October 5 & 6- The Shining , October 12 & 13- Evil Dead 2.
Update: Here's the latest on the weekend from Nikki Finke's blog.
SUPERBAD ***
This is a rude, crude and highly profane coming-of-age comedy starring: Jonah Hill (Seth), Michael Cera (Evan), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fogell), Bill Hader (Officer Slater), Seth Rogen (Officer Michales), Emma Stone (Jules), Martha MacIsaac (Becca), and Aviva (Nicola).
The plot involves three high school seniors (Seth, Evan and Fogell) heading out to obtain liquor for a party using a phony I.D. They hope by providing the drinks for the party they'll get lucky with the objects of their desire (Jules, Becca and Nicola) and have girl friends for the summer before they leave for college (thus providing them with some experience they desperately need). Things don't quite go as planned and Fogell ends up riding around with Officers Slater and Michales while Seth and Evan try another approach at obtaining the necessary booze.
I suspect most who read my reviews are older than the target age for this film which is late teens and college age. I can assure you this group will absolutely love this film. Older patrons can plan on being surrounded by the younger ones and may have difficulty hearing the dialogue over the laughter. The language is continually profane and sexually graphic but I don't remember any nudity. What makes this film work is the likeability of the characters and the recognition that many of the situations involved are not entirely improbable. The closest comparison movie I can think of is Porky's. I should also point out the end credits have some of the most unusual graphics you'll see in a film. If you're in the right mood and you're old enough, this is definitely worth the money.
The plot involves three high school seniors (Seth, Evan and Fogell) heading out to obtain liquor for a party using a phony I.D. They hope by providing the drinks for the party they'll get lucky with the objects of their desire (Jules, Becca and Nicola) and have girl friends for the summer before they leave for college (thus providing them with some experience they desperately need). Things don't quite go as planned and Fogell ends up riding around with Officers Slater and Michales while Seth and Evan try another approach at obtaining the necessary booze.
I suspect most who read my reviews are older than the target age for this film which is late teens and college age. I can assure you this group will absolutely love this film. Older patrons can plan on being surrounded by the younger ones and may have difficulty hearing the dialogue over the laughter. The language is continually profane and sexually graphic but I don't remember any nudity. What makes this film work is the likeability of the characters and the recognition that many of the situations involved are not entirely improbable. The closest comparison movie I can think of is Porky's. I should also point out the end credits have some of the most unusual graphics you'll see in a film. If you're in the right mood and you're old enough, this is definitely worth the money.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Opening 8/17/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
THE INVASION [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Sci-Fi/Thriller Trailer Cast: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, Malin Akerman. Plot: the mysterious crash of a space shuttle leads to the terrifying discovery there is something alien within the wreckage causing a growing extraterrestrial epidemic: it attacks its victims while they sleep, leaving them physically unchanged but strangely unfeeling and inhuman. The only hope is to stay awake long enough to find someone who may hold the key to stopping the devastating invasion. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
THE LAST LEGION [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Action/Adventure/Fantasy Trailer Cast: Colin Firth, Aishwarya Rai, Sir Ben Kingsley, Thomas Sangster, Peter Mullan, Iain Glen. Plot: set against the fall of Rome and its last emperor, 12 year-old Romulus Augustus travels to Britannia in search of the last Roman Legion – the fabled Dragon Legion. There, Romulus will fight alongside his friends and take his first steps to becoming a man and the king who would father a legend. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SUPERBAD [R] 1 hr. 55 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Bill Hader. Plot: two school seniors set out to score alcohol for a party, believing girls will then hook up with them and they will be ready for college. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
TALK TO ME [R] 2 hrs. Drama Trailer Cast: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Mike Epps, Vondie Curtis Hall, Martin Sheen. Plot: the story of the one and only Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr.; set in the mid-to-late 1960s, in Washington, D.C., where vibrant soul music and exploding social consciousness were combined to unique and powerful effect. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren.
Leaving 8/16/2007
Derby Plaza - Harry Potter
Movie Machine - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Northrock 14 - Hot Rod, Who's Your Caddy?, Bratz
Palace West - Surf's Up, Spider-Man 3
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Rescue Dawn, Skinwalkers
Warren Old Town - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Harry Potter, Hairspray
Warren West 21st - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Skinwalkers
Movie Machine - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Northrock 14 - Hot Rod, Who's Your Caddy?, Bratz
Palace West - Surf's Up, Spider-Man 3
Starlite Drive-In - now open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Rescue Dawn, Skinwalkers
Warren Old Town - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Harry Potter, Hairspray
Warren West 21st - Bratz, Live Free Or Die Hard, Skinwalkers
Friday, August 10, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/10/07
The highest MetaCritic score this week goes to STARDUST (64), followed by BECOMING JANE (55), RUSH HOUR 3 (43), DADDY DAY CAMP (which opened Wednesday and only got 18) and SKINWALKERS with nothing since it evidently wasn't screened (bad, bad sign). None of these have a high enough score to get excited about although that's not unusual for this time of year. A studio is not going to release a major film just as school is opening.
Added Sunday: Here's a summary of the weekend business from Nikki Finke's blog.
Added Sunday: Here's a summary of the weekend business from Nikki Finke's blog.
RUSH HOUR 3 *
The first of the RUSH HOUR movies was released in 1998, followed by number 2 in 2001 and now six years later here we are with the threequel. Once again it stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker plus this time: Vinnie Jones, Hiroyuki Sanada, Noémie Lenoir, Yvan Attal, Sun Ming Ming, and Max von Sydow. Brett Ratner returns once again as the director.
After a brief prelude involving an attempted assassination, the boys head off to Paris in an attempt to stop a group of Chinese gangsters, known as the Triad, from killing Chan's former assignment and daughter as a way of keeping secret the Triad's membership. To do so they must find someone named Genevieve, who also knows the membership, then evade a passel of assassins which culminates in a battle at the top of the Eiffel Tower. They are aided by a cabbie who initially doesn't think much of Americans but decides he likes the thought of being a "secret agent."
I thought the first two films in this series were mildly amusing but it becomes quickly obvious this film has nothing new to offer and is just a grab for some fast bucks. The initial few minutes are almost painfully bad, even resorting to a variation on an old Abbott and Costello routine (who's on first) in an attempt to coerce some laughter. Once you become numbed by the lack of an intelligent plot, the latter part of the film has a few entertaining moments, but not nearly enough to justify buying a ticket. There was no joy in this one for me but younger teen audiences will probably find it at least palatable.
After a brief prelude involving an attempted assassination, the boys head off to Paris in an attempt to stop a group of Chinese gangsters, known as the Triad, from killing Chan's former assignment and daughter as a way of keeping secret the Triad's membership. To do so they must find someone named Genevieve, who also knows the membership, then evade a passel of assassins which culminates in a battle at the top of the Eiffel Tower. They are aided by a cabbie who initially doesn't think much of Americans but decides he likes the thought of being a "secret agent."
I thought the first two films in this series were mildly amusing but it becomes quickly obvious this film has nothing new to offer and is just a grab for some fast bucks. The initial few minutes are almost painfully bad, even resorting to a variation on an old Abbott and Costello routine (who's on first) in an attempt to coerce some laughter. Once you become numbed by the lack of an intelligent plot, the latter part of the film has a few entertaining moments, but not nearly enough to justify buying a ticket. There was no joy in this one for me but younger teen audiences will probably find it at least palatable.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Opening 8/10/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
BECOMING JANE [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith. Plot: the story of the great, untold romance that inspired a young Jane Austen. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RUSH HOUR 3 [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Action/Comedy/Crime Trailer Cast: Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Youki Kudoh, Max Von Sydow, Noemie Lenoir, Vinnie Jones, Yvan Attel, Roselyn Sanchez, Roman Polanski. Plot: in this threequel, the two must travel to Paris to battle a wing of the Chinese organized crime family, the Triads. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
SKINWALKERS [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action.Horror Trailer Cast: Scott Anderson, Jason Behr, Lyriq Bent, Sarah Carter, Kim Coates, Barbara Gordon, Tom Jackson, Rogue Johnston, Matthew Knight, Elias Koteas, Natassia Malthe, Carl Marotte, Rhona Mitra, Ramona Pringle, Shawn Roberts, David Sparrow. Plot: a 12-year-old boy suddenly finds himself at the center of a battle between two warring groups of werewolves; one sworn to protect him, the other trying to kill him -- and his mother must find out why before time runs out. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
STARDUST [PG-13] 2 hrs. 10 min. Adventure/Fantasy/Romance Trailer Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Jason Flemyng, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen. Plot: based on the best-selling graphic novel about a young man going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star which has transformed into a striking girl. There are others desperately searching for her but he discovers he must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
BECOMING JANE [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Drama/Romance Trailer Cast: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith. Plot: the story of the great, untold romance that inspired a young Jane Austen. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
RUSH HOUR 3 [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Action/Comedy/Crime Trailer Cast: Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Youki Kudoh, Max Von Sydow, Noemie Lenoir, Vinnie Jones, Yvan Attel, Roselyn Sanchez, Roman Polanski. Plot: in this threequel, the two must travel to Paris to battle a wing of the Chinese organized crime family, the Triads. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
SKINWALKERS [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action.Horror Trailer Cast: Scott Anderson, Jason Behr, Lyriq Bent, Sarah Carter, Kim Coates, Barbara Gordon, Tom Jackson, Rogue Johnston, Matthew Knight, Elias Koteas, Natassia Malthe, Carl Marotte, Rhona Mitra, Ramona Pringle, Shawn Roberts, David Sparrow. Plot: a 12-year-old boy suddenly finds himself at the center of a battle between two warring groups of werewolves; one sworn to protect him, the other trying to kill him -- and his mother must find out why before time runs out. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
STARDUST [PG-13] 2 hrs. 10 min. Adventure/Fantasy/Romance Trailer Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Jason Flemyng, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen. Plot: based on the best-selling graphic novel about a young man going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star which has transformed into a striking girl. There are others desperately searching for her but he discovers he must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 8/9/2007
Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Hairspray
Northrock 14 - Transformers, Live Free Or Die Hard, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Palace West - Mr. Brooks, Meet The Robinsons, A Mighty Heart
Starlite Drive-In - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry ONLY OPEN FRI/SAT STARTING FRIDAY
Warren East 13th - Harry Potter, 1408, I Know Who Killed Me, Sunshine
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Who's Your Caddy, I Know Who Killed Me, Evan Almighty
Movie Machine - Hairspray
Northrock 14 - Transformers, Live Free Or Die Hard, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
Palace West - Mr. Brooks, Meet The Robinsons, A Mighty Heart
Starlite Drive-In - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry ONLY OPEN FRI/SAT STARTING FRIDAY
Warren East 13th - Harry Potter, 1408, I Know Who Killed Me, Sunshine
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Who's Your Caddy, I Know Who Killed Me, Evan Almighty
Friday, August 03, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 8/3/07
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM ****
This film has the same title as Robert Ludlum's third and last novel in his Bourne series. Before you get worried about no more Bourne movies, two additional sequels have been written by another author and the movies have never closely followed Ludlum's plots in any event. If this film's grossses are as good as I suspect they will be, I don't think there's much doubt we'll see Jason Bourne in future films. Starring this time around are: Matt Damon (Jason Bourne), Julia Stiles (Nicky Parsons), David Strathairn (Noah Vosen), Scott Glenn (Ezra Kramer), Paddy Considine (Simon Ross), Edgar Ramirez (Paz), Albert Finney (Dr. Albert Hirsch) and Joan Allen (Pam Landy).
The story starts in Moscow and never stops moving as Bourne closes in on the people who can help him regain his identity. He reads a story about himself in a British newspaper and heads to London to see if the reporter has additional information. Chasing a lead, he runs into Nicky Parsons again, who helps him in his quest at the risk of her life. After several additional stops he lands in New York where he confronts the individuals in the CIA who know all about him and are determined to kill him before he releases the information he's remembering.
This film passed my entertainment test with flying colors...I never once looked at my watch. The production values are first rate, the cast is perfect and the plot moves at a pace that keeps you constantly involved with nary a draggy moment. If you want an interesting, intelligent, action film, they don't get any better than this. A large screen and good surround sound will add greatly to your enjoyment.
The story starts in Moscow and never stops moving as Bourne closes in on the people who can help him regain his identity. He reads a story about himself in a British newspaper and heads to London to see if the reporter has additional information. Chasing a lead, he runs into Nicky Parsons again, who helps him in his quest at the risk of her life. After several additional stops he lands in New York where he confronts the individuals in the CIA who know all about him and are determined to kill him before he releases the information he's remembering.
This film passed my entertainment test with flying colors...I never once looked at my watch. The production values are first rate, the cast is perfect and the plot moves at a pace that keeps you constantly involved with nary a draggy moment. If you want an interesting, intelligent, action film, they don't get any better than this. A large screen and good surround sound will add greatly to your enjoyment.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Opening 8/3/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action/Drama/Thriller Trailer Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, David Strathairn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez, Trevor St. John. Plot: Bourne travels from Moscow, Paris, Madrid and London to Tangier and New York City as he continues his quest to find the real Jason Bourne—all the while trying to outmaneuver the scores of cops, federal officers and Interpol agents with him in their crosshairs. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren
BRATZ [PG] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy/Family Trailer Cast: Nathalia Ramos, Janel Parrish, Logan Browning, Skyler Shaye, Chelsea Staub, Anneliese van der Pol, Malese Jow, Stephen Lunsford, Lainie Kazan, Ian Nelson, Chet Hanks, Sasha Cohen, Jon Voight. Plot: in the first live action feature film based on the chic fashion dolls the foursome enter Carry Nation High, a blackboard jungle where for the first time they discover life as a teenager means dealing with a system of social cliques, all strictly enforced by senior Meredith Baxter Dimly. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
HOT ROD [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Action/Comedy Trailer Cast: Andy Samberg, Isla Fisher, Jorma Taccone, Bill Hader, with Sissy Spacek, Ian McShane. Plot: self-proclaimed stuntman Rod Taylor plans to clear fifteen buses in an attempt to raise money for his abusive stepfather Frank's life-saving heart operation. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
UNDERDOG [PG] 1 hr. 25 min. Adventure/Comedy Trailer Cast: Jason Lee, Jim Belushi, Peter Dinklage, John Slattery, Patrick Warburton, Brad Garrett, Amy Adams. Plot: after an accident in the mysterious lab of maniacal scientist Dr. Simon Barsinister, an ordinary beagle unexpectedly finds himself with unimaginable powers, the ability to speak, and a fetching superhero costume. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 8/2/2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 7/27/07
There's quite a lot of variety this week. The Simpsons Movie is being reviewed favorably with a MetaCritic score of 82. The Viet Nam hostage drama, Rescue Dawn garners a 77. Sunshine got 66. The romantic comedy, No Reservations, only cooks up a 52. And, I Know Who Killed Me and Who's Your Caddy were evidently not screened for the critics which tells you what their distributors thought the reviews would be like.
Next week you've got The Bourne Ultimatum, Underdog and Hot Rod to look forward to plus a couple of others. I know which one of those is at the top of my list!
Next week you've got The Bourne Ultimatum, Underdog and Hot Rod to look forward to plus a couple of others. I know which one of those is at the top of my list!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
THE SIMPSONS MOVIE ***
Finally, after years of waiting, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie have made it to the big screen. The animated TV show, created by Matt Groening and declared the 20th century's best television series by Time magazine, is preparing for its 19th season on network TV and is currently the longest-running American sitcom. For those interested in a more exhaustive discussion of the family, check out their Wikipedia entry.
The story is quite simple, as you'd expect. Homer gets a pet pig, and its excrement, along with some of Homer's, is stored in a silo in the Simpson's back yard. When he dumps it in the local lake in his rush to get to a donut shop, the lake becomes toxic and the EPA decides to quarantine Springfield under a giant dome. Before things can return to normal, Homer must figure out how to make things right again.
This is a PG-13 rated animated comedy which should tell you it really isn't aimed at smaller children. If you're a Simpson's fan or enjoy raunchy humor of the Simpson's variety, you'll be laughing all the way through. The crowd reaction will probably be half the entertainment factor in this feature so I'd see it in a theatre. But, other than the reaction, it will play just as well on your home screen come DVD time.
The story is quite simple, as you'd expect. Homer gets a pet pig, and its excrement, along with some of Homer's, is stored in a silo in the Simpson's back yard. When he dumps it in the local lake in his rush to get to a donut shop, the lake becomes toxic and the EPA decides to quarantine Springfield under a giant dome. Before things can return to normal, Homer must figure out how to make things right again.
This is a PG-13 rated animated comedy which should tell you it really isn't aimed at smaller children. If you're a Simpson's fan or enjoy raunchy humor of the Simpson's variety, you'll be laughing all the way through. The crowd reaction will probably be half the entertainment factor in this feature so I'd see it in a theatre. But, other than the reaction, it will play just as well on your home screen come DVD time.
I KNOW WHO KILLED ME *
Lindsay Lohan's been the topic of several news stories lately. According to what I've read she may not be available to make any new films in the near future, or the film companies may not want to risk casting her in a film. So, this thriller may be the last we see of her for awhile. Others featured in this film are: Julia Ormond, Neal McDonough, Brian Geraghty, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Spencer Garrett, Gregory Itzin, Bonnie Aarons, Kenya Moore, Thomas Tofel, Rodney Rowland, and David Figlioli.
Lohan portrays a high school student who is abducted and tortured by a killer who likes to mutilate people before they die. When she's found she's missing a hand and a leg but she insists she's not the student everyone has been looking for but an exotic dancer who was also being tortured. No one believes her, least of all her parents, who do their best to help her even as she claims she doesn't know them. As the plot continues, you must not only try to determine who her kidnapper was, but whether she's the student with a split personality or an actual doppelgänger.
There's actually a pretty good story hiding in this film, but what appears to be severe editing along with Lohan's limited acting ability make it a moot point. The plot has gaps, leading me to believe the film has been drastically cut, even though it's still two hours long. Lohan is believable as a pole dancer, so her incessant clubbing in real life has given her a skill she can use. But, I don't think anyone is going to think she's actually being tortured during those intense moments of graphic mutilation that are fortunately infrequent. This film doesn't really have a leg to stand on dramatically (sorry about that) and I think a DVD rental is the maximum you'd want to spend on it.
Lohan portrays a high school student who is abducted and tortured by a killer who likes to mutilate people before they die. When she's found she's missing a hand and a leg but she insists she's not the student everyone has been looking for but an exotic dancer who was also being tortured. No one believes her, least of all her parents, who do their best to help her even as she claims she doesn't know them. As the plot continues, you must not only try to determine who her kidnapper was, but whether she's the student with a split personality or an actual doppelgänger.
There's actually a pretty good story hiding in this film, but what appears to be severe editing along with Lohan's limited acting ability make it a moot point. The plot has gaps, leading me to believe the film has been drastically cut, even though it's still two hours long. Lohan is believable as a pole dancer, so her incessant clubbing in real life has given her a skill she can use. But, I don't think anyone is going to think she's actually being tortured during those intense moments of graphic mutilation that are fortunately infrequent. This film doesn't really have a leg to stand on dramatically (sorry about that) and I think a DVD rental is the maximum you'd want to spend on it.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Opening 7/27/07
I KNOW WHO KILLED ME [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Julia Ormond, Neal McDonough, Brian Geraghty, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Spencer Garrett, Gregory Itzin, Bonnie Aarons, Kenya Moore, Thomas Tofel, Rodney Rowland, David Figlioli. Plot: the young daughter of affluent parents is abducted and mutilated by a sadistic serial killer before she manages to escape. The girl who regains consciousness in the hospital claims to be not Aubrey but Dakota - and finds herself in a desperate race to save Aubrey's life and her own against overwhelming odds. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
NO RESERVATIONS [PG] 1 hr. 45 min. Romance/Drama Trailer Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Jenny Wade, Lily Rabe. Plot: a master chef lives her life like she runs her kitchen at a trendy Manhattan eatery—with no-nonsense intensity, which is put to the test when she "inherits" her nine-year-old niece while contending with a brash new sous-chef. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
RESCUE DAWN [PG-13] 2 hrs. Action/Drama Trailer Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Marshall Bell, François Chau, Jeremy Davies, Craig Gellis, GQ, Zach Grenier, Pat Healy, Toby Huss, Bonnie Z. Hutchinson, Evan Jones, Abhijati 'Meuk' Jusakul, Mr. Tony B. King, Mr. Richard Manning, Mr. Garrett D. Melich, Mr. Kriangsak Ming-olo, Mr. Yuttana Muenwaja, Teerawat Mulvilai, Somkuan 'Kuan' Siroon, Mr. Chorn Solyda, Mr. Saichia Wongwiroj. Plot: the story of Dieter Dengler, the only American to ever break out of a POW camp in the impenetrable Laotian jungle after months plotting his getaway and a death-defying journey through some of the world's fiercest wilderness. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
THE SIMPSON'S MOVIE [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Animation/Comedy Trailer Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille, Albert Brooks. Plot: Homer must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created, a disaster the likes of which Springfield has never experienced. As Marge is outraged by Homer's monumental blunder, a vengeful mob descends on the Simpson household. The family makes a narrow escape, but is soon divided by both location and conflict. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
SUNSHINE [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Sci-Fi Trailer Cast: Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Chris Evans, Troy Garity, Cillian Murphy, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh. Plot: Fifty years from now, the sun is dying and mankind is dying with it. Our last hope: a spaceship and a crew of eight men and women carrying a device which will breathe new life into the star. By the director of 28 Days Later. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
WHO'S YOUR CADDY [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy/Sports Trailer Cast: Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, Terry Crews, Tamala Jones, Andy Milonakis, Sherri Shepherd, Faizon Love, Finesse Mitchel. Plot: a superstar rap mogul runs into fierce opposition when he tries to join the super stuffy Carolina Pines Golf & Country Club. As he takes on the fight of his life, he pulls out all of the stops to bring down the club's backwards establishment and welcome them to the 21st century. Showing at: Northrock, 21st Street Warren.
NO RESERVATIONS [PG] 1 hr. 45 min. Romance/Drama Trailer Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Jenny Wade, Lily Rabe. Plot: a master chef lives her life like she runs her kitchen at a trendy Manhattan eatery—with no-nonsense intensity, which is put to the test when she "inherits" her nine-year-old niece while contending with a brash new sous-chef. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
RESCUE DAWN [PG-13] 2 hrs. Action/Drama Trailer Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Marshall Bell, François Chau, Jeremy Davies, Craig Gellis, GQ, Zach Grenier, Pat Healy, Toby Huss, Bonnie Z. Hutchinson, Evan Jones, Abhijati 'Meuk' Jusakul, Mr. Tony B. King, Mr. Richard Manning, Mr. Garrett D. Melich, Mr. Kriangsak Ming-olo, Mr. Yuttana Muenwaja, Teerawat Mulvilai, Somkuan 'Kuan' Siroon, Mr. Chorn Solyda, Mr. Saichia Wongwiroj. Plot: the story of Dieter Dengler, the only American to ever break out of a POW camp in the impenetrable Laotian jungle after months plotting his getaway and a death-defying journey through some of the world's fiercest wilderness. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
THE SIMPSON'S MOVIE [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Animation/Comedy Trailer Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille, Albert Brooks. Plot: Homer must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created, a disaster the likes of which Springfield has never experienced. As Marge is outraged by Homer's monumental blunder, a vengeful mob descends on the Simpson household. The family makes a narrow escape, but is soon divided by both location and conflict. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
SUNSHINE [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Sci-Fi Trailer Cast: Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Chris Evans, Troy Garity, Cillian Murphy, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh. Plot: Fifty years from now, the sun is dying and mankind is dying with it. Our last hope: a spaceship and a crew of eight men and women carrying a device which will breathe new life into the star. By the director of 28 Days Later. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren exclusively.
WHO'S YOUR CADDY [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy/Sports Trailer Cast: Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, Terry Crews, Tamala Jones, Andy Milonakis, Sherri Shepherd, Faizon Love, Finesse Mitchel. Plot: a superstar rap mogul runs into fierce opposition when he tries to join the super stuffy Carolina Pines Golf & Country Club. As he takes on the fight of his life, he pulls out all of the stops to bring down the club's backwards establishment and welcome them to the 21st century. Showing at: Northrock, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 7/26/2007
Derby Plaza - License To Wed
Movie Machine - Ratatouille
Northrock 14 - Evan Almighty, License To Wed, 1408
Palace West - Hostel 2, The Invisible, Lives Of Others
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th - Sicko, Ocean's Thirteen, Pirates Of The Caribbean 3
Warren Old Town - Live Free Or Die Hard
Warren West 21st - Captivity
Movie Machine - Ratatouille
Northrock 14 - Evan Almighty, License To Wed, 1408
Palace West - Hostel 2, The Invisible, Lives Of Others
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th - Sicko, Ocean's Thirteen, Pirates Of The Caribbean 3
Warren Old Town - Live Free Or Die Hard
Warren West 21st - Captivity
Friday, July 20, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 7/20/07
This is another real easy week. MetaCritic gives I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry a 39 while Hairspray earns a 79. Clearly the latter is the one you want to see if you're going to a new movie.
At least four new films are scheduled for next week, including The Simpsons Movie, so at the very least you'll have a more varied choice then. Next week's opening will be posted either Monday night or Tuesday.
At least four new films are scheduled for next week, including The Simpsons Movie, so at the very least you'll have a more varied choice then. Next week's opening will be posted either Monday night or Tuesday.
HAIRSPRAY ***
This film started out as a 1988 film, written and directed by John Waters (if you look quickly you'll see him in this film as a flasher). It then morphed into a broadway musical and now arrives as a film musical with some well known stars in the cast. This cast includes: John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Allison Janney, Taylor Parks.
Set in 1962, the story is about a pudgy girl (Blonsky) who wants to be one of the dancers on a local Baltimore TV dance show. Her mother (Travolta) tries to dissuade her in an attempt to prevent her from being hurt but her father (Walken) encourages her to go for her dream. Of course she does and then becomes involved in the integration of the dance program, much to the horror of the station manager (Pfeiffer). Also, her best friend (Bynes) falls for a black dancer (Kelley) which adds to the furor. Everything resolves in a dance competition which the manager's daughter (Snow) is favored to win, but which becomes more of a competition than expected.
I've always liked musicals and there's certainly a lot to like in this one. The music, though not particularly memorable, is very enjoyable and will keep your feet tapping. The plot is basically silly although there is a serious aspect concerning the racial integration problems of the time which the film doesn't try to gloss over. You know from the start it will have a happy ending, it's just that type of picture. Travolta is good although he certainly doesn't steal the pic, while Pfeiffer and Walken impress with their musical ability (Pfeiffer sings her own songs). Latifah is good, as she always is, and Blonsky is a real find as the energetic, overweight, singer/dancer. There were several teen girls with me at the screening and I noted they all seemed to enjoy this picture so I'm assuming it will be entertaining to virtually any audience (well, perhaps not teen boys). A big screen and good sound system are a must for maximum impact.
Set in 1962, the story is about a pudgy girl (Blonsky) who wants to be one of the dancers on a local Baltimore TV dance show. Her mother (Travolta) tries to dissuade her in an attempt to prevent her from being hurt but her father (Walken) encourages her to go for her dream. Of course she does and then becomes involved in the integration of the dance program, much to the horror of the station manager (Pfeiffer). Also, her best friend (Bynes) falls for a black dancer (Kelley) which adds to the furor. Everything resolves in a dance competition which the manager's daughter (Snow) is favored to win, but which becomes more of a competition than expected.
I've always liked musicals and there's certainly a lot to like in this one. The music, though not particularly memorable, is very enjoyable and will keep your feet tapping. The plot is basically silly although there is a serious aspect concerning the racial integration problems of the time which the film doesn't try to gloss over. You know from the start it will have a happy ending, it's just that type of picture. Travolta is good although he certainly doesn't steal the pic, while Pfeiffer and Walken impress with their musical ability (Pfeiffer sings her own songs). Latifah is good, as she always is, and Blonsky is a real find as the energetic, overweight, singer/dancer. There were several teen girls with me at the screening and I noted they all seemed to enjoy this picture so I'm assuming it will be entertaining to virtually any audience (well, perhaps not teen boys). A big screen and good sound system are a must for maximum impact.
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY *½
Adam Sandler has several movies to his credit, enough so I know I generally find him unfunny. Kevin James is basically a TV sitcom actor with some voiceover work, who can be amusing but has yet to achieve any real stardom. They are the leads in this comedy with assistance from: Jessica Biel, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, and Dan Aykroyd.
Sandler and James portray two firemen buddies. James is a widower with two children who discovers he can't name his children as the beneficiaries of his insurance due to clerical red tape. He sets up a scheme with Sandler to pretend to be married to circumvent the tape, but they get investigated by Buscemi who's sure they really aren't gay. If he can prove this, serious consequences including jail time will occur. The two hire Biel as an attorney to help them with their legal problem. Naturally, numerous complications occur even though everyone but Buscemi wishes them well. The plot ends with a hearing led by a city commissioner (Richard Chamberlin) to determine their fate.
I can say one positive thing about this film...Biel is absolutely gorgeous and comes across very well on screen. On the negative side, the story is extremely predictable and the humor is trite and very lowbrow with several double entendres. There's absolutely no inventiveness to the story and the feel good ending makes no attempt to be realistic. This is a film you rent on dollar day at your DVD store, since your TV is all the screen you'll need.
Sandler and James portray two firemen buddies. James is a widower with two children who discovers he can't name his children as the beneficiaries of his insurance due to clerical red tape. He sets up a scheme with Sandler to pretend to be married to circumvent the tape, but they get investigated by Buscemi who's sure they really aren't gay. If he can prove this, serious consequences including jail time will occur. The two hire Biel as an attorney to help them with their legal problem. Naturally, numerous complications occur even though everyone but Buscemi wishes them well. The plot ends with a hearing led by a city commissioner (Richard Chamberlin) to determine their fate.
I can say one positive thing about this film...Biel is absolutely gorgeous and comes across very well on screen. On the negative side, the story is extremely predictable and the humor is trite and very lowbrow with several double entendres. There's absolutely no inventiveness to the story and the feel good ending makes no attempt to be realistic. This is a film you rent on dollar day at your DVD store, since your TV is all the screen you'll need.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Opening 7/20/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
HAIRSPRAY [PG] 1 hr. 45 min.Comedy/Musical Trailer Cast: John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Allison Janney, Taylor Parks. Plot: based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Dan Aykroyd. Plot: two straight guys stumble down the aisle with the best of intentions because red tape prevents one of them from naming his own two kids as his life insurance beneficiaries. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Sneak Preview Saturday
NO RESERVATIONS [PG] 1 hr. 45 min. Romance/Drama Trailer Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Jenny Wade, Lily Rabe. Plot: a master chef lives her life like she runs her kitchen at a trendy Manhattan eatery—with no-nonsense intensity, which is put to the test when she "inherits" her nine-year-old niece while contending with a brash new sous-chef. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren at 7:10 Saturday, replacing the 7:20 showing of LICENSE TO WED. Regular engagements start 7/27.
Leaving 7/19/2007
Derby Plaza - Evan Almighty, Live Free Or Die Hard
Movie Machine - Live Free Or Die Hard, Evan Almighty
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Are We Done, Yet, Hot Fuzz, Delta Farce
Starlite Drive-In - Ratatouille
Warren East 13th - Captivity, Fantastic Four, Shrek The Third
Warren Old Town - Evan Almighty, Knocked Up
Warren West 21st - Shrek The Third, Fantastic Four, Ocean's Thirteen, Waitress
Movie Machine - Live Free Or Die Hard, Evan Almighty
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Are We Done, Yet, Hot Fuzz, Delta Farce
Starlite Drive-In - Ratatouille
Warren East 13th - Captivity, Fantastic Four, Shrek The Third
Warren Old Town - Evan Almighty, Knocked Up
Warren West 21st - Shrek The Third, Fantastic Four, Ocean's Thirteen, Waitress
Friday, July 13, 2007
Worthwhile (or not) 7/13/07
Well, this is really an easy week. CAPTIVITY wasn't screened for critics so you know what the distributor thought their reaction would be. HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (3 star average reviews) is the clear winner, and it deserves the honor.
Next week we finally get back on a Friday start schedule with the opening of HAIRSPRAY and I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY on the 20th.
Next week we finally get back on a Friday start schedule with the opening of HAIRSPRAY and I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY on the 20th.
CAPTIVITY **
This film is hoping to do the kind of business SAW and HOSTEL have and done, and perhaps a little better by adding a stronger cast consisting of: Elisha Cuthbert, Daniel Gillies, and Pruitt Taylor Vince. Cuthbert is a former model in real llife playing the role of a model; Gillies has been in several film and series but is still relatively unknown; and Vince is a name you probably don't know but whose face you'll instantly recognize. In addition, the film has a director with far better credentials than your usual slasher director, Roland Joffé.
The story starts with a captive girl being murdered, so you know where this film is headed. It then cuts directly to Cuthbert awakening from a drugged sleep in a cell in which she is obviously being watched. It soon becomes apparent her captor has visited her apartment as there is a selection of her clothes and shoes in the cell. The captor has the ability to control her actions through various means and gets her to do what he wants, which usually involves changing into different outfits. She then discovers there's another captive in an adjoining cell and before long they make contact. The rest of the film is concerned with their attempts to escape.
I'm happy to tell you this is better than SAW or HOSTEL. The productions values are good and the acting is acceptable if not outstanding. The story is more interested in psychological control than slasher porn so you don't have to be too worried about this being a slicing and dicing fest. What holds it back is Cuthbert's character, who is entirely too panicked in the first half. If someone like Jody Foster, who does wonderfully at playing restrained/in-control characters had been in this role, this would have been a much stronger film because you would have been really afraid for her. As it is, it's hard to get too concerned for Cuthbert. Since most of this film takes place in a small room, you won't lose a thing by waiting for the DVD.
The story starts with a captive girl being murdered, so you know where this film is headed. It then cuts directly to Cuthbert awakening from a drugged sleep in a cell in which she is obviously being watched. It soon becomes apparent her captor has visited her apartment as there is a selection of her clothes and shoes in the cell. The captor has the ability to control her actions through various means and gets her to do what he wants, which usually involves changing into different outfits. She then discovers there's another captive in an adjoining cell and before long they make contact. The rest of the film is concerned with their attempts to escape.
I'm happy to tell you this is better than SAW or HOSTEL. The productions values are good and the acting is acceptable if not outstanding. The story is more interested in psychological control than slasher porn so you don't have to be too worried about this being a slicing and dicing fest. What holds it back is Cuthbert's character, who is entirely too panicked in the first half. If someone like Jody Foster, who does wonderfully at playing restrained/in-control characters had been in this role, this would have been a much stronger film because you would have been really afraid for her. As it is, it's hard to get too concerned for Cuthbert. Since most of this film takes place in a small room, you won't lose a thing by waiting for the DVD.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Opening 7/13/07
CAPTIVITY [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Horror/Psychological thriller Trailer Cast: Elisha Cuthbert, Daniel Gillies, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Laz Alonso, Michael Harney. Plot: a combination of "Saw" and "Hostel" meets "Silence of the Lambs," a psychological thriller/horror film that shows us the terror of abduction and confinement committed by serial killers and psychopaths at large. Showing at: Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving 7/12/2007
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX ***
With this film we've reached the fifth of the Harry Potter novels, with films yet to come for Half-Blood Prince (in November 2008) and the presumed last book in the series, Deathly Hallows (sometime in 2010). The same cast basically returns for this episode although well known British actress Imelda Staunton has been added. She joins: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Richard Griffiths, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, and Julie Walters.
I should tell you I've read the first two books of the series but none since, so I have no idea how the movie relates to the book. A granddaughter I watched this with told me they left out quite a bit of the book but that's only to be expected when the books are as lengthy as the Potter books are.The storyline is rather dark throughout most of this film as it is concerned with Harry's sense of alienation from his fellow students due to a campaign to discredit his claim that Lord Voldemort has returned. Additionally, the Ministry of Magic has replaced Albus Dumbledore with Dolores Umbridge as Head of Hogwarts, and although she appears pleasant, she most assuredly is not. Basically, Harry spends this film being moody, although he does spend time training a few young magicians in spell casting so they will be better prepared for the coming battle with Voldemort.
Plotwise, this film is just basically treading water so I found it hard to get deeply involved in what was going on. There is a significant battle at the end but the action is very constrained otherwise. Production vales are excellent as usual with the CG sections appearing very real. The casting is excellent although a few of the familiar teachers from earlier films are hardly seen. The film does do a good job of developing a feeling of reality about a world filled with magic. This will be a must see for readers of the books or those who have attended the previous films. I found it enjoyable if not overly compelling. Obviously, this is best seen on a large screen with excellent sound, both of which are used to good effect.
I should tell you I've read the first two books of the series but none since, so I have no idea how the movie relates to the book. A granddaughter I watched this with told me they left out quite a bit of the book but that's only to be expected when the books are as lengthy as the Potter books are.The storyline is rather dark throughout most of this film as it is concerned with Harry's sense of alienation from his fellow students due to a campaign to discredit his claim that Lord Voldemort has returned. Additionally, the Ministry of Magic has replaced Albus Dumbledore with Dolores Umbridge as Head of Hogwarts, and although she appears pleasant, she most assuredly is not. Basically, Harry spends this film being moody, although he does spend time training a few young magicians in spell casting so they will be better prepared for the coming battle with Voldemort.
Plotwise, this film is just basically treading water so I found it hard to get deeply involved in what was going on. There is a significant battle at the end but the action is very constrained otherwise. Production vales are excellent as usual with the CG sections appearing very real. The casting is excellent although a few of the familiar teachers from earlier films are hardly seen. The film does do a good job of developing a feeling of reality about a world filled with magic. This will be a must see for readers of the books or those who have attended the previous films. I found it enjoyable if not overly compelling. Obviously, this is best seen on a large screen with excellent sound, both of which are used to good effect.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Opening 7/11/07
For showtimes select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX [PG-13] 2 hrs. 20 min. Action/Adventure/Fantasy Trailer Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Richard Griffiths, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters. Plot: Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, begins meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves "Dumbledore's Army," He teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren. Several theatres will have midnite (12:01 a.m. showings early Wednesday morning, 7/11.
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX [PG-13] 2 hrs. 20 min. Action/Adventure/Fantasy Trailer Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Richard Griffiths, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters. Plot: Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, begins meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves "Dumbledore's Army," He teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren. Several theatres will have midnite (12:01 a.m. showings early Wednesday morning, 7/11.
Leaving 7/10/2007
Derby Plaza - Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
Movie Machine - Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, Surf's Up
Northrock 14 - Surf's Up, Ocean's 13, Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th - Surf''s Up, Shrek The Third, Nancy Drew, A Mighty Heart
Warren Old Town - Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, Ocean's Thirteen
Warren West 21st - Nancy Drew, Surf's Up, Shrek The Third, A Mighty Heart, Pirates Of The Caribbean 3
Movie Machine - Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, Surf's Up
Northrock 14 - Surf's Up, Ocean's 13, Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th - Surf''s Up, Shrek The Third, Nancy Drew, A Mighty Heart
Warren Old Town - Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, Ocean's Thirteen
Warren West 21st - Nancy Drew, Surf's Up, Shrek The Third, A Mighty Heart, Pirates Of The Caribbean 3
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
TRANSFORMERS **½
Transformers started out as toys with a comic book series and a TV animated series, created to offer advertising support. If you want to know more about the subject, you can read this Wikipedia entry. This live action film carries on the tradition and features: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Rachael Taylor, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, Anthony Anderson, and John Turturro.
The plot is reasonably straightforward: both good (they don't want to kill humans) and bad (doesn't bother them at all) Transformers are in search of a cube that will allow the bad ones to become more powerful and achieve domination. The key to finding the cube is a pair of glasses now owned by the grandson (LaBeouf) of the original owner which have the cube's location etched in the lenses. The bad Transformers have discovered who owns the glasses by stealing the information from secret government files, killing a few soldiers along the way but failing to kill a group led by Duhamel. There are sideplots about LaBeouf's girlfriend, Fox; a team of code breakers, Taylor and Anderson; a secret government agent, Turturro, who knows about the Transformers and the cube, but who doesn't understand the consequences if the cube falls into the wrong hands; and the rest of the government led by the Secretary of Defense, Voight.
Frankly, I was disappointed in this film. I love sci-fi but this is half sci-fi and half teen angst and those two didn't mesh for me. I'd have been much happier with LaBeouf being a sideplot and Duhamel being the main story instead of the other way around. The plot is mostly silly, but the production values are first rate and the CGI effects are spectacular. Also, those sideplots add 30 unnecessary minutes to the film, making it too long for younger viewers. If you can reach the last thirty minutes, however, there are plenty of thrills for action fans. A big screen and good sound are a must to fully enjoy this pic. By the way, the ending clearly sets up a potential sequel so I expect we haven't seen the last of this story.
The plot is reasonably straightforward: both good (they don't want to kill humans) and bad (doesn't bother them at all) Transformers are in search of a cube that will allow the bad ones to become more powerful and achieve domination. The key to finding the cube is a pair of glasses now owned by the grandson (LaBeouf) of the original owner which have the cube's location etched in the lenses. The bad Transformers have discovered who owns the glasses by stealing the information from secret government files, killing a few soldiers along the way but failing to kill a group led by Duhamel. There are sideplots about LaBeouf's girlfriend, Fox; a team of code breakers, Taylor and Anderson; a secret government agent, Turturro, who knows about the Transformers and the cube, but who doesn't understand the consequences if the cube falls into the wrong hands; and the rest of the government led by the Secretary of Defense, Voight.
Frankly, I was disappointed in this film. I love sci-fi but this is half sci-fi and half teen angst and those two didn't mesh for me. I'd have been much happier with LaBeouf being a sideplot and Duhamel being the main story instead of the other way around. The plot is mostly silly, but the production values are first rate and the CGI effects are spectacular. Also, those sideplots add 30 unnecessary minutes to the film, making it too long for younger viewers. If you can reach the last thirty minutes, however, there are plenty of thrills for action fans. A big screen and good sound are a must to fully enjoy this pic. By the way, the ending clearly sets up a potential sequel so I expect we haven't seen the last of this story.
SICKO ***½
Michael Moore first came on the scene in 1989 with Roger & Me (A Humorous Look at How General Motors Destroyed Flint, Michigan). He followed with another documentary in 2002, Bowling For Columbine and then Fahrenheit 9/11 in 2004 and now Sicko, which compares the American healthcare system with healthcare in other industrialized Western countries.
He starts by showing an American worker stitching a rather fierce cut on his leg himself because he has no health insurance. He interviews a few Americans about their health insurance problems and then visits people in Canada, Great Britain and France to discuss how their systems work. He finishes with a group of 9/11 workers with health problems and an effort to get treatment for them in Guantánamo Bay and finally in Cuban hospitals. He doesn't make a personal appearance until the middle of the film and is seen rather sparingly throughout. His basic thesis is American healthcare is much worse than it should be because of the profit required by insurance companies (Medicare has about a 1% administrative cost while private insurance costs are 15-20%). As a result Americans spend 16% of the GNP for healthcare while other countries with Universal healthcare spend around 10%, with everyone covered as opposed to the 47,000,000 Americans who aren't. His facts appear to be correct according to CNN.
This film manages to present Moore's viewpoint with a fair amount of humor although there's no doubt he feels strongly about the subject. I appreciated the fact he wasn't as "in your face" as he has been in previous documentaries. The trip to Cuba is a little much although it is interesting the prisoners at Guantanamo have better healtcare than the average American. This appears to be a topic where the majority of the public agrees with Moore although I recognize there are strong proponents for keeping healthcare in the private sector. If you want a well made documentary that is informative and at the same time entertaining, you should check this out.
He starts by showing an American worker stitching a rather fierce cut on his leg himself because he has no health insurance. He interviews a few Americans about their health insurance problems and then visits people in Canada, Great Britain and France to discuss how their systems work. He finishes with a group of 9/11 workers with health problems and an effort to get treatment for them in Guantánamo Bay and finally in Cuban hospitals. He doesn't make a personal appearance until the middle of the film and is seen rather sparingly throughout. His basic thesis is American healthcare is much worse than it should be because of the profit required by insurance companies (Medicare has about a 1% administrative cost while private insurance costs are 15-20%). As a result Americans spend 16% of the GNP for healthcare while other countries with Universal healthcare spend around 10%, with everyone covered as opposed to the 47,000,000 Americans who aren't. His facts appear to be correct according to CNN.
This film manages to present Moore's viewpoint with a fair amount of humor although there's no doubt he feels strongly about the subject. I appreciated the fact he wasn't as "in your face" as he has been in previous documentaries. The trip to Cuba is a little much although it is interesting the prisoners at Guantanamo have better healtcare than the average American. This appears to be a topic where the majority of the public agrees with Moore although I recognize there are strong proponents for keeping healthcare in the private sector. If you want a well made documentary that is informative and at the same time entertaining, you should check this out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
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.
Live Traffic
