John Lee Hancock wrote and directed this Drama which stars: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, Jae Head. Rated PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references. Running time is two hours and eight minutes.
Depicts the remarkable true story of All-American football star Michael Oher. A homeless African-American youngster (Aaron) from a broken home is taken in by a well-to-do white family (Bullock, McGraw, Collins, Head) who help him fulfill his potential on and off (with the help of Bates) the football field. At the same time, his presence in their lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own.
In a lot of ways this is just an average family drama, but it sure does make you feel good. The fact it's based on a true story gives it more credibility than this type of picture usually has and the excellent performances by the entire cast adds greatly to the believability. Bullock is excellent and is being mentioned as a possible Oscar candidate for her role. McGraw has good acting skills also but this is Bullock's film, although young Jae Head does come close to stealing the picture at times. Virtual unknown Aaron is outstanding in the role Oher. If you're looking for a family film for the holidays, this is a real contender. If you've spent all your money on presents, seeing this on DVD will not detract from its enjoyability.
Friday, November 20, 2009
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: THE NEW MOON **
Chris Weitz directed this Romance/Thriller which features: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning. Rated PG-13 for some violence and action. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.
In the second installment of Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally successful "Twilight" series, the romance between mortal (Stewart) and vampire (Pattinson) soars to a new level as Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of, including a new romance with Jacob, (Lautner)—only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.
This feature will obviously be wildly successful, based entirely on its appeal to young girls and women. Men of all ages will find this slow going, and perhaps as in my case, stupefyingly boring. There's no action (what you see in the trailer is all you get) and most of the time is spent in listless, dull talking and soulful glances. In short, unless you're interested in watching unfulfilled romance, there's no reason to go. Production values are good and the scenery is gorgeous but most need a lot more than that to be entertained. If you've got to see it right now then by all means do so, the theatres will love you for it. Otherwise, you can be just as bored with the DVD in a couple of months with no loss of impact.
In the second installment of Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally successful "Twilight" series, the romance between mortal (Stewart) and vampire (Pattinson) soars to a new level as Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of, including a new romance with Jacob, (Lautner)—only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.
This feature will obviously be wildly successful, based entirely on its appeal to young girls and women. Men of all ages will find this slow going, and perhaps as in my case, stupefyingly boring. There's no action (what you see in the trailer is all you get) and most of the time is spent in listless, dull talking and soulful glances. In short, unless you're interested in watching unfulfilled romance, there's no reason to go. Production values are good and the scenery is gorgeous but most need a lot more than that to be entertained. If you've got to see it right now then by all means do so, the theatres will love you for it. Otherwise, you can be just as bored with the DVD in a couple of months with no loss of impact.
Worthwhile (or not), 11/20/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film).I saw two of the four new films for the week and I'm positive the critical numbers are not going to be even close to attendance. BLIND SIDE is more entertaining than the numbers indicate and NEW MOON will absolutely destroy everything else at the boxoffice although it was all I could do to stay awake during its showing.
49 Blind Side,
40 Planet 51,
78 Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire,
45 Twilight Saga: New Moon, The
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of BLIND SIDE and NEW MOON will be posted after 4:30 pm.
49 Blind Side,
40 Planet 51,
78 Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire,
45 Twilight Saga: New Moon, The
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of BLIND SIDE and NEW MOON will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Opening, 11/20/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
THE BLIND SIDE [PG-13] 2 hrs. 6 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, Jae Head. Plot: depicts the remarkable true story of All-American football star Michael Oher. A homeless African-American youngster from a broken home is taken in by a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential on and off the football field. At the same time, his presence in the their lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Paperback movie tie-in edition. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
PLANET 51 [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Animated Comedy Trailer Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Gary Oldman, Seann William Scott, John Cleese. Plot: an American astronaut lands on Planet 51 thinking he's the first person to step foot on it. To his surprise, he finds this planet is inhabited by little green people who are happily living in a white picket fence world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950s America, and whose only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders...like him! Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.
PRECIOUS [R] 1 hr. 49 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, Paula Patton, Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz. Plot: based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire is a film about the human capacity to grow and overcome. Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother, a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write. Showing at: Warren East.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: THE NEW MOON [PG-13] 2hrs. 10 min. Romance/Thriller Trailer Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning. Plot: in the second installment of Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally successful "Twilight" series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of—only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Leaving, 11/19/09
Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Paranormal Activity, Michael Jackson, Vampire's Assistant
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Halloween II, The Hurt Locker, G.I. Joe
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, Amelia, The Stepfather, Where The Wild Things Are, Michael Jackson, Coco Before Chanel
Warren Old Town - The Box, Michael Jackson
Warren West 21st - Couple's Retreat, Where The Wild Things Are, The Stepfather, Michael Jackson
Movie Machine - Paranormal Activity, Michael Jackson, Vampire's Assistant
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Halloween II, The Hurt Locker, G.I. Joe
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, Amelia, The Stepfather, Where The Wild Things Are, Michael Jackson, Coco Before Chanel
Warren Old Town - The Box, Michael Jackson
Warren West 21st - Couple's Retreat, Where The Wild Things Are, The Stepfather, Michael Jackson
Friday, November 13, 2009
2012 **
Roland Emmerich co-wrote and directed this Action film which stars: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover, Woody Harrelson. Rated PG-13 for intense disaster sequences and some language. Run time is two hours and thirty-eight minutes.
An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world as we know it and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.
If that plot description looks skimpy, it's exactly what you get in this movie. The special effects are very good but they ought to be since that's where most of the production money went. The plot itself is very predictable (think Poseidon Adventure) and extremely emotionally manipulative during the last half hour. About the only reason to see this is as a prequel to the purported TV series to be made concerning the fate of the survivors in 2013. If you really feel you want to subject yourself to 2012 be sure to do so in a big theatre. The special effects will lose their impact on a TV screen, leaving you with exactly nothing worthwhile to fill the unnecessarily long two hours and forty minutes.
An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world as we know it and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.
If that plot description looks skimpy, it's exactly what you get in this movie. The special effects are very good but they ought to be since that's where most of the production money went. The plot itself is very predictable (think Poseidon Adventure) and extremely emotionally manipulative during the last half hour. About the only reason to see this is as a prequel to the purported TV series to be made concerning the fate of the survivors in 2013. If you really feel you want to subject yourself to 2012 be sure to do so in a big theatre. The special effects will lose their impact on a TV screen, leaving you with exactly nothing worthwhile to fill the unnecessarily long two hours and forty minutes.
Worthwhile (or not), 11/13/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I saw 2012 this week and while the special effects are good, the film just doesn't know when to stop. I've heard good comments about Pirate Radio but it looks like the national critics preference is Good Hair.
50 2012,
72 Good Hair
56 Pirate Radio
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review.My review of 2012 will be posted shortly.
50 2012,
72 Good Hair
56 Pirate Radio
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review.My review of 2012 will be posted shortly.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Opening, 11/13/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
2012 [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Action Trailer Cast: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover, Woody Harrelson. Plot: an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
GOOD HAIR [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Documentary Trailer Cast: Chris Rock. Plot: Chris Rock examines the cost, both financial and sociological, of African-American hair culture in this hilarious, Sundance award-winning film. Showing at: Warren East.
PIRATE RADIO [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Comedy/Romance Trailer Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Sturridge, Talulah Riley, January Jones. Plot: in the 1960s a group of rouge DJs, on a boat in the middle of the Northern Atlantic, played rock records and broke the law all for the love of music, and drove the British government crazy. Showing at: Warren East.
GOOD HAIR [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Documentary Trailer Cast: Chris Rock. Plot: Chris Rock examines the cost, both financial and sociological, of African-American hair culture in this hilarious, Sundance award-winning film. Showing at: Warren East.
PIRATE RADIO [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Comedy/Romance Trailer Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Sturridge, Talulah Riley, January Jones. Plot: in the 1960s a group of rouge DJs, on a boat in the middle of the Northern Atlantic, played rock records and broke the law all for the love of music, and drove the British government crazy. Showing at: Warren East.
Leaving, 11/12/09
Derby Plaza - Vampires Assistant
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Saw VI, Zombieland
Palace West - Love Happens, The Hangover
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Saw VI, Astro Boy, Vampires Assistant, Zombieland
Warren Old Town - Paranormal Activity
Warren West 21st - Saw VI, Astro Boy, Vampires Assistant, Zombieland, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Saw VI, Zombieland
Palace West - Love Happens, The Hangover
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Saw VI, Astro Boy, Vampires Assistant, Zombieland
Warren Old Town - Paranormal Activity
Warren West 21st - Saw VI, Astro Boy, Vampires Assistant, Zombieland, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Friday, November 06, 2009
DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3-D/2-D **½
Robert Zemeckis wrote the screenplay and directed this Fantasy which stars: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, and Cary Elwes. Rated PG for scary sequences and images. Running time is one hour and thirty-six minutes.
A "performance capture" animated film presenting the essence of the classic Dickens tale in a 3-D motion picture.
If you don't understand the term "Performance capture", think Polar Express or Beowulf which also used the process. Basically, a live performance enhanced with animation. Production values are very good and the 3D is excellent. This is Carrey's movie from start to finish. While there are numerous other actors involved, none of them stand out like Carrey. My opinion is the main reason for seeing this version is the 3D. Even so, it doesn't surpass my personal favorite, the 1970 Albert Finney musical version, Scrooge. One word of caution, this version is scary enough in a couple of spots small children may be frightened. Also, as usual with 3D films there are theatres showing this in normal 2D at the normal price. The enhanced price is worth it for the 3D version.
A "performance capture" animated film presenting the essence of the classic Dickens tale in a 3-D motion picture.
If you don't understand the term "Performance capture", think Polar Express or Beowulf which also used the process. Basically, a live performance enhanced with animation. Production values are very good and the 3D is excellent. This is Carrey's movie from start to finish. While there are numerous other actors involved, none of them stand out like Carrey. My opinion is the main reason for seeing this version is the 3D. Even so, it doesn't surpass my personal favorite, the 1970 Albert Finney musical version, Scrooge. One word of caution, this version is scary enough in a couple of spots small children may be frightened. Also, as usual with 3D films there are theatres showing this in normal 2D at the normal price. The enhanced price is worth it for the 3D version.
THE BOX **
Richard Kelly wrote the screenplay and directed this Thriller which stars: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some violence and disturbing images. Running time is one hour and fifty-five minutes.
A teacher (Diaz) at a private high school and her husband (Marsden) are an average couple living a normal life in the suburbs with their young son...until a mysterious man (Langella) with a horribly disfigured face appears on their doorstep and presents her with a box containing a button that, if pushed, brings you a million dollars...but simultaneously takes the life of someone you don't know.Based on a short story by Richard Matheson.
I vaguely remember reading the short story this film is based on but I don't think it's plot resembles the film's to any great extent. The screenplay is much closer to a sci-fi tale than a thriller. Unfortunately, the original premise has been stretched to encompass a much larger story and I don't think it works. It's confusing rather than expansive. It will keep you interested throughout but when it's over if you're like me you're going to be saying, "huh?". Yet, while it was disappointing it could act as the start of a spirited discussion on some of the moral questions it raises. The DVD version will be more than suitable for those who think they want to see it.
A teacher (Diaz) at a private high school and her husband (Marsden) are an average couple living a normal life in the suburbs with their young son...until a mysterious man (Langella) with a horribly disfigured face appears on their doorstep and presents her with a box containing a button that, if pushed, brings you a million dollars...but simultaneously takes the life of someone you don't know.Based on a short story by Richard Matheson.
I vaguely remember reading the short story this film is based on but I don't think it's plot resembles the film's to any great extent. The screenplay is much closer to a sci-fi tale than a thriller. Unfortunately, the original premise has been stretched to encompass a much larger story and I don't think it works. It's confusing rather than expansive. It will keep you interested throughout but when it's over if you're like me you're going to be saying, "huh?". Yet, while it was disappointing it could act as the start of a spirited discussion on some of the moral questions it raises. The DVD version will be more than suitable for those who think they want to see it.
Worthwhile (or not), 11/6/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I saw two of these films this week and I think the national critics are right on the mark for them. I haven't seen a good review for FOURTH KIND, and GOATS apparently has a few laughs but is pretty lightweight. CHANEL has the best national rating but you should be aware it's in French with English subtitles.
48 Box, The,
54 Christmas Carol, A,
65 Coco Before Chanel,
35 Fourth Kind, The,
56 Men Who Stare At Goats, The
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review.My reviews of THE BOX and A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be posted after 4:30 pm.
48 Box, The,
54 Christmas Carol, A,
65 Coco Before Chanel,
35 Fourth Kind, The,
56 Men Who Stare At Goats, The
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review.My reviews of THE BOX and A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Opening, 11/6/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
THE BOX [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella. Plot: a teacher at a private high school and her husband are an average couple living a normal life in the suburbs with their young son...until a mysterious man with a horribly disfigured face appears on their doorstep and presents her with a life-altering proposition: a box containing a button that, if pushed, brings you a million dollars...but simultaneously takes the life of someone you don't know.Based on a short story by Richard Matheson. Showing at:Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
COCO BEFORE CHANEL [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Audrey Tautou, Benoit Poelvoorde, Alessandro Nivola, Marie Gillain, Emmanuelle Devos. Plot: the story of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, who begins her life as a headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey becomes the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style. If you want to read about her, check this out. Showing at: Warren East.
DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3-D/2-D [PG] 1 hr. 36 min. Fantasy Trailer Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes. Plot: captures the essence of the classic Dickens tale in a 3-D motion picture. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
THE FOURTH KIND [PG-13] 1 hr. 38 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton. Plot: a psychologist begins videotaping sessions with traumatized patients and unwittingly discovers some of the most disturbing evidence of alien abduction ever documented. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.
THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS [R] 1 hr. 33 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, Rebecca Mader, Terry Serpico. Plot: inspired by Jon Ronson's non-fiction bestseller of the same name, an eye-opening and often hilarious exploration of the government's attempts to harness paranormal abilities to combat its enemies. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Leaving, 11/5/09
Derby Plaza - Saw VI, Astro Boy, The Stepfather
Movie Machine - Law Abiding Citizen
Northrock 14 - Astro Boy, Cirque du Freak, Halloween II, The Stepfather, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Whip It
Palace West - The Final Destination, Pandorum, District 9
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - A Serious Man, The Invention Of Lying, Halloween II
Warren Old Town - Saw VI, Where The Wild Things Are, Couples Retreat
Warren West 21st - Halloween II
Movie Machine - Law Abiding Citizen
Northrock 14 - Astro Boy, Cirque du Freak, Halloween II, The Stepfather, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Whip It
Palace West - The Final Destination, Pandorum, District 9
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - A Serious Man, The Invention Of Lying, Halloween II
Warren Old Town - Saw VI, Where The Wild Things Are, Couples Retreat
Warren West 21st - Halloween II
Friday, October 30, 2009
Worthwhile (or not), 10/30/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). A combination of bad weather and lack of interest in seeing the MJ film kept me from reviewing anything this week (a review is completely unnecessary for MJ, you're either going to see it or you're not). I've heard good comments about the MJ film although early grosses are quite disappointing for the distributor. The Coen brothers are an acquired taste so if you've liked them before, the numerical rating would indicate you'd probably like A SERIOUS MAN.
67 Michael Jackson's This Is It,
79 Serious Man, A
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review.
67 Michael Jackson's This Is It,
79 Serious Man, A
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Opening, 10/30/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
HALLOWEEN II [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Horror Re-Release of the Rob Zombie treatment, originally opened 8/28/09.
A SERIOUS MAN [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Fred Melamed, Richard Kind, Aaron Wolf, Sari Wagner, Jessica McManus, Adam Arkin. Plot: this black comedy by the Coen brothers is the story of an ordinary man's search for clarity in a universe where Jefferson Airplane is on the radio and F-Troop is on TV. It is 1967, and Larry Gopnik , a physics professor at a quiet Midwestern university, has just been informed by his wife that she is leaving him. His unemployable brother is sleeping on the couch, his son is a discipline problem and a shirker at Hebrew school, and his daughter is filching money from his wallet in order to save up for a nose job. Struggling for equilibrium, Larry seeks advice from three different rabbis. Can anyone help him cope with his afflictions and become a righteous person – a mensch – a serious man? Showing at: Warren East.
A SERIOUS MAN [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Fred Melamed, Richard Kind, Aaron Wolf, Sari Wagner, Jessica McManus, Adam Arkin. Plot: this black comedy by the Coen brothers is the story of an ordinary man's search for clarity in a universe where Jefferson Airplane is on the radio and F-Troop is on TV. It is 1967, and Larry Gopnik , a physics professor at a quiet Midwestern university, has just been informed by his wife that she is leaving him. His unemployable brother is sleeping on the couch, his son is a discipline problem and a shirker at Hebrew school, and his daughter is filching money from his wallet in order to save up for a nose job. Struggling for equilibrium, Larry seeks advice from three different rabbis. Can anyone help him cope with his afflictions and become a righteous person – a mensch – a serious man? Showing at: Warren East.
Leaving, 10/29/09
Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Harry Potter VI, All About Steve
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - The Boys Are Back
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Harry Potter VI, All About Steve
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - The Boys Are Back
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Opening Wednesday, 10/28/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT [PG] 1 hr. 52 min. Musical Trailer Cast: Michael Jackson. Plot: offers Jackson fans a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14 (starts 10/27), Warren East (starts 10/27), Warren Old Town (starts 10/27), Warren West. See SHOWTIMES At: in the left column for times.
Leaving, 10/27/09
Derby Plaza - The Stepfather
Movie Machine - Couples Retreat
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Toy Story 1/2
Warren Old Town - The Stepfather
Warren West 21st - The Invention Of Lying, Whip It, Toy Story 1/2
Movie Machine - Couples Retreat
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Toy Story 1/2
Warren Old Town - The Stepfather
Warren West 21st - The Invention Of Lying, Whip It, Toy Story 1/2
Friday, October 23, 2009
AMELIA ***
Mira Nair directed this Biographical drama starring: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor, and Christopher Eccleston. Rated PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking. Run time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.
An account of legendary aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart (Swank), her husband and promoter George Putnam (Gere), her lover, Gene Vidal (McGregor), father of author Gore Vidal, and the navigator on her final flight, Fred Noonan (Eccleston).
I wasn't all that enthused about seeing this film. After all, I already knew the ending. But this turned out to be a very enjoyable picture. Swank does a very credible job and is a dead ringer for the real Earhart. The rest of the cast is fine and the production values are very good. This is an impressive looking film with a very lush musical score. The plot is a little convoluted, using flashbacks where I didn't think they were necessary, but the pace is good and the time passes quickly. I learned several things about Earhart and the people in her life I didn't previously know and that added to the enjoyability. This is a good date or couples movie and will be best appreciated on a large theatre screen.
An account of legendary aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart (Swank), her husband and promoter George Putnam (Gere), her lover, Gene Vidal (McGregor), father of author Gore Vidal, and the navigator on her final flight, Fred Noonan (Eccleston).
I wasn't all that enthused about seeing this film. After all, I already knew the ending. But this turned out to be a very enjoyable picture. Swank does a very credible job and is a dead ringer for the real Earhart. The rest of the cast is fine and the production values are very good. This is an impressive looking film with a very lush musical score. The plot is a little convoluted, using flashbacks where I didn't think they were necessary, but the pace is good and the time passes quickly. I learned several things about Earhart and the people in her life I didn't previously know and that added to the enjoyability. This is a good date or couples movie and will be best appreciated on a large theatre screen.
CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRES ASSISTANT **
Paul Weitz wrote and directed this Fantasy/Adventure which stars: John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia, Ray Stevenson, Patrick Fugit, Orlando Jones, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense supernatural violence and action, disturbing images, thematic elements and some language. Run time is one hour and forty-eight minutes.
Based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan, the film is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager (Massoglia) who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires when he's turned into a "half vampire" by the real deal (Reilly) who's trying to help him. Pulled into a life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, he leaves the safety of a boring existence, battles his former best friend (Hutcherson), and moves toward his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.
Vampires just aren't what they used to be in yet another take on the increasingly popular vampire genre. Reilly's character is a wry, reasonably friendly 200-year-old vampire with a dry sense of humor, but without fangs, who takes the occasional sip of blood from unsuspecting humans. Because the producers of this film are obviously hoping for sequels, you never learn much about what's happening or why. And the ending leaves you completely up in the air. I enjoyed Reilly's character. The two boys are not at all compelling, although that may not make much difference to the intended audience of tweener girls. The rest of the cast is interesting with a surprising number of recognizable names. The film is juvenile, although again, considering the intended audience that may be a plus. I really doubt this film will do well enough to justify a sequel which means you're probably better off reading the books (there are twelve of them). At least that way you'll be able to find out what happens in the end.
Based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan, the film is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager (Massoglia) who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires when he's turned into a "half vampire" by the real deal (Reilly) who's trying to help him. Pulled into a life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, he leaves the safety of a boring existence, battles his former best friend (Hutcherson), and moves toward his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.
Vampires just aren't what they used to be in yet another take on the increasingly popular vampire genre. Reilly's character is a wry, reasonably friendly 200-year-old vampire with a dry sense of humor, but without fangs, who takes the occasional sip of blood from unsuspecting humans. Because the producers of this film are obviously hoping for sequels, you never learn much about what's happening or why. And the ending leaves you completely up in the air. I enjoyed Reilly's character. The two boys are not at all compelling, although that may not make much difference to the intended audience of tweener girls. The rest of the cast is interesting with a surprising number of recognizable names. The film is juvenile, although again, considering the intended audience that may be a plus. I really doubt this film will do well enough to justify a sequel which means you're probably better off reading the books (there are twelve of them). At least that way you'll be able to find out what happens in the end.
Worthwhile (or not), 10/23/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). The national critics don't seem to be overly impressed with anything this week. I thought AMELIA was a much better film than this rating would indicate and I enjoyed CIRQUE DU FREAK although it is on the juvenile side. ASTRO BOY would appear to be for families while SAW VI is clearly for the tweeners and gore fans. The fact the distributor didn't screen it shouldn't come as much of a surprise and reviews or the lack thereof won't effect its attendance. I expect it to be the number one film this week.
41 Amelia,
53 Astro Boy,
43 Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant,
xx Saw VI
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of AMELIA and CIRQUE DU FREAK will be posted after 4:30 pm.
41 Amelia,
53 Astro Boy,
43 Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant,
xx Saw VI
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of AMELIA and CIRQUE DU FREAK will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Opening, 10/23/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
AMELIA [PG] 1 hr. 50 min. Biographical drama Trailer Cast: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, Mia Wasikowska. Plot: a vast, thrilling account of legendary aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. Showing at: Warren East.
ASTRO BOY [PG] 1 hr. 34 min. Animated sci-fi adventure Trailer Cast: Freddie Highmore, Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane, Bill Nighy, Eugene Levy, Matt Lucus, Donald Sutherland, Charlize Theron. Plot: about a young robot with incredible powers including super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.
CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRES ASSISTANT [PG-13] 1 hr. 49 min. Fantasy/Adventure Trailer Cast: John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia, Ray Stevenson, Patrick Fugit, Orlando Jones, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek. Plot: based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan, is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.
SAW VI [R] 1 hr. 31 min. Horror/Thriller Trailer Cast: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Mark Rolston, Peter Outerbridge, Shawnee Smith, Samantha Lemole, Caroline Cave, George Newbern, Darius McCrary, Shauna MacDonald, Devon Bostick, Tanedra Howard. Plot: Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
Leaving, 10/22/09
Derby Plaza - Toy Story 1&2, Whip It, Zombieland
Movie Machine - Zombieland, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Up, Sorority Row
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Whip It, Capitalism, Surrogates, Fame, The Informant
Warren Old Town - The Invention Of Lying
Warren West 21st - Fame, Love Happens, The Informant, Surrogates
Movie Machine - Zombieland, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Up, Sorority Row
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Whip It, Capitalism, Surrogates, Fame, The Informant
Warren Old Town - The Invention Of Lying
Warren West 21st - Fame, Love Happens, The Informant, Surrogates
Friday, October 16, 2009
LAW ABIDING CITIZEN **½
F. Gary Gray directed this Psychological Thriller starring: Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Bruce McGill, Colm Meaney, Leslie Bibb, Michael Irby, Regina Hall, and Viola Davis. Rated R for strong bloody, brutal violence and torture, a scene of rape, and pervasive language. Running time is one hour and forty-eight minutes.
An upstanding family man's (Butler) wife and daughter are brutally murdered and the prosecutor (Foxx) assigned to the case offers one of the suspects a light sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice. Ten years later the man who got away with murder is found dead and the father coolly admits his guilt and issues a warning: either fix the flawed justice system that failed his family, or key players in the trial will die.
You won't be looking at your watch during this film. The plot is nicely paced and keeps you involved throughout. Cast and production values are fine. The only problem is, once the film is over and you think back on what happened, it becomes obvious there's no way this could have actually occurred as shown. The thrills of the pic are based on implausible events. If that doesn't bother you, action fans will really enjoy this. If you insist on at least a semblance of reality, you're likely to be at least a little disappointed (color me one of those). Seeing this on a big screen with good sound will definitely add to the film's impact.
An upstanding family man's (Butler) wife and daughter are brutally murdered and the prosecutor (Foxx) assigned to the case offers one of the suspects a light sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice. Ten years later the man who got away with murder is found dead and the father coolly admits his guilt and issues a warning: either fix the flawed justice system that failed his family, or key players in the trial will die.
You won't be looking at your watch during this film. The plot is nicely paced and keeps you involved throughout. Cast and production values are fine. The only problem is, once the film is over and you think back on what happened, it becomes obvious there's no way this could have actually occurred as shown. The thrills of the pic are based on implausible events. If that doesn't bother you, action fans will really enjoy this. If you insist on at least a semblance of reality, you're likely to be at least a little disappointed (color me one of those). Seeing this on a big screen with good sound will definitely add to the film's impact.
Worthwhile (or not), 10/16/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I only saw one of the films this week, LAW ABIDING CITIZEN, which should be a good couples movie. BOYS is aimed at the family crowd as is WILD THINGS. PARANORMAL is a $15,000 movie that has been sold like BLAIR WITCH and appears to be an indoor version of that pic, and the fact STEPFATHER wasn't screened tells you all you need to know about it.
34 Law Abiding Citizen,
56 Boys Are Back, The,
68 Paranormal Activity,
xx Stepfather, The,
70 Where the Wild Things Are
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of LAW ABIDING CITIZEN will be posted after 4:30 pm.
34 Law Abiding Citizen,
56 Boys Are Back, The,
68 Paranormal Activity,
xx Stepfather, The,
70 Where the Wild Things Are
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of LAW ABIDING CITIZEN will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Opening, 10/16/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
THE BOYS ARE BACK [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Clive Owen, Laura Fraser, Emma Booth. Plot: a widower struggles to raise his two sons. Based on the novel, The Boys Are Back In Town. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.
LAW ABIDING CITIZEN [R] 2 hrs. 02 min. Psychological Thriller Trailer Cast: Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Bruce McGill, Colm Meaney, Leslie Bibb, Michael Irby, Regina Hall, Viola Davis. Plot: an upstanding family man's wife and daughter are brutally murdered and the prosecutor assigned to the case offers one of the suspects a light sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice. Ten years later the man who got away with murder is found dead and the father coolly admits his guilt and issues a warning: Either fix the flawed justice system that failed his family, or key players in the trial will die. Showing at: Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY [R] 1 hr. 26 min. Supernatural Thriller Trailer Cast: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Mark Friedrichs, Amber Armstrong, Ashley Palmer. Plot: a young, middle class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban "starter" tract house only to become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be somehow demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
THE STEPFATHER [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Horror/Thriller Trailer Cast: Dylan Walsh, Sela Ward, Penn Badgley, Sherry Stringfield, Jon Tenney, Paige Turco, Amber Heard. Plot: after returning home from military school a young man finds his mother happily in love and living with her new boyfriend. As the two men get to know each other, the son becomes more and more suspicious of the man who is always there with a helpful hand. Is he really the man of her dreams or could he be hiding a dark side? Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE [PG] 1 hr. 34 min. Family fantasy Trailer Cast: Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker. Plot: a rambunctious and sensitive boy who feels misunderstood at home escapes to where the Wild Things are. The Wild Things desperately long for a leader to guide them, just as the boy longs for a kingdom to rule, but he soon finds that ruling his kingdom is not so easy and his relationships there prove to be more complicated than he originally thought. Based on the book of the same name by Maurice Sendak. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving, 10/15/09
Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Fame, Surrogates
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Transformers 2, Aliens In The Attic, The Ugly Truth, Night At The Museum 2, Orphan
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Julie & Julia, Inglourious Basterds, All About Steve, 9, Tyler Perry, Love Happens, Pandorum, Bright Star
Warren Old Town - Toy Story 1-2, Surrogates, Cloudy With Meatballs
Warren West 21st - All About Steve, The Proposal, Inglourious Basterds, Tyler Perry, Pandorum
Movie Machine - Fame, Surrogates
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Transformers 2, Aliens In The Attic, The Ugly Truth, Night At The Museum 2, Orphan
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Julie & Julia, Inglourious Basterds, All About Steve, 9, Tyler Perry, Love Happens, Pandorum, Bright Star
Warren Old Town - Toy Story 1-2, Surrogates, Cloudy With Meatballs
Warren West 21st - All About Steve, The Proposal, Inglourious Basterds, Tyler Perry, Pandorum
Friday, October 09, 2009
COUPLES RETREAT *½
Peter Billingsley directed this Comedy which stars: Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk, Jean Reno. Rated PG-13 on appeal for sexual content and language. (originally Rated R for some sexual material.) Running time is one hour and forty-seven minutes.
Four couples embark on a journey to a tropical island resort. While one of the couples is there to work on their marriage, the other three set out to enjoy some fun in the sun, but discover participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional.
This was a disappointment. For a film classed as a comedy it wasn't all that funny and at least a couple of the characters, Favreau and Hawk, were unlikeable. There was way too much boring conversation and the ending looked like: "hey, we're out of money, let's hurry and wrap this up." For a cast of this caliber, which included the writers (Vaughn and Favreau), I think we had every right to expect a much better film. On the other hand you might be able to write off your admission price as a medical deduction since so much time is devoted to therapy sessions. My advice is to save your money for the holiday films which are just around the corner. If you do go and if you stay through all the credits you get to watch the four male leads urinate in unison into a hedge. I think they were sending a message but you can decide that for yourself.
Four couples embark on a journey to a tropical island resort. While one of the couples is there to work on their marriage, the other three set out to enjoy some fun in the sun, but discover participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional.
This was a disappointment. For a film classed as a comedy it wasn't all that funny and at least a couple of the characters, Favreau and Hawk, were unlikeable. There was way too much boring conversation and the ending looked like: "hey, we're out of money, let's hurry and wrap this up." For a cast of this caliber, which included the writers (Vaughn and Favreau), I think we had every right to expect a much better film. On the other hand you might be able to write off your admission price as a medical deduction since so much time is devoted to therapy sessions. My advice is to save your money for the holiday films which are just around the corner. If you do go and if you stay through all the credits you get to watch the four male leads urinate in unison into a hedge. I think they were sending a message but you can decide that for yourself.
Worthwhile (or not), 10/9/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I think the national critics score is a little harsh for the only new film this week but it clearly wasn't as good (funny) as I'd hoped it would be.
27 Couples Retreat
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of COUPLES RETREAT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
27 Couples Retreat
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of COUPLES RETREAT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Opening, 10/9/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
COUPLES RETREAT [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk, Jean Reno. Plot: four Midwestern couples embark on a journey to a tropical island resort. While one of the couples is there to work on their marriage, the other three set out to enjoy some fun in the sun, but discover participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving, 10/8/09
Derby Plaza - Fame
Movie Machine - Harry Potter & Half-Blood Prince
Northrock 14 - 9
Palace West - Post Grad, My Sister's Keeper
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Gamer, Jennifer's Body
Warren Old Town - Fame, The Informant
Warren West 21st - 9, The Time Traveler's Wife
Movie Machine - Harry Potter & Half-Blood Prince
Northrock 14 - 9
Palace West - Post Grad, My Sister's Keeper
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri/Sat only
Warren East 13th - Gamer, Jennifer's Body
Warren Old Town - Fame, The Informant
Warren West 21st - 9, The Time Traveler's Wife
Friday, October 02, 2009
THE INVENTION OF LYING ***
Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson wrote and directed this Comedy/Romance starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Rob Lowe, and Tina Fey. Rated PG-13 for language including some sexual material and a drug reference. Running time is one hour and forty minutes.
A film which takes place in an alternate reality where lying--even the concept of a lie--does not exist. In it, a loser screenwriter (Gervais) gains fame, fortune and the girl (Garner) when he discovers the power of not telling the truth. Along the way he gets fired by his boss (Tambor) and heckled by his secretary (Fey) and a co-worker (Lowe).
This starts out as a very funny film, with plenty of laughs for the first thirty minutes or so. Then the laughter slows down as the "lying gimmick" wears thin and is replaced by religious satire. The last half hour heads into more romantic territory and leads to a satisfying if predictable conclusion. There were more laughs in the first thirty minutes than in anything else I've seen this year. And, the romantic ending was nice. If Gervais had been been able to make the film not quite so episodic, with a unified plot, this could have been a real contender. As it is, it's a good date film and will be just as good in its DVD version when you're looking for a few laughs. I probably should point out that religious conservatives are not going to find this nearly as funny as I did.
A film which takes place in an alternate reality where lying--even the concept of a lie--does not exist. In it, a loser screenwriter (Gervais) gains fame, fortune and the girl (Garner) when he discovers the power of not telling the truth. Along the way he gets fired by his boss (Tambor) and heckled by his secretary (Fey) and a co-worker (Lowe).
This starts out as a very funny film, with plenty of laughs for the first thirty minutes or so. Then the laughter slows down as the "lying gimmick" wears thin and is replaced by religious satire. The last half hour heads into more romantic territory and leads to a satisfying if predictable conclusion. There were more laughs in the first thirty minutes than in anything else I've seen this year. And, the romantic ending was nice. If Gervais had been been able to make the film not quite so episodic, with a unified plot, this could have been a real contender. As it is, it's a good date film and will be just as good in its DVD version when you're looking for a few laughs. I probably should point out that religious conservatives are not going to find this nearly as funny as I did.
WHIP IT **½
Drew Barrymore directed this Action/Comedy/Drama which stars: Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Juliete Lewis, Eve, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern, and Drew Barrymore. Rated PG-13 for sexual content including crude dialogue, language and drug material. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.
A rebellious Texas teen (Page) throws in her small town beauty pageant crown for the rowdy world of roller derby, upsetting her mother (Harden) and father (Stern). Derby team members include: Wiig, Lewis, Eve and Barrymore with Fallon as the Derby announcer.
This is a pleasant film which basically showcases Page's talent and her improvement as an actress. The plot is lightweight and predictable but there's plenty of Derby action for those inclined to go for that sort of thing. Barrymore as a director does fine but her actress role has her portrayed as a slightly spaced out and unintelligent team member. That was rather jarring in comparison to the rest of the team, which come across as reasonably nice people playing a game in order to make a living. This will be fine on DVD if you don't mind waiting.
A rebellious Texas teen (Page) throws in her small town beauty pageant crown for the rowdy world of roller derby, upsetting her mother (Harden) and father (Stern). Derby team members include: Wiig, Lewis, Eve and Barrymore with Fallon as the Derby announcer.
This is a pleasant film which basically showcases Page's talent and her improvement as an actress. The plot is lightweight and predictable but there's plenty of Derby action for those inclined to go for that sort of thing. Barrymore as a director does fine but her actress role has her portrayed as a slightly spaced out and unintelligent team member. That was rather jarring in comparison to the rest of the team, which come across as reasonably nice people playing a game in order to make a living. This will be fine on DVD if you don't mind waiting.
Worthwhile (or not), 10/2/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I've seen two of the six new films this week but all of them have relatively high rating scores and there's something for virtually every taste. BRIGHT STAR is great for the BBC crowd, CAPITALISM is for Michael Moore/Progressive fans, LYING is for adults who appreciate Ricky Gervais' humor, TOY STORY is for families and 3-D fans, WHIP IT is for tweener females and ZOMBIELAND is basically for tweener males.
82 Bright Star
,
60 Capitalism: A Love Story,
58 Invention of Lying, The,
97 Toy Story/Toy Story 2 3D.
66 Whip It,
73 Zombieland
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of THE INVENTION OF LYING and WHIP IT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
82 Bright Star
,60 Capitalism: A Love Story,
58 Invention of Lying, The,
97 Toy Story/Toy Story 2 3D
.66 Whip It,
73 Zombieland
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of THE INVENTION OF LYING and WHIP IT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Opening, 10/2/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
BRIGHT STAR [PG] 1 hr. 55 min. Romance/Drama Trailer Cast: Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Paul Schneider, Kerry Fox. Plot: a film about the secret love affair between 23-year-old English poet John Keats and the girl next door, Fanny Brawne. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.
CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY [R] 2 hrs. 7 min. Documentary Trailer Cast: Michael Moore. Plot: explores a taboo question: What is the price that America pays for its love of capitalism? Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.
THE INVENTION OF LYING [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Romance Trailer Cast: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey. Plot: a film which takes place in an alternate reality where lying--even the concept of a lie--does not exist. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2 [G] 1 hr, 21 min. & 1 hr. 32 min. Animated Trailer Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger. Plot: debut of the Disney Digital 3D™ versions of "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2". This double feature, taking the latest advances in digital 3D technology "to infinity and beyond," will play exclusively in 3D. Showing at: Derby Plaza, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
WHIP IT [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min. Action/Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Julieete Lewis, Eve, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern, Drew Barrymore. Plot: a rebellious Texas teen throws in her small town beauty pageant crown for the rowdy world of roller derby. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
ZOMBIELAND [R] 1 hr. 28 min. Comedy/Horror Trailer Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin. Plot: Columbus has made a habit of running from what scares him. Tallahassee doesn't have fears. In a world overrun by zombies, these two are perfectly evolved survivors. But now, they're about to stare down the most terrifying prospect of all: each other. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving, 10/1/09
Derby Plaza - Jennifer's Body, G.I. Joe, Time Traveler's Wife
Movie Machine - Jennifer's Body
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Sorority Row, Whiteout, District 9, Extract, Final Destimation
Warren Old Town - All About Steve, Inglourious Basterds
Warren West 21st - Jennifer's Body, Gamer, Sorority Row, Whiteout
Movie Machine - Jennifer's Body
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Sorority Row, Whiteout, District 9, Extract, Final Destimation
Warren Old Town - All About Steve, Inglourious Basterds
Warren West 21st - Jennifer's Body, Gamer, Sorority Row, Whiteout
Friday, September 25, 2009
SURROGATES ***
Jonathan Mostow directed this Sci-Fi/Thriller starring: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Francis Ginty, Michael Cudlitz, James Cromwell, Ving Rhames. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing images, language, sexuality and a drug-related scene. Running time is one hour and twenty-eight minutes.
In a world where people live their lives remotely from the safety of their own homes via robotic surrogates, a FBI agent (Willis) discovers a vast conspiracy behind the surrogate phenomenon and must abandon his own surrogate, risking his life to unravel the mystery.
This features the action you expect from a Willis film and adds an interesting sci-fi element to spice things up. For me, it worked on all levels. There are plenty of explosions and car wrecks for the action fans and those who like sci-fi will not be disappointed either. Due to the action sequences you'll enjoy this in a large screen theatre more than you will at home.
In a world where people live their lives remotely from the safety of their own homes via robotic surrogates, a FBI agent (Willis) discovers a vast conspiracy behind the surrogate phenomenon and must abandon his own surrogate, risking his life to unravel the mystery.
This features the action you expect from a Willis film and adds an interesting sci-fi element to spice things up. For me, it worked on all levels. There are plenty of explosions and car wrecks for the action fans and those who like sci-fi will not be disappointed either. Due to the action sequences you'll enjoy this in a large screen theatre more than you will at home.
PANDORUM ½*
Christian Alvart directed this Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller starring: Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Eddie Rouse, Andre Hennicke, Norman Reedus. Rated R for strong horror violence and language. Running time is two hours.
Two crew members aboard a spacecraft awaken from hyper sleep and discover the rest of the crew is missing and there are other inhabitants of the ship that mean them harm.
This is a major disappointment. There's an interesting story buried somewhere in this confusing plot but it's hidden so well I can't imagine many will find this film at all satisfying. Production values are good and the actors are fine but none of that can overcome the lack of a coherent story. I can tell you when this film was over there were only two of us left of the original group of watchers, and neither of us was happy we were still there. Save your money, this isn't even worth waiting for the DVD.
Two crew members aboard a spacecraft awaken from hyper sleep and discover the rest of the crew is missing and there are other inhabitants of the ship that mean them harm.
This is a major disappointment. There's an interesting story buried somewhere in this confusing plot but it's hidden so well I can't imagine many will find this film at all satisfying. Production values are good and the actors are fine but none of that can overcome the lack of a coherent story. I can tell you when this film was over there were only two of us left of the original group of watchers, and neither of us was happy we were still there. Save your money, this isn't even worth waiting for the DVD.
Worthwhile (or not), 9/25/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I've seen two of the three new films this week so I can tell you not to waste your money on PANDORUM, which was not screened for the national critics for good reason, and Sci-Fi/Action fans should consider giving SURROGATES a look. I'm guessing FAME was made for the tweeners and that's about all it will get.
45 Fame,
xx Pandorum.
50 Surrogates
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of PANDORUM and SURROGATES will be posted after 4:30 pm.
45 Fame,
xx Pandorum.
50 Surrogates
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of PANDORUM and SURROGATES will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Opening, 9/25/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
FAME [PG] 1 hr. 47 min. Drama/Musical Trailer Cast: Asher Book, Kristy Flores, Paul Iacono, Paul McGill, Naturi Naughton, Kay Panabaker, Kherington Payne, Collins Pennie, Walter Perez, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Bebe Neuwirth. Plot: a reinvention of the original Oscar®-winning hit film follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
PANDORUM [R] 1 hr 48 min. Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller Trailer Cast: Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Eddie Rouse, Andre Hennicke, Norman Reedus. Plot: two crew members stranded on a spacecraft quickly realize they not alone and that the survival of mankind hinges on their actions. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
SURROGATES [PG-13] 1 hr. 29 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Francis Ginty, Michael Cudlitz, James Cromwell, Ving Rhames. Plot: in a world where people live their lives remotely from the safety of their own homes via robotic surrogates, a FBI agent discovers a vast conspiracy behind the surrogate phenomenon and must abandon his own surrogate, risking his life to unravel the mystery. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving, 9/24/09
Derby Plaza - Sorority Row, Inglourious Basterds
Movie Machine - Ponyo, G.I. Joe
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Blood Creek, Star Trek
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Adam, Food, Inc., G.I. Joe, 500 Days Of Summer, The Hangover, The Time Traveler's Wife
Warren Old Town - Sorority Row, Whiteout
Warren West 21st - The Final Destruction 3-D, G.I. Joe, 500 Days Of Summer, Julie And Julia
Movie Machine - Ponyo, G.I. Joe
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Blood Creek, Star Trek
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Adam, Food, Inc., G.I. Joe, 500 Days Of Summer, The Hangover, The Time Traveler's Wife
Warren Old Town - Sorority Row, Whiteout
Warren West 21st - The Final Destruction 3-D, G.I. Joe, 500 Days Of Summer, Julie And Julia
Friday, September 18, 2009
LOVE HAPPENS **½
Written and directed by Brandon Camp this Romance/Drama stars: Aaron Eckhart, Jennifer Aniston, Dan Fogler, Judy Greer, Joe Anderson, John Carroll Lynch, Frances Conroy, Martin Sheen. Rated PG-13 for some language including sexual references. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.
When a self-help author (Eckhart) arrives in Seattle to teach a sold-out seminar, he unexpectedly meets the one person (Aniston) who might finally be able to help him help himself. But will two people who have met the right person at exactly the wrong time be able to give love another chance?
Well, of course they will. You wouldn't go to this type of movie if you weren't pretty sure the couple in question wasn't going to get together by the end of the film. This is a familiar plot with a competent cast in a film designed to reaffirm love and togetherness. As long as the lead characters do their jobs well and appear attractive those buying tickets are satisfied. Most of those attracted to a story of this type will be satisfied with this offering. A large screen isn't particularly necessary and this will be just fine as a DVD.
When a self-help author (Eckhart) arrives in Seattle to teach a sold-out seminar, he unexpectedly meets the one person (Aniston) who might finally be able to help him help himself. But will two people who have met the right person at exactly the wrong time be able to give love another chance?
Well, of course they will. You wouldn't go to this type of movie if you weren't pretty sure the couple in question wasn't going to get together by the end of the film. This is a familiar plot with a competent cast in a film designed to reaffirm love and togetherness. As long as the lead characters do their jobs well and appear attractive those buying tickets are satisfied. Most of those attracted to a story of this type will be satisfied with this offering. A large screen isn't particularly necessary and this will be just fine as a DVD.
THE INFORMANT *½
Steven Soderbergh directed this Comedy (?) which stars: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, and Melanie Lynskey. Rated R for language. Running time is one hour and forty-eight minutes.
Based on the book by Kurt Eichenwald about the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history (Damon).
The acting is fine and the production values and direction are first rate. But, unfortunately, this so called comedy isn't at all funny. In fact it's down right dull. To get involved in a film I find there needs to be someone I care/worry about. Damon's character is a polished, consummate liar who borders on the delusional. Why would I care about him or worry about his well being during his undercover activities for the FBI? This film was so uninvolving I felt like I was watching a tennis match: look at the screen, look at my watch, look at the screen, look at my watch, etc. The funniest thing in this film is the Smothers brothers are in the cast and are barely recognizable. There's no reason to see this in a theatre as long as you're willing to wait for the DVD. As a bonus, if you get the DVD you will also have a guaranteed cure for insomnia.
Based on the book by Kurt Eichenwald about the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history (Damon).
The acting is fine and the production values and direction are first rate. But, unfortunately, this so called comedy isn't at all funny. In fact it's down right dull. To get involved in a film I find there needs to be someone I care/worry about. Damon's character is a polished, consummate liar who borders on the delusional. Why would I care about him or worry about his well being during his undercover activities for the FBI? This film was so uninvolving I felt like I was watching a tennis match: look at the screen, look at my watch, look at the screen, look at my watch, etc. The funniest thing in this film is the Smothers brothers are in the cast and are barely recognizable. There's no reason to see this in a theatre as long as you're willing to wait for the DVD. As a bonus, if you get the DVD you will also have a guaranteed cure for insomnia.
Worthwhile (or not), 9/18/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I've seen two of the four new films this week and find I don't agree once again with the national critics. LOVE HAPPENS will be far more enjoyable to couples and especially women than will THE INFORMANT which is a well done but dull film. MEATBALLS is obviously for children and families just as JENNIFER is for males.
66 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,
67 Informant!, The.
47 Jennifer's Body,
34 Love Happens
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of LOVE HAPPENS and THE INFORMANT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
66 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,
67 Informant!, The.
47 Jennifer's Body,
34 Love Happens
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of LOVE HAPPENS and THE INFORMANT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Opening, 9/18/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 3-D [PG] 1 hr. 30 min. Animated Comedy Trailer Cast: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, Andy Samberg, Mr. T, Benjamin Bratt, Bobb'E J. Thompson, Neil Patrick Harris. Plot: inspired by the beloved children's book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Showing at: Derby Plaza (3-D), Movie Machine (3-D), 13th Avenue Warren (3-D & 2-D), Warren Old Town (3-D), 21st Street Warren (3-D & 2-D).
THE INFORMANT [R] 1 hr. 48 min.Comedy Trailer Cast: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, Melanie Lynskey. Plot: based on the book by Kurt Eichenwald about the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
JENNIFER'S BODY [R] 1 hr. 42 min. Comedy/Horror/Thriller Trailer Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Simmons, Adam Brody, J.K. Simmons. Plot: a small town high school student is possessed by a hungry demon and becomes a pale and sickly creature jonesing for a meaty snack. Her lifelong best friend must step-up to protect the town's young men, including her nerdy boyfriend. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
LOVE HAPPENS [PG-13] 1 hr. 49 min. Romance/Drama Trailer Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Jennifer Aniston, Dan Fogler, Judy Greer, Joe Anderson, John Carroll Lynch, Frances Conroy, Martin Sheen. Plot: when a self-help author arrives in Seattle to teach a sold-out seminar, he unexpectedly meets the one person who might finally be able to help him help himself. But will two people who have met the right person at exactly the wrong time be able to give love another chance? Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving, 9/17/09
Derby Plaza - Final Destination 3-D, Shorts, Halloween II
Movie Machine - Inglourious Basterds, G-Force, Shorts
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Bandslam, A Perfect Getaway
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Extract, Harry Potter, Halloween II, G-Force, Proposal
Warren Old Town - Gamer, The Final Destination 3-D
Warren West 21st - Halloween II, Extract, District 9, The Hangover
Movie Machine - Inglourious Basterds, G-Force, Shorts
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Bandslam, A Perfect Getaway
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Extract, Harry Potter, Halloween II, G-Force, Proposal
Warren Old Town - Gamer, The Final Destination 3-D
Warren West 21st - Halloween II, Extract, District 9, The Hangover
Friday, September 11, 2009
WHITEOUT **½
Dominic Sena directed this Action/Thriller which stars: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Columbus Short, Tom Skerritt, Alex O'Loughlin, and Shawn Doyle. Rated R for violence, grisly images, brief strong language and some nudity. Running time is one hour and forty-one minutes.
The lone U.S. Marshal (Beckinsale) assigned to Antarctica is investigating the continent's first murder and must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer. To add to the tension, she's not sure whether the U.N. Representative (Macht) who flies in to aid her with the case is helping or hindering.
I've probably watched more movies than most of my readers but it didn't take long for me to figure out who the villain was. Still, there were enough red herrings to hold my interest and Beckinsale is nice enough to look at (although I wouldn't get my hopes up about her nude scene). The rest of the cast is fine and the production values are good. It was filmed in Manitoba rather than Antarctica but it still looked really, really cold. This is no award winner but if you're looking for an entertaining thriller this will do nicely. A large screen and especially good sound will add to the impact.
The lone U.S. Marshal (Beckinsale) assigned to Antarctica is investigating the continent's first murder and must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer. To add to the tension, she's not sure whether the U.N. Representative (Macht) who flies in to aid her with the case is helping or hindering.
I've probably watched more movies than most of my readers but it didn't take long for me to figure out who the villain was. Still, there were enough red herrings to hold my interest and Beckinsale is nice enough to look at (although I wouldn't get my hopes up about her nude scene). The rest of the cast is fine and the production values are good. It was filmed in Manitoba rather than Antarctica but it still looked really, really cold. This is no award winner but if you're looking for an entertaining thriller this will do nicely. A large screen and especially good sound will add to the impact.
Worthwhile (or not), 6/11/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). The only one of these I've seen is WHITEOUT and I thought it was a little better than its MetaCritic rating. 9 has a fairly high rating but most reviews I've read have said the animation is fantastic but there's virtually no plot. Two of the films haven't been rated so you know what the distributors thought their rating would be. Finally, FOOD, INC. looks interesting and informative but it's hardly what I'd call entertaining (can you say PBS).
60 9,
80 Food, Inc.
xx I Can Do Bad All By Myself,
xx Sorority Row,
36 Whiteout
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of WHITEOUT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
60 9,
80 Food, Inc.
xx I Can Do Bad All By Myself,
xx Sorority Row,
36 Whiteout
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of WHITEOUT will be posted after 4:30 pm.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Opening, 9/11/09
For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.
9 [PG-13] 1 hr. 29 min. {Starts Wed. 9/9/09} Animated Sci-Fi Trailer Cast: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover. Plot: when 9 first comes to life he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world. All humans are gone and it is only by chance he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that are intent on their extinction. 9 convinces the others hiding will do them no good; they must take the offensive and discover why the machines want to destroy them. As they'll soon come to learn, the very future of civilization may depend on them. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
FOOD, INC. [PG] 1 hr. 34 min. Documentary Trailer Cast: Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Gary Hirschberg, Joe Salatin. Plot: filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry which is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers, and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of e coli-and are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.
SORORITY ROW [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Horror Trailer Cast: Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Rumer Willis, Jamie Chung, Audrina Patridge, Carrie Fisher. Plot: when five sorority girls inadvertently cause the murder of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong they agree to never speak of it again so they can get on with their lives. But, after graduation a mysterious killer goes after the five of them and anyone who knows their secret. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
TYLER PERRY'S I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF [PG-13] 1 hr. 53 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Brian White, Hope Olaide Wilson, Adam Rodriguez, Kwesi Nii-Lante Boakye, Frederick Siglar, Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight. Plot: when America's favorite pistol-packing grandma catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.
WHITEOUT [R] 1 hr. 41 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Columbus Short, Tom Skerritt, Alex O'Loughlin, Shawn Doyle. Plot: the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica is investigating the continent's first murder and must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.
Leaving, 9/10/09
Derby Plaza - District 9
Movie Machine - District 9, Post Grad
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Funny People
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Paper Heart, Ponyo, The Ugly Truth, Shorts, Taking Woodstock
Warren Old Town - Halloween II, District 9
Warren West 21st - Harry Potter & Half-Blood Prince, Shorts, Taking Woodstock, G-Force
Movie Machine - District 9, Post Grad
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Funny People
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Paper Heart, Ponyo, The Ugly Truth, Shorts, Taking Woodstock
Warren Old Town - Halloween II, District 9
Warren West 21st - Harry Potter & Half-Blood Prince, Shorts, Taking Woodstock, G-Force
Friday, September 04, 2009
ALL ABOUT STEVE **
Phil Traill directed this Comedy which stars: Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Ken Jeong, DJ Qualls, Katy Mixon, Howard Hesseman. Rated PG-13 for sexual content including innuendos. Running time is one hour and thirty-eight minutes
Tale of a woman (Bullock) who falls hard for a TV cameraman (Cooper) and thinks they're an item because of a reporter's encouragement (Church); unfortunately, he thinks she's stalking him!
It's hard for Bullock to make a really bad film but she's getting closer with this one. The problem is she's the only character you really like, and then only part of the time. There is no romance and Cooper's character verges on the unlikeable. The rest of the cast is competent but don't really matter when you're looking for a romance. The comedy is rather mild but all of it is due to Bullock doing embarrassing bits your average actress wouldn't. Still, it is entertaining with women and couples being the target audience. There's nothing here that requires a large screen so you can feel free to wait for the DVD.
Tale of a woman (Bullock) who falls hard for a TV cameraman (Cooper) and thinks they're an item because of a reporter's encouragement (Church); unfortunately, he thinks she's stalking him!
It's hard for Bullock to make a really bad film but she's getting closer with this one. The problem is she's the only character you really like, and then only part of the time. There is no romance and Cooper's character verges on the unlikeable. The rest of the cast is competent but don't really matter when you're looking for a romance. The comedy is rather mild but all of it is due to Bullock doing embarrassing bits your average actress wouldn't. Still, it is entertaining with women and couples being the target audience. There's nothing here that requires a large screen so you can feel free to wait for the DVD.
EXTRACT *
Mike Judge wrote and directed this Comedy which stars: Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, Mila Kunis, J.K. Simmons, David Koechner, Clifton Collins Jr., T.J. Miller, Beth Grant, Gene Simmons. Rated R for language, sexual references and some drug use. Run time is one hour and thirty-one minutes.
A blue collar boss and small business owner (Bateman) employs an odd cast of losers, loners and misfits in his flavor extract factory. When he decides he wants to have an affair with one of them (Kunis) because he's not getting along with his wife (Wiig) he has his bartender friend (Affleck) help him find a way.
A competent cast and good production values but this film is only mildly amusing, certainly not the comedy I was hoping for. The plot is rather pointless and when the film is over you're asking yourself, "why did they make that?" Nothing in this film requires a big screen so my recommendation is to wait for the $1 DVD.
A blue collar boss and small business owner (Bateman) employs an odd cast of losers, loners and misfits in his flavor extract factory. When he decides he wants to have an affair with one of them (Kunis) because he's not getting along with his wife (Wiig) he has his bartender friend (Affleck) help him find a way.
A competent cast and good production values but this film is only mildly amusing, certainly not the comedy I was hoping for. The plot is rather pointless and when the film is over you're asking yourself, "why did they make that?" Nothing in this film requires a big screen so my recommendation is to wait for the $1 DVD.
GAMER **½
Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor wrote and directed this Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller which features: Gerard Butler, Michael C. Hall, Alison Lohman, Amber Valletta, Kyra Sedgwick, and John Leguizamo. Rated R for frenetic sequences of strong brutal violence throughout, sexual content, nudity and language. Running time is one hour and thirty-five minutes.
Set in a near future when gaming and entertainment have evolved into a terrifying new hybrid where millions act out their most savage fantasies online in front of a global audience, using real prisoners as avatars with whom they fight to the death. One of the prisoners (Butler) realizes he's been tricked into becoming a prisoner by the creator of the game (Hall) and fights to regain his freedom and family (Valletta).
The first forty-five minutes of this film were not particularly interesting or enjoyable, mainly due to the rapid cut style of direction which at times seemed to be going for multiple cuts per second. Upon later reflection I understand why this was done but at the time I found it annoying. As the film progressed, however, it began to lose its frenetic pace and the story became more linear and much easier to follow. Production values are very good and the leading cast is fine. You should know this is an intensely brutal, bloody and violent film with a fair amount of degrading sex thrown in for good measure. Obviously, this film is aimed at the violence gamer crowd which I'm guessing is young males. Women and older patrons are not likely to care much for it. If it sounds like something you want to see, by all means do so in a well equipped theatre...your TV screen will not be a good venue.
Set in a near future when gaming and entertainment have evolved into a terrifying new hybrid where millions act out their most savage fantasies online in front of a global audience, using real prisoners as avatars with whom they fight to the death. One of the prisoners (Butler) realizes he's been tricked into becoming a prisoner by the creator of the game (Hall) and fights to regain his freedom and family (Valletta).
The first forty-five minutes of this film were not particularly interesting or enjoyable, mainly due to the rapid cut style of direction which at times seemed to be going for multiple cuts per second. Upon later reflection I understand why this was done but at the time I found it annoying. As the film progressed, however, it began to lose its frenetic pace and the story became more linear and much easier to follow. Production values are very good and the leading cast is fine. You should know this is an intensely brutal, bloody and violent film with a fair amount of degrading sex thrown in for good measure. Obviously, this film is aimed at the violence gamer crowd which I'm guessing is young males. Women and older patrons are not likely to care much for it. If it sounds like something you want to see, by all means do so in a well equipped theatre...your TV screen will not be a good venue.
Worthwhile (or not), 9/4/09
Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I watched three of the four new films this week and my "entertainment ratings" certainly differ from the mainline critics. Steve will be enjoyed by most, Extract is dull and Gamer is a film only male gamers will love. Paper probably won't be seen by many.
13 All About Steve,
61 Extract,
xx Gamer,
53 Paper Heart
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of ALL ABOUT STEVE, EXTRACT and GAMER will be posted after 4:30 pm.
13 All About Steve,
61 Extract,
xx Gamer,
53 Paper Heart
Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of ALL ABOUT STEVE, EXTRACT and GAMER will be posted after 4:30 pm.
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About Me
- Wichita, KS, United States
- I've spent most of my adult life in film exhibition management, from which I've retired. As a result of my work I've seen thousands of movies over the years and maintain a strong interest in movies and theatres.
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