Opening, 11/5/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

CATFISH [PG-13] 1 hr. 28 min. Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Nev Schulman, Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost. Plot: a 24-year-old New York-based photographer is asked via Facebook for permission to make a painting from one of his photographs. Showing at: Warren East.

DUE DATE [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliet Lewis, Danny McBride, RZA. Plot: an expectant first-time father (Downey Jr.) is forced to hitch a ride with an aspiring actor (Galifinakis). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

FOR COLORED GIRLS [R] 2 hrs. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Janet Jackson, Loretta Devine, Michael Ealy, Kimberly Elise, Omari Hardwick, Hill Harper, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Tessa Thompson, Kerry Washington, Whoopi Goldberg, Macy Gray, Khalil Kain, Richard Lawson. Plot: a poetic exploration of what is to be of color and a female in this world. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

MEGAMIND [PG] 1 hr. 36 min. Animated Comedy Watch Preview Voices of: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, J.K. Simmons, Justin Theroux, Ben Stiller, Tom McGrath. Plot: the most brilliant super–villain the world has ever known... and the least successful, finally defeats the caped superhero known as "Metro Man." But, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world's biggest "mind" actually be the one to save the day? Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 11/4/2010

Derby Plaza - Jackass 3D, The Social Network
Movie Machine - Easy A
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The American, The Last Exorcism, Inception, Nanny McPhee Returns
Starlite Drive-In -Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - It's Kind Of A Funny Story, Wall Street 2, Waiting For Superman, You Will Meet A Tall, Dark Stranger, Easy A, Legend Of The Guardians, The Tillman Story
Warren Old Town - Jackass 3D, Life As We Know It
Warren West 21st - The Town, The Social Network

CONVICTION ***½

Tony Goldwyn directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo, Clea DuVall, Juliette Lewis, Loren Dean. Rated R for language and some violent images. Running time is one hour and forty-seven minutes.

The inspirational true story of a sister (Swank), a Massachusetts wife, mother of two, and high school dropout, who dedicates her life to overturning her brother's (Rockwell) murder conviction. In order to represent him she gets a college B.A. and graduates from law school. She's aided in her task by a law school classmate (Driver).

To be honest, I only went to this because there was nothing else that interested me this week. From the description of the film I really didn't think I'd care for it. But, it turned out to be first class in every way. The cast is great and the direction and pacing keep you involved throughout. While it isn't entertainment in the normal sense, it is certainly thought provoking, causing me to wonder just how many individuals have been wrongly incarcerated, although the brother looked like someone who would have gone to jail for something during his life and you understand why the police considered him a viable suspect. This is worth your time, either at the theatre or later on DVD. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 10/29/2010

MetaCritic isn't much use this week since SAW 3D and CONVICTION have not been rated and THE TILLMAN STORY isn't even listed. Nevertheless,  I saw one of these and was impressed. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

My review of Conviction will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 10/29/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

CONVICTION [R] 1 hr. 47 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo, Clea DuVall, Juliette Lewis, Loren Dean. Plot: the inspirational true story of a sister, a Massachusetts wife and mother of two, who dedicates her life to overturning her brother's murder conviction. Showing at:  Warren East.

SAW 3D [R] 1 hr. 31 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Sean Patrick Flanery. Plot:  a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror. The first theatrical feature to be shot exclusively on the cutting-edge SI-3D digital camera system. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

THE TILLMAN STORY [R] 1 hr. 37 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: the family's crusade to reveal the truth beneath the mythology of their son's life and death. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving, 10/28/2010

Derby Plaza - My Soul To Take, Legend Of The Guardians
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Step Up 3, The Other Guys, Grown Ups, Salt
Starlite Drive-In -Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Never Let Me Go, Let Me In
Warren Old Town - The Social Network
Warren West 21st - My Soul To Take, Like Dandelion Dust

HEREAFTER **

Clint Eastwood directed this Supernatural Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Matt Damon, Cecile de France, Frankie McLaren, George McLaren, Jay Mohr, Bryce Dallas Howard. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements including disturbing disaster and accident images, and for brief strong language. Running time is two hours and nine minutes.

Tells the story of three people touched by death in different ways. A blue-collar American (Matt Damon) who has a special connection to the afterlife; a French journalist (Cecile De France) who has a near-death experience; and  a London schoolboy who loses the person closest to him. Their lives intersect, forever changed by what they believe might--or must--exist in the hereafter.

This is where I feel compelled to remind you I review for entertainment value and not for artistic merit. Artistically, this film is very good. The cast is very good and de France is excellent. Unfortunately, there is virtually nothing entertaining here and when you consider the running length, the film becomes too much of too little. The pace of the film is so slow it's hard for me to imagine anyone under fifty willing to sit through it. What you have is three separate stories that don't coalesce until the very end of the film and even then just hint at what may come later. I didn't expect a complete and full explanation of the hereafter, obviously, but I was sure hoping for more than this. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 10/22/2010

According to MetaCritic the best film this week is Waiting For Superman (81), followed by Paranormal Activity 2 (64), Hereafter (56), Secretariat (61), and You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger (51). I saw one of these and wasn't overly impressed. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film. Check the Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

My review of Hereafter will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 10/22/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

HEREAFTER [PG-13] 2 hrs. 09 min. Supernatural Drama Watch Preview Cast: Matt Damon, Cecile de France, Frankie McLaren, George McLaren, Jay Mohr, Bryce Dallas Howard. Plot: tells the story of three people touched by death in different ways. A blue-collar American (Matt Damon) who has a special connection to the afterlife; a French journalist (Cecile De France) who has a near-death experience; and  a London schoolboy who loses the person closest to him. Their lives intersect, forever changed by what they believe might--or must--exist in the hereafter.Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Supernatural Thriller Watch Preview 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, is increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

WAITING FOR SUPERMAN [PG] 1 hr. 51min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: Oscar® winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim ("An Inconvenient Truth")  follows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth. Guggenheim undertakes an exhaustive review of public education, surveying "drop—out factories" and "academic sinkholes," methodically dissecting the system and its seemingly intractable problems. However, he offers hope by exploring innovative approaches that have refused to leave their students behind. Showing at: Warren East.

YOU WILL MEET A TALL, DARK STRANGER [R] 1 hr. 38 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch. Plot: through the stories of the characters in "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" Woody Allen explores the human need to elude life's adversities by nurturing illusions. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving, 10/21/2010

Derby Plaza - You Again
Movie Machine - Legend Of The Guardians, Wall Street 2
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Eat Pray Love, Predators, Cats & Dogs, Lottery Ticket
Starlite Drive-In -Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - I Want Your Money, My Soul To Take, You Again, Case 39, Resident Evil
Warren Old Town - Secretariat, My Soul To Take, The Town
Warren West 21st - You Again, Let Me In, Wall Street 2, Legend Of The Guardians

RED ***½

Robert Schwentke directed this Action/Comedy Watch Preview. Cast: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, Mary-Louise Parker, Brian Cox, Julian McMahon, Richard Dreyfuss. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.

Frank (Bruce Willis), Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) used to be the CIA's top agents – but the secrets they know just made them the Agency's top targets. Now marked for assassination, they must use all their collective cunning, experience and teamwork to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers.

This was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise. It has the right balance of comedy, action, plot and cast for a top notch entertainment experience.  I really can't see how you could have made a film of the genre any better. It won't win any awards and you'll probably forget about it shortly after seeing it, but while you're watching you'll be very entertained. See it, you'll like it. Theatres/Times.

JACKASS 3D 0 stars

Jeff Tremaine directed this so called Comedy Watch Preview. Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Jason "Wee Man" Acuña, Chris Pontius, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey. Rated R for male nudity, extremely crude and dangerous stunts throughout, and for language. Running time is one hour and thirty-four minutes.

A collection of stunts ranging from moronic to absolutely disgusting.

This review won't take long. This is absolutely the most disgusting film I've ever seen. I was ready to walk out in five minutes but stayed hoping to find something worthwhile. I never did and recommend you stay far, far away from this film as well as those who think it's entertaining. I will say it's the most natural looking 3D I've seen but that in no way can justify spending your time or money on it.

Worthwhile (or not), 10/15/2010

According to MetaCritic the best film this week is Never Let Me Go (68), followed by Red (60), Jackass 3D (53), Secretariat (61), Life As We Know It (41), with I Want Your Money and Like Dandelion Dust coming up last since they wern't screened for the critics. I saw two of these and hated one and really liked the second. I'm also positive the best attended films will not follow the MetaCritic rankings. Check the Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

My reviews of Jackass 3D and Red will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 10/15/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

I WANT YOUR MONEY  [PG] 1 hr. 32 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: a conservative view that the big-government approach to leadership of the Obama administration is a failure, destroying prosperity by redistributing it rather than cultivating its growth. Showing at: Warren East.

JACKASS 3D [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Jason "Wee Man" Acuña, Chris Pontius, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey. Plot: you will get a good idea about the sequel after you see it was filmed in Knob Lick, Kentucky, Mianus, Connecticut, Fukang, China, Buttzville, New Jersey and Gayville, South Dakota. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

LIKE DANDELION DUST [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min.  Drama Watch Preview Cast: Mira Sorvino, Cole Houser Barry Pepper. Plot: explores the different meanings of being a parent through the gritty, realistic lives of the struggling, blue-collar Porter's, and the privileged Campbell family. Their lives intersect, intertwine and collide, all for the love of a little boy. Showing at: Warren West.

NEVER LET ME GO [R] 1 hr. 44 min. Sci-Fi Drama Watch Preview Cast: Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Charlotte Rampling, Sally Hawkins, Nathalie Richard, Andrea Riseborough. Plot: three children (Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley) spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. When they leave, the terrible truth of their fate is revealed to them. Showing at: Warren East.

RED [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min.Action/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, Mary-Louise Parker, Brian Cox, Julian McMahon, Richard Dreyfuss. Plot: Frank (Bruce Willis), Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) used to be the CIA's top agents – but the secrets they know just made them the Agency's top targets. Now framed for an assassination, they must use all their collective cunning, experience and teamwork to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers.
Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 10/14/2010

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Going The Distance, Romona and Beezus
Starlite Drive-In -Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Mao's Last Dancer, Alpha & Omega, Devil, Jack Goes Boating, Wall Street 2
Warren Old Town - Case 39
Warren West 21st - Easy A, Case 39

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT **½

Greg Berlanti directed this Romantic Comedy. Watch Preview Cast:Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks, Hayes MacArthur. Rated PG-13 for sexual material, language and some drug content. Running time is one hour and forty-two minutes.

An up-and-coming caterer (Heigl) and a promising network sports director (Duhamel) have two things in common: their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in the world,  they have to find some common ground while living under one roof.

 As far as the plot goes, this is a very typical romantic comedy. You already know how it will end before it starts and there are no surprises along the way. What sets this above average for the genre is the cast, which is very good. Heigl and Duhamel have excellent screen presence and chemistry which makes the film very enjoyable. While it's hard to give such a predictable picture a high rating, you will have a good time and a lot of laughs should you decide to see it. Fans of Jean Smart will spot her as Heigl's mother although she is not credited. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 10/8/2010

According to MetaCritic the best film this week is Jack Goes Boating (64), followed by It's Kind Of A Funny Story (63), Secretariat (61), Life As We Know It (41), with My Soul To Take coming up last since it wasn't screened for the critics. Due to scheduling conflicts I only saw one of these and I liked it better than its score indicates. I'm also positive the best attended films will not follow the MetaCritic rankings. Check the Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

My review of Life As We Know It will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 10/8/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY [PG-13] 1 hr. 41 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts, Viola Davis, Zoe Kravitz, Aasif Mandvi, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan. Plot: a stressed out teenager checks himself into a psychiatric hospital for a minimum five days' stay. He is sustained by friendships on both the inside and the outside as he learns more about life, love, and the pressures of growing up. Showing at: Warren East.

JACK GOES BOATING [R] 1 hr. 31 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Ryan, John Ortiz, Daphne Rubin-Vega. Plot: a tale of love, betrayal, friendship, and grace set against the backdrop of working-class New York City life. Showing at: Warren East.

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Romantic Comedy Watch Preview Cast:Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks, Hayes MacArthur. Plot: an up-and-coming caterer (Heigl) and a promising network sports director (Duhamel) have two things in common: their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in the world,  they have to find some common ground while living under one roof. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

MY SOUL TO TAKE [R] 1 hr. 47 min. Suspense/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Max Thieriot, John Magaro, Emily Meade, Nick Lashaway, Denzel Whitaker, Shareeka Epps, Paulina Olszyinski, Raul Esparza. Plot: legend tells of a serial killer who swore he would return to murder the seven children born the night he died. Now, 16 years later, people are disappearing again. Has the psychopath been reincarnated as one of the seven teens, or did he survive the night he was left for dead? Only one of the kids knows the answer. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

SECRETARIAT [PG] 2 hrs. 3 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Dylan Walsh, Scott Glenn, Dylan Baker, Margo Martindale, Nelsan Ellis, Otto Thorwarth, Fred Thompson, AJ Michalka, Kevin Connolly, Eric Lange, James Cromwell. Plot: based on the remarkable true story, "Secretariat" chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 10/7/2010

Derby Plaza - Easy A, Resident Evil, Alpha & Omega, Devil
Movie Machine - Alpha & Omega, Vampires Suck, Toy Story 3
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Piranha, Twilight Saga: Eclipse, The A-Team, Dinner For Schmucks
Starlite Drive-In -Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Get Low, The Virginity Hit, Inception, The Girl Who Played With Fire, Restrepo, The Other Guys
Warren Old Town - Easy A, Resident Evil, You Again, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Warren West 21st - Devil, Alpha & Omega, Resident Evil

LET ME IN ***½

Matt Reeves  directed and co-wrote this Horror/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Moretz, Richard Jenkins, Elias Koteas, Cara Buono, Sasha Barrese. Rated R for strong bloody horror violence, language and a brief sexual situation. Running time is one hour and fifty-five minutes.

An alienated 12-year old boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee), viciously bullied by his classmates and neglected by his divorcing parents, forms a unique bond with his new neighbor (Chloe Moretz), an eerily self-possessed young girl who lives next door with her silent father (Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins).

This is a vampire pic, but unlike any I've seen before. It features a budding romance between a human boy and a twelve-year-old vampire girl (although she says at one point she's been twelve for a very long time). What's different between this and Twilight is the ago of the characters and the innocence of the younger couple vs. the far more mature characters of the popular series. The girl seems sweet and shy (until she gets hungry, of course) while the neglected boy is in desperate need of someone to love and care for him. Their emotional responses to each other seem natural and you're never concerned she's going to attack him. This is a slowly paced film in which the plot leisurely unfolds so that I didn't really understand all that was going on until the very end. It's is an extremely well made film and one you'll be thinking about long after you've left the theatre. It's based on a 2008 Swedish film (Let The Right One In) which is available in an English dubbed version. Theatres/Times.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK ***

David Fincher directed this Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Joe Mazzello, Rashida Jones, Rooney Mara, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Brenda Song. Rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug and alcohol use and language. Running time is two hours.

A Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius, Mark Zuckerberg (Eisenberg), creates a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later he is the youngest billionaire in history. Based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires" by Ben Mezrich.

No doubt this is a very good film, with fast pacing and a story which should interest anyone who's a member of Facebook. From what I've read however, you shouldn't consider this a biography as many of the storylines have been enhanced to make for a better drama. There are those who know Zuckerberg who say he's not the humorless automaton he appears to be in the film. Some will find the pacing, especially the dialogue, progressing too rapidly although the younger crowd probably won't be bothered by this. The film did hold my attention and the two hour length went by fairly quickly. It's a film worth seeing, but I'm not as enthusiastic about it as some of the national reviewers. Theatres/Times.

CASE 39 **½

Christian Alvart directed this Horror film. Watch Preview Cast: Renée Zellweger, Jodelle Ferland, Ian McShane, Bradley Cooper, Kerry O'Malley, Callum Keith Rennie, Adrian Lester, Georgia Craig, Cynthia Stevenson. Rated R for violence and terror including disturbing images. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.

A family services social worker (Renée Zellweger) thinks she has seen it all... until she meets a 10-year old girl (Jodelle Ferland) and the child's apparently cruel and dangerous parents. As she searches for the perfect foster family, dark forces surrounding the girl come to light and bring on greater horror.

This film's U.S. release has been stalled for some time but it's finally made it to our theatres. It's got a good and competent cast although this doesn't seem like the type of film you'd expect to see Zellweger in. But the plot is pretty pedestrian and not overly scary. It's the type of film that will fade from mind almost immediately. My guess is this won't be around long so I'd head out soon if you still think you want to see it. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 10/1/2010

This week there are two horror films (Let Me In, Case 39), a drama about the college years of the creator of Facebook (The Social Network), and an art film based on a dancer's biography (Mao's Last Dancer). I've seen three of the four and my choice of the best will probably surprise you (Let Me In). Check the MetaCritic site if you want the numerical ratings or check the Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

My reviews of the three films I've seen will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 10/1/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

CASE 39 [R] 1 hr . 55 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Renée Zellweger, Jodelle Ferland, Ian McShane, Bradley Cooper, Kerry O'Malley, Callum Keith Rennie, Adrian Lester, Georgia Craig, Cynthia Stevenson. Plot: a family services social worker (Renée Zellweger) thinks she has seen it all... until she meets a 10-year old girl (Jodelle Ferland) and the child's cruel and dangerous parents. As she searches for the perfect foster family, dark forces surrounding the girl come to light and bring on greater horror. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

LET ME IN [R] 1 hr . 55 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Moretz, Richard Jenkins, Elias Koteas, Cara Buono, Sasha Barrese. Plot: an alienated 12-year old boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee), viciously bullied by his classmates and neglected by his divorcing parents, forms a unique bond with his new neighbor (Chloe Moretz), an eerily self-possessed young girl who lives next door with her silent father (Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins). Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

MAO'S LAST DANCER [PG] 1 hr. 57 min. Biography/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Kyle McLachlan, Bruce Greenwood, Joan Chen, Jack Thompson, Aden Young, Amanda Schull, Shungbao Wang. Plot: the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from poverty to international stardom. Based on the bestselling autobiography, "Mao's Last Dancer". Showing at: Warren East.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK [PG-13] 2 hrs. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Joe Mazzello, Rashida Jones, Rooney Mara, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Brenda Song. Plot: a Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius, Mark Zuckerberg, creates a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later he is the youngest billionaire in history. Based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires" by Ben Mezrich. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Sneak Previews: Saturday October 2

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Romantic Comedy Watch Preview Cast:  Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks, Hayes MacArthur. Plot: an up-and-coming caterer (Heigl) and a promising network sports director (Duhamel) have two things in common: their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in the world,  they have to find some common ground while living under one roof. Sneaking at:  Warren East.

SECRETARIAT [PG] 2 hrs. 03 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Dylan Walsh, Scott Glenn, Dylan Baker, Margo Martindale, Nelsan Ellis, Otto Thorwarth, Fred Thompson, AJ Michalka, Kevin Connolly, Eric Lange, James Cromwell. Plot: based on the remarkable true story, "Secretariat" chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Sneakng at:  Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 9/30/2010

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - The Other Guys
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Last Airbender, The Karate Kid
Starlite Drive-In -Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - The American, The Expendables, Takers, Eat Pray Love, The Switch
Warren Old Town - Devil
Warren West 21st -Takers, The American, Going The Distance, Inception

YOU AGAIN ***

Andy Fickman directed this Romantic Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman, Kristin Chenoweth, Victor Garber, Betty White. Rated PG for brief mild language and rude behavior. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

A successful PR pro (Kristen Bell) heads home for her older brother's (Jimmy Wolk) wedding and discovers that he's marrying her high school arch nemesis (Odette Yustman), who's conveniently forgotten their problematic past. Then the bride's jet-setting aunt (Sigourney Weaver) bursts in and the sister's not-so-jet-setting mom (Jamie Lee Curtis) comes face to face with her own high school rival.

The national critics have not been kind to this one but that's to be expected for this kind of film. My wife and I watched it, however, and both enjoyed it, although I think women will find this slightly more enjoyable than men. Critics don't usually like a pic like this because they're so predictable. And it's true, there's no doubt what's going to happen and how it will end, right from the start. The enjoyability comes from the quality of the cast and how well written the plot is. This cast is just fine and there are plenty of laughs in the script. Basically, no surprises, no potential awards, but a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Theatres/Times

WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS **

Oliver Stone directed this Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Frank Langella, Carey Mulligan, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Ferlito, Charlie Sheen. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and thematic elements. Running time is two hours and thirteen minutes.

A sequel to the 1987 Wall Street. A young Wall Street trader (LaBeouf) partners with disgraced former Wall Street corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Douglas) on a two-tiered mission: To alert the financial community to the coming doom, and to find out who was responsible for the death of the young trader's mentor. The plot is complicated by the fact Gekko's daughter (Mulligan) is the young trader's girlfriend.

This is a film with a good cast, especially Douglas, essentially wasted on an overly long and dull plot. Critical reviews have been somewhat positive but I was bored and everyone I've talked to about this film felt the same. The explanation of what caused the recent financial meltdown is interesting, but the inclusion of a  totally unnecessary plot line and an evident inability to decide how the film should end, resulting in what is essentially multiple endings, made it seem like this film would never end. Money may never sleep but you'll be close to it by the time the credits roll if you decide to invest your money in a ticket for this one. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 9/24/2010

Something for just about everyone this week: a big  budget sequel, a romantic comedy, a war documentary. a 3D animated feature, and a fake documentary. I've seen two of the five new films (Wall Street:Money Never Sleeps and You Again) and liked one of them, the other not so much.. This is one of those weeks if you follow the national critics reviews I think you'll be disappointed.  Check the MetaCritic site if you want the numerical ratings or check the Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

My reviews of both films I've seen will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 9/24/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: OWLS OF GA'HOOLE [PG] 1hr. 40 min. Animated/Fantasy Watch Preview Cast (Voices): Emily Barclay, Abbie Cornish, Emilie de Ravin, Ryan Kwanten, Jay Laga'aia, Miriam Margolyes, Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Richard Roxburgh, Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham. Plot: based on the beloved books by Kathryn Lasky. A young owlet, accompanied by friends, soars across the sea and through the mist to find the Great Tree, home of the legendary Guardians of Ga'Hoole. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

RESTREPO [R] 1 hr. 34 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: Winner of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for a Documentary, "Restrepo" chronicles the deployment of a U.S. platoon of courageous American soldiers in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley, considered to be one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. Showing at:  Warren East.

WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS [PG-13] 2hr. 13 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Frank Langella, Carey Mulligan, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Ferlito, Charlie Sheen. Plot: a sequel to the 1987 Wall Street. A young Wall Street trader (LaBeouf) partners with disgraced former Wall Street corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Douglas) on a two-tiered mission: To alert the financial community to the coming doom, and to find out who was responsible for the death of the young trader's mentor. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

THE VIRGINITY HIT [R] 1 hr. 24 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Matt Bennett, Zack Pearlman. Plot: four guys, one camera, and their hilarious experience chronicling the exhilarating and terrifying rite of passage: losing your virginity. As these guys help their buddy get laid, they'll have to survive friends with benefits, internet hookups, even porn stars during an adventure that proves why you will always remember your first. Showing at:  Warren East.

YOU AGAIN [PG] 1hr. 45 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman, Kristin Chenoweth, Victor Garber, Betty White. Plot: a successful PR pro (Kristen Bell) heads home for her older brother's (Jimmy Wolk) wedding and discovers that he's marrying her high school arch nemesis (Odette Yustman), who's conveniently forgotten their problematic past. Then the bride's jet-setting aunt (Sigourney Weaver) bursts in and Marni's not-so-jet-setting mom (Jamie Lee Curtis) comes face to face with her own high school rival. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 9/23/2010

Derby Plaza -The American, The Other Guys, Cats & Dogs, The Expendables
Movie Machine - Resident Evil: Afterlife
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Scott Plgrim vs The World
Starlite Drive-In -Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Resident Evil: Afterlife, Machete, The Last Exorcism, Going The Distance
Warren Old Town -The American, Going The Distance, Machete
Warren West 21st -The Last Exorcism, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Eat Pray Love, Machete, The Expendables

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE ***½

Daniel Alfredson directed this Mystery/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist. Rated R for brutal violence including a rape, some strong sexual content, nudity and language. Running time is two hours and nine minutes.

The sequel to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo: when a young journalist approaches an investigative reporter (Nyqvist) with a meticulously researched thesis about sex trafficking in Sweden and those in high office who abuse underage girls, he immediately throws himself into the investigation. When the journalist is murdered, Lisbeth (Rapace) is accused of the crime. In Swedish with English subtitles.

The sequel starts a year later with an entirely new case. This time Blomkvist stays more in the background while Salander tries to clear her name. In the process she learns significantly more about her background and we begin to understand why she distrusts men so much. If you liked the first one of the series, you should enjoy this one equally. In Swedish with English subtitles.  Theatres/Times.

THE TOWN ***½

Ben Affleck co-wrote, directed and stars in this Crime Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Pete Postlethwaite, Chris Cooper. Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.

The leader of a group of ruthless bank robbers enters into a passionate romance with a former hostage.

It's been a long time since I've seen a crime drama as well written, directed and acted as this one is. Most film like this are one dimensional, a lot of action and virtually no plot. Consequently, I never really care what happens to any of the characters because I'm not invested in them. In this film, however, you get to know most of the lead characters reasonably well  and you actually care about them. There's plenty of action but it's just one of the dimensions in this altogether satisfying pic. Affleck, Hall, Renner and Lively are particularly outstanding in this very high quality cast. If you like this film genre, you will find it hard to do better. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 9/17/2010

Something for just about everyone this week. I've seen two of the five new films (The Town and The Girl Who Played With Fire) and liked both of them. MetaCritic also gave Easy A a good rating, Alpha And Omega not so much. Check the MetaCritic site if you want the numerical ratings or check the Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

My reviews of both films I've seen will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 9/17/2010

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

The SHOWING AT theatres are a guess at this time (Warren Theatres are correct). They'll be updated when I have more information.

ALPHA AND OMEGA [PG] 1 hr. 28 min. Animated/Family Watch Preview Cast (voices): Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover, Larry Miller, Eric Price, Vicki Lewis, Chris Carmack, Kevin Sussman, Brian Donovan, Christina Ricci. Plot: two wolves try to get home after being taken by park rangers and shipped halfway across the country. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

DEVIL [PG-13] 1 hr. 25 min. Supernatural Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Chris Messina, Geoffrey Arend, Logan Marshall-Green, Bojana Novakovic, Jenny O'Hara, Bokeem Woodbine, Jacob Vargas. Plot: M. Night Shyamalan's take on a group of people trapped in an elevator who realize the devil is among them. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

EASY A [PG-13] 1 hr. 32 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, Cam Gigandet, Lisa Kudrow, Malcolm MacDowell, Aly Michalka, Stanley Tucci. Plot: after a little white lie about losing her virginity gets out, a clean cut high school girl (Emma Stone) decides to use the rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE [R] 2 hr. 09 min. Mystery/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist, Plot: the sequel to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo: when a young journalist approaches an investigative reporter (Nyqvist) with a meticulously researched thesis about sex trafficking in Sweden and those in high office who abuse underage girls, he immediately throws himself into the investigation. In Swedish with English subtitles. Showing at:  Warren East.

THE TOWN [R] 2 hr. 05 min. Crime Drama Watch Preview Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Pete Postlethwaite, Chris Cooper. Plot: the leader of a group of ruthless bank robbers enters into a passionate romance with a former hostage. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 9/16/2010

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - The Last Exorcism, Nanny McPhee Returns, The Expendables
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Shrek Forever After, Charlie St. Cloud
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th -  Flipped, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Vampires Suck, Lottery Ticket, Dinner For Schmucks, Winter's Bone, Nanny McPhee Returns
Warren Old Town - The Expendables
Warren West 21st - Flipped, The Other Guys, The Switch, Toy Story 3, Dinner For Schmucks

RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE *½

Paul W.S. Anderson directed this Action/Horror film. Watch Preview Cast: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates, Shawn Roberts, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Spencer Locke, Boris Kodjoe, Wentworth Miller, Sienna Guillory. Rated R for sequences of strong violence and language. Running time is one hour and thirty-seven minutes.

In a world ravaged by a virus which turns its victims into the Undead, Alice (Milla Jovovich), continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. A new lead promising a safe haven from the Undead takes them to Los Angeles, but when they arrive the city is overrun by thousands of Undead - and Alice and her comrades are about to step into a deadly trap.

If you're really into computer games and like excessive and bloody violence, this may be your film. The cast is attractive enough and the CGI effects are OK, but the plot is virtually non-existent (no reason to let a story get in the way of a good bloodbath). In addition, the entire cast is forced to be extremely murderous by the plot and that doesn't make for characters you care about. I watched the 3D version and think it's a waste of your money. The 3D quality is very good, especially if you like objects flying out of the screen at you. But I found it got in the way and made it difficult to follow some of the action. Theatres/Times.

FLIPPED **

Rob Reiner directed this Romance/Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Madeline Carroll, Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards, John Mahoney, Callan McAuliffe, Penelope Ann Miller, Aidan Quinn, Kevin Weisman.  Rated PG for language and some thematic material. Running time is one hour and thirty minutes.

Takes a boy (McAuliffe) and girl (Carroll) from grade school to junior high, through triumph and disaster, family drama and first love, as they make the discoveries that will define who they are - and who they are to each other.

This film is well directed and features a first rate cast. Unfortunately, the subject matter isn't one most will find compelling. I'm afraid I don't understand what audience will be willing to pay the cost of a first run theatre ticket to see it. If this was on, say, The Hallmark channel, I'd recommend it. I'd wait for this to show up on DVD or one of the pay channels. Theatres/Times.

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO ***½

Niels Arden Oplev directed this Crime/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: Michael Nyqvis, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Haber, Sven-Bertil Taube, Peter Andersson, Ingvar Hirdwall, Marika Lagercrantz, Björn Granath, Ewa Fröling. Rated R for disturbing violent content including rape, grisly images, sexual material, nudity and language. Running time is two hours and thirty-two minutes.

Based on the trilogy of books by Stieg Larsson: a disgraced financial journalist and a tattooed, ruthless computer hacker are hired by a family member to investigate the 40-year-old disappearance of a woman. When the pair link her disappearance to a number of grotesque murders, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history. Dubbed in English version.

I'm sure there will be those who are turned off by the subject matter and images in this film but if the rating info above doesn't bother you, this is a terrific movie. Wjy do I think that? Well, it's two-and-a-half hours long and I never once thought about looking at my watch. All of the cast is unfamiliar to me, this being a Swedish film, but they're very good and Rapace is terrific. Her character is fascinating and even though you can surmise events in her background, she is so compelling you want to know even more. Even though there are adult scenes, this is basically a "whodunnit" with a surprisingly uplifting ending. If you like films with interesting characters and a strong story, this is one you'll want to see. The English dubbing is very good and you quickly forget you're not watching an English production. Theatres/Times. 

Worthwhile (or not), 9/10/2010

This week you have your choice between one of the better films I've seen in awhile (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo); a Rob Reiner film that's a little unsubstantial for a theatrical release (Flipped); and part 4 of a horror series, this time in 3D (Resident Evil: Afterlife). Check the MetaCritic site if you want the numerical ratings or check the Opening section below to see the previews.

My reviews of all three films will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 9/10/20110

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

FLIPPED [PG] 1 hr. 30 min. Romance/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Madeline Carroll, Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards, John Mahoney, Callan McAuliffe, Penelope Ann Miller, Aidan Quinn, Kevin Weisman. Plot: takes a boy and girl from grade school to junior high, through triumph and disaster, family drama and first love, as they make the discoveries that will define who they are - and who they are to each other. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren West.

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO [R] 2 hr. 32 min. Crime/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Michael Nyqvis, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Haber, Sven-Bertil Taube, Peter Andersson, Ingvar Hirdwall, Marika Lagercrantz, Björn Granath, Ewa Fröling. Plot: based on the trilogy of books by Stieg Larsson: a disgraced financial journalist and a tattooed, ruthless computer hacker are hired by a family member to investigate the 40-year-old disappearance of a woman. When the pair link her disappearance to a number of grotesque murders, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history. Subtitled in English version.  Showing at:  Warren East.

RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE [R] 1 hr. 37 min. Action/Horror Watch Preview Cast: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates, Shawn Roberts, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Spencer Locke, Boris Kodjoe, Wentworth Miller, Sienna Guillory. Plot: in a world ravaged by a virus which turns its victims into the Undead, Alice (Milla Jovovich), continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. A new lead promising a safe haven from the Undead takes them to Los Angeles, but when they arrive the city is overrun by thousands of Undead - and Alice and her comrades are about to step into a deadly trap. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 9/9/2010

Derby Plaza - Piranha 3D
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Prince Of Persia, Knight And Day
Starlite Drive-In -
Warren East 13th -  Toy Story 3, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Salt, Avatar
Warren Old Town - The Last Exorcism
Warren West 21st - Avatar, Nanny McPhee Returns, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Vampires Suck, Piranha

GOING THE DISTANCE *½

Nanette Burstein directed this Romantic Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Ron Livingston, Jim Gaffigan, Kelli Garner, Rob Riggle, Christina Applegate. Rated R for sexual content including dialogue, language throughout, some drug use and brief nudity. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.

A young couple (Barrymore, Long) try and maintain a long distance relationship. Despite the opposite coasts, the nay-saying friends and family, and a few unexpected temptations, and with the help of a lot of texting, sexting and late-night phone calls, they might actually go the distance.

I have all sorts of problems with this film. I've never particularly cared for Barrymore as an actress since her E.T. days, She has some odd speech patterns and a lisp I just don't associate with a romantic star. I think she's better suited to be a character actress rather than a romantic lead. I also have a problem with Long in this role. Every time I see him I think of his Warren Cheswick character in Ed, a role in which he was very funny. But that negatively colors his attempt to be a romantic lead for me. This film also has a poorly written script, at least for an older patron. I don't recall seeing a picture lately with the F word being used so frequently. To me this implies the writer couldn't come up with anything smart so he defaulted to profanity. That may work well with the younger crowd but it will be a turn off to those who are older. There are a few funny scenes and I did laugh occasionally, but there's no way I can recommend this one. Theatres/Times.

THE AMERICAN ***

Anton Corbijn directed this Suspense/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli. Rated R for violence, sexual content and nudity. Running time is one hour and forty-three minutes.

After an assassin's (Clooney) job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected, he retreats to the Italian countryside and holes up in a small medieval town. He accepts the friendship of local priest (Bonacelli) and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, he is tempting fate.

Older patrons will be reminded of the 70's Eastwood films featuring a strong, silent loner. Clooney is the only recognizable cast member but the European supporting cast is very good and doesn't detract from the film. Cinematography is fantastic and the views of the Italian alps and villages are most enjoyable. There are not a lot of plot surprises although I enjoyed the story and was never bored. The pacing will be problematical for younger viewers used to the current fast cut techniques but I found it pleasant as will most older viewers who like this genre. It's not an award winner but a good film for the right patron. A big screen will definitely add to the scenic enjoyment. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 9/3/2010

This week you have your choice between another reissue of a film that just left (doesn't make any sense to me either: Toy Story 3);  an action film with an interesting cast (Machete); a suspense thriller that older viewers should enjoy but will bore younger ones (The American); and a romantic comedy specifically aimed at a young audience (more vulgarity than I've heard in a film in a long time: Going The Distance). Check the MetaCritic site if you want the numerical ratings or check the Opening section below to see the previews.

My reviews of The American and Going The Distances will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).