Leaving, 6/28, 30/11

Derby Plaza - 6/28: Pirates Of The Caribbean. 6/30: nothing

Movie Machine - 6/28: nothing. 6/30: Green Lantern
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - 6/28: nothing. 6/30: Hop, Source Code
Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - 6/28: Cave Of Forgotten Dreams, Art Of Getting By. 6/30: Judy Moody
Warren Old Town - 6/28: The Hangover II, Bridesmaids. 6/30: Green Lantern 3D
Warren West 21st - Super 8 IMAX, Thor. 6/30: Midnight In Paris

Bad Teacher **½

Jake Kasdan directed this Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, John Michael Higgins, Jason Segel, Phyllis Smith, Thomas Lennon, Eric Stonestreet. Rated R for sexual content, nudity, language and some drug use. Running time is one hour and thirty-two minutes.

A foul-mouthed, ruthless, and inappropriate teacher (Diaz) fights off the advances of a sarcastic, irreverent gym teacher (Segel), while attempting to woo a rich, handsome substitute (Timberlake). Her rival is an overachieving teacher (Punch) who will stop at nothing to win the contest.

Diaz plays a character who is just as described above but her screen persona is such you like her just the same. She may be all of those things but she's also very smart and eventually she figures out what's really best for her. There is plenty of profanity but in this case it fits the character's personality and doesn't seem as gratuitous as in many films of late. Punch does a terrific job as the competing teacher and Segel is also quite good. Timberlake's character isn't in the same league as the others but that has to do with the script and not his ability. If profanity doesn't bother you this film is amusing at times although not a major laugh riot. Theatres/Times.

Cars 2 *½

John Lasseter, Brad Lewis directed this Animated comedy. Watch Preview Voices of: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Tony Shalhoub. Rated G. Running time is one hour and fifty-three minutes.

Using advanced animation technology this sequel has star race car Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix.

Hopefully this pic isn't an example of what can be expected from Pixar after being bought by Disney because this is a dud. I have always enjoyed the Pixar animated films because they could be enjoyed by both adults and kids. I don't know who this film was aimed at but it misses by a mile, with the possible exception of young boys who might enjoy the racing scenes. Simply put, it's dull and boring and that's the kiss of death for an animated film. It will probably open strongly and then die rather quickly. The quality of the animation is very good and the 3D quality is excellent but those aren't enough to offset the lack of an interesting story. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/24/2011

MetaCritic indicates THE TREE OF LIFE (85) is the best of the week, followed by CARS 2 (58), with BAD TEACHER (46) in last place. I watched the last two and found one mildly entertaining and one a snoozefest. 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 reviews of Cars 2 (*½) and Bad Teacher (**½) will be available at 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 6/24/11

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.

Bad Teacher [R] 1 hr. 32 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, John Michael Higgins, Jason Segel, Phyllis Smith, Thomas Lennon, Eric Stonestreet. Plot: a foul-mouthed, ruthless, and inappropriate teacher (Diaz) fights off the advances of a sarcastic, irreverent gym teacher (Segel), while attempting to woo a rich, handsome substitute (Timberlake). Advance word is it's very foul mouthed but only marginally funny. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Cars 2 2D, 3D [G] 1 hr. 53 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices of: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Tony Shalhoub. Plot: using advanced animation technology this sequel has star race car Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. Advance word is it's above average if not quite as good as the original.  Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Tree Of Life [PG-13] 2 hrs. 19 min. Fantsay/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain, Joanna Going, Jackson Hurst, Fiona Shaw, Crystal Mantecon, Tamara Jolaine, Hunter McCracken, Dustin Allen. Plot: follows the life journey of a family's eldest son, Jack, (Penn as the adult son) through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father (Brad Pitt). Advance word is it's well above average but its non-linear approach may be confusing. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving, 6/23/11

Derby Plaza - Hangover 2, Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer, Kung Fu Panda 2
Movie Machine - Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - African Cats, Hoodwinked Too, Limitless
Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - Thor, Kung Fu Panda 3D, Fast Five, Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 3D
Warren Old Town - X-Men: First Class
Warren West 21st - Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer, Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 3D, Kung Fu Panda 3D

Green Lantern **½

Martin Campbell directed this Comic book/Action film. Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins, Temuera Morrison, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Clarke Duncan. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, the Green Lantern Corps, faces a new enemy called Parallax. Their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds).

As a Sci-fi fan I found this enjoyable although not enough to need to see it again. It has a nice mix of humor, action, romance and CGI effects so it wasn't quite as one dimensional as I was afraid it would be. Not being a comic book aficionado I wasn't aware of the plot in advance, which was good as the basic premise is silly. Still, I suspect comic book and Reynolds fans will be satisfied if not overwhelmed. An obvious sequel is planned although the scene leading to that conclusion made absolutely no sense to me. I watched the 3D version and while enjoyable enough I don't think you're  going to get much for the extra money it takes to do so. A large screen and good sound will add more to your enjoyment than will 3D.  2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/17/2011

MetaCritic indicates MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS (51) is the best of the week, followed by GREEN LANTERN (40), with THE ART OF GETTING BY (38) in last place. I watched GREEN LANTERN and found it entertaining, although comic book fans will be more 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 GREEN LANTERN (**½) will be available at 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 6/17/11

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 Art Of Getting By [PG-13] 2 hrs. 2 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Sam Robards, Jarlath Conroy, Ann Dowd, Marcus Carl Franklin, Sasha Spielberg with Rita Wilson, Blair Underwood. Plot: a lonely and fatalistic teen (Highmore) who's made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work is befriended by a beautiful and complicated girl (Roberts) who recognizes in him a kindred spirit. Showing at:  Warren East.

Green Lantern [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins, Temuera Morrison, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Clarke Duncan. Plot: a brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, the Green Lantern Corps, faces a new enemy called Parallax. Their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Mr. Popper's Penguins [PG] 1 hr. 35 min. Family comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Ophelia Lovibond, Philip Baker Hall, Andrew Stewart-Jones, James Tupper, Clark Gregg, David Krumholtz, Angela Lansbury. Plot: a driven businessman (Carrey) who is clueless when it comes to the important things in life inherits six penguins. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/16/11

Derby Plaza - X-Men: First Class
Movie Machine - X-Men: First Class, The Hangover 2
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Prom, Hanna, Insidious, Wimpy Kid 2
Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - Rio, Water For Elephants, Everything Must Go
Warren Old Town - Pirates Of The Caribbean 4
Warren West 21st - Water For Elephants, Fast Five

Super 8 ***½

J.J. Abrams wrote and directed this Sci-Fi/Action film, produced by Steven Spielberg. Watch Preview Cast: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso, Noah Emmerich, Ron Eldard, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some drug use. Running time is one hour and fifty-two minutes.

A group of young friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train derailment while making a super 8 movie and soon know it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place.

This film is classic proof the main ingredient of an entertaining movie is the plot, no multi-million dollar cast is required when you have a good story with cast members you care about. During the course of this story you do like and care about the youngsters who are the main focus. By now you are probably aware there is an alien involved and that it's not quite as lovable and benign as E.T.  But don't let that discourage you, this is a film with something for everyone and will work nicely as one an entire family can attend together and enjoy. The CGI effects are good but not overwhelming. I saw this on the IMAX screen and would recommend you watch it on the largest screen available for maximum effect. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/10/2011

Sorry to be late this week, but lost all power for seven hours due to the storm. Four new films this week but I'll bet the #1 title comes in #4 at the boxoffice..   MetaCritic indicates CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS (86) is the best of the week, closely followed by Woody Allen's MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (81), then, what will no doubt be the top pic this weekend, SUPER 8 (72), which is certainly a respectable rating, especially when compared to JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER (38). I watched SUPER 8 and found it very entertaining, with younger crowds probably finding it even more so. 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 SUPER 8 (***½) is available now.

Opening, 6/10/11

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.

Cave Of Forgotten Dreams [G] 1 hr. 35 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: breathtaking new 3D documentary from the incomparable Werner Herzog ("Encounters at the End of the World," "Grizzly Man") follows an exclusive expedition into the nearly inaccessible Chauvet Cave in France, home to the most ancient visual art known to have been created by man. Showing at: Warren East.

Judy Moody And The NOT Bummer Summer [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Family Watch Preview Cast: Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Parris Mostelle. Plot: chronicles Judy's (Jordana Beatty) adventures in which she sets out to have the most thrilling summer of her life with the help of her little brother Stink (Parris Mosteller) and fun-loving Aunt Opal (Heather Graham). Based on the novel series. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Midnight In Paris [PG-13] 1 hr. 28 min. Comedy/Romance Watch Preview Cast: Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Owen Wilson, Nina Arianda, Kurt Fuller, Tom Hiddleston, Mimi Kennedy, Alison Pill, Corey Stoll. Plot: Woody Allen's latest follows a family traveling to the city and simultaneously explores the illusion people have that a life different from their own is better. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Super 8  [PG-13] 1 hr. 42 min. Action/Horror Watch Preview Cast: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso, Noah Emmerich, Ron Eldard, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills. Plot: a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/9/11

Derby Plaza - Bridesmaids, Thor
Movie Machine - Pirates Of The Caribbean, Fast Five
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Mars Needs Moms, Just Go With It
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th -Jumping The Broom, Priest, Something Borrowed
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Something Borrowed, Priest, Soul Surfer

X-Men: First Class ***

Matthew Vaughn directed this Sci-Fi/Action/Adventure Watch Preview Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Till, Edi Gathegi, Jason Flemyng, Oliver Platt, Morgan Lily, Zoe Kravitz, Bill Bilner. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language. Running time is two hours and twelve minutes.

Charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga, and reveals a secret history of famous global events, before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and while Charles Xavier (McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Fassbender) were the closest of friends who shared a common enemy (Bacon).

If you've never seen one of the X-Men films, not to worry. It isn't necessary in order to follow this plot which stands very nicely on it's own. If you have seen the previous films,  this will give you some history you've not known before. As are so many movies nowadays, this one is a good half hour too long. You won't have any trouble finding whole sections unnecessary to the story, especially the ones with too much dialogue. Still, there's enough action and effects to keep most sci-fi/action fans happy. A large screen and good sound will add to your enjoyment. Unless you just want to see all the credits, there's no reason to sit through them as there's no final scene at the end.

Worthwhile (or not), 6/3/2011

Only one new film this week so it's either it or something you've missed from past weeks.   MetaCritic indicates X-MEN: FIRST CLASS is rated (66). I watched it and found it slightly better than expected. 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 X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (***) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 6/3/11

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.

X-Men: First Class 2 hrs. 12 min. Action/Adventure Watch Preview Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Till, Edi Gathegi, Jason Flemyng, Oliver Platt, Morgan Lily, Zoe Kravitz, Bill Bilner. Plot: charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga, and reveals a secret history of famous global events, before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and while Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr were the closest of friends. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/2/11

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Rio, Priest
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Scream 4
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Pom Wonderful
Warren Old Town - Fast Five
Warren West 21st - Rio, The Lincoln Lawyer

Everything Must Go **½

Dan Rush directed this Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Michael Peña, Christopher C.J. Wallace, Glenn Howerton, Stephen Root, Laura Dern. Rated R for language and some sexual content. Running time is one hour and thirty-seven minutes.

The story of Nick Porter, (Will Ferrell) a career salesman whose days of being on top are long gone. The same day he gets fired for falling off the wagon again, he returns home to discover his wife has left him, changed the locks on their suburban home, frozen their bank account, and dumped all his possessions on the front yard.

This is Ferrell's picture entirely and I'm somewhat surprised to say he's actually a very good serious actor. I've only seen him in comedies before, and frankly didn't care that much for him, but here he acquits himself nicely. The rest of the cast have very small roles, with Dern especially being underused. You can't really call this film entertaining, it's not played for laughs at all. But the pacing is good, the story is interesting, and the run time is perfect. You won't have a problem finding a seat but I don't expect it to be here long. If you're interested in seeing another side of Ferrell, I wouldn't wait to do so. Theatre/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/27/2011

Unless I'm wrong, this week the national critics choice for lowest score will  have the highest attendance.   MetaCritic indicates KUNG FU PANDA 2 (68) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD (66), EVERYTHING MUST GO (65), and in last place, THE HANGOVER PART II (46). I watched HANGOVER 2  and EVERYTHING and thought the latter show better than the former. 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 THE HANGOVER PART II (**) is already on this site and my review of EVERYTHING MUST GO (**½) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

The Hangover, Part II **

Todd Phillips once again directs this Comedy sequel. Watch Preview Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike Tyson, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Bryan Callen, Nick Cassavetes. Rated R for pervasive language, strong sexual content including graphic nudity, drug use and brief violent images. Running time is one hour and forty-two minutes.

Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined.

This is virtually an exact remake of the original except the locale is Thailand instead of Las Vegas and the dialogue and visuals are cruder. Oh, there are some plot differences, but if you'd pull out your DVD of the original and play it, you'd save a few bucks and see almost the same thing. If you haven't seen the first film, or if you watch this in a full house of younger viewers, you'll probably find this pretty funny. Those two conditions didn't apply to me so I found this film mostly frantic with just a few chuckles. Parents should be aware this is a very sexually graphic movie, enough so this would have been a NC-17 just a few years ago. Screen size or sound won't have a major impact on your impression. Theatres/Times.

Opening, 5/26-27/11

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.

Opening Thursday May 26

The Hangover, Part II [R] 1 hr. 42 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike Tyson, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Bryan Callen, Nick Cassavetes. Plot: Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Kung Fu Panda 2 [PG] 1 hr. 30 min. Animated adventure Watch Preview Voices of: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride. Plot: Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Opening Friday May 27

Everything Must Go [R] 1 hr. 36 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Michael Peña, Christopher C.J. Wallace, Glenn Howerton, Stephen Root, Laura Dern. Plot: the story of Nick Porter (Will Ferrell) a career salesman whose days of being on top are long gone. The same day Nick gets fired, for falling off the wagon one last time, he returns home to discover his wife has left him, changed the locks on their suburban home and dumped all his possessions on the front yard. Showing at:  Warren East.

Pom Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold [PG-13] 1 hr. 28 min. Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Peter Berg, Paul Brennan, Noam Chomsky. Plot: a documentary about branding, advertising and product placement financed and made possible by brands, advertising and product placement. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving, 5/25-26/11

Derby Plaza - Priest
Movie Machine -Thor, Something Borrowed
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - 5/26: The Adjust Bureau, Arthur, Battle: L.A.
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - 5/25: African Cats, Insidious, Soul Surfer, The Conspirator; 5/26: The Beaver
Warren Old Town - Priest, Thor
Warren West 21st -African Cats, Prom, Jumping The Broom, Source Code

Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides ***

Rob Marshall directed this Adventure/Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Sam Claflin, Geoffrey Rush. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action/adventure violence, some frightening images, sensuality and innuendo. Running time is two hours and seventeen minutes.

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crosses paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), who forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge," the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane) as they all go in search of the Fountain Of Youth.

If you've seen the first three films in this series and liked them, you should like this edition also. There have been a couple of cast changes, Cruz and McShane have been added, but Bloom and Knightley were never that integral before. This series is Depp's and he carries it nicely once again. The film is too long but at least it isn't as long as those previously, and the pace is such I never thought about looking at my watch. This time around you have your choice of 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D. I saw it in the latter version and found the 3D very good but I don't think you'd miss anything if you opted for a 2D screening. If you're willing to stay until the very end of the credits there's a brief addition to the story that will give you a good idea of what Jack Sparrow's immediate future will hold. It is humorous if not pivotal.  2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/20/2011

MetaCritic indicates THE BEAVER (59) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 (47). I watched PIRATES and thought it was as expected but this is a week where critic ratings and audience attendance will be miles apart. No doubt BEAVER is a well made film but people I've talked to who've seen it thought it was terribly depressing. 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 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 (***) will be available after 7:30 a.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 5/20/11

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 Beaver [PG-13] 1 hr. 31 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Cherry Jones. Plot: two-time Academy Award® winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award® winner Mel Gibson in an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Showing at:  Warren East.

Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides 2D,3D, 3D IMAX [PG] 2 hrs. 17 min.Adventure/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Sam Claflin, Geoffrey Rush. Plot: Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crosses paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), who forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge," the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/19/11

Derby Plaza - Water For Elephants, Rio 3D
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Your Highness, I Am # 4, Beastly, Paul
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Source Code, Prom, Madea's Big Happy Family, Hanna
Warren Old Town - Something Borrowed, Water For Elephants
Warren West 21st - Madea's Big Happy Family

Priest **

Scott Charles Stewart directed this Horror/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Lily Collins, Steven Moyer, Brad Dourif, Christopher Plummer. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, disturbing images and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and twenty-seven minutes.

In this western-fused post-apocalyptic thriller set in an alternate world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires, a priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.

In this film, which looks something like Bladerunner with a plot like The Searchers there really are no good times. Either you're a human living in a walled city and ruled by a repressive church or living in the outlands (the readioactive result of nuclear war) without the benefit of much civilization, or you're a repulsive, blind vampire dedicated to the destruction of humanity. That the vampires have figured out a new way to win the war and there are few who can stop them is the story, but while somewhat interesting, I can't say it's particularly entertaining. I saw the 3D version and wasn't impressed enough to recommend you spend the extra money for it. Sci-fi/ horror fans will be the only audience and if there are enough of them it's obvious a sequel will be forthcoming. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Bridesmaids **

Paul Feig directed this Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Matt Lucas, Jill Clayburgh, Rebel Wilson, Michael Hitchcock. Rated R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout. Running time is two hours and five minutes.

A maid of honor's (Kristen Wiig) life unravels as she leads her best friend (Maya Rudolph) and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.

I enjoy Wiig on SNL and think she's a great comedy sketch performer, but one who's not quite ready to carry an entire movie by herself. I suspect younger audiences will be more in tune with the sensibilities of this film but I personally thought they made the same mistake so many current comedies do, by mistaking crude for humorous. Marines and the younger generation will feel right at home with the language but an older audience will become bored with the constant use of profanity where better scripting would have been more appropriate. I did laugh occasionally but thought there was too much crudity and negativity for a film that's supposed to be a comedy. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/13/2011

This is one of the weeks I don't agree with the critics at all. MetaCritic indicates BRIDESMAIDS (76) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by PRIEST (37). I watched both of these films this week, neither of which was great, especially for a mature audience.  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 reviews of BRIDESMAIDS (**) and PRIEST (**) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 5/13/11

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.

Bridesmaids [R] 2 hrs. 5 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Matt Lucas, Jill Clayburgh, Rebel Wilson, Michael Hitchcock. Plot: a maid of honor's (Kristen Wiig) life unravels as she leads her best friend (Maya Rudolph) and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Priest [PG-13] 2D & 3D 1 hr. 28 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Lily Collins, Steven Moyer, Brad Dourif, Christopher Plummer. Plot: in this western-fused post-apocalyptic thriller set in an alternate world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires, a priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/12/11

Derby Plaza - Prom, Hoodwinked Too!
Movie Machine - Prom, Hoodwinked Too!
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Sucker Punch, Gnomeo And Juliet
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Hoodwinked Too! 3D
Warren Old Town - Thor 3D
Warren West 21st - The Conspirator, Insidious, Rio 3D

Something Borrowed **

Luke Greenfield directed this Romantic comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Ashley Williams, Steve Howey. Rated PG-13 for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material. Running time is one hour and forty-three minutes.

After one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel (Goodwin) unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy (Egglesfield) she's had a crush on since law school who just happens to be her best friend's (Hudson) fiancé.

Another romantic comedy in the 'pleasant enough' category. Cast and direction is fine and the picture moved right along. There's never much doubt how it will end although there were a couple of plot lines that could have been taken, and weren't. The ending feels a little unfinished but that's because they're planning on a sequel.  Hudson's role is a little frenetic to be completely enjoyable, but that's the script and not her. Goodwin is appealing in her role. Williams doesn't have a major role but steals the scenes she's in. If you stay through the credits you'll see an additional scene with "To Be Continued" superimposed, giving you an idea where the sequel is headed. There's nothing in this film to separate it from any number of other light romantic comedies so let your wallet be your guide.

Thor ***

Kenneth Branagh directed this Fantasy adventure. Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence. Running time is one hour and fifty-four minutes.

A powerful but arrogant warrior's (Hemsworth) reckless actions reignite an ancient war causing him to be sent to Earth by his father, Odin, (Anthony Hopkins) and forced to live among humans, where he falls in love with a beautiful scientist (Portman).

Norse mythology becomes Sci-Fi as it turns out the old  Norse Gods actually live on another planet and occasionally travel here via worm hole to straighten us out. It helps they speak flawless English instead of Norwegian (who knew). But, if you can forget that silliness this is actually a pretty entertaining action film that will nicely fill a couple of hours. Branagh, of course, is a top notch director and the cast is above average for a film of this type although many of them have little screen time. I saw the IMAX version and was once again struck by how superior their 3D process is. I watched the entire movie and never thought about taking off the glasses to rest my eyes. The sound was too loud but it's set for a full house and it definitely wasn't that when I saw it. The ending clearly is meant to be a bridge to a sequel (The Avenger) and if you stay until the end of the credits you will see a short film clip from that film.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/6/2011

MetaCritic indicates THOR (58) is the highest rated film for the week, although it's tied with JUMPING THE BROOM (58), with SOMETHING BORROWED (37) bringing up the rear. I watched two of these films this week, one of which was very entertaining.  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 reviews of THOR (***) and SOMETHING BORROWED (**) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 5/6/11

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.

Jumping The Broom [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Mike Epps, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good, Tasha Smith, DeRay Davis, Julie Bowen, Romeo Miller, Gary Dourdan, Pooch Hall, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Valarie Pettiford. Plot: focuses on a weekend wedding in Martha's Vineyard where two families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds clash during their first meeting before the big event. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East,  Warren West.

Something Borrowed [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Steve Howey. Plot: after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel (Goodwin) unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy (Egglesfield) she's had a crush on since law school who just happens to be her best friend's (Hudson) fiancé. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Thor [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Fantasy adventure Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson. Plot: a powerful but arrogant warrior's (Hemsworth) reckless actions reignite an ancient war causing him to be cast down to Earth by his father, Odin, (Anthony Hopkins) and forced to live among humans. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/5/11

Derby Plaza - Hop, Soul Surfer
Movie Machine - Hop
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Red Riding Hood, The King's Speech
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Dylan Dog, Kill The Irishman, Limitless, Scream 4, Hop, Arthur, Atlas Shrugged, Lincoln Lawyer
Warren Old Town - Hanna, Source Code, Your Highness, Dylan Dog
Warren West 21st - Hop, Limitless, Scream 4, Hanna

Fast Five ***½

Justin Lin directed this Action film. Watch Preview Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Matt Schulze, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Elsa Pataky, Joaquim de Almeida, Dwayne Johnson. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, sexual content and language. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.

Since Brian (Walker) and Mia (Brewster) broke Dom (Diesel) out of custody, they've blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom.

 This is not the type of picture to which I'd normally give a high rating but if you're an action fan it's hard to imagine how you're going to get better than this. Oh, the plot's not much to write about and it's fairly obvious how it's all going to end, but the action starts right at the beginning and never quits until the final moments. The cast is just right although Diesel, Walker and Johnson carry the biggest load. I saw the IMAX version and it's easily the best film in that process I've seen. It's really strange it will only be shown for one week here in the IMAX format (THOR opens in one week) since it has the potential to be a real audience pleaser, which is something IMAX hasn't enjoyed as of late. Don't be in too much of a hurry to leave when the credits start, there's a teaser about the next film in the series about half way through. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Kill The Irishman **

Jonathan Hensleigh co-wrote and directed this Crime drama. Watch Preview Cast: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, Vinnie Jones, Paul Sorvino, Fionnula Flanagan, Laura Ramsey, Steve Schirripa, Linda Cardellini, Bob Gunton, Jason Butler Harner, Robert Davi. Rated R for strong violence, language and some sexual content/nudity. Running time is one hour and forty-six minutes.

Over the summer of 1976, thirty-six bombs detonate in the heart of Cleveland while a turf war raged between Irish mobster Danny Greene (Stevenson) and the Italian mafia. Based on a true story about Greene's rise from a tough Cleveland neighborhood to become an enforcer in the local mob.

This pic was completed and shown at the American Film Festival back in 2009. It was released in Europe last year and is just now being released here. I'm guessing the film company couldn't figure out how to sell it so they changed the title (from Bulletproof Gangster) and are now throwing it at the wall. I don't think it's going to stick. The cast is competent even though they're all from the B list but the fact they decided to authenticate the story by using TV clips from the era forced them to match the film quality to that TV footage, making for a dated looking drama. Frankly, it's  better suited for the History Channel than the big screen. The story is interesting enough and the pace is fine but this is a forty-year-old story about a thug and mobster no one remembers so I can't imagine there will be any "must see" demand. Even if you have pics of mobsters on your living room wall and carry an image of your favorite in your wallet, don't wait to buy your ticket...this won't be here long.Theatre/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 4/29/2011

MetaCritic indicates FAST FIVE (73) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by PROM (52), KILL THE IRISHMAN (50), HOODWINKED TOO (24) with DYLAN DOG receiving no rating, due probably to not being screened. I watched two of these films this week, one of which was very entertaining.  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 reviews of FAST FIVE (***½) and KILL THE IRISHMAN (**) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 4/29/11

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.

Dylan Dog: Dead Of Night [PG-13] 1 hr. 47 min. Comedy/Horror Watch Preview Cast: Brandon Routh, Sam Huntington, Anita Briem, Peter Stormare, Taye Diggs. Plot: based on one of the world's most popular comics (60 million copies worldwide). A world famous private investigator (Routh) specializes in affairs of the undead. His PI business card reads "No Pulse? No Problem." Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town.

Fast Five [PG-13] 2 hrs. 10 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Matt Schulze, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Elsa Pataky, Joaquim de Almeida, Dwayne Johnson. Plot: since Brian (Walker) and Mia (Brewster) broke Dom (Diesel) out of custody, they've blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil [PG] 1 hr. 25 min. Animated/Family Watch Preview Voices of: Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Joan Cusack, Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, David Alan Grier, Andy Dick, Brad Garrett, Martin Short, Patrick Warburton, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong. Plot: the sequel finds Red (Panettiere), training with a mysterious covert group called the Sisters of the Hood, forced to cut her training short when she gets an urgent call from Nicky Flippers (Stiers), who returns as head of the super-secret Happily Ever After Agency, aka the HEA. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Kill The Irishman [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Crime drama Watch Preview Cast: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, Vinnie Jones, Paul Sorvino, Fionnula Flanagan, Laura Ramsey, Steve Schirripa, Linda Cardellini, Bob Gunton, Jason Butler Harner, Robert Davi. Plot: over the summer of 1976, thirty-six bombs detonate in the heart of Cleveland while a turf war raged between Irish mobster Danny Greene (Stevenson) and the Italian mafia. Based on a true story about Greene's rise from a tough Cleveland neighborhood to become an enforcer in the local mob. Showing at:  Warren East.

Prom [PG] 1 hr. 43 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell, Danielle Campbell, Yin Chang, Kylie Bunbury, Nicholas Braun, Jared Kusnitz, Jonathan Keltz, De’Vaughn Nixon, Nolan Sotillo, Cameron Monaghan­, Joe Adler, Janelle Ortiz, Raini Rodriguez. Plot: portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite as the big dance approaches. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 4/28/11

Derby Plaza - Scream 4, Arthur, Insidious
Movie Machine - Scream 4, Arthur, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Source Code
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Justin Bieber, Unknown, Hall Pass
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th - Win Win, Jane Eyre, Your Highness, Scream 4
Warren Old Town - Scream 4, Arthur
Warren West 21st - Your Highness, Born To Be Wild, Harry Potter 7.1, Avatar, Arthur

Water For Elephants ***

Francis Lawrence directed this Romance/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz, Hal Holbrook. Rated  PG-13 for moments of intense violence and sexual content. Running time is two hours.

A penniless and recently-orphaned veterinary school student (Pattinson), parlays his expertise with animals into a job with a second-rate traveling circus and falls in love with the wife (Witherspoon) of the charismatic but unbalanced circus boss (Waltz). Based on the novel by Sara Gruen.

Romance dramas are not high on my "must see" movie list because they're usually unrealistic and sappy. Still, as romance dramas go, this was better than expected. The love story has been well balanced with the circus drama, and the pacing keeps things moving right along. I found the time passed fairly quickly for a two hour film. I saw where many who had read the novel thought the film would receive an R but the sexual content is reasonably subdued and the violence is mostly implied and not visually dwelt upon. Witherspoon and Pattinson are fine in their roles but Waltz is clearly the best actor of the leads. Holbrook plays the older Pattinson role at the start and finish of the film. The target audience is women 18-49 so this should make a good date movie.

Worthwhile (or not), 4/22/2011

MetaCritic indicates AFRICAN CATS (62) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (53), with the Tyler Perry film receiving no rating, due probably to not being screened. I watched one of these films this week and think it will be a passable date movie.  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 WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (***) will be available after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).

Opening, 4/22/11

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.

African Cats [G] 1 hr. 29 min. True life adventure Watch Preview Narrated by: Samuel L. Jackson. Plot: captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. Showing at:  Warren East,  Warren West.

Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tyler Perry, Loretta Devine, Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, David Mann, Cassi Davis, Tamela Brown Mann, Lauren London, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Shannon Kane, Teyana Taylor, Natalie Desselle Reid. Plot: everyone's favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece receives distressing news about her health. Showing at:  Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Water For Elephants [PG-13] 2 hrs. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz. Plot: a penniless and recently-orphaned veterinary school student, parlays his expertise with animals into a job with a second-rate traveling circus and falls in love with the wife of the charismatic but unbalanced circus boss. Based on the novel by Sara Gruen. Showing at: Derby Plaza,  Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Avatar and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 are also being rereleased  on the Warren West 21st IMAX screen.

Leaving, 4/21/11

Derby Plaza - Source Code
Movie Machine -nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West -Drive Angry, True Grit, Green Hornet, Tangled, Big Momma's
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th -Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Company Men
Warren Old Town - The Lincoln Lawyer, Insidious
Warren West 21st -Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, The Adjustment Bureau, Sucker Punch, Battle For L.A.

Worthwhile (or not), 4/15/2011

MetaCritic indicates WIN WIN (75) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by RIO  (66), THE CONSPIRATOR (54), SCREAM 4 (52) and ATLAS SHRUGGED (27). Due to a couple of doctor's appointments, finalizing tax returns, and to be frank, an almost complete lack of interest in this week's offerings, I didn't watch anything this week.  Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.

Opening, 4/15/11

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.

Atlas Shrugged, Part 1 [PG-13] 1 hr. 42 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Taylor Schilling, Grant Bowler, Matthew Marsden, Graham Beckel, Edi Gathegi, Jsu Garcia, Michael Lerner. Plot: based on the Ayn Rand 1957 novel. Showing at:  Warren East.

The Conspirator [PG-13] 2 hrs. Drama Watch Preview Cast: James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Justin Long, Tom Wilkinson, Evan Rachel Wood, Kevin Kline, Alexis Bledel, Toby Kebbell, Danny Huston, Johnny Simmons, Stephen Root. Plot: a period drama based on true events following the assassination of President Lincoln. Showing at:   Warren East, Warren West.

Rio [G] 1 hr. 36 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, George Lopez, Tracy Morgan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx. Plot: a rare macaw who thinks he is the last of his kind discovers there's another — and that she's a she — and so leaves the comforts of his cage in small town Minnesota and heads to Rio to find her. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14 ?, Warren East, Warren West.

Scream 4 [R] 1 hr. 52 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Marielle Jaffe, Rory Culkin, Nico Tortorella, Erik Knudsen, Marley Shelton, Anthony Anderson, Adam Brody, Alison Brie, Mary McDonnell, Anna Paquin, Kristen Bell, Brittany Roberts. Plot: the author (Neve Campbell) of a self-help book, returns home on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) and Gale (Courteney Cox), who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately, her appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14 ?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Win Win [R] 1 hr. 46 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Melanie Lynskey, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Alex Shaffer. Plot: a struggling attorney (Paul Giamatti), who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, becomes legal guardian of an elderly client in an attempt to help keep his practice afloat. When the client's teenage grandson runs away from home and shows up on his grandfather's doorstep, the attorney's family life and wrestling team are turned upside down. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving, 4/14/11

Derby Plaza - Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, The Lincoln Lawyer
Movie Machine - Rango, Sucker Punch
Northrock 14 -
Palace West -Take Me Home Tonight, Yogi Bear, The Roommate
Starlite Drive-In - Open weekends only
Warren East 13th -The King's Speech, Sucker Punch, Rango, Paul, The Adjustment Bureau, Battle: Los Angeles
Warren Old Town -nothing
Warren West 21st -Beastly, Red Riding Hood, Rango

Arthur **

Jason Winer directed this Romance/Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Greta Gerwig, Luis Guzman, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Garner. Rated PG-13 for alcohol use throughout, sexual content, language and some drug references. Running time is one hour and fifty minutes.

Irresponsible charmer Arthur Bach (Russell Brand) has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of lifelong nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren) to keep him out of trouble. Now he faces his biggest challenge--choosing between an arranged marriage(to Jennifer Garner) that will ensure his lavish lifestyle, or an uncertain future with the one thing money can't buy, Naomi (Greta Gerwig), the only woman he has ever loved.

I had high hopes for this film but was ultimately disappointed. It has a big, big problem for a comedy...it's just not very funny. Oh, there are numerous quips and one liners that Brand is very good at giving, and the cast is excellent, but the plot itself isn't going to cause you to guffaw...not even a little. It will make a good date movie for those who aren't too discerning, but most will be wise to wait for the one dollar DVD rental Theatres/Times.

Hanna **½

Joe Wright directed this Action/Thriller. Watch Preview Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Jason Flemyng, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sexual material and language. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.

Raised by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA man, in the wilds of Finland, Hanna's (Saoirse Ronan) upbringing and training have been all geared to making her the perfect assassin.

I found this interesting while watching with good pacing and compelling acting, especially from Ronan and Blanchett. Unfortunately, the plot path is pretty short and when I reached the end of the film my response was, "is that all there is?" If this is meant to be the first film in a series, then all well and good. Hanna's character has been established and she's ready to make her way in the world. But, if this is a single film, I think you'll leave it feeling unsatisfied. No special big screen effects so see this one wherever it makes most sense for you to do so. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 4/8/2011

MetaCritic indicates JANE EYRE (77) is the highest rated film for the week, followed by HANNA  (67), SOUL SURFER (54), ARTHUR (39) and YOUR HIGHNESS (33). I saw two of them this week and and thought both were all right but certainly not exceptional.  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 reviews of HANNA (**½) and ARTHUR (**) will be posted after 4:30 p.m. today (Friday).