Opening 9/23/11

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.

Abduction [PG-13] 1 hr. 46 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Jason Isaacs, Maria Bello, Denzel Whitaker, Michael Nyqvist, Sigourney Weaver. Plot: a teenage boy (Lautner) has long had the uneasy feeling he's living someone else's life. When he stumbles upon an image of himself as a little boy on a missing persons website he realizes his parents are not his own and his life is a lie, carefully fabricated to hide something mysterious and dangerous. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Dolphin Tale 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 53 min. Family Watch Preview Cast: Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Austin Stowell, Morgan Freeman. Plot: true story of a brave dolphin and the compassionate strangers who banded together to save her life after her tail is lost in a crab trap. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Killer Elite [R] 1 hr. 54 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Robert De Niro, Yvonne Strahovski, Dominic Purcell, Aden Young, Ben Mendelsohn, Lachy Hulme, Firass Dirani, Grant Bowler, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Plot: an ex-special ops agent (Jason Statham) is lured out of retirement to rescue his mentor (Robert De Niro). To make the rescue, he must complete a near-impossible mission of killing three tough-as-nails assassins with a cunning leader (Clive Owen). Showing at:  Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Moneyball [PG-13] 2 hr. 13 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Stephen Bishop, Kathyrn Morris, Chris Pratt. Plot: the general manager of the Oakland A's (Brad Pitt) teams with Ivy League grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) in an unlikely partnership, recruiting bargain players the scouts call flawed, but all of whom have an ability to get on base, score runs, and win games. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Sarah's Key [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Kristin Scott Thomas, Melusine Mayance, Niels Arestrup, Frederic Pierrot, Michel Duchaussoy, Dominique Frot, Natasha Mashkevich, Gisele Casadesus, Aidan Quinn. Plot: sixty seven years later, a young holocaust prisoner's story intertwines with that of an American journalist investigating the roundup. In her research, she stumbles onto a trail of secrets that link her to the prisoner, and to questions about her own romantic future. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 9/22/11

Derby Plaza - The Help, Apollo 18, Shark Night, The Smurfs

Movie Machine - The Help, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, The Smurfs, Spy Kids 4D

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - Super 8, Green Lantern, On Stranger Tides

Starlite Drive-In - open weekends only

Warren East 13th - The Trip, Apollo 18, Spy Kids 4D, Our Idiot Brother, The Change Up, Bucky Larson, Warrior, Colombiana, Captain America,  Cowboys & Aliens

Warren Old Town - I Don't Know How She Does  It, Our Idiot Brother, The Help, The Debt

Warren West 21st - Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Apollo 18, Colombiana, Our Idiot Brother, The Smurfs, Cowboys & Aliens, Shark Night

Drive ***

Nicolas Winding Refn directed this Drama. Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks. Rated R for strong brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity. Running time is one hour and forty minutes.

A Hollywood stunt driver (Ryan Gosling) who moonlights as a getaway driver-for-hire finds himself a target for some of LA's most dangerous men after agreeing to aid the husband of his beautiful neighbor (Carey Mulligan).

This certainly wasn't what I expected and I think you'll be surprised also. I thought it would be a fast paced, non-stop action film. Instead it's a very slowly paced film with acting so laconic as to approach stupor. There are some driving scenes but they are few and far between. What there is,  unexpectedly, amidst the desultory acting, are brief scenes of extreme brutality that may cause many to cringe. They remind me of something the late Sam Peckinpah would have made. It's not that I don't think this is a good film, I do...but it's one where I'd have to know you well  before Id suggest you see it. What I liked is that it's different, without a cookie cutter plot where you can see the ending coming a mile away.

A large screen isn't necessary since there's really not much action. And, there are a couple of places where you might appreciate having a little lower quality sound (have you ever heard a skull being crushed?). There are no extra scenes once the credits start. Theatres/Times.

Straw Dogs **½

Rod Lurie directed thisThriller. Watch Preview Cast: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgard, Dominic Purcell, Laz Alonso, Willa Holland, James Woods. Rated R for strong brutal violence including a sexual attack, menace, some sexual content, and pervasive language. Running time is one hour and fifty minutes.

A Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife (James Marsden, Kate Bosworth), return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father's death. When her old boyfriend (Alexander Skarsgard) enters the picture, things start going badly.

I still remember the 70's version of this title with Dustin Hoffman and Susan George. I hated the ending of that film so much it's still vivid in my memory. This version has been set in the current deep American South rather than England and could be subtitled Harvard vs. Hillbillys. The wife is still the problem, although in a different way as she is the one responsible for fomenting the trouble between the old local boyfriend and the current Harvard educated, screenwriter husband. There are some strong characterizations for the lead actors, Marsden, Bosworth and Skarsgaard and especially Woods. This is a good film for action fans although I doubt it will stick with you like the earlier Sam Peckinpah version (that's a good thing in my opinion). I should warn you this is brutal and not my idea of a good date or couples movie.

Pretty standard visuals and sound so a large screen isn't  going to add much if you can't find one. Theatres/Times.

The Trip *

Michael Winterbottom directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Steve Coogan, Margo Stilley, Rob Brydon. Not rated by the MPAA. Running time is one hour and forty-seven minutes.

Tapped by The Observer to review fine restaurants throughout the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, two men (Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon) go on an acerbically witty, largely improvised ride through the English countryside.

I need to say first that I'm a huge fan of British TV and movies and generally find them more entertaining than their American counterparts. This production, however, is the exception. This is dry British wit with the emphasis on dry, to the point all I could muster throughout was the occasional weak giggle. It does feel improvised and the film is almost all about the conversations these two men have, most of which are only marginally interesting. Stilley is on the screen for such a limited time I'm surprised she got a credit. I did enjoy the views of the English countryside they traveled through but there was far too little of that and far too much talk to make the film worthwhile. I think the reason this film didn't try to get an MPAA rating is because the producers felt not enough Americans would want to see it to justify the cost. I think the producers were right.

Screen size or sound quality will have virtually no bearing on your appreciation of this film but I'm betting you won't find it on any screen in Wichita after one week. Theatre/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 9/16/11

MetaCritic indicates DRIVE and THE TRIP (82) are the best of the new films this week, followed by STRAW DOGS (46), and I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT (41). THE LION KING had a rating of 83 when it was first released. The national critics and I certainly disagree on THE TRIP which I think is a cure for insomnia and they loved. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

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

My reviews of STRAW DOGS (**½) and THE TRIP (*) will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see the reviews below.

Roger Ebert review of  DRIVE.
The New York Times review of I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT.
No 3D version review of THE LION KING.
Rolling Stone review of STRAW DOGS.
Hollywood Reporter review of THE TRIP.

Opening 9/16/11

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.

Drive [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks. Plot: a Hollywood stunt driver (Ryan Gosling) who moonlights as a getaway driver-for-hire finds himself a target for some of LA's most dangerous men after agreeing to aid the husband of his beautiful neighbor (Carey Mulligan). Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

I Don't  Know How She Does It [PG-13] 1 hr. 29 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Munn, Seth Meyers, Kelsey Grammer, Christina Hendricks, Jane Curtin. Plot: a successful finance executive and mother of two (Parker) gets handed a major new account that will require frequent trips away from home at the same time her husband (Kinnear) finds his dream job. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Lion King 2D/3D [G] 1 hr. 29 min. Animated Watch Preview Voices of: Matthew Broderick, Niketa Calame, Jim Cummings, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jeremy Irons, Robert Guillaume, Rowan Atkinson, Moira Kelly, Whoopi Goldberg, Zoe Leader, Cheech Marin, Madge Sinclair, Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Plot: Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are back and better than ever when Disney's "The Lion King" roars into theaters in 3D to celebrate it's diamond anniversary. Showing at: Derby Plaza,  Warren East, Warren West.

Straw Dogs [R] 1 hr. 50 min.  Thriller Watch Preview Cast: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgard, Dominic Purcell, Laz Alonso, Willa Holland, James Woods. Plot: a Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife (James Marsden, Kate Bosworth), return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father's death. When her old boyfriend (Alexander Skarsgard) enters the picture, things start going badly. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Trip [NR] 1 hr. 52 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Steve Coogan, Margo Stilley, Rob Brydon. Plot: tapped by The Observer to review fine restaurants throughout the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales two men ( Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon) go on an acerbically witty, largely improvised ride through the English countryside. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving 9/15/11

Derby Plaza - Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark, 30 Minutes Or Less

Movie Machine - Apollo 18

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - nothing

Starlite Drive-In - open weekends only

Warren East 13th - Creature, The Devil's Double, Shark Night, Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark

Warren Old Town - Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Apollo 18, Shark Night

Warren West 21st - Spy Kids 4D, Creature, Shark Night

Contagion ***

Steven Soderbergh directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Sanaa Lathan, Jennifer Ehle. Rated PG-13 for disturbing content and some language. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

When an international traveler (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minneapolis from business in Hong Kong, what she thought was jet lag takes a virulent turn. Two days later, she's dead in the ER and the doctors tell her shocked and grieving husband (Matt Damon) they have no idea why.

As you would expect from a director of Soderbergh's stature, this is a very well made film. It contains a top notch cast and an interesting story. The pacing is fine and kept me interested throughout (never looked at my watch). But, to my taste this is less a thriller and more a documentary style film. Though sold as a thriller, I was never on the edge of my seat nor did I ever get invested in this film. Those with medical backgrounds will probably be more interested than I was as it appears to be medically detailed and accurate.

I saw this in the IMAX presentation but there's no reason for you to spend the extra money unless you just love the giant screen. A large screen simply isn't necessary for the story being told. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 9/9/11

MetaCritic indicates WARRIOR (73) is liked best by the national reviewers this week, followed by CONTAGION (67), and THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE (52). BUCKY LARSON and CREATURE didn't receive enough reviews to achieve a score. I've seen one of these films and thought it good although perhaps a bit dry. Check out the MetaCritic website for additional comments on each film.

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

My review of CONTAGION (***) will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see the reviews below.

Roger Ebert review of CONTAGION.
Los Angeles Times review of CREATURE.
The Washington Post review of THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE.
USA Today review of WARRIOR.
There are no reviews available for BUCKY LARSON: BORN TO BE A STAR.

Opening 9/9/11

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.

Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star [R] 1 hr. 36 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Nick Swardson, Christina Ricci, Don Johnson, Stephen Dorff. Plot: a small town grocery bagger (Nick Swardson) discovers his conservative parents were once adult film stars! Armed with the belief that he has found his destiny, he packs up and heads  to LA, hoping to follow in his parents' footsteps. Showing at: Warren East.

Contagion [PG-13] 2D and IMAX 1 hr. 47 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Sanaa Lathan, Jennifer Ehle. Plot: when an international traveler (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minneapolis from business in Hong Kong, what she thought was jet lag takes a virulent turn. Two days later, she's dead in the ER and the doctors tell her shocked and grieving husband (Matt Damon) they have no idea why. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Creature [R] 1 hr. 33 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Mehcad Brooks, Serinda Swan, Amanda Fuller, Dillon Casey, Lauren Schneider, Aaron Hill, Daniel Bernhardt, Sid Haig. Plot: ex-Navy seal (Mehcad Brooks), his girlfriend (Serinda Swan) and their friends head out on a road trip to New Orleans. They decide  to stop at a convenience store owned by Chopper (Sid Haig), who tells them the tale of Lockjaw, a fabled god-like creature who is half-man, half-alligator. But, Lockjaw turns out to be more than a myth and they realize the locals are hiding a horrifying secret that jeopardizes them all. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

The Devil's Double [R] 1 hr. 48 min. Biography/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Dominic Cooper, Ludivine Sagnier, Raad Rawi. Plot: an Iraqi army lieutenant (Dominic Cooper) is ordered to become the 'fiday' - or body double - to Saddam's son, the notorious "Black Prince" Uday Hussein (also Dominic Cooper). Showing at: Warren East.

Warrior [PG-13] 2 hr. 19 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Nick Nolte, Maximiliano Hernandez, Frank Grillo, Erik "Bad" Apple. Plot: two estranged brothers (Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy) face the fight of a lifetime in a winner-takes-all mixed martial arts event. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 9/8/11

Derby Plaza - Spy Kids, Cars 2

Movie Machine - nothing

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - Winnie The Pooh, The Hangover 2

Starlite Drive-In - open weekends only

Warren East 13th - Harry Potter 7.2, Horrible Bosses, Cars 2, One Day, The Smurfs, Another Earth, Attack The Block

Warren Old Town - Columbiana

Warren West 21st - Cars 2, Captain America, Transformers 3 (IMAX), The Dark Knight (IMAX), Conan The Barbarian, Spy Kids 4D

Apollo 18 *

Gonzalo López-Gallego  directed this Sci-Fi Thriller Watch PreviewCast: Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen. Rated PG-13 for some disturbing sequences, and language. Running time is one hour and twenty-eight minutes.

Three American astronauts were sent on a secret mission to the moon in 1974. While NASA denies this, others say it's the real reason we've never gone back to the moon.

This another of those "found footage" film which purports to be real film, long lost. Think "Blair Witch Project", and you'll have some idea of what you're going to see. It isn't as bad as that film but it isn't very good, either. The producers of this 5 million dollar (that's about the cost for coffee on a mainline film) epic tried their best to build interest by giving only the barest of plot outlines and indicating real actors weren't involved. Of course, they are. If you watch Alphas you'll recognize Christie and you can find the rest on IMDB if you look for them. This is a waste of money and you should be able to see it soon on the SyFy channel in a late night slot. Theatres/Times.

The Debt **

John Madden directed this Spy Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain, Jesper Christensen, Marton Csokas, Ciarán Hinds, Tom Wilkinson. Rated R for some violence and language. Running time is one hour and fifty-four minutes.

Shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stephan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds) in this espionage thriller spanning two different time periods.

Both time periods covered in this drama feature excellent casts portraying the same characters. Unfortunately, the story is too slow and dull to use those talents fully. I'm getting tired of the time jump genre, start now, move back, return to now. It isn't necessary and just makes the story more confusing than it needs to be. Frankly, even though this is being sold as a thriller, there just aren't many thrills to be experienced. It's a decent story but something I'd expect to see on a pay movie channel and not in a theatre. A large screen or fantastic sound won't add anything to your enjoyment. If you want to see it in a theatre I'd wait for a discount showing...you'll be a lot happier with the cost, assuming this even makes it to a discount house. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 9/2/11

You know you shouldn't expect much in a week where two of the five releases weren't considered for screening by the national critics.  MetaCritic indicates ATTACK THE BLOCK (75) is liked best by the national reviewers this week, followed by THE DEBT (66), and SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA (35). APOLLO 18 and SHARK NIGHT 3D weren't screened for reviewers. I've seen two of these films and didn't think much of either one. 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 THE DEBT (**) and  APOLLO 18 (*) will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see the reviews below.

No national critics review of  APOLLO 18.
Roger Moore review of ATTACK THE BLOCK.
No national critics review of  SHARK NIGHT 3D.
Boxoffice Magazine review of  SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA.

Roger Ebert review of THE DEBT.

Opening 8/31, 9/2/11

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.

Starts Wednesday

The Debt [R] 1 hr. 53 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain, Jesper Christensen, Marton Csokas, Ciarán Hinds, Tom Wilkinson. Plot: shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stephan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds) in this espionage thriller spanning two different time periods. Showing at:  Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Starts Friday

Apollo 18 [PG-13] 1 hr. 26 min. Sci-Fi Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Not Available. Plot: two American astronauts were sent on a secret mission to the moon in 1974. While NASA denies this, others say it's the real reason we've never gone back to the moon. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Attack The Block [R] 1 hr. 29 min. Sci-Fi/Horror Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Nick Frost, Jodie Whittaker, Luke Treadaway, Flaminia Cinque, Joey Ansah, Lee Nicholas Harris, Chris Wilson, Terry Notary, Maggie McCarthy, Jacey Sallés, Adam Leese, Sammy Williams, Karl Collins, Jumayn Hunter, Danielle Vitalis. Plot: pits a London teen gang against an invasion of savage alien monsters. It's inner city versus outer space. Showing at: Warren East.

Seven Days In Utopia [G] Sports Drama Watch Preview Cast: Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, Melissa Leo, Deborah Ann Woll, Brian Geraghty, Kathy Baker, KJ Choi, Joseph Lyle Taylor, Madison Burge. Plot: a talented young golfer (Lucas Black) finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas, home to eccentric rancher Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall). Showing at: Warren West.

Shark Night 3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 31 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Katharine McPhee, Chris Carmack, Alyssa Diaz, Joel David Moore, Donal Logue, Sinqua Walls, Chris Zylka. Plot: a sexy summer weekend turns into a blood-soaked nightmare for a group of college students trapped on an island surrounded by voracious, giant, fresh-water sharks. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 9/1/11

Derby Plaza - Fright Night, The Smurfs 3D

Movie Machine - Fright Night

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - nothing

Starlite Drive-In - open weekends only

Warren East 13th - Final Destination 5, Conan The Barbarian, Fright Night

Warren Old Town - Conan The Barbarian, Fright Night

Warren West 21st - Final Destination 5, One Day, Fright Night, 30 Minutes Or Less, Crazy-Stupid-Love

Columbiana **½

Olivier Megaton directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Zoe Saldana, Jordi Molla, Lennie James, Michael Vartan, Cliff Curtis. Rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, intense sequences of action, sexuality and brief strong language. Running time is one our and forty-seven minutes.

A young woman (Zoe Saldana) grows up to be an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child. Turning herself into a professional killer and working for her uncle (Cliff Curtis), she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to hunt down and get revenge on the mobster responsible for her parents’ deaths.

If you're looking for an action film featuring a scantily clad female assassin, look no further. Saldana is as lithe and catlike as she was in Avatar and comes across as a very competent actress, making us believe she's a professional killer as well as a woman who's got a lot of emotional baggage. I toyed with giving this three stars but the simplicity and predictability of the plot decided my final rating. But, other  than a slowdown in the middle for some romance, the action moves along quite nicely and I didn't feel the need to check my watch. Any size screen will do. The ending gives the impression there could be a sequel if this installment does well but I'm guessing that's not going to be the case, so catch it while you can.

Worthwhile (or not) 8/26/11

MetaCritic indicates ANOTHER EARTH (66) is liked best by the national reviewers this week, followed by OUR IDIOT BROTHER (59), COLOMBIANA (58), and in last place, DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK (57). I've seen one of these films and and found it to be 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 review of COLOMBIANA (**½) will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see the reviews below.

Rolling Stone review of  ANOTHER EARTH.
Variety review of  COLOMBIANA.
James Berardinelli review of  DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK.

Roger Moore review of OUR IDIOT BROTHER.

Opening 8/26/11

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.

Another Earth [PG-13] 1 hr. 33 min. Sci-Fi Watch Preview Cast: William Mapother, Brit Marling, Jordan Baker, Robin Lord Taylor, Flint Beverage. Plot: on the eve of the discovery of a duplicate Earth, tragedy strikes and the lives of two strangers become irrevocably intertwined. Showing at:  Warren East.

Columbiana [PG-13] 1 hr. 39 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Zoe Saldana, Jordi Molla, Lennie James, Michael Vartan, Cliff Curtis. Plot: a young woman grows up to be an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child. Turning herself into a professional killer and working for her uncle, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to hunt down and get revenge on the mobster responsible for her parents’ deaths. Showing at:  Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison, Jack Thompson. Plot: a young girl (Madison) moves to Rhode Island to live with her father (Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Holmes) in the 19th-century mansion they are restoring. While exploring the house, she starts to hear voices coming from creatures in the basement. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Our Idiot Brother [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Rashida Jones, Hugh Dancy, Kathryn Hahn, Shirley Knight, Janet Montgomery, Steve Coogan. Plot: sisters Liz (Emily Mortimer), Miranda (Elizabeth Banks) and Natalie (Zooey Deschanel), try to help their perennially upbeat brother Ned (Paul Rudd), an erstwhile organic farmer whose willingness to rely on the honesty of mankind is a less-than-optimum strategy for a tidy, trouble-free existence. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 8/25/11

Derby Plaza - Final Destination 5

Movie Machine - nothing

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - Larry Crowne, Rio, X-Men: First Class

Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - Glee 3D Concert

Warren Old Town - Crazy, Stupid, Love, 39 Minutes Or Less, Cowboys & Aliens

Warren West 21st - Glee 3D Concert, The Change Up, Horrible Bosses

Fright Night ***

Craig Gillespie directed this Horror film. Watch Preview. Cast: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette. Rated R for bloody horror violence, and language including some sexual references.  Running time is one hour and forty-six minutes.

A popular high school Senior (Anton Yelchin) comes to the unmistakable conclusion his next door neighbor (Colin Farrell) is a vampire. Unable to convince anyone, he has to find a way to get rid of the monster himself before the vampire kills his friend (Mintz-Plasse), his mother (Collette) and his girlfriend (Poots). He asks a Las Vegas "Vampire Killer" stage magician (Tennant) to help him.

This is better than you'd expect, basically because of Farrell. His portrayal of a 400-year-old vampire who's seen and done everything is note perfect. He enjoys the attention of Yelchin and toys with him and his family for amusement. The rest of the cast is fine. Collette is a great actress in a relatively minor part and Poot does fine even if she is saddled with that name. The pacing is very good, leading to a tense ending. I never thought about looking at my watch which is my standard for involvement. I watched the 3D version but I don't think it's worth the extra money. Any size screen will suffice. Theatres/Times 3D. Theatres/Times 2D.

Worthwhile (or not) 8/19/11

MetaCritic indicates FRIGHT NIGHT (63) is liked best by the national reviewers this week, followed by ONE DAY (53), CONAN THE BARBARIAN (38), and in last place, SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD (00), it evidently wasn't screened for reviewers. I've seen one of these films and and found it to be 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 review of FRIGHT NIGHT (***) will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see the reviews below.

Boxoffice Magazine review of  CONAN THE BARBARIAN.
Roger Ebert review of FRIGHT NIGHT.
Roger Moore review of ONE DAY.

Opening 8/19/11

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.

Conan The Barbarian 2D/3D [R] 1 hr. 52 min. Action/Fantasy Watch Preview Cast: Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Stephen Lang, Rose McGowan, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ron Perlman, Leo Howard, Steve O'Donnell, Raad Rawi Fassir, Nonso Anozie, Bob Sapp, Milton Welsh. Plot: an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil. Showing at:  Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Fright Night [R] 2D/3D 1 hr. 46. min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette. Plot: a popular high school Senior (Anton Yelchin) comes to the unmistakable conclusion his next door neighbor (Colin Farrell) is a vampire. Unable to convince anyone, he has to find a way to get rid of the monster himself. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

One Day [PG-13] 1 hr. 47 min. Romance Watch Preview Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Patricia Clarkson, Ken Stott, Romola Garai, Rafe Spall. Plot: through love and loss, heartbreak and success, a couple (Hathaway, Sturgess) experience the grandeur of life. Somewhere along their journey, they realize what they are searching for has been there for them all along. Showing at:  Northrock 14, Warren East,  Warren West.

Spy Kids: All The Time In The World  1 hr. 29 min. Family Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Jessica Alba, Jeremy Piven, Joel McHale, Rowan Blanchard, Mason Cook, Antonio Banderas, Danny Trejo, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara. Plot: Marissa's (Jessica Alba) world is turned upside down when the maniacal Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to take over the planet and she's called back into action by the head of OSS, home of the greatest spies and where the now-defunct Spy Kids division was created. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Starlite Drive-In, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 8/18/11

Derby Plaza - The Change-Up, Cowboys And Aliens

Movie Machine - Cowboys And Aliens, Zookeeper, Captain America

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - nothing

Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - Friends With Benefits, Transformers, Zookeeper, The Smurfs 3D, Snow Flower And The Secret Fan

Warren Old Town - The Change-Up

Warren West 21st - Friends With Benefits, Transformers, The Smurfs 3D

30 Minutes Or Less **

Ruben Fleischer directed this Action/Comedy. Watch Preview (Red Band). Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Michael Pena. Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, nudity and some violence. Running time is one hour and twenty-three minutes.

A small town pizza delivery guy's (Jesse Eisenberg) mundane life collides with the big plans of two wanna-be criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The duo kidnaps the other and forces him to rob a bank, helped by his friend (Aziz Ansari).

Older readers won't find much to enjoy in this film. It's another "extremely crude equals very funny" pic. The cast is very good. Eisenberg and Ansari have good chemistry together as do McBride and Swardson. I don't know that the subplot involving the father of one of the criminals added more than padding. Still, this is a film made for the very, very undiscriminating and as such should do well for a couple of weeks. If you stay through all the credits you can watch a tanning salon TV commercial that's easily as funny as anything in the rest of the film. Theatre/Times.

The Help ***½

Tate Taylor directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Cicely Tyson, Mike Vogel.Rated PG-13 for thematic material. Running time is two hours and seventeen minutes.

A #1 New York Times  best-selling phenomenon, "The Help" stars Emma Stone ("Easy A") as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis ("Doubt") as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk.

I really knew nothing about this  film, or the novel it's based on, although my wife read the book and said she liked it very much. I wasn't too thrilled about the two hour plus run time but watched it with her with a "wait and see" attitude. I was impressed. The length was no problem as the story kept me interested throughout. Casting is very good with Stone achieving a new level of competence as an actress and Howard reaching an impressive level of unlikability. The story doesn't ring quite true to me which is the only reason it doesn't get four stars. I couldn't believe Skeeter was the person she was considering the place, time and way she'd  been raised, but that's a minor point and isn't going to detract from your enjoyment. I also felt many of the characters were too stereotypical although that probably adds to the film's  impact if not it's believability. I'll be surprised if this doesn't get some Academy nominations and I think it's well worth your time to see it. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 8/12/11

MetaCritic indicates THE HELP (62) is liked best by the national reviewers this week, followed by 30 MINUTES OR LESS (51), GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (50), FINAL DESTINATION 5 (48), and for a change, the art film comes in last SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN (43). I've seen two of these  films and and found one of them to be very good and the other about as 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 reviews of THE HELP (***½) and 30 MINUTES OR LESS (**), will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews, see the reviews below.

Rolling Stone review of THE HELP.
Roger Ebert review of  30 MINUTES OR LESS.
Chicago Tribune review of FINAL DESTINATION 5.
Entertainment Weekly review of GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE.
USA Today review of SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN.

Opening 8/10, 12/11

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.

Starts Wednesday

The Help [PG-13] 2 hrs 26 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Cicely Tyson, Mike Vogel. Plot: a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, "The Help" stars Emma Stone ("Easy A") as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis ("Doubt") as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Starts Friday

30 Minutes Or Less [R] 1 hr. 23 min. Action/Comedy Watch Preview (Red Band) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Michael Pena. Plot: a small town pizza delivery guy's (Jesse Eisenberg) mundane life collides with the big plans of two wanna-be criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The duo kidnaps the other and forces him to rob a bank. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Final Destination 5 2D/3D/IMAX 3D [R] 1 hr. 32 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, Miles Fisher, Arlen Escarpeta, David Koechner, Tony Todd, Courtney B. Vance, P.J. Byrne, Ellen Wroe, Jacqueline MacInnes-Wood. Plot: after one man's premonition saves a group of coworkers from a terrifying suspension bridge collapse they frantically tries to discover a way to escape Death's sinister agenda. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Glee: The 3D Concert Movie [PG] 1 hr. 30 min. Musical Watch Preview Cast: Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Mark Salling, Dianna Agron, Naya Rivera, Heather Morris, Harry Shum, Chord Overstreet, Darren Criss, Ashley Fink. Plot: experience the TV hit a whole new way. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren West.

Snow Flower And The Secret Fan [PG-13] 1 hr. 44 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Li Bingbing, Jeon Ji-Hyun, Archie Kao, Hugh Jackman. Plot: inspired by the bestselling novel "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See, the film is a timeless portrait of female friendship.  Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving 8/9, 8/11/11

Derby Plaza - 8/9 Harry Potter 7.2, 8/11 Captain America, Crazy, Stupid, Love

Movie Machine - 8/9, 11 nothing

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - 8/11 Soul Surfer, Thor, Monte Carlo, Fast Five

Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - 8/9 Cars 2, Larry Crowne; 8/11 Buck

Warren Old Town - 8/9 Harry Potter 7.2, Horrible Bosses; 8/11 Captain America

Warren West 21st - 8/9 nothing;  8/11 Cars 2, Zookeeper

Rise Of The Planets Of The Apes ***

Rupert Wyatt directed this Sci-Fi/Adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, Andy Serkis. Rated PG-13 for violence, terror, some sexuality and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

A single act of both compassion and arrogance leads to a war between man and intelligent apes as a scientist tries to cure his father's Alzheimer symptons while his boss is intent on achieving profits from the drug.

This is better than I supposed it would be. It does a very good job as a prequel to the Planet Of The Apes series. But, even if you haven't seen those films or have forgotten them, not to worry. This story stands very well on its on and also uses the latest in CGI effects for maximum impact. The cast is more than adequate and the plot is intelligent and well written. A large screen would be nice but isn't necessary for enjoyment. Don't be in a rush to leave when the credits first start. If you stay just a bit longer you'll learn just how easy it was for our planet to become the Planet Of The Apes. Theatres/Times.

The Change Up **

David Dobkin directed this Comedy Watch Preview (Red Band Preview) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin. Rated R for pervasive strong crude sexual content and language, some graphic nudity and drug use. Running time is one hour and fifty-two minutes.

Following a drunken night out together, two old friend's worlds are turned upside down when they wake up in each other's bodies and are forced to assume each other's lives. 

Reynolds and Bateman are both extremely talented actors and Wilde and Mann aren't far behind. Given a good script they're all perfectly capable of making a good movie. They didn't get that script  with this extremely crude, profane and at times, down-right disgusting film. I'm assuming the younger crowd who considers crudeness the height of humor will enjoy this. Anyone with taste, however, is going to be wondering what they were thinking when they released this as a comedy. Screen size or sound won't make any difference but a blindfold may come in handy during certain scenes. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 8/5/11

MetaCritic indicates RISE  OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (72) is liked best by the national reviewers this week, followed by THE CHANGE-UP (43). I've seen both films and and found one of them to be surprisingly good. 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 RISE  OF THE PLANET OF THE APES(***) and THE CHANGE-UP (**) will be available today (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. If you can't wait that long for reviews,  see the reviews below.

Roger Ebert review of  THE CHANGE-UP.
Rolling Stone review of  RISE  OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.

Opening 8/5/11

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 Change Up [R] 1 hr. 52 min. Comedy Watch Preview (Red Band Preview) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin. Plot: following a drunken night out together, two old friend's worlds are turned upside down when they wake up in each other's bodies. Showing at: Derby Plaza,  Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Rise Of The Planets Of The Apes [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Sci-Fi/Adventure Watch Preview Cast: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, Andy Serkis. Plot: a single act of both compassion and arrogance leads to a war between man and intelligent apes. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 8/4/11

Derby Plaza - Friends With Benefits, Transformers 3, Harry Potter 7.2

Movie Machine - Harry Potter 7.2

Northrock 14 -

Palace West - nothing

Starlite Drive-In - 

Warren East 13th - Bad Teacher, Winnie The Pooh, Midnight In Paris

Warren Old Town - Friends With Benefits, Captain America 3D

Warren West 21st - Larry Crowne, Bad Teacher, Super 8, Winnie The Pooh