Opening 1/4/13

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.

Hyde Park On Hudson [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Biographical Drama Watch Preview Cast: Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Colman, Samuel West, Elizabeth Marvel, Elizabeth Wilson, Eleanor Bron, Olivia Williams. Plot: in June 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Bill Murray) and his wife Eleanor (Olivia Williams) host the King and Queen of England (Samuel West, Olivia Colman) for a weekend at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson – the first-ever visit of a reigning English monarch to America. Showing at: Warren East.

The Impossible [PG-13] 1 hr. 54 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast. Plot: the true story of one family's survival of the 2004 Thailand tsunami. Showing at: Warren East.

Promised Land [R] 1 hr. 46 min. Drama  Watch Preview Cast: Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Frances McDormand, Rosemarie DeWitt, Scoot McNairy, Titus Welliver, Hal Holbrook. Plot: an ace corporate salesman for a natural gas company (Matt Damon) is sent along with his partner (Frances McDormand), to close a key rural town in his company's expansion plans. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Texas Chainsaw 3D 2D/3D [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Alexandra Daddario, Tania Raymonde, Trey Songz, Keram Malicki-Sanchez, Shaun Sipos, Thom Barry, Paul Rae, Scott Eastwood, Richard Riehle, Gunnar Hansen, Marilyn Burns, John Dugan, Bill Moseley, Dan Yeager. Plot: continues the legendary story of the homicidal Sawyer family. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 1/3/13

Derby Plaza - Monsters, Inc. 3D
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Alex Cross, Sinister
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Monsters, Inc. 3D
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Red Dawn

Django Unchained ***

Quentin Tarantino wrote, directed and acts in this Western. Watch Preview. Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Dennis Christopher, Laura Cayouette, M.C. Gainey, Don Johnson, Kerry Washington, Tom Wopat, James Remar, James Russo, Todd Allen, Jonah Hill. Rated R for strong graphic violence throughout, a vicious fight, language and some nudity. Running time is two hours and forty-five minutes.

A slave-turned-bounty hunter (Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Washington) from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (DiCaprio) with the help of his mentor and partner (Waltz).

There's been a lot of buzz about this film but it's basically a homage to the Spaghetti Westerns of the 60-70s and is as brutal and bloody as they were. It's very well done with good pacing but it's unnecessarily long. There are two or three places where the film could have ended but the decision was made to continue extending the plot. There is extensive use of the N word altho it doesn't seem gratuitous and doesn't grate like you might think it would.Waltz is superb as usual and Foxx and DiCaprio are very good in their roles. Washington is an attractive addition but is on the screen so seldom it hardly seems worth her while, and her nudity is so slight it hardly seems worth mentioning in the rating. Samuel Jackson has a strong role but is almost unrecognizable. Western fans and men will like this most while the excessive, graphic violence may turn off many others.

There's one flash scene at the end of the credits but it's nothing to wait around for. A big screen will aid in your enjoyment. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Django Unchained (80) is the best picture this week, followed by Les Miserables (61), and in last place, Parental Guidance (31). I've seen one of these and think it will be enjoyed by Western fans and males. Nothing new opens on Friday so this is it for the 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 12/25

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.
 

Django Unchained [R] 2 hrs. 45 minutes Western Watch Preview Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Gerald McRaney, Dennis Christopher, Laura Cayouette, M.C. Gainey, Don Johnson, Kerry Washington, Anthony LaPaglia, RZA, Tom Wopat, James Remar, James Russo, Todd Allen, Jonah Hill. Plot: a slave-turned-bounty hunter (Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Washington) from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (DiCaprio) with the help of his mentor (Waltz). Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Les Misérables [PG-13] 2 hrs. 37 min. Musical Watch Preview Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen. Plot: ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Jackman), hunted for decades by a ruthless policeman (Crowe), agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Parental Guidance [PG] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Bailee Madison. Plot: an old school grandfather (Billy Crystal), accustomed to calling the shots, meets his match when he and his eager-to-please wife (Bette Midler) agree to babysit their three grandkids when their parents (Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott) leave town for work. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Jack Reacher ***

Christopher McQuarrie wrote the screenplay and directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Richard Jenkins, Alexia Fast, Robert Duvall, Jai Courtney, Werner Herzog. Rated PG-13 for violence, language and some drug material. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.

Ex-military investigator Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) is pitted against an unexpected enemy with a skill for violence, as he investigates a mass killing for a young attorney (Pike).

The national critics don't care for this but I'll bet the action/thriller audience will like it just fine. It may be a bit violent for some but it's not overly graphical. The pacing is good and there's enough action to make the two-hour-plus time go by quickly. I know Cruise doesn't fit the book's  character description but he plays this part well and Pike does her part admirably. Herzog is best known as a director but he does his part as a chilling criminal boss with gusto. Men will find this more enjoyable than women because of the level of violence.

There are no extra scenes once the final credits start. A large screen will add impact to the action. Theatres/Times.

The Guilt Trip **½

Anne Fletcher directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen, Kathy Najimy, Colin Hanks, Adam Scott. Rated PG-13 for language and some risque material. Running time is one hour and thirty-five minutes.

An inventor (Rogen) invites his mother (Streisand) on a cross-country trip as he tries to sell his new product while also reuniting her with a lost love.

I don't suppose you've ever had a hankering for a road trip pic with Streisand, but ready or not, here it is. I went into this with low expectations but found myself chuckling on several occasions. Streisand and Rogen do fine as the archetypal Jewish mother and son but the constant talking gets tiring at times. Still, the pacing is fine and the length is perfect. I don't imagine younger generations will find this entertaining but older audiences and couples will.

There are additional outtakes after the final credits begin. A large screen is unnecessary although a large audience will add to the laughter. Theatres/Times. 

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates the rerelease of Monsters, Inc. (78) is the best picture this week, followed by Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away (60), This Is 40 (59). The Guilt Trip (54) and in last place, Jack Reacher (52). I've seen two of these and think one will be enjoyed by older audiences and and the other by a far larger 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.

Opening 12/19, 12/21

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.

Wednesday, December 19

The Guilt Trip [PG-13] 1 hr. 36 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen, Kathy Najimy, Colin Hanks, Adam Scott. Plot: an inventor (Rogen) invites his mother (Streisand) on a cross-country trip as he tries to sell his new product while also reuniting her with a lost love. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren West.

Monsters, Inc. 2D/3D [G] 1 hr. 36 min. Animated Watch Preview Voices: John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, Jennifer Tilly, Bob Peterson, John Ratzenberger, Frank Oz, Bonnie Hunt. Plot: one of Disney•Pixar's most visually imaginative feature films, returns to the big screen in 3D. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Friday, December 21

Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 32 min. Family Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Erica Linz, Dallas Barnett, Lutz Halbhubner. Plot: two young people journey through the dreamlike worlds of Cirque du Soleil to find each other. Showing at: Warren East.

Jack Reacher [PG-13] 2 hr. 10 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Richard Jenkins, Alexia Fast, Robert Duvall, Jai Courtney, Werner Herzog. Plot: ex-military investigator Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) is pitted against an unexpected enemy with a skill for violence, a secret to keep and a target on Reacher’s back. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

This Is 40 [R] 2 hr. 14 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Megan Fox, John Lithgow, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Melissa McCarthy, Robert Smigel, Charlene Yi, Albert Brooks. Plot: expands upon the story of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) from "Knocked Up" as we see first-hand how they are dealing with their current state of life. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/18, 12/20

Derby Plaza - 12/20: Red Dawn, Lincoln, Playing For Keeps, Breaking Dawn
Movie Machine - 12/18: Breaking Dawn; 12/20: nothing
Palace West - 12/20: Paranornal Activity 4, Fun Size, Brave, Odd Life Of Timothy Green
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - 12/18: nothing; 12/20: Killing Them Softly, Flight, Rise Of The Guardians 3D
Warren Old Town - 12/18: nothing; 12/20: Life Of Pi, Red Dawn, Breaking Dawn, Playing For Keeps
Warren West 21st - 12/18: Breaking Dawn; 12/20: Killing Them Softly,The Collection, Rise Of The Guardians 3D

Hitchcock ***

Sacha Gervasi directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, Toni Collette, Jessica Biel, Michael Stuhlbarg, James D'Arcy, Michael Wincott, Richard Portnow, Kurtwood Smith. Rated PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content and thematic material. Running time is one hour and thirty-eight minutes.

A love story about one of the most influential filmmakers of the last century, Alfred Hitchcock (Hopkins) and his wife and partner Alma Reville (Mirren) set during the time when Psycho was being produced.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the participants in the making of Psycho. You'll learn more about the relationship between Hitchcock and his wife than you will about film production, but this is well made and well paced with a first-rate cast that should entertain any film buff. This is a good couples movie for those old enough to remember Hitchcock.

There are no meaningful scenes once the final credits start. A large screen is not really necessary. Theatre/Times.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey **½

Peter Jackson directed this Fantasy drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Evangeline Lilly, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas, Aidan Turner, Billy Connolly. Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. Running time is two hours and forty-nine minutes.

Bilbo Baggins is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug.

Those who are fans of fantasy to the extent they'll attend this film wearing a cloak, helmet and carrying a plastic sword will no doubt be thrilled. Everyone else will be bored senseless by the slow pace and excruciating length. It's a very well made film with a superb cast but the plot has been padded beyond belief...the better to get your boxoffice dollars a second and third time for the two remaining sequels I suppose. I saw the 3D-HFR (high frame rate; i.e. 48 frames per second instead of the usual 24) version and did like the high resolution 3D it provided. I didn't find it disconcerting as some have commented. But, the average movie-going patron could easily take a hour-and-a-half nap in the middle of this and never miss a thing.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen and good sound will be a definite plus. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (59) is the best picture this week, followed by Hitchcock (56). I've seen both films and found one very boring and one 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.

Opening 12/14

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.

Hitchcock [PG-13] 2 hrs. 8 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, Toni Collette, Jessica Biel, Michael Stuhlbarg, James D'Arcy, Michael Wincott, Richard Portnow, Kurtwood Smith. Plot: a love story about one of the most influential filmmakers of the last century, Alfred Hitchcock and his wife and partner Alma Reville. Showing at: Warren East.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2D/3D/3D HFR IMAX 3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 49 min. Fantasy drama Watch Preview Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Evangeline Lilly, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas, Aidan Turner, Billy Connolly. Plot: Bilbo Baggins is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/13

Derby Plaza - Wreck-It Ralph, Life Of Pi
Movie Machine - Life Of Pi, Skyfall
Palace West - 7 Psychopaths, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Looper
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Bad Kids Go To Hell, The Paperboy, The Collection, End Of Watch
Warren Old Town - Killing Them Softly
Warren West 21st - Bad Kids Go To Hell, Life Of Pi 3D, End Of Watch, IMAX Skyfall, Wreck-It Ralph 3D

Playing For Keeps **½

Gabriele Muccino directed this Romantic comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Judy Greer, Dennis Quaid. Rated PG-13 for some sexual situations, language and a brief intense image. Running time is one hour and forty-six minutes.

A charming, down-on-his luck former soccer star (Butler) returns home to put his life back together and gets roped into coaching the boy’s soccer team his son plays on. But his attempts to finally become an "adult" are met with hilarious challenges from the attractive "soccer moms" (Thurman, Zeta-Jones, Greer) who pursue him at every turn while he's trying to rekindle a relationship with his former wife (Biel).

The national critics haven't been too kind to this film but should you decide to go I think you'll like it just fine. Oh, you can see where the plot's going right from the start and nothing unusual happens along the way to the predictable ending, but the trip is made very entertaining with an above average cast for a film of this genre. There's not a loser in the lot and it's nice to see some of them, who've been absent from the screen for far too long. This isn't going to win any awards and you'll probably forget about it shortly after leaving the theatre, but you will enjoy yourself while it's unspooling. This is a good couple's film.

There are  no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size and sound quality are relatively unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates The Paperboy (45) is the best picture this week, followed by Playing For Keeps (32) and Bad Kids Go To Hell  receiving no score as it evidently wasn't screened for the national critics. I can tell you most will find The Paperboy far too graphic and Playing For Keeps very enjoyable even with the low score. I watched one of these films 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.

Opening 12/7

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 Kids Go To Hell [R] 1 hr. 31 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Amanda Alch, Marc Donato, Augie Duke, Roger Edwards, Ali Faulkner, Cameron Deane Stewart, Jeffrey Schmidt, Chanel Ryan, Eloise DeJoria, Ben Browder, Judd Nelson. Plot: based on the popular comic book series of the same name about six private school students locked in a Saturday detention with a killer on the loose. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

The Paperboy [R] 1 hr. 47 min. Crime thriller Watch Preview Cast: Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, David Oyelowo, Macy Gray, John Cusack, Nicole Kidman. Plot: a reporter plans to prove an innocent man has been railroaded on his way to the electric chair. Showing at: Warren East.

Playing For Keeps [PG-13] 1 hr. 35 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dennis Quaid. Plot: a charming, down-on-his luck former soccer star (Butler) returns home to put his life back together and gets roped into coaching the boy’s soccer team. But his attempts to finally become an "adult" are met with hilarious challenges from the attractive "soccer moms" who pursue him at every turn. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/6

Derby Plaza - Skyfall
Movie Machine - Nothing
Palace West - The Dark Knight Rises, Finding Nemo, Silent Hill: Revelation
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Taken 2, Pitch Perfect
Warren Old Town - Flight
Warren West 21st - Pitch Perfect

Killing Them Softly **

Andrew Dominik directed this Crime Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, Sam Rockwell, Richard Jenkins, Bella Heathcote, Vincent Curatola, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Linara Washington. Rated R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language, and some drug use. Running time is one hour and thirty-seven minutes.

Three dumb guys who think they're smart rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. An enforcer (Brad Pitt) is hired to track them down and restore order.

This was classed as a comedy but if there was anything funny about it I failed to see it. There's not a likeable character in this film so I was completely indifferent to their problems. Adding insult to injury, it's set during the 2008 election so the only thing on TV is the election and the terrible state of the economy. Frankly, I think most of us have had enough of that for awhile. There's a plethora of violence and all of it, from beatings to murders, is very graphically displayed. The cast is very good at portraying totally despicable characters and the run time is acceptable, but that's about all I can say positively about it. Males, 18-30 might find the violence acceptable but the rest will not find this at all entertaining.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size or sound quality are unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Killing Them Softly (65) is the best picture this week, followed by Anna Karenina (63) and The Collection (48). I watched one of these films and found it to be disappointing. 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 11/30

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.

Anna Karenina [R] 2 hrs. 10 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Wilson, Alicia Vikander, Olivia Williams, Emily Watson. Plot: a bold, theatrical new vision of the epic story of love, adapted from Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel. Showing at: Warren East.

The Collection [R] 1 hr. 22 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Josh Stewart, Emma Fitzpatrick, Christopher McDonald. Plot: a young woman (Emma Fitzpatrick) is kidnapped and transported to an abandoned hotel transformed into a private maze of torture and death by a psychopathic killer. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West

Killing Them Softly [R] 1 hr. 37 min. Crime/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, Sam Rockwell, Richard Jenkins, Bella Heathcote, Vincent Curatola, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Linara Washington. Plot: three dumb guys who think they're smart rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. An enforcer (Brad Pitt) is hired to track them down and restore order. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West

Leaving 11/29

Derby Plaza - Nothing
Movie Machine - Nothing
Palace West - ParaNorman, Trouble With The Curve
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - The Sessions
Warren Old Town - Nothing
Warren West 21st - Here Comes The Boom

Red Dawn **½

Dan Bradley directed this War Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Connor Cruise, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense war violence and action, and for language. Running time is one hour and fifty-four minutes.

An American city awakens to the surreal sight of North Korean paratroopers dropping from the sky; discovering the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. A band of local teens join together to fight them and liberate friends being held prisoner.

The fist time I saw this film was in 1984, and it had a much better cast than this remake. Twenty-eight years later the North Koreans are the villains instead of the Russians, although you would think the Chinese would be more probable. The story is virtually the same although technical improvements make the battle scenes seem more realistic this time around. Younger action fans won't be aware of the first film and I suspect this version will be just fine for them. This is a film you will forget about shortly after leaving the theatre, but it will provide some excitement for a couple of hours.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen and good sound will add to the film's impact. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Life of Pi (79) is the best picture this week, followed by Rise Of The Guardians (59) and Red Dawn (36). I watched one of these films and found it to be just what I thought it would be. 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 11/21

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.

Life Of Pi 2D/3D [PG] 2 hrs. 7 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irffan Khan, Gerard Depardieu, Adil Hussain, Rafe Spall. Plot: a young man survives a tragic disaster at sea and while marooned on a lifeboat,  forms an amazing and unexpected connection with the ship's only other survivor -- a fearsome Bengal tiger. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine,Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Red Dawn [PG-13] 1 hr. 32 min. War Drama Watch Preview Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Connor Cruise, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Plot: an American city awakens to the surreal sight of North Korean paratroopers dropping from the sky; discovering the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Rise Of The Guardians 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 37 min. Animated Family Adventure Watch Preview Voices of: Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Jude Law. Plot: when an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children everywhere. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 11/20

Derby Plaza - Here Comes The Boom, Taken 2
Movie Machine - Hotel Transylvania, Taken 2
Palace West - 11/22: House At The End Of The Street, The Campaign
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Killer Joe, Man With The Iron Fists, Cloud Atlas, Perks Of Being a Wallflower, Here Comes The Boom
Warren Old Town - Taken 2
Warren West 21st - Here Comes The Boom, Hotel Transylvania, Sinister, Taken 2, Paranormal Activity 4

Lincoln ****

Steven Spielberg directed this Historical Drama. Watch Preview. Cast:  Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones. Rated PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language. Running time is two hours and twenty-nine minutes.

Period drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery via the passage of the thirteenth amendment.

Normally, I wouldn't think of giving four stars to a film over two hours long, but this one is so well done and so involves the viewer I'm breaking my rule.  Day-Lewis is spectacular as Lincoln, bringing him to life in a way I think would be impossible for any other actor. Field is good in her role but her character is not the most pleasant of people. Strathairn and Jones also receive highest marks for their respective roles. I was surprised the film didn't feature more war footage, and focused instead on the political infighting needed to get the votes necessary for the passage of the amendment. You might be inclined to feel you've had enough politics for awhile but this is so well done the time passes relatively quickly. The attention to detail seems meticulous, enhancing the feeling of actually being there. I'd encourage parents to take children to see this as it will go a long way toward providing a better understanding of an important era of our nation's history.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Most of the scenes are indoors so a large screen will be nice but not necessary. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Lincoln (86) is the best picture this week, followed by The Sessions (80) and Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (56). I watched one of these films and thought it was excellent although it clearly will not be the number one film 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 11/16

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.

Lincoln [PG-13] 2 hrs. 30 min. Historical Drama Watch Preview Cast:  Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones. Plot: drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. Showing at: Derby Plaza (opens 11 21), Warren East, Warren West.

The Sessions [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Moon Bloodgood. Plot: the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined at age 38 to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality. Showing at: Warren East.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min. Sci-Fi/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Elizabeth Reaser, Nikki Reed, Billy Burke, Rami Malek, Maggie Grace, Mackenzie Foy, Tracey Heggins, Judi Shekoni, Omar Metwally, Andrea Gabriel, Rami Malek, Angela Sarafyan, Marlane Barnes, Lisa Howard, Patrick Brennan, Noel Fisher, Guri Weinberg, Lee Pace, Toni Trucks, Bill Tangradi, Erik Odom, Valorie Curry, Joe Anderson, Masami Kosaka, Wendell Pierce, Dakota Fanning. Plot: after the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/15

Derby Plaza -Silent Hill: Revelation
Movie Machine - Fun Size
Palace West - Hope Springs
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Hotel Transylvania, Paranormal Activity 4, Alex Cross, Silent Hill: Revelation, Sinister
Warren Old Town - The Man With The Iron Fists
Warren West 21st - Cloud Atlas,Silent Hill: Revelation, The Man With The Iron Fists

Killer Joe **½

William Friedkin directed this Crime drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church, Gina Gershon. Rated NC-17 for graphic disturbing content involving violence and sexuality, and a scene of brutality. Running time is one hour and forty-two minutes.

When a 22 year old drug dealer's (Hirsch) stash is stolen by his mother, he has to get six thousand dollars quickly or he's dead. Desperate, he turns to "Killer Joe" (McConaughey) when he finds out his mother's life insurance policy is worth $50,000. Although Joe usually demands cash up front, he finds himself willing to bend the rules in exchange for Chris' attractive younger sister (Temple), who will serve as sexual collateral.

 This is one dysfunctional family, perfectly willing to trade a young girl (she's supposed to be twelve but the actress is in her 20s) as a sexual down payment for a contract killing. The only likeable one of the bunch is the daughter but even she is no paragon of virtue. The cast is very good with, in my opinion, the exception of McConaughey who always seems to be the same, no matter what role he's playing. The NC-17 rating is well deserved, with a plethora of full female nudity, foul language and violence throughout. Plus, there's an orgasmic scene toward the end that's so strange it has to be seen to be believed. Production values and plot pacing are good. I don't quite know who the audience for this film is but I can warn you it's certainly not a good first date film.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is unimportant which is good since this will no doubt be in a small auditorium. Theatres/Times.

Skyfall ***½

Sam Mendes directed this Action/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Ola Rapace, Tonia Sotiropoulou. Rated PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking. Running time is two hours and twenty-three minutes.

Bond’s (Craig) loyalty to M (Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Action fans will get their money's worth with this film. This episode doesn't feature all of the gadgets and gimmicks we've become used to, but it does have some spectacular effects to keep us entertained. We see a lot more of Dench than is usual who is almost a co-star this time around. Barden is absolutely creepy as the psychotic villain while Craig seems a bit more human and not so much a superman. Albert Finney fans will only recognize him by his voice as his face is almost completely hidden by a beard. Pacing is very good although the film is unnecessarily long. I found myself checking my watch toward the end. I saw this in IMAX and think the enlarged and enhanced image a definite plus.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will be definitely desirable. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times. 

Opening 11/9

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.

Killer Joe [NC17] 1 hr. 43 min. Crime Drama Watch Preview Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church, Gina Gershon. Plot: when a 22 year old drug dealer's (Hirsch) stash is stolen by his mother, he has to get six thousand dollars quickly or he's dead. Desperate, he turns to "Killer Joe" (McConaughey) when he finds out his mother's life insurance policy is worth $50,000. Showing at: Warren East.

Skyfall [PG-13] 2 hrs. 23 min. Conventional and IMAX (opens 11/8 at Imax) Action/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Ola Rapace, Tonia Sotiropoulou. Plot: Bond’s (Craig) loyalty to M (Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/8

Derby Plaza - Hotel Transylvania, Fun Size
Movie Machine - Paranormal Activity 4
Palace West - The Possession, Expendables 2
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Looper, Chasing Mavericks, Frankenweenie, Fun Size, Death By China, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, Hotel Transylvania 3D
Warren Old Town - Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, Cloud Atlas
Warren West 21st - Chasing Mavericks, Alex Cross, Frankenweenie, Perks Of Being A Wallflower, Hotel Transylvania 3D, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, Fun Size, Cloud Atlas IMAX (leaving Wednesday)

Flight***

Robert Zemeckis directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Don Cheadle, Bruce Greenwood, Brian Geraghty, John Goodman, Tamara Tunie. Rated R for drug and alcohol abuse, language, sexuality/nudity and an intense action sequence. Running time is two hours and eighteen minutes.

A commercial airline pilot (Washington) pulls off a heroic feat of flying in a damaged plane, but is held up to the scrutiny of an investigation about his behavior the night before the doomed flight.

This  is an extremely well made film with an excellent cast but  don't mistake it for a pleasant night at the movies. Washington plays an alcoholic/cocaine addict who manages to function well under the influence. British actress Reilly does well as a heroin addict whom he meets while in the hospital (she also has a very convincing Southern accent). The first half hour concerns the doomed flight and Washington's miraculous landing of the plane. This is tense, edge of the seat action. But after that we go into his personal life and demons and the pace becomes far too slow. We  know from the beginning he has a problem—all the rest of the film is about how he's going to resolve it. It takes far too long for him to reach that decision. If this had been ninety minutes it would  have easily been a four star film. But, I'm afraid a lot of people are going to be very tired of his problems before the film is over.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will provide more visual impact during the first half hour but is totally unnecessary for the rest of the film. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Flight (77) is the best picture this week, followed by Wreck-It Ralph (72), and The Man with the Iron Fists (53). I watched one of these films and once again thought it was far too long, but a very good film nonetheless. 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 11/2

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.

 
Flight [R] 2 hrs. 19 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Don Cheadle, Bruce Greenwood, Brian Geraghty, John Goodman, Tamara Tunie. Plot: a commercial airline pilot pulls off a heroic feat of flying in a damaged plane, but is forced to hold up to the scrutiny of an investigation bringing into question his behavior the night before the doomed flight. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Man With The Iron Fists [R] 1 hr. 26 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Russell Crowe, RZA, Lucy Liu, Rick Yune, Jamie Chung, Cung Le, Dave Bautista, Byron Mann, Daniel Wu, Pam Grier. Plot: the epic story of warriors, assassins and a lone outsider hero in nineteenth-century China who must unite to destroy the clan traitor who would destroy them all. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Wreck-It Ralph 2D/3D [PG] Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Ed O’Neill, Mindy Kaling, Adam Carolla, Horatio Sanz, Dennis Haysbert, Edie McClurg, Roger Craig Smith, Gerald C Rivers, Rachael Harris, Stefanie Scott, Reuben Langdon, Kyle Hebert. Plot: an arcade-game character takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 11/1

Derby Plaza - Paranormal Activity 4, Taken 2
Movie Machine - Argo
Palace West - Dredd, Resident Evil:  Retribution
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for season
Warren East 13th - Seven Psychopaths
Warren Old Town - Paranormal Activity 4, Sinister
Warren West 21st - Seven Psychopaths

Cloud Atlas **½

Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski directed this Sci-Fi drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, James D’Arcy, Xun Zhou, Keith David, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant. Rated R for violence, language, sexuality/nudity and some drug use. Running time is two hours and fifty-two minutes.

Explores how the actions and consequences of individual lives impact one another throughout the past, the present and the future.

This is a large scale epic production with an interweaving plot I think most will find confusing. There are several stories being told, but they jump back and forth and at  times it's difficult to determine just where you are. I never thought the basic premise that past lives can affect future lives was adequately presented, so it was several separate stories populated by the same actors as far as I was concerned. I will admit some of the stories were interesting enough the time didn't drag too terribly much, but this is still far too long for the average movie patron. When all was said and done, I felt like I needed to see this several more times to gain a better understanding of the story but I'm not interested enough to do it.

Once the final credits begin there is an interesting showing of each of the main actors and their various disguises, some of which are impressive. A large screen will aid in the film's impact. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Cloud Atlas (55) is the best picture this week, followed by Chasing Mavericks (44), Death By China (43), Fun Size (39) and Silent Hill Revelation (17). I watched one of these films and thought it was far too long but impressively made. 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 10/26

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.

Chasing Mavericks [PG] 1 hr. 54 min. Sports drama Watch Preview Cast: Gerard Butler, Elisabeth Shue, Abigail Spencer, Jonny Weston, Leven Rambin. Plot: based on the inspirational true story of surfing icon Jay Moriarty, the story of a young man's quest to surf Northern California's most dangerous wave, and the local legend who takes him under his wing. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Cloud Atlas [R] 2 hr. 12 min. Sci-Fi drama Watch Preview Cast: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, James D’Arcy, Xun Zhou, Keith David, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant. Plot: explores how the actions and consequences of individual lives impact one another throughout the past, the present and the future. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Death By China [NR] 1 hr. 19 min. Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Martin Sheen. Plot: a documentary feature confronting the most urgent problem facing America - its increasingly destructive trade relationship with a rapidly rising China. Showing at: Warren East.

Fun Size [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Victoria Justice, Thomas Mann, Jane Levy, Thomas McDonell, Thomas Middleditch, Chelsea Handler. Plot: a teen comedy centered on a sarcastic high school senior (Victoria Justice) who is eager to distance herself from her dysfunctional family by going off to college. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Silent Hill: Revelation 2D/3D [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Adelaide Clemens, Sean Bean, Kit Harington, Radha Mitchell, Deborah Kara Unger, Carrie-Ann Moss, Malcolm McDowell, Martin Donovan, Heather Marks. Plot: a girl (Adelaide Clemens) always on the run, discovers she's not who she thinks she is, leading her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her forever. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 10/25

Derby Plaza - Frankenweenie, Argo, Pitch Perfect
Movie Machine - Frankenweenie, Pitch Perfect
Palace West -The Words, Lawless, Premium Rush, Bourne Legacy, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Ted
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat Only
Warren East 13th -End Of Watch, House At The End Of The Street, Samsara, Atlas Shrugged 2, Trouble With The Curve
Warren Old Town - Pitch Perfect, Looper, Here Comes The Boom
Warren West 21st -Looper, Atlas Shrugged 2, Trouble With The Curve, House At The End Of The Street

Worthwhile (or not) 10/19

MetaCritic indicates Samsara (65) is the best picture this week, followed by Paranormal Activity 4 (40), and Alex Cross (38). This is one of those rare weeks when nothing looked appealing to me so I gave all of them a pass. If you want to see a movie and haven't been lately, Taken 2, Looper, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, Argo, and Pitch Perfect are all good, enjoyable films you'd enjoy more than this week's new offerings. 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 10/19

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.

Alex Cross [PG-13] 1 hr. 42 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Tyler Perry, Matthew Fox, Edward Burns, Rachel Nichols, Jean Reno. Plot: a homicide detective/psychologist (Tyler Perry), from the worldwide best-selling novels by James Patterson, meets his match in a serial killer (Matthew Fox). Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Paranormal Activity 4 2D,  IMAX [R] 1 hr. 31 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton. Plot: a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Samsara [PG-13] 1 hr. 42 min. Documentary Watch Preview Plot: filmmakers search for the elusive current of interconnection that runs through our lives as they travel to varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 10/18

Derby Plaza - Frankenweenie 3D
Movie Machine - Nothing
Palace West - The Avengers, Total Recall
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat Only
Warren East 13th - The Master, Frankenweenie 3D
Warren Old Town - Nothing
Warren West 21st - Frankenweenie IMAX 3D, End Of Watch, House At The End Of The Street

Argo ***½

Ben Affleck directed and stars in this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Kerry Bishe, Kyle Chandler, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Victor Garber, Zeljko Ivanek, Richard Kind, Scoot McNairy, Chris Messina, Michael Parks, Taylor Schilling. Rated R for language and some violent images. Running time is two hours.

Based on true events, "Argo" chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis. A CIA agent (Affleck) enters Iran with a supposed scouting crew for a film called, Argo.

I would think the mark of a good director is to be able to take a story where the ending is already known and make a movie about it that is both suspenseful and thrilling. Affleck manages to do that, and do it well, in a film people have been eagerly awaiting. If I had a complaint about this film it is that it unnecessarily long. There are quite a few stretches that could have been dispensed with without diminishing the film's impact, but the pacing is generally good and the ending is a real nail biter. This is a film virtually everyone will enjoy.

The end credits are interesting in that they pictorially compare the real hostages to the actors portraying them. A big screen isn't required. Theatres/Times.

Seven Psychopaths *½

Martin McDonagh directed this Black Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, Abbie Cornish, Tom Waits, Olga Kurylenko, Zeljko Ivanek. Rated R for strong violence, bloody images, pervasive language, sexuality/nudity and some drug use. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.

A struggling screenwriter (Colin Farrell) inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu.

I've always enjoyed Walken's characters and the rest of this cast is very good. And, I really enjoyed this director's last film, In Bruges. But, the plot is nearly discernible in this movie within a screenplay effort. And, how they thought this was a comedy is beyond me. Oh, there are a few funny comments along the way but mostly we get to see exploding heads, slashed throats, and various knifings and  shootings, and all over a stolen dog. I've read a few reviews that found this funny. My thought is: if you find yourself with a group of people who feel likewise—RUN!

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is unimportant. Theatre/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/12

MetaCritic indicates Argo (87) is the best picture this week, followed by The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (67), Seven Psychopaths (67). Sinister (57) and Here Come The Boom (43. Atlas Shrugged Part 2 evidently wasn't screened for the national critics (not usually a good sign). I saw two of these films and enjoyed one and thought the other a waste of time. 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 Argo (***½) and Seven Psychopaths (*½) will be on the site after 4:30 p.m., Friday.

Opening 10/12

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.

Argo [R] 2 hrs. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Kerry Bishe, Kyle Chandler, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Victor Garber, Zeljko Ivanek, Richard Kind, Scoot McNairy, Chris Messina, Michael Parks, Taylor Schilling. Plot: based on true events, "Argo" chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Atlas Shrugged: Part 2  [PG-13] 1 hr. 52 min.  Drama Watch Preview Cast: Samantha Mathis, Jason Beghe, Patrick Fabien, Richard T. Jones, Esai Morales, Diedrich Bader. Plot: what may very well be the answer to a mounting energy crisis is found abandoned among the ruins of a once productive factory, a revolutionary motor that could seemingly power the World.  Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Here Comes The Boom [PG] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler. Plot: a former collegiate wrester (Kevin James) in a failing high school begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min.  Drama Watch Preview Cast: Emma Watson, Logan Ler­man, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Nina Dobrev, Johnny Simmons, Dylan McDermott. Plot: a tale of love, loss, fear and hope-and the unforgettable friends that help us through life. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Seven Psychopaths [R] 1 hr. 40 min.  Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, Abbie Cornish, Tom Waits, Olga Kurylenko, Zeljko Ivanek. Plot: a struggling screenwriter (Colin Farrell) inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Sinister [R] 1 hr. 38 min.  Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, James Ransone, Fred Dalton Thompson, Nicholas King, Clare Foley, Victoria Leigh, Juliet Rylance, Michael Hall D'Addario. Plot: a true crime novelist (Hawke) discovers a box of mysterious, disturbing home movies that plunge his family into a nightmarish experience of supernatural horror. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 10/11

Derby Plaza - Trouble With The Curve, House At The End Of The Street
Movie Machine - Trouble With The Curve
Palace West - Moonrise Kingdom, The Amazing Spider Man
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat Only
Warren East 13th - Dredd, Resident Evil, Hope Springs, Arbitrage, Finding Nemo, Won't Back Down, Robot & Frank
Warren Old Town - Won't Back Down, Trouble With The Curve, End Of Watch
Warren West 21st - Dredd, Lawless, Hope Springs, Resident Evil, Finding Nemo, Won't Back Down

Pitch Perfect **½

Jason Moore directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast:  Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine, Freddie Stroma, Elizabeth Banks. Rated PG-13 for sexual material, language and drug references. Running time is one hour and fifty-two minutes.

A freshman college girl (Kendrick) is muscled into a group she never would have picked on her own: girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together a capella.

I don't see any awards in this film's future but if offers an enjoyable couple of hours if you decide to see it now. It offers a very predictable plot, complete with current sexual sensibilities,  but I found the music so enjoyable it's negatives were unimportant. I have to tell you, I don't enjoy contemporary, popular music, so the fact I enjoyed these selections tells you it was the performances I found so attractive, rather than the music itself. The story is about college a capella group competitions, which I had no idea existed (if in fact they do). The cast is very good and production values are fine. Kendrick is very appealing and it was nice to see Snow (Harry's Law) again. Wilson is as outrageous as you expect her to be. I watched with some much younger patrons and they enjoyed it also, which means it should have universal age appeal, although I suspect we were enjoying different elements.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen isn't overly important but good sound definitely is. Theatres/Times.

Taken 2 **½

Olivier Megaton directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Rade Sherbedgia, Luke Grimes. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sensuality. Running time is one hour and thirty-one minutes.

A retired CIA agent (Neeson) uses special forces tactics to get his family (Grace and Janssen) to safety and systematically take out their kidnappers one by one.

Action fans should find this just what they're looking for. The cast is fine and the production values are good. This ia a European production, shot on location, which always adds a little interest. Of course, it's a very predictable film...the title will tell you that. In fact, it's a virtual repeat of the first one. And, if this one does well at the boxoffice, they've set up number 3. You'll forget this one as soon as you've left the theatre, but you'll enjoy yourself while it's playing.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will provide more impact. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Frankenweenie (74) is the best picture this week, followed by Robot And Frank (67),  and Taken 2 (45). Pitch Perfect (65) opens wide this week after an advance opening week at Warren 13th last week. I saw two of these films and enjoyed both. 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 Pitch Perfect (**½) and Taken 2 (**½) will be on the site after 4:30 p.m., Friday.

Opening 10/5

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.

Frakenweenie 2D/3D IMAX 3D [PG] 1 hr.28 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell. Plot: after unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor Frankenstein harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Robot And Frank [PG] 1 hr. 30 min. Family comedy Watch Preview Cast: Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler, Peter Sarsgaard, Jeremy Sisto, Jeremy Strong. Plot:  a retired cat burglar's kids are tempted to place him in a nursing home until they decide to buy him a walking, talking humanoid robot programmed to improve his physical and mental health. Showing at: Warren East.

Taken 2 [PG-13] 1 hr. 31 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Rade Sherbedgia, Luke Grimes. Plot: a retired CIA agent uses advanced special forces tactics to get his family to safety and systematically take out their kidnappers one by one. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 10/4

Derby Plaza - Resident Evil, Finding Nemo 3D, End Of Watch
Movie Machine - House At The End Of The Street, The Possession, Odd Life Of Timothy Green
Palace West - Sparkle, The Apparition
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat Only
Warren East 13th - Lawless, Last Ounce Of Courage, 2016: Obama's America, Resident Evil 3D, Bourne Legacy, The Campaign
Warren Old Town - House At The End Of The Street, Dredd
Warren West 21st - Dredd 3D, Resident Evil IMAX 3D, Bourne Legacy, The Campaign

Looper ***

Rian Johnson directed this Sci-Fi Thriller Watch Preview Cast:  Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan, Piper Perabo, Jeff Daniels. Rated R for strong violence, language, some sexuality/nudity and drug content. Run time is one hour and fifty-eight minutes.

In this futuristic action thriller a killer's (Gordon-Levitt) future self (Bruce Willis) is sent to the past for assassination by his younger self. When the younger man recognizes the victim as himself, he hesitates and the older self escapes, leading to numerous complications.

Any fan of Sci-Fi novels knows you can't have the same person existing twice at the same time. This film does away with that problem and manages to make it appear realistic while doing so. At one point Willis' character tells you to stop worrying about the time travel and just follow the plot. Good advice. The films does well at explaining the why and how of the paradox and then shifts gears and slowly moves to another plot line which is finally resolved. Production values are good and the cast is fine although I wonder why they felt the need to mess with Gordon-Levitt's appearance since he still never looks like a younger Willis. Blunt plays a decidedly different type of character than I've seen her as before but acquits herself well. I really have to wonder why Perabo chose to take her role as a topless call girl/dancer since it's a very small bit part and she's the star of her own TV series (Covert Affairs). The film is longer than it needs to be with a middle section that really starts to drag, but the opening and closing thirds are just fine.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. This should play well on any size screen. Theatres/Times.