Opening 2/28/2014

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.

Anchorman 2 Supersized [R] 2 hrs. 23 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast:Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Dylan Baker, Meagan Good, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, Josh Lawson, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Nicole Kidman. Plot: reissue of the December 2013 release with new R rated material (original was PG-13) and 24 minutes additional run time. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Non-Stop [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min.Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Nate Parker, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy. Plot: an Air Marshal (Neeson) receives a series of cryptic text messages demanding he instruct the government to transfer $150 million into an off-shore account or a passenger will be killed every 20 minutes. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Son Of God [PG-13] 2 hrs. 18 min Drama Watch Preview Cast: Diogo Morgado, Greg Hicks, Adrian Schiller, Darwin Shaw, Sebastian Knapp, Joe Wredden, Simon Kunz, Paul Marc Davis, Matthew Gravelle, Amber Rose Revah, Roma Downey. Plot: film spans from the humble birth of Jesus (Morgado) through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Stalingrad [R] IMAX 3D 2 hrs. 11 min.War Drama Watch Preview Cast:Thomas Kretschmann, Pyotr Fyodorov, Sergey Bondarchuk, Maria Smolnikova, Yanina Studilina. Plot: an epic look at the battle that turned the tide of World War II. Showing at: Warren West.

The Wind Rises [PG-13] 2 hrs.7 min. Animated fantasy Watch Preview Voices: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Martin Short, Stanley Tucci, Mandy Patinkin, William H. Macy, Werner Herzog, Mae Whitman, Jennifer Grey, Darren Criss, Elijah Wood, Ronan Farrow. Plot: a young Japanese boy dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving 2/27/2014

Movie Machine - Monuments Men, The Nut Job, Endless Love
Palace West - Walter Mitty, Captain Phillips, Book Thief
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Jack Ryan, Labor Day, Winter's Tale
Warren Old Town - Winter's Tale, RoboCop
Warren West 21st - That Awkward Moment, Jack Ryan, Gravity 3D, The Nut Job, Winter's Tale, Pompeii 3D

3 Days To Kill ***½

McG directed this Thriller. Watch preview. Cast: Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language. Running time is one hour and fifty-three minutes.

A dying international agent (Costner) is determined to give up his high stakes life to build a closer relationship with his estranged wife (Nielsen) and daughter (Steinfeld), but first, he must complete one last mission from his boss (Heard) in order to receive an experimental drug that could save his life.

Once again the national critics dislike a film I found quite entertaining, as did my wife. It's true there's nothing particularly new in this plot, you have seen it before, but the characters are ones you start to care about as that plot progresses, and that draws you more completely into the story. The production values are excellent and the film has a definite European feel, which it should since it was filmed there. The cast is uniformly good, although Nielsen doesn't have all  that much to do. It's been awhile since Costner  has appeared  in a leading role and it's nice to see him in one once again. Heard packs a real punch in her role and Steinfeld is maturing into a very competent actress. There's plenty of action but it's balanced with several instances of humor that makes the film enjoyable for almost anyone. While I don't see this being a tentpole pic, I for one wouldn't mind if it became one.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 2/21/14

MetaCritic indicates 3 Days To Kill (40) and Pompeii (40) are  tied this week.   I watched one of these films and found myself once again in complete disagreement with the national critics.  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 2/21/14

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.

3  Days To Kill [PG-13] 2 hrs. Thriller Watch preview Cast: Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen. Plot: a dying international spy (Costner) is determined to give up his high stakes life to build a closer relationship with his estranged wife (Nielsen) and daughter (Steinfeld), but first, he must complete one last mission in order to receive an experimental drug that could save his life. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Pompeii 2D/3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 46 min.  Action drama Watch preview Cast: Kit Harington, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Browning, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Paz Vega, Jessica Lucas, Jared Harris, Kiefer Sutherland. Plot: the epic story of a slave (Kit Harington) turned invincible gladiator who finds himself in a race against time to save his true love (Emily Browning) as Mount Vesuvius erupts. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 2/20/14

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Anchorman 2, Grudge Match
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Vampire Academy
Warren Old Town - Lone Survivor
Warren West 21st - Labor Day, I Frankenstein, Vampire Academy

Winter's Tale ***

Akiva Goldsman wrote and directed this Fantasy/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Eva Marie Saint, Russell Crowe, Ripley Sobo, Mckayla Twiggs. Rated PG-13 for violence and some sensuality. Running time is one hour and fifty-eight minutes.

Spanning more than a century, a story of miracles, crossed destinies, and the age-old battle between good and evil. Based on the acclaimed novel by Mark Helprin.

My wife and I watched this and both of us liked it very much. I note that isn't the case with the national critics who seem rather uniform in their dislike. That may be because they're comparing the novel to the movie, I don't know, but I got the sense many of them didn't understand what was going on. In order to appreciate this film you have to realize it's set in an alternate reality. One that seems almost the same as ours, but not quite. Consumption (tuberculosis) seems to manifest itself somewhat differently, as does  the appearance of the devil, demons, angels and miracles. As long as you understand you're in a reality somewhat different than ours, the film makes perfect sense, and is quite moving at times. The cast is excellent and the production values are first class. While it's a little longer than I usually like, the pacing is such I never once looked at my watch. Consider this a romance for older patrons (the younger ones will be attending About Last Night), be willing to suspend belief for a couple of hours, and I think you'll find this quite enjoyable.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 2/14/14

MetaCritic indicates About Last Night (62) is the best film this week followed by RoboCop (52), Winter's Tale (32) and Endless Love (31).   I watched one of these films and found myself once again in complete disagreement with the national critics.  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 2/12, 14/14

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.

Wednesday 2/12/14

RoboCop 2D/IMAX 2D [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Sci-Fi thriller Watch Preview Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael K. Williams, Jay Baruchel, Jennifer Ehle, Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Plot: a good cop (Kinnaman) is critically injured in the line of duty and robotics is used to save his life. He returns to the streets of his city with amazing new abilities, but with issues a regular man has never had to face before. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Friday 2/14/14

About Last Night [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Romance Watch Preview Cast: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant, Christopher McDonald, Paula Patton. Plot: follows new love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Endless Love [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Drama/Romance Watch Preview Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Gabriella Wilde, Robert Patrick, Bruce Greenwood, Rhys Wakefield, Dayo Okeniyi, Emma Rigby, Joely Richardson. Plot: the story of a privileged girl and a charismatic boy whose instant desire sparks a love affair made only more reckless by parents trying to keep them apart. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Winter's Tale [PG-13] 2 hrs. 9 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Eva Marie Saint, Russell Crowe, Ripley Sobo, Mckayla Twiggs. Plot: spanning more than a century, a story of miracles, crossed destinies, and the age-old battle between good and evil. Based on the acclaimed novel by Mark Helprin. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 2/11, 13/14

Movie Machine - 2/13: Ride  Along
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - 2/11: Dallas Buyers Club, Nebraska, Hobbit, Philomena; 2/13: Saving Mr. Banks, Catching Fire, August: Osage County, I, Frankenstein
Warren Old Town - 2/11: Shadow Recruit, I, Frankenstein; 2/13: Labor Day, American Hustle
Warren West 21st - 2/11: Saving Mr. Banks, 12 Years A Slave; 2/13: August: Osage County, American Hustle

The Monuments Men **½

George Clooney wrote, directed and stars in this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, John Goodman. Rated PG-13 for some images of war violence and historical smoking. Running time is one hour and fifty-eight minutes.

An unlikely World War II platoon is tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.

This film is clearly aimed at an older crowd: those interested in WWII stories and fans of Clooney and Damon. Production values are good and the film exhibits a visual authenticity. The plot, however, is clunky and doesn't have a smooth flow. The pace is also slower than desirable which makes the two hour running time seem excessive. This was supposed to have been released as a Christmas picture but it was decided the film would not stand up well in that crowded release pattern. A good decision in my opinion as this would have come and gone in a couple of weeks during that time frame. As it is, I'm not sure this will be around much longer that that.

There are  no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will be preferable for maximum action impact. Theatres/Times. 

Vampire Academy **½

Mark Waters directed this Comedy/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Danila Kozlovsky, Gabriel Byrne, Sarah Hyland, Joely Richardson, Cameron Monaghan, Sami Gayle, Claire Foy, Ashley Charles. Rated PG-13 for violence, bloody images, sexual content and language. Running time is one hour and forty-four minutes.

Two 17-year-old girls (Deutch, Fry) attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (mortal, peaceful Vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians). Based on author Richelle Mead's worldwide bestselling series, "Vampire Academy". 

While this is clearly aimed at the teenage girls who read the highly successful book series, there is enough fast paced, witty dialogue and action to make it appeal to an even wider audience. Aiming to fall between the Twilight series and Harry Potter, I found it better than the first but not nearly as good as the latter. Production values are good and the cast is fine, especially Deutch, but the plot jumps around unnecessarily and it's slightly longer than it should be. This film is basically a set-up to a hoped for new series, but whether it succeeds in that endeavor remains to be seen.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen would be nice but not necessary. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 2/7/14

MetaCritic indicates The LEGO Movie (81) is the best film this week followed by The Monuments Men (53).  Vampire Academy received no score as it evidently wasn't screened. I watched two of these films and found both to be mildly entertaining although aimed at entirely different audiences.  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 2/7/14

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.

The LEGO Movie 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 40 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman. Plot: an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure is mistakenly identified as key to saving the world and is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which he is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

The Monuments Men [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, John Goodman. Plot: an unlikely World War II platoon is tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Vampire Academy [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Danila Kozlovsky, Gabriel Byrne, Sarah Hyland, Joely Richardson, Cameron Monaghan, Sami Gayle, Claire Foy, Ashley Charles. Plot: two 17-year-old girls attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (mortal, peaceful Vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians). Based on author Richelle Mead's worldwide bestselling series, "Vampire Academy". Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 2/6/14

Movie Machine - I, Frankenstein, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Palace West - The Delivery Man, Madea Christmas, Last Vegas
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Her, The Invisible Woman, Devil's Due
Warren Old Town - I, Frankenstein
Warren West 21st - Legend Of Hercules, Devil's Due, Desolation Of Smaug, Gimmie Shelter, I, Frankenstein IMAX 3D

Labor Day **

Jason Reitman wrote and directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, Tom Lipinski, Clark Gregg, Alexie Gilmore, Lucas Hedges, Brighid Fleming, James Van Der Beek, Maika Monroe, Brooke Smith, Micah Fowler, Tobey Maguire. Rated PG-13 for thematic material, brief violence and sexuality. Running time is one hour and fifty-one minutes.

On a back-to-school shopping trip, a thirteen-year-old boy (Griffith) and his reclusive mother (Winslet) encounter a man (Brolin) both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict.

I had some hopes for this film, considering Winslet is such a good actress, but this turned out to be a real slog. It's too long and has an extremely leisurely pace, plus a plot that reveals the background of the two leads in little snippets scattered throughout, meaning it takes a long time before you really understand the characters. I understood that Winslet's character just couldn't function properly without 'love' in her life, but to the extent she could barely drive a car? That aspect seemed farfetched to me. Brolin is good in his role, but his character is almost too good to be believable. The only potential audience this film has is women interested in romance films. Any men who get dragged along should plan on bringing earphones so they can settle back, close their eyes and listen to their favorite tunes, if they want to have any chance to enjoy the time.

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

That Awkward Moment **½

Tom Gormican wrote and directed this Romantic comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis, Jessica Lucas. Rated R for sexual content and language throughout. Run time is one hour and thirty-four minutes.

Three best friends (Efron, Jordan, Teller) find themselves where we've all been -- at that confusing "moment" in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So…Where is this going?"

I hadn't expected to like this film but was very pleasantly surprised as it started playing. The acting is very good but the real winner is the fast paced, funny dialogue. There are some real laugh-out-loud scenes in this film. In addition to the male leads I was also very impressed with Imogen Poots, a young British actress without a hint of accent, who was just delightful in her role. Couple that with an almost perfect running time and you have a film that's entertaining, even though no where near award status. Older patrons should be aware this is aimed at the 'hook-up' generation and if that offends you, this film probably will also.

There are outtake scenes that run during the credits. Screen size is unimportant although a large audience will make this funnier. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 1/31/14

MetaCritic indicates Labor Day (52) is the best film this week followed by That Awkward Moment (34).  I watched both of these films and would reverse their scoring as far as entertainment value is concerned.  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

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.

Labor Day [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, Tom Lipinski, Clark Gregg, Alexie Gilmore, Lucas Hedges, Brighid Fleming, James Van Der Beek, Maika Monroe, Brooke Smith, Micah Fowler, Tobey Maguire. Plot: on a back-to-school shopping trip, a thirteen-year-old boy (Griffith) and his reclusive mother (Winslet) encounter a man (Brolin) both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
 
That Awkward Moment [R] 1 hr. 34 min. Romantic comedy Watch Preview Cast: Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis, Jessica Lucas. Plot: three best friends find themselves where we've all been -- at that confusing "moment" in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So…Where is this going?" Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 1/30/14

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - 47 Ronin, The Butler, Free Birds, Ender's Game
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Legend Of Hercules, Her, Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, Anchorman 2, I,Frankenstein 3D
Warren Old Town - Legend Of Hercules, Gravity 3D, I, Frankenstein 3D
Warren West 21st - Gravity 2D, Anchorman 2, Her

I, Frankenstein **

Stuart Beattie wrote and directed this Horror/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, Socratis Otto, Mahesh Jadu, Caitlin Stasey, Aden Young. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense fantasy action and violence throughout. Running time is one hour and thirty-three minutes.

 Victor Frankenstein's creation (Aaron Eckhart) finds himself caught in the middle of a battle between vigilant gargoyles and ferocious demons as both race to discover the secret of his immortality.

If you're just looking for a 3D action film with lots of computer graphics, here you go. If you want a plot that's interesting and keeps you involved, you'll have to look elsewhere. It's an odd film in that with the exception of two or three lab scientists, there are  no humans present...just gargoyles and demons, and Frank of course. It's also totally humorless and downright depressing throughout. In other words, I didn't find it at all entertaining. I watched the IMAX 3D version which was technically very good, as usual. I don't know that I think this is worth an IMAX presentation, however, and the 3D is effective but unnecessary.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will make the CGI effects more effective. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Gimme Shelter **

Ron Krauss directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Vanessa Hudgens, Rosario Dawson, Brendan Fraser, James Earl Jones, Ann Dowd, Dascha Polanco. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving mistreatment, some drug content, violence and language - all concerning teens. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

Based on a true story about a pregnant 16-year-old (Vanessa Hudgens) and her struggle for survival until finding salvation in a suburban shelter for homeless teens.

This is a film that means well but has definite plot problems. Hudgens does fine as the pregnant teen. She went through quite a transformation to do this role,  which you can see if you watch her on a talk show and see her in real life. The rest of the cast is fine, including Fraser in a serious role, and whom I still can't stop thinking of as George Of The Jungle after all these years. The  story is the real problem, with substantial changes in the characters that aren't explained (the stepmother goes from antagonistic to loving in the blink of an eye, etc.). Women will like this film more than men but I don't think anyone will think this this is a potential award winner, and I seriously doubt it will be here long.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 1/24/14

MetaCritic indicates The Invisible Woman (75) is the best film this week followed by Gimmie Shelter (39), and I, Frankenstein (NR).  I watched two of this week's films and thought both left a lot to be desired.  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 1/24/14

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.

Gimme Shelter [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Vanessa Hudgens, Rosario Dawson, Brendan Fraser, James Earl Jones, Ann Dowd, Dascha Polanco. Plot: based on a true story about a pregnant 16-year-old (Vanessa Hudgens) and her struggle for survival until finding salvation in a suburban shelter for homeless teens. Showing at: Warren West.

I, Frankenstein 2D/3D/IMAX 3D [PG-13] 1 hr. 32 min. Horror/Thriller, Watch Preview Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, Socratis Otto, Mahesh Jadu, Caitlin Stasey, Aden Young. Plot: Victor Frankenstein's creation (Aaron Eckhart) finds himself caught in the middle of a battle between vigilant gargoyles and ferocious demons as both race to discover the secret of his immortality. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Invisible Woman [R] 1 hr. 51 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas, Tom Hollander. Plot: Charles Dickens had a mistress, Nelly Ternan, for 13 years until his death, accounts Claire Tomalin in her book "The Invisible Woman."  Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 1/23/14

Movie Machine - The Legend Of Hercules
Palace West - Out Of The Furnace
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Gravity, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Nut Job 3D, The Legend Of Hercules 3D, Paranormal Activity
Warren Old Town - Anchorman 2, Wolf Of Wall Street, Legend Of Hercules 3D
Warren West 21st - Paranormal Activity, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit IMAX, Legend Of Hercules 3D

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit ***½

Kenneth Branagh both stars and directs this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, Peter Andersson, Kenneth Branagh, David Paymer, Colm Feore. Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and intense action, and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

A young Jack (Pine) uncovers a financial terrorist plot to crash the U.S. economy created by a Russian finance officer (Branagh).

When Branagh either directs or is featured in a film you're almost sure it's going to be a top notch attraction. This time you get him doing both, which makes for a very entertaining, fast paced film. Pine is fine as the young Ryan and Knightley is good as his girl friend as his Costner in a small role as his CIA handler. But Branagh just oozes authenticity as the Russian determined to collapse the American economy. The running time is almost perfect and it seems like the time flies due to the numerous action sequences. I saw this in the IMAX theatre, and while I always recommend that theatre you don't get much additional by watching it there, other than a larger screen, and not all of that since you have a border at both the top and bottom of the picture. If you want to see it there you need to go this week as it's being presented here in IMAX for one week only. This is a highly entertaining film for action fans.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. The action will be more intense on a large screen. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Ride Along *½

Tim Story directed this Action/Comedy. Watch Preview Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, Bryan Callen, Laurence Fishburne. Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, sexual content and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and fifty minutes.

When a fast-talking guy (Hart) joins his girlfriend’s brother (Ice Cube)—a hot-tempered cop—to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer's latest case.

I had some hope for this film as Hart can be very funny. Not so this time around; he's just annoying and the plot is simply stupid. The man never shuts up so even if what he's saying was funny you'd be really tired of hearing it after a short while. The plot is extremely predictable, you've seen it many, many times before. The only plus I can think of is the lovely girlfriend/sister (Sumpter) but it doesn't take long before you're wondering what she can possibly see in Hart. Younger crowds will probably find this funnier than I did but mature audiences should plan on avoiding this one.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is unimportant although watching with a large audience may make it seem funnier. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 1/17/14

MetaCritic indicates Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (58) is the best film this week followed by Ride Along (41), Devil's Due (37) and The Nut Job (34).  I watched two of this week's films and thought one was very entertaining and the other just stupid.  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 1/17/14

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.

Devil's Due [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Horror film Watch Preview Cast: Allison Miller, Zach Gilford. Plot: after a mysterious, lost night on their honeymoon, a newlywed couple finds themselves dealing with an earlier-than-planned pregnancy and dark changes to her body and mind. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit 2D/IMAX 2D [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, Peter Andersson, Kenneth Branagh, David Paymer, Colm Feore. Plot: a young Jack (Pine) uncovers a financial terrorist plot to crash the U.S. economy. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Nut Job 2D/3D  [PG] 1 hr. 25 min. Animated family film Watch Preview Voices: Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson, Katherine Heigl, Stephen Lang, Sarah Gadon, Jeff Dunham. Plot: a mischievous squirrel, and his rat friend Buddy plan a nut store heist of outrageous proportions. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Ride Along  [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Action/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, Bryan Callen, Laurence Fishburne. Plot: when a fast-talking guy (Hart) joins his girlfriend’s brother (Ice Cube)—a hot-tempered cop—to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer's latest case. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 1/16/14

Movie Machine - Walking With Dinosaurs, Hunger Games 2, Grudge Match, Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug, Anchorman 2
Palace West - Homefront, Despicable Me 2, We're The Millers, Bad Grandpa
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Walking With Dinosaurs, A Madea Christmas, The Book Thief, 47 Ronin, Grudge Martch
Warren Old Town - Grudge Match, Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug
Warren West 21st - Walking With Dinosaurs, 47 Ronin, A Madea Christmas, Wolf Of Wall Street, The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty,  Grudge  Match

August: Osage County ***½

John Wells directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Nicholson, Sam Shepard, Misty Upham. Rated R for language including sexual references, and for drug material. Running time is two hours and one minute.

The dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in.

If you've been waiting for a film where an outstanding group of thespians give an acting tour de force, wait no longer. I don't know I'd consider this film the least bit hilarious, as all of the characters are so seriously flawed it's hard to like them, but they are interesting. Streep overshadows everyone in the film but the others aren't that far behind, with Roberts leading the pack. I  was bemused at how well McGregor and Cumberbatch fit into the group, with neither showing a bit of their British accents. The national critics haven't been as positive as I am but that may be because this was originally a stage play and films don't often compare favorably to the original. Those who are offended by extremely profane language may want to give this a pass, but this is a  first  rate drama nonetheless which I highly recommend.

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

Her ***½

Spike Jonze directed this Romance/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson. Rated R for language, sexual content and brief graphic nudity. Running time is two hours and six minutes.

A lonely man's relationship with a computer program's OS voice deepens into eventual love.

Since this is set slightly in the future this film could be classed as Sci-Fi, but in my opinion something like this could happen in the next few years. It's a rather unique story and as it progressed I started wondering how they were going to resolve the obvious quandary, but resolve it they did. The cast is excellent although the bulk of the film is carried by Phoenix and the voice of Johansson. Wilde is onscreen for only a few minutes. The film is too long and I did get a bit restless at times but the plot was so unusual it quickly got me involved again. There is an odd surrogate sequence that doesn't really make any sense and could easily have been excised, but that's a minor point. This is  one of the more interesting films I've seen in awhile and I do recommend it.

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

Lone Survivor **½

Peter Berg directed this Action/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Ali Suliman, Alexander Ludwig, Eric Bana. ated R for strong bloody war violence and pervasive language. Running time is two hours and one minute.

Four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative are ambushed by the enemy in the mountains of Afghanistan.

This is a well made action drama with extremely graphic war sequences. Those who don't care for war films in general or blood spattering graphics will be well advised to pass on this one. Like most films these days it's too long but there is enough action to make the time pass fairly quickly. It's based on a true incident so it has a sense of authenticity about it. There's nothing unusual or different about this plot and other war films so it's a  matter of whether or not you're in the mood for it if you're trying to decide if you want to see it.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A larger screen will give the action more impact. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 1/10/14

MetaCritic indicates Her (92) and Inside Llewyn Davis (92) are tied for first place, followed by Lone Survivor (59) and August: Osage County (58). The Legend Of Hercules didn't get a rating because it evidently wasn't screened (a smart move on the distributor's part from what I'm hearing about the pic). I watched three of this week's films and find myself in disagreement with the national critics, especially concerning August: Osage County..  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 1/10/2014

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.

August: Osage County [R] 2 hrs. 1 min. Dramady Watch Preview Cast: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Nicholson, Sam Shepard, Misty Upham. Plot: the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Her [R] 2 hrs. 6 min. Romance/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson. Plot: a man's relationship with a computer program voice deepens into eventual love. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Inside Llewyn Davis [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Musical/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, F. Murray Abraham, Justin Timberlake. Plot: a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Showing at: Warren East.

The Legend Of Hercules 2D/3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Kellan Lutz, Scott Adkins, Liam McIntyre, Liam Garrigan, Johnathon Schaech, Roxanne McKee, Gaia Weiss, Rade Serbedzija. Plot: through harrowing battles and gladiator-arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the King and restore peace to the land. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Lone Survivor [R] 2 hrs. 1 min. Action/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Ali Suliman, Alexander Ludwig, Eric Bana. Plot: four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative are ambushed by the enemy in the mountains of Afghanistan. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 1/9/2014

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Mandela, 47 Ronin 3D
Warren Old Town - Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, 47 Ronin 2D/3D
Warren West 21st - Justin Bieber's Believe, 47 Ronin 3D

Worthwhile (or not) 1/3/14

MetaCritic indicates Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (45) is the best picture this week, which once again isn't difficult for the only new release of the week. I didn't watch it so no review this week.  For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 1/3/14

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.

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones [R] 1 hr. 24 min. Horror Watch Preview Cast: Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra, Tonja Kahlens, Frank Salinas. Plot: this spin-off from the "Paranormal Activity" series focuses on a Latino family. Showing at:Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 1/2/14

Derby Plaza - unknown
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Escape Plan
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing

The Wolf Of Wall Street **½

Martin Scorsese directed this Drama. Watch Preview Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Favreau, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jean Dujardin, Pj Byrne, Kenneth Choi. Rated R for sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence. Running time is three hours.

The story of a New York stockbroker (Leonardo DiCaprio), who went from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late 80s.

This is a film about excess. It's has excessive profanity, excessive nudity, excessive sexual content, excessive drug use, excessive greed, and excessive length. In other words if you've ever been offended by a movie, I can guarantee this one will offend you. It offers a first rate cast and superior direction which makes the unnecessary length pass relatively quickly. The story itself is interesting and based on the experiences of stockbroker Jordon Belfort. I'm told the original edit was three-and-a-half hours long and would have been a NC-17. If you want to see that version, I'm certain a director's cut  DVD will be on its way soon. I wasn't offended by the film and thought the quality of the production made it worth watching. But, I would never recommend you see it unless I knew you well.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. An excessively large screen might be appropriate for full appreciation of the on screen activity. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/25/13

MetaCritic indicates The Wolf Of Wall Street (76) is the best picture this week, followed by Mandela: Long  Walk To Freedom (60), Secret Life Of  Walter Mitty (54), Grudge Match (37) and in last place, 47 Ronin (25). Justin Bieber's Believe evidently wasn't screened for the critics (imagine my surprise). I saw one of these and found it interesting although it would be hard to recommend to someone I didn't know. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/25/13

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.

47 Ronin 2D/3D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 7 min. Fantasy/Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ko Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi. Plot: after a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Grudge Match [PG-13] 1 hr. 53 min. Dramedy Watch Preview Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Kevin Hart, Alan Arkin, Kim Basinger, Jon Bernthal, Camden Gray. Plot: two fighters (Stallone and DeNiro) whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight decide to re-enter the ring after thirty years and settle the score once and for all. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Justin Bieber's Believe [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Music Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Justin Bieber, Scooter Braun, Usher Raymond, Rodney Jerkins, Ludacris, Mike Posner. Plot: captures 19-year-old Justin Bieber, unfiltered and brutally honest in brand new interviews and concert footage. Showing at: Warren West.

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom [PG-13] 2 hrs. 19 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz, Terry Pheto. Plot: based on South African President Nelson Mandela's autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President. Showing at: Warren East.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty [PG] 1 hr. 54 min. Adventure/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn. Plot: James Thurber's classic story of a day-dreamer (Stiller) who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Wolf Of Wall Street [R] 3 hrs. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Favreau, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jean Dujardin, Pj Byrne, Kenneth Choi. Plot: the story of a New York stockbroker (Leonardo DiCaprio), who went from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late 80s. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/24/13

Derby Plaza - unknown
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Planes, Insidious Chapter 2
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Thor: The Dark World, Last Vegas, Dallas Buyer's Club, Walking With Dinosaurs 3D
Warren Old Town - A Madea Christmas, Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Warren West 21st - Delivery Man, Thor: The Dark World, Walking With Dinosaurs 3D, The Book Thief

American Hustle ***

David O. Russell co-wrote and directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence. Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence. Running time is two hours and eighteen minutes.

The story of a brilliant con man (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive partner (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent (Bradley Cooper), who is setting up what would come to be called Abscam.

On the positive side: a first rate cast and an interesting story. On the negative  side: too long and too slow before it finally concludes. Perhaps it's just me, but almost all films seem too long lately. This could have easily been edited to make for a faster paced film that would have held your attention throughout. As it is, I was restless in several spots. The film never really lets you in on who's being hustled until the very end, and that made it more confusing than it needed to be. It's very much worth watching, if for no other reason than letting Adams and Lawrence show you what they can do, but it could have been so much more so.

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

Saving Mr. Banks **½

John Lee Hancock directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, Annie Rose Buckley, Ruth Wilson, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffiths, Kathy Baker. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some unsettling images. Running time is two hours and five minutes.

In his quest to obtain the rights to her novel, Walt Disney (Hanks) comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer (Thompson) who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved Mary Poppins get mauled by the Hollywood machine.

This is a rather serious drama with a very good cast, telling a story I doubt most (especially the younger crowd) will be interested in. It's basically the story about the childhood of the author of Mary Poppins, and what she was trying to do when she wrote the books, and why they were so important to her. I found it somewhat interesting (my wife really enjoyed it) but there's very little tension in the story and  two hours  was  simply more than I was comfortable with. I think the primary audience for this will be middle-aged and older women and  I doubt you'll have any trouble getting a ticket to see it.

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

Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues **

 Adam McKay directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Dylan Baker, Meagan Good, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, Josh Lawson, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Nicole Kidman. Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, drug use, language and comic violence. Running time is one hour and fifty-nine minutes.

San Diego's top rated newsman (Will Ferrell) returns to the news desk along with his co-anchor and wife (Christina Applegate), weather man (Steve Carell), man on the street (Paul Rudd) and sports guy (David Koechner) - all of whom won't make it easy to stay classy…while taking the nation's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

I watched this with a group of younger patrons and was fascinated by the differences in what they and I found funny. They were laughing at things I found no humor in at all, and when I was snickering, they were quiet.I guess you could call this the generation gap and I suspect that will affect those attending this film. The younger you are, the more you're likely to enjoy it. It's basically a collection of skits, very loosely tied together with a mere thread of a plot. Some of these I found very funny, but the majority were simply too outlandish for my tastes. And, the film is a good thirty minutes too long. My age group is simply not the target for this film, and older readers may want to keep that in mind.

There was an additional scene at the end of the credits, but it's meaningless. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/20/13

MetaCritic indicates American Hustle (88) is the best picture this week, followed by Nebraska (86), Saving Mr.Banks (66), Anchorman 2 (62) and in last place, Walking With Dinosaurs (37). I saw three of these and didn't think any of them were as good as the national critics did. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/18, 20/13

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.

Opening Wednesday 12/18/13

Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues [PG-13] 1 hr. 59 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Dylan Baker, Meagan Good, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, Josh Lawson, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Nicole Kidman. Plot: San Diego's top rated newsman (Will Ferrell) returns to the news desk along with his co-anchor and wife (Christina Applegate), weather man (Steve Carell), man on the street (Paul Rudd) and sports guy (David Koechner) - all of whom won't make it easy to stay classy…while taking the nation's first 24-hour news channel by storm. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Opening Friday 12/20/13

American Hustle [R] 2 hrs. 18 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence. Plot: the story of a brilliant con man (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent (Bradley Cooper). Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Nebraska [R] 2 hrs. 1 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, Stacy Keach, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk. Plot: after receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Bruce Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Will Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Showing at: Warren East.

Saving Mr. Banks [PG-13] 2 hrs. 5 min. Dramedy Watch Preview Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, Annie Rose Buckley, Ruth Wilson, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffiths, Kathy Baker. Plot: in his quest to obtain the rights to her novel, Walt Disney (Hanks) comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer (Thompson) who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved Mary Poppins get mauled by the Hollywood machine. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren West.

Walking With Dinosaurs 3D/2D [PG] Animated Family Film Watch Preview Voices: Justin Long, John Leguizamo. Plot: a breakthrough in technology will introduce new and unique dinosaurs that are more real than ever before and put moviegoers in the middle of a thrilling prehistoric adventure, where an underdog dinosaur triumphs against all odds to become a hero for the ages. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 12/17, 19/13

Derby Plaza - unknown, will update if I hear
Movie Machine - 12/17: The Delivery Man; 12/17: Thor: The DarkWorld
Palace West - 12/19: Don Jon, The Counselor
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - 12/17: Homefront, The Best Man Holiday; 12/19: Out Of The Furnace, The Delivery Man 12 Years A Slave, Frozen 3D
Warren Old Town - 12/17: Homefront; 12/19: Out Of The Furnace
Warren West 21st - 12/17: 12 Years A Slave, Last Vegas; 12/19: Captain Phillips, Bad Grandpa, Homefront, Out Of The Furnace, Frozen 3D

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug **½

Peter Jackson directed this Fantasy adventure. Watch Preview. Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Michael Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner. Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. Running time is two hours and forty-one minutes.

Continues the adventure of Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf  (McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage), on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fire-breathing dragon, Smaug.

You'll have to be a real fan of these films to be satisfied with this offering. It goes without saying that it has a very good cast, fantastic production values and looks like millions and millions of dollars on the screen. But there's simply no reason for the excessive length and languid pacing which started me looking at my watch before the half-way point. There's plenty of action throughout but this is so long you become numb to it long before it's over. On the other hand, if you decide  to see this on your home TV, there's no way you'll come close to the experience you'll get in the theatre. I saw this in IMAX 3D, and while it was exceptional as usual, I don't think the 3D added that much to the proceedings. Or perhaps I was just too tired of the whole thing to care. If you're going to see it on a regular screen I'd skip the 3D and make sure you find a really, really comfortable seat! If you want to see this in the latest and greatest format, High Frame Rate 3D (48 fps instead of 24 fps) you'll need to see it at the Warren 13th. 

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will add  to the impressiveness of the presentation. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 12/13/13

MetaCritic indicates The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (65) is the best picture this week, which once again isn't difficult when you're the only film reviewed. Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas has no rating as it evidently wasn't screened for the critics (never a good sign). If you take the link over the next couple of days a rating should appear after reviewers have seen it. I saw The Hobbit and think fans will enjoy it but everyone else will think it just so-so. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/13/13

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.

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug [PG-13] 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 2 hrs. 41 min. Fantasy adventure Watch Preview Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Michael Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner. Plot: continues the adventure of Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf  (McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage), on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Tyler Perry, Kathy Najimy, Chad Michael Murray, Anna Maria Horsford, Tika Sumpter, Eric Lively, JR Lemon, Alicia Witt, Lisa Whelchel, Larry the Cable Guy. Plot: Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas. Showing at: Derby Plaza?, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/12/13

Derby Plaza - unknown, will update if I hear
Movie Machine - Free Birds, The Butler
Palace West - About Time, Grown Ups 2, Elysium
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the winter
Warren East 13th - Ender's Game, Captain Phillips, Old Boy, Christmas Candle, Bad Grandpa, Free Birds, Black Nativity
Warren Old Town - The Book Thief, The Delivery Man, Thor: The DarkWorld
Warren West 21st - Free Birds, Gravity, Black Nativity, The Christmas Candle, The Best  Man Holiday

Out Of The Furnace **

Scott Cooper directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoë Saldana, Sam Shepard. Rated R for strong violence, language and drug content. Running time is one hour and fifty-six minutes.

After his brother (Affleck) disappears, a man (Bale) takes matters into his own hands, putting his life on the line to seek justice for him after local law enforcement drops the ball.

If you find yourself brimming over with Christmas cheer and you want to ratchet that back a few notches while you still have a bank balance, this is a must see film. I don't remember the last time I saw a film this depressing. It has a great cast and good production values, but a plot that moves at a snail's pace and eventually stumbles and just dies. Why actors of this caliber would want to be in this film is beyond me, and unless you revel in deep depression, you don't want to be in it either. Bare knuckle fight fans may find a few scenes to their liking but that's the only group that's  going to get anything out of this. This won't be here long, so hurry if you still think you want to see it.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 12/6/13

MetaCritic indicates Out Of The Furnace (65) is the best picture this week. Once again, it's in the top position because it's the only new film this week. I saw it and wasn't nearly as impressed as the national critics. For all the reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

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

Opening 12/6/13

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.

Out Of The Furnace [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoë Saldana, Sam Shepard. Plot: after his brother (Affleck) disappears, a man (Bale) takes matters into his own hands, putting his life on the line to seek justice for him after local law enforcement drops the ball. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 12/5/13

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - One Direction: This Is Us
Starlite Drive-In - Open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - nothing
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing