Opening 5/9/14

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.

Fading Gigolo [R] 1 hr. 30 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: John Turturro, Woody Allen, Liev Schreiber, Sofia Vergara, Sharon Stone, Vanessa Paradis, Max Casella, Bob Balaban, Aida Turturro, Jill Scott. Plot: a man (Turturro) decides to become a professional Don Juan as a way of making money to help his cash-strapped friend (Woody Allen). Showing at: Warren East.

Legends Of Oz: Dorothy's Return [PG] 2D/3D 1 hr. 30 min. Animated musical Watch Preview Voices: Lea Michele, Martin Short, Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Hilty, Hugh Dancy, Oliver Platt, Patrick Stewart, Bernadette Peters. Plot: finds Dorothy (Lea Michele) waking to post-tornado Kansas, only to be whisked back to Oz to try to save her old friends the Scarecrow (Dan Aykroyd), the Lion (Jim Belushi), the Tin Man (Kelsey Grammer) and Glinda (Bernadette Peters) from a devious new villain, the Jester (Martin Short). Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Mom's Night Out [PG] 1 hr. 28 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton, Trace Adkins. Plot: in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, a group of wives need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong? Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Neighbors [R] 1 hr. 36 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne. Plot: a young couple are forced to live next to a fraternity house after the birth of their baby. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Railway Man [R] 1 hr. 48 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Jeremy Irvine, Stellan Skarsgard, Sam Reid, Tanroh Ishida, Hiroyuki Sanada. Plot: a British Army officer, tormented as a prisoner of war at a Japanese labor camp during World War II, discovers the Japanese interpreter he holds responsible for much of his treatment is still alive and sets out to confront him. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 5/8/14

Movie Machine - Rio 2, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Palace West - Endless Love, Son Of God, Ride Along
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - Haunted House 2, Oculus, Noah, Transcendence
Warren Old Town - Brick Mansions, Transcendence
Warren West 21st - Noah, The Quiet Ones

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 **

Marc Webb directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, Sally Field, B.J. Novak. Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence. Running time is two hours and twenty-two minutes.

With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield)  must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, he realizes all his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp. On the positive side, his girl friend (Emma Stone) is very nice!

I had hopes for this film but it turned out to be bloated, boring and not very exciting. I think the director was trying to do something to attract the female audience by adding a lot of romance but he overdid it and seriously skimped on the action sequences as a result. The cast is fine and so are what action sequences there are, but the pacing is so slow and there is so much unnecessary extraneous material it's just impossible to get involved. I watched this in IMAX 3D, which was excellent as usual, but the 3D effect becomes meaningless after awhile and I forgot it was even in that process. Spidey fans will no doubt need to attend but the average entertainment patron could easily give this a miss. My guess is after the first weekend, this will fade rapidly.

There is an X-Man snippet midway through the final credits but no Spidey preview at the end. A large screen will add to the visual impact. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 5/2/14

MetaCritic indicates The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (53) is the top rated film this week which is its only saving grace since it is the only release. I watched it and was not at all impressed. 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 5/2/14

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 Amazing Spider-Man 2 [PG-13] 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 2 hrs. 22 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, Sally Field, B.J. Novak. Plot: with the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield)  must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, he realizes all his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 5/1/14

Movie Machine - Transcendence
Palace West - Monuments Men, RoboCop
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - Dom Hemingway
Warren Old Town - Haunted House 2, Draft Day, Oculus
Warren West 21st - Transcendence IMAX, Captain America IMAX 3D, Haunted House 2

The Other Woman **½

Nick Cassavetes directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kate Upton, Taylor Kinney, Nicki Minaj. Rated PG-13 on appeal for mature thematic material, sexual references and language. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.

After discovering her boyfriend is married, a woman (Cameron Diaz) tries to get her ruined life back on track. But when she accidentally meets the wife he's been cheating on (Leslie Mann), she realizes they have much in common, including another woman the husband is cheating with (Kate Upton).

This is an enjoyable comedy with attractive stars. Its one problem is poor editing, which makes the film a good twenty minutes longer than it should be. There are entire sequences that could be deleted with no negative impact on the story but which would dramatically improve the pacing. I watched this with my wife who likes this type of picture more than I do but even she felt it was unnecessarily long.  As far as new couples  movies go this week, though, this is your best bet.

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

Dom Hemingway **½

Richard Shepard wrote and directed this Comedy/Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Demian Bichir, Emilia Clarke. Rated R for sexual content, nudity, pervasive language, some violence and drug use. Running time is one hour and thirty-three minutes.

After twelve years in prison a safecracker (Jude Law) sets off with his partner in crime (Richard E. Grant) looking to collect what he's owed for keeping his mouth shut and protecting his boss (Demian Bichir).

I found this film very entertaining but due to its severe profanity and over-the-top style, I'd have trouble recommending it to anyone I didn't know very well. This is black British humor and those who like that genre should find this at least interesting. The cast is excellent and I was interested in seeing Clarke in a non-Game Of Thrones role. It appears she can sing as well as displaying the other talents she possesses.  Bichir will be familiar to those who watched The Bridge on TV last season. This will have limited appeal and won't be here long, so if you're one of the few who will enjoy it...don't wait.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 4/25/14

MetaCritic indicates Dom Hemingway (55) is the top rated film this week followed by The Quiet Ones (49),  The Other Woman (44), and  Brick Mansions (40). I watched two of these and found one entertaining although hard to recommend and one that would have been very entertaining if only better edited. 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 4/25/14

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.

Brick Mansions [PG-13] 1 hr, 29 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Paul Walker, David Belle, RZA, Gouchy Boy, Catalina Denis, Carlo Rota. Plot: an undercover Detroit cop (Walker) navigates a dangerous neighborhood surrounded by a containment wall. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Dom Hemingway [R] 1 hr, 33 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Demian Bichir, Emilia Clarke. Plot: after twelve years in prison a safecracker (Jude Law) sets off with his partner in crime (Richard E. Grant) looking to collect what he's owed for keeping his mouth shut and protecting his boss. Showing at: Warren East.

The Other Woman [PG-13] 1 hr, 49 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kate Upton, Taylor Kinney, Nicki Minaj. Plot: after discovering her boyfriend is married, a woman (Cameron Diaz) tries to get her ruined life back on track. But when she accidentally meets the wife he's been cheating on (Leslie Mann), she realizes they have much in common. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Quiet Ones [PG-13] 1 hr, 33 min. Horror film Watch Preview Cast: Jared Harris, Sam Claflin, Erin Richards, Rory Fleck-Byrne, Olivia Cooke. Plot: a university student (Sam Claflin) and some classmates are recruited to carry out a private experiment and are soon confronted with a terrifying reality: they have triggered an unspeakable force with a power beyond all explanation. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 4/24/14

Movie Machine - Draft Day
Palace West - About Last Night
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - Muppets Most Wanted, Mr. Peabody And Sherman, Bad Words, Non-Stop, Captain America 3D
Warren Old Town - Noah, Divergent, Captain America 3D
Warren West 21st - Muppets Most Wanted, Mr. Peabody And Sherman, Non-Stop, Captain America 3D, Son Of God, The Lego Movie, Rio 2 3D

Worthwhile (or not) 4/18/14

MetaCritic indicates Bears (69) is the top rated film this week followed by Heaven Is For Real (47),  Transcendence (43), and  A Haunted House (20). I watched two of these and find myself in disagreement with the national reviewers (imagine my surprise). 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.

Heaven Is For Real **½

Randall Wallace directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Connor Corum, Margo Martindale, Thomas Haden Church. Rated PG thematic material including some medical situations. Running time is one hour and forty minutes.

The true story of a small-town father (Kinnear) who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary, life-changing experience, with the world. Inspired by the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name.

This is not the kind of film I'd normally review since I limit myself to entertainment films and avoid message films like the plague. Still, my wife read this book and wanted to see the film, so I went along for the ride. Basically, it turned out to be not as bad as I had supposed it would be. It has a better than average cast than your average message pic does. It's hard not to like Kinnear in whatever role he's in and I hadn't seen Haden Church for awhile. I am surprised they used British actress Reilly as the wife since I'm used to seeing her in English mystery shows. She had none of her usual accent although I felt she was a little out of her comfort  zone. And no matter what film she's in next, never, ever let her do a solo vocal again! As for the story itself, if you're a 'believer', you'll believe in this film's story. If you're a skeptic, this will have marginal effect on that view. I will give the film credit for not being as 'preachy' as  I thought it might be, but rather a dramatization of a best selling novel.

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

Transcendence ***½

Wally Pfister  directed this SciFi Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara, Morgan Freeman, Cole Hauser, Cillian Murphy. Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, some bloody images, brief strong language and sensuality. Running time is one hour and fifty-nine minutes.

The foremost researcher (Depp) in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine, becomes one after terrorists murder him.

You can count me as one of the few reviewers who really, really liked this film. While it has an excellent cast, that isn't what made this a good movie for me. It's the ideas and extrapolation of those ideas that piqued my interest. This technology isn't that far off and while I'm unlikely to see it occur, my children and certainly my grandchildren could. If you have friends you like to discuss movies with, this would be an excellent film to watch and then discuss. If new ideas don't excite you much, this film probably won't do it for you either as the actual pacing is rather slow. But sci-fi fans and futurists should find plenty of excitement in this one. I saw this in the IMAX theatre but it isn't an IMAX film so all you're getting there is an extra large 'scope feature. One of the larger regular theatres will do almost as well.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size will only be minimally important. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Opening 4/16, 18/14

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.

Opens Wednesday 4/16/14

Heaven Is For Real [PG] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Connor Corum, Margo Martindale, Thomas Haden Church. Plot: the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary, life-changing experience, with the world. Inspired by the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Open Friday 4/18/14

Bears [G] 1 hr. 17 min. True Life Adventure Watch Preview Plot: a year in the life of two mother bears as they impart life lessons to their impressionable young cubs. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

A Haunted House 2 [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Comedy/Horror film Watch Preview Cast: Marlon Wayans, Gabriel Iglesias, Jaime Pressly, Ashley Rickards, Essence Atkins, Affion Crockett, Dave Sheridan. Plot: inspired by the latest supernatural horror movie franchises, this time… it's not just the house that's haunted! Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Transcendence [PG-13] 2D/IMAX 2D 1 hr. 50 min. SciFi Drama Watch Preview Cast: Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara, Morgan Freeman, Cole Hauser, Cillian Murphy. Plot: the foremost researcher (Depp) in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine, becomes one after terrorists murder him. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 4/17/14

Movie Machine - Noah, Divergent
Palace West - Pompeii, That Awkward Moment
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - Rio 2 3D, The Raid 2, Captain America 3D
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Raid 2, Captain America 3D, Need For Speed

Draft Day ***

Ivan Reitman directed this Sports drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Ellen Burstyn, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, Chadwick Boseman, Sean Combs. Rated PG-13 on appeal for brief strong language and sexual references. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.

On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) has the opportunity to save football in Cleveland when he trades for the number one pick.

I am not a football fan, but this film easily had the best cast this week so I decided to give it a try. Imagine my surprise when I found myself enjoying the film. To be fair, that's partly because there's hardly any football in it. Rather the film is about the personal interplay between the manager, his mother, his girl friend, the team owner, the coach, and a few of the players. This is a very good cast with a well written script that moves right along. Younger audiences will probably consider it too "talky" and lacking in action, but I found myself interested in the characters and their problems. It's slightly longer than I would have preferred but I didn't feel the need to check my watch, which is a good thing.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 4/11/14

MetaCritic indicates The Raid 2 (71) is the top rated film this week followed by Oculus (61),  Draft Day (52), and  Rio 2 (50). I watched one of these and found it entertaining, although probably only for older viewers. 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 4/11/14

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.

Draft Day [PG-13] 2 hrs. Sports comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Ellen Burstyn, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, Chadwick Boseman, Sean Combs. Plot: on the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) has the opportunity to save football in Cleveland when he trades for the number one pick. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Oculus [R] 1 hr. 45 min.Horror film Watch Preview Cast: Karen Gillan, Katee Sackhoff, Brenton Thwaites, James Lafferty, Rory Cochrane, Annalise Basso, Garretty Ryan, Kate Siegel, Katie Parker, Miguel Sandoval. Plot: the lives of teenage siblings are forever changed by a malevolent supernatural force­­ unleashed through an antique mirror. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The  Raid 2 [R] 2 hrs. 30 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Iko Uwais, Arifin Putra, Tio Pakusadewo, Oka Antara, Julie Estelle, Ryuhei Matsuda, Kenichi Endo, Kazuki Kitamura. Plot: after fighting his way out of a building filled with gangsters and madmen, rookie Jakarta cop Rama thought it was done and he could resume a normal life. He couldn't have been more wrong. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Rio 2 [G] 2D/3D 1 hr. 41 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, will.i.am, Jemaine Clement, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro, Jamie Foxx, Andy Garcia, Rita Moreno, Bruno Mars, Kristin Chenoweth. Plot: it’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids after they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 4/10/14

Movie Machine - Muppets Most Wanted, Mr. Peabody And Sherman
Palace West - Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, American Hustle, 12 Years A Slave
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - Sabotage, Cesar Chavez, Need For Speed, 300: Rise Of An Empire, Single Mom's Club, The Lego Movie
Warren Old Town - Sabotage, 300: Rise Of An Empire
Warren West 21st - Cesar Chavez, Sabotage, 300: Rise Of An Empire

Captain America: The Winter Soldier ***

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo  directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Georges St-Pierre, Hayley Atwell, Toby Jones, Emily VanCamp, Maximiliano Hernández. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, gunplay and action throughout. Running time is two hours and sixteen minutes.

When a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Captain America (Chris Evans) becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk and finds himself fighting a friend from his past, The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).

I've never been particularly enthusiastic about either comic books or Marvel movies. This film, however, is very entertaining and far better than most of those I've seen previously. For one thing, it has a plot, a real story with some substance and a modicum of believability. It also has an excellent cast and CGI effects that should have the fan boys swooning. While there is a lot of violence, it's not the realistically bloody variety so no one should be 'grossed' out. Fans of the Marvel movies will be interested in how this film lays out what's coming in the next Marvel franchise film. I saw this in IMAX 3D which was good, but I should point out this is not a full screen IMAX feature and the 3D was added later. I don't know that I felt the 3D added much to my enjoyment, although it did not distract.

There  are two additional scenes once the final credits begin, one in the middle of the credits and a preview of the next film at the very end. A large screen will definitely be beneficial to your enjoyment. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. 3D IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 4/4/14

MetaCritic indicates Captain America: The Winter Soldier (69) is the top rated (and only) film this week. I watched it and found it surprisingly good. 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 4/4/14

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.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier [PG-13] 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 2 hrs. 20 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Georges St-Pierre, Hayley Atwell, Toby Jones, Emily VanCamp, Maximiliano Hernández. Plot: when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Captain America (Chris Evans) becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 4/3/14

Movie Machine - The LEGO Movie, Need For Speed
Palace West - Her
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - Son Of God, Ride Along, The Monuments Men
Warren Old Town - Non-Stop, Need For Speed
Warren West 21st - Frozen, 3 Days To Kill, Ride Along, Single Mom's Club, Noah IMAX

Noah **½

Darren Aronofsky directed this Biblical Drama Watch Preview Cast: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins, Logan Lerman, Nick Nolte. Rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images and brief suggestive content. Running time is two hours and eighteen minutes.

The story of a man chosen by God for a great task before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world.

If you're going to see this I assume it's because you have an interest in the Biblical story. If that's not the case, if you looking for a big budget entertainment film, you should consider passing on this one. It has a very good cast and looks expensive on the screen, with lots of CGI effects. But it's also a very long, slowly paced, bleak, depressing film without a shred of entertainment value. After the first hour my overriding thought was, 'is this never going to end?' My final reaction was only of relief that it was finally, finally over. I saw this in IMAX and it was a full screen presentation, unlike most recent IMAX releases that use only part of the screen.

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

Sabotage **

David Ayer directed this Action/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Olivia Williams, Mireille Enos, Sam Worthington, Harold Perrineau, Terrence Howard, Joe Manganiello, Max Martini, Josh Holloway. Rated R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language, some sexuality/nudity and drug use. Running time is one hour and forty-nine minutes.

After a DEA team successfully executes a high-stakes raid on a cartel safe house, one-by-one, the ten members mysteriously start to be eliminated.

This is exactly what you'd expect it to be, an extremely bloody, violent action film. Fans of the genre should be happy enough. Schwarzenegger is looking a little old for this type of thing but this is pretty much what he's limited to. The actor that brings a little life to this tired plot is Enos, who does a pretty good drug addled crazy. You'll hardly recognize her if you're used to her role in The Killing. Production values are fine but the plot has some major holes. You'll just have to ignore them and go with the flow. This is not a film that would ever be considered for an award or be remembered for long after watching, but it will provide an immediate action 'fix' if that's what you're looking for.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 3/28/14

MetaCritic indicates The Grand Budapest Hotel (87) is the top rated film this week, followed by Noah (71), Bad Words (58), Cesar Chavez (53), Sabotage (39) and  God's Not Dead (22). I watched two of these films and found one a predictable action film and the other a long, long slog. 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 3/28/14

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.

Bad Words [R] 1 hr. 29 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jason Bateman, Rohan Chand, Kathryn Hahn, Allison Janney, Phillip Baker Hall, Rachael Harris. Plot: a 40-year-old (Bateman) finds a loophole in the rules of The Golden Quill national spelling bee and decides to cause trouble by hijacking the competition. Showing at: Warren East.

Cesar Chavez [PG-13] 1 hr. 38 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Michael Pena, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, Jacob Vargas, Yancey Arias, Wes Bentley, John Ortoz, John Malkovich. Plot: the story of the famed civil rights leader and labor organizer torn between his duties as a husband and father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

The Grand Budapest Hotel [R] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson. Plot: recounts the adventures of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Noah [PG-13] 2D/IMAX 2 hrs. 18 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins, Logan Lerman, Nick Nolte. Plot: the story of a man chosen by God for a great task before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Sabotage [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Action/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Olivia Williams, Mireille Enos, Sam Worthington, Harold Perrineau, Terrence Howard, Joe Manganiello, Max Martini, Josh Holloway. Plot: after a DEA team successfully executes a high-stakes raid on a cartel safe house, one-by-one, the ten members mysteriously start to be eliminated. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 3/27/14

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Winter's Tale, Vampire Academy, Philomena, Catching Fire
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - Gloria, Need For Speed 3D, Frozen, 3 Days To Kill, Lone Survivor
Warren Old Town - The Monuments Men
Warren West 21st - Need For Speed 3D, The Monuments Men

Divergent ***

Neil Burger directed this Sci-Fi/Action film Watch Preview Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoё Kravitz, Miles Teller, Tony Goldwyn, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Kate Winslet. Rated PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality. Running time is two hours and nineteen minutes.

Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth, set in a future world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues and where being divergent can get you killed.

As I've mentioned before, I like good Sci-Fi films. However, I don't care for films that are much in excess of ninety minutes. So, I was somewhat surprised to find I really enjoyed this film, despite its length. The story was interesting enough and the pacing fast enough that the film never felt too long. This is not a film about CGI effects but rather one where plot and character carries the day. In fact it features the perfect trifecta for a hit film: a good story, plenty of relatively bloodless action, and romance. The production values are good and the cast is excellent. I don't recall seeing Woodley before but she is very good in her role...you really care about what's happening to her.  Of course, what I think about this film is absolutely meaningless since it has a huge built in audience of teenaged girls who can hardly wait to see it. The other two films of the trilogy are already in production and are due to be released in 2015 and 2016. I don't know whether this will do Hunger Games business but it's certainly a far better film than any of the Twilight series. I saw this in the IMAX theatre but since it isn't in 3D I  think any large screen will be just fine.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will be best but not essential. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 3/21/14

MetaCritic indicates Gloria (83) is the top rated film this week, followed by Muppets Most Wanted (61) and Divergent (50). God's Not Dead evidently wasn't screened for the national critics and has no rating. I watched one of these films and found it enjoyable in spite of its length. 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 3/21/14

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.

Divergent [PG-13] 2D/IMAX 2 hrs. 23 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoё Kravitz, Miles Teller, Tony Goldwyn, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Kate Winslet. Plot: based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth, set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues and where being divergent can get you killed. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Gloria [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy/drama Watch Preview Cast: Paulina García, Sergio Hernández. Plot: a free-spirited older woman has a whirlwind relationship with a former naval officer. Showing at: Warren East.

God's Not Dead [PG] 1 hr. 53 min. Family comedy/drama Watch Preview Cast: Willie Robertson, David A.R. White, Shane Harper, Kevin Sorbo, Korie Robertson, Marco Khan, Dean Cain, Jay Caputo. Plot: a college freshman is told by his philosophy professor to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on the first day of class, or face a failing grade. Showing at: Warren West.

Muppets Most Wanted [PG] 1 hr. 52 min. Family comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey. Plot: when the Muppets gang goes on a global tour they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World's Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 3/20/14

Movie Machine - 300: Rise Of The Empire, Non-Stop
Palace West - Hobbit 2, Walking With Dinosaurs, Thor: The Dark World
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - RoboCop, Pompeii, About Last Night, Mr. Peabody & Sherman 3D, 300: Rise Of The Empire 3D
Warren Old Town - Ride Along, Need For Speed 3D
Warren West 21st - RoboCop, Mr. Peabody & Sherman 3D, 300: Rise Of The Empire IMAX 3D

Need For Speed **

Scott Waugh directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots, Dominic Cooper, Ramon Rodriguez, Rami Malek, Harrison Gilbertson, Scott 'Kid Cudi' Mescudi, Michael Keaton, Dakota Johnson. Rated PG-13 for sequences of reckless street racing, disturbing crash scenes, nudity and crude language. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.

Captures the thrills of the best selling video game in a real-world setting as a struggling blue-collar garage mechanic (Paul) undertakes a near-impossible cross-country race against time that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption.

I'm neither a car person or a computer games player so this film really isn't something I'm likely to wax rhapsodically about. Still, it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, although it's clearly a good forty minutes too long and has a plot arc that's completely obvious as soon as the film begins. The length problem could have been partially solved by doing away entirely with the Michael Keaton parts since they added nothing worthwhile to the plot. The car stunts appear to be very well done, which is to be expected since the director has only been responsible for stunts for most of his film career. The cast is fine although I found it a little odd that two of the three leads are Brits. I'm guessing that was more for salary considerations than anything else, but it may also be because the cars will be the main attraction. I wouldn't worry about the nudity part since that consists of a very brief view of a male backside. If you're really into cars and speed you should be fine with this film. Otherwise, I'd look for something a little more substantial. I saw this in the 2D version so I have no idea as to the 3D quality.

There  is one brief, unimportant scene after the credits begin. A large screen will add to the action impact. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 3/14/14

MetaCritic indicates Need For Speed (38) is the top rated film this week only because Single Mom's Club wasn't screened for the national critics. I watched one of these films and found it acceptable for speed and car fans. 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 3/14/14

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.

Need For Speed [PG-13] 2 hrs. 4 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots, Dominic Cooper, Ramon Rodriguez, Rami Malek, Harrison Gilbertson, Scott 'Kid Cudi' Mescudi, Michael Keaton, Dakota Johnson. Plot: captures the thrills of the best selling video game in a real-world setting. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Tyler Perry's The Single Moms Club [PG-13] 1 hr. 51 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tyler Perry, Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Amy Smart, Zulay Henao, Cocoa Brown, Ryan Eggold, William Levy, Terry Crews, Eddie Cibrian. Plot: five struggling single moms put aside their differences to form a support group. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 3/13/14

Movie Machine - Son Of God
Palace West - Anchorman 2, Labor Day, War Of The Worlds: Goliath, Legend Of Hercules, I Frankenstein, Saving Mr. Banks
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - The Wind Rises, Frozen Singalong Version
Warren Old Town - 3 Days To Kill
Warren West 21st - Endless Love,  Stalingrad, Lone Survivor, Frozen Singalong Version

300: Rise Of An Empire *

Noam Murro directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro, Igal Naor, Callan Mulvey, Jack O'Connell, Andrew Tiernan. Rated R for strong sustained sequences of stylized bloody violence throughout, a sex scene, nudity and some language. Running time is one hour and forty-two minutes.

Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemesia (Eva Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

I have no problem with the cast or production values of this film. They're all fine. What I do have a problem with is the deplorable amount of non-stop, extremely bloody, violence which is carried to the point of caricature. I imagine somewhere someone has posted a count of the beheadings and skull splittings and perhaps even an estimate of the gallonage of fake blood that drenches virtually every scene. The film is non-stop carnage from beginning to end and I don't personally find that entertaining. I'm well aware there are the "fan boys" who will absolutely love this but I wouldn't want to spend much time with any such individuals...just don't think it would be safe. I understand it's all fake and I'm not in the least squeamish, but this is simply not entertainment for any well balanced individual. There's a little bit of female nudity and one sex scene but the film is pretty mild in that regard. I saw this in the 3D IMAX version and the presentation was excellent as usual.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. The size of the screen and whether or not you choose to see it in 3D should probably be determined by how revolted you are by continual, graphic blood letting. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. 3D IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 3/7/14

MetaCritic indicates Mr. Peabody & Sherman (57) is the top rated film this week followed by 300: Rise Of An Empire (48).  I watched one of these films and found it deplorable even though well made. 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 3/7/14

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.

300: Rise Of An Empire [R] 2D/3D/IMAX 3D 1 hr. 43 min. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro, Igal Naor, Callan Mulvey, Jack O'Connell, Andrew Tiernan. Plot: Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemesia (Eva Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.


Mr. Peabody And Sherman [PG] 1 hr. 37 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter, Allison Janney, Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann, Stanley Tucci, Patrick Warburton, Lake Bell, Zach Callison, Dennis Haysbert. Plot: when Sherman takes The Wabac out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 3/6/14

Movie Machine - RoboCop, Frozen
Palace West - Devil's Due, Chance Of Meatballs 2
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri/Sat
Warren East 13th - The Nut Job, That Awkward Moment, American Hustle, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Endless Love, The LEGO Movie 3D, Anchorman 2 Supersized
Warren Old Town - Anchorman 2 Supersized, About Last Night
Warren West 21st - Catching Fire, Pompeii, Stalingrad IMAX 3D, Anchorman 2 Supersized, About Last Night, LEGO Movie 3D

Non-Stop ***

Jaume Collet-Serra directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Nate Parker, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some language, sensuality and drug references. Running time is one hour and forty-six minutes.

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.

Action/thriller fans should be well satisfied with Neeson's latest effort. The plot is fairly familiar but the film does a good job of keeping you in suspense until the very end. I personally thought the reasoning for the highjacking was suspect but that's a relatively minor point. Production values are good although there's nothing spectacular. Neeson plays the same role he's played for several films but he does that well. The rest  of the cast is fine. Dockery makes no attempt to hide her British accent so she sounds just like Lady Mary in Downton Abbey, even though this character is certainly more  modern. This will not be up for any awards and you'll forget about it shortly after leaving, but most will have a good time while watching.

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

Worthwhile (or not) 2/28/2014

MetaCritic indicates The Wind Rises (84) is the top rated film this week followed by Non-Stop {56), Stalingrad (49), and Son Of God (37). Anchorman 2 Supersized received no rating so it may not have been screened for the critics.  I watched one of these films and found it enjoyable but not superlative.  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 2/28/2014

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