The Homesman ***½

Tommy Lee Jones co-wrote, directed and stars in this Western Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Hilary Swank, Tommy Lee Jones, Meryl Streep, Miranda Otto, James Spader, Hailee Steinfeld, Grace Gummer, Sonja Richter. Rated R for violence, sexual content, some disturbing behavior and nudity. Running time is two hours and two minutes.

A pious woman (Hilary Swank) and a low-life drifter (Tommy Lee Jones) transport three women (Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto, Sonja Richter) driven mad by harsh pioneer life to a waiting minister and his wife (Meryl Streep) who have offered to take the women in.

Over the years I've seen so many films I can usually tell you exactly how it's going to end and even some of the dialogue after watching for just a few minutes. That's no doubt why you almost never see me getting very excited about a movie. Well, here's one I'm excited about. For one thing it's a Western, and you don't see many of those these days. And, it's a realistic, gritty Western; one that gives you some idea of just how hard it must have been to live in that era. Feature a first rate cast, one where even the bit players are recognizably good and where the lead performer, Swank, is a two time Academy Award winner. Now give that cast a plot (based on the novel of the same name) that's unique enough you're never sure where it's going and with a couple of plot twists that catch you totally by surprise. What you get is a picture you can't stop thinking about long after you've seen it and with images I don't know I'll ever  forget, they're that powerful. Unfortunately, this will be here and gone before you know it, as a picture like this will have a hard time competing with the powerhouses being released at this time. Still, I have to try: if you want to see a unique, well made film, go see this one. It's easily the best I've seen in several weeks.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will emphasize the plains vista. Theatre/Times.

Top Five *½

Chris Rock wrote, directed and stars in this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Rosario Dawson, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, Sherri Shepherd, Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, JB Smoove, Jay Pharoah, Anders Holm, Michael Che. Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, crude humor, language throughout and some drug use. Running time is one hour and forty-two minutes.

The story of New York City comedian-turned-film star (Chris Rock), whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career--and the past--that he’s left behind.

I notice this film had a high MetaCritic rating which means a lot of reviewers liked it. I didn't care for it at all and that tells me I'm probably the wrong age and ethnicity to appreciate this film. I couldn't understand half of the dialogue and what I did understand I rarely found amusing. I didn't find anything to be laugh-out-loud funny. Dawson is the most appealing actor in the film but there's no way she can carry the whole thing. The film is basically a conversation between Dawson and Rock, and all of the other famous names you see in the credits have almost no screen time. If you enjoy ethnic and very crude humor/language you may find this enjoyable. If that doesn't describe what you like I'd give this one a miss.

There's one brief, meaningless sequence after the credits begin. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Exodus: Gods And Kings **

Ridley Scott directed this Action/Adventure film. Watch Preview. Cast: John Turturro, Christian Bale, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul. Rated PG-13 for violence including battle sequences and intense images. Running time is two hours and thirty minutes.

The story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

Frankly, I thought this film would be more impressive than I found it to be. It has a first class director in Scott and they supposedly spent $140 million making it. The special effects are impressive and the cast is adequate if not outstanding. But I left the theatre feeling I'd just wasted two and a half hours on a film that contains nothing really memorable. DeMille's The Ten Commandments was more dramatic and impressive even if it lacked the special effects Exodus has. Those interested in Biblical drama will no doubt want to see this but if you're looking for top notch entertainment, you should give this a pass. I saw the 2D version although I saw some special effects that could be very effective in 3D.

There  are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. You'll want to watch this on a large screen for maximum visual effect. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. 

Worthwhile (or not) 12/12/14

MetaCritic indicates Top Five (83) is the top ranking film this week, followed by The Homesman (68) and Exodus: Gods And Kings (52). I saw all of these and personally found The Homesman best, followed distantly by Exodus with Top Five way, way behind.  For national 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 12/12/14

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

Exodus: Gods And Kings [PG-13] 2D/3D 2 hrs. 30 min. Action/Adventure Watch Preview Cast: John Turturro, Christian Bale, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul. Plot: the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Homesman [R] 2 hrs.Western Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Meryl Streep, Miranda Otto, Hilary Swank, James Spader, Hailee Steinfeld, Grace Gummer, Sonja Richter. Plot: a pious woman (Hilary Swank) and a low-life drifter (Tommy Lee Jones) transport three women (Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto, Sonja Richter) driven mad by harsh pioneer life to a waiting minister and his wife (Meryl Streep) who have offered to take the women in. Showing at: Warren East.

Top Five [R] 1 hr. 42 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Rosario Dawson, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, Sherri Shepherd, Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, JB Smoove, Jay Pharoah, Anders Holm, Michael Che. Plot: the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career--and the past--that he’s left behind. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 12/11/14

Movie Machine - Horrible Bosses 2
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the season
Warren East 13th - Saving Christmas
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing

Worthwhile (or not) 12/5/14

No Metacritic ratings this week since there were no new pictures opening. There are at least two new films scheduled for next week so I'll be updating as usual on Monday.

Opening 12/5/14

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.

This is unusual, nothing new is opening this week.

Leaving 12/4/14

Movie Machine - Interstellar
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the season
Warren East 13th - Penguins Of Madagascar 3D, John Wick
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Penguins Of Madagascar 3D, Beyond The Lights

Horrible Bosses 2 *

Sean Anders co-wrote and directed this Comedy. Watch Preview. Cast: Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Chris Pine, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Christoph Waltz, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day. Rated R for strong crude sexual content and language throughout. Running time is one hour and forty-eight minutes.

Three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap their investor's adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company.

Take the first word of the title and you have my opinion of this film. It features a cast of very good actors acting stupidly and attempts to pass that off as funny. As I recall the first film was funny, but this one really misses the mark. The only character who's even mildly humorous is Aniston, and that's cringe worthy humor at best. The only group I can think of who would find this funny are teens and most of them won't be able to see it because of the rating. You should just save your money for the much better films that will be arriving shortly.

There are outtakes during the final credits and most of them aren't funny either. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 11/26/14

MetaCritic indicates Theory Of Everything (72) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Penguins Of Madagascar (51) and Horrible Bosses 2 (39). I saw one of these and didn't like it at all.  For national 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 11/26/14

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.

Horrible Bosses 2 [R] 1 hr. 44 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Chris Pine, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Christoph Waltz, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day. Plot: three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap their investor's adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Penguins Of Madagascar [PG] 2D/3D 1 hr. 34 min. Animated Comedy Watch Preview Voices: John Malkovich, Chris Miller, Peter Stormare, Tom McGrath, Ken Jeong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Annet Mahendru, Christopher Knights. Plot: discover the secrets of the greatest and most hilarious covert birds in the global espionage biz. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Theory Of Everything [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Drama/Romance Watch Preview Cast: David Thewlis, Emily Watson, Charlie Cox, Simon McBurney, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones. Plot: the extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (Redmayne), who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde (Jones). Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town.

Leaving 11/25/14

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - No Good Deed, Addicted, Dracula Untold 22, Jump Street
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Rosewater. Maze Runner, Ouija, Nightcrawler
Warren Old Town - Fury, John Wick, Gone Girl
Warren West 21st - Ouija, The Best Of Me, Saving Christmas

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 **½

Francis Lawrence directed this Sci-Fi Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images and thematic material. Running time is two hours and three minutes.

Finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.

Understand, this is the first half of a two part film in which most of the action will take place in the second half. At least I hope so because the first half is pretty much a slog. The cast and production values are fine but the story is mostly talk, and the making of propaganda films to be shown to the other Districts. Scintillating it isn't! I also tend to like heroes and heroines to be rather stoic, and Katniss is portrayed as far too emotional for my tastes, although that will probably go over well with the teen girl audience. While I've seen all the earlier films in this series, they've made so little impression on me I don't remember a lot of their story lines. That fact did not prove to be an impediment to my understanding what was going on, in case you've missed earlier parts and are thinking of seeing this one.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. The largest possible screen will provide maximum impact. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 11/21/14

MetaCritic indicates The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (64) is the top ranking, and only, film this week. I saw it but found it pretty much a slog.  For national 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 11/21/14

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.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 [PG-13] 2 hrs. 3 min. Sci-Fi Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland. Plot: finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/20/14

Movie Machine - Ouija, Alexander's Very Bad Day
Palace West - Left Behind, The Giver, Maleficent
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Alexander's Very Bad Day, Nightcrawler, Big Hero 6 3D
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Alexander's Very Bad Day, Nightcrawler, Big Hero 6 3D, Maze Runner

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Beyond The Lights (72) is the top ranking film this week, followed by a tie between  Rosewater (67) and Whiplash (67), then Dumb & Dumber To (39) and Saving Christmas with no rating at all (not a good sign). None of these looked appealing enough to justify going out in the cold to see. Next week looks better.  For national 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 11/13/14

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.

Beyond The Lights [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min. Thriller Watch Preview  Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Richard Colson Baker aka MGK, Danny Glover. Plot: the story of the music world's latest superstar and a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Dumb And Dumber To [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Rob Riggle, Laurie Holden, Rachel Melvin, Kathleen Turner. Plot: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in the sequel to the smash hit.  Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Rosewater [R] 1 hr. 43 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Gael Garcia Bernal, Kim Bodnia, Haluk Bilginer, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Golshifteh Farahani, Claire Foy. Plot: based on The New York Times best-selling memoir "Then They Came for Me: A Family's Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival," written by Maziar Bahari. Showing at: Warren East.

Saving Christmas [PG] 1 hr. 20 min. Family comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bridgette Cameron, Kirk Cameron, Darren Doane. Plot: a religious film about seeing Christ at the center of our Christmas celebrations and traditions.  Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Whiplash [R] 1 hr. 46 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons. Plot: an ambitious young jazz drummer's (Teller) ruthless teacher (Simmons) continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity. Showing at:Warren East.

Leaving 11/13/14

Movie Machine - Book Of Life
Palace West - This Is Where I Leave You
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - The Judge, Annabelle, Book Of Life, Before I Go To Sleep, The Equalizer, Dracula Untold, Guardians Of The Galaxy, The Best Of Me
Warren Old Town - Nightcrawler
Warren West 21st - Before I Go To Sleep, Book Of  Life, The Judge, Annabelle, Dracula Untold

Interstellar ***

Christopher Nolan co-wrote and directed this Sci-Fi drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, Bill Irwin, Mackenzie Foy, Topher Grace, David Gyasi. Rated PG-13 for some intense perilous action and brief strong language. Running time is two hours and forty-nine minutes.

The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage in an attempt to find a new planet habitable by humans.

I've read and enjoyed science fiction for years so the idea of space travel via worm hole is nothing new. But, I can't help but wonder if non sci-fi fans aren't going to be really confused by this plot. Graphically, the film is spectacular. I personally question whether McConaughey was the right actor for his role, but I have no problems with the rest of the cast. What I do have a problem with is the completely unnecessary length of the film. The pacing is too slow because of this length, caused by the addition of material that either isn't necessary or will go completely over the head of the average viewer. Still, there's going to be a lot of talk about this film and if you don't want to be left out of those conversations you should see it. I saw the IMAX version and noticed a mixture of  normal and IMAX scenes but I think you could probably do just as well watching this on a very large regular screen.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen is necessary if you want to fully appreciate the graphics. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 11/7/14

MetaCritic indicates Birdman (89) is the top ranking film this week, followed by a tie between  Interstellar (75) and Big Hero 6 (75). These are way above average scores of completely different film types so you should be able to find something good to see. I saw one film this week and thought it good but not as much as I had hoped.  For national 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 11/7/14

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.

Big Hero 6 [PG] 2D/3D 1 hr. 42 min. Animated comedy Watch Preview Voices: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, James Cromwell, Alan Tudyk, Daniel Henney. Plot: a comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax (voice of Scott Adsit), a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada (voice of Ryan Potter). Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Birdman [R] 1 hr. 59 min. Dark Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Lindsay Duncan, Merritt Wever, Jeremy Shamos, Bill Camp, Damian Young. Plot: tells the story of a washed up actor (Keaton) as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself. Showing at: Warren East.

Interstellar [PG-13] 2D/IMAX 2D 2 hr. 48 min. Sci-Fi drama Watch Preview Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, Bill Irwin, Mackenzie Foy, Topher Grace, David Gyasi. Plot: the adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 11/6/14

Movie Machine - The Best Of Me, Fury
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Saw re-issue, Addicted, Annabelle, Left Behind
Warren Old Town - Saw re-issue, Ouija
Warren West 21st - Saw re-issue, Annabelle, The Equalizer, The Boxtrolls, John Wick IMAX

Worthwhle (or not) 10/31/14

MetaCritic indicates Nightcrawler (79) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Before I Go To Sleep (40). Saw is a re-issue and didn't receive new ratings. Due to some health issues I didn't watch anything this week.  For national 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 10/31/14

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.

Before  I Go To Sleep [R] 1 hr. 32 min.Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong. Plot: based on the best-selling novel by S.J. Watson, "Before I Go to Sleep" is the story of a woman (Nicole Kidman) who wakes up every day with no memory as the result of a traumatic accident in her past. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Nightcrawler [R] 1 hr. 57 min. Crime Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton. Plot: a driven young man (Gyllenhaal) desperate for work discovers the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Saw Re-Issue [R] 1 hr. 43 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Dina Meyer, Monica Potter, Shawnee Smith, Leigh Whannell. Plot: the 10th anniversary of "Saw's" release, back to theaters for one week this Halloween. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 10/30/14

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - The Hundred-Foot Journey
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Men, Women & Children
Warren Old Town - The Judge, Annabelle, Dracula Untold
Warren West 21st - 23 Blast, Guardians Of The Galaxy, Left Behind

Worthwhile (or not) 10/24/14

MetaCritic indicates John Wick (67) is the top ranking film this week, followed by St. Vincent (64), 23 Blast (45), and Ouija (38). Due to some health issues I didn't watch anything this week.  For national 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 10/24/14

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.

23 Blast [PG-13] 1 hr. 38 min. Sports Drama Watch Preview Cast: Stephen Lang, Alexa Vega, Mark Hapka, Max Adler, Kimberly Jo Zimmer, Bram Hoover, Becky Ann Baker, Dylan Baker, Kevin Cooney, Scott Sowers, Isiah Whitlock, Jr., Crystal Hunt, Timothy Busfield, Fred Dalton Thompson. Plot: when a high school football star is suddenly stricken with irreversible, total blindness, he must decide whether to live a safe, protected life or to summon the courage through playing football to step back into the world. Showing at:  Warren West.

John Wick [R] 1 hr. 41 min. Action/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki, Dean Winters, Bridget Moynahan, Ian McShane, John Leguizmo, Willem Dafoe. Plot: an ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters who took everything from him. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.
 
Ouija [PG-13] 1 hr. 30 min. Supernatural/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Olivia Cooke, Daren Kagasoff, Douglas Smith, Bianca Santos, Ana Coto. Plot: a group of friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they awaken the dark powers of an ancient spirit board. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

St. Vincent [PG-13] 1 hr. 43 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher. Plot: when a single mother, moves into a new home in Brooklyn with her 12-year old son (Lieberher), she is forced to work long hours and has no choice but to leave hm in the care of their new neighbor (Murray), a retired curmudgeon with a penchant for alcohol and gambling. Showing at:  Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving 10/23/14

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - The November Man, Bang, Bang
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - The Boxtrolls, Kill The Messenger, This Is Where I Leave You, The Good Lie, Book Of Life 3D
Warren Old Town - The Equalizer
Warren West 21st - Dolphin Tale 2, The Good Lie, Dracula Untold IMAX, This Is Where I Leave You

Worthwhile (or not) 10/17/14

MetaCritic indicates Book Of Life (66) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Fury (63), Men, Women & Children (37), and The Best Of Me (27). Due to some health issues I didn't watch anything this week.  For national 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 10/17/14

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.

The Best Of Me [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min.Drama Watch Preview Cast: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Liana Liberato, Luke Bracey, Sebastian Arcelus, Gerald McRaney. Plot: two former high school sweethearts find themselves reunited after 20 years apart. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Showing at:Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Book Of Life [PG] 2D/3D 1 hr. 35 min. Animated Comedy Watch Preview Voices: Diego Luna, Channing Tatum, Zoë Saldana, Ice Cube, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Kate del Castillo, Cheech Marin, Placido Domingo, Hector Elizondo, Ana de la Reguera, Eugenio Derbez, Gabriel Iglesias, Ricardo "El Mandril" Sanchez, Danny Trejo. Plot: the journey of a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Showing at:Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Fury [R] 2 hrs. 14 min. Action drama Watch Preview Cast: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal, Jason Isaacs. Plot: a battle-hardened army sergeant (Brad Pitt) commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines in WWII. Showing at:Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Men, Women And Children [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Romantic comedy/drama Watch Preview Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ansel Elgort, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Dean Norris, Adam Sandler. Plot: a group of high school teenagers and their parents attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. Showing at:Warren East.

Leaving 10/16/14

Movie Machine - Gone Girl, The Boxtrolls, Maze Runner
Palace West - Walk Among The Tombstones, Lucy
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Dolphin Tale 2, No Good Deed
Warren Old Town - The Maze Runner
Warren West 21st - Nothing

The Judge ****

David Dobkin directed this Relationship Drama Watch Preview Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jeremy Strong, Dax Shephard, Billy Bob Thornton, Ken Howard, Emma Tremblay, Balthazar Getty, David Krumholtz, Sarah Lancaster, Grace Zabriskie, Denis O'Hare. Rated R for language including some sexual references. Running time is two hours and twenty-one minutes.

Big city lawyer (Downey Jr.), returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge (Duvall), is charged with murder.

I've really been surprised at the reaction of most of the national critics to this film. Most of them weren't impressed at all while I found it one of the best films I've seen in a long time. Different strokes I guess.This is basically a film about family relationships with the legal aspects playing a relatively minor part. This has a strong cast, with all doing well, and with Downey Jr. and Duvall being exceptional. What made this work for me is I actually cared about the characters and became interested in their problems. That's unusual in most of today's films. I also didn't feel this film was too long, and if you look at the running time and if you're read many of my reviews, you should be aware I don't normally care for a film of this length. My wife watched this with me and was as impressed as I was.

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

Dracula Untold **½

Gary Shore directed this Action film. Watch Preview. Cast: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Diarmaid Murtagh, Dominic Cooper, Samantha Barks, Charles Dance. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of warfare, vampire attacks, disturbing images, and some sensuality. Running time is one hour and thirty-two minutes.

The origin story of the man who became Dracula.

A film with a competent cast and good production values but with a plot that will leave you mostly uninvolved. The premise is that Dracula was a prince who became a vampire in order to save his subjects and family from the attacking Turks. Unfortunately, most of the subjects don't seem worth saving. While there is some of the requisite neck biting you expect in a vampire film, it's remarkably tame and few will ever feel the need to avert their eyes as the story progresses. Charles Dance has the juiciest role as the Master Vampire and manages to provide a little horror vibe. There are some good CG effects, but nothing you haven't seen before. The conclusion is puzzling and only makes sense if you assume the producers have a sequel in mind. I'll  personally be surprised if this does well enough at the boxoffice to justify one.

There are  no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen is best for appreciating the CG effects but not essential. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.

Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day **½

Miguel Arteta directed this Family Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Dylan Minnette, Kerris Dorsey, Ed Oxenbould, Megan Mullally, Jennifer Coolidge, Bella Thorne. Rated PG for rude humor including some reckless behavior and language. Running time is one hour and twenty-one minutes.

Follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life.

This is a pleasant family comedy most will enjoy but it's a  movie you've seen many times before. The cast is very good and the production values are fine. But, there's nothing exceptional here so it's akin to watching a TV movie. If you're looking for something away from home the whole family can attend, this is your picture. But, for teens on up sans children, this isn't going to make much of an impression.

There are additional stills along with the credits but nothing that has to be seen. Screen size is unimportant. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 10/10/14

MetaCritic indicates Kill The Messenger (60) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (52), The Judge (46), Dracula Untold (38) and in dismal last place with no score as it evidently wasn't screened, Addicted (0). I watched three of these and find myself in disagreement with these scores. For national 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 10/10/14

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.

Addicted [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Sharon Leal, Boris Kodjoe, Tasha Smith, Tyson Beckford, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Kat Graham, William Levy. Plot: based on the best-selling novel by Zane: a sexy and provocative thriller about desire and the dangers of indiscretion. Showing at:Warren East.

Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day [PG] 1 hr. 21 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Dylan Minnette, Kerris Dorsey, Ed Oxenbould, Megan Mullally, Jennifer Coolidge, Bella Thorne. Plot: follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

Dracula Untold 2D & IMAX [PG-13] 2 hrs. Action film Watch Preview Cast: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Diarmaid Murtagh, Dominic Cooper, Samantha Barks. Plot: the origin story of the man who became Dracula. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Judge [R] 2 hrs. 22 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jeremy Strong, Dax Shephard, Billy Bob Thornton, Ken Howard, Emma Tremblay, Balthazar Getty, David Krumholtz, Sarah Lancaster, Grace Zabriskie, Denis O'Hare. Plot: big city lawyer (Downey Jr.), returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge (Duvall), is suspected of murder. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Kill The Messenger [R] 1 hr. 52 min. Thriller/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Jeremy Renner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Andy Garcia . Plot: the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb who stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets…and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 10/9/14

Movie Machine - The Equalizer
Palace West - Hercules, How To Train Your Dragon 2, Expendables 3
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - The Drop, The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby, When The Game Stands Tall, Love Is Strange, Skeleton Twins
Warren Old Town - This Is Where I Leave You, No Good Deed, A Walk Among The Tombstones
Warren West 21st - No Good Deed, If I Stay, When The Game Stands Tall, A Walk Among The Tombstones, The Equalizer IMAX

Gone Girl ***½

David Fincher directed this Suspense/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, Carrie Coon, David Clennon. Rated R for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language. Running time is two hours and twenty-nine minutes.

Based upon the global bestseller by Gillian Flynn. On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing and his lies, deceits and strange behavior soon have everyone asking the same question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?

If you don't want be left out of a lot of conversations for the next few weeks, this is a movie you  need to see. It features top notch leads and an above average supporting cast with a plot containing enough twists and turns to keep even the most jaded movie patron interested. I haven't read the novel it's based upon but that didn't prove to be any detriment to my appreciation of this screen version. The only thing keeping me from giving this a four star rating is the unnecessarily lengthy running time, which many may find tiresome. I can think of some sequences that could have been trimmed to make this a two hour film, and it would have been better if shorter. But as long as it is, I can't say I was ever bored. Pay attention to the rating. This is not a film you want to be taking your children to, especially with the attention span they have. My wife watched this with me and she enjoyed it as much as I did.

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

The Good Lie **½

Philippe Falardeau directed this Drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Arnold Oceng, Ger Duany, Emmanuel Jal, Corey Stoll. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some violence, brief strong language and drug use. Running time is one hour and fifty minutes.

The story of the survival and triumph of Sudanese refugees who arrive in Kansas.

This is a film that means well in telling a fictionalized story about a group of refugees, but it didn't quite jell for me. I thought it spent too much time in Sudan and in the refugee camp without really showing what a hard, horrible time that must have been. That omission does mean children can watch but makes it harder to appreciate the adults the refugees become in America. The interesting thing to me was how they acclimated here and more of that would have made the film better. The cast is fine, with the Sudanese actors having actual Sudanese connections. Witherspoon is also fine although this is not the dominant part she usually plays. The title comes from a line in Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn and explains an action that takes place at the end of the film. Once again I think the movie is too long and would have been much better if twenty minutes shorter. I don't see this having a major impact at the boxoffice so if this is a topic of interest for you I wouldn't dally in seeing it.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A larger screen will let you enjoy the African vistas more. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not)

MetaCritic indicates Love Is Strange (83) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Gone Girl (79), The Good Lie (65), Annabelle (40) and in dismal last place, which should come as no surprise to anyone, Left Behind (14). I watched one of these and found it mildly entertaining but somewhat disappointing. I'll be looking at Gone Girl later this weekend and will post a  review after I've seen it. For national 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 10/3/14

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.

Annabelle [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Supernatural thriller Watch Preview Cast: Annabelle Wallis, Ward Horton. Plot: a couple's home is invaded by members of a satanic cult, who violently attack the couple and leave behind an entity so malevolent that nothing they did will compare to the sinister conduit to the damned that is now... Annabelle. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Gone Girl [R] 2 hr. 25 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, Carrie Coon, David Clennon. Plot: based upon the global bestseller by Gillian Flynn. On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing and his lies, deceits and strange behavior soon have everyone asking the same question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife? Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Good Lie [PG-13] 1 hr. 42 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Arnold Oceng, Ger Duany, Emmanuel Jal, Corey Stoll. Plot: the story of the survival and triumph of Sudanese refugees who arrive in Kansas. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Left Behind [PG-13] 1 hr. 45 min. Action thriller Watch Preview Cast: Nicolas Cage, Chad Michael Murray, Cassi Thomson, Nicky Whelan, Lea Thompson, Jordan Sparks, Quinton Aaron, Martin Klebba. Plot: based on the New York Times bestselling book series of the same name, co-authored by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye about the Rapture, when millions of people simply disappear. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Love Is Strange [R] 1 hr. 33 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, Darren Burrows, Charlie Tahan, Cheyenne Jackson. Plot: two gay partners are challenged by the intergenerational tensions and capricious family dynamics of their new living arrangements after they are forced to sell their apartment. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 10/2/14

Movie Machine - Dolphin Tale 2, TMNT
Palace West - Earth To Echo, Tammy, Transformers 4
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Tusk, Let's Be Cops, If I Stay, The November Man, The Giver
Warren Old Town - Guardians Of The Galaxy
Warren West 21st - TMNT, Let's Be Cops, The Giver, As Above, So Below, The Drop

The Equalizer ***

Antoine Fuqua directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo. Rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, including some sexual references. Running time is two hours and eleven minutes.

A man (Washington) who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him meets a young girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, and has to help her.

Fans of the old TV show will be familiar with the basic premise of this film. But this version features a lot more action, blood and violence than any network TV program could. It starts slowly as we learn a little about the character but picks up speed as it moves toward the conclusion. Personally, I found this a little longer than it needed to be but I seem to feel that way a lot lately. The cast is good, although Pullman and Leo have virtually no screen time and Moretz is missing during all but the opening and closing portions of the film. In other words, this is Washington's film all the way although Csokas makes a perfectly reprehensible villain. Production values are good. This film ends with sequels clearly in mind and I imagine the only thing that will prevent them is low attendance for this premiere film. I saw this on a regular 2D screen as I couldn't imagine IMAX was going to add anything substantive. I doubt most women will care for this at all but male action fans will find a lot to like.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. Screen size is relatively unimportant. Theatres/Times. IMAX 2D Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 9/26/14

MetaCritic indicates The Skeleton Twins (75) is the top ranking film this week, followed by The Boxtrolls (63), and The Equalizer (56). I watched one of these and found it entertaining but brutal. For national 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 9/26/14

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 Boxtrolls 2D/3D [PG] 1 hr. 37 min. Animated fantasy Watch Preview Voices: Ben Kingsley, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Elle Fanning, Dee Bradley Baker, Steve Blum, Toni Collette, Jared Harris, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade, Tracy Morgan, Simon Pegg. Plot: a community of quirky, mischievous creatures lovingly raise an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they've built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge.  Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

The Equalizer 2D/IMAX 2D [R] 2 hrs. 12 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo. Plot: a man (Washington) who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him meets  a young girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, and has to help her. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

The Skeleton Twins [R] 1 hr. 32 min. Comedy/Drama Watch Preview Cast: Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell. Plot: as estranged twins (Hader, Wiig) reconnect, they realize the key to fixing their lives may lie in repairing their relationship. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving 9/25/14

Movie Machine - No Good Deeds, Guardians Of The Galaxy
Palace West - Sex Tape
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - TMNT, Atlas Shrugged 3, Lucy
Warren Old Town - Let's Be Cops
Warren West 21st - Lucy, The November Man, The Maze Runner IMAX

A Walk Among The Tombstones **½

Scott Frank directed this Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, David Harbour, Boyd Holbrook. Rated R for strong violence, disturbing images, language and brief nudity. Running time is one hour and fifty-three minutes.

An ex-NYPD cop (Neeson) who works as an unlicensed private investigator reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Dan Stevens) hunt down the men who kidnapped and then brutally murdered his wife.

This film has good production values and a basically unknown cast with the exception of the lead, Neeson. He portrays a more laconic individual in this film than in his usual fare. It moved slowly for me, accentuated by an excessive length and compounded by an unremittingly gloomy feeling. Too much time is spent in AA meetings and in stringing out the reason behind that, and no time is spent explaining the motivation of the murderers. It's about as far from being a 'feel-good' movie as you can get. Author Lawrence Block has written about this character in several novels but based on this experience, I don't see any more being made in the near future. Still, if you're in the mood for a detective story with more violence than you'll see on TV, this may well suit you.

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

The Maze Runner **½

Wes Ball directed this Action/Thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Aml Ameen, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, including some disturbing images. Running time is one hour and fifty-three minutes.

When a boy (O'Brien) wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D.

I've been looking forward to this picture for some time since I had heard good things about the book (which I have not read) it's based on. But, it turned out to be a disappointment, and frustratingly, it had the potential to be very good. Production values are good and the cast, although basically unknown, is competent. It's the storyline that has the problem, with the basic one being the film has no satisfying conclusion. It's almost as if they ran out out money and did a couple of plot jumps (a character appears without explanation) and said "that's it". If there is a sequel coming that resolves the plot, fine. Otherwise, this is more frustrating than entertaining. I saw the IMAX presentation and it was fine although this was not filmed in Imax.

There are  no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen will emphasize elements of the film. Theatre/Times. IMAX 2D Times.

Worthwhile (or not) 9/19/14

MetaCritic indicates The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby (58) is the top ranking film this week, followed by The Maze Runner (56), A Walk Among The Tombstones (54), Tusk (53), and This Is Where I Leave You (45). I watched two of these and was mildly disappointed in both. My wife watched another and enjoyed it but found it very predictable. For national 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 9/19/14

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 Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby: Them [PG-13] 2 hrs. 2 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain. Plot: a married couple (McAvoy, Chastain) find themselves as strangers longing to understand each other in the wake of tragedy. Showing at:  Warren East.

The Maze Runner 2D/IMAX 2D [PG-13] 1 hr. 53 min. Action/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Aml Ameen, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter. Plot: when a boy (O'Brien) wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

This Is Where I Leave You [R] 1 hr. 43 min. Comedy/drama Watch Preview Cast: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hahn, Abigail Spencer, Dax Shepard, Jane Fonda. Plot: when their father passes away, four grown siblings, bruised and banged up by their respective adult lives, are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Tusk [R] 1 hr. 42 min. Horror/Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Justin Long, Michael Parks, Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez. Plot: a journalist (Long) finds the story of a lifetime in a worldwide adventurer with amazing tales and a curious penchant for walruses. Showing at:  Warren East.

A Walk Among The Tombstones [R] 1 hr. 54 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, David Harbour, Boyd Holbrook. Plot: an ex-NYPD cop (Neeson) who works as an unlicensed private investigator reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Dan Stevens) hunt down the men who kidnapped and then brutally murdered his wife. Showing at: Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 9/18/14

Movie Machine - When The Game Stands Tall
Palace West - Step Up All In
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - As Above, So Below, Cantinflas, Magic In The Moonlight, Hundred Foot Journey, Into The Storm, Boyhood, The Identical
Warren Old Town - As Above, So Below, The November Man, TMNT
Warren West 21st - TMNT IMAX 3D, Transformers IMAX 3D, The Identical, Expendables 3, Hundred Foot Journey, Into The Storm

Worthwhile (or not) 9/12/14

MetaCritic indicates The Drop (68) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Dolphin Tale 2 (57) with No Good Deed and Atlas Shrugged 3 each with no score. No score normally indicates the film wasn't made available for review, which is never a good sign. The first two Atlas Shrugged films got a score of 29, which is probably why they chose not to have this one reviewed. Once again I didn't see anything I really wanted to watch, so no reviews again this week. For national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

Opening 9/12/14

For Wichita show times select a theatre at the end of each synopsis. For most other cities, select any theatre below a synopsis or review and enter other town/state below "Change Location", press enter. Next times, just press change. Friday times appear Wednesdays.

Atlas Shrugged Part 3 [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Kristoffer Polaha, Eric Allan Kramer, Rob Morrow, Stephen Tobolowsky, Mark Moses, Joaquim de Almeida, Laura Regan, Greg Germann, Lew Temple, Tony Denison, Louis Herthum, Ned Vaughn. Plot: as crime and fear take over the countryside, the government continues to exert its brutal force against the nation's most productive who are mysteriously vanishing - leaving behind a wake of despair. Showing at: Warren East.

Dolphin Tale 2 [PG] 1 hr. 47 min. Family adventure film Watch Preview Cast: Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson, Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Bethany Hamilton. Plot: another true story inspired by the life of Winter, and also involving a new baby dolphin named Hope. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

The Drop [R] 1 hr. 46 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini, Matthias Schoenaerts, John Ortiz, Ann Dowd, James Frecheville. Plot: a bartender (Tom Hardy) funneling cash to local gangsters – "money drops" – in the underworld of Brooklyn bars, finds himself at the center of a robbery gone wrong. Showing at: Warren East.

No Good Deed [PG-13] 1 hr. 24 min. Thriller Watch Preview Cast: Idris Elba, Taraji P. Henson, Leslie Bibb, Kate del Castillo, Henry Simmons. Plot:  a wife and mother's (Taraji P. Henson) home and children are threatened by a charming stranger (Idris Elba) who smooth-talks his way into her house, claiming car trouble. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving 9/11/14

Movie Machine - Expendables 3,The Giver
Palace West - Jersey Boys, Purge: Anarchy, Blended, X-Men
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Dawn Of The Planet Of Apes, Expendables 3, Ghostbusters, Land Ho!
Warren Old Town - The Giver, Sin City
Warren West 21st - Forrest Gump IMAX, Dawn Of The Planet Of Apes, Ghostbusters,

Worthwhile (or not) 9/5/14

MetaCritic indicates Forrest Gump (82) is the top ranking film this week, followed by Land Ho! (68) with The Identical (21) coming in a dismal third . None of these piqued my interest so there will be no reviews this week. For all the national reviews take the link to the MetaCritic website for each film by clicking on the titles above.

Opening 9/5/14

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 Identical [PG] 1 hr. 47 min. Musical drama Watch Preview Cast: Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green, Brian Geraghty, Joe Pantoliano, Blake Rayne, Erin Cottrell, Amanda Crew. Plot: spanning from the 1930’s through the 1970’s, a captivating journey about the restoration and reconciliation of a family broken apart by culture, devotion, creed and tradition. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Forrest Gump IMAX 2D [PG-13] 2 hrs. 22 min. Drama Watch Preview Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise. Plot: re-release of the 1994 film about a simple man with a low I.Q. but good intentions, who positively effects the lives of many. Showing at: Warren West.

Land Ho! [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Paul Eenhoorn, Earl Lynn Nelson. Plot: two former brothers-in-law take a holiday trip to Iceland. Showing at:  Warren East.

Leaving 9/4/14

Movie Machine - nothing
Palace West - Deliver Us From Evil, And So It Goes, Chef
Starlite Drive-In - open Fri-Sat
Warren East 13th - Island Of Lemurs, Guardians Of The Galaxy IMAX 3D, Sin City 2
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - A  Most  Wanted Man, Calvary, Sin City 2