Opening, 6/4/2010

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.

GET HIM TO THE GREEK [R] 1 hr. 49 min. Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Sean Combs, Elisabeth Moss. Plot: a record company intern has two days to drag an uncooperative rock legend to Hollywood for a comeback concert.Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

KILLERS [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Action/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck, Catherine O’Hara, Katheryn Winnick, Kevin Sussman, Lisa Ann Walter, Casey Wilson, Rob Riggle, Martin Mull, Alex Borstein. Plot: recovering from a sudden break-up, Jen (Katherine Heigl) believes she'll never fall in love again. But on a trip to the French Riviera, she  meets the man of her dreams, the dashing, handsome Spencer (Ashton Kutcher). Three years later, she and Spencer are newlyweds living the ideal suburban life –  until the morning when bullets start flying. Literally.Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

MARMADUKE [PG] 1 hr. 40 min. Family Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Owen Wilson, Lee Pace, Judy Greer, William H. Macy, Steve Coogan, Sam Elliott, Fergie, George Lopez, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Emma Stone, Kiefer Sutherland, Marlon Wayans. Plot: the "Duke" is living large in Orange County, California. But fitting in with his new four-legged friends – and a potential romantic interest -- isn't always easy for a super-sized teenage dog. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

SPLICE [R] 1 hr. 44 min.Sci-Fi Horror Watch Preview Cast: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chaneac. Plot: two superstars of the genetic engineering world decide to use human DNA in a new hybrid – something that could yield astronomical medical benefits. The result is Dren: an amazing creature who exceeds their wildest dreams... and, ultimately, their most terrifying nightmare. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 6/3/2010

Derby Plaza - Letters To Juliet, Robin Hood, MacGruber
Movie Machine - Robin Hood
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - She'sOut Of My League, Spy Next Door
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - Nightmare On Elm Street, MacGruber
Warren Old Town - MacGruber, Robin Hood
Warren West 21st - Back-Up Plan, Nightmare On Elm Street

PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME **½

Mike Newell  directed this Fantasy Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley, Gemma Arterton, Alfred Molina, Toby Kebbell. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action. Running time is one hour and fifty-six minutes.

A rogue prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (Gemma Arterton) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time—a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. Based on the video game of the same name.

This is your typical Jerry Bruckheimer film: good production values, lots of action and a smattering of romance. The story is typical and a regular movie patron will recognize the plot almost immediately. Gyllenhaal was better in his role than I thought he might be and Arterton's career is clearly on the rise. A large theatre with good sound will enhance your enjoyment. This should be a good date or couples film as long as one of you isn't deathly afraid of snakes! That being said, this is not a film you're going to be thinking about after it's over...in fact I suspect you'll have forgotten all about it before you hit the entrance door. Times and Theatres.

SEX AND THE CITY 2 *

 Michael Patrick King directed this Romantic Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Jason Lewis, Mario Cantone, Willie Garson. Rated R for some strong sexual content and language.Running time is two hours and twenty-six minutes.

 A glamorous, sun-drenched adventure whisks the women away from New York to one of the most luxurious, exotic and vivid places on earth, where there's something mysterious around every corner. It's an escape that comes exactly at the right moment for the four friends, who are finding themselves in--and fighting against--the traditional roles of marriage, motherhood and more.

If you're ever at a loss for a definition of the word interminable, let me provide you with one: SEX AND THE CITY 2! This bloated, boring film has a plot that goes nowhere and characters whose only skill seems to be the inappropriate and constant use of profanity and  vulgar double entendres. The female college-age crowd I saw this with seemed far more appreciative than I was but that's about the only group I think has any potential to enjoy this at all. The production values are fine, as is the acting, but I've got to say the four leads are a little long in the tooth to be playing  roles best suited for much younger actresses. Men, avoid this like the plague! Times and Theatres.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/28/2010

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). Two widely divergent films this week. One is a bloated, boring film with virtually no entertainment value (at least for men) and the other is a typical Jerry Bruckheimer action film that's reasonably entertaining while you're watching but instantly forgettable as soon as you leave.

48 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,

27 Sex and the City 2

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of  Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Sex and the City 2 will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 5/27-28/2010

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

Opening 5/27, 2010

SEX AND THE CITY 2 [R] 2 hrs. 27 min. Romantic Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Jason Lewis, Mario Cantone, Willie Garson. Plot: a glamorous, sun-drenched adventure whisks the women away from New York to one of the most luxurious, exotic and vivid places on earth, where there's something mysterious around every corner. It's an escape that comes exactly at the right moment for the four friends, who are finding themselves in--and fighting against--the traditional roles of marriage, motherhood and more.
Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Opening 5/28, 2010

PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min.Fantasy Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley, Gemma Arterton, Alfred Molina, Toby Kebbell. Plot: a rogue prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (Gemma Arterton) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time—a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. Based on the video game of the same name. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/26-27/2010

Derby Plaza -5/26: Furry Vengeance, Back Up Plan. 5/27: nothing
Movie Machine - 5/26: Furry Vengeance. 5/27: How To Train Your Dragon
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - 5/27: Avatar Brooklyn's Finest, Crazy Heart
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - 5/26: How To Train Your Dragon, Furry Vengeance, Back Up Plan, Babies
Warren Old Town - 5/26: Date Night. 5/27: Letters To Juliet
Warren West 21st - 5/26: How To Train Your Dragon. 5/27: Just Wright

SHREK FOREVER AFTER **

Mike Mitchell directed this .Animated Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Jon Hamm, Kathy Griffin, Kristen Schaal.  Rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language. Running time is one hour and thirty-three minutes.

Feeling over-domesticated, Shrek strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. The pact goes awry and Shrek must confront what life would be like if he had never existed. That translates into Donkey being forced into cart-pulling duty, fat and lazy Puss in Boots trading his sword for a pink bow and the underhanded Rumpelstiltskin ruling the kingdom.

The writers apparently ran out of plot ideas this time around so they copied one Jimmy Stewart made famous instead. Hopefully, this actually is the last in the series as it really looks tired. It will do well at the boxoffice initially but I just don't see this lasting long. And for the first time my advice is to go to the cheaper 2D version instead of paying the additional 3D price. The 3D version simply doesn't add that much. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/21/2010

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film).I think SHREK has gone one sequel too many altho the kids will probably like it. MacGRUBER was evidently afraid of the critical response since they don't appear to have screened it. Just as well as I couldn't work up the enthusiasm to go see it. If it's as dumb as the SNL skits an hour and a half would be just unbearable.

xx MacGruber,

57 Shrek Forever After

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of  SHREK FOREVER AFTER will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 5/21/2010

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.

MacGRUBER [R] 1 hr. 39 min. Action/Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Will Forte, Ryan Phillippe, Kristen Wiig, Val Kilmer, Powers Boothe, Maya Rudolph. Plot: when he learns his country needs him to find a nuclear warhead that's been stolen by his sworn enemy, Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer), MacGruber figures he's the only one tough enough for the job. Assembling an elite team of experts--Lt. Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillippe) and Vicki St. Elmo (Kristen Wiig)--MacGruber navigates an army of assassins to hunt down Cunth and bring him to justice. His methods may be unorthodox. His crime scenes may get messy. But if you want the world saved right, you call in MacGruber. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.


SHREK FOREVER AFTER 3D [PG] 1 hr. 33 min.Animated Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Jon Hamm, Kathy Griffin, Kristen Schaal. Plot: feeling over-domesticated, Shrek strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. The pact goes awry and Shrek must confront what life would be like if he had never existed. That translates into Donkey being forced into cart-pulling duty, fat and lazy Puss in Boots trading his sword for a pink bow and the underhanded Rumpelstiltskin ruling the kingdom. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/20/2010

Derby Plaza -How To Train Your Dragon, Nightmare On Elm Street
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Crazies
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - Clash Of The Titans, The Losers, Oceans
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Clash Of The Titans, The Losers, Furry Vengeance, The Last Song, The Bounty Hunter

ROBIN HOOD ***

Ridley Scott directed this  Adventure. Watch Preview Cast: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, Matthew Macfadyen, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Lea Seydoux, Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand, Alan Doyle, Danny Huston, Max von Sydow. Rated PG-13 for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content. Running time is two hours and twenty minutes.

With their country weakened from decades of war, embattled from the ineffective rule of the new king and vulnerable to insurgencies from within and threats from France, Robin (Russel Crowe) and his men heed a call to ever greater adventure. This unlikeliest of heroes and his allies set off to protect their country from slipping into bloody civil war and return glory to England once more.

Having seen a couple of negative national reviews, I was all set to dislike this film. Turns out it's a rousing adventure yarn with plenty of action for men and a smattering of romance for women. This supposedly cost $200 million to make and it shows on the screen, both with the exemplary cast and large scale battle scenes. This is not the typical "Robin and his band of Merry Men" films you're probably used to seeing. It's a prequel to the normal story line, telling you about Robin's early years and how he got to be Robin Hood. There are not many amusing parts and the storyline is rather grim. But it does hold your attention, which is saying quite a bit considering its length, which is its  biggest negative in my opinion. This is definitely one you want to see in the largest theatre possible in order to appreciate its epic scale. Theatres/Times.

LETTERS TO JULIET **½

Gary Winick  directed this Romance. Watch Preview Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan, Gael Garcia Bernal, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero.  Rated PG for brief rude behavior, some language and incidental smoking. Running time is one hour and thirty-three minutes.

A young American (Amanda Seyfried) travels to the city of Verona, home of the star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet of Romeo and Juliet fame, and joins a group of volunteers who respond to letters to Juliet seeking advice about love. After answering one letter dated 1951, she inspires its author (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love (Franco Nero).

This is your typical "chick flick",  one that's very well done, but typical nonetheless. There's never any doubt where this is going to end, it's just a matter of taking the occasional detour until you get there. Seyfried shows she has major star talent (once again) and the rest of the cast is very good. The production values are very good and the scenery is gorgeous. This will make a very good date movie and will also be perfectly acceptable as a DVD. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/14/2010

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I've seen two of the three films and can tell you most women will like JULIET and most men will like ROBIN HOOD.

52 Just Wright,
50 Letters to Juliet,

56 Robin Hood

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My reviews of  LETTERS TO JULIET and ROBIN HOOD will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 5/14/2010

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.


JUST WRIGHT [PG] 1 hr. 40 min. Romantic Comedy Watch Preview Cast: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton, Phylicia Rashad, Pam Grier, James Pickens Jr, Mehcad Brooks, Michael Landes, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Bobby Simmons. Plot: a sports trainer (Latifah) finds herself falling in love with a professional basketball player (Common) while rehabilitating him from a career threatening injury. Things are further complicated because her closest friend (Patton) is also pursuing him. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

LETTERS TO JULIET [PG] 1 hr. 34 min. Romance Watch Preview Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan, Gael Garcia Bernal, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero. Plot: a young American (Amanda Seyfried) travels to the city of Verona, home of the star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet of Romeo and Juliet fame, and joins a group of volunteers who respond to letters to Juliet seeking advice about love. After answering one letter dated 1951, she inspires its author (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

ROBIN HOOD [PG-13] 2 hrs. 12 min. Adventure Watch Preview Cast: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, Matthew Macfadyen, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Lea Seydoux, Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand, Alan Doyle, Danny Huston, Max von Sydow. Plot: with their country weakened from decades of war, embattled from the ineffective rule of the new king and vulnerable to insurgencies from within and threats from afar, Robin (Russel Crowe) and his men heed a call to ever greater adventure. This unlikeliest of heroes and his allies set off to protect their country from slipping into bloody civil war and return glory to England once more. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/13/2010

Derby Plaza - Date Night, Clash Of The Titans 3D
Movie Machine - Nightmare On Elm Street, The Back-Up Plan
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Green Zone
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - The Last Song, The Ghost Writer, Kick-Ass, Death At A Funeral, The Bounty Hunter
Warren Old Town - The Losers, Clash Of The Titans, Kick-Ass
Warren West 21st -Kick-Ass, Oceans, Death At A Funeral

IRON MAN 2 ***

Jon Favreau directed this Action Sequel. Watch Preview Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Garry Shandling, John Slattery, Kate Mara, Clark Gregg, Olivia Munn. Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language. Running time is two hours and four minutes.

The highly anticipated sequel to "Iron Man," reuniting director Jon Favreau and Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr. In "Iron Man 2," the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the armored Super Hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. Turns out, someone else already has it (Mickey Rourke).

You never know what you're going to get with a sequel but for me, this is pretty much the equivalent of the first film. There's plenty of action in this well paced feature and several instances of humor that provide some welcome relief. The cast is fine, with the director playing a role, and Rourke admirably portraying the villain. Johansson doesn't have much of a part but I'm assuming she may play a bigger role in the next edition. This is not going to be a film you'll keep thinking about for long but it does provide an entertaining two hours. Like the first film, if you stay until all the credits have run, you'll see a mini-preview of what's coming next. Theatres/Times.

Worthwhile (or not), 5/7/2010

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). You've got your choice this week between a documentary and a sequel. Either one is a pretty good pick.

62 Babies,

57 Iron Man 2

Click on the title links to see if the ratings change as more reviews come in, and to read your favorite national critic's review. My review of  IRON MAN 2 will be posted after 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Opening, 5/7/2010

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.

BABIES [PG] 1 hr. 19 min. Documentary Watch Preview Cast: Ponijao, Bayar, Mari, Hattie. Plot: this film simultaneously follows four babies around the world – from birth to first steps. Re-defining the nonfiction art form, "Babies" joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all. Showing at: Warren East.

IRON MAN 2 [PG-13] 2 hrs. 05 min. Action Watch Preview Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Garry Shandling, John Slattery, Kate Mara, Clark Gregg, Olivia Munn. Plot: the highly anticipated sequel to "Iron Man," reuniting director Jon Favreau and Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr. In "Iron Man 2," the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the armored Super Hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Starlite Drive-In, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

SNEAK PREVIEW, SUNDAY, 5/9

LETTERS TO JULIET [PG] 1 hr. 34 min. Romance Watch Preview Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan, Gael Garcia Bernal, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero. Plot: a young American (Amanda Seyfried) travels to the city of Verona, home of the star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet of Romeo and Juliet fame, and joins a group of volunteers who respond to letters to Juliet seeking advice about love. After answering one letter dated 1951, she inspires its author (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love. Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 5/6/10

Derby Plaza - The Losers
Movie Machine -Date Night
Northrock 14 -
Palace West -Remember Me
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th -Letters To God, Why Did I Get  Married Too, Hot Tub Time Machine, Alice In Wonderland
Warren Old Town -Death At A Funeral, Phish
Warren West 21st -Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Hot Tub Time Machine