Movie Machine - Hunger Games, Big Hero 6, Dumb & Dumber To
Palace West - Nightcrawler, TMNT, Annabelle, Ouija
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the season
Warren East 13th - Beyond The Lights, Whiplash, St. Vincent, Fury, Gone Girl, Theory Of Everything, Dumb & Dumber To
Warren Old Town - Theory Of Everything, Dumb & Dumber To, Interstellar
Warren West 21st - John Wick, Gone Girl, Fury
SOME OF THESE MAY LEAVE ON 12/16. CHECK SCHEDULE BEFORE YOU GO!
Monday, December 15, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
Monday, December 08, 2014
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
Palace West - nothing
Starlite Drive-In - closed for the season
Warren East 13th - Saving Christmas
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - nothing
Friday, December 05, 2014
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.
Monday, December 01, 2014
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.
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
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
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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.
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.
Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
Monday, November 24, 2014
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
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
Friday, November 21, 2014
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.
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.
Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
Monday, November 17, 2014
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
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
Friday, November 14, 2014
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.
Check out Monday's Opening section below to see the previews and synopses.
Monday, November 10, 2014
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.
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About Me
- Wichita, KS, United States
- I've spent most of my adult life in film exhibition management, from which I've retired. As a result of my work I've seen thousands of movies over the years and maintain a strong interest in movies and theatres.
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