Opening 5/01/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

BATTLE FOR TERRA (3-D and 2-D) [PG-13] 1 hr. 24 min. Animated/Adventure Trailer Cast: Justin Long, Brian Cox, Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Amanda Peet, James Garner, Dennis Quaid, Chris Evans, Danny Glover. Plot: two rebellious alien teens live on a planet invaded by human beings fleeing a civil war and environmental catastrophe. They two races face the terrifying realization that in a world of limited resources, only one of them is likely to survive. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren (3-D), 21st Street Warren (2-D).

GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Romance Trailer Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Breckin Meyer, Lacey Chabert, Robert Forster, Anne Archer, Emma Stone, Michael Douglas. Plot: at his brother's wedding party a confirmed bachelor gets a wake-up call from the ghost of his late Uncle , the hard-partying, legendary ladies man upon whose exploits he has modeled his lifestyle. The Uncle has an urgent message for his protege, which he delivers through the ghosts of the younger man's jilted girlfriends--past, present and future--who take him on a revealing and hilarious odyssey through a lifetime of failed relationships. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, 13th Avenue Warren, Old Town Warren, 21st Street Warren.

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE [PG-13] 2 hrs. Action Trailer Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Kitsch, Will.i.am, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan, Daniel Henney, Lynn Collins. Plot: the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 4/30/09

Derby Plaza - The Haunting In Connecticut, 17 Again
Movie Machine - Knowing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Defiance, Bedtime Stories, Bride Wars
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - The Informers, Crank: High Voltage, Sunshine Cleaning, Haunting In Connecticut, I Love You Man, Observe And Report
Warren Old Town - 17 Again, Observe And Report
Warren West 21st - 17 Again, Observe And Report, Crank: High Voltage, Haunting In Connecticut, I Love You Man, Duplicity

Worthwhile (or not), 4/24/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). My schedule this week didn't allow me to watch a screening so MetaCritic will have to do. EARTH is the clear winner altho unlikely to attract many of the younger crowd. I'm guessing OBSESSED wasn't screened for good reason. The reviews of SOLOIST are mixed and FIGHTING is getting better reviews than I would have thought. If none of these do much for you, the summer blockbusters are just around the corner!

72 Earth,
60 Fighting,
19 Informers, The,
xx Obsessed,
61 Soloist, The

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.

Opening 4/22, 24/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

Earth [G ] STARTS WEDNESDAY 4/22 1 hr. 30 min. Documentary Trailer Cast: narrated by James Earl Jones. Plot: tells the remarkable story of three animal families and their amazing journey across the planet we all call home. It combines rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations by capturing the most intimate moments of our planet's wildest and most elusive creatures. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

Fighting [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action/Drama Trailer Cast: Channing Tatum, Terrence Howard, Brian White, Luis Guzman, Zulay Henao. Plot: a small-town boy is barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets of New York. His luck changes when a scam artist sees he has a natural talent for streetfighting and the two form an uneasy partnership. Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

The Informers [R] 1 hr. 38 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Mickey Rourke, Winona Ryder, Lou Taylor Pucci, Amber Heard, Rhys Ifans, Brad Renfro, Jon Foster. Plot: set in Los Angeles of the early 1980's with a multi-strand narrative that deftly balances a vast array of characters who represent both the top of the heap (a Hollywood dream merchant, a dissolute rock star, an aging newscaster) and the bottom (a voyeuristic doorman, an amoral ex-con). Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.

Obsessed [PG-13] 1 hr. 49 min. Thriller/Drama Trailer Cast: Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter, Bruce McGill, Jerry O'Connell, Christine Lahti. Plot: a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage when a temp worker starts stalking him, placing everything he's worked so hard for in jeopardy. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

The Soloist [PG-13] 1 hr. 57 min. Biography/Drama Trailer Cast: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton. Plot: a journalist discovers a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As he endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 4/23/09

Derby Plaza - Observe And Report
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The International, Slumdog Millionaire, Bedtime Stories
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - Adventureland (drops Tue), Dragonball Evolution
Warren Old Town - Monsters vs. Aliens, Knowing, I Love You Man
Warren West 21st - Adventureland, Dragonball Evolution

CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE **

Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor wrote and directed this extreme action film which stars: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Dwight Yoakam, Efren Ramirez, Clifton Collins Jr., and Bai Ling. Rated R for frenetic strong bloody violence throughout, crude and graphic sexual content, nudity and pervasive language. Running time is one hour and thirty-six minutes.

A hit man (Statham) launches himself on an electrifying chase through Los Angeles in pursuit of the Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart.

This looks like a film that set out to see how much sex, nudity, violence and objectionable language could be used in a film without getting a NC-17 rating. As a result, patrons attending this will fall into two general classes, those who love the sex and violence and those who will jump up, offended, leave the auditorium and demand their money back. The plot is laughable so you have to decide to ignore it and just go with the flow of violence and sex. Personally, I found it mildly entertaining but I would really hesitate to recommend it to anyone. You'll get the most impact by watching this in a large screened theatre with a good sized audience you can react with. The target audience is males over eighteen. This would not make a good date movie.

Opening 4/24/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

Earth [G ] STARTS WEDNESDAY 4/22 1 hr. 30 min. Documentary Trailer Cast: narrated by James Earl Jones. Plot: tells the remarkable story of three animal families and their amazing journey across the planet we all call home. It combines rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations by capturing the most intimate moments of our planet's wildest and most elusive creatures. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

Fighting [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Action/Drama Trailer Cast: Channing Tatum, Terrence Howard, Brian White, Luis Guzman, Zulay Henao. Plot: a small-town boy is barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets of New York. His luck changes when a scam artist sees he has a natural talent for streetfighting and the two form an uneasy partnership. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

The Informers [R] 1 hr. 38 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Mickey Rourke, Winona Ryder, Lou Taylor Pucci, Amber Heard, Rhys Ifans, Brad Renfro, Jon Foster. Plot: set in Los Angeles of the early 1980's with a multi-strand narrative that deftly balances a vast array of characters who represent both the top of the heap (a Hollywood dream merchant, a dissolute rock star, an aging newscaster) and the bottom (a voyeuristic doorman, an amoral ex-con). Showing at:
13th Avenue Warren.

Obsessed [PG-13] 1 hr. 49 min. Thriller/Drama Trailer Cast: Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter, Bruce McGill, Jerry O'Connell, Christine Lahti. Plot: a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage when a temp worker starts stalking him, placing everything he's worked so hard for in jeopardy. Showing at: Derby Plaza, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

The Soloist [PG-13] 1 hr. 57 min. Biography/Drama Trailer Cast: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton. Plot: a journalist discovers a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As he endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

Worthwhile (or not), 4/17/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). At least there's a wide variety this week. The teens should enjoy 17 AGAIN, those who like drama should enjoy STATE OF PLAY, while those who like mindless sex and violence and are over 18 should get revved up with CRANK.

49 17 Again,
xx Crank: High Voltage,
61 State of Play

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 CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE will be posted today at 4:30 pm.

Opening 4/17/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

17 AGAIN [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Michelle Trachtenberg, Matthew Perry. Plot: 20 years later after his glory days as a high school basketball star, a man who feels he's become a failure is given another chance when he is miraculously transformed back to the age of 17. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE [R] 1 hr. 25 min. Action/Drama Trailer Cast: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Dwight Yoakam, Efren Ramirez, Clifton Collins Jr., Bai Ling. Plot: a hitman launches himself on an electrifying chase through Los Angeles in pursuit of the Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

STATE OF PLAY [PG-13] 1 hr. 55 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Helen Mirren. Plot: a rising congressman and an investigative journalist, both friends, become embroiled in a case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. Showing at: Derby Plaza, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 4/16/09

Derby Plaza - Knowing, Race To Witch Mountain
Movie Machine - Taken
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Pink Panther 2, Bolt, Benjamin Buttons
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - Race To Witch Mountain, Last House On The Left, Taken, 12 Rounds, The Class
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Race To Witch Mountain, Taken, 12 Rounds

HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE *½

Peter Chelsom directed this family/comedy which features: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Margo Martindale, Jason Earles, Peter Gunn, Melora Hardin, Mitchel Musso, Lucas Till, Barry Bostwick, Moises Arias, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Vanessa Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus. MPAA rating is G and the running time is one hour and forty-six minutes.

A girl (Miley) struggles to juggle school, friends and her secret pop-star persona. So her father (Billy Ray) takes the teen home to Crowley Corners, Tenn., for a dose of reality, kicking off an adventure filled with fun, laughter and romance.

There's no doubt Ms. Cyrus is a talented individual, but she's going to have to get a better script than this corn pone mess (which consists of equal parts MTV, Looney Tunes and the Three Stooges) if she ever wishes to achieve her true potential. The fact the whole plot depends on the fact no one can tell Miley from Hannah because one of them wears a blonde wig tells me this is family comedy for the lowest common denominator. The tweens will no doubt love it but anyone older with even a modicum of taste is out of luck. Strictly for Hannah fans. TV viewing will not be a problem.

Worthwhile (or not), 4/10/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). Looks like you're out of luck this week unless you like French language art films (THE CLASS). Clearly the distributor of DRAGONBALL didn't want you seeing any reviews until they had your money (never a good sign). Little girls are the only audience I think will enjoy HANNAH and I haven't heard a good word about OBSERVE (it looked so unappealing I couldn't force myself to go to the screening).

92 The Class
xx Dragonball Evolution
49 Hannah Montana: The Movie,
52 Observe and Report

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 SUNSHINE CLEANING and HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE will be posted at 4:30 pm.

Check out the previews for next Friday's (April 17) new films: 17 AGAIN, CRANK HIGH VOLTAGE, STATE OF PLAY.

Opening 4/10/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

THE CLASS [PG-13] 2 hrs. 10 min. Drama Trailer Cast: François Bégaudeau. Plot: a film about what happens over the course of a year between a single collège (junior high or middle school) class in the multi-ethnic 20th arrondissment of Paris and their French teacher. Subtitles. Showing at: 13th Avvenue Warren.

DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION [PG] 1 hr. 25 min. Fantasy/Adventure Trailer Cast: Justin Chatwin, James Marsters, Jamie Chung, Emmy Rossum, Eriko Tamura, Joon Park, Chow Yun-Fat, Texas Battle, Randall Duk Kim, Ernie Hudson. Plot: the long-awaited, live-action motion picture based on the popular Japanese manga (no, I don't have the slightest idea what that means). Showing at: Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE [G] 1 hr. 40 min. Family/Comedy Trailer Cast: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Margo Martindale, Jason Earles, Peter Gunn, Melora Hardin, Mitchel Musso, Lucas Till, Barry Bostwick, Moises Arias, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Vanessa Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus. Plot: a girl struggles to juggle school, friends and her secret pop-star persona. So her father takes the teen home to Crowley Corners, Tenn., for a dose of reality, kicking off an adventure filled with fun, laughter and romance. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

OBSERVE AND REPORT [R] 1 hr. 25 min. Dark comedy Trailer Cast: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Michael Pena, Ray Liotta, Jesse Plemons. Plot: the Forest Ridge Mall head of security patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist, combating skateboarders, shoplifters and the occasional unruly customer while dreaming of the day when he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun. But his single-minded pursuit of glory launches a turf war with an equally competitive police detective. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

Leaving 4/9/09

Derby Plaza - I Love You, Man, 12 Rounds
Movie Machine - Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Northrock 14 - 12 Rounds, Fired Up, Hotel For Dogs, Last House On The Left
Palace West - Friday The 13th, Marley And Me, The Reader
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Watchmen
Warren Old Town - Duplicity
Warren West 21st - Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Watchmen

ADVENTURELAND ***½

Written and directed by Greg Mottola this comedy features: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Kristen Wiig, and Bill Hader. Rated R for language, drug use and sexual references. Running time is one hour and forty-seven minutes.

An uptight recent college grad (Eisenberg) has to take a lowly job at a local amusement park (run by Hader and Wiig). Lucky for him, what should have been his worst summer ever turns into quite an adventure as he discovers love in the most unlikely place with a captivating co-worker (Stewart), and learns to loosen up.

I can't say I had high hopes for this film but it turned out to be much better than expected. It's a coming-of-age film without all the ridiculous antics that usually ruin films of this type. Its humor is more amusing than strident and it has an aura of sweetness to its story that came as a complete surprise. What really draws you in is the fact the story is believable and you come to really care about the two lead characters. The R rating is well deserved, basically for the language. This won't be winning any awards but if you're looking for an enjoyable couple of hours at the movies, this will fill the bill nicely.

Worthwhile (or not), 4/3/09

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 pretty good dramas plus a fairly predictable action flick make up the bill for this week. No doubt the lower rated film will do the most business.

76 Adventureland,
44 Fast & Furious,
61 Sunshine Cleaning

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 ADVENTURELAND will be posted at 4:30 pm.

Scheduled for Wednesday, 4/8: DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION. Scheduled for Friday, 4/10: HANNAH MONTANA MOVIE and OBSERVE AND REPORT.

Opening 4/3/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column. Weekend times normally start appearing on Wednesday.

ADVENTURELAND [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Stewart, Martin Starr, Paige Howard, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Margarita Levieva. Plot: an uptight recent college grad has to take a lowly job at a local amusement park. Lucky for him, what should have been his worst summer ever turns into quite an adventure as he discovers love in the most unlikely place with a captivating co-worker, and learns to loosen up. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren, 21st Street Warren.

FAST & FURIOUS [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz, Laz Alonso, Gal Gadot, Shea Whigham, Tego Calderon, Liza Lapira. Plot: when a crime brings them back to L.A., a fugitive ex-con reignites his feud with a lawman. But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, the pair must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him. And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, 13th Avenue Warren, Warren Old Town, 21st Street Warren.

SUNSHINE CLEANING [R] 1 hr. 50 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, Steve Zahn, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Clifton Collins Jr., Jason Spevack. Plot: a single mom and her slacker sister find an unexpected way to turn their lives around when they go into the crime scene clean-up business to make some quick cash. In no time, the girls are up to their elbows in murders, suicides and other... specialized situations. As they climb the ranks in a very dirty job, the sisters find a true respect for one another and the closeness they have always craved finally blossoms. Showing at: 13th Avenue Warren.

Leaving 4/2/09

Derby Plaza - Duplicity
Movie Machine - Race To Witch Mountain
Northrock 14 - Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Watchmen
Palace West - Twilight, Last Chance Harvey
Starlite Drive-In - Open Weekends Only
Warren East 13th - Madea Goes To Jail, Slumdog Millionaire, Gran Torino, He's Just Not That Into You
Warren Old Town - Race To Witch Mountain
Warren West 21st - Madea Goes To Jail, Gran Torino

MONSTERS vs. ALIENS **½ (for 3-D version)

Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon directed this animated film which features voices by: Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, Kiefer Sutherland, and Paul Rudd. Rated PG for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language. Running time is one hour and 34 minutes.

When a girl is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches tall. The military jumps into action and she is captured and secreted away to a covert government compound. There, she is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of Monsters: the brilliant but insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.; the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link; the gelatinous and indestructible B.O.B.; and the 350-foot grub called Insectosaurus. Their confinement is cut short, however, when a mysterious alien robot lands on Earth and begins storming the country. In a moment of desperation, the President is persuaded to enlist the motley crew of Monsters to combat the Alien Robot and save the world from imminent destruction.

I saw this in the 3-D version and I would urge you to do the same if you want any chance of enjoying it. For me, the 3-D effect was the major star of the film, which has a ho-hum, rather boring plot. It isn't nearly as entertaining or as funny as the Pixar animated films. Children will probably enjoy the story and will certainly be entertained by the dimensional effects. If you want 3-D, the theatre is your only choice. If you're willing to go for the 2-D (**) version, I think you'll be happier waiting for the DVD and just watching at home.

Worthwhile (or not), 3/27/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). Kind of a slow weekend with the possible exception of the animated film.

37 12 Rounds,
32 Haunting in Connecticut, The,
56 Monsters vs. Aliens

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 MONSTERS vs. ALIENS will be posted at 4:30 pm.

Here are the films scheduled for Friday, 4/3: FAST & FURIOUS, ADVENTURELAND.