Opening, 12/4/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.

ARMORED [PG-13] 1 hr. 28 min. Action/Thriller Trailer Cast: Matt Dillon, Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne, Skeet Ulrich, Amaury Nolasco, Andre Jamal Kinney, Milo Ventimiglia, Fred Ward, Columbus Short. Plot: a crew at an armored transport security firm embark on the ultimate heist... against their own company. Armed with a seemingly fool-proof plan, the men plan on making off with a fortune with harm to none, but the plan quickly unravels and all bets are off. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

BROTHERS [R] 1 hr. 50 min. War/Drama Trailer Cast: Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Bailee Madison, Taylor Geare, Patrick Flueger, Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham, Clifton Collins Jr., Josh Berry. Plot: when a decorated Marine goes missing overseas, his black-sheep younger brother cares for his wife and children at home—with consequences that will shake the foundation of the entire family. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

EVERYBODY'S FINE [PG-13] 1 hr. 35 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell. Plot: a widower embarks on an impromptu road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children only to discover their lives are far from perfect. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

TRANSYLMANIA [R] 1 hr. 35 min. Comedy/Horror Trailer Cast: Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, Irena A. Hoffman, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Natalie Garza, Nicole Garza. Plot: a wacky horror spoof, vampire action-adventure, and naughty college comedy features a motley group of college students embarking on the wildest, sexiest, most outrageous semester abroad ever at Razvan University. Showing at: Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

Leaving, 12/3/09

Derby Plaza - nothing
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, Couple's Retreat, This Is It, Where The Wild Things Are
Palace West - 9, Whip It
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Couple's Retreat, Pirate Radio
Warren Old Town - nothing
Warren West 21st - Fourth Kind

Opening, 11/25/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.

BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY [R] 1 hr. 58 min. Crime/Thriller Trailer Cast: Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery, Clifton Collins, Julie Benz, Judd Nelson, Robert Cochrane Marley Jr., Brian Mahoney, David Ferry, David Della Rocco, Peter Fonda, Billy Connolly. Plot: the highly-anticipated sequel to indie cult classic, "The Boondock Saints." The film is a tough saga of fraternal twins, the MacManus brothers who two have been in deep hiding in the quiet valleys of Ireland, far removed from their former lives or modern technologies. When word comes that a priest has been killed in Boston, they return to bring justice to the killers. Showing at: Warren East.

AN EDUCATION [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Olivia Williams, Emma Thompson, Cara Seymour, Matthew Beard, Sally Hawkins. Plot: a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in 1960s London, who becomes involved with a playboy nearly twice her age. Showing at: Warren East.

THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX [PG] 1 hr. 27 min. Animated/Family Trailer Cast: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Wally Wolodarsky, Eric Anderson, Michael Gambon, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, Jarvis Cocker. Plot: film based on the best selling children's book by Roald Dahl (author of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach"). Showing at: Warren East, Warren West.

NINJA ASSASSIN [R] 1 hr. 39 min. Action Trailer Cast: Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles, Sho Kosugi, Rick Yune. Plot: a trained killer and a Europol agent become entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse through the streets of Europe. Showing at: Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

OLD DOGS [PG] 1 hr. 28 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Seth Green, Ella Bleu Travolta, Lori Loughlin, Matt Dillon. Plot: two best friends -- one unlucky-in-love divorcee and the other a fun-loving bachelor -- have their lives turned upside down when they're unexpectedly charged with the care of six-year-old twins while on the verge of the biggest business deal of their lives. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 11/24/09

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Where The Wild Things Are, Astro Boy
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - The Informant, Time Traveler's Wife, The Proposal
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Paranormal Activity, Law Abiding Citizen, The Fourth Kind, The Box
Warren Old Town - Law Abiding Citizen, Men Who Stare At Goats
Warren West 21st - Amelia, Paranormal Activity, The Box

THE BLIND SIDE ***

John Lee Hancock wrote and directed this Drama which stars: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, Jae Head. Rated PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references. Running time is two hours and eight minutes.

Depicts the remarkable true story of All-American football star Michael Oher. A homeless African-American youngster (Aaron) from a broken home is taken in by a well-to-do white family (Bullock, McGraw, Collins, Head) who help him fulfill his potential on and off (with the help of Bates) the football field. At the same time, his presence in their lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own.

In a lot of ways this is just an average family drama, but it sure does make you feel good. The fact it's based on a true story gives it more credibility than this type of picture usually has and the excellent performances by the entire cast adds greatly to the believability. Bullock is excellent and is being mentioned as a possible Oscar candidate for her role. McGraw has good acting skills also but this is Bullock's film, although young Jae Head does come close to stealing the picture at times. Virtual unknown Aaron is outstanding in the role Oher. If you're looking for a family film for the holidays, this is a real contender. If you've spent all your money on presents, seeing this on DVD will not detract from its enjoyability.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: THE NEW MOON **

Chris Weitz directed this Romance/Thriller which features: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning. Rated PG-13 for some violence and action. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.

In the second installment of Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally successful "Twilight" series, the romance between mortal (Stewart) and vampire (Pattinson) soars to a new level as Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of, including a new romance with Jacob, (Lautner)—only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.

This feature will obviously be wildly successful, based entirely on its appeal to young girls and women. Men of all ages will find this slow going, and perhaps as in my case, stupefyingly boring. There's no action (what you see in the trailer is all you get) and most of the time is spent in listless, dull talking and soulful glances. In short, unless you're interested in watching unfulfilled romance, there's no reason to go. Production values are good and the scenery is gorgeous but most need a lot more than that to be entertained. If you've got to see it right now then by all means do so, the theatres will love you for it. Otherwise, you can be just as bored with the DVD in a couple of months with no loss of impact.

Worthwhile (or not), 11/20/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film).I saw two of the four new films for the week and I'm positive the critical numbers are not going to be even close to attendance. BLIND SIDE is more entertaining than the numbers indicate and NEW MOON will absolutely destroy everything else at the boxoffice although it was all I could do to stay awake during its showing.

49 Blind Side,
40 Planet 51,
78 Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire,
45 Twilight Saga: New Moon, 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. My review of BLIND SIDE and NEW MOON will be posted after 4:30 pm.

Opening, 11/20/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.

THE BLIND SIDE [PG-13] 2 hrs. 6 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, Jae Head. Plot: depicts the remarkable true story of All-American football star Michael Oher. A homeless African-American youngster from a broken home is taken in by a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential on and off the football field. At the same time, his presence in the their lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Paperback movie tie-in edition. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

PLANET 51 [PG] 1 hr. 31 min. Animated Comedy Trailer Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Gary Oldman, Seann William Scott, John Cleese. Plot: an American astronaut lands on Planet 51 thinking he's the first person to step foot on it. To his surprise, he finds this planet is inhabited by little green people who are happily living in a white picket fence world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950s America, and whose only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders...like him! Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren West.

PRECIOUS [R] 1 hr. 49 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, Paula Patton, Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz. Plot: based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire is a film about the human capacity to grow and overcome. Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother, a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write. Showing at: Warren East.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: THE NEW MOON [PG-13] 2hrs. 10 min. Romance/Thriller Trailer Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning. Plot: in the second installment of Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally successful "Twilight" series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of—only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. Showing at: Movie Machine, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 11/19/09

Derby Plaza -
Movie Machine - Paranormal Activity, Michael Jackson, Vampire's Assistant
Northrock 14 -
Palace West - Halloween II, The Hurt Locker, G.I. Joe
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, Amelia, The Stepfather, Where The Wild Things Are, Michael Jackson, Coco Before Chanel
Warren Old Town - The Box, Michael Jackson
Warren West 21st - Couple's Retreat, Where The Wild Things Are, The Stepfather, Michael Jackson

2012 **

Roland Emmerich co-wrote and directed this Action film which stars: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover, Woody Harrelson. Rated PG-13 for intense disaster sequences and some language. Run time is two hours and thirty-eight minutes.

An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world as we know it and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.

If that plot description looks skimpy, it's exactly what you get in this movie. The special effects are very good but they ought to be since that's where most of the production money went. The plot itself is very predictable (think Poseidon Adventure) and extremely emotionally manipulative during the last half hour. About the only reason to see this is as a prequel to the purported TV series to be made concerning the fate of the survivors in 2013. If you really feel you want to subject yourself to 2012 be sure to do so in a big theatre. The special effects will lose their impact on a TV screen, leaving you with exactly nothing worthwhile to fill the unnecessarily long two hours and forty minutes.

Worthwhile (or not), 11/13/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I saw 2012 this week and while the special effects are good, the film just doesn't know when to stop. I've heard good comments about Pirate Radio but it looks like the national critics preference is Good Hair.

50 2012,
72 Good Hair
56 Pirate Radio

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 2012 will be posted shortly.

Opening, 11/13/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.

2012 [PG-13] 1 hr. 58 min. Action Trailer Cast: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover, Woody Harrelson. Plot: an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

GOOD HAIR [PG-13] 1 hr. 40 min. Comedy/Documentary Trailer Cast: Chris Rock. Plot: Chris Rock examines the cost, both financial and sociological, of African-American hair culture in this hilarious, Sundance award-winning film. Showing at: Warren East.

PIRATE RADIO [R] 1 hr. 56 min. Comedy/Romance Trailer Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Sturridge, Talulah Riley, January Jones. Plot: in the 1960s a group of rouge DJs, on a boat in the middle of the Northern Atlantic, played rock records and broke the law all for the love of music, and drove the British government crazy. Showing at: Warren East.

Leaving, 11/12/09

Derby Plaza - Vampires Assistant
Movie Machine - nothing
Northrock 14 - Saw VI, Zombieland
Palace West - Love Happens, The Hangover
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - Saw VI, Astro Boy, Vampires Assistant, Zombieland
Warren Old Town - Paranormal Activity
Warren West 21st - Saw VI, Astro Boy, Vampires Assistant, Zombieland, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3-D/2-D **½

Robert Zemeckis wrote the screenplay and directed this Fantasy which stars: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, and Cary Elwes. Rated PG for scary sequences and images. Running time is one hour and thirty-six minutes.

A "performance capture" animated film presenting the essence of the classic Dickens tale in a 3-D motion picture.

If you don't understand the term "Performance capture", think Polar Express or Beowulf which also used the process. Basically, a live performance enhanced with animation. Production values are very good and the 3D is excellent. This is Carrey's movie from start to finish. While there are numerous other actors involved, none of them stand out like Carrey. My opinion is the main reason for seeing this version is the 3D. Even so, it doesn't surpass my personal favorite, the 1970 Albert Finney musical version, Scrooge. One word of caution, this version is scary enough in a couple of spots small children may be frightened. Also, as usual with 3D films there are theatres showing this in normal 2D at the normal price. The enhanced price is worth it for the 3D version.

THE BOX **

Richard Kelly wrote the screenplay and directed this Thriller which stars: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some violence and disturbing images. Running time is one hour and fifty-five minutes.

A teacher (Diaz) at a private high school and her husband (Marsden) are an average couple living a normal life in the suburbs with their young son...until a mysterious man (Langella) with a horribly disfigured face appears on their doorstep and presents her with a box containing a button that, if pushed, brings you a million dollars...but simultaneously takes the life of someone you don't know.Based on a short story by Richard Matheson.

I vaguely remember reading the short story this film is based on but I don't think it's plot resembles the film's to any great extent. The screenplay is much closer to a sci-fi tale than a thriller. Unfortunately, the original premise has been stretched to encompass a much larger story and I don't think it works. It's confusing rather than expansive. It will keep you interested throughout but when it's over if you're like me you're going to be saying, "huh?". Yet, while it was disappointing it could act as the start of a spirited discussion on some of the moral questions it raises. The DVD version will be more than suitable for those who think they want to see it.

Worthwhile (or not), 11/6/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). I saw two of these films this week and I think the national critics are right on the mark for them. I haven't seen a good review for FOURTH KIND, and GOATS apparently has a few laughs but is pretty lightweight. CHANEL has the best national rating but you should be aware it's in French with English subtitles.

48 Box, The,
54 Christmas Carol, A,
65 Coco Before Chanel,
35 Fourth Kind, The,
56 Men Who Stare At Goats, 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.My reviews of THE BOX and A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be posted after 4:30 pm.

Opening, 11/6/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.

THE BOX [PG-13] 1 hr. 56 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella. Plot: a teacher at a private high school and her husband are an average couple living a normal life in the suburbs with their young son...until a mysterious man with a horribly disfigured face appears on their doorstep and presents her with a life-altering proposition: a box containing a button that, if pushed, brings you a million dollars...but simultaneously takes the life of someone you don't know.Based on a short story by Richard Matheson. Showing at:Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

COCO BEFORE CHANEL [PG-13] 1 hr. 50 min. Drama Trailer Cast: Audrey Tautou, Benoit Poelvoorde, Alessandro Nivola, Marie Gillain, Emmanuelle Devos. Plot: the story of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, who begins her life as a headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey becomes the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style. If you want to read about her, check this out. Showing at: Warren East.

DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3-D/2-D [PG] 1 hr. 36 min. Fantasy Trailer Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes. Plot: captures the essence of the classic Dickens tale in a 3-D motion picture. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Movie Machine, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

THE FOURTH KIND [PG-13] 1 hr. 38 min. Thriller Trailer Cast: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton. Plot: a psychologist begins videotaping sessions with traumatized patients and unwittingly discovers some of the most disturbing evidence of alien abduction ever documented. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren West.

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS [R] 1 hr. 33 min. Comedy Trailer Cast: George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, Rebecca Mader, Terry Serpico. Plot: inspired by Jon Ronson's non-fiction bestseller of the same name, an eye-opening and often hilarious exploration of the government's attempts to harness paranormal abilities to combat its enemies. Showing at: Derby Plaza, Northrock 14, Warren East, Warren Old Town, Warren West.

Leaving, 11/5/09

Derby Plaza - Saw VI, Astro Boy, The Stepfather
Movie Machine - Law Abiding Citizen
Northrock 14 - Astro Boy, Cirque du Freak, Halloween II, The Stepfather, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Whip It
Palace West - The Final Destination, Pandorum, District 9
Starlite Drive-In - Closed for the Winter
Warren East 13th - A Serious Man, The Invention Of Lying, Halloween II
Warren Old Town - Saw VI, Where The Wild Things Are, Couples Retreat
Warren West 21st - Halloween II

Worthwhile (or not), 10/30/09

Here's MetaCritic's numerical rank of this week's films (xx/100 - the higher the number, the better the critics liked the film). A combination of bad weather and lack of interest in seeing the MJ film kept me from reviewing anything this week (a review is completely unnecessary for MJ, you're either going to see it or you're not). I've heard good comments about the MJ film although early grosses are quite disappointing for the distributor. The Coen brothers are an acquired taste so if you've liked them before, the numerical rating would indicate you'd probably like A SERIOUS MAN.

67 Michael Jackson's This Is It,
79 Serious Man, A

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, 10/30/09

For show times select your theatre under the SHOWIMES AT: header in the left column.

HALLOWEEN II [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Horror Re-Release of the Rob Zombie treatment, originally opened 8/28/09.

A SERIOUS MAN [R] 1 hr. 45 min. Comedy/Drama Trailer Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Fred Melamed, Richard Kind, Aaron Wolf, Sari Wagner, Jessica McManus, Adam Arkin. Plot: this black comedy by the Coen brothers is the story of an ordinary man's search for clarity in a universe where Jefferson Airplane is on the radio and F-Troop is on TV. It is 1967, and Larry Gopnik , a physics professor at a quiet Midwestern university, has just been informed by his wife that she is leaving him. His unemployable brother is sleeping on the couch, his son is a discipline problem and a shirker at Hebrew school, and his daughter is filching money from his wallet in order to save up for a nose job. Struggling for equilibrium, Larry seeks advice from three different rabbis. Can anyone help him cope with his afflictions and become a righteous person – a mensch – a serious man? Showing at: Warren East.