The Woman in Black
Young widower Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) has never quite recovered
from his wife’s death during childbirth four years ago, neglecting both
his son (Misha Handley) and law career during the prolonged grieving
process. His boss gives him one last chance to prove he can pull his
weight: travel from London to the small village of Crythin Gifford to
sort out the estate of a deceased eccentric. When Arthur arrives in town
he quickly realizes there’s a more sinister element to the job. All the
locals believe the dead man’s mansion—known as Eel Marsh House—is
haunted by the spirit of a mysterious and vengeful woman in black.
The film is based on Susan Hill’s 1983 novel of the same name that gets
under your skin and gives you an old-fashion ghost movie. The simplicity
of the role was a perfect choice for Daniel Radcliffe as he sheds his
glasses and magic wand and moves towards more of an adult role. There
are a few suspenseful sequences that will seduce you into the world of
the supernatural and make you jump out of your seat. The no-frills
horror is enough to make the film fun and you won’t miss any sleep or
have any nightmares.
Rated: PG-13 for for thematic material and violence/disturbing images
Running Time: 96 min.
The Grey
Neeson’s Ottway works for a petroleum company in
Alaska. Amidst the other ex-cons, fugitives and “men unfit for mankind,”
Ottway’s job is to keep them safe by shooting down invading wolves. When
it’s time to return to society, Ottway and a number of his colleagues
board a plane to Anchorage. Along the way, turbulent weather takes hold
and the plane comes crashing down in the middle of nowhere – actually,
in the middle of wolf territory.
The few survivors are thankful to be alive, but
soon come to the harsh realization that they’re being hunted. With no
food and few supplies, the group has to band together to keep each other
safe from the wolves who look to viciously pick them off one-by-one.
For anyone who has watched the trailer and thought
this is going to be a great movie, you may be a little disappointed. The
snowy landscape and the impressive rugged terrain created a great
picture of the men battling the elements. The wolves had a knack for
lurking in the shadows and then attacking unexpectantly with no mercy
for their prey.
There is very little character development except
for Neeson’s character. Joe Anderson, Frank Grillo, Dallas Roberts, and
a barely recognizable Dermot Mulroney portray the other survivors who
share this peril. You may be disappointed at the end of the movie as I
was, but like we all know, nature never shows any mercy.
Rated: R for violence/disturbing content including bloody images,
and for pervasive language.
Running Time: 1 hr 57 min.
Contraband
Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) long ago abandoned his life of crime, but
after his brother-in-law, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones), botches a drug deal
for his ruthless boss, Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), Chris is forced
back into doing what he does best- running contraband-to settle Andy's
debt. Chris is a legendary smuggler and quickly assembles a crew with
the help of his best friend, Sebastian (Ben Foster), for one final run
to Panama and back, hoping to return with millions in counterfeit bills.
Things quickly fall apart and with only hours to reach the cash, Chris
must use his rusty skills to successfully navigate a treacherous
criminal network of brutal drug lords, cops and hit men before his wife,
Kate (Kate Beckinsale), and sons become their target.
Contraband was adapted from an Icelandic original, 2008's
Reykjavik-Rotterdam (in which Contraband's director, Baltasar Kormákur,
starred). The film is shot using handheld camera stylings, and director
Kormakur does an effective job. As most heist films go nothing goes as
planned. The plot takes the usual twists and turns; however, the pace of
the film does not pick up until the middle of the movie.
Wahlberg’s character is the least memorable of the cast. As always,
Giovanni Ribisi does a superb job as the crazy drug lord. Contraband
hits the ground running so best pay attention or you may miss what is
happening.
Rated: R for violence, pervasive language and brief drug use.
Running Time: 1 hr 49 min.
Joyful Noise
When G.G.
Sparrow's husband (Kris Kristofferson) passes away, their small town
church finds itself without a choir director. G.G. (Dolly Parton)
expects to be appointed the job, but Pastor Dale (Courtney B. Vance)
ends up appointing Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) instead. This, of
course, leads to friction between the two women.
Matters aren't helped any when G.G.'s rebellious young grandson, Randy,
(Jeremy Jordan) returns to town and starts courting Vi's
sixteen-year-old daughter Olivia (Keke Palmer). If that wasn't enough,
he starts shaking up their conservative choir, too. With the choir in
full turmoil, Vi finds herself at the center of the storm just when they
are trying to win a national choir competition – something that the
whole town is counting on them to accomplish.
This is Dolly’s
first lead role in over 20 years, and unfortunately, it is Jordan and
Palmer who outshine the two veteran singers. The catfight between the
two leads and many of their Southern fried quips they toss at each other
are funny and surprisingly enough, they do work well together. Dolly
Parton wrote two original songs for the film including "Not Enough" and
"From Here to the Moon and Back." Queen Latifah does a memorable
rendition of "Fix Me, Jesus."
This Glee-style
movie does have some great musical numbers, but other than that it
doesn’t have much to offer.
Rated: PG-13 for for some
language including a sexual reference.
Running Time: 1 hr 58 min.
War Horse
Set
against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First
World War, War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a
horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains
him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary
journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring
the lives of all those he meets-British cavalry, German soldiers, and a
French farmer and his granddaughter-before the story reaches its
emotional climax in the heart of No Man's Land. The First World War is
experienced through the journey of this horse-an odyssey of joy and
sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure.
The film is a sweeping family epic that
has spirit, sentiment and a horse who will steal your heart. Adapted
from the 1982 children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, “War Horse” director
Steven Spielberg works his magic and takes you on a powerful journey
between boy and his steed. The film does offer a dazzling display of old
Hollywood grandeur with some breathtaking cinematography and music by
John Williams. The lack of graphic violence is perfect for this
family-friendly film. At times, the film does feel overlong, but will be
a joy for the kids especially if they read the book.
PG-13 for intense
sequences of war violence
Running Time: 2 hr 26 min
La Cage Aux Folles
Grab your boa and head over to the Shubert theatre for “La Cage Aux
Folles” starring George Hamilton and two-time Tony Award nominee
Christopher Sieber!
For
those who are unfamiliar with the story, it’s the play that the movie
“The Bird Cage” was based on. George Hamilton portrays Georges, a French
cabaret owner, who along with his partner Albin/Zaza (Christopher Sieber)
get the sudden news that their son, Jean-Michel (Billy Harrigan Tighe)
is to be married to the daughter of a politician who would not agree
with their lifestyle.
The
shows stars, Hamilton and Sieber, were definitely mismatched. Hamilton
was a wet rag compared to Seiber, whose acting and singing ability were
superb. Hamilton seemed stiff and lacked the energy needed to keep up
with his scene-stealing “ZaZa”.
The
dancing drag queens, “the Cagelles”, with all their wigs and sequins
were fun and entertaining to watch. The troupe of six all danced and
sang well with much comic inventiveness.
Jeigh Madjus is horrible and annoying as Ablin’s maid. Maybe I just
missed watching Hank Azaria from the movie in this role.
The
play was funny, heart-warming and full of charm. It was worth going to
see Christopher Sieber perform!
Run
time: 2 hrs 40 mins with one 15 min intermission
Audience:
La
Cage Aux Folles
is suitable for audiences aged 16 and older.
La Cage Aux
Folles runs through
December 18, 2011 at the Shubert theatre. For tickets and show
information please visit Citi Center at
www.citicenter.org
The
Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
The mostly serious series lightens up for the fourth film with a few
more laughs and some over-the-top drama. For all you Twihard, you will
be glad to know the movie stays pretty close to Stephenie Meyer’s novel.
Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), plus those they
love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage,
honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child... which brings an
unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).
Edward continues to be as polished and doe-eyed as ever, whereas, Jacob
seems to mature and become a man with a purpose other than trying to
keep Bella from Edward. The biggest surprise for me was that Kristen
Stewart delivers her best performance yet of the series. The usually
uncomfortable Bella actually shows some emotion instead of the bored
looks we are used to in the first three films.
Make sure you stay through the credits so you don’t miss the sneak peek
of part 2.
Breaking Dawn Part 1 will satisfy all you Twihards, as it sets the final
chapter. Any non-Twilight fans, like myself, will find the film a bit
boring and ridiculous.
Rated: PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity
and some thematic elements.
Running Time: 1 hr 48 min.
Footloose
This film was the most enjoyable remake
that I have watched in a long time. Craig Brewer’s version of the 1984
Herbert Ross’s version is an updated dancing good time.
Ren MacCormack (Kenny Wormald / Stoughton,
MA native) is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of
Bomont where he experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years
prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five
teenagers after a night out and Bomont's local councilmen and the
beloved Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) responded by implementing
ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the
status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in
love with the minister's troubled daughter, Ariel (Julianne Hough), in
the process.
Miles Teller, as Willard, is the film’s
scene stealer, who takes Ren under his wing, and shows him the ropes of
living in this small town.
What makes this
version so much fun is the dancing. All the dance numbers are executed
superbly. Both Wormald and Hough bring their A-game. Also, fans may
recognize many sequences from the original. Brewer stayed true to the
original script with very little changes
Rated: PG-13 for some teen drug and
alcohol use, sexual content, violence and language.
Running Time: 1 hr 53 min.
Killer Elite
Inspired by true events and based on the novel “The Feather Men” by
Ranulph Fiennes, Killer Elite pits two of the worlds' most elite
operatives - Danny, an ex-special ops agent (Jason Statham) and Hunter,
his longtime mentor (Robert De Niro) - against the cunning leader of a
secret military society (Clive Owen). Covering the globe from Australia
to Paris, London, and the Middle East, Danny and Hunter are plunged into
a highly dangerous game of cat and mouse - where the predators become
the prey.
Not even the tough guy cast of Statham, De Niro and Owen could save this
complex and confusing action thriller. As for De Niro’s performance, he
does prove, in at least one scene, why he is one of America’s favorite
actors. The lack of character development for Owen’s role kills the
dynamic he shares with Statham. The film is full of some cool fight
scenes but does little else to keep your attention and leaves you
getting lost in the story – and not in a good way.
Rated: R for strong violence, language and some sexuality/nudity.
Running Time: 105 min.
Dolphin Tale- Now Playing!
By Cole Duffy
Swimming free, a young dolphin is caught in a crab trap, severely
damaging her tail. She is rescued and transported to the Clearwater
Marine Hospital, where she is named Winter. But her fight for survival
has just begun. Without a tail, Winter's prognosis is dire. It will take
the expertise of a dedicated marine biologist, the ingenuity of a
brilliant prosthetics doctor, and the unwavering devotion of a young boy
to bring about a groundbreaking miracle -- a miracle that might not only
save Winter but could also help scores of people around the world. The
real Winter, who plays herself in "Dolphin Tale," today serves as a
symbol of courage, perseverance and hope to millions of people -- both
able and disabled -- who have been touched by her remarkable story of
recovery and rehabilitation.
Dolphin Tale is a wonderful movie with a strong emotional story that
will keep you hoping that Winter survives. The child actors shone and
acted way beyond their age.
One of the funniest characters wasn’t even human: Rufus the pelican, in
his scenes, he was absolutely hilarious. This movie is timeless. Go and
see it!
Rating: PG for some mild thematic elements.
Runtime: 119 min
Straw Dogs
David (James Marsden) and Amy Sumner (Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood
screenwriter and his actress wife, return to her small hometown in the
deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father's death.
Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge
with the locals, including Amy's ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander
Skarsgard), leading to a violent confrontation.
This remake of the 1971 film of the same name is an intense gripping
film. It is sure to keep its audience members in suspense. It dose lack
character development and a back-story that leaves you wondering. The
cast is strong and offers some intense performances, especially James
Woods, who portrays the continually drunk former high school coach. For
the ladies, Alexander Skarsgard positively smolders.
Rated: R for strong brutal violence including a sexual attack, menace,
some sexual content, and pervasive language.
Running Time: 108 min.
Conan the Barbarian – 3D
A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian
warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific
monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan (Jason Momoa) realizes he is the
only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching
reign of supernatural evil.
This Conan adventure remake begins on the blood drenched battlefield
where Conan is born via caesarean section and the blood does not stop
gushing until the end credits. Momoa is the perfect fit for the role, if
not anything, but eye-candy for the ladies.
The special effects are sparing and nothing to write home about. I would
avoid paying the extra to see it in 3D – in all honestly, I would avoid
seeing it at all.
Note to parents who decide to take their young children to this movie:
it’s rated R-because of sex and bloodshed in the form of sword impalings,
torture, dog attacks, bloody axings, and gladiatorial beat-downs.
Rated: R for strong bloody violence, some sexuality and nudity.
Running Time: 1 hr 45 min.
