Movies scheduled for June 30- July 6th

Wow the year is already half way over. Where has the time gone? Just wanted to say Happy Independence Day everyone. Please stay safe if you are going to go pop some fireworks.


Just to let you all know when you go to a screening they are always overbooked. The theater has no way of knowing how many seats are going to be reserved. With that being said, they have no clue as to when to cut off the lines. So you are taking your chances every single time!

The AFFD is coming up July 11-18th. If you would like to volunteer they are having a meeting today at 2pm at Angelika.


It is not cool to go on and facebook and complain about what a crappy job the theater is doing. They are working hard to let us see a free movie!! Would you want a couple of hundred people coming to your job and then have them all go on facebook and say you are doing a crappy job because you can’t make everyone happy? I don’t think so! I know I wouldn’t want that many people at my job! Just remember we don’t bite the hand that feeds us! It is a closed group for the people of Dallas area so you never know if one of their employees or management gets on our group and then finds out we do nothing but bitch. So please don’t ruin it for everyone and keep the complain about theaters down.


As always let’s have fun and see you at the movies.

June 30- July 6th

Sunday
June 30
The Motorcycle Diaries 7pm Kimbell Art Museum

Monday
July 1st
Yankee Doodle Dandy 7pm Highland Park Village
The Lone Ranger 7:30pm Northpark
The Lone Ranger 7:30pm West Plano
The Lone Ranger 7:30pm Ridmar Mall
Kevin Hart Let Me Explain 7:30pm SMG
Kevin Hart Let Me Explain 7:30pm TBA

Tuesday
July 2nd
Pacific Rim 6:30 Northpark
The Way Way Back 7:30pm Angelika Dallas

Wednesday
July 3rd

Thursday
July 4th

Friday
Jusy 5th

Saturday
July 6th

Unfinished Song

Terence Stamp proves once again that he is a great actor. This movie is simple and there is nothing wrong with it because it draws on basic human emotions and does it very well. Going into this movie I didn't read anything or hear anything about it, which is the way you should go to. I was blown away by Terence Stamp's performance and really felt for him. Everyone else did their roles well too but Mr. Stamp carries this movie. The cinematography was actually good. It gave off a good independent vibe and composed the shots interestingly. The movie is only an hour and half but flew by and it seemed like thirty minutes. Yes, this isn't a big blockbuster but its nice to watch these independent movies because you never know when you will find a gem like this one. If it's playing near you I would recommend seeing it. 8/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

The Heat

The casting of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy was in inspired combination and a throw back to the Cagney and Lacy and buddy cop movies of the 80's. Even the opening title sequence pays an homage. Bridesmaids director Paul Feig worked from a script by Parks and Recreations writer Kate Dippold. It brings together an amusing take on the genre that has mostly been male dominated without reducing the women to mean spirited shrewishness.

Bullock plays FBI Agent Sarah Ashburn, a straitlaced, efficient, highly skilled professional who has a record number of busts, but gets no respect from her co-workers. It doesn't help that she is egotistical, in your face, and rubs everyone the wrong way. Her boss (Demián Bichir) says that he will consider her for a promotion if she investigates a drug lord the elusive Larkin, but she will have to go to Boston to do it. She meets up with Boston cop Mullins (McCarthy) who just busted a street dealer Rojas (Spoken Reasons) who may have connections to her case. Mullins is a hard nosed, slovenly dressed detective that plays by her own rules. She bullies everyone in her precinct including her boss. Butting heads of the two hard cased officers of the law makes for some funny situations with a rash of some harsh expletives uttered by Mullins. Forced to work together, they somewhat cooperate with each other. Until they cross paths with DEA agents who are also working on the same case.

Dressed like a comedy, the movie does raise some questions on how much gender bias plays on woman in the workforce mostly populated by men. Each of the cops gets the job done. They may not be likable, and more independent in their methods, but they are still good law officers who want to serve the public. They have to endure endless insults from albino DEA agent Captain Woods (Thomas F. Wilson) and DEA Craig (Dan Bakkeldahl). It forces the women to grudgingly give each other respect and they bond during a drunken night dancing in a bar. It's been reported that the whole dance sequence was improvised by the two actors which makes it silly leaving behind a feeling of been there done that.

There's no no ground covered here. It's the formula oddball pairing of unlikely compatriots who both want to take down the bad guy and save the world. It's the buddy movie with women instead of men. The chemistry that makes this movie special is Bullock and McCarthy who keep their characters from being too over the top and annoying. Mullins attitude comes from her contentious Boston Irish family who are angry for that she busted her brother Jason (Michael Rapaport), Jane Curtin is hilarious as the Mullin mother. Ashburn has to steal the neighbor's cat to get some affection. The two women may not understand each other, but they are empathic enough to accept their differences through work. They are defined by their work ethic. Parents be warned the dialogue is full of F-bombs and the humor is mostly adult. Keep the kids at home, enjoy a chick flick date night that even guys will enjoy.
(Review by reesa)

White House Down

Oh look, Django is the the President! It's just the first thought that comes to mind when Jamie Foxx as the President is riding around the Lincoln Monument spouting Lincoln trivia to his staff. Director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and other disaster epics) with writer James Vanderbilt (The Amazing Spiderman) destroy the White House while Channing Tatum saves the day. Yes, there was another similar situation with Gerard Butler single handedly doing the exact same thing. It makes one wonder just how vulnerable our Capitol is from terrorists and over imaginative filmmakers.

Tatum is Cale, a Capitol policeman charged with protecting the Speaker of the House Eli Raphelson. His daughter Emily (Joey King) is a White House groupie. She knows everything about the house, and the events that concern the President. He is her hero having lost confidence in her dad who spent most of her life in the service. As a way of making up to missing her Flag Day performance he gets her a White House pass when he goes to apply for a job in the Secret Service. Carol Finnerty (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and her boss Walker (James Woods) interviews him and finds his resume doesn't stand up to their standards. While getting ready to leave, there's an explosion. All doors are sealed and Cale's Emily is stuck in the bathroom downstairs. She witnesses the bad guys and is savvy enough to take pictures. After all she has a You Tube channel. Cale goes in search of her while all heck is taking place.

This is the kind of movie that you just suspend your disbelief that the entire Secret Service staff at the White House can be completely annihilated by guys disguised as sound technicians. That one loner cop who was disqualified from the being a Secret Service agent can manage to team up with the President and search for his daughter at the same time. It's a buddy movie. They have lots of tight situations to endure. They have sincere and funny dialogue. The unbelievable bad guys (Jason Clarke and Jimmi Simpson) are so evil, clever and always seem to have the upper hand. The powers that be monitoring the action are quick to dismiss Cale's intel that there are missile launchers. Lots of people are killed. Lots of stuff blow up and there's a really nifty chase scene on the White House lawn. Helicopters crash into the building. The action is nonstop although it took about a ½ hour before it starts to set up the characters. Despite all the action and mayhem, the one that steals the show is Donnie the White House Tour Guide (Nicolas Wright).

Don't go thinking this is art, because it's not. It's a popcorn movie guaranteed to entertain for a couple of hours and you leave saying “that was fun” and forget all about it.
(Review by reesa)

20 Feet From Stardom

Those ubiquitous singers behind the biggest and the best rock groups adding their harmonies and at times eye candy to the headline acts all got to their place by having great voices on their own. But for those background singers, getting to the the main act is an ambition that is hard to overcome. Documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville of American Masters and Troubadours introduces the world to those nameless vocalists that have punctuated the rhythms of the likes of Bruce Springfield and The Rolling Stones.

The most familiar face right now is Judith Hill who was featured on TV's the voice. She may have not won the big banana, but she was able to perform in front of millions of viewers who will hopefully come see this movie because of her. They will be pleasantly surprised to be introduced to the major players in backup singers: Stevvi Alexander, Pattie Austin, Merry Clayton, Darlene Love, Lisa Fischer, Táta Vega and Joe Lawry. Darlene Love was the only one that made it to center stage with some success, but most of us never knew their names outside of Merry Clayton who is recognizable for her powerful duet performance with Mick Jagger on Gimme Shelter. It takes a certain X-Factor to step in front and center and carry the stage on their own. Backup singers by nature, must conform to the various artists they are hired to work with at any given time. Their voices must blend and not upstage, yet be proficient to add the right groove and syncopation.

Besides sound bytes from Bruce and Mick there are snippets of interviews with Lou Adler, Chris Botti, David Bowie, Sheryl Crow and others. The stories behind some of their songs and the appreciation these artist have for their backup singers is worth mentioning. The sound track is filled with the audio of their most famous selections that will stir the memories. And there are live performances that will make you weep and/or give your goosebumps from the sheer talent without auto-tune.

The film points out that the back up singers are becoming a thing of the past. The style of music that requires a chorus of voices to punctuate a phrase, add emphasis to an emotion, and add some motion to the stage with their synchronized moves will a vintage memory to be relived on YouTube. It's sad state of affairs, because after all what would Gladys Knight be without her Pips. It's great to see that these artists are finally getting the attention they deserve.
(Review by reesa)

Alamo Drafthouse Richardson Hosts THE WORLD’S END Preview Screening, Special Guests

“Blood and Ice Cream” Trilogy Event Thursday, July 25:
Alamo Drafthouse Richardson Hosts THE WORLD’S END Preview Screening, Special Guests

Richardson, TX, June 25, 2013—On Thursday, July 25, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Richardson (http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson) will host a very special FREE advance screening of THE WORLD’S END inside the yet-to-be-open Alamo Drafthouse Richardson followed by a FREE double feature of the classics SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004) and HOT FUZZ (2007) outside in the Alamo parking lot on the 40-foot Rolling Roadshow screen. THE WORLD’S END is in the tradition of the earlier movies as the final film in the “Blood and Ice Cream” Trilogy.

The Trilogy’s director Edgar Wright and stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost will be in attendance to introduce the films and take part in a special Q&A. Trilogy fans are encouraged to come dressed as a giant Cornetto ice cream cone, zombie, cop, or a zombie cop!

Alamo Richardson's programmer James Wallace had this to say about the event: "We could not be more excited to host the ‘Blood and Ice Cream’ Trilogy in its entirety as a part of our pre-grand opening festivities...and having the guys here to present it is just the chocolate sauce on top. When I think of filmmakers that ARE Alamo, Wright, Pegg, and Frost are at the top of that list. It's going to be a bloody awesome night that no movie nerd will want to miss."


Thursday, July 25:
7 pm: THE WORLD’S END screening, followed by Q&A with Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost

9 pm: Rolling Roadshow Double-Feature: SHAUN OF THE DEAD followed by HOT FUZZ, with introduction by Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost

Food trucks and an outdoor bar will be on hand in the parking lot for the screenings.

Gates for the Rolling Roadshow screenings open at 6:30 pm. Outdoor films roll once the indoor screening is finished.


The indoor screening has a limited seating capacity. Passes for which will be required and are to be distributed online in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Alamo Drafthouse DFW's Facebook (www.facebook.com/alamodrafthousedfw) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/alamodfw) for information on getting passes.

The outdoor screenings are first come, first serve until capacity for the fenced-in area is reached. No pass is needed for admittance for the outdoor screenings only. It is BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair).


“Blood and Ice Cream” Trilogy synopses:

SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004) – A man decides to turn his moribund life around by winning back his ex-girlfriend, reconciling his relationship with his mother, and dealing with an entire community that has returned from the dead to eat the living.

HOT FUZZ (2007) – Exceptional London cop Nicholas Angel is involuntarily transferred to a quaint English village and paired with a witless new partner. While on the beat, Nicholas suspects a sinister conspiracy is afoot with the residents.

THE WORLD’S END (2013) – Five friends reunited in an attempt to complete an epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind's only hope for survival.


The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United Sates and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events.

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 6/23 - 6/29

This is for the newbie’s since the “old-timers” know and respect each other already. I don’t know about y’all but my Mom taught me if it doesn’t belong to you then don’t touch it. So it should go without saying that if someone has a spot in line and they are not in it don’t move yourself to the front of the line. Second in line you will still get a great seat!

As always please reply to the person offering the passes and not the whole group. I get a lot of people who just hit reply to the email. You need to look at the bottom of the message it will have a button that says reply to sender. That is the one you need to hit and not hit reply up at the top of your email. I just want you to be able to get the passes you need and or want. If you have any questions you can ask me in person or send me a email and I will do my best to help you out.
As always let’s have fun and see you at the movies. damitdaina@hotmail.com

June 23 - June 29

Sun
Jun 23

Mon
Jum 24

Tue
Jun 25

White House Down - 7:00 pm - tba Dallas
White House Down - 7:00 pm - Cinemark 17
Despicable Me 2 - 7:30 pm - Cinemark Legacy

Wed
Jun 26

The Way Way Back - 7:30 pm - AMC Northpark
Despicable Me 2 - 7:30 pm - AMC Irving Mall

Thu
Jun 27

Red 2 - 7:30 pm - Angelika Dallas
Despicable Me - 7:30 pm - AMC Northpark

Fri
Jun 28

The Blind Side - 8:30 pm - The Shops at Park Lane

Sat
Jun 29

Despicable Me 2 - 10:00 am - AMC Stonebriar

World War Z

Max Brooks' novel World War Z was a series of different stories told to a UN investigator about the events that occurred when a devastating virus turns the world population into zombies. The story and screenplay was handled by J.Michael Straczynski, Matthew Michael Cranahan, Drew Goddard and Damon Lindelof who changed the focus of the story to the investigator to be played by Brad Pitt who also worked as a producer on the project. Marc Forester (Quantum of Solace and Finding Neverland) was brought in to direct this heavy FX laden film. The beginning and ending of the movie had gone through many rewrites and reshoots while the sky rocketing budget for the movie was getting more publicity than the movie.

Pitt plays Gerry Lane, a recently retired UN investigator who wants to spend more time with his wife, Karin (Mirelle Enos) and their two daughters Rachel (Abigail Hargove) and Connie (Sterling Jerins). Pitts image as a famous dad makes one think that he's just that kind of father to his real life kids. He's kind, sensitive and firm with girls. Especially when one girl has an asthma and he gently gets her to control her breathing. The movie starts with the crowed streets of Philadelphia when panic erupts and there's total mayhem ensuing as the “infected” start chasing everyone down. No one is safe. Gerry manages to get them out of town when he gets a call that his help is needed. It gets them evacuated to a ship 200 miles off the coast of New York so he agrees only if the powers that be will keep his family safe. Gerry's mission is to find Patient Zero. He was to get their leading scientist to South Korea where there's been message regarding the outbreak. Gerry ends up going around the globe trying to track down the information that will lead to an antidote to the virus. These zombies are not your usual slow moving walking dead. They are fast, strong, and resemble ants climbing on top of each other. The poster and trailer are indicative of what to expect. They are everywhere and it takes only 12 seconds for your body to become one of the undead.

Pitt being the ideal leading man, seems to be only one who is thinking clearly in the whole movie. Swarms of zombies attacking, and people are making sure he gets out alive. And through his various adventures he manages to singlehandedly think of a solution to the whole thing. Aside from that, the pacing and excitement is non stop. There's the tenseness and edge of your seat moments, it's like the first Alien movie where in space no one can hear you scream. There's some genuine jump and yell moments that are not dumbed down and make sense in the movie. Even the quiet scenes to help you get to know the characters and well paced and gives Gerry a center and emotional heart for the story. There will be some criticisms for film, but despite that, this is an “E” ticket ride for the summer.
(Review by reesa)

Much Ado About Nothing

William Shakespeare. Either you love him or you tolerate him because you have to. Apparently Joss Whedon likes him well enough to put in 12 days of filming to produce the 2013 version of Much Ado About Nothing in glorious black and white. This independent film premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and has since won two audience awards. For the uninformed (as to the storyline) "Much Ado About Nothing" is a play which follows the trials and tribulations of two different pairs of would be lovers. The main couple, Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Beatrice (Amy Acker of Lake Highlands/SMU), along with Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Beatrice's cousin, Hero (Jillian Morgese) form the romantic and comedic focus. Benedick and Beatrice traipse through the film, interacting through a series of proper quippy verbal banters. Neither is a fan of the institution of marriage or even the state of love. Much to our joy, Claudio and Hero are sweetly enamored of one another as their romance blossoms, blooms and heads to the alter. Although the young lovers Hero and Claudio give the film its primary movement. But it is banter between the Benedick and Beatrice that intrigues and delights. Shakespeare's writing showcases their journey from states of irritation and an almost hatred into a genuine mature love between two people who both know what they want but could not see it in front of their own eyes.

"Noting" (sounds the same as 'nothing') means to gossip, to spread rumor, and for a modern times reference, cause DRAMA mama. Our two 'haters' are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into publicly shaming Hero at the altar, falsely believing that she has cheated on him. Dogberry (adeptly executed by Nathan Fillion) is a criminal investigator, with a play-on-words wit, who exposes the deception brought about by Don John (Reed Diamond), and helps all move towards our happy-ending party. These are stories and scenarios that the viewer can readily relate to as most of us have been lied to by a friend, misled by an associate, felt confused and helpless about a situation or been misunderstood by someone. It is also safe to say we have all been to celebrations where there is something a little more sinister going on underneath the celebratory surface. In this version, we become so enamored with the characters that we hang on every word that they speak for fear of missing something important. The play is indeed "the thing" and there is very little to distract us from the words, other than the mostly charming facial expressions and vocal characterizations by the actors. Any attempt at bringing Shakespeare to the masses must be a good thing, especially if it is devoid of flashy costumes, gunfire, flashing lights, fireworks and blaze of glory-candle-lit churches as was Luhrmann's version of Romeo and Juliet was. This film is not a spectacle and a lover of the word will be pleased.

This film seems to be Mr. Whedon's baby. It was inspired by past discussions about THE BARD and his works held between friends at the place where it was filmed. Filmed at Whedon's own home, he even wrote music for it, although two of the songs he set to music were lines that Shakespeare wrote to be included in the play. The picture is filmed on tones of white, grey and black, with any natural light coming through windows, glass doors, and reflecting off of mirrors and crystals. Through that, we have an intimate feel as if we are in the kitchen listening in on the discussions or are a guest, ourselves, at the wedding. The dialogue, and this is a film where dialogue is king, brought several mirthful chuckles from the screening audience, although as usual, Shakespearean dialogue is sometimes hard to keep up with, for in the viewers' tight focus, is it possible to miss the lovely innuendo, hidden meanings and sly humor. The film opens June 21, 2013.
(Review by Cheryl Wurtz)

The Bling Ring

Director Sofia Coppola's previous work like The Virgin Diaries, Somewhere, Lost in Translation and Marie Antoinette are inhabited by characters that have a disconnect to the world around them. Her latest entry opened the Un Certain Regard section of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival is based on the 2010 Vanity Fair feature, The Suspects Wore Louboutins by Nancy Joe Sales. The "Burglar Bunch" did a rash of robberies of celebrity homes in 2008-2009. In typical Hollyweird style, the real life perps don't look anything like the pretty actors that are portraying their deeds.

Marc (Israel Broussard) is the new misfit kid at high school having been kicked out for being absent too often from his last location. He's befriended by Katie Chang (Rachel Lee) who invites him to hang with her besties: Nicki (Emma Watson), Sam (Taissa Farmiga), and Chloe (Claire Julien). The are all pretty, shallow young things who go to clubs that celebs frequent. Marc is awestruck and impressed. The young women just accept him as one of their own as he offers style advise. On the way home from a party, Katie shocks Marc by stealing items from open cars then using the wads of cash to fuel their drinking and drugging. One day she tells him she just walked into someone's house who was not home. It gives her the idea to hit Paris Hilton's house when she learns that the Paris is out of the country. Marc being smitten with Katie's attention goes with her. The cycle of robberies begin when the other girls hear about what they did.

They check the gossip columns to find who is going to be out of town, Google their addresses, then walk in through open windows, or use keys under doormats. The kids treat the treasures found at the homes like going shopping, filling designer bags with shoes, jewelry, and wads of cash secreted in cases under the bed or closets. The teens then post themselves dressed in the stolen goodies on Facebook and word spreads among their peers. They also sell the illegal stuff like street vendors. The kids are unaware that some of their escapades are caught on CCTV so it's no surprise that they get caught.

The Bling Ring is monotonous. The kids steal, they buy drugs, they party at clubs, they dress in their ill gotten gain. They are devoid of emotional depth, sympathy or self-awareness. It's hard for the audience to relate to these spoiled white kids, with too much money, time, and lack of purpose to their lives than instant gratification. Supposedly there's some lesson to be learned from the crass consumerism in our lives, but watching these pretty young things being stupid and useless seems like a waste of time. Like the kids, it's pretty to look at but there's nothing there there. It's nice to know they were given prison sentences, although one used it to promote themselves. One thing that does work in the movie, is it has a great soundtrack.
(Review by reesa)

Monsters University

Monsters Inc. was released in 2001 and plans for a second movie were stalled in 2005 following disagreements between Disney's Michael Eisner and Pixar's CEO Steve Jobs. Change of management and the movie was confirmed in 2010. The 14th Pixar movie was directed by Dan Scanlon who also wrote the screenplay with Daniel Gerson and Robert. L. Baird. The story reprises the voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman as the two unlikely friends Mike Wasowski and James “Sulley” Sullivan.

When Mike (Billy Crystal) was a small one eyed green monster he was inspired to become a “scarer” when the class visited Monsters Inc. on a field trip. “Scarers” are like the heroes to most monster children. They collect scarer cards and memorize the stats. Scarers are the ones who frighten human children at night so their screams will energize the monster world. Monsters are not necessarily evil or frightening, so proper techniques are needed to illicit the most intense reactions. Scarers must also take in consideration certain profiles of the child because each fear is unique to each child. The Scare School at Monsters University is the best school to train. It's Mike's dream to attend, but despite his eagerness to start his career, he is unfortunately not a scary monster. Not like Sulley (John Goodman) whose size and sound would be a natural for Scare School, plus he comes from the famous Sullivans and has a reputation to uphold.

Naturally Mike and Sulley lock horns with each others attitudes. Mike is smart, diligent, and works hard at his classes. Sulley just gets by on his physique. Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren) can see that these two lack the potential to be good candidates and they are soon kicked out of the program. The only way to have a 2nd chance is to win the Scare Games where the school fraternities compete to earn a place in Scare School. Mike and Sulley are forced to join the OK frat of nerdy, wimpy monsters to compete.

Pixar used to mean exemplary animated movies. The bright colors, the details in texture, the wide range of characters with every combination of eyes and appendages as there can be. It's fun to watch, The story line could have been taken from any other teen movie that's out there, but only this one has monsters. As with any story the good guys are undermined by the over confident fraternity who wins all the time. Mike becomes single minded and focused trying to train his guys until he realizes that teamwork is the best way to win. And the rivalry of egos and wills between Mike and Sulley goes on until they figure out they need each other. These are life lessons for kids, that are covered in most movies. No matter how inept and nerdy one looks and acts, everyone can achieve their dreams if they work hard and not give up no matter what. And friendship will get you through anything. So glad they didn't break out in a song.
(Review by reesa)

Alamo Drafthouse Richardson Opens a Week Earlier

Update:
Alamo Drafthouse Richardson opens a week earlier

"We could not be more excited to announce that we are moving our grand opening up a full week to August 9th! Since we announced Alamo Richardson last year, our fans have been inquiring about the opening. We have had such a great response to our coming to DFW that we want to meet you cinephiles as soon as possible," said Bill DiGaetano, COO Alamo Drafthouses DFW.

"Also, keep the night of July 25th open. We have a surprise indoor/outdoor event coming your way. This is in addition to the three free Rolling Roadshow screenings for our OUTDOOR SUMMER SERIES already scheduled in July," DiGaetano hinted.

Soft Opening Dates:
August 6-8:
50% off food
$2 movies

Opening Week:
Aug 9-15:
25% off food just to say thank you for welcoming Alamo

Alamo’s FREE OUTDOOR SUMMER SERIES

Each evening will be filled with film, food trucks, beer from local breweries, giveaways and a few film-themed surprises here and there. Party is at Alamo Richardson’s parking lot (located at the SW corner of Central Expressway and Beltline Rd. in the Richardson Heights Shopping Center).

Gates open at 6:30pm. Film rolls at sunset.

July 13: DAZED AND CONFUSED
July 20: THE LOST BOYS
July 25: Special event to be announced
July 27: THE GOONIES

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 6/16 - 6/22

As promised last week, our new moderator will be handling the Sunday calendar newsletter. Please send any feedback directly to her (email is posted below) or post your opinions on our Dallas Movie Screenings Facebook pages. Moderating is a tough job that we do for free, so please be kind and supportive. Welcome Daina!

First of all I would like to say thank you for the warm welcome! Just to tell you a little bit about myself I am a single mom who loves movies. I have a daughter and two fur sons (cat and a dog). I hope y’all can bear with me while I am still learning. Please keep in mind that I do work 12 hour shifts at night.

OK here goes, Facebook is the place you need to go rant, complain or just say what a great time you had. No you will not get banned from the group for just complaining about cutting in line. But correct me if I am wrong everyone allows someone to cut in line with them. So why is it OK for you to allow someone to cut but not the person in front of you? Yes we ask that you limit the amount of people that get in line with you. If you get in line and see someone’s chair or blanket don’t move it. We show each other common curiosity and respect each other. This is like an extended family. Would you want someone moving your spot if you went to eat or go to the bathroom? I am going to say you wouldn’t. I know I wouldn’t.

Next issue is (I won’t name names) but some people are posting they have 6 or more passes and will allow you to have some if you stand in line for them. You shouldn’t be grabbing that many passes to begin with and let alone bargain them to get a spot in line. The people who hand out the passes are in the group and they see what you are saying on Facebook and in the emails, let’s just say you have been warned! They do have the right to not let people win and they do not like it when you enter multiple email accounts and yes they can tell if you do!! So let us all play fair on getting the passes.

Also be kind and give props to the people who gave you the pass. Do not bad mouth them they work really hard!!

Thank you and let’s have fun at the movies.
damitdaina@hotmail.com

June 16 - June 22

Sun
Jun 16

Mon
Jun 17

The Thin Man - 7:00 - Highland Park Village
Monsters University - 7:30 pm - Cinemark West Plano

Tue
Jun 18

The Heat - 7:00 pm - AMC Northpark
World War Z - 7:30 pm - Cinemark West Plano
World War Z - 7:30 pm - AMC Valley View
The Bling Ring - 7:30 pm - Magnolia
Monsters University - 7:30 pm - Rave Ridgmar Fort Worth

Wed
Jun 19

Monsters University - 7:00 pm - Amstar 14
The Way Way Back - 7:30 pm - Magnolia

Thu
Jun 20

The Heat - 7:00 pm - ? Dallas
White House Down - 7:00 pm - Cinemark Legacy

Fri
Jun 21

Madagascar 3 - 8:30 pm - The Shops at Park Lane

Sat
Jun 22

Man of Steel

To answer everyone's question on whether or not Zach Snyder successfully is revamping the Superman franchise with Man of Steel, yes they were; Snyder, Goyer, and Nolan's efforts to distance themselves from Bryan Singer’s 2006 “Superman Returns,” Snyder starts the movie in Krypton, the giant glass covered city is replaced with a grand palace looking more like an alien city rather than the Dallas Cowboys stadium covered in ice and glass. Born on the alien planet of Krypton, Kal-El is sent by his parents to live on planet Earth, where he is given the name Clark by kindly farmer Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) and his wife, Martha (Diane Lane), who raise him as if he were their own son. As a young boy, Clark displays incredible superpowers that instill him with a profound sense of personal responsibility. But when his new world is attacked by a force that humans are powerless to defend themselves against, Clark assumes the identity of Superman and fights to protect the entire human race. Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road, Boardwalk Empire) co-stars as General Zod and Laurence Fishburne steps into the role of "Daily Planet" editor-in-chief Perry White. Russell Crowe as Superman's Krypton father and Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy fill out the well balanced cast.

I personally love this movie, it was a mash up between Superman 1 and 2, but I believe Snyder’s version was much deeper and actually showed his human side and how much he was ostracized by his peers growing up. Kevin Costner did an amazing job as Jonathan Kent; this version showed how Costner’s character really helped shape Superman’s character as the superhero that he is today. All throughout the movie it shows how he follows his fathers' teaching and how he bases his action. My favorite scene in this movie has to be the fight scene, Zod is trying to defeat superman even though it showed that superman was trying to protect his people from him as well but he was trying to make sure he wasn’t the only Kryptonian left in the universe. Clark Kent or Superman has to make several important decisions while dealing with General Zod. The film has a phenomenal ending that movie goers will enjoy. They have already given the green light on the sequel and I believe it is going to be a great one similar to this one. This movie is a must see for the summer and I believe it will be the number one blockbuster this season.
(Review by Junayed Sarwar)

This is the End

This is a hell of a ride. This is directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the writers behind Superbad and Pineapple Express and the also wrote this one. They create this crazy ride from start to finish and I was happy to be apart of it. They manage to work in a blend of raunchy and spoof humor and it works. This movie stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride and Jay Baruchel and that's just scratching the surface.Everyone acted just like themselves (well they played themselves) and delivered some of the funniest lines in recent memories. For an apocalyptic comedy it was shot really well and the special effects were pretty good for a comedy of this level. I had such a great time with this movie and I was laughing from start to finish. No comedy can beat it this year. And if it hasn't come out yet it has a huge pair of shoes to fill. This is one of the best comedies of the year, five years and will become a cult classic. If you like any of those actors or raunchy comedies you will love this. 10/10

Also Seth and Evan came to introduce the film so that was a great memory.
(Review by Chase Lee)

THE MINIONS FROM DESPICABLE ME 2 ARE MISSING…

NEWS RELEASE


THE MINIONS FROM DESPICABLE ME 2 ARE MISSING…

LOOK FOR THEM ACROSS THE NBCUNIVERSAL FAMILY OF WEBSITES AND WIN!




Today Through June 30, Fans of Despicable Me 2 Who Discover Missing Minions Can Win the Most Despicable of Prizes





UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – June 10, 2013 – Universal Pictures announced today that it has launched a search for missing Minions in support of Universal and Illumination Entertainment’s upcoming 3D-CG comedy adventure, Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team have created an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters. Despicable Me 2 will be released on July 3, 2013.



Gru’s loyal yellow, gibberish-speaking Minions love causing mischief and mayhem almost as much as they love bananas. They are easily distracted and can be unpredictable, curious and subversively sweet. They are extremely competitive with each other. This can lead to sudden slap fights, but if someone from the outside tries to harm them or Gru’s family, they become fiercely protective. Now, someone or something has been making them vanish…



By searching for the Minions across the NBCUniversal family of websites—beginning today and lasting until June 30—fans may win any number of despicable prizes. Every day, a new missing Minion will be revealed at www.missingminions.com, along with the NBCUniversal partner website where he may be found. Audiences are asked to visit the specific partner site and search for the missing Minion. To rescue him and enter the drawing for the grand prize, all they must do is click!



For each Minion found, registered users will receive an entry into a grand-prize sweepstakes for a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort. Daily instant-win prizes of Fandango Movie Cash—good for tickets to see Despicable Me 2 in theaters—are also available for lucky fans with keen eyes.



More than 21 NBCUniversal sites are participating in the three-week promotion. Visit www.missingminions.com to find out more and start the search for a missing Minion today.



About Despicable Me 2

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2.



Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters. www.despicable.me

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 6/9 - 6/15

Greeting movie group! First we just want to thank everyone for using our DMS Facebook page to discuss issues that are concerning your free movie going experience. This is the correct forum for this sort of conversation that can not be broadcast on our Yahoo list.

Which brings us to the topic of today's sermon...uh..subject. There are many newbies here, so you "regulars" can skip ahead. These are FREE screening. That's why you are here. They are a gift, not a right. The studios are in no way obligated to invite us to what is normally a press screening. In order to get a good word out for their movies, they ask the public to view and share with their friends. We help them, by attending, politely thanking them, and giving our opinions to the reps after the screening. They ALWAYS give out more passes than there are seats. Some screenings are packed, others are not. It's a given that the blockbuster movies are going to be overbooked. You go with that in mind, that you may not be able to get in. It would be one thing if you paid for your seat, but you are not. The only thing you pay for is your time waiting. It's up to you whether that's worth taking that chance, or are you better off going to the $5 first of the day screening when it opens.

2nd issue. Cutting in line. The passes say 1rst come 1rst served. It's almost expected now that this policy will become more strictly enforced in the future. Especially for big named features. If your party isn't there at the same time, they will be sent to the end of the line. Don't say y'all have not be warned about this before. Nothing is worse than waiting for several hours thinking you are 50 people from the front, than finding yourself 150 behind. Saving space for your guest is normal, but not when you have 10 other people. It's just not cool nor fair to the others who put the time in line to wait and several people comes waltzing in whenever to be ahead of you. Y'all know of whom we speak...

OK...We are introducing a new moderator to the group. Meet Daina Moseley who will be co-captaining the moderator booth. She's usually at the beginning of the movie lines since she works 3rd shift during the night and never sleeps. So don't get confused when those "rejected" messages come from her. (Just do it right the first time so you won't get rejected, duh). Next week she will post the Sunday rant. (I did tell you that, Daina, right?). Please welcome her and be kind. damitdaina@hotmail.com

June 9 - June 15

Sun
Jun 9

The Private Life of a Masterpiece:Auguste Rodin, The Kiss(2004) - 2:00 pm - Kimbel Art Museum

Mon
Jun 10

Man of Steel - 4:15 pm - ? Plano
This is the End - 7:00 pm - AMC Northpark

Tue
Jun 11

Man of Steel - 7:30 pm - Cinemark West Plano

Wed
Jun 12

The Heat - 7:00 pm - ? Dallas
Monsters Universtiy - 7:30 pm - AMC Northpark
The Way Way Back - 7:30 pm - Cinemark West Plano

Thu
Jun 13

Fri
Jun 14

The Loraz - 8:30 pm - The Shops at Park Lane

Sat
Jun 15

The Kings of Summer

There is always the ultimate summertime coming of age story, and it looks like the Kings of Summer will rule. The dramedy by Jordan Vogt-Roberts in his directorial debut was written by Chris Gilletta and premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It was also selected by the Dallas International Film Festival this year. The film captures that particular magical moment in adolescent innocence, when the world if filled with possibilities, and you believe you can conquer all.

The newcomer cast of boys includes Nick Robinson as high school freshman Joe Toy. His widowed father, Frank (Nick Offerman) has a hard time communicating after the death of wife and mother of Joe. Joe's best friend Patrick (Gabriel Basso) is the only child of Mr. & Mrs. Keenan (Marc Evan Jackson and Megan Mullally) who drive hims so crazy that's he's developed hives. Both young men are frustrated by their parents attempts to control their lives. The parents, although well meaning, have lost sight of the swamp that all young teens have to navigate on the way to adulthood. Joe sells Patrick on the idea of building their own house in the woods and living independently. They are joined by a strange kid named Biaggio (Moises Arias who steals all his scenes). He helps them in their mission to become masters of their own destinies. They clear this hidden spot then using found materials, they erect a shelter of sorts, and they even decide to grow beards. Their adventure becomes marred when Joe invites his love interest to his secret hideout and life becomes more complicated.

Maybe it's because the three boys are new to the screen, their performances seem raw and emotionally reckless which is interesting to watch. The name actors have an improvised feel to their performances which are funny and grounded in almost a TV sit com feel, only more amusing. Offerman is particularly understated as the father who sees his son and daughter drift away from him. The emotional heart of this film is journey that both son and father take in growing up and accepting responsibility. There was the other coming of age story, Mud with Matthew McConaughey, which was great but it took itself more seriously. The Kings of Summer is more wistful, quirky and refreshing.
(Review by reesa)

The Internship

This is actually a fun movie. Director Shawn Levy knows how to create an entertaining film, he just hasn't had the right actors. He is the director of such films as: Night at the Museum, Cheaper by the Dozen and Date Night. He captures a fun enteraining ride and that's all I could ask for. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson do a great job. Their on-screen chemistry is hilarious just like it was in Wedding Crashers. Everyone else does an ok job but you see this for them two. There are also a handful amount of cameos. This movie is two hours long and does kind of drag but I would lying if I said I didn't have a good time even in the slow parts. This movie is formulaic to a T, but I had a fun time and it was hilarious in some parts. I wouldn't pay full price but I would give it a high matinee. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

The Purge

As I sit down to write this review, it’s hard for me to gather the words to explain exactly how I feel about The Purge. Did I like it? Meh. Did I hate it? Meh. This movie put me in a very neutral zone with it; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing or a good thing. Yes, there were some cool action sequences and an interesting twist (even though you’d have to be, let’s just say, not the sharpest tool in the shed to see it coming). But also, I think that the idiotic moves made by every single character and awful characters as a whole outweighs those few moments in this film that made it worth watching. I already know that I’m on the fence about this movie. But I have a feeling that as I write this review, I’ll start leaning to one side or another by the end of it.
 
Let’s start with the good parts of this movie. There is a pretty cool premise surrounding the entire thing. For those that don’t know, The Purge is centered on an annual event that occurs. Once a year, for 12 hours, all emergency services shut down and every crime becomes legal, even murder. This idea helps to “weed out” the “jobless and useless citizens” of America. Whether I believe that this is a good idea or not, I’m not going to say as that would begin a whole, unnecessary political debate. Let’s just say, I believe everyone has rights. There. That’s the end of that. Back to the topic… I thought that the idea this movie was based on was great. It’s not everyday that a new thriller comes out with an original idea. Also, there were some pretty cool fight scenes. But that’s about it for the good of this film…onto the bad.
 
Pretty much the entire movie only happens because of some bone-headed kid’s moves. On paper, it’s supposed to look good and like the kid is just caring. But once it’s put onto the screen, it SUCKS. Nothing has made me more mad and irritated in a movie than this. I also don’t believe I’ve hated a character more than this certain kid, played by Max Burkholder. By the end of the movie I was really hoping they’d just kill him so as to rid us of his whiny butt. Seriously, he was not a very likeable character at all. In fact, all of the characters portrayed in this film were unlikable and hard to connect to. They were all poorly written and the actors/actresses depicting them did horrid jobs of it. The actors were so fake in their acting that nothing surprised me when the supposed “twist” happened at the end of the film. I had called it thirty minutes before it was going to happen just because of how readable and dumb the characters were in the beginning of the movie. There were several other bad sides to this movie, but I think I’ve ranted enough.
 
So to complete my review of The Purge, it sucked. Not even the cool, ass-kicking scene with Ethan Hawke and three bad guys could save this movie from being horrible. I’ve made up my mind: don’t see it. Believe me, I tried so hard to like this movie because I wanted it to be really good. But I just couldn’t appreciate it in the slightest. I left the theatre even saying it was pretty good. However, while I thought about it on my drive home and the next day, I realized that it just wasn’t that great. And as I’m writing this review I’m realizing that it just flat out sucked. So, definitely don’t waste your money on this one. You could maybe Redbox it if you’ve got a fever and there really is NOTHING else to watch. But in my personal opinion, The Purge is definitely not something I would waste my time watching.
(Review by Weston Baker)

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 6/2 - 6/8

It looks like it's happening again. People are grabbing passes willy nilly when they go "live" on GOFOBO then using them to barter for other passes. This is not cool. If you have no intention of using the pass, please do not enter the contest of retrieve the GOFOBO pass. Leave it for someone who really wants and can attend. Granted some leeway is given for those with unexpected circumstances, but there's no reason for someone to post that they have multiple passes up for grabs. You realize we can see which people who are the chronic abusers of this group's system. So we are asking you nicely. Don't take a pass if you can't use it. Don't grab more than you need.

And y'all realize that when you release your passes on GOFOBO it doesn't necessarily mean it's up for grabs. It falls into a void, and does no one here any good to know you cancelled the pass.

Obviously there's going to be total madness with everyone trying to see Superman this week. There is another screening for this next Tuesday, so if you didn't get a pass, please enter the contests available for that screening.

June 2 - June 8

Sun
June 2

HBO's Mary and Martha - 3:00 pm - First United Methodist Irving
Back to the Future - 8:30 pm - Annette Strauss Square

Mon
June 3

Lawrence of Arabia - 7:00 pm - Highland Park Village
The Purge - 7:30 pm - Magnolia
Kings of Summer - 7:30 pm - Angelika Dallas

Tue
June 4

The Internship - 6:30 pm - AMC Northpark
The Kings of Summer - 7:30 pm - Plano
The Purge - 7:30 pm - AMC Northpark
The Way Way Back - 7:30 pm - Angelika Dallas

Wed
June 5

Man of Steel - 7:30 pm - AMC Northpark
This is the End - 7:30 pm - AMC Grapevine

Thu
June 6

The Internship - 7:00 pm - Cinemark West Plano
Devious Maids - 7:00 pm - Look Cinema
White House Down - 7:00 pm - Angelika Dallas
This is the End - 7:30 pm - Look Cinema
The Kings of Summer - 7:30 pm - Plano

Fri
June 7

Sat
June 8