Movies Scheduled 9/28-10/4

Wohoooo it is finally going to October this week. I have been waiting it seems like forever!!

Now if you see that someone has a movie you want, DO NOT HIT REPLY!! It just goes back to the group and then I will be rejecting it. If you look at the whole email it will tell you it is posted by: and then give you their email. Copy that email and hit forward and then paste the email in the to bar. Really not so hard. But if you really do want the pass being offered that is the way to be like the first person to get it. Otherwise you are just going to be out of luck. Heck last week it was really bad and I even sent out a little reminder and I got a few people asking me for the pass and then even still more just hitting reply. Trust me, I really do want you to see the movie and don't want to be a jerk about it but dang it is so getting out of hand.

If you have any questions please email me at damitdaina@hotmail.com

Sunday September 28th


Monday September 29th

Pride 7:30 p.m. AMC Northpark
The Good Lie 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas


Tuesday September 30th

Annabelle 7:30 p.m. AMC Mesquite
Men, Women and Children 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas


Wednesday October 1st

Men, Women and Children 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas
The Liberator 7:30 p.m. AMC Mesquite
Annabelle 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas

Thursday October 2nd

Gone Girl 7:00 p.m. Angelika Dallas
Best of Me 7:30 p.m. SMG Arlington

Friday October 3rd


Saturday October 4th

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 10:30 am. AMC Northpark

Believe Me and Filmmaker Interview

Directed by Will Bakke, Written by Michael B. Allen and Will Bakke

Right from the get-go I was thinking how did the filmmaker from “Beware of Christians” directed this film. This story is of course about a very sneaky and exploitive plot by non-Christians to steal from unknowing Christians. I didn’t know that the same guy I met in high school could make a technically secular movie and be the same.

Four young men decide to concoct an incredibly obvious fake Christian charity in order to satisfy their needs. Sam the lead character comes up with the idea as he realizes his scholarship has expired. From then on we are led to a spin in all directions of consequences for these actions which in turn reveals personal qualities of the characters. First thing that reminded me that this was not trying to be a “Christian” film was a hazed boy getting slapped in the face like an alarm clock. All four characters seem not to be very likable at first. I did get a sense of bro-hood between these four friends. I loved the characteristics and performances from the main actors. For example, one character is a blooming compulsive gambler who doesn’t really seem to have a conscience.

The relative quickness of the film gave no room for boring slowness and gave great way to hilarious scenes. The explained different stereo-typical Christian ways of worship just blew the roof off of the theater. All throughout the piece there is clever writing about that classic suburb white Christian boy or girl. One thing I did get about this project was the wrap up which gave a sense of morals. Taking the fact that this film did explore a mischievous and crazy idea, it was nice that real thought was shown as a theme.

I was taken aback by the production and great filming with a kind of small budget. We see for instance inside a huge theater, a worship band playing in a made-up conference, different logos on shirts, and familiar faces. This really was a film that entertained and was not preachy at all. My liking of the film goes out to Mr. Bakke and the rest of the team for really opening up about certain things in Christianity. Some of those things that we see in the film are not so good. If a family wants to see a thought-provoking and hilarious college guy movie, this is it.
(Review by Wyatt Head)





Q and A Believe Me Highland Park Village

Q: How was the casting process like?
A: We initially were finding people in Austin but then decided to go to LA, that was when it was good.

Q: How hard was this to get it made?
A: We learned as we went, we got a lot of home-based funding. Getting relationships was really important to us. We had night shoots and that was a big learning experience.

Q: Where was this filmed?
A: Almost all in Austin. We used the Long Center, Gateway Church, and Bob’s steak and Chop House was in there too.

Q: Did you go past where you expected for the film?
A: Talent was awesome. Nick Offerman is an outspoken atheist but it wasn’t polarizing.

Q: How hard was it to not get preachy?
A: We could not get preachy. Having two writers helped correct each other and helped out the script. Sinqua was a Christian, Michael didn’t really know the Bible, oh, and Christians do drink beer!

Q: Did you face any discrimination?
A: We showed the film to churches and got good feedback.

Q: What about the ending?
A: We left it open so people would start a discussion.

Q: What’s next?
A: We have some good ideas. We want to make the “Believe Me” outcome as good as possible and we all already opening in 14 markets. You can also rent it already. Here it’s at AMC Grapevine and Highland Village.

Q: What message are you trying to grasp with this film?
A: Where does the hope reside in you? Does it reside in Jesus or just in your private Christian community?

Tracks

In today's world most everyone lives in a technological bubble. We rely on our cell phone, Internet, GPS's and television to get us through the day and connect with the world. Imagine being alone and in the middle of nowhere trekking through desert with only camels and a dog. Tracks is based on a true story by Robyn Davidson's of her adventure in 1977 on travelling by foot 1700 miles across eastern Australia from Alice Springs to Uluru on the Indian Ocean. Directed by John Curran (Painted Veil) working from a script by Marion Nelson, the film relies on the expressive face of it's star Mia Wasikowska. Considering that she really has no one to talk with during her journey, the camera must effectively captures her inner journey.

Robyn (Wasikowska) moved from the rat race of civilization to Alice Springs where she worked and lived for two years to learn how to train and handle wild camels. Camels were brought to the continent in 1840 for expeditions and then abandoned. Now Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world. She became known as the Camel Lady and after her hard work with cameleers she acquired 3 camels and a calf, Dubs, Dookie, Zelly and Baby Goliath. To finance this trip she wrote a letter to the National Geographic Magazine who agreed to fund her expedition. They assigned a photographer, New Yorker Rick Smolan (Adam Driver), to meet up with her every 4-5 weeks and chronicle her journey. Rick is a bit of a hyperactive talking guy which at first reminds Robyn as to why she wants the solitude. Travelling at a pace of 20 miles per day, he is able to calculate when and where he would be able to connect with her.

Her walk takes her on the most forbidding, dry, hot territory. The countryside is is colored in burnt sienna, pinks, various shades of brown and tan. The land is either dry and cracked or variegated carpet of hardy green plants struggling to survive. At times windstorms created dusty whirligigs that threaten her supplies. With only drinking water carried by her camels, the dust and dirt is etched on her face and body. Sunburn, parched lips and the never ending drudgery of the endless miles makes her question her resolve. The ground is so hot that even the baby camel has trouble walking on it. She is usually just wrapped in a sarong that she uses as a scarf and ditches the pants. Some stretches she begins to lose faith and have hallucinations. And there were some parts where she travelled with an aboriginal “old fella” Mr. Eddy (Rolley Minutma) a respected elder who she needed to transverse across the Aboriginal sacred lands. Mr. Eddy didn't speak much English and chatted away in his native Pitjantjatjara.

Mia Waskikowska gives an riveting performance as the lone traveller. She trained with the real Robyn Davidson who showed her the ways of the camel. And Adam Driver as the dorky smitten photographer is perfectly cast. There's no political undercurrents and no social or environmental commentaries in the story. Robyn is given a little backstory concerning the death of her mother and her father had one time did a trek in East Africa. There are endless shots of miles and miles of viewing her squinty eyes and her dusty sandals, lumbering camels, wild bull camel attacks, nosey tourists and press encounters. And if anyone wonders why the heck would anyone want to endure such hardships? As the real Robyn Davidson replies, “why not?”
(Review by reesa)

The Equalizer

The television series of the same name ran for four years in the mid to late 80's starring Edward Woodward as the ex-government intelligence agent trying to atone for his sins. Training Day director Antoine Fuqua with writer Richard Wenk (Expendables 2 and The Mechanic) re-imagine the concept with what could possibly lead to a franchise. The movie will be successful no matter what because Denzel Washington headlines the cast. At the age of 60 he has a lived in body with a slight paunch around the middle and not some unnaturally pumped superhero. He radiates that mind first over action. But don't worry, there's plenty of action. It's a character type that he's played before, so not too many surprises.

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) lives alone quietly in a sparse north Boston apartment where he times all his activities by his stop watch. Everything from brushing his teeth, to eating his dinner and washing dishes. He works at a Home Depot/Lowe's building supply store where he's quiet, unassuming and well liked by his co-workers. He mentors a pudgy clerk, Ralphie (Johnny Skourtis) who is trying to apply to become a store security guard. McCall is also an insomniac who when not sitting at home reading, takes his book and goes the local 24/7 diner for a cup of tea. He's precise in everything that he does including setting his book, napkin and spoon in a particular configuration. At the diner he has been encouraging prostitute Alina (Chloë Grace Moretz) to follow her dream of being a singer and to eat well. When Alina ends up in the hospital after her Russian pimp beats her up, McCall decides to buy Alina from the Russian mobsters.

The camera slows down when McCall is assessing the seemingly impossible situation in front of him. The first action sequence in the film is exciting and gruesome. Unfortunately for McCall is that he messed with the eastern hub of the Russian mafia leader Vladimir Pushkin (Vladimir Kulich). Pushkin sends in his number one henchman Teddy (Marton Csokas) who uses corrupt members of the Boston Police to investigate the deaths of the mobsters. Teddy is the classic sociopath villain, brutal, unforgiving and Csokas chews up the scenery at every sneer. He easily figures out McCall is not what he seems. McCall seeks out his past sources to dig up stuff on Teddy so it clears up some of his story.

The ending showdown complete with dramatic music is what to be expected and then some. Washington only engages in one fist-a-cuffs, but mostly relies on clever booby traps and there's a nail gun involved. There are some plot holes, but the movie moves along quickly so you don't think of it until later. By then you are willing to let it go because it's a satisfying 1 ½ hours spent at the IMAX.
(Review by reesa)

The Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football

epixhd.com/forgotten-four-the-integration-of-pro-football


The hour long documentary narrated Tony Award® winner Jeffrey Wright and produced by 52 time Emmy® award winner Ross Greenburg tells the little known story of four outstanding African American athletes who broke the color barrier in pro football in 1946. It will air on the premium entertainment network EPIX on September 23 at 7:00 PM CST.

When the first football league was formed in 1921, it was becoming a growing obsession in America. African Americans were able to distinguish themselves on the field. It wasn't until 1933 at the owners meeting that the color line became enforced. George Preston Marshall who had brought the half time show and team mascots to football was unfortunately also a bigot and the leading opponent at keeping Americans of color out of the game. Kenny Washington was a star player in 1936 at UCLA where he played with Woody Strode and Jackie Robinson. They were the powerhouses of their team. Washington and Strode were known as the Golddust Twins. But as good as they were on the team, they still had to endure being ostracized by the prejudice that was prevalent of the times. Washington even played on the all star team where he got a touch down. All the players on this team were drafted except for him. After college, he went on to join the police and played with the minor league team the LA Bears.

In 1941, Paul Brown was a teacher and coach from Ohio State that brought modern methods of training such as film, equipment and new plays. He also wanted win with the best players, which meant ability and not color. Bill Willis played for Ohio State and Marian Motley met Paul Brown when he played for the Navy team that Brown coached during the war years. Brown later on helped establish the American Football Conference with his Cleveland Browns in 1946. Willis had coached at an all black college before he joined the Browns. And Motley had become a steel worker after college before joining the team. The Browns went on the win the championship in 1946.

At the same time the Rams decided to move to Los Angeles to play at the LA Coliseum. Washington was not forgotten in LA and the Coliseum since it was city owned and not private told the Rams owner, Washington plays or you don't get the venue. Washington brought back Strode. But owner Dan Reeves was a racist and disliked the fact that Strode had married a Hawaiian woman which was considered a mixed couple. Washington was also mistreated on the team, and the coach had to keep him in the field in order to protect him for this fellow players. Washington stayed with the Rams for 3 seasons and then continued his career with the police. Strode played for 1 season and became an actor.

Times have certainly changed and in thanks to the young men who were willing to endure the ignorant mindset of the times. The shameful legacy of racism that is slowly, maybe too slowly, being erased due to these brave men who were able to keep playing and exhibit their talent for the game. Jackie Robinson is probably the best known black athlete that broke the color line in baseball, but if it wasn't for the four men in football, he probably would have not been given the chance.
(Review by reesa)

Movies scheduled 9/21-9/27

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!! It is the last day of Summer, finally!! Man the year is going by so fast!

We had someone trade for a movie in the future this week, when you do that you take the risk of there not being any other screenings for that movie.

Please be advised that when we send out the info on the contest we don't always know where the screening is held. So it is best to click the link and see if you want that screening. We do try to help you out but you have to do a little of the work as well.

As always if you have any questions please email me at damitdaina@hotmail.com.


Sunday September 21st


Monday September 22nd

Two Night Stand 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas


Tuesday September 23rd

Kill The Messenger 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 7:00 p.m. Angelika Dallas

Wednesday September 24th

Dracula Untold 2:00 p.m. Cinemark West Plano
The Best of Me 7:30 p.m. SMG Royal
The Equalizer 7:30 p.m. AMC Northpark & Cinemark 17
Men, Women and Children 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas


Thursday September 25th

The Good Lie 7:00 TBA
Hector and the Search for Happiness 7:30 p.m. AMC Northpark
Mas Negro Que La Noche 7:30 p.m. AMC Mesquite


Friday September 26th


Saturday September 27th

Star Wars Rebels 10:30 a.m. AMC Northpark

The Skeleton Twins

Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader are amazing at comedy, as well as having great timing; but can they really pull off drama? Wiig has done some films after “Bridesmaids” that were dramatic but never really garnered attention from fans or critics. Hader hasn’t done much after SNL, but whenever he is on screen, he has a presence. “The Skeleton Twins” shows us that they can both give us a subtle comedic, yet deeply dramatic performance. As stated, Wiig hasn’t really hit big with critics with her dramatic performances, but this one is her best work. The direction of this film shows us two deeply flawed characters, but you can’t help but root for them. The deep emotional scenes between all these characters make it more relatable as Wiig and Hader play brother and sister. I have a brother so I felt for them more, even if they made some bad decisions because we have all made bad decisions but our siblings have our backs. I have already praised Hader and Wiig, but a standout in this is Luke Wilson. He plays Wiig’s husband, and he just loves his life until they very end and it’s a huge shift in his character and I felt bad for him. I won’t tell you why as I don’t do spoilers. Wilson adds depth to his supporting role and he was great in it. The cinematography is nothing special, it’s shot well, but there is nothing to rave about. The film is about an hour and half and it coasts along as I didn’t feel anything slowing down. I was interested in these deeply flawed characters and how their lives, sometimes crappy, unfold. It was like seeing a real sibling couple with real life problems and that is one of the best compliments you can give a movie; it felt real. This was a surprising movie with great performances and interesting characters. Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader, if you read this, keep doing drama and comedy; you are great at both. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby

Yes, that is the lead female character’s name. Her parents met at a Beatles concert and dad’s last name is Rigby. This film is all about relationships, emotions and growing through experiences, either apart or together. Eleanor (Jessica Chastain) is the very bright, introspective, educated, some-what emotive daughter of an intellectual college professor (William Hurt) and a free spirited French mother (Isabelle Huppert ) who is a musician. She spent her early years growing up in an idyllic, nurturing setting in the burbs. She has fallen deeply, madly in love with Conor (James McAvoy) who is really not the kind of man her parents want for her but they love her and the relationship blossoms. Together they have to face a life altering event, both together and apart, as so many of us in real life have to do. But the journey if different when seen through each of their eyes. The version of the film “THEM” is a compilation of two other original films in existence, titled “Him” and “Her”.

If you were fortunate enough to have seen the ThirtySomething episode where Nancy and Elliot have a tense double date with Hope and Michael, followed by an tense argument, it was told in four separate 15 minute segments, one each through the eyes of each of the 2 participants and 2 observers, then you will get the drift that first time director Ned Benson was aiming for. Different points of view. Do men and women view and experience life processes and events differently, which is a rather rhetorical question.

This is not a date night film or one that will leave you light hearted in the end. It is serious stuff and you, the viewer, will be riding a bit of an emotional roller coaster and come through it a little coaster-broke and damp at the end.

The families of both of the main characters are brought into play by necessity, for they love these two and have also been impacted by the tragic event. Conor’s dad (Ciaran Hinds) and Elenor’s sister (Jess Weixler) each interact with their own family member in ways that pull them away from the memories of the event, yet further their growth. Details are revealed little by little through the course of the film, as the viewer realizes that each of them, Eleanor and Conor, are indeed focusing on very different things as they move throughout the adjustment period, in very different ways. Conor, as a man, deals quickly and intensely and moves on while Eleanor, as a female, must move much more slowly and methodically, coming to terms with what she can as well as those aspects which she may never ever come to terms with.

It may be a bit of a film relationship commitment; buying into the situation that seeing “Them” will be an incomplete experience without also viewing “Him” and “Her” but anyone who has even a casual interest in the dynamics of male/female relationships with bite for the three as a unit. I had read, in doing some research, that the second movie usually won viewers' over to that particular character's side, regardless of whether the film was "Him" or "Her”. The movie’s score was unique in tone and helped to pull the viewer into the emotional soup. One press viewer was moved to tears by the relationship dynamics. The pace is a little slow and brooding at time. We are just not used to quiet extended scenes in today’s films and in this film, there are many.
(Review by Cheryl Wurtz)

The Maze Runner and Cast Interview

Another YA, young adult, post apocalyptic novel has made it to the big screen. This time around based on James Dashner's science fiction trilogy which means we can expect 2 (or 3) more films in this series. What makes this different than the Mockingjay or Divergent movies, is that the teens are not so much filled with romantic angst or set on killing each other. There is a little bit of Lord of the Flies going on, but the story is mostly leaning towards survival in a world where the inhabitants have lost their memories of their previous lives. The film is directed by Wes Ball and written by Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers, and T.S. Nolin. For book purists there are some changes from the source material, but nothing that takes away from the main story. For those who haven't read the book, don't worry, it's just as enjoyable as an adventure story.

The film opens when a young man Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) is stuck in a cage elevator that seems to be going up. He's clueless as to why he is there, where he going, and who the heck he is. When the cage arrives at it's destination he is surrounded by a group of young men just like him, teens of various ages, sizes and colors. The place is called The Glade. They have all experienced the same thing. A new person has been sent to the Glade every month with a few supplies for the past couple of years. They have learned to build a society of sorts after a few months. They are lead by Alby (Ami Ammen) who was the first to arrive. The Glade is surrounded by a huge wall on all four sides. This is called The Maze. No one has ever survived a night in the Maze. That is when the Grievers come out. If you are stung by a Griever, your memory comes back, but it also makes you crazy.

Alby is the first to notice that Thomas is not your ordinary recruit to the Glades. He's curious, and single minded in his desire to leave. Some members of The Glade like Gally (Will Poulter) thinks it's better to stay where they are and stay safe. Events come to head when an unexpected arrival shows up in the cage and it's a young woman, Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) who has a note on her saying she is the last. Now Thomas is determined to figure a way out. He joins the “runners” lead by Minho (Lee Ki-hong) who have been mapping the labyrinth with others for years. What makes it difficult is the walls move into different configurations every day. The door to the Maze closes each night to keep The Glade safe from the night moving Grievers.

This will no doubt span video games as the escape is filled with one crisis after another. The special effects are riveting with the moving walls and the spider like mechanical and flesh Grievers. For this young adult genre, it's probably the best one going out there. The action scenes and the dynamics of the characters will make this a franchise that will be worth watching in the future.
(Review by reesa)

Round table interview with Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scolelario, and Will Poulter at the ZaZa Hotel.

A Walk Among the Tombstones

Liam Neeson has made a brand name for himself with his tough guy character honed in such films as Taken and Non-Stop. The loner, hard bitten, fearless gun man is a very believable image for him. Director and writer Scott Frank (who also wrote The Wolverine, Marley & M and The Lookout) based this film on a novel of the same name by Lawrence Block. It's kind of a perfect movie for the end of September which is not known for opening memorable flicks. This is a nice intense, well paced mystery that keeps the creepy factor up and rounds it up with street justice prevailing.

The story takes place in 1999 a few years after a tragic shoot out that caused Matthew Scudder (Neeson) to quit his job on the police force and enter Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. Now he works as a unlicensed private detective who does favors for gifts by his clients. One AA meeting member druggie Peter (Boyd Holbrook) asks Scudder to help his brother Kenny (Dan Stevens) . His wife was kidnapped for ransom. He paid the ransom, but they killed his wife in a most gruesome manner. He wants Scudder to bring him the men responsible. Scudder figures out the guy is drug trafficker and at first says now. Events change his mind as he discovers that it may be the job of sexual sadist serial killers.

The film is drenched in a muted pallet of colors feeling like fall, dreary and cold. The victims are lighted in bright colors to emphasize the horror that befalls them. As Scudder uncovers clues by using his police skills questioning everyone and anyone that may have witnessed the kidnappings, he also encounters members of the DEA who seem to be watching some of the same people. Added to the mix is a street kid he meets at the library who decides that Scudder is now is role model. TJ (Brian “Astro” Bradley) ingratiates himself into becoming Scudder's associate giving Scudder some emotional background. Ólafur Darri Ólafsson gives some interesting moments as the cemetery groundskeeper that gives Scudder some hard information.

This is a hard-boiled detective with noir roots. The gender based violence by the unrepentant sadists who delight in torturing their victims seems to be there only to make the expected revenge to be the only solution. No reason as to why these guys are doing this and vague speculations on how they are choosing the women outside of just because they are crazy. Plus the plot a little too muddled at times with the tenants of the 12-Step program running in the background. Other than that, this is a good adult thriller that will keep one's interest until the very end.
(Review by reesa)

Tusk

Disturbing, but in a funny way, would be the best word to describe writer/director Kevin Smith's new movie. Based on a listing from a UK Craigslist type website from a guy who had been lost at sea with his only companion being a walrus that he named Gregory. He was offering free lodging for someone to wear a walrus suit and make walrus noises while he throws him fish and crabs. The listing was perfect fodder for Smith's podcast. The story stayed with him and he eventually turned the story into a horror comedy that is also filled with social commentary.

Wallace Bryton (Justin Long) and Teddy Craft (Haley Joel Osment) are obnoxious podcasters for their show called the Not See Party (get it?). They come across this viral video from Manitoba and Wallace decides to take a road trip so he can interview him. Unfortunately the kid passed away, and now Wallace is stuck in Canada with nothing for his show. A flyer on the bathroom wall offered him an idea when it advertises free room and board to someone who will listen to an old man's seafaring stories before he dies. Wallace drives to the middle of nowhere and meets Howard Howe (Michael Parks) who is the most gracious host telling Wallace some amazing tales. Especially the one where he was lost at sea and ended up on a deserted island where only a walrus, which he named Tusk, for his companion. This is where the drugged tea that he fed Wallace takes effect. Wallace wakes up in a wheel chair and his leg is missing. Howe blithely explains he got bit by a recluse and it had to come off.

Howe confesses to Wallace that he must become a walrus because after all isn't man indeed a walrus in heart? Somehow Wallace finds his phone and quickly calls his girlfriend Ally (Genesis Rodriguez) and Teddy. They don't answer their phone because they are busy having an affair with each other. When they finally compare messages of a desperately sounding Wallace, they go to Canada to find him. They enlist the help of a Montreal ex-detective Guy Lapointe (Johnny Depp who is over the top and steals the movie) who has been investigating the disappearance of some young men whose body parts have only turned up.

The movie seems to be divided into two parts with time being spent with Lapointe telling Ally and Teddy's stories of his investigation. While Howe is giving Wallace long winded speeches on life and other endless rambles. Justin Long gives a believable performance as the jerk podcaster who was once a nice guy according to his long suffering girlfriend. But as the money and popularity of the show expanded, so did his personality that didn't know when to shut it down. It's also nice to see Osment back on screen and he's got the perfect voice for podcast, btw. There are some funny stuff especially when riffing off the differences between Canadians and Americans. Look for Smith and Depp's daughters in some small roles as store clerks. And there's some really good horror elements. It's just the ending that seems sort of a let down. But definitely worth a look.
(Review by reesa)

This is Where I Leave You

Jonathan Tropper wrote the screenplay based on his book of the same name. Directed by Shawn Levy (Real Steel, Night at the Museum) this new American comedy features a cast of well known familiar faces such as Jane Fonda, Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver and Cory Stall. They are thrown together to portray the Altman family that has gathered for a week after the passing of their father. There was obviously no thought during the casting to make sure there is some family resemblance. Fortunately the quality of the talent is enough to forgive this oversight. It's an amusing dysfunctional sit com type of story with just enough family angst to make it interesting.

The movie starts with Judd (Jason Bateman) discovering his wife Quinn (Abigail Spencer) having an affair with his obnoxious radio shock jock boss Wade Beaufort (Dax Shepard). And it's been going on for the past year. When Judd has to return to the family home to mourn the death of his father, he doesn't want anyone to know that he's divorcing his wife. His mother Hillary (Jane Fonda) is a best selling author who wrote a guide for raising children based on her own kids. Which has basically scared them for life. Wendy (Tina Fey) is married with kids and a husband who rather work. Paul (Corey Stoll) who stayed in their small town to help run the family business, with his wife Alice (Kathryn Hahn). They are trying to have a baby. And there is Phillip (Adam Driver) the youngest and least responsible sibling who brings his psychologist older girlfriend Tracy (Connie Britton).

Mom says that their dad's last request was the family practice Shiva, a Jewish 7 day mourning period even though the kids say dad was an atheist. Every day they sit together while neighbors and friends come over to offer their condolences. As with every family which such a diverse group of personalities, the teasing, bickering, and typical sibling conflicts are played out. Wendy is still wondering what could have been with her old boyfriend Horry (Timothy Olyphant) who lives across the street. He suffered a brain injury and they had broken up. She is still attracted to him even though he's a little spacey. Judd meets up with an old classmate Penny (Rose Byrne) and begins to see a way out of his marriage failure depression.

There is so much going on in this movie from Fonda's prodigious bosom, the secret Quinn relays to Judd that will change his life, turning over Wade's car just for spite, and mom's big surprise at the end. There's some tender moments of family love and appreciation. There are moments of characters realizing their limitations and abilities to grow and move on. Worth it if you just need a light movie that will make you smile.
(Review by reesa)

The Guest

Dan Stevens is terrifyingly good in this film to where I do not want him in my house as a guest. I only kid as that is what a good actor is suppose to do, lose themselves in a role. This film is directed by Adam Wingard, director of last year’s hit “You’re Next”, and he brings us an homage to 80’s horror, suspense and thriller films and it works.  It’s suspenseful, brutal, and packed with the dark humor, that this is an entertaining ride from start to finish.  Adam has said “You’re Next” and this one are in the same universe, and after seeing both I can say I am a huge fan of Wingard’s style and I can’t wait to see more from him, especially if it’s in the same universe. It is directed with a distinct flair, and I will say he is like the horror, suspense version of Quentin Tarantino. It reminded a lot of the “Halloween” films and how Michael Myers is portrayed, which I really enjoyed.

Dan Stevens plays the title character, the guest, and the story is basic. A man comes to the house of a fallen solider claiming they were combat buddies in the military, then afterwards the crap hits the fan and we see why the guest is the way he is. I really don’t want to say anymore because I want you to experience it firsthand. The rest of the cast is fine, sometimes laughably bad, but Dan Stevens sells this role as a guy who can likable one moment and then you want to kill him the next. If you want to be creeped out, Dan has a few scenes where he is staring blankly and it is terrifying; and for the ladies he takes off his shirt, so if your boyfriend or husband drags you to this, you have that to look forward, too.

The film is shot well and the action, violent scenes look graphic and gory in all of its glory. With this being an homage to the 80’s, the color palette looks very bright and kind of dirty adding an older look to it. With its runtime at around 100 minutes, it flies by, however, I can see people being bored at the beginning; there is a slow build up to the final act. The pacing didn’t bother me because I just wanted see what crazy, brutal antics the guest was going to do next. If you liked or loved “You’re Next”, you will like this one as Adam makes another film that shows us he is re-inventing the horror, suspense and thriller genres with his fresh, unique approach that will stand out among the crap coming out today. This is badass film and damn fun, entertaining ride. I want to see that third film to cap off the trilogy in this cinematic universe. 7.5/10
(Review by Chase Lee)




Check out the interview with director, Adam Wingard, and writer, Simon Barrett; and the interview with Dan Stevens below!


Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett Interview: 



Dan Stevens Interview:

Movies Scheduled 9/14-9/20

I hope everyone is enjoying this weather!!

Thank you all, I haven't had to reject many replies! It is super awesome! Make sure you get only tickets you are going to use and not batter for better movies. Sure I know that we all enter several contests since we don't know if we will win. I know things do come up and you can't make it but grabbing up passes when you know you won't go and not letting someone who will go just isn't cool.

If you have any questions please email me at damitdaina@hotmail.om


Sunday September 14th


Monday September 15th

The Judge 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas
The Is Where I Leave You 7:30 p.m. AMC Northpark
The Guest 7:30 p.m. Alamo Drafthouse

Tuesday September 16th

War Of The Arrow 7:30 p.m. Alamo Drafthouse
The Maze Runner 7:00 p.m. SMG Northwest Hwy.
A Walk Among The Tombstones 7:30 p.m. AMC Northpark

Wednesday September 17th

A Walk Among The Tombstones 7:30 p.m. Cinemark 17
This Is Where I Leave You 7:30 p.m. SMG Royal
Hector and The Search for Happiness 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas

Thursday September 18th

Friday September 19th

Saturday September 20th

Dolphin Tale 2

Obviously any movie that includes a number means it's a sequel to a previous film of the same name. In this case, it's 2011's Dolphin Tale. Reprising their roles the kids in the first movie are now teenagers, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium which was on the verge of closing is now expanding and successful, and the amputee dolphin Winter is still the star of the show. Written and directed by Charles Martin Smith, the film still carries a heavy faith based agenda, but it manages to offer some character development with the themes of growing up and letting go.

Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) has been offered a scholarship to special program on a tall ship studying marine life. It's a one chance opportunity that shouldn't be missed. However, Sawyer is worried about Winter who has been acting strangely. Her longtime companion dolphin has just passed, and Mandy who they had hoped to pair with Winter is rehabbed enough to be sent back to the wild. If they can't “fix” Winter, she will have to be transferred to another facility according to the USDA inspector. The sea life rescue operations are featured in detail as the aquarium volunteers saves a young motherless dolphin who they name Hope. Hopefully they will be able to introduce her to Winter so they can bond.

Ashley Judd is back as Sawyer's mom who offers sage advise, and tries to urge her son to accept the scholarship. Harry Connick Jr is the noble aquarium vet, Dr. Clay Haskett and the father of Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), Sawyer's best friend. Morgan Freeman as Dr. Cameron McCarthy lends the production some class as the designer of Winter's prosthetic tail. And blink and you might miss him Kris Kristofferson as Hazel's grandfather. Bethany Hamilton, the real life surfer who lost her arm to a shark, plays herself as does Winter who both offer role model inspiration to all the amputee's that come in buses to witness the miracle of tail less dolphin.

The movie is quiet and easy paced when compared to other kids animated movies that color bomb your brain and it's headache inducing high pitched voiced characters. Dolphin Tale 2 offers a view behind the scenes of an aquarium with it's dedicated volunteers that help it run and the training they must undertake. Emphasis is on the goal of the aquarium to rescue, rehabilitate and release wild life and when necessary by offering medical assistance. The scenes with the dolphins are assisted with some aminatronics and visual effects. The scene stealing Pelican is a nice sub plot with him stalking a sea turtle that is rescued. Over all a good family picture, if you don't mind nothing much happening.
(Review by reesa)

The Drop

How I can give my review and describe better this movie from my personal point of view; where so many things going on and happen at once and at the same time. This film is an American crime-drama film directed by Michaël R. Roskam and written by Dennis Lehane. Tom Hardy stars as a man looking to reform his criminal ways that gets mixed up in a bad heist and a killing resulting from a lost and contested pit bull. Noomi Rapace will play Nadia, a woman with a scar across her entire neck who crosses paths with the first actor and protagonist; when he finds a wounded puppy outside her home. Bob and Nadia talk secrets and past lives right after they met.

The drama follows and describe lonely live of a Boston bartender, Bob Saginowski, role played by (Tom Hardy), who rescues a puppy from a garbage can and becomes the target of the dog's abusive and mentally unstable former owner, Bob really likes his new puppy that he named Rocco, Nadia also offered her help to rise Rocco and take care of the dog when he is working in the bar; while simultaneously Bob getting caught in the middle of a criminal conspiracy playing out in his mob-controlled bar; The film describe and showed how Bob got involved in a covert scheme of funnelling cash to local gangsters – where his cousin’s bar is used as a “money drop”; James Gandolfini play the role as Cousin Marv; who got kill by one of the organize crime gangsters.
The movie showed to us how Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living no matter the cost.

This movie is must only for adult audience; people can follow the drama and understand why Bob have to act like that under certain circumstances in his life. He got tired of the black mind of the older owner of the dog; asked him 10 grants to keep the dog, or give it back; one day after the big Drop of money after the Super bowl event in the bar; this is a very busy in the bar, after must everybody left the bar, Bob tired of this man just killed him in front of Nadia; She promises to keep it quiet. Life continues his course like every day and nothing wrong had happen.
(Review by Diana Downing)

Movies Scheduled 9/7-9/13

Please make sure to not ask for passes until all the contests are over. Take the time out and fill out the contests forms. Sure some people end up getting extra passes but don't make them do all the work for you.

Don't leave your chair holding your spot all day long. If you do then don't be surprised when you come back at it is at the front desk. Now if you go get something to eat that is one thing, but leaving it while you go to work and then come back isn't right at all!

Sure you may think oops I didn't read the email and just replied to the group. Trust me it isn't just one person in a blue moon. Sure sometimes it is the same group of people doing it over and over again. Some days you just want to hit your head into a wall but that wouldn't help anyone, now would it.

If you have any questions please email me at damitdaina@hotmail.com

Sunday September 7th


Monday September 8th

This Is Where I Leave You 7:30 p.m. Magnolia


Tuesday September 9th

Dolphin Tale 2 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas
The Drop 7:30 p.m. Angelika Dallas

Wednesday September 10th

No Good Deed 7:30 pm. AMC Northpark
This Is Where I Leave You 7:30 p.m. TBA
The Guest 7:30 p.m. TBA

Thursday September 11th

The Maze Runner 7:30 p.m. Alamo Drafthouse

Friday September 12th

Saturday September 13th

Mayhem: Mayweather VS Maidana 2 TBA

Innocence

Innocence. Many of us long for a world where innocence in our young girls is valued and celebrated but in this self proclaimed supernatural, horror, thriller, romance, INNOCENCE just might get you killed. Beckett is a 16 year old shy and moody girl, who suffers several losses. She loses her beloved mother while surfing with her family in Montauk, loses her home 4 months later when her novelist father moved the two of them to New York City to a large and gorgeous apartment, and what friends she may have had when she starts school at an exclusive prep school, Hamilton, full of beautiful, perfect students from wealthy families. The school is too perfect like something out of Mansion Beautiful. The staff are too perfect, all appearing like former models in professional attire. It appears that Beckett has connections, too, in gaining such rapid admission to such an exclusive educational institution.
But quickly, we sense something sinister is up.

The staff are way too attentive to Beckett and her father. Too nice, too accommodating, creepy friendly and just a little too clicque-y. They even have a Hamilton book club (for the adults and alums, not the students). Even the board of directors is full of trophy wives who are too young looking to have teenagers at Hamilton. They may just be well preserved. The school has its own medication prescribing psychologist which turns out to be very convenient when a student decides to commit suicide and follow in the footsteps of two former students. Beckett begins to have hallucinations and weak spells that land her quickly on the couch and get her a quick pill prescription. Dad should be asking tons of questions but his attentions are being charmed away at home. Beckett only has eyes for Tobey, played by Graham Phillips and is on a one track mission to find her salvation in his eyes and arms. Who knows? He may have the "one thing" she needs to save her life from the coven at school and help her lose her innocence.

The dad, famous writer Miles Warner (Linus Roache), seems to care about what his daughter is going through but quickly adjust to his own loss by taking up with the school's runway model perfect nurse (Kelly Reilly) so we know he will be ok soon...... We know right away that Beckett is in danger amongst the towering, flowy- haired staff with their twinkling eyes and hushed conversations. Female Twihards, their mothers, and boys who love them (or think like them) will squeal at the budding romance that smacks a little too much like Twilight's Bella and Jacob.

The film is pretty, the dialogue super simple, the plot somewhat predictable, and the acting only fair to middlin. Screened at the Austin film festival almost a year ago, it has taken its sweet time getting to the big screen. Written and directed by Hilary Brougher and co-written by Tristine Skyler, it contains much pause and dead space as the continual emoting fills our eye. While the book by the same name that the film is based on (written in 2000 by Jane Mendelsohn) seems to have its fan base, one noted comment was "can't wait 2 see ur movie" tells us all we need to know. Movie info posted on RT tells us "INNOCENCE is a chilling allegory of the precarious state of an American teenager, explores themes of loss, the human condition and a society torn between purity and narcissism". I find this a very complex description of of a slightly vapid movie that is trying to take itself way too seriously. The ending is a bit silly and unfulfilling, but probably the only way it could resolve, and Beckett will need to adjust to even more loss. Most of us are simply to old or two young to really appreciate this effort.
(Review by Cheryl Wurtz)

Life After Beth

I haven’t really seen a good horror comedy since “Shaun of the Dead”, but this one came pretty close. This one follows Zach, played by Dane DeHaan, as he mourns the loss of his girlfriend Beth, played by Aubrey Plaza, but Beth comes back from the dead and the movie progresses. That is about it, but what made it work were the acting and the clever writing. The direction of the movie felt like a solid, horror comedy indie that I had fun with, just not too much fun. The tone was fine but I felt like the humor missed for the most, despite some really funny scenes. Most of the humorous scenes came from Plaza as she is known for comedy versus DeHaan who isn’t, but I still liked their chemistry on screen. The other actors, which include John C. Reilly and Molly Shannon, are a nice supporting cast and they add some humor but I felt like they could have been played by anyone.  The movie is shot well and has an apocalyptic feel and color pallet to it just
adding to the fun and quirky story. At its ninety-minute runtime, the movie flies by, as it is entertaining to watch. This is good, entertaining horror comedy with exceptional acting and an interesting story, sometimes funny, that spins something fresh on the horror comedy genre. However I have seen better in the genre, but if you like horror comedies I think you will like this one. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)