A very wide vareity of new movies to pick from this week….

New at Theaters (Friday): “The Box”, “A Christmas Carol” (3D & IMAX), “The Fourth Kind”, “Men Who Stare at Goats”, “More Than A Game” (limited), “Big Fan” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon), “September Issue” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon), “No Impact Man” (UICA in Grand Rapids), “The Way We Get By” (UICA in Grand Rapids)

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“More Than A Game” (Celebration! North),
“Big Fan” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon),
“September Issue” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon),
“No Impact Man” (UICA in Grand Rapids),
“The Way We Get By” (UICA in Grand Rapids)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “Whip It”, “Inglorious Basterds”, “Capitalism: A Love Story”, “Shorts”, “Sorority Row”

Best Bet(s): I have not seen any of the new movies in wide release YET…  but at least two of the four are getting moderate-to-average reviews (”A Christmas Carol” and “Men Who Stare at Goats”). “Big Fan” is getting some good response and it plays in Muskegon for a week and then will be at the UICA on 11/20.   And for $4.00, the filmed in Michigan comedy-drama “Whip It”  is more than worth the price of admission… so is “500 Days of Summer”… go see that if you haven’t already for gosh sakes!

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New this Week on DVD: “Aliens in the Attic”, “The Answer Man”, “Food, Inc.”, “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra”, “I Love You Beth Cooper”,  “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″, “Command Performance”

Best Bets: The Waterfront Film Festival alum “The Answer Man” is a fun laugh out loud romantic comedy starring Michigan native Jeff Daniels… the thriller remake “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ that I liked but many others weren’t impressed by… and if you were a fan of the 1980s “G.I. Joe” cartoons or like over-the-top action movies  “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” is for you (I liked it for what it was).   You’re on your own for: “Food, Inc.” an eye-opening documentary, “Aliens in the Attic” is a family adventure, fans of Hayden Pannetiere (”Heroes”) might like “I Love You Beth Cooper” which actually got some good reviews, and fans of Dolph Lundgren might consider “Command Performance”.

Next Week at Theaters: “2012″, “Pirate Radio”, “Act of God” (UICA in Grand Rapids), “World’s Greatest Dad” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon)

11/25 – “A Serious Man” (limited)

Next Week on DVD: “Up”, “The Accidental Husband”, “The Merry Gentleman”, “Spread”, “The Ugly Truth”, “Watchmen” (Director’s cut)

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

Playing at West Michigan movie theaters:
“500 Days of Summer” (9.5 / 10)
“District 9″ (9.0 / 10)
“The Hurt Locker” (8.9/ 10)
“Star Trek” (8.5 / 10)
“Paranormal Activity” (8.5 / 10)
“The Hangover” (8.0 / 10)
“Where The Wild Things Are” (7.9 / 10)
“Angels & Demons” (8.5 / 10) – on DVD 11/24
“Whip It” (7.9 / 10)
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (7.5 / 10)
“Couples Retreat” (7.5 / 10)
“Weather Girl” (7.5 / 10)
“Four Christmases”  (7.5 / 10) – on DVD 11/24
“Law Abiding Citizen” (7.5 / 10)
“The Ugly Truth” (7.5 / 10)
“This Is It” (7.0 / 10)
“Extract” (6.5 /10)
“Surrogates” (6.5 / 10)
“Love Happens” (7.0* review deferred to my wife)
“All About Steve” (5.5 / 10)

- – -

Available to rent or buy:
“Slumdog Millionaire” (9.5/ 10)
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (9.5 / 10)
“The Dark Knight” (9.5 / 10)
“Changeling”  (9.5 / 10)
“WALL-E” (9.0)
“Pride and Glory” (9.0 / 10)
“The Wrestler” (8.9 / 10)
“Righteous Kill” (8.9 / 10)
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”  (8.9 / 10)
“Eagle Eye” (8.5 / 10)
“Burn After Reading” (8.5 / 10)
“The Answer Man” (8.5 / 10)
“Wanted” (8.0 / 10)
“Defiance” (8.0 / 10)
“I Love You, Man” (8.0/ 10)
“The Proposal” (8.0 /10)
“State of Play” (8.0 / 10)
“The Visitor” (8.0 / 10)
“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ (8.0/ 10)
“Australia”  (7.9 / 10)
“Frozen River” (7.9 / 10)
“Revolutionary Road” (7.9 / 10)
“New in Town” (7.9 / 10)
“Felon” (7.9 / 10)
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (7.5 / 10)
“Quantum of Solace”  (7.5 / 10)
“Taken” (7.5 / 10)
“G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” (7.5 / 10)
“The Air I Breathe” 
“Hancock” 
“Fanboys” (8.5 for me, adjusted to 7.5 for most)
“Traitor” (7.5 / 10)
“The Bank Job” 
“He’s Just Not That Into You” (7.5 / 10)
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
“Role Models” (7.5 / 10)
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” (7.5 / 10 )
“Marley & Me” (7.5 / 10)
“Bride Wars” (7.5 / 10)
“The Women” (7.5 / 10)
“Rachel Getting Married” (7.0)
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (7.0 / 10)
“Get Smart” (7.0 / 10)
“The Happening” 
“Bedtime Stories” (7.0 / 10)
“Twilight”  (7.0 / 10)
“Knowing” (7.0 / 10)
“Watchmen” (7.0 / 10)
“Funny Games” 
“Nights in Rodanthe” (7.0 / 10)
“Hotel for Dogs” (7.0 / 10)
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (6.9 / 10)
“Appaloosa” (6.9 / 10)
“Surveillance” (6.9 / 10)
“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” 
“The Invasion” 
“What Just Happened” (6.5 / 10)
“Hamlet 2″ 
“Lakeview Terrace” (6.5 / 10)
“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”
“Imagine That” (6.5 / 10)
“Hellboy II: Golden Army” (6.5 / 10)
“Tropic Thunder” (6.5 /10)
“Good Luck Chuck”
“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (6.5 / 10)
“Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” (6.0 / 10)
“Journey to the Center of the Earth” 
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (6.0 / 10)
“Body of Lies” (6.0)
“Monsters Vs. Aliens” (6.0 / 10)
“Zach and Miri Make a Porno” (6.0 / 10)
“Noise” (6.0 / 10)
“The Chaos Experiment” (6.0 / 10)**
“Fragments” (5.5 / 10)
“Confessions of A Shopaholic” (5.5 / 10)
“My Life in Ruins” (5.5 / 10)
“Quarantine” (5.5 / 10)
“Charlie Wilson’s War” 
“Mad Money” 
“Year One” (4.0 / 10)
“Dance Flick” (2.0 / 10)

– 

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Halloween is one week away… there are now 3 movies in wide release that fall in the Halloween genre…  there’s also a family adventure, a drama bio-pic, and some limited releases…..

New at Theaters (Friday): “Amelia”, “Astro Boy”, “Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant”, “Paranormal Activity” (expansion),  ”Saw VI”, “Good Hair” (limited), “Bright Star” (limited)

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“Paranormal Activity” (AMC Star Alpine, Celebration! North, Celebration! Muskegon, Celebration! Mt. Pleasant),
“Good Hair” (Celebration! Muskegon, Celebration! South, Celebration! Benton Harbor),
“Tony Manero” (UICA in Grand Rapids 10/23-10/29),
“Bright Star” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “Up” (3D), “Julie and Julia”, “The Time Traveler’s Wife”, “Love Happens”, “My One and Only”

Best Bet(s): If you like scary movies – “Paranormal Activity” is probably your best choice despite two other offerings this weekend… or you could wait another week to see “Paranormal Activity” - I think its one of the best horror movies I’ve seen in years.   If you’d rather go for a drama with possible Oscar nominations – then put “Amelia” or “Bright Star” (at Harbor Theater in Muskegon) on your list. “Astro Boy” is the family friendly entry this week, but I have not yet seen it.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Blood: The Last Vampire”, “Cheri”, “Love N’ Dancing”, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, “Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead”

Best Bet(s): I’m still catching some grief for my favorable rating of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” - one of two movies I may have rated a little high this summer, but if the other critical reviews and/or controversy kept you away – you can now watch in the comfort of your home… and please tell me what you thought…  ”Cheri” got some good reviews and some bad reviews… the others I have not seen and have not heard much about.

Next Week (more…)

This is one of those weekends where most of the new offerings would be a good choice… BUT LET ME WARN YOU, from what I’ve heard while “Where The Wild Things Are” is based on a children’s book, the movie may be scary for young children.

New at Theaters (Friday): “Where The Wild Things Are”, “The Stepfather”, “Law Abiding Citizen”, “Paranormal Activity” (limited), “Opa!” (limited)

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“Paranormal Activity” (Celebration Rivertown),
“Opa!” (Celebration! North, Celebration Rivertown, Celebration Crossroads)
“Seraphine” (UICA in Grand Rapids opens 10/16)
“Adam” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/16 – 10/22)
“In The Loop” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/16 – 10/22)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “District 9″, “All About Steve”, “Paper Heart”, “Monsters Vs. Aliens”

Best Bet(s): “Paranormal Activity” plays at one theater this weekend and is on the verge of becoming a cult classic horror (about the movie) like 1999’s “Blair Witch Project” it will be expanding to more theaters next Friday… “Where The Wild Things Are” is a movie thats been in the works for years to perfect and is getting good reviews but this isn’t a movie for young kids as some kids at screenings have found the film scary… ”Law Abiding Citizen” is a good-looking thriller, “The Stepfather” is a remake of a 1987 horror/thriller, and “Opa!” is a romantic comedy.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Adoration”, “American Violet”, “Drag Me To Hell”, “Land of the Lost”, “The Proposal”

Best Bet(s): One of the best romantic comedies of the year “The Proposal”… now may be the time to see “Land of the Lost”… and if you’re into horror: Sam Raimi’s “Drag Me To Hell”… and while I haven’t seen them either: “Adoration” and “American Violet” may be worth checking out.

—-

Next Week at Theaters: “Amelia”, “Astro Boy”, “Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant”, “Paranormal Activity” (expansion),  ”Saw VI”, “Good Hair” (limited), “Bright Star” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon)

November 6th: “A Serious Man” (limited), “More Than A Game” (limited)

Next Week on DVD: “Blood: The Last Vampire”, “Cheri”, “Love N’ Dancing”, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, “Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY:  (more…)

Sorry its been awhile since I did this part of my blog… I took some days off, then I got sick…. I’m also behind in writing several reviews including the fun romantic comedy “The Propsoal”, the sci-fi drama “Moon”, and the thriller “Passengers”….

New at Theaters (Friday): “Funny People”, “Aliens in the Attic”, “The Collector”
Limited Released in Grand Rapids market: ”Food Inc.” (Celebration RiverTown), “The Hurt Locker” (Celebration North & Celebration Crossroads)

Best Bet(s): This weekend is pretty much wide-open, but the movie getting the best reviews is “The Hurt Locker”, but is only playing at limited theaters including Celebration North and Celebration Crossroads in the Grand Rapids market.  “Funny People” is getting decent reviews, and “The Collector” is getting good reviews – if you like horror – think “Saw” franchise.

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Dragonball: Evolution”, “Fast & Furious”, “Miss March”

Best Bet(s): depends on your preferences, if you like the “Fast & Furious” franchise, this one got pretty good reviews…. if you like raunchy comedy “Miss March” might be your bet…. if you are a “Dragonball” fan, maybe that’s for you, if not, rent something else listed below.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”, “Julie & Julia”, “A Perfect Getaway”, “500 Days of Summer” (limited), “Stoning Of Soraya M” (limited) 

Next Week on DVD: “Fragments”, “Labor Pains”, “Mutant Chronicles”, “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh”, “Obsessed”, “Race to Witch Mountain”, “The Soloist”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

(more…)

New at Theaters (Friday): “Away We Go”, “My Sister’s Keeper”, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”  (Wednesday)

Best Bet(s): 3 very different movie ths weekend: the sci-fi action blockbuster “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, the romantic comedy “Away We Go”, and the heartbreaking drama “My Siser’s Keeper”… so depending on what your in the mood for… this weekend is wide-open.

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Confessions of A Shopaholic”, “Inkheart”, “Pink Panther 2″, “Waltz With Bashir”

Best Bet(s): “Waltz With Bashir” was an Oscar nominated foreign animated drama, the other three had mixed success and reviews

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” (Wednesday), “Public Enemies” (Wednesday), “Whatever Works” (might play in Grand Rapids & Lansing)

Next Week on DVD: “12 Rounds”, “The Betrayed”, “The Education of Charlie Banks”, “The Jonas Brothers 3-D Concert Experience”, “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li”, “Two Lovers”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

(more…)

New at Theaters (Friday): “Drag Me To Hell”, “Up”

Best Bet(s): Two very different options this weekend by design this weekend, the Disney/Pixar animated family adventure “Up” and the  counter- programming from Universal Pictures’ horror movie “Drag Me To Hell” from Sam Raimi (”Spider-Man”, “The Evil Dead”).  And you’re on your own here, I haven’t see either on yet, BUT… I HAVE HEARD A LOT OF GOOD BUZZ about “Up”… so if its a family movie you’re looking for, that might be the one to check out this weekend.

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Killshot”, “New in Town”, “Powder Blue”

Best Bet(s): Some solid offerings coming out on DVD: the first good romantic comedy of 2009: “New in Town”, and then two movies I haven’t seen, but the cast should at least make them worth watching: “Killshot” with Mickey Rourke and Diane Lane and “Powder Blue” with Ray Liotta, Jessica Biel, and Forest Whitaker.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “The Hangover”, “Land of the Lost”, “My Life in Ruins”

Next Week on DVD: “Defiance”, “He’s Just Not That Into You”, “Revolutionary Road”, “Spring Breakdown”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

(more…)

New at Theaters (Friday): “Dance Flick”, “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”, “Terminator Salvation” (Thursday)

Best Bet(s): Two good options this holiday weekend: the 4th entry in the sci-fi action Terminator franchise “Terminator Salvation” and the family friendly “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”.  DO NOT see “Dance Flick” (read my review), it would be a waste of your time and money!!!  And there are still several good offerings that aren’t new: “Star Trek” (read my review), “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, and “Angels & Demons” (read my review).

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Fanboys”, “My Bloody Valentine”, “Outlander”, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”, “Valkyrie”

Best Bet(s): While the theaters aren’t offering good choices for comedies, you can now rent or buy two of this year’s best comedies “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (read my review) and  “Fanboys” (read my review). “My Bloody Valentine”, “Outlander”, “Valkyrie”

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “Drag Me To Hell”, “Up”

Next Week on DVD: “Killshot”, “New in Town”, “Powder Blue”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

(more…)

New at Theaters (Friday): “Angels & Demons”, “Is Anybody There?” (limited release), “The Chaos Experiment” (May 15-21 limited run at Celebration! Lansing only)

Best Bet(s): If you’re really looking forward to seeing “Angels & Demons” (read my review), then you shouldn’t be disappointed, but if you haven’t seen “Star Trek” (read my review) yet, its the movie to see even if you aren’t a fan of the franchise, it has wide ranging appeal and it may turn out to be the “Iron Man” of this summer with its wide-ranging appeal and positive reviews.

New on DVD (Tuesday): “The Grudge 3″, “Passengers”, “Personal Effects”, “Taken”, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”

Best Bet(s): One of the early surprises for many at the box office this year was the staying power of the action thriller “Taken”, for more, check out my interview with actress Maggie Grace about her role in the movie.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “Terminator Salvation” (Thursday)

Next Week on DVD: “Fanboys”, “My Bloody Valentine”, “Outlander”, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”, “Valkyrie”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

(more…)

New at Theaters (Friday): “Next Day Air”, “Star Trek”, “The Chaos Experiment” (May 8-14 limited in Grand Rapids at Celebration! North and Celebration! RiverTown only)

Best Bet(s): There’s no confusion here, “Star Trek” (read my review) is the best bet this weekend, I would argue this is now second best movie in this long running franchise (after “Star Trek II: Wrath of Kahn”), and it may turn out to be the “Iron Man” of this summer with its wide-ranging appeal and positive reviews.

New on DVD (Tuesday): “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, ”Last Chance Harvey”, “Wendy and Lucy”

Best Bet(s): If the 13 oscar nominations aren’t enough for you, read my review of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, this was one of the best movies of 2008, and if you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time!  Plus, there’s plenty of DVD extras like the makeup process and how they pulled off all those special effects.  For more, check out my interview with actress Taraji P. Henson about her role in the movie.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “Angels & Demons”, ”The Chaos Experiment” (May 15-21 limited run at Celebration! Lansing only)

Next Week on DVD: “The Grudge 3″, “Passengers”, “Personal Effects”, “Taken”, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

(more…)

You know the old saying: “April showers bring May flowers”…
for the summer of 2009, lets make it: “April downers bring May blockbusters”

May is the official beginning of the summer movie season in theaters with the first big blockbuster and your clear cut new number one movie: “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” starring Carson City (Montcalm County) native Daniel Henney… with an anticipated take of around $95 million at the box office.    There’s a new romantic comedy with ties to the holiday season staple: “Christmas Carol”.    And this is just the beginning, next week is “Star Trek”, the following week is “Angels and Demons” (”DaVinci Code”), and the following week is “Terminator: Salvation”.

New at Theaters (Friday): “Battle for Terra”, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

Best Bet(s): Its probably obvious what I’m going to say here: “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”… but for audiences who aren’t into X-Men/Superhero/Comic Book/Action movies, there’s the Matthew McConaughey/Jennifer Garner romantic comedy “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”, based on the “Christmas Carol” premise of the ghosts of past, present, and future giving the min character a wake-up call… it could be pretty good… but a longshot at winning the weekend.

New Week on DVD (Tuesday): “Bride Wars”, “Hotel for Dogs”, “JCVD”, “Legally Blondes”, “Nothing But the Truth”, “The Uninvited”, “What Doesn’t Kill You”

Best Bet(s): I haven’t seen all of these offerings, but I can tell you that “Bride Wars” and “Hotel for Dogs” are great rentals for their target audiences (women and families), and pretty good for anyone outside the target audiences.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “Next Day Air”, “Star Trek” (Thursday evening), “The Chaos Experiment” (formerly “The Steam Experiment”) (Celebration! North and Celebration! RiverTown only)

Next Week on DVD: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, ”Last Chance Harvey”, “Wendy and Lucy”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

(more…)