One summer blockbuster and one hyped up summer comedy…

New this Week on DVD: “Bruno”, “Franklyn”, “How To Be”, “Is Anybody There?”, “My Sister’s Keeper”, “The Open Road”, “Star Trek”, “Thirst”, “Wild Child”

Best Bets: “Star Trek” was one of my pleasant surprises of the summer and was one of the better reviewed/received movies of the summer… put it at the top of your rental list !!! 
“Bruno” got good reviews, but didn’t do as well at the box office.   “Is Anybody There?” and “My Sister’s Keeper” were more serious fare dramas that got some good marks for acting performances.  You’re on your own with the other offerings this week.

Next Week on DVD: “Angels & Demons”, “Four Christmases”, “Funny People”, “Janky Promoters”, “The Maiden Heist”, “Santa Buddies”, “Shorts”

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

A summer family movie hit, two romantic comedies, two R-rated movies, and a comic book blockbuster gets its Director’s cut….

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

Best Bets: “Up” did very well at the box office and with critics, it will be the first on my rental list… if you’re looking for a romantic comedy: my wife liked “The Ugly Truth” and wanted to see “The Accidental Husband”… “The Merry Gentleman” and “Spread” are R-rated drama and comedy that got limited attention in limited release… and if you like “Watchmen”, the Director’s cut is now available.

Next Week on DVD: “Bruno”, “Franklyn”, “How To Be”, “Is Anybody There?”, “My Sister’s Keeper”, “The Open Road”, “Star Trek”, “Thirst”, “Wild Child”

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

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”, “The 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:  (more…)

Sorry, this is one day late…

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” chich actually got seom good reviews, and fans of Dolph Lundgren might consider “Command Performance”.

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:  (more…)

Halloween is here… and there are plenty of options in theaters… or you can check our Top 50 Scary Movies of All Time poll for ideas on what to rent for Halloween… or check out the Michael Jackson concert documentary “This Is It” or the limited release options…

New at Theaters (Friday): “Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” (opened Wednesday), “The Boys Are Back” (limited), ”It Might Get Loud”  (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon)

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“Halloween II” (Celebration Cinemas Friday & Saturday nights only),
“The Boys Are Back” (Celebration! North, Celebration! Crossroads, Celebration! Carousel Muskegon),
“Tony Manero” (UICA in Grand Rapids through 11/5),
Scarefest 2009 – Saturday at the Harbor Theater in Muskegon,
“Bright Star” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon through 11/5),
“Capitalism: A Love Story” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon through 11/5),
“It Might Get Loud” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon through 11/5)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “The Final Destination” (3D & 2D), “Pandorum”, “Jennifer’s Body”, “Fame”

Best Bet(s): If you’re a Michael Jackson fan, go see “This Is It” - its scheduled to be in theaters for 2 weeks only… otherwise if you’re looking for something scary for Halloween, there’s “Paranormal Activity”, “Saw VI”, “Halloween II”, “The Stepfather”, “Cirque Du Freak”, “The Final Destination”, “Pandorum”, or “Jennifer’s Body”. 

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”, “Nothing Like the Holidays”, “Orphan”, “Stan Helsing”, “Whatever Works”

Best Bet(s): You’re on your own with five very different options, none of which I’ve seen yet: the 3rd movie in the popular family franchise “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”… the holiday movie focused on a family ”Nothing Like the Holidays”… the thriller “Orphan”… the spoof “Stan Helsing”… and the Woody Allen romantic comedy “Whatever Works”.

–

Next Week at Theaters: “The Box”, “A Christmas Carol”, “The Fourth Kind”, “Men Who Stare at Goats”, “A Serious Man” (limited), “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)

Next 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″

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

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…)

***CORRECTION, “Couples Retreat” was originally rated R, but on appeal secured a PG-13 rating

One wide release… and a multitude of limited releases… I barely recommend one of the movies out on DVD this week.

New at Theaters (Friday): “Couples Retreat”

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“RIFFRAFF” (UICA in Grand Rapids 10/9, 10/10, 10/11 only)
IFC International Film Festival (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/10 only)
“Lorna’s Silence” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/9-10/15)
“My One and Only” (Celebration! North, Celebration! Lansing)
“I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell” (Celebration! Rivertown)
“The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry” (Celebration! Mt. Pleasant)
Patrick Swayze film fest “Dirty Dancing”, “Ghost”, “Road House” (Celebration! Woodland 10/9-10/15)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “Harry Potter and the Half  Blood Prince”, “The Room”

Best Bet(s): Only one movie in wide release this weekend is the PG-13 rated adult comedy “Couples Retreat”, which looks good… from the trailers… but lets hope the laughs are not limited to the trailer.  There are some well-reviewed offerings in limited release including “My One and Only” and “Lorna’s Silence”.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Assasination of a High School President”, “The Children”, “Imagine That”, “My Life in Ruins”, “The Thaw”, “Trick ‘r Treat”, “Year One” 

Best Bet(s): Nothing outstanding this week, although “Imagine That” is a decent choice for family rental… (more…)

Drew Barrymore’s directoral debut coming-of-age movie shot in the Ann Arbor area, Michigan documentary filmmaker Michael Moore’s latest, an animation favorite returns in 3D, a romantic comedy, and a horror/comedy throwback to B-movies past…

New at Theaters (Friday): “Capitalism: A Love Story”, “The Invention of Lying”, “Toy Story/Toy Story 2″ (3D), “Whip It”, “Zombieland”

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“Cold Souls” (UICA in Grand Rapids and The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/2),
“Lorna’s Silence” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/2)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “500 Days of Summer”, “The Hangover”, “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra”, ”Anvil: The Story of Anvil”

Best Bet(s):  (more…)

A musical, a sci-fi action movie, and a horror/thriller out in theaters…

New at Theaters (Friday): “Fame”, “Surrogates”, “Pandorum”
Sneak Peak: “Whip It” Saturday 10/2 at 7:15pm - Celebration! North and Celebration! RiverTown

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“In The Loop” (UICA in Grand Rapids 9/25),
“My One and Only” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 9/24),
“The Cove” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 9/24),
“I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell” (Lansing only)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “Extract”, “Ponyo”, “Pink Panther 2″

Best Bet(s): Again, like other weekends, this will be a *depending on what genre your into* kind of weekend – for two reasons: I haven’t seen any of these yet and there is no clear cut best choice from anything I’ve heard from these three very different genre movies: a musical remake of “Fame”, an “Alien”-like horror/thriller “Pandorum”, and the futuristic sci-fi/action movie “Surrogates” with Bruce Willis.  The limited release “In The Loop” has received some good reviews by national critics.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Battle for Terra”, “Clive Barker’s Book of Blood”, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”, “Lymelife”, “Observe and Report”

Best Bet(s): ”Lymelife” got good reviews at film festivals, the rom-com “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” and “Observe and Report” got mixed reviews, and “Battle for Terra” had both bad reviews and a poor showing at the box office.  I have not heard anything about “Book of Blood”.

—-

Next Week at Theaters: “The Invention of Lying”, “Toy Story/Toy Story 2″ (3D), “Whip It”, “Zombieland”, “Cold Souls” (UICA in Grand Rapids and The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/2), “Lorna’s Silence” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 10/2)

Next Week on DVD: “Away We Go”, “The Brothers Bloom”, “Fireproof”, “The Girlfriend Experience”, “Lies & Illusions”, “Management”, “Monsters Vs. Aliens”, “Shrink”

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

At least two good offerings at theaters this week and one big summer blockbuster released on DVD earlier this week….

New at Theaters (Friday): “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”, “The Informant!”,  ”Jennifer’s Body”, “Love Happens”

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“Soul Power” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon one week only 9/18 – 9/23),
“Tony Manero” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon one week only 9/18 – 9/23),
“Humpday” (UICA in Grand Rapids until 9/24),
“Afghan Star” (UICA in Grand Rapids until 9/24)

On cable: “Weather Girl” (on Lifetime network one day only Wednesday 9/23 at 9:00pm)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “G-Force”, “The Proposal”, “Taking Woodstock”, “Blood Creek”

Best Bet(s): I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”, I’ve heard good things about Matt Damon’s “The Informant”, the new horror/thriller “Jennifer’s Body” is getting mostly poor reviews, and “Love Happens” is getting mixed reviews.  I’ll be seeing “Love Happens” and “The Informant” over the next few days… so check back for those reviews!

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Easy Virtue”, “Next Day Air”, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, “Star Wars The Clone Wars: Clone Commandos”

Best Bet(s): I had mixed reactions to “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, but if you like this genre and didn’t see it in theaters – you should rent it now.   I haven’t seen the others, but I can tell you that “Easy Virtue” got mixed reviews and “Next Day Air” got mostly poor reviews.

Next Week at Theaters: “Fame”, “Surrogates”, “Pandorum”, “In The Loop” (UICA in Grand Rapids 9/25), “Paper Heart” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon 9/24), “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell” (Lansing only)

Next Week on DVD: “Battle for Terra”, “Clive Barker’s Book of Blood”, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”, “Lymelife”, “Observe and Report”

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