Now showing
Some reviews originate at other newspapers that do not award star ratings.
Here are selected minireviews of films in theaters, listed alphabetically.
“4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days”
Drama****Not rated. Gabita is perhaps the most clueless young woman ever to have the lead in a movie about her own pregnancy. The time is the late 1980s. Romania still cringes under the brainless rule of Ceausescu. Gabita desires an abortion, which was then illegal, not for moral reasons but because Ceausescu wanted more subjects to rule. She turns in desperation to her roommate Otilia, who agrees to help her — and does. Helps her so much, indeed, she does everything but have the abortion herself. In a period of 24 hours, we follow the two friends in a journey of frustration, stupidity, duplicity, cruelty and desperation, set against a background of a nation where if it weren’t for the black market, there’d be no market at all.(Roger Ebert)113 minutes
“27 Dresses”
Romantic comedy **1/2* PG-13. Katherine Heigl stars as not-so-plain Jane, the dependable friend that every bride leans on when that special day comes along. Jane is the ultimate bridesmaid, helping with the planning, the organizing, the cake-arranging, even holding that big gown when the bride must go potty. She is engagingly selfless on other women’s “big day.” “It’s their day, not mine.” It’s not one for the ages, but this comedy suggests a romantic marriage between star and audience that could last and last. (Roger Moore, The Orlando Sentinel) 107 minutes
“Atonement”
Love, war drama ***1/2 R. Can a career spent in words make up for one devastating utterance? This is one of the quandaries in “Atonement,” Joe Wright’s elegant, elegiac film based on a novel by Ian McEwan. Thirteen- year-old Briony Tallis tells a lie that keeps sister Cecilia and her love, Robbie Turner, apart. Briony’s ugly testimony sets their separation in motion, but World War II makes it interminable. Keira Knightley and James Mc- Avoy are the thwarted beloveds. Saoirse Ronan impresses as 13-year-old Briony. Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave play her as well.”Atonement” is being compared to “The English Patient.” And Anthony Minghella, the director of that Oscar-hoarding Brit love story also set during WWII, even has a cameo. Yet, for all its similar swoon, sweep and eros, “Atonement” is more subtle and achingly substantial. (Kennedy) 123 minutes
“The Band’s Visit”
Cross-cultural comedy***1/2PG-13. The movie follows the misadventures of Egypt’s Alexandria Ceremonial Police Band as they arrive in an isolated Israeli desert town for a concert. It’s an unlikely place for a show — extremely unlikely, as it turns out. Misdirected at the airport, the band has gone to the wrong locale, and there’s nothing to be done about it since the last bus has already left for the day. This sets up a series of evening encounters between the band members and locals that begins with miscommunication and end with cultural détente. (Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Daily News)89 minutes
“The Bank Job”
Heist caper**1/2*R. A solidly built and entertaining Brit B-movie about a heist that goes wrong. And right. It’s an elaborate caper, with odd but oddly believable crooks, compelling villains and loads of swell British slang circa 1971. And the kicker? It really happened. Heist-picture clichés such as the divide-the-loot session, the kidnap and torture of gang members and “the handoff” are managed with aplomb. The film doesn’t cover much ground that 100 years of heist movies haven’t been over before. But as the mistakes and blunders turn deadly, and the outcome grows more and more doubtful we begin to care who lives, who dies and who will end up doing time for “The Bank Job.” (Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel)110 minutes
“Be Kind Rewind”
Movie-buff whimsy**1/2*PG-13. There’s a charming idea buried under landfills of whimsicality in “Be Kind Rewind.” It is: Given a chance to remake their favorite movies the way they want and starring themselves, wouldn’t most people get a kick out of it? Following a mishap all of the videotapes in the video store are erased. Desperate to keep the customers satisfied, two idiots set about reshooting “Ghostbusters,” “Rush Hour,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “King Kong” and others, starring themselves and with homemade effects and camera tricks. (Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Daily News) 101 minutes
“Blindsight”
Powerful adventure****PG. In Lucy Walker’s stirring adventure documentary, Erik Weihenmayer and Sabriye Tenberken prove that the blind not only can lead the blind, but should. Weihenmayer, a Colorado native, was the first blind person to ascend Everest. No less, extraordinary, Tenberken traveled from Germany to Tibet to found a school for the blind. The two unite to take six Tibetan teens — Kyila, Sonam Bhumtso, Tashi Pasang, Gyenshen, Dachung and Tenzin — on an expedition to Everest’s 23,000-foot Lhakpa Ri peak. It is a complicated sojourn that raises questions about East and West, end point and undertaking. The young people are humbling in their own right, not least because they remind us that the Buddhist culture they’ve been raised in comes with its own hard views of disease and infirmity. (Kennedy)104 minutes
“Counterfeiters”
Holocasut drama****Not rated. The film sets a compelling moral dilemma around the story of a counterfeiting ring operated by prisoners in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp north of Berlin during World War II. The film is based on the observations of professional printer Adolf Burger, who was incarcerated at Sachsenhausen along with other Jewish typesetting experts, graphic designers and printers who are set to work reproducing the British pound and the U.S. dollar so that the Nazis can flood the Allies’ economies and continue to finance their war effort. (Connie Ogle, McClatchy Newspapers)98 minutes
“Definitely, Maybe”
Romantic Comedy****PG-13. As the lead in director Adam Brooks’ bittersweet romantic comedy, Ryan Reynolds finally steps into a charming, vulnerable character that perfectly fits his comedic talents. He plays Will Hayes, a 30-something advertising whiz who agrees to tell his 10-year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), about the women he dated before her mom, but he changes the names and Maya must guess which one is her mother. With Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher and Rachel Weisz as the women in his life. (Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times)105 minutes
“Fool’s Gold”
Romantic comedy **** PG-13. Producers have the right instinct: There’s chemistry worth mining in the Matthew McConaughey-Kate Hudson pairing. Only the makers of this ever so slight rom-com haven’t figured out how to get to it. McConaughey plays treasure salvager Finn to Hudson’s over-it-ex-wife Tess. It’s a mid-Winter jaunt into “National Treasure” territory minus the history lessons but plus miles of the bluest Caribbean waters. Donald Sutherland stars as their millionaire patron and beleaguered pop of a spoiled daughter (Alexis Dziena). (Kennedy) 102 minutes
“Funny Games”
Real horror***VR. There is nothing funny about Michael Haneke’s profoundly disturbing tale of a family tormented by two exceedingly polite, white-gloved villians Paul and Peter. Naomi Watts is Anna Farber. Tim Roth and Devon Gearhart play husband and son, George and George Jr. A simple request by Peter (or is it Tom?) for some eggs for the Farber’s neighbors turns scary, grim, then worse (though seldom graphically violent). If you see Haneke’s brilliantly crafted film, you may wonder “How does the director of the differently dismaying “Caché” sleep at night?” You’ll likely be pondering this while deprived of your own rest by this troubling, infuriating, intelligent work. (Kennedy)112 minutes
“Hanna Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds”
Concert Film **1/2* G. Little girls will be happy to hear the star perform their favorite songs and thrill to catch a peek of the real Miley backstage – though naturally, the moments are carefully chosen to maintain her well-crafted wholesome image. Hannah Montana is insanely likable and talented, with poise and presence beyond her years. It’s all out there in front of her, and watching the 15-year-old on stage and behind the scenes, you just pray that she’ll turn out all right and not get swept away by the insanity of pop-star celebrity. The documentary of the pop star’s 54-city tour also stars the Jonas Brothers, Kenny Ortega and Billy Ray Cyrus. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) 74 minutes
“Horton Hears a Who!”
Animated joy***VG. It is here! It is here! It is here! Forget those live-action Seuss flicks with their wink-wink, nudge-nudge moments. Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Marino have given us an animated ride worthy the good doctor. Carrey gives famous pachyderm Horton a truly heroic heart. Carell gives anxiety a funny face as the father of 97 Whos and mayor of the threatened Who-ville. Carol Burnett provides the pot-stirring oratory of Kangeroo. A person is a person no matter how small, indeed. And the filmmakers prove a wonderful film is a wonderful film no matter how G. (Kennedy)88 minutes
“Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust”
Documentary****Not rated. The event under discussion is the systematic extermination of millions of Jews by the Nazi war machine. The place from which it’s remembered in popular culture is Hollywood. The film faults Hollywood both for ignoring the Holocaust during the war years and for trivializing it later. The Holocaust was rarely treated directly on American screens until the late 1950s and early ’60s. By far the worst thing that could happen to Holocaust movies is for them to become familiar. (Ty Burr, Boston Globe)92 minutes
“Jumper”
Adventure****PG-13. Talented director Doug Liman has made a fast and furiously edited movie about a young man, David (Hayden Christensen), discovering he can teleport himself. After a brutish exchange with a bully, David walks onto the fragile ice of a river to retrieve a gift. Instead of drowning after breaking through, he finds himself miraculously elsewhere. Liman, the director of adrenalized rides “Go” and “The Bourne Identity” had help making “Jumper” narratively jittery. Steven Gould’s novel was adapted by three screenwriters with impressive super-hero cred (David S. Goyer, Jim Uhls and Simon Kinberg). But in the end, the script short- shrifts David’s transformation and he clocks an awful lot of wormhole time just to go from selfish to mildly less so. (Kennedy)113 minutes
“Juno”
Adoption comedy **** PG-13. Sure, you could think four stars a bit much for this comedy about what happens when 16-year-old Juno MacGuff learns she’s pregnant by boyfriend Paulie Bleeker. But that’s one star for director Jason Reitman, who brings a loving and deft sense of timing to the movie. One star for screenwriter Diablo Cody, whose debut heralds a major talent. One star for Ellen Page. The Canadian’s snap-crackle stop-on-a-dime embodiment of our precocious hero is the breakout performance of the year. And that last star? It’s for a pitch-perfect ensemble that includes J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney as Juno’s folks, Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner as the adoptive-parents-to-be, and Michael Cera as the excruciatingly dear boy who done the deed. (Kennedy) 91 minutes
“The Kite Runner”
Literary drama **** PG-13. The movie adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s much-loved best seller “The Kite Runner” does decent, if sometimes ham-fisted, service to the novel’s troubled characters, surefire themes and evocation of the tragic fate of Afghanistan over the past 20 years. The story breaks down into three basic sections. In 1970s Kabul, privileged Amir (remarkable Afghan child actor Zekiria Ebrahimi) is expert at a game in which kite flyers vie to cut one another’s strings but otherwise is an unassertive wimp. His best friend is the family servant’s son Hassan (Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada, ditto on the remarkable front), who chases down the fallen kites Amir wins and fights for his pal’s honor. This gets Hassan in trouble with some neighborhood bullies, who mete out a terrible punishment that Amir secretly witnesses. (Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Daily News) 122 minutes
“Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”
Period comedy****PG-13. You expect to like some movies because of who cast. There’s much to hope for with Frances McDormand and Amy Adams as employee and employer in this comedy, based on Winifred Watson’s novel about a dishelveled governess who becomes “social secretary” to a ditzy American starlet in pre-WWII London. So what goes awry? Guinevere Pettigrew may live for a day but it feels longer, even as the movie delivers its 24-hour period hurriedly. Director Bharat Nalluri relies on the hurly-burly excess of musical theater. One can hear one door at the home of Delysia Lafosse (Adams) slam shut as another flies open at the arrival of a paramours (Lee Pace of “Pushing Daisies” is the one we cheer for). Irish actor Ciarán Hinds provides an atol of calm in this comedy that moves at the speed of lite. (Kennedy)101 minutes
“Never Back Down”
Martial-arts action**1/2*PG-13. An ultra-sleek mixed-martial-arts teen drama, an updated “Karate Kid.” What it lacks in originality it makes up for in the nervous energy of youth and testosterone. The film is a straight genre piece adhering to the formula — fatherless kid with anger issues takes a beating, trains with his guru and finds acceptance, peace and revenge, even though he dare not call it “revenge” in front of his teacher. (Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel)114 minutes
“The Other Boleyn Girl”
Historical fiction****PG-13. Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson slip into the lovely dresses of sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn in this tale of sibling rivalry and sisterly connection in the court of Henry VIII. Based on Philippa Gregory’s novel, this latest entry into the Brit monarchy marathon, directed by TV director Justin Chadwick with Eric Bana as a man of carnal appetites and visionary ambition. Portman is the calculating, bold Anne. The chillier Johansson is Mary, her younger, gentler sis. Kristin Scott Thomas plays mother Lady Elizabeth and David Morrissey is aptly unpleasant and calculating as the Duke of Norfork, their uncle. (Kennedy)110 minutes
“Penelope”
Modern fairytale****PG. A crone cast a punishing spell on the Wilhern clan. The first born girl will emerge with a pig snout that only true, accepting love can alter. Familiar fairytale territory, perhaps. Yet with the help of an able cast this fable takes enough twists toward acceptance — communal, familial and self — to charm. Christina Ricci is Penelope. Catherine O’Hara is galling as her overly protective mom. The always welcome James McAvoy plays a suitor. And Reese Witherspoon (the film’s producer) makes a nice cameo as the woman who befriends Penelope as she makes her escape to self discovery. Peter Dinklage also stars. (Kennedy)89 minutes
“Persepolis”
Animated wonder***1/2PG-13. Adaptation of graphic novels about childhood in Tehran and an adolescence abroad is one of the finest memoirs to make it to the big screen. Elegantly rendered in rich blacks, grays and ivories by Satrapi, codirector Vincent Paronnaud and art director Marc Jousset, “Persepolis” is a primer in recent Iranian history as well as a reminder just how bound our cultural-creative lives are to the political fortunes and misfortunes of our nations. The film is warmed tremendously by the voice talents of Gabrielle Lopes, Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Simon Abkarian and the captivating Danielle Darrieux as Marjane’s grandmother. French with English Subtitles. (Kennedy)95 minutes
“Semi-Pro”
Sports spoof*1/2**R. Will Ferrell steps into the leisure suit and afro of Jackie Moon, owner of the fictional ABA hoops team the Flint, Michigan Tropics who must compete for a place in the NBA. Moon made his money with R&B one-hit-wonder, “Love Me Sexy.” Based on the real absorbtion of four ABA teams into the better-known league, “Semi-Pro” embraces the vibrant history of the game. Yet, Ferrell, director Kent Alterman, and screenwriter Scot Armstrong seem content making money with this one-note-blunder that gives a big sloppy kiss to most things ’70s. Woody Harrleson and Andre Benjamin were drafted to the cast roster. Maura Tierney, of “ER” provides adult supervision in an R-rated, powerfully juvenile flick. (Kennedy)90 minutes
“Sleepwalking”
Family drama***1/2R. Charlize Theron as Joleen, a woman who carries deep scars from an abusive childhood with an innate ability to pick the wrong man. One such disastrous relationship puts Joleen and her daughter Tara on the streets. She turns to her brother James, whose way of dealing with his own childhood abuse is to bury his emotions. Joleen takes off to start a new life leaving her daughter with her brother. Out of desperation, James takes Tara to the family’s bleak farm, still run by his no-nonsense father, who believes in verbal as well as physical abuse.
(Kennedy)90 minutes
“”The Spiderwick Chronicles”
Fantasy**1/2*PG. Based on Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s children’s books, the movie offers a dazzling array of magical beings and realms for Jared Grace, twin Simon and teen sis Mallory to explore. Directed by Mark Waters, “Spiderwick” combines the magic effects of more robust fantasy franchises with the story of a family under divorce duress without going too dark. Also helping to keep things merrily off-kilter, Martin Short provides the cantankerous voice of the tiny creature Thimbletack. An engaging young actor, Highmore is most convincing as quieter twin Simon. But it’s angry Jared who must grow. “Spiderwick” is modest, not epic. It’s got thrills but is not allegorically deep or daunting like the Harry Potter or Narnia flicks. (Kennedy)97 minutes
“Step Up 2 the Streets”
Dance Sequel*1/2**PG-13. This is sequel to 2006’s “Step Up” is a slicker, more graceful and sexier drama about step dance — rhythmically choreographed high-speed break-dancing. From its Disney-approved teen models cast to the whitebread script, it’s “Move” without the edge. Like the original “Step Up,” it’s about a kid who finds love and purpose when she synthesizes her mad street skillz with some formal dance training. Andie (Briana Evigan) is from the tough streets of Baltimore. She’s part of the 410 crew of merry dance pranksters. Evigan is about as “street” as a dog-show poodle. A baseball cap does not a hood rat make. But the girl can dance. That’s a saving virtue of the film. It’s shot like a dance movie, with grace and just a hint of sex appeal. Just don’t expect to recognize the “streets” here. The only traffic these fantasy avenues handle is starlets.(Roger Moore, The Orlando Sentinel)97 minutes
“Vantage Point”
Political thriller****PG-13. Fear not the eight viewpoints of an act of terror “Vantage Point” delivers. This involving thriller — anchored by Dennis Quaid, Forest Whitaker, William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver — doesn’t resort to hand-held subjective angles. But it does return to the scene of the crime again and again, uncovering with heated pacing, who’s responsible for an attack on the president’s double (Hurt) during a historic announcement on the “war on terror,” in Spain. Screenwriter Barry L. Levy and director Pete Travis (the latter made a TV film about an IRA bombing) pepper this action foray with thorny ideas about U.S. arrogance and ideals.(Kennedy)90 minutes
“Welcome Home Roscoe
Jenkins”
Family comedy**** PG-13. Behold this year’s first contender for the Norbit, a dubious achievement award handed out to films that have PG-13 ratings when they deserve harsher. It’s not that there aren’t laughs in Malcolm D. Lee’s comedy starring Martin Lawrence as a successful talk-show host who returns to his Southern home after a nine year hiatus. There are a smattering. Joy Bryant reveals a game comedic sensibility as RJ’s (nee Roscoe) ambitious fiancee Bianca. But the vulgar wins out here, with Mo’Nique’s low-rent turn as RJ’s sis having us wishing for Less ‘Nique. (Kennedy) 116 minutes
GIANT SCREEN
IMAX — Denver Museum
of Nature & Science
Hosting “The Alps,” John Harlin III’s quest to climb the infamous North Face of the Eiger, and “The Living Sea,” an examination of the world’s oceans. Dates, times vary. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., 303-322-7009,
IWERKS — The Wildlife
Experience
The museum presents “Australia: Land Beyond Time” and “Whales: An Unforgettable Journey” on its 45-by-60-foot giant screen. $4.95-$7.95, free 2 and younger. 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker, 720-488-3300,
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
Boulder International Film
Festival (BIFF)
The 2008 festival offers 50 films and 20 filmmakers with a special focus on adventure and politics, through Feb. 16. Times and tickets vary. Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder, 303-7867030, ,
International Film Festival
A variety of films through April 19. Days, times and tix vary. Muenzinger Auditorium, CU-Boulder campus, 303492-1531,
Jewish Film Festival
Offers a variety of films from Israel and American-made documentaries, through Feb. 16. Times and tickets vary. Mizel Arts & Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., 303-316-6360,
