Movie Ratings That Actually Work    Become a Member

"One of the 50 Coolest Websites...they simply tell it like it is" - TIME

January

January 4

Case 39 [2010] [R] - 2.8.5
After a diligent social worker (Renee Zellweger) brings an abused child (Jodelle Ferland) to live with her, mysterious and gory murders begin taking place all around her, and she soon discovers that the child is not as innocent as she thought. Also with Ian McShane, Bradley Cooper and Callum Keith Rennie. Directed by Christian Alvart. [1:49]

Catfish [2010] [PG-13] - 4.2.4
Ostensibly a documentary about a young New York photographer (Nev Schulman), who develops an online relationship with a family in rural Michigan -- first with a talented 8-year-old girl who reproduces his photos as paintings and then with her 19-year-old half-sister. However, the circumstances may not be as they seem. Also with Megan Faccio and Melody C. Roscher. Directed by Henry Joost & Ariel Schulman. [1:34]

Dinner for Schmucks [2010] [PG-13] - 6.5.5
In a remake of the 1998 French farce "The Dinner Game," a powerful businessman (Bruce Greenwood) encourages his employees to gather social misfits for the company's monthly Dinner for Idiots, so that his executives can use them for sport. One company man (Paul Rudd) thinks he's found the perfect idiot (Steve Carell), for entertaining his boss and an overseas client. However, in the resulting chaos it is difficult to recognize the businessmen from the idiots. Also with Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Savage, Jemaine Clement, Jeff Dunham and Ron Livingston. Directed by Jay Roach. [1:50]

The Last Exorcism [2010] [PG-13] - 3.8.4
A man, who has been preaching at his father's church since he was a young man, has a crisis of faith after a near tragedy in his family and decides that his mission is to stop exorcisms on people convinced that they are possessed by demons. When he goes to Louisiana with a film crew to make a documentary, he is asked to perform an exorcism on a 16-year-old girl. Also with Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell, Iris Bahr, Louis Herthum, Caleb Landry Jones, Tony Bentley, John Wright Jr., Shanna Forrestall and Justin Shafer. Directed by Daniel Stamm. [1:30]

Machete [2010] [R] - 8.10.8
Inspired by the trailer featured in Robert Rodriguez's "Grindhouse": With the help of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent (Jessica Alba) and a taco truck driver (Michelle Rodriguez), a former Federale (Danny Trejo) begins a Mexican-American uprising after being framed in the assassination attempt of an unscrupulous anti-immigration proponent (Robert De Niro). Also with Steven Seagal, Jeff Fahey, Cheech Marin, Don Johnson and Lindsay Lohan. Directed by Robert Rodriguez & Ethan Maniquis. [1:45]

January 11

Alpha and Omega [2010] [PG] - 2.4.1
A female Alpha wolf and a male Alpha wolf are promised to each other by their fathers in order to unite their packs and make it easier for them to find food. The wolves in question have different ideas, and they fall in love with other wolves that are not Alphas but Omegas. Also with Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci, Danny Glover and Dennis Hopper. Directed by Anthony Bell & Ben Gluck. [1:28]

Piranha 3D [2010] [R] - 10.10.8
After an underwater tremor opens a hidden lake under popular spring break hotspot Lake Victoria, Arizona, and releases countless prehistoric man-eating piranhas, the local sheriff (Elisabeth Shue) and a seismologist (Adam Scott) must band together to save as many people as possible. Also with Richard Dreyfuss, Ving Rhames, Christopher Lloyd, Eli Roth and Jerry O'Connell. Directed by Alexandre Aja. [1:29]

The Social Network [2010] [PG-13] - 5.2.5
The story of the creation of social network giant Facebook, follows its creator, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), through the inception of the idea in his university dorm room to the company's current fiscal and social impact. Also with Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Brenda Song, Rashida Jones, Dakota Johnson and Armie Hammer. Directed by David Fincher. [2:00]

January 18

Animal Kingdom [2010] [R] - 4.7.10
The story follows the Cody crime family, known in Australia for armed robbery and drugs: Three brothers teach their teen nephew (James Frecheville) criminal skills after his mom dies of a drug overdose, while their mom (Jacki Weaver) supervises the training and blackmails authorities. The oldest brother (Ben Mendelsohn) is a psychopath, the middle brother (Sullivan Stapleton) is a cocaine dealer and junkie, and the youngest (Luke Ford) just goes along. Also with Joel Edgerton and Guy Pearce. Directed by David Michôd. [1.52]

Buried [2010] [R] - 1.6.8
A U.S. contractor (Ryan Reynolds) is working as a truck driver in Iraq when his convoy is attacked and he is taken hostage. He awakens to find himself buried alive in a coffin, with only a lighter and a cell phone, as he races against time to escape suffocating death. Also with Jose Luis Garcia Perez, Robert Paterson, Samantha Mathis and Stephen Tobolowsky. Directed by Rodrigo Cortes. [1:35]

Takers [2010] [PG-13] - 4.6.5
A band of bank robbers (Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy, T.I.) pull off their biggest heist, but their seemingly perfectly laid plans begin to crumble after a run in with a rival band of criminals and a hard-nosed police detective (Matt Dillon). Also with Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez. Directed by John Luessenhop. [1:47]

The Virginity Hit [2010] [R] - 9.3.10
When four friends (Matthew Bennett, Zack Pearlman, Jacob Davich and Justin Kline) vow to record how and when they lose their virginity, we see their experiences in a mash up of YouTube-esque amateur videos. Also with Nicole Weaver and Krysta Rodriguez. Directed by Andrew Gurland & Huck Botko. [1:26]

January 25

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest [2010] [R] - 8.7.5
In the third part of the "Millennium Trilogy" a woman (Noomi Rapce), a reporter (Michael Nyqvist) and his sister and attorney (Annika Hallin) gather evidence against a rogue section of Sweden's Secret Services and a Soviet defector (Georgi Staykov) they are protecting. As the evidence builds from 1960 onwards, with drug trafficking, prostitution, pornography and gunrunning, threats and attempts on their lives increase. Also with Lena Endre, Sofia Ledarp, Jacob Eriksson, Askel Morisse, Niklas Hjulstrom, Anders Ahlbom and Micke Preitz. Directed by Daniel Alfredson. In Swedish with English subtitles. [2:27]

Red [2010] [PG-13] - 2.7.5
A retired Black-Ops Specialist (Bruce Willis) finds his new civilian life turned upside down when assassins target him. Hence, he joins forces with his old cohorts (Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Brian Cox) to uncover the assassins' hit list and the reasons behind it. Also with Karl Urban, Richard Dreyfuss and Mary-Louise Parker. Directed by Robert Schwentke. [1:51]

Saw 3D [2010] [R] - 1.10.10
Marketed as the final installment in the "Saw" series of torture films: a group of Jigsaw survivors form a support group and seek the advice of a fellow survivor (Sean Patrick Flanery), who has his own dark past and is confronted with an unfamiliar side of the Jigsaw mazes. Also with Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell and Dean Armstrong. Directed by Kevin Greutert. [1:31]

Stone [2010] [R] - 8.7.10
When a convicted arsonist (Edward Norton) meets his parole officer (Robert De Niro), their interview process changes both of their lives after the convict uses his beautiful wife (Milla Jovovich) to manipulate the system. Also with Frances Conroy and Peter Lewis. Directed by John Curran. [1:45]

Secretariat [2010] [PG] - 2.3.3
In the story of the U.S. Hall of Fame racehorse Secretariat, which won the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1973, its owner (Diane Lane) is a Denver homemaker with a lawyer husband and four children. She takes the reins of her dad's (Scott Glenn) failing stables and proves that gender does not prevent greatness. Also with John Malkovich, Amanda Michalka, Dylan Walsh, Scott Glenn, Fred Thompson, James Cromwell, Kevin Connolly and Nestor Seranno. Directed by Randall Wallace. [1:55]

February

February 1

Conviction [2010] [R] - 5.7.10
A single mother (Hilary Swank) struggles to put herself through college and then Law School in order to prove that her brother (Sam Rockwell) was wrongly convicted of murder and to rally against the system that placed him in jail for life. Also with Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo, Ele Bardha, Juliette Lewis and Peter Gallagher. Directed by Tony Goldwyn. [1:37]

Let Me In [2010] [R] - 6.9.6
A remake of the 2008 Swedish film "Let the Right One In": A bullied and lonely boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee) living with his divorced mother meets a new neighbor (Chloë Grace Moretz) and desperately wants to become friends with her, even though she tells him on their first meeting that they cannot become friends but will not explain why. As he begins to get to know her better, he realizes that there is something very different about her. Also with Richard Jenkins, Cara Buono, Elias Koteas and Sasha Barrese. Directed by Matt Reeves. [1:55]

Never Let Me Go [2010] [R] - 8.6.3
Based on the Kazuo Ishiguro novel, alternate reality film about a medically advanced Britain in 1994: A woman (Carey Mulligan) recalls her childhood in an isolated boarding school with friends, growing up without parents, among an erratic boy (Andrew Garfield) and a manipulative girl (Keira Knightley). Upon leaving school, she learns that they live in a world where human clones provide donor organs, one by one, until they "complete" -- a euphemism for death. Also with Sally Hawkins, Charlotte Rampling and Natalie Richard. Directed by Mark Romanek. [1:43]

Tamara Drewe [2010] [R] - 8.6.9
When a newspaper writer (Gemma Arterton) returns to the English countryside where she was raised, her neighbors, a famous writer (Roger Allam), his wife (Tamsin Greig) and their literary guest (Bill Camp), find a new source of inspiration for their writers' retreat. Also with Domonic Cooper and Luke Evans. Directed by Stephen Frears. [1:51]

A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop [2009] [R] - 2.7.4
The owner of a noodle shop in the Gobi Desert (Ni Hadong) plans to murder his philandering wife (Yan Ni) and her lover (Xiao Shenyang), while at the same time, his wife buys a large pistol. And when the husband bribes a police officer (Sun Honglei) to kill the adulterous couple, the officer may have a plan of his own. Also with Chen Ye. Directed by Zhang Yimou. In Chinese with English subtitles. [1:40]

February 8

It's Kind of a Funny Story [2010] [PG-13] - 5.3.5
A 16 year old boy (Keir Gilchrist) is so depressed that he goes to the hospital and asks to be admitted for psychiatric evaluation, fearing that he might try to commit suicide, not realizing that the minimum stay is 5 days. While at the psychiatric ward, he begins to understand that his life may not be so bad after all. Also with Emma Roberts, Viola Davis, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan, Zoe Kravitz, Zach Galifianakis and Aasif Mandvi. Directed by Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden. [1:41]

Life as We Know It [2010] [PG-13] - 5.3.5
Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel star as a woman and a man, who dislike each other intensely, but are chosen by their best friends to parent the couple's child if anything should ever happen to them. Indeed, after a fatal car crash, the two are thrown into unwanted parenthood and have to learn how to take care of a child while also trying to figure out how to get along with each other. Also with Josh Lucas, Alexis Clagett, Brynn Clagett, Brooke Clagett, Hayes MacArthur, Christina Hendricks and Jessica St Clair. Directed by Greg Berlanti. [1:52]

My Soul to Take [2010] [R] - 4.8.10
After the presumed death of a serial killer who was terrorizing the town of Riverton, the town is overjoyed with the sudden birth of seven children (Max Thieriot, John Magaro, Denzel Whitaker, Zena Grey, Nick Lashaway, Paulina Olszynski and Jeremy Chu), all born within seconds of the serial killer's death. Now, 16 years after that night, a city is terrorized again by a killer, and it seems that the serial killer has returned somehow. Also with Emily Meade and Jessica Hecht. Directed by Wes Craven. [1:47]

Paranormal Activity 2 [2010] [R] - 3.6.5
A follow-up to the pseudo documentary thriller about a family that is convinced they have a demon in their house. This time the family is convinced that criminals are breaking in their house and they set up security cameras all over, only to realize that what's been going bump in the night may have a sinister supernatural source. With Katie Featherston. Directed by Kip Williams. [1:31]

You Again [2010] [PG] - 3.3.2
When a woman (Kristen Bell) returns home to meet her older brother's fiancée (Odette Yustman), she realizes the woman was her biggest tormentor in high school and all her feelings of insecurity and self-doubt come rushing back. Meanwhile, her mother (Jamie Lee Curtis) is experiencing a similar reunion with one her own high school classmates (Sigourney Weaver). Also with Victor Garber, Betty White, Kristin Chenoweth and James Wolk. Directed by Andy Fickman. [1:45]

February 15

Unstoppable [2010] [PG-13] - 2.6.4
As an unmanned train barrels through small Pennsylvania towns, a longtime rail conductor (Denzel Washington) and a new employee (Chris Pine) devise a way to stop the half-mile long train before it crashes and takes out an entire city. Also with Rosario Dawson, Ethan Suplee, Kevin Dunn and Kevin Corrigan. Directed by Tony Scott. [1:38]

Waiting for Superman [2010] [PG] - 1.2.3
Documentary filmmaker Davis Guggenheim follows the stories of four families as they go through the steps of escaping from their sub-par public school system by entering lotteries to attend magnet, charter and private schools. The commentary tract features Bill Gates, Michelle Rhee and Bill Strickland. [1:42]

February 22

Due Date [2010] [R] - 6.5.9
A father-to-be (Robert Downey Jr.) is forced to drive cross-country with a complete stranger, a very odd, aspiring actor (Zach Galifianakis) to be present for the birth of his child. They encounter more than their fair share of obstacles along the way. Also with Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Danny McBride and Juliette Lewis. Directed by Todd Phillips. [1:40]

Get Low [2010] [PG-13] - 2.4.4
Based on true events from the 1930s, a man (Robert Duvall) has exiled himself for 40 years to the backwoods of a rural state for penance over something from his past. Rumors about having been involved in mass killings make him a pariah, but the community is really shocked when he rides into town and orders a funeral party while he's still alive. The funeral director (Bill Murray) jumps at the chance for new business. Also with Gerald McRaney, Bill Cobbs and Scott Cooper. Directed by Aaron Schneider. [1:42]

February 25

Megamind [2010] [PG] - 2.4.3
In a parody of superhero films, a hapless blue-skinned alien (with the voice of Will Ferrell) is in competition with a human-looking superhero (with the voice of Brad Pitt). Shot into space from dying worlds as infants, they land on Earth and are treated very differently: One is practically worshipped, while the other is rejected and applies his intellect to evil, but can accomplish nothing until an accident puts him in control of a city. Also with the voices of David Cross, Jonah Hill, Tina Fey and Ben Stiller. Directed by Tom McGrath. [1:36]

March

March 1

Burlesque [2010] [PG-13] - 6.2.5
A burlesque lounge owner (Cher) on Sunset Strip is about to lose everything, when a woman with a show stopping voice and dance skills to match (Christina Aguilera) walks through her door and changes everything. Also with Stanley Tucci, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher, Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci. Directed by Steven Antin. [1:40]

Faster [2010] [R] - 4.8.5
After an ex-con (Dwayne Johnson) gets out of jail, he sets out to avenge his brother's death by killing the men that double-crossed them during a heist. As he starts his multi-state killing spree, a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) and an egomaniac hit man follow him. Also with Mike Epps, Carla Gugino and Maggie Grace. Directed by George Tillman, Jr. [1:38]

Love & Other Drugs [2010] [R] - 10.3.9
A money and ego driven drug rep (Jake Gyllenhaal) and a free-spirited artist (Anne Hathaway) are two people who had not previously allowed themselves to be tied down. However, when they meet their relationship takes them both by surprise, and they find themselves wanting more out of life, love and each other. Also with Oliver Platt, Hank Azaria, Josh Gad and Judy Greer. Directed by Edward Zwick. [1:53]

127 Hours [2010] [R] - 4.8.6
An avid rock climber (James Franco) falls and becomes trapped by a large rock that pins his arm. Nobody knows where he is, and after numerous attempts over 5 days to free himself by chiseling the rock, he resorts to extreme measures and cuts off his own forearm. Based on true events related by Aron Ralston in his memoir "Between a Rock and a Hard Place." Also with Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Clemence Poesy, Kate Burton, Treat Williams and Lizzy Caplan. Directed by Danny Boyle. [1:33]

March 8

Inside Job [2010] [PG-13] - 4.1.4
Documentary that takes a comprehensive look at how the global economic crisis of 2008 happened, who's to blame and how it has affected the entire world. It features interviews with Nouriel Roubini, Barney Frank, George Soros, Eliot Spitzer and Charles R. Morris. Narrated by Matt Damon. Directed by Charles Ferguson. [1:48]

Jackass 3D [2010] [R] - 8.8.10
More stunts and pranks involving injury and bodily functions from the "Jackass" series, only this time in 3D. With Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Spike Jonze, Chris Pontius, Jason Acuña, Ryan Dunn, Preston Lacy, Jeff Tremaine, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey, Tony Hawk, Mark Povinelli and John Taylor. Directed by Jeff Tremaine. [1:34]

Morning Glory [2010] [PG-13] - 6.3.5
A television producer (Rachel McAdams) is tasked with the challenge of revitalizing a struggling morning television show despite the lack of content and constant spats between the high-profile anchors (Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton). Also with Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Wilson and Ty Burrell. Directed by Roger Michell. [1:42]

The Next Three Days [2010] [PG-13] - 3.6.5
When a woman (Elizabeth Banks) is arrested for the murder of a colleague and numerous trials and appeals do not go her way, her husband (Russell Crowe) takes matters into his own hands and plans to help her escape from prison. Also with Liam Neeson, Brian Dennehy, Moran Atias and Lennie James. Directed by Paul Haggis. [2:02]

March 15

The Fighter [2010] [R] - 6.7.10
Based on a true story about a boxer (Mark Wahlberg) from Lowell, Massachusetts, whose chances at success were nearly squandered by his mother (Melissa Leo) and crack-addicted older brother (Christian Bale). Also with Amy Adams and Jack McGee. Directed by David O. Russell. [1:54]

Hereafter [2010] [PG-13] - 3.5.5
The movie follows the stories of three very different people, an American psychic (Matt Damon), a French journalist (Cecile De France) and an English schoolboy (Frankie and George McLaren) as their lives are touched by various aspects of death. Also with Jay Mohr, Richard Kind and Bryce Dallas Howard. Directed by Clint Eastwood. [2:09]

March 22

How Do You Know [2010] [PG-13] - 5.2.5
A successful softball player (Reese Witherspoon) realizes that there may be more to life than the game and becomes involved with two very different men (Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd). She then tries to figure out what kind of relationship is right for her and what she really wants out of life. Also with Jack Nicholson, Kathryn Hahn, Mark Linn-Baker and Lenny Venito. Directed by James L. Brooks. [1:56]

Skyline [2010] [PG-13] - 5.8.5
A man and a woman (Eric Balfour and Scottie Thompson) travel to L.A. for his best friend's (Donald Faison) birthday party. Not long after they arrive, alien beings show up and they are not friendly. Also with Brittany Daniel, Crystal Reed, Neil Hopkins and David Zayas. Directed by Colin & Greg Strause. [1:40]

The Tourist [2010] [PG-13] - 3.5.5
An unsuspecting passenger (Johnny Depp) on a train to Venice is swept into a case of international intrigue when an attractive woman (Angelina Jolie) invites him to join her. He soon realizes that he is assumed to be a man wanted by Scotland Yard, as well a mob boss for stealing a large amount of money. Also with Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff and Rufus Sewell. Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. [1:43]

Yogi Bear [2010] [PG] - 2.4.2
When a documentary filmmaker (Anna Faris) comes to Jellystone Park, she begins filming Yogi Bear (voiced by Dan Aykroyd) and his sidekick Boo-Boo (voiced by Justin Timberlake). However, when the park comes under threat, they must work with a ranger (Tom Cavanagh) to save their homes. Also with T.J. Mller, Nathan Corddry and Andrew Daly. Directed by Eric Brevig. [1:22]

March 29

Black Swan [2010] [R] - 8.8.6
Natalie Portman stars as a ballet dancer who is so intent on landing the role of the Swan Queen in a production that she finds herself in a world where her imagination takes control, with violent results. Also with Mila Kunis, Winona Ryder, Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. [1:43]

Fair Game [2010] [PG-13] - 3.4.5
Based on the true story of CIA operative Varlerie Plame (Naomi Watts) whose identity was revealed by White House officials in an attempt to discredit her husband, former Ambassador Joe Wilson (Sean Penn), after he argued in a 2003 New York Times op-ed piece that Iraq did not have the means to create WMD. Also with Jessica Hecht, Ty Burrell, Brooke Smith and David Andrews. Directed by Doug Liman. [1:48]

Made in Dagenham [2010] [R] - 6.3.6
A dramatization of the 1968 labor strike at the Ford car plant in Dagenham, England, lead by Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins): she organized the female workers to walk out until their demands for equal pay were heard by everyone, including the British Secretary of State (Miranda Richardson) and the executives of the company. Also with Richard Bailey, Daniel Mays, Rosamund Pike, Jaime Winstone and Bob Hoskins. Directed by Nigel Cole. [1:53]

Tangled [2010] [PG] - 2.4.1
Long-haired Princess Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) has spent her entire life trapped in a tall tower. That is, until she meets a passing bandit, Flynn Ryder (voiced by Zachary Levi), who promises to help her venture into the outside world for the first time. There she learns about a whole new kind of life. Also with the voices of Donna Murphy, Brad Garrett, Ron Perlman, M.C. Gainey, Jeffrey Tambor and Paul F. Tompkins. Directed by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno. [1:40]

Topsy-Turvy [1999] - 6.3.5
A period piece about Victorian operetta writers William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and their travails trying to put together their theatrical production of the "The Mikado." With Jim Broadbent, Allan Corduner, Lesley Manville, Eleanor David, Ron Cook, Timothy Spall, Kevin McKidd, Martin Savage, Shirley Henderson, Dorothy Atkinson, Wendy Nottingham and Jonathan Aris. [2:40]

April

April 5

TRON: Legacy [2010] [PG] - 2.5.2
A follow-up to the original film from 1982: An arcade owner and computer programmer (Jeff Bridges) has been trapped for the past 20 years in a computer game, and when his son (Garrett Hedlund) is also pulled into the pixelated world the two have to band together and fight gladiatorial bouts in order to escape. Also with Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, James Frain, Beau Garrett and Daft Punk. Directed by Joseph Kosinski. [2:07]

Little Fockers [2010] [PG-13] - 6.5.4
The third installment of the Focker family story finds the father-in-law (Robert De Niro) once again doubting the seriousness of his son-in-law (Ben Stiller) after the latter takes on a part-time job at a drug company that markets erectile dysfunction drugs. When the extended family (Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand and Blythe Danner), along with a former fiancé (Owen Wilson) comes together to celebrate a birthday, unresolved insecurities and antipathies come to the surface. Also with Jessica Alba, Erika Jensen, Teri Polo, Harvey Keitel and Kevin Hart. Directed by Paul Weitz. [1:38]

I Love You Phillip Morris [2010] [R] - 9.5.9
A husband (Jim Carrey) confesses to his loving wife (Leslie Mann) that he is gay and he undergoes a series of transformations that lead to embezzlement, fraud and jail time. While incarcerated he meets another man (Ewan McGregor) and they fall in love. Also with Rodrigo Santoro, Antoni Corone, Brennan Brown, Annie Golden and Marylouise Burke. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. [1:40]

Casino Jack [2010] [R] - 6.6.9
Based on the true story of lobbyist Jack Abramaoff (Kevin Spacey), who pled guilty in 2006 to charges that he defrauded American Indian tribes and corrupted public officials. The film traces his rise and fall as he hobnobs with prominent Republican politicians and Washington operatives like Tom DeLay, Grover Norquist, Ralph Reed and Bob Ney. Also with Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Rachelle Lefevre, Jon Lovitz, Christian Campbell, Yannick Bisson, Spencer Garret and David Fraser. Directed by George Hickenlooper. [1:48

April 8

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader [2010] [PG] - 1.5.1
The third installment in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series takes Edmund and Lucy (Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley) back to the magical realm where they help King Caspian (Ben Barnes) fight a dark force. Also with Will Poulter, Laura Brent, Gary Sweet, Arthur Angel, Tilda Swinton, Simon Pegg, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell. Directed by Michael Apted. [1:52]

April 12

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 [2010] [PG-13] - 4.7.3
The first part of the final installment of the "Harry Potter" series finds Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) racing against time as he tries to destroy the Horcruxes. Together with Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), the three begin their journey to uncover the most powerful wizarding objects in the world, which are the Deathly Hallows. Also with Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter. Directed by David Yates. [2:30]

Country Strong [2011] [PG-13] - 6.4.4
After a rising country music star (Garrett Hedlund) begins a relationship with a country music superstar (Gwyneth Paltrow) while she is in rehab, they begin to tour together. Continuing to be emotionally unstable, she mounts her comeback along with a newcomer beauty queen (Leighton Meester), but romantic entanglements and unresolved conflicts threaten to derail her once again. Also with Tim McGraw, Marshall Chapman and Lari White. Directed by Shana Feste. [1:52]

April 19

Gulliver's Travels [2010] [PG] - 4.4.3
A mailroom worker (Jack Black) takes on a travel writing assignment to impress his boss (Amanda Peet) but when he ends up on a boat in the Bermuda Triangle, he magically travels to the island of Lilliput, where he dwarfs the tiny citizens and soon changes their lives -- as well as his own. Also with Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Billy Connolly and Chris O'Dowd. Directed by Rob Letterman. [1:25]

Rabbit Hole [2010] [PG-13] - 2.4.5
A husband and his wife (Aaron Eckhart and Nicole Kidman) struggle every day trying to come to terms with the death of their young son. Hence, they seek strength in support groups and try to distract themselves with work and other tasks, but seem unable to comfort each other. Also with Dianne Wiest, Tammy Blanchard, Miles Teller, Giancarlo Esposito, Sandra Oh, Jon Tenney and Patricia Kalember. Directed by John Cameron Mitchell. [1:31]

Somewhere [2010] [R] - 6.1.5
A presumably famous actor (Stephen Dorff) lives day-to-day with no real plan, or care. He is a permanent resident in a Hollywood hotel where women visit frequently and he is supplied with beer, cigarettes and pills. When he gets a call from his ex-wife informing him that he will need to take care of their 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning), his newfound responsibilities begin to change his life. Also with Chris Pontius and Michelle Monaghan. Directed by Sofia Coppola. [1:38]

The King's Speech [2010] [R] - 1.1.6
When King George V of England died and his eldest son (Guy Pearce) abdicated, the duty fell to Prince Albert (Colin Firth) to become king George VI. He was not prepared for the responsibility since he had suffered from a speech impediment that caused him to stammer and was thus unable to successfully give speeches. After numerous attempts at therapy, he ended up with an unlicensed specialist (Geoffrey Rush) who was convinced he could help him. Also with Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon, Jennifer Ehle and Sir Derek Jacobi. Directed by Tom Hooper. [1:51]

The Way Back [2011] [PG-13] - 3.6.5
Based on the best-selling, controversial memoir of Slavomir Rawicz, it is a retelling of the presumably true story of men that escaped from a Soviet gulag in 1940 and walked more than 4,000 miles. From the Siberian steppes and through the Gobi Desert, they eventually found freedom in India. With Dragos Bucur, Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, Alexandru Potocean, Saoirse Ronan and Mark Strong. Directed by Peter Weir. [2:13]

April 26

There are no major releases this week.

<br>

This review is currently exclusively available to our members

Become a member of our premium site for just $1/month to access advance reviews without any ads, and you will be helping support our website

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

<br>
May

May 3

The Dilemma [2011] [PG-13] - 6.5.5
Two best friends and business partners (Vince Vaughn and Kevin James) attempt to produce an electric muscle car, but when one of the men witnesses the other man's wife (Winona Ryder) kissing a younger man, he starts agonizing over how to tell his friend. Growing increasingly paranoid and keeping a close eye on his friend, his friend's wife and his own girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly), he starts giving the impression of suffering from an addiction. Also with Channing Tatum, Queen Latifah, Chelcie Ross, Amy Morton and Clint Howard. Directed by Ron Howard. [1:58]

From Prada to Nada [2011] [PG-13] - 5.3.4
A modern, Latino twist on Jane Austen's classic "Sense and Sensibility": two spoiled sisters (Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega) are left penniless after their father dies and they must move in with their aunt in East Los Angeles and make a new life for themselves. Also with Kuno Becker, April Bowlby and Wilmer Valderrama. Directed by Angel Gracia. [1:47]

Green Hornet [2011] [PG-13] - 5.7.4
Seth Rogen stars as the spoiled son of a rich man who dies and leaves him the family newspaper publishing business. He quickly learns about a secret criminal underground in the city and vows to put an end to the corruption and crime by becoming a masked superhero, with a martial arts and weapons expert (Jay Chou) at his side. Also with Cameron Diaz, Christoph Waltz, Edward Furlong, Tom Wilkinson, Edward James Olmos and James Franco. Directed by Michel Gondry. [1:48]

May 10

Blue Valentine [2010] [R] - 8.4.8
A man and a woman (Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams) meet, fall in love and marry but their love dwindles and erodes as time passes. A principal problem seems to be lifestyle incompatibility: she's practical and focused on a medical career, while he's a dreamer and happy to do unskilled jobs. Also with John Doman, Mike Vogel, Maryann Plunkett and Ben Shenkman. Directed by Derek Cianfrance. [1:54]

The Illusionist (L'illusionniste) [2010] [PG] - 1.2.0
In this animated feature, a French illusionist finds himself out of work and travels to Scotland, where he meets a young woman who joins him on his journey. Their shared adventures change both of their lives. With the voices of Jean-Claude Donda, Eilidh Rankin and Duncan MacNeil. Directed by Sylvain Chomet. In French and Gaelic with English subtitles. [1:20]

No Strings Attached [2011] [R] - 8.3.6
Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher star as two friends who reconnect, and decide to make their sexual relationship strictly physical. But they discover that it isn't as easy as they thought it would be. Also with Kevin Kline, Cary Elwes, Greta Gerwig, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Mindy Kaling. Directed by Ivan Reitman. [1:50]

May 13

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never [2011] [G] - 2.1.1
The film consists of footage of Justin Bieber in the ten days leading up to his sold-out concert at Madison Square Gardens and footage from his 2010 concert tour. Also with Boyz II Men, Miley Cyrus, Sean Kingston, Ludacris, Jaden Smith, Usher, Snoop Dogg and Scooter Braun. Directed by Jon Chu. [1:45]

May 17

The Mechanic [2011] [R] - 7.8.6
A remake of the eponymous 1972 Charles Bronson film: Jason Statham plays an elite professional assassin, who decides to take on an apprentice (Ben Foster). The younger man's father had been assassinated and he has problems with substance abuse, which threaten their relationship. Also with Tony Goldwyn, Donald Sutherland, Mini Anden and Jeff Chase. Directed by Simon West. [1:40]

The Rite [2011] [R] - 4.8.5
On the eve of his graduation from a seminary a man (Colin O'Donoghue) that has admitted to a lack of faith agrees to enroll in exorcist training at the Vatican. There he meets a priest (Anthony Hopkins) that has performed numerous exorcisms and believes he can convince the non-believer that the devil does exist. Also with Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds and Toby Jones. Directed by Mikael Hafstrom. [2:07]

The Roommate [2011] [PG-13] - 6.6.4
A young woman (Minka Kelly) moves into her new college dorm room and she and her roommate (Leighton Meester) become friends. However, the relationship soon deteriorates when the roommate becomes possessive and resentful. Also with Alyson Michalka, Cam Gigandet, Danneel Harris and Billy Zane. Directed by Christian Christiansen. [1:33]

May 24

Gnomeo and Juliet [2011] [G] - 3.3.2
A modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," involving two neighboring groups of garden gnomes and their on-going feud, which takes on a new twist when two star-crossed gnomes (voiced by James McAvoy and Emily Blunt) fall in love. Also with the voices of Hulk Hogan, Ashley Jensen, Michael Caine, Matt Lucas, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham, Ozzy Osbourne and Patrick Stewart. Directed by Kelly Asbury. [1:24]

I Am Number Four [2011] [PG-13] - 3.6.4
Based on the young adult science fiction novel by Pittacus Lore: a teenager (Alex Pettyfer) tries to fit in at a new school in a new town after he and his caretaker (Timothy Olyphant) move in order to elude a deadly alien enemy. There he can fulfill his destiny as an extraordinary creature saved from a dying planet. Also with Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron and Callan McAuliffe. Directed by D.J. Caruso. [1:44]

June

June 7

Another Year [2010] [PG-13] - 3.2.5
The life of a blissfully long-married couple (Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen) is documented for a year, as they are surrounded by their unhappy friends. Also with Lesley Manville, Oliver Maltman and Peter Wright. Directed by Mike Leigh. [2:09]

The Company Men [2010] [R] - 6.2.6
The employees of a large shipping manufacturer are downsized and have to deal with the disappointment and pressure of unemployment, each one in a different way. With Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, Craig T. Nelson, Maria Bello, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kevin Costner and Eamonn Walker. Directed by John Wells. [1:53]

Just Go With It [2011] [PG-13] - 7.3.4
After a plastic surgeon (Adam Sandler) is caught in a lie to impress a new girlfriend (Brooklyn Decker), he has his assistant (Jennifer Aniston) play along as his soon-to-be ex-wife, until she is caught in her own lie. There are more complications involving kids, a trip to Hawaii and someone posing as a German sheep-shipper. Also with Nicole Kidman, Nick Swardson, Bailee Madison, Dave Matthews and Kevin Nealon. Directed by Dennis Dugan. [1:50]

Sanctum [2011] [R] - 3.7.8
Inspired by a true story, cave-exploring divers (Richard Roxburgh, Ioan Gruffudd, Rhys Wakefield, Dan Wyllie, Allison Cratchley and Alice Parkinson) are trapped in a series of underwater caves and must find their way out after a freak storm collapses the entrance. Directed by Alister Grierson. [1:43]

True Grit [2010] [PG-13] - 1.7.3
Remake of the 1969 John Wayne film and based on the Charles Portis novel: A 14-year-old-girl (Hailee Steinfeld) approaches a marshal (Jeff Bridges) to hire him to find and bring to justice the man who killed her father. Along with a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) they set off into wild territory filled with danger and outlaws. Also with Josh Brolin, Nicholas Sadler, Barry Pepper and Nicholas Sadler. Directed by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen. [1:50]

June 14

Battle: Los Angeles [2011] [PG-13] - 2.7.5
Upon submitting his formal request to retire, a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) is called back to active duty when what initially is thought to be meteors crashing into the oceans around the globe turns out to be extraterrestrial invaders. The battle to save the world begins. Also with Bridget Moynahan, Michelle Rodriguez, Michael Pena, Adetokumboh M. Cormack, Ramon Rodriguez, Taylor Handley, Cory C. Hardrict, Ne-Yo, Jadin Gould and Bryce Cass. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman. [1:56]

Hall Pass [2011] [R] - 10.5.6
When two married men (Jason Sudeikis and Owen Wilson) are granted a "hall pass" from their marriage for a week, they get together to have some extramarital fun. However, things soon change when their wives also pursue their own extramarital activities. Also with Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate, Nicky Whelan and Richard Jenkins. Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly. [1:48]

Kill the Irishman [2011] [R] - 6.9.9
Based on the life of Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson), a tough Irish union man and mob hitman, who was working for the infamous Cleveland mobsters in the 1970s. Also with Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, Steven Schirripa, Paul Sorvino, and Linda Cardellini. Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh. [1:46]

Red Riding Hood [2011] [PG-13] - 4.6.3
A beautiful young woman (Amanda Seyfried) is in love with an orphaned woodcutter, her childhood sweetheart (Shiloh Fernandez), while her family has arranged for her to marry a wealthy villager (Max Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, the couple plans to run away when the young woman's older sister is killed by a large wolf, who takes human form by day. The terrified villagers call on a werewolf hunter (Gary Oldman) to help them kill the wolf, but his arrival brings unintended consequences. Also with Julie Christie, Virginia Madsen, Billy Burke and Michael Shanks. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke. [1:40]

June 21

The Adjustment Bureau [2011] [PG-13] - 5.5.5
A politician (Matt Damon) meets a dancer (Emily Blunt) by chance and instantly falls in love, only to have a mysterious force attempt to keep the two apart, by any means possible. When he finds himself confronted by The Adjustments Bureau, he watches as his fate and his sense of free will begin to unravel. Also with Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery and Terence Stamp. Cameos by Jon Stewart, Margaret Thatcher, James Carville, Mary Matalin, Betty Liu and Michael Bloomberg. Directed by George Nolfi. [1:39]

Cedar Rapids [2011] [R] - 7.3.6
When a small-town insurance agent (Ed Helms) goes to the annual insurance convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he has no idea what he's in for: after three convention veterans (Anne Heche, John C. Reilly and Isiah Whitlock Jr.) take him under their wing, he finds a whole new aspect to insurance sales. Also with Sigourney Weaver, Alia Shawkat, Rob Corddry and Stephen Root. Directed by Miguel Arteta. [1:26]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules [2011] [PG] - 1.3.2
The "wimpy kid" (Zachary Gordon) returns in his second installment, which focuses on the uncomfortable relationship between him and his older brother (Devon Bostick). Also with Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris, Robert Capron, Connor Fielding, Owen Fielding, Peyton List, Laine MacNeil and Grayson Russell. Directed by David Bowers. [1:36]

The Eagle [2011] [PG-13] - 2.8.4
A failed invasion of Northern Britain in 120 AD left 5,000 Roman soldiers missing and assumed dead. Also lost was a gilded eagle, a symbol of Rome's dominance, and the loss for many Romans was interpreted as the beginning of the end of Rome. The son (Channing Tatum) of the commander of the ill-fated incursion becomes determined to find the eagle, bring it back and clear his family's name. Also with Jamie Bell, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim and Donald Sutherland. Directed by Kevin MacDonald. [1:54]

Unknown [2011] [PG-13] - 5.7.4
A man (Liam Neeson) suffers a head injury and awakens after a 4-day coma to realize that the life that he knew has been taken over by another man. He struggles to piece together the events leading up to the accident and to sort out his life, while it seems that he's also being followed by assassins. Also with Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz and Frank Langella. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. [1:49]

June 28

Beastly [2011] [PG-13] - 3.5.4
A contemporary take on the classic tale "Beauty and the Beast" set in New York City: A handsome but arrogant and rude teen (Alex Pettyfer) makes the mistake of disrespecting a modern Goth witch (Mary-Kate Olsen) and she casts a spell that deforms his face with tatoos and scars. His father (Peter Krause) sends him to Brooklyn with a blind tutor (Neil Patrick Harris) and while there he rescues a drug addict from death in exchange for the promise that the addict's daughter (Vanessa Hudgens) will live in his house. Also with Lisa Gay Hamilton, Dakota Johnson, Erik Knudsen and Roc LaFortune. Directed by Daniel Barnz. [1:35]

Sucker Punch [2011] [PG-13] - 5.7.4
After a young woman (Emily Browning) is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather she imagines herself and her four new friends (Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Chung) as action heroines in an alternate reality, in order to cope with the terror of the hospital and help plan for their escape. Also with Carla Gugino, Oscar Isaac, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn. Directed by Zack Snyder. [1:49]

The Warrior's Way [2010] [R] - 5.10.4
In the 19th century a warrior assassin (Jang Dong-gun) is ordered to kill the last member of an enemy clan, but when he realizes it is a baby he refuses, takes the baby and escapes to the American Badlands. After finding a home in a small town, he has to fall back on his warrior training to defend his new friends and new home. Also with Kate Bosworth, Geoffrey Rush, Danny Huston and Tony Cox. Directed by Sngmoo Lee. [1:40]

July

July 5

Hobo with a Shotgun [2011] [NR] - 5.10.10
A homeless man (Rutger Hauer) rides a freight train and gets off in a new town. The town boss (Brian Downey) oppresses the residents with help from his evil sons (Nick Bateman and Gregory Smith), controls crime and has the police in his pocket. The homeless man befriends a prostitute and uses a shotgun to mete out justice and rid the town of its oppressors. Also with Molly Dunsworth, Peter Sima, Jeremy Akerman, Glen Matthews, Drew O'Hara, Robb Wells and David Brunt. Directed by Jason Eisener. [1:24]

Of Gods and Men [2011] [PG-13] - 1.6.5
After terrorists threaten a remote, impoverished city in the Algerian countryside, a group of Trappist monks must decide if they want to stay and face the violence or leave their community behind. With Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale, Olivier Rabourdin and Philippe Laudenbach. Directed by Xavier Beauvois. In Arabic and French with English subtitles (original title: "Des Hommes et des Dieux.") [2:02]

July 12

Insidious [2011] [PG-13] - 2.7.5
A family moves into an old house after the birth of their third child. Soon afterward, the parents (Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne) find that spirits have possessed the house and possibly affected their older son (Ty Simpkins), who has fallen inexplicably into a coma. The family packs up and moves again, but something still haunts them and they decide to call in a crew of professional ghost hunters. Also with Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Andrew Astor, Chelsea Tavares, J. LaRose and Heather Tocquigny. Directed by James Wan. [1:42]

The Lincoln Lawyer [2011] [R] - 6.7.5
When a lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) takes on a millionaire client (Ryan Phillippe), he and his investigator (William H. Macy) uncover more than just the crime. The lawyer then realizes that he has to ensure that he and his family (Marisa Tomei) are safe, while also protecting his law license. Also with Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Peña and Bob Gunton. Directed by Brad Furman. [1:59]

July 15

Arthur [2011] [PG-13] - 6.5.4
When a perpetually inebriated millionaire playboy (Russell Brand) is forced by his mother (Geraldine James) to either marry a woman he does not love (Jennifer Garner) or lose his fortune, he finds himself in a difficult situation that is made worse when he falls in love with another woman (Greta Gerwig). A remake of the eponymous 1981 film. Also with Helen Mirren, Luis Guzman and Nick Nolte. Directed by Jason Winer. [1:50]

Rango [2011] [PG] - 3.4.3
The Nevada desert town Dirt, plagued by water rustlers, needs a new sheriff and a lost chameleon (voiced by Johnny Depp) fills the bill. He's always played heroes on his terrarium stage, but doesn't like the look of the Boot Hill cemetery that's filled with sheriffs. Also with the voices of Isla Fisher, Alfred Molina, Ned Beatty, Stephen Root, Harry Dean Stanton, Timothy Olyphant, Abigail Breslin, Bill Nighy and James Byrkit. Directed by Gore Verbinski. [1:47]

July 19

Limitless [2011] [PG-13] - 6.7.5
Bradley Cooper stars as a man down-on-his luck and experiencing a prolonged writer's block, who runs into an old acquaintance, accepts a designer pill and suddenly he can concentrate and focus like nobody else. He becomes successful overnight, but when the drug wears off he's back to his old, ordinary self. He now must choose between the side effects of continuing to take the drug or losing everything. Also with Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, Andrew Howard, Anna Friel and Johnny Whitworth. Directed by Neil Burger. [1:45]

Take Me Home Tonight [2011] [R] - 8.4.10
It is the late 1980s and a recent MIT graduate (Topher Grace) is disgruntled with life after college since he finds himself working at a local mall, his best friend (Dan Fogler) has just lost his job and his twin sister (Anna Faris) is marrying her selfish boyfriend (Chris Pratt). But when his high school crush (Teresa Palmer) comes back into the picture, he thinks his luck may be turning around. Also with Michael Biehn, Michelle Trachtenberg, Demetri Martin, Michael Ian Black and Bob Odenkirk. Directed by Michael Dowse. [1:54]

July 26

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night [2011] [PG-13] - 5.8.4
Based on the Italian horror comic book, a paranormal investigator (Brandon Routh) is living in New Orleans, and after years of distancing himself from the supernatural he resumes his activities when his assistant (Sam Huntington) is murdered and later reincarnated. Also with Anita Briem, Peter Stormare, Taye Diggs and Kurt Angle. Directed by Kevin Munroe. [1:47]

Source Code [2011] [PG-13] - 1.5.5
A soldier (Jake Gyllenhaal) finds himself in the body of someone that he does not recognize and slowly becomes aware that he is on a mission to find the person responsible for bombing a passenger train. Also with Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden, Cas Anvar, Brent Skagford and Gordon Masten. Directed by Duncan Jones. [1:34]

Trust [2011] [R] - 7.6.7
A 14-year-old girl (Liana Liberato) befriends someone she thinks is a boy her age while chatting on the Internet. When it turns out that he is not 14 but much older, things get out of hand and she becomes embroiled in a situation that engulfs her entire family and changes her life forever. Also with Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, Viola Davis, Brandon Molale and Chris Henry Coffey. Directed by David Schwimmer. [1:37]

August

August 2

The Music Never Stopped [2011] [PG] - 2.3.4
Inspired by a true story about a father (J.K. Simmons) that had been estranged from his son (Lou Taylor Pucci) for almost 20 years: After the son suffers from a brain tumor that prevents him from forming new memories, he and his father rekindle their relationship with the help of a music therapist (Julia Ormond) and "The Grateful Dead." Also with Mia Maestro, Tammy Blanchard, Scott Adsit and Cara Seymour. Directed by Jim Kohlberg. [1:45]

Rio [2011] [G] - 2.3.1
A rare blue Macaw (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg) is discovered in a small town in Minnesota where he has been raised dutifully by a woman (voiced by Leslie Mann) since she found him as a young bird. When they travel back to his home in Rio in order to unite him with the only remaining female blue Macaw (voiced by Anne Hathaway) they are preyed upon by thieves. Also with the voices of George Lopez, Tracy Morgan, Jemaine Clement, Rodrigo Santoro and Will.i.am. Directed by Carlos Saldanha. [1:36]

Soul Surfer [2011] [PG] - 3.5.1
The true story of pro-surfer Bethany Hamilton: After the teenager (AnnaSophia Robb) loses her arm in a shark attack, she overcomes her disability and finds the courage to return to competitive surfing. Also with Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood, Ross Thomas and Kevin Sorbo. Directed by Sean McNamara. [1:45]

August 9

Jumping the Broom [2011] [PG-13] - 6.3.4
When an uptown woman (Paula Patton) meets and falls in love with a downtown man (Laz Alonso), their whirlwind romance almost comes to a screeching halt, with their two families clashing at their Martha's Vineyard wedding. Also with Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good, Tasha Smith, Julie Bowen, DeRay Davis, Valarie Pettiford, Mike Epps and Romeo. Directed by Salim Akil. [1:53]

Mars Needs Moms [2011] [PG] - 1.4.1
After a boy's (voiced by Seth Green) mom (voiced by Joan Cusack) is kidnapped from Earth by Martians in need of mothering skills, he must work with a new friend (voiced by Dan Fogler) to free his mom, while gaining a new appreciation for all the work she does. Also with the voices of Elisabeth Harnois and Mindy Sterling. Directed by Simon Wells. [1:28]

Paul [2011] [R] - 5.5.10
Two English sci-fi fans (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) make a pilgrimage to Comic Con and Nevada's Area 51, where they unexpectedly meet one of the legendary "grays," a real extraterrestrial (voiced by Seth Rogen). They agree to a road trip to help the alien escape to a desert meeting place, where his people will take him home, while being obstructed by an FBI Agent (Jason Bateman), Christians, the American government, and assorted others. Also with Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, John Lynch, Jane Lynch, Sigourney Weaver and Blythe Danner. Directed by Greg Mottola. [1:44]

Your Highness [2011] [R] - 10.9.9
After a brave and handsome prince's (James Franco) new bride (Zooey Deschanel) is kidnapped by an evil wizard (Justin Theroux), he must go on a quest with his lazy, underachieving brother (Danny McBride) in order to rescue her. Also with Natalie Portman, Toby James and Damian Lewis. Directed by David Gordon Green. [1:42]

August 16

The Grace Card [2011] [PG-13] - 1.5.2
A man (Michael Joiner) has become a police officer after the death of his young son, and after a tragic event involving another son. When his partner (Mike Higgenbottom) reaches out to help comfort him, they both find a new appreciation for their faith. Also with Louis Gossett Jr. and Cindy Hodge. Directed by David G. Evans. [1:41]

Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil [2011] [PG] - 1.4.3
The sequel to "Hoodwinked" has Red Riding Hood (voiced by Hayden Panettiere) training in the group of Sister Hoods when she and the Wolf (voiced by Patrick Warburton) are called away to investigate the disappearance of a brother and sister duo, Hansel (voiced by Bill Hader) and Gretel (voiced by Amy Poehler). Also with the voices of Glenn Close, Cheech Marin, Joan Cusack, Brad Garett, Martin Short, Tommy Chong, Andy Dick and David Ogden Stiers. Directed by Mike Disa. [1:34]

Jane Eyre [2011] [PG-13] - 4.5.1
Based on Charlotte Brontë's classic, about a governess (Mia Wasikowska) that falls in love with her brooding employer (Michael Fassbender) and eventually discovers his dark secret. Also with Jamie Bell, Sally Hawkins, Dame Judi Dench, Imogen Poots, Tamzin Merchant and Holliday Grainger. Directed by Cary Fukunaga. [1:55]

Priest [2011] [PG-13] - 2.8.5
Based on the Korean comic of the same name, and set in an alternate world, after humans and vampires have battled for centuries, and humans have won and vampires are contained in reservations. A man (Paul Bettany) is called to serve as a warrior after his niece (Lily Collins) is captured by escaped vampires, which are attempting to take over the world again. Also with Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Christopher Plummer and Karl Urban. Directed by Scott Stewart. [1:27]

Something Borrowed [2011] [PG-13] - 6.3.5
The relationship of two girlfriends (Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin) becomes complicated when it turns out that one of them has been in love with the fiancé (Colin Egglesfield) of the other. After a night of drinking, the girlfriend and the fiancé wake up in bed together and must decide what to do next, while a friend (John Krasinski) lends his support, and an entire set of extended relationships goes awry. Also with Steve Howey, Ashley Williams, Geoffrey Pierson, Jonathan Epstein and Jill Eikenberry. Directed by Luke Greenfield. [1:50]

August 23

POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold [2011] [PG-13] - 4.1.5
Director Morgan Spurlock turns the camera on himself once again in a documentary about the branding, advertising and product placement that we find in movies and television. Also with interviews with Noam Chomsky, Ralph Nader, Brett Ratner, Antonio Reid and Jimmy Kimmel. [1:30]

Win Win [2011] [R] - 3.3.6
A disillusioned attorney (Paul Giamatti) is moonlighting as a wrestling coach for a New Jersey high school, when he discovers a new star athlete (Alex Shaffer), who's come to live with his sick grandfather. The coach becomes involved in an unethical agreement and nearly loses everything, and the boy's mother (Melanie Lynskey) appears, just out of rehab, and looking for a meal ticket. Also with Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor and Burt Young. Directed by Tom McCarthy. [1:46]

August 30

In a Better World [2011] [R] - 4.8.5
After the death of his mother, Christian (William Jøhnk Nielsen) moves with his father (Ulrich Thomsen) to a new Danish city where he becomes friends with Elias (Markus Rygaard), a boy who is bullied at school. After the two boys gang up on the bully, they set their sights on a violent revenge plan. Also with William Johnk Nielson, Mikawl Persbrandt and Trine Dyrholm. Directed by Susanne Bier. In Danish and Swedish and subtitled in English. [1:53]

Prom [2011] [PG] - 4.2.2
Several intersecting stories come together as the biggest night in high school life approaches: We learn the stories of a girl (Aimee Teegarden) and the school bad boy (Thomas McDonell), a girl (Yin Chang), who has an important decision to make, a boy (DeVaughn Nixon), who has to face the consequences of his actions, and other high schoolers, as everyone comes together to face their insecurities and the anticipation of their final night together. Also with Danielle Campbell, Nolan Sotillo and Jared Kusnitz. Directed by Joe Nussbaum. [1:43]

Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family [2011] [PG-13] - 4.4.4
A woman (Loretta Devine) with a terminal disease is having difficulty getting her grown children and their kids together to tell them that she's running out of time. Family members are fighting and refuse to be in the same room together, so her aunts (Tyler Perry and Cassi Davis) round up the children (Shad Moss, Shannon Kane and Natalie Desselle-Reid) with their families and order them to appear at a family dinner "or else." Also with Teyana Taylor, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Philip Anthony-Rodriguez and Jill Scott. Directed by Tyler Perry. [1:46]

<br>

This review is currently exclusively available to our members

Become a member of our premium site for just $1/month to access advance reviews without any ads, and you will be helping support our website

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

<br>
September

September 6

Everything Must Go [2011] [R] - 6.3.5
After an alcoholic (Will Ferrell) relapses, he struggles to regain his footing but then loses his job and his wife on the same day. Along with all his belongings, he ends up on his front lawn, where he must confront his problems and find a way to part with the things from his past. Also with Rebecca Hall, Laura Dern, Michael Peña, Glenn Howerton and Stephen Root. Directed by Dan Rush. [1:40]

Hanna [2011] [PG-13] - 4.8.5
A man (Eric Bana) teaches his teenage daughter (Saoirse Ronan) about survival while training her to be the perfect assassin. One day she insists that she is ready for the mission he has been preparing her for but when she leaves the isolation of their forest home and encounters the outside world, there are many things she finds herself ill-equipped to handle. Also with Cate Blanchett, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams and Jason Flemyng. Directed by Joe Wright. [1:51]

September 9

X-Men: First Class [2011] [PG-13] - 5.7.5
Prequel to the popular sci-fi series, tracing the origins of the X-Men: In 1963 a man (James McAvoy) with extraordinary mental powers starts a school for young men and women who also have superhuman abilities. His best friend (Michael Fassbender), who can manipulate metal with his mind, soon becomes his nemesis. Also with Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, Morgan Lily, Oliver Platt, January Jones and Jason Flemyng. Directed by Matthew Vaughn. [2:12]

September 13

Incendies [2011] [R] - 3.8.5
After the death of their mother, twin siblings (Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin and Maxim Gaudette) go to the Middle East in search of their mother's tangled past and to find their family. Also with Lubna Azabal and Allen Altman. Directed by Denis Villeneuve. In French and Arabic with English subtitles. [2:10]

Thor [2011] [PG-13] - 2.7.3
Based on the Marvel comic book series, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) the Norse god of thunder, is cast out of the mythical Asgard, just as he was to take the throne. Sent to live on Earth, he soon becomes the greatest defender of humanity and charms a scientist (Natalie Portman), while trying to deal with his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and an army of frost giants. Also Stellan Skarsgard, Clark Gregg, Rene Russo and Kat Dennings. Directed by Kenneth Branagh. [1:54]

September 20

Bridesmaids [2011] [R] - 8.5.7
A woman (Kristen Wiig) has had a rough year, so when her childhood best friend (Maya Rudolph) gets engaged, she throws herself fully into over-the-top wedding plans, only to be met with disaster. Also with Rose Byrne, Jon Hamm, Chris O'Dowd, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Jill Clayburgh and Wendi McLendon-Covey. Directed by Paul Feig. [2:05]

October

October 4

Fast Five [2011] [PG-13] - 4.7.5
The fifth installment in the "The Fast and the Furious" series has a man (Vin Diesel) escaping from prison with the help of his sister (Jordana Brewster) and her boyfriend, a former undercover CIA agent (Paul Walker). They head to Brazil to find freedom, but get wrapped up in a heist that finds them and their crew caught between a ruthless drug lord (Joaquim De Almeida) and a relentless federal agent (Dwayne Johnson). Also with Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang and Gal Gadot. Directed by Justin Lin. [2:10]

Scream 4 [2011] [R] - 4.10.8
The fourth movie of the "Scream" series is set ten years after a woman (Neve Campbell) was first visited by the Ghostface Killer. She has returned to the town of Woodsboro on the final leg of her book tour and after she reconnects with the sheriff (David Arquette) and another woman (Courteney Cox), unexplained murders begin to happen again. Also with Emma Roberts, Anna Paquin, Kristen Bell, Aimee Teegarden, Hayden Panettiere and Brittany Robertson. Directed of by Wes Craven. [1:43]

October 11

Horrible Bosses [2011] [R] - 7.6.10
After having had enough of their awful bosses (Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell), three friends (Charlie Day, Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis) conspire to kill one another's bosses. Also with Donald Sutherland, Jamie Foxx, Julie Bowen, Bob Newhart and Isaiah Mustafa. Directed by Seth Gordon. [1:40]

Tree of Life [2011] [PG-13] - 2.4.1
We see a family living their lives as three young boys grow up together, struggle with their relationships and as adults deal with the death of one family member. Also with Sean Penn, Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Fiona Shaw, Michael Showers, Will Wallace, Pell James and Jennifer Sipes. Directed by Terrence Malick. [2:18]

The Zookeeper [2011] [PG] - 4.4.3
More than five years after a loveable zookeeper (Kevin James) had his heart broken, the zoo's animals band together and break their code of silence to help him win the heart of his true love. Also with Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong, Joe Rogan, Donnie Wahlberg and with the voices of Nick Nolte, Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, Judd Apatow, Jon Favreau and Maya Rudolph. Directed by Frank Coraci. [1:44]

October 14

Green Lantern [2011] [PG-13] - 4.7.4
Based on the popular DC Comic series: a test pilot (Ryan Reynolds) is granted mysterious powers from a green ring given to him by a dying alien with otherworldly powers. He must now protect the universe along with an intergalactic squadron of aliens tasked to use willpower to overcome evil. Also with Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins, Temuera Morrison, Taika Waititi and Angela Bassett. Directed by Martin Campbell. [1:45]

October 18

Bad Teacher [2011] [R] - 7.3.8
A Chicago teacher (Cameron Diaz) is a gold digger who curses students, drinks, and does drugs while on the lookout for a wealthy husband. So, after her rich fiancé dumps her, she pursues a wealthy substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake). A smart-mouthed gym teacher (Jason Segel) pursues her while a coworker (Lucy Punch) is also after the wealthy sub. Also with John Michael Higgins, Molly Shannon, Phyllis Smith, Eric Stonestreet and Thomas Lennon. Directed by Jake Kasdan. [1:30]

A Better Life [2011] [PG-13] - 3.5.5
An illegal immigrant from Mexico (Demian Bichir) fights to raise his teenage son by himself in East LA. While trying to keep his son out of gangs and give him the life he never had, he must struggle to provide for his family without being caught by American immigration authorities. Also with Jose Julian and Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo. Directed by Chris Weitz. [1:38]

Monte Carlo [2011] [PG] - 2.2.3
A Texas high school grad (Selena Gomez) goes to Paris with her friend (Katie Cassidy) and stepsister (Leighton Meester) after saving money for four years. Unhappy with a boring tour and cheap accommodations, the three run out of a rainstorm and into a posh hotel lobby, where the paparazzi and hotel management mistake one of them for an heiress and send the three friends off to Monte Carlo for a holiday and jewelry auction. Also with Andie MacDowell, Cory Monteith, Pierre Boulanger, Luke Bracey and Catherine Tate. Directed by Tom Bezucha. [1:49]

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides [2011] [PG-13] - 4.6.4
In the fourth installment in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) team up again on a quest to find the fountain of youth. They soon discover that Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and his daughter (Penelope Cruz), who was Sparrow's former lover, are after the same fountain. Also with Kevin McNally, Sam Claflin, Keith Richards and Astrid Berges-Frisbey. Directed by Rob Marshall. [2:17]

October 25

Captain America: The First Avenger [2011] [PG-13] - 3.6.4
Set during World War II, America needs a hero against the Nazi extremist group Hydra, and the US Army chooses one of their rejects (Chris Evans) to undergo an experimental process that makes him Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals. He's then sent to take out the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) and Adolf Hitler. Based on the Marvel comic. Also with Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones, Hayley Atwell and Sebastian Stan. Directed by Joe Johnston. [2:05]

November

November 1

Cars 2 [2011] [G] - 2.4.1
In this animated sequel, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mader (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) are reunited, and this time they travel the world as McQueen competes in the World Grand Prix race against international superstar Francesco Bernoulli (voiced by John Turturro). While McQueen races, Mader is accidentally caught up in international espionage. Also with the voices of Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Eddie Izzard and Bonnie Hunt. Directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis. [1:53]

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind [2002] [R] - 7.5.10
A presumably fictitious account of the "secret" life of TV game show producer and host Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell), based on his book "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind: An Unauthorized Autobiography." Supposedly, while developing game shows like "Gong Show," "The Newlywed Game" and "The Dating Game," Barris was also operating as a CIA assassin. This is the directorial debut of George Clooney. Also with Clooney, Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts and Fred Savage. [1:53]

Crazy, Stupid, Love [2011] [PG-13] - 6.2.5
A forty-something man (Steve Carell) learns that his perfect wife (Julianne Moore) cheated on him and he wants a divorce. On his own, he is inept and awkward, so he spends his nights alone in a bar, watching other people and sulking until a more romantically experienced man (Ryan Gosling) takes him under his wing in the dating game. Also with Jonah Bobo, Analeigh Tipton, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, Marisa Tomei and Josh Groban. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. [1:58]

Water for Elephants [2011] [PG-13] - 6.6.4
Based on the best-selling novel by Sara Gruen: After a veterinary student's (Robert Pattinson) parents are killed, he leaves school and joins a traveling circus. As feelings between him and the star attraction (Reese Witherspoon) rise, so does tension between him and the circus owner (Christoph Waltz), who's her husband. Also with Paul Schneider, Hal Holbrook and Mark Povinelli. Directed by Francis Lawrence. [2:02]

November 8

Atlas Shrugged Part One [2011] [PG-13] - 7.2.4
The first part of a planned three part treatment of the eponymous 1957 novel by Ayn Rand: A powerful railroad executive (Taylor Schilling) struggles to keep her family business afloat as the worldwide economy sinks and society is in peril. Also with Nick Cassavetes, Grant Bowler, Paul Johansson, and Matthew Marsden. Directed by Paul Johansson. [1:42]

The Change-Up [2011] [R] - 9.5.10
When a successful career man, father and husband (Jason Bateman) switches bodies with his slacker lady's man friend (Ryan Reynolds), the two of them explore lives they never had, and they gradually learn to appreciate their own. Also with Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann and Alan Arkin. Directed by David Dobkin. [1:41]

November 11

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 [2011] [PG-13] - 3.7.3
The final installment of the Harry Potter series has Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) continue to search for the remaining Horcruxes, created by Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). They are in a race before Voldemort destroys Hogwarts and all of the wizards that stand against him. Also with Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter and Michael Gambon. Directed by David Yates. [2:10]

November 15

Beginners [2011] [R] - 7.3.6
The story of a man (Ewan McGregor) who has to come to grips with his father's (Christopher Plummer) terminal illness while still dealing with his feelings about his father's recent revelation that he is gay and has a younger lover. Also with Melanie Laurent and Goran Visnjic. Directed by Mike Mills. [1:44]

Griff the Invisible [2011] [PG-13] - 4.5.5
When an office worker by day and a self-made superhero by night (Ryan Kwanten) meets the girl of his dreams (Maeve Dermody), they soon realize that his make-believe story of superheroes and her passion for imagination are more important than reality. Also with Marshall Napier. Directed by Leon Ford. [1:30]

Larry Crowne [2011] [PG-13] - 5.2.5
When a middle-aged salesman (Tom Hanks) is laid off because he does not have a college degree, he restarts his life by enrolling in college, making new friends, and finding a teacher (Julia Roberts) that will change his life forever. Also with Sarah Mahoney, Rita Wilson, Cedric the Entertainer, Wilmer Valderrama and George Takei. Directed by Tom Hanks. [1:39]

November 22

Conan the Barbarian [2011] [R] - 8.9.2
Inspired by the eponymous comic book, the story follows a barbarian (Jason Momoa), who was born on a battlefield as his mother died and watched his father's (Ron Perlman) torture and murder. After years of searching, he finally has the opportunity to avenge himself against those who had murdered his family and destroyed his village, especially one man (Stephen Lang) and his daughter (Rose McGowan). Also with Rachel Nichols and Bob Sapp. Directed by Marcus Nispel. [1:52]

Sarah's Key [2011] [PG-13] - 4.5.2
Based on the eponymous novel, and taking place in modern-day Paris: the life of a journalist (Kristin Scott Thomas) becomes inexplicably entwined with the story of a young Jewish girl (Melusine Mayance), whose family was taken during the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup of 1942. Also with Neils Arestrup, Frederic Pierrot, Aidan Quinn and Michael Duchaussoy. Directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner. In French, German and Italian with English subtitles. [1:51]

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World [2011] [PG] - 1.3.1
A woman is a working spy (Jessica Alba) unbeknownst to her husband, until she gives it all up for her family. But when an evil mastermind appears to be plunging the world toward imminent destruction, she is called out of retirement to track him down. She is accompanied by her niece and nephew (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) from the previous "Spy Kids" adventures and her two stepchildren. Also with Jeremy Piven, Ricky Gervais, Danny Trejo, Joel McHale, Mason Cook and Rowan Blanchard. Directed by Robert Rodriguez. [1:40]

Super 8 [2011] [PG-13] - 2.6.5
Several middle-school friends (Joel Courtney, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills, Riley Griffiths and Elle Fanning) witness a mysterious train crash while trying to make a student film. The kids then begin noticing strange things happening in their small town. As they investigate the unusual activity, they uncover a military cover-up and possibly aliens. Also with Kyle Chandler, Ron Eldard and Amanda Michalka. Directed by J.J. Abrams. [1:52]

November 29

Another Earth [2011] [PG-13] - 5.6.1
The night that humans realize that there is a duplicate Earth in the solar system, an ambitious MIT student (Brit Marling) is driving while drunk, strikes a minivan and kills the pregnant wife and son of a successful composer. After going to prison for four years, she tries to visit the duplicate Earth to see if her mirror self has led a different life. Also with William Mapother and Jordan Baker. Directed by Mike Cahill. [1:32]

The Art of Getting By [2011] [PG-13] - 4.3.5
An artistic but fatalistic teen (Freddie Highmore) enters his senior year of high school without completing any actual work. That's when he meets a popular girl (Emma Roberts) and his life becomes even more complicated. Also with Michael Angarano, Sash Spielberg, Blair Underwood, Rita Wilson and Alicia Silverstone, Directed by Gavin Wiesen. [1:24]

Cave of Forgotten Dreams [2011] [NR] - 2.2.1
Director Werner Herzog gained access and permission to film inside the Chauvet caves in Southern France. He proceeded to capture the imagery of the oldest cave paintings ever discovered, and the natural setting of the cave is juxtaposed with interviews of archeologists and historians. Narrated by Herzog. [1:30]

The Future [2011] [R] - 6.1.5
After a couple decides to adopt a stray cat their lives become radically different, and their relationship is tested while time and reality do not seem fixed any longer. With Miranda July, Hamish Linklater and David Warshofsky. Directed by Miranda July. [1:31]

One Day [2011] [PG-13] - 7.4.5
Based on the novel by David Nicholls: Two university graduates (Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess) meet on their graduation day and almost have sex, but when circumstances complicate their plans, they agree to just be friends. They remain very close friends for years and help each other through moments of doubt, disappointment and broken relationships, while obviously still attracted to each other. Also with Patricia Clarkson, Romola Garai, Jodie Whittaker, Jamie Sives, Georgia King and Rafe Spall. Directed by Lone Scherfig. [1:47]

Our Idiot Brother [2011] [R] - 7.3.9
When a clueless idealist (Paul Rudd) is dumped by his girlfriend (Kathryn Hahn), he takes the opportunity to barge into the lives of his three sisters (Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel and Emily Mortimer), bringing his unwanted, unrestrained honesty and boundless optimism into their lives. Also with Shirley Knight, Adam Scott and Rashida Jones. Directed by Jesse Peretz. [1:30]

Seven Days in Utopia [2011] [G] - 1.2.1
A young golfer (Lucas Black) having been pushed by his father to compete professionally before he was ready, has a meltdown on the green and swears he'll never play again. While driving through a small town hoping to escape his humiliation, he crashes his car and meets a man (Robert Duvall) that just might be able to put him back on the right track. Also with Deborah Ann Woll, Brian Geraghty and Melissa Leo. Directed by Matthew Dean Russell. [1:40]

30 Minutes or Less [2011] [R] - 7.7.10
Two incompetent criminals (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson) kidnap a pizza delivery guy (Jesse Eisenberg), strap a bomb to his chest, and threaten that if he doesn't rob a bank they will detonate the bomb. Their criminal hijinks eventually get out of control. Also with Aziz Ansari, Dilshad Vadsaria, Michael Pena and Fred Ward. Directed by Ruben Fleischer. [1:23]

December

December 2

Friends With Benefits [2011] [R] - 7.3.7
A man (Justin Timberlake) and his colleague (Mila Kunis), both disappointed in romantic relationships, decide to become friends that have sex without any commitment. The arrangement is not as easy and emotion-free as they imagined it to be, especially after they meet one another's families. Also with Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman, Richard Jenkins, Emma Stone, Bryan Greenberg, Shaun White and Woody Harrelson. Directed by Will Gluck. [2:00]

The Smurfs 3D [2011] [PG] - 2.3.3
A middle-aged wizard (Hank Azaria) and his cat (voiced by Fred Welker) find the Smurfs' village and chase six Smurfs into the forest and through a vortex to 21st-century NYC. Clumsy Smurf (voiced by Anton Yelchin) gets lost and Papa Smurf (voiced by Jonathan Winters) finds him and tries to create a way back to their village by using blue moon magic. The six Smurfs hide in the home of a man and a woman (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays), but the wizard and his cat find them. Also with Sophia Varga and Tim Gunn, and the voices of Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, George Lopez, Fred Armisen, Jeff Foxworthy, Paul Reubens, Gary Basaraba and Kenan Thompson. Directed by Raja Gosnell. [1:42]

December 6

Cowboys & Aliens [2011] [PG-13] - 3.8.4
When alien abductions begin taking place in the wild west of 1873 Arizona, several cowboys, Native Americans and renegades are the only hope for Earth. With Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Adam Beach, Sam Rockwell, Abigail Spencer, Keith Carradine, Paul Dano and Olivia Wilde. Directed by Jon Favreau. [1:58]

The Debt [2011] [R] - 6.7.6
Three former Israeli agents (Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Ciaran Hinds) have to live with the consequences of a lie they told many years earlier about the capture of a Nazi war criminal. Also with Sam Worthington, Marton Csokas, Jesper Christensen and Jessica Chastain. Directed by John Madden. [1:53]

The Hangover Part II [2011] [R] - 10.7.10
In the sequel to the 2009 Las Vegas bachelor party, the four friends (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha) fly to Thailand for the wedding of one of the men. After plans for a subdued bachelor party brunch go awry, the men meet up again with some of their old friends and dangerous hijinks begin to happen among drug and alcohol use. Also with Ken Jeong, Paul Giamatti, Mike Tyson, Mason Lee, and Jamie Chung. Directed by Todd Phillips. [1:50]

The Help [2011] [PG-13] - 3.4.4
Based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, taking place during the early days of the Civil Rights movement: an aspiring newspaper reporter and proper young southern woman (Emma Stone) is inspired by her upbringing in Jackson, Mississippi to write a book from the perspective of the African-American household help. Also with Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, and Allison Janney. Directed by Tate Taylor. [2:17]

Mr. Popper's Penguins [2011] [PG] - 1.3.2
Adaptation of the 1938 children's book, set in contemporary Manhattan: When a distant father and ruthless businessman (Jim Carrey) inherits six penguins, he soon learns that the balance between work, life and personal space is easier when you add a little unexpected help. Also with Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury, Ophelia Lovibond, Madeline Carroll and Clark Gregg. Directed by Mark Waters. [1:35]

Point Blank [2011] [R] - 4.8.5
When a nurse (Gilles Lellouche) saves the life of a patient, a henchmen kidnaps his pregnant wife (Elena Anaya) until the patient, a famous thief, is released from the hospital. As the two race through Paris, the death toll rises and the nurse fears he may not be able to rescue his family. Also with Roschdy Zem, Gérard Lanvin and Mireille Perrier. Directed by Fred Cavayé. In French with English subtitles. [1:24]

December 13

Fright Night [2011] [R] - 5.8.9
A remake of the 1985 horror classic: a teen boy (Anton Yelchin) discovers that his new neighbor (Colin Farrell) is a vampire and responsible for recent disappearances in the area. After he attempts to kill the vampire on his own, he turns to a Las Vegas stage magician (David Tennent) for help. Also with Toni Collette, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Lisa Loeb and Imogen Poots. Directed by Craig Gillespie. [1:46]

Kung Fu Panda 2 [2011] [PG] - 1.4.2
Po the Panda (voiced by Jack Black) is the happy Dragon Warrior, but he begins to wonder why his father is a goose (James Hong). Master Sifu (Dustin Hoffman), Tigress (Angelina Jolie) and Kung Fu friends "The Furious Five" offer him philosophy, but Po must learn more about his past while battling an old enemy. Also with Gary Oldman, Michelle Yeoh, Dennis Haysbert, Jackie Chan, David Cross, Lucy Liu, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Seth Rogen. Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson. [1:31]

Rise of the Planet of the Apes [2011] [PG-13] - 1.7.5
The origin story of the "Planet of Apes" trilogy, set in modern day San Francisco: a scientist's (James Franco) experiment with genetic engineering leads apes to develop intelligence and begin a war for supremacy over the human race. Also with Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, John Lithgow and David Oyelowo. Directed by Rupert Wyatt. [1:50]

December 20

Colombiana [2011] [PG-13] - 5.7.5
A young girl witnesses the murder of her mother and father and spends the rest of her life preparing for revenge. With Zoe Saldana, Jordi Mollà, Lennie James, Amandla Stenberg, Michael Vartan, Cliff Curtis, Beto Benites, Jesse Borrego and Ofelia Medina. Directed by Olivier Megaton. [1:47]

Dolphin Tale [2011] [PG] - 1.3.1
Inspired by a true story about an 11-year-old boy (Nathan Gamble) who was inspired to help a dolphin whose tail had been lost in a crab trap, and how the process of recovery inspired many people. Also with Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr. and Kris Kristofferson. Directed by Charles Martin Smith. [1:53]

Margin Call [2011] [R] - 3.2.10
A look inside a financial institution that has profited handsomely from buying and selling mortgage loans: Set in the first 24 hours of the 2008 financial crisis, a risk analyst (Zachary Quinto) stumbles onto what looks like impending disaster for the company, and it becomes a challenge to find a way out. Also with Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Demi Moore and Stanley Tucci. Directed by J.C. Chandor. [1:49]

Midnight in Paris [2011] [PG-13] - 4.2.4
During a magical trip to Paris, a writer (Owen Wilson) and his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) are forced to confront their misgivings about each other and the illusion of a life that is different than their current reality. Also with Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller, Michael Sheen, Carla Bruni, Corey Stoll, Alison Pill and Adrien Brody. Directed by Woody Allen. [1:40]

Straw Dogs [2011] [R] - 8.8.10
When an actress (Kate Bosworth) and her screenwriter husband (James Marsden) relocate from Los Angeles to her rural Mississippi hometown, they hire a local crew to repair their old home. Soon the tension between them and the locals comes to a very violent end. Also with Alexander Skarsgård, James Woods, Dominic Purcell and Laz Alonso. Directed by Rod Lurie. [1:50]

The Tempest [2010] [PG-13] - 6.4.2
A re-imagining of William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," now featuring the main character as a woman named Prospera (Helen Mirren). Her greedy brother Antonio (Chris Cooper) usurps her royal title, and along with her daughter Miranda (Felicity Jones) Prospera rules a desolate island until she uses her magical powers to wreck a boat carrying her enemies. Once onshore they have to face her in a struggle of intellect and emotion. Also with David Strathairn, Tom Conti, Alan Cumming, Ben Wishaw and Russell Brand. Directed by Julie Taymor. [1:50]

Warrior [2011] [PG-13] - 3.7.5
When the youngest son (Tom Hardy) returns home to his alcoholic and abusive former boxer father (Nick Nolte) in order to train for the world's largest MMA fight, he discovers that he is fighting more than just an opponent when his brother (Joel Edgerton) joins the competition. Also with Jennifer Morrison, Sam Sheridan, Bryan Callen, Frank Grillo and Kevin Dunn. Directed by Gavin O'Connor. [2:19]

December 27

Final Destination 5 [2011] [R] - 4.10.5
When a bridge collapses killing 17 co-workers on their way to a company retreat, the 8 that survived the horrible accident begin dying one by one in gruesome ways. Also with Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, Miles Fisher, Ellen Wroe, Jacqueline MacInnes-Wood, P.J. Byrne, Arlen Escarpeta, David Koechner, Courtney B. Vance, Tony Todd and Brent Stait. Directed by Steven Quale. [1:35]

<br>

This review is currently exclusively available to our members

Become a member of our premium site for just $1/month to access advance reviews without any ads, and you will be helping support our website

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

<br>

CAVEATS

Be aware that while we do our best to avoid spoilers it is impossible to disguise all details and some may reveal crucial plot elements.

We've gone through several editorial changes since we started covering films in 1992 and older reviews are not as complete & accurate as recent ones; we plan to revisit and correct older reviews as resources and time permits.

Our ratings and reviews are based on the theatrically-released versions of films; on video there are often Unrated, Special, Director's Cut or Extended versions, (usually accurately labelled but sometimes mislabeled) released that contain additional content, which we did not review.


<br>

This review is currently exclusively available to our members

Become a member of our premium site for just $1/month to access advance reviews without any ads, and you will be helping support our website

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

<br>

how to
support us

PLEASE DONATE

We are a totally independent website with no connections to political, religious or other groups & we neither solicit nor choose advertisers. You can help us keep our independence with a donation.

NO MORE ADS!

Become a member of our premium site for just $1/month & access advance reviews, without any ads, not a single one, ever. And you will be helping support our website & our efforts.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

We welcome suggestions & criticisms -- and we accept compliments too. While we read all emails & try to reply we don't always manage to do so; be assured that we will not share your e-mail address.

how to
support us

PLEASE DONATE

We are a totally independent website with no connections to political, religious or other groups & we neither solicit nor choose advertisers. You can help us keep our independence with a donation.

NO MORE ADS!

Become a member of our premium site for just $2/month & access advance reviews, without any ads, not a single one, ever. And you will be helping support our website & our efforts.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

We welcome suggestions & criticisms -- and we will accept compliments too. While we read all emails & try to reply we do not always manage to do so; be assured that we will not share your e-mail address.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter

Know when new reviews are published
We will never sell or share your email address with anybody and you can unsubscribe at any time

You're all set! Please check your email for confirmation.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This