Reel Picks: More on movies playing this week

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Frankenweenie (PG)

A suspenseful and heartwarming black-and-white, stop-action animated feature from Disney directed by Tim Burton. Loosely based on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” a young boy devises an experiment that brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life, opening a sometimes frightening can of worms. Most reviewers give this a thumbs up. Starring the voices of Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short.

Looper (R)

A suspenseful, mind-bending action thriller. The mob, 30 years in the future, sends people to be eliminated back in time so the looper can do them in. The looper encounters himself from the future, loop de loop. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, and Emily Blunt. This one has gotten positive reviews from most reviewers.

The Master (R)

Joaquin Phoenix is a mentally deranged drunk Navy veteran who falls into the thrall of a charismatic cult leader (think L. Ron Hubbard). Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Jesse Plemons, and Price Carson.

Paranormal Activity 4 (R)

This is the fourth installment in the popular horror franchise. It is a spooky new spoof on the demon genre. A suburban family witnesses strange events when a woman and a mysterious child move in to a newly inherited home. Starring Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton, and Matt Shively.

Pitch Perfect (PG-13)

A sweet-natured film based on a book by Mickey Rapkin about the life and loves of collegians from competing a-cappella groups. Toe tapping songs and fun performances. Starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, and Rebel Wilson.

Trouble with the Curve (PG-13)

A touching dramatic comedy about an aged and nearly infirm baseball scout and his daughter who tries to overcome her issues with him in order to help him on his last recruiting trip. Starring Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, and John Goodman. If you like Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams, you’ll like this film.