Get Him to the Greek (R)
There’s something essentially honest about this very funny odd-couple comedy, with nervous record company rep (Jonah Hill) having to escort sex/drugs/rock and let-the-good-times-roll star (Russell Brand) from London to New York, to Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. One crazy, often gross, situation after another. Rose Byrne and Elizabeth Moss.
3 shells
Grown Ups (PG-13)
There’s lots of natural chemistry, but not enough to forgive all the silliness when a former basketball team reunites for a weekend after their old coach dies. In their usual paint-by-number roles: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Chris Rock.
2 shells
Iron Man 2 (PG-13)
Billionaire inventor (Robert Downey Jr.) is pressured to share his high-tech secrets with the military, while fighting off a powerful assassin. With Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and a wonderfully evil Mickey Rourke.
4 shells
Karate Kid (PG)
It’s the fourth incarnation, and it’s still got heart, humor, and triumph of the underdog. Beautiful vistas of China, Jackie Chan as Mr. Miyagi, and an irresistible Jaden Smith (son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith), as the kid who moves from Detroit to Beijing, deals with bullies, and learns the art of kung fu.
3.5 shells
Knight and Day (PG-13)
This action comedy has Cameron Diaz, as a who-me Midwesterner, inexorably tangled up in motorcycle chases, explosions, and daily escapes with a crazed international spy, played by Tom Cruise. It’s a who-do-you-trust game played by the beautiful people.
2.5 shells
The Last Airbender (PG)
M. Night Shyamalan’s treatment of the Nickelodeon hit combines Asian mythology and martial arts combat. The four basic elements, Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, wage a century-long war until one Avatar learns he has the potential power to restore peace. Composer James Newton Howard makes the score a central element.
4 shells
Please Give (R)
The always grand Catherine Keener as Kate, a conflicted Manhattan wife, mother and partner with husband Alex (Oliver Platt), in their vintage furniture business. It’s privilege and guilt in equal parts as Kate interacts with panhandlers and a complex group of neighborhood characters. Rebecca Hall, Ann Guilbert, Amanda Peet, Sarah Steele.
3.5 shells
Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13)
They’re all back, and the choices are romance or friendship, vampire or werewolf, acceptance or revenge, life or death. Whoa, heavy stuff.
2.5 shells