The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)
Sci-fi mind-control thriller heavy on romance. David (Matt Damon) meets the irresistible Elise (Emily Blunt), but destiny-controlling agents intercede to keep them apart. The contest between free will and predetermination is on.
Gnomeo and Juliet (G)
A comical take-off of Shakespeare’s most popular romance played by feuding families of garden gnomes, with Elton John songs, plastic pink flamingos, and lawnmower races adding to the challenges and the fun.
Hall Pass (R)
Peter and Bobby Farrelly get down and trash-talking dirty. Two housewives, Maggie (Jenna Fischer) and Grace (Christina Applegate) give husbands Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) seven days to behave like single boys again — no repercussions. Then they go to the Cape to find some action of their own. Anyone to root for here?
The Lincoln Lawyer (R)
Matthew McConaughey is the charismatic Mick, a flash and dash unconventional LA defense attorney (his office is the backseat of his chauffeured Lincoln) with a client list of eccentric characters. He defends the well-connected Louis, (Ryan Phillippe) charged with rape and murder. Hmmm, maybe he did; maybe he didn’t. Lots of side stories and characters played by William H. Macy, Marisa Tomei, and Bryan Cranston.
Paul (R)
Sweet, whimsical road-trip comedy with engaging characters. Seth Rogen is Paul, an endearing alien who escapes confinement by the U.S. military after 60 years of being forced to advise world leaders and moviemakers. He winds up on the run, protected by British sci-fi fans Graeme (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost). The three travel the U.S. in their RV with government agents in hot pursuit.
Rango (PG)
A strange, wildly imaginative animated film with a cast of strange icky-looking characters and lots of inside movie humor. Rango (Johnny Depp), a sheltered chameleon, whose purpose in life is to blend in, becomes sheriff of the lawless town of Dirt. Fun.
Red Riding Hood (PG-13)
A medieval-style fantasy. The red-cloaked Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) in love with the woodcutter Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), but betrothed to the wealthy Henry (Max Irons), regularly visits her grandma (Julie Christie) — until the werewolf shows up. Demon-hunter Father Solomon (Gary Oldman) takes up the battle. A beautiful, but disappointing film.