Dark Shadows (PG-13)
Director Tim Burton gets it on again with Johnny Depp in this revival of the 1960s cult-classic soap opera, without the drama. It is a comedy-fantasy about an imprisoned vampire who is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection. Starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green.
The Dictator (R)
Sacha Baron Cohen, over the top as usual, plays a dictator who makes Muammar Gaddafi look like a good little boy, and sane. He ends up in New York as an unknown with his dictator’s ways still intact. Also stars Anna Faris and John C. Reilly.
The Five Year Engagement (R)
An irreverent slapstick comedy about a couple’s continually disrupted plans to marry. It becomes a five-year journey as unexpected events keep tripping them up. Made by the director and writer/star of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” It has been received well by critics and by most who have seen this film. Stars Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, and Chris Pratt.
Goon (R)
A sports comedy about a bouncer at a local Boston bar played by Seann William Scott, who is bit of an embarrassment to his accomplished family. He dreams of the kind of success enjoyed by a minor league hockey goon played by Liev Schreiber, and he gets his chance. If he could only learn to skate. Well received.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits (PG)
Hugh Grant speaks for the Pirate Captain who sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals, Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek), for the pirate of the year award. Claymation combined with state of the art animation techniques, and a story line that can appeal to adults as well as children, make this a good family movie. It has been well received by critics and viewers alike.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (PG-13)
Adapted from Paul Torday’s satiric novel, it is a comedy with some romance. A fisheries expert is hired to help realize a sheik’s vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert. It has received good reviews. Starring Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Amr Waked. Directed by Lasse Hallström (“Chocolat”) and Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (“The Full Monty,” “Slumdog Millionaire”).
The Three Stooges (PG)
If you could laugh at the Three Stooges at any point in your life, you might like this. Remarkable reincarnations of the three bumbling, somewhat sadistic, ne’er-do-wells in high def color. Moe, Larry, and Curly try to save their childhood orphanage, a murder plot inserts itself, and they wind up starring in a reality TV show. Directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly. Stars: Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Sasso.
Think Like A Man (PG-13)
Based on Steve Harvey’s best-selling book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” this comedy has four friends conspiring to turn the tables on their women, when they discover the ladies have been using Steve Harvey’s relationship advice against them. Stars: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union, and Kevin Hart. Doesn’t break any new ground but enjoyed by most who sat through its two hours.
