The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13)
Peter Parker/Spider-Man, everyone’s hero, in an over-the-top, action-packed feature that easily keeps pace with its early incarnations. Starring real-life couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans.
Beasts of the Southern Wild (PG-13)
A grand jury prize winner at Sundance, this is a moving story from the Louisiana bayou told through the eyes of a six-year-old called Hushpuppy. A Katrina-like storm floods their area, her father is sick, and Hushpuppy decides her only hope is to find her mother. She encounters prehistoric creatures, the result of environmental changes during her search. Starring Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, and Levy Easterly. This film gets high marks from the critics.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG-13)
Seven elderly Britons, separately, decide to retire to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Jaipur, India. It isn’t as grand or exotic as they expected. A sweet story about the senior set that has received good reviews. Starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith.
Brave (PG)
A Disney-Pixar, animated, comic, Scottish, medieval film with modern sensibilities that features the king’s independent and highly skilled daughter, Merida, who charts her own course through life. Her journey creates a whirlwind of trouble for the king and the kingdom. It has been well received by most critics. Starring the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, and Emma Thompson.
The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13)
In this dark film about the dark knight, Batman meets his toughest opponent yet as he takes on a special mission to fight the criminal, Bane, who is about to bring Gotham down even as the city has branded Batman an enemy. Directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy. The reviews are pretty good for this installment.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)
In this animated adventure comedy from Dreamworks, Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman join a European traveling circus in an attempt to make it back to their home, New York. Their influence on the circus is unpredictably entertaining. Starring the voices of Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Chris Rock.
Magic Mike (R)
Channing Tatum, in a story inspired by his real life, is a male stripper who takes on an apprentice as he searches for a serious relationship. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, and Olivia Munn. High entertainment value.
Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13)
Director Wes Anderson’s latest takes place on an Island off of New England (sound familiar?) and stars some of his usual crew: Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, along with Tilda Swinton, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Jared Gilman, and Kara Hayward. While at camp, two 12-year-olds (Gilman and Hayward) fall in love and run away, and the quiet Island community is turned upside down.
Ted (R)
An adult-oriented comedy that follows the exploits of John (Mark Wahlberg), and his constant companion, Ted, a childhood teddy bear who has come to life as the result of a childhood wish. Written and directed by Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”), starring Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and MacFarlane. This movie has been well received by most all reviewers.
To Rome with Love (R)
A star-studded cast interprets the jokes and situation comedy of Woody Allen as residents and visitors of Rome. If you like the old Woody Allen, you will like this light and sometimes funny film. Reviewers are mixed on this one. Written, directed, and starring Woody Allen, also stars Penélope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Roberto Benigni, Judy Davis, Ellen Page, Alec Baldwin, and more.
