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A2Z Movie Picks and Pans - 2012


Zero Dark Thirty
(2012 - January 11, 2013 USA)
Action | Drama | History
2 hr 37 min
Rated: R Language, Brutal Disturbing Images and Strong Violence Information for parents: Common Sense Media says Iffy for 16+. Read More
Grade: B+
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Writer: Mark Boal (screenplay)
Stars: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton and Chris Pratt | See full cast and crew

The Academy Award-winning duo behind The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal) reteams for this drama detailing the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and starring Oscar-winner Jessica Chastain as the intelligence expert who dedicated a decade of her life to tracking down the world's most wanted terrorist. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the CIA began interrogating suspected Al-Qaeda agents across the globe in a bid to locate the elusive bin Laden. Upon arriving at a CIA black site and witnessing the brutal interrogation tactics firsthand, driven CIA operative Maya (Chastain) aids her unpredictable colleague Dan (Jason Clarke) in gathering the intelligence that will help bring bin Laden to justice. Over the course of the next decade, numerous false leads and dead ends make the search seem more futile than ever. Meanwhile, numerous suicide bombings all across the Middle East and Europe hint that Al Qaeda won't go down without a fight. Then, just when it seemed as if the trail of clues had finally dried up, an old piece of evidence leads Maya to a suspect who may work directly for the man charged with planning the worst act of terrorism ever committed on American soil. Joel Edgerton, Edgar Ramirez, Mark Strong, Chris Pratt, and James Gandolfini co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Les Misérables
(2012 - December 25)
Drama | Musical | Romance
2 hr. 37 min.
Rated: PG-13 Suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements Information for parents: Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+. Read More
Grade: B
Director: Tom Hooper
Writers: Claude-Michel Schönberg (book), Alain Boublil (book), and 6 more credits »
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway | See full cast and crew

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Jack Reacher
(2012 - December 21)
Action | Crime | Drama
2 hr. 10 min.
Rated: PG-13 Violence, Some Drug Material and Language | What parents should know
Grade: B+
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Writers: Christopher McQuarrie (screenplay), Lee Child (book)
Stars: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike and Richard Jenkins | See full cast and crew

Six shots. Five dead. One heartland city thrown into a state of terror. But within hours the cops have it solved: a slam-dunk case. Except for one thing. The accused man says: You got the wrong guy. Then he says: Get Reacher for me. And sure enough, ex-military investigator Jack Reacher is coming. He knows this shooter-a trained military sniper who never should have missed a shot. Reacher is certain something is not right-and soon the slam-dunk case explodes. Now Reacher is teamed with a beautiful young defense lawyer, moving closer to the unseen enemy who is pulling the strings. Reacher knows that no two opponents are created equal. This one has come to the heartland from his own kind of hell. And Reacher knows that the only way to take him down is to match his ruthlessness and cunning-and then beat him shot for shot. -- (C) Official Site

This Is 40
(2012 - December 21)
Comedy
134 min.
Rated: R Sexual content and situations; brief nudity; vulgar, crude and crass conversation, strong language including F-bombs from all characters including children: What parents should know
Grade: D-
Director: Judd Apatow Writer: Judd Apatow Stars: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann and Maude Apatow | See full cast and crew

A look at the lives of Pete and Debbie a few years after the events of Knocked Up.

Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away
(2012 - December 21)
Fantasy
91 min.
Rated: PG
Grade: B+
Director: Andrew Adamson
Writer: Andrew Adamson
Stars: Erica Linz, Igor Zaripov and Lutz Halbhubner | See full cast and crew
From the big top to the big screen, visionary filmmaker James Cameron and director Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Narnia) invite you and your family on an all new 3D adventure: Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away. A young couple who is separated, must journey through the astonishing and dreamlike worlds of Cirque du Soleil to find each other, as audiences experience the immersive 3D technology that will allow them to leap, soar, swim, and dance with the performers. This Holiday Season, Cirque du Soleil brings their world to your city! -- (C) Paramount

The Guilt Trip
(2012 - December 19)
Comedy
95 min.
Rated: PG-13 Language and some risque material
Grade: Not Reviewed
Director: Anne Fletcher
Writer: Dan Fogelman (screenplay)
Stars: Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen and Kathy Najimy | See full cast and crew

As inventor Andy Brewster (Seth Rogen) is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, a quick stop at his mom's (Barbra Streisand) house turns into an unexpected cross-country voyage with her along for the ride.

The Guilt Trip has generally been panned by the critics. The appeal of Ms. Streisand is long gone, I personally can't stand her voice and overacting, particularly her mugging (her excuse for acting) in her comedic roles, which she certainly isn't...funny that is. See it at your own risk. I frankly can't even stand the sight of her, consequently I will not be seeing or reviewing The Guilt Trip.

Chasing Ice
(2012 - December 14)
Documentary | Biography
80 min.
Rated: PG-13
Grade: B
Director: Jeff Orlowski
Writer: Mark Monroe
Stars: James Balog, Svavar Jonatansson and Adam LeWinter | See full cast and crew

Acclaimed National Geographic photographer James Balog was once a skeptic about climate change. But through his Extreme Ice Survey, he discovers undeniable evidence of our changing planet. In Chasing Ice, Balog deploys revolutionary time-lapse cameras to capture a multi-year record of the world's changing glaciers. His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. Traveling with a team of young adventurers across the brutal Arctic, Balog risks his career and his well-being in pursuit of the biggest story facing humanity. As the debate polarizes America, and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, Chasing Ice depicts a heroic photojournalist on a mission to deliver fragile hope to our carbon-powered planet. -- (C) Submarine


The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
(2012 - December 14)
Adventure | Fantasy
169 min
Rated: PG-13 Extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. What parents should know.
Grade: B+
Director: Peter Jackson
Writers: Fran Walsh (screenplay), Philippa Boyens (screenplay), and 3 more credits »
Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage | See full cast and crew

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths ofguile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ...a simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know. -- (C) Warner Bros

A Royal Affair
(2012 - November 9)
original title
En kongelig affære  
(2012 - March 29 Denmark)
Drama | History | Romance
2 hr 18 min
in Danish ~ English subtitles
Rated: R Sexual Content and Some Violent Images. Information for parents: Common Sense Media says OK for kids 16+ Read More
Grade: A-
Director: Nikolaj Arcel
Writers: Bodil Steensen-Leth (novel), Rasmus Heisterberg (screenplay), Nikolaj Arcel (screenplay)
Stars: Alicia Vikander, Mads Mikkelsen and Mikkel Boe Følsgaard | See full cast and crew


A ROYAL AFFAIR is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen's heart and starts a revolution. Centering on the intriguing love triangle between the ever more insane Danish King Christian VII, the royal physician who is a man of enlightenment and idealism Struensee and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda, A ROYAL AFFAIR is the gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for their people. - (c) Magnolia Pictures 
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Playing for Keeps
(2012 - December 7)
Comedy | Romance
106 min.
Rated: PG-13 Some sexual situations, language and a brief intense image What parents should know
Grade: C
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Writer: Robbie Fox (screenplay)
Stars: Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel and Dennis Quaid | See full cast and crew

Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Dennis Quaid star in Playing for Keeps, a romantic comedy about a charming, down-on-his luck former soccer star (Butler) who returns home to put his life back together. Looking for a way to rebuild his relationship with his son, he gets roped into coaching the boy's soccer team. But his attempts to finally become an "adult" are met with hilarious challenges from the attractive "soccer moms" who pursue him at every turn. -- (C) Film District

FLIGHT
(2012 - November 2)
Drama
2 hr. 18 min.
Rated: R Intense action sequence, drug and alcohol abuse, vulgar language, sexuality and full frontal nudity. Common Sense Media says Iffy for 16+. Read More 
Grade: C Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: John Gatins
Stars: Nadine Velazquez, Denzel Washington and Carter Cabassa | See full cast and crew

A commercial airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) has a problem with drugs and alcohol, though so far he's managed to complete his flights safely. His luck runs out when a disastrous mechanical malfunction sends his plane hurtling toward the ground. Whip pulls off a miraculous crash-landing that results in only six lives lost. Shaken to the core, Whip vows to get sober -- but when the crash investigation exposes his addiction, he finds himself in an even worse situation.

Rise of the Guardians
(2012 - November 21)
Animation | Adventure | Family
97 min.
Rated: PG  Thematic elements and some mildly scary action
Grade: A-
Director: Peter Ramsey
Writers: David Lindsay-Abaire (screenplay), William Joyce (book)
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Isla Fisher | See full cast and crew

Rise of the Guardians is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes - each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world. -- (C) Official Site

Silver Linings Playbook
(2012 - November 21)
Comedy | Drama
1 hr. 2 min.
Rated: R  Some sexual content, nudity and frequent strong language including blasphemy and the F | read more
Grade: C+
Director: David O. Russell
Writers: David O. Russell (screenplay), Matthew Quick (novel)
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro | See full cast and crew


After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

Red Dawn
(2012 - November 21 )
Action
1 hr. 33 min.
Rated: PG-13 Sequences of intense war violence and action, and language
Grade: D+
Director: Dan Bradley
Writers: Carl Ellsworth (screenplay), Jeremy Passmore (screenplay),
Kevin Reynolds (1984 screenplay and story) John Milius (1984 screenplay)
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Isabel Lucas and Josh Hutcherson | See full cast and crew


American city awakens to the surreal sight of foreign paratroopers dropping from the sky – shockingly, the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. Quickly and without warning, the citizens find themselves prisoners and their town under enemy occupation. Determined to fight back, a group of young patriots seek refuge in the surrounding woods, training and reorganizing themselves into a guerilla group of fighters. Taking inspiration from their high school mascot, they call themselves the Wolverines, banding together to protect one another, liberate their town from its captors, and take back their freedom.

Life of Pi
(2012 - November 21)
Adventure | Drama
2 hr. 5 min.
Rated: PG-13 Some scary action, emotional thematic content and peril
Grade: A
Director: Ang Lee
Writers: David Magee (screenplay), Yann Martel (novel)
Stars: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan and Adil Hussain | See full cast and crew


Director Ang Lee creates a groundbreaking movie event about a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with another survivor...a fearsome Bengal tiger. -- (C) Official Site

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2
(2012 - November 16)
Adventure | Drama | Fantasy
1 hr. 55 min.
Rated: PG-13 sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sensuality and partial nudity See all certifications
Grade: C-

After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.

Lincoln
(2012 - November 16)
Biography | Drama | History
2 hr. 29 min.
Rated: PG-13 Intense Scene of War Violence, Brief Strong Language and Some Images of Carnage: Common Sense Media says OK for kids 13+ Read More 
Grade: C
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Tony Kushner (screenplay), Doris Kearns Goodwin (book) (in part)
Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and David Strathairn | See full cast and crew

Steven Spielberg directs Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln, a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come. -- (C) Walt Disney

Skyfall
(2012 - November 9)
Action | Adventure | Crime
143 min
Rated: PG-13 Language, Intense Violent Sequences, Smoking and Some Sexuality. Common Sense Media says Iffy for 13+. Read More
Grade: A-
Director: Sam Mendes
Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, John Logan (written by), Ian Fleming (uncredited - characters)
Stars: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem and Naomie Harris | See full cast and crew


In Skyfall, Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. -- (C) Official Site
 
The Man with the Iron Fists
(2012 - November 2)
Action
95 min
Rated: R Drug use, extreme bloody violence, strong language and crass sexuality  What parents should know
Grade: D
Director: RZA
Writers: Eli Roth (screenplay), RZA (screenplay)
Stars: Russell Crowe, Cung Le and Lucy Liu | See full cast and crew

Making his debut as a big-screen director and leading man, RZA-alongside a stellar international cast led by Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu-tells the epic story of warriors, assassins and a lone outsider hero in nineteenth-century China who must unite to destroy the clan traitor who would destroy them all. Since his arrival in China's Jungle Village, the town's blacksmith (RZA) has been forced by radical tribal factions to create elaborate tools of destruction. When the clans' brewing war boils over, the stranger channels an ancient energy to transform himself into a human weapon. As he fights alongside iconic heroes and against soulless villains, one man must harness this power to become savior of his adopted people. -- (C) Universal
What were Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu thinking? This is a truly ridiculous, stupid, dismal, crude and offensive film. There is nothing redeeming about this movie. It is a total waste of time.


Wreck-It Ralph
(2012 - November 2)
Animation | Comedy | Family
108 min.
Rated: PG or some rude humor and mild action/violence. What parents should know.
Grade: A-
Director: Rich Moore
Writers: Jennifer Lee (screenplay), Phil Johnston (screenplay), John C. Reilly (additional story material)
Stars: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch | See full cast and crew


Ralph is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the 'good guy' star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after 30 years of doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph is tired of playing the role of  the 'bad guy'. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets out to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. He goes on a game-hopping journey through the arcade across every generation and type of video game. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun from the first-person action game Hero's Duty. But it's the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it's too late?

Chasing Mavericks
(2012 - October 26)
Drama
1 hr. 55 min.
Rated: PG
Grade: C+
Directors: Michael Apted, Curtis Hanson
Writers: Kario Salem (screenplay),
Jim Meenaghan (story),
Brandon Hooper (story)
Stars: Jonny Weston, Gerard Butler, Abigail Spencer and Elisabeth Shue | See full cast and crew

Chasing Mavericks is the inspirational true story of real life surfing phenom Jay Moriarity (played by newcomer Jonny Weston). When 15 year old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, is not only real, but exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson (played by Gerard Butler) to train him to survive it. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes about far more than surfing. Chasing Mavericks was made with the help of some of the biggest names in the surfing world, and features some of the most mind-blowing real wave footage ever captured on film. -- (C) Official Site

Cloud Atlas
(2012 - October 26)
Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi
172 min.
Rated: R violence, language, sexuality/nudity and some drug use | What parents need to know
Grade: C+
Directors: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Writers: David Mitchell (novel), Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski, Tom Tykwer
 (written for the screen)
Stars: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Jim Broadbent,  Susan Sarandon, and Hugh Grant | See full cast and crew

Cloud Atlas explores how the actions and consequences of individual lives impact one another throughout the past, the present and the future. Action, mystery and romance weave dramatically through the story as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero and a single act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution in the distant future. Each member of the ensemble appears in multiple roles as the stories move through time. -- (C) Warner Bros.

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D
(2012 - October 26)
Horror | Mystery | Thriller
94 min.
Rated: R Disturbing Images, Brief Nudity, Some Language and Violence
Grade: C-
Director: Michael J. Bassett
Writer: Michael J. Bassett
Stars: Sean Bean, Radha Mitchell, Carrie-Anne Moss | See full cast and crew
Heather Mason (Adelaide Clemens) and her father (Sean Bean) have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn't fully understand. Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by horrific nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she's not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her forever.

Alex Cross
(2012 - October 19)
Action | Crime | Mystery
1 hr. 41 min.
Rated: PG13 Violence, Nudity, Disturbing Images, Language, Drug References and Sexual Content What parents need to know
Grade: C-
Director: Rob Cohen
Writers: Marc Moss (screenplay), Kerry Williamson (novel 'Cross'), James Patterson
Stars: Tyler Perry, Matthew Fox and Rachel Nichols | See full cast and crew


Alex Cross follows the young homicide detective -  psychologist (Tyler Perry), from the worldwide best-selling novels by James Patterson, as he meets his match in a serial killer (Matthew Fox). The two face off in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, but when the mission gets personal, Cross is pushed to the edge of his moral and psychological limits in this taut and exciting action thriller. -- (C) Lionsgate

Paranormal Activity 4
(2012 - October 19)
Horror
88 min.
Rated: R Frightening images and situations, violence and language What parents should know
Grade: C
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Writers: Christopher Landon (screenplay), Chad Feehan (story)
Stars: Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton and Matt Shively | See full cast and crew

 It has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in.

Here Comes The Boom
(2012 - October 12)
Action | Comedy
105 min.
Rated: PG
Grade: B-
Director: Frank Coraci
Writers: Kevin James, Allan Loeb, Rock Reuben
Stars: Kevin James, Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler | See full cast and crew

In the comedy Here Comes the Boom, former collegiate wrestler Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a 42-year-old apathetic biology teacher in a failing high school. When cutbacks threaten to cancel the music program and lay off its teacher (Henry Winkler,) Scott begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks Scott is crazy - most of all the school nurse, Bella (Salma Hayek) - but in his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school. -- (C) Official Site

Atlas Shrugged 2
(2012 - October 12)
Drama | Mystery
113 min.
Rated: PG13 Brief Language
Grade: C+
Director: John Putch
Writers: Duke Sandefur , Brian Patrick O'Toole (co-writer), and 2 more credits »
Stars: Samantha Mathis, Jason Beghe and Esai Morales | See full cast and crew

The global economy is on the brink of collapse. Unemployment has risen to 24%. Gas is now $42 per gallon. Brilliant creators, from artists to industrialists, continue to mysteriously disappear at the hands of the unknown. Dagny Taggart, Vice President in Charge of Operations for Taggart Transcontinental, has discovered what may very well be the answer to a mounting energy crisis - found abandoned amongst the ruins of a once productive factory, a revolutionary motor that could seemingly power the World. But, the motor is dead... there is no one left to decipher its secret... and, someone is watching. It's a race against the clock to find the inventor before the motor of the World is stopped for good. Who is John Galt? -- (C) Official Site

Seven Psychopaths
(2012 - October 12)
Comedy | Crime
151 min.
Rated: R  Strong violence, bloody images, pervasive language, sexuality/nudity and some drug use.
Information for parents: Common Sense Media says Iffy for 17+. Read More

Grade: Not Reviewed
Director: Martin McDonagh
Writer: Martin McDonagh
Stars: Colin Farrell, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell | See full cast and crew

Marty (Farrell) is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay, "Seven Psychopaths". Billy (Rockwell) is Marty's best friend, an unemployed actor and part time dog thief, who wants to help Marty by any means necessary. All he needs is a little focus and inspiration. Hans (Walken) is Billy's partner in crime. A religious man with a violent past. Charlie (Harrelson) is the psychopathetic gangster whose beloved dog, Billy and Hans have just stolen. Charlie's unpredictable, extremely violent and wouldn't think twice about killing anyone or anything associated with the theft. Marty is going to get all the focus and inspiration he needs, just as long as he lives to tell the tale. -- (C) Official Site

 When I first saw a preview for Seven Psychopaths I was intrigued, it looked like it might be funny. However, as I got more information about the film I had to make a decision. Consequently, I will not be reviewing this film, in fact I will not be seeing this film. I have included 2 trailers here. The first trailer is a cleaned up preview which makes the film look like a quirky, irreverent, black comedy with some funny lines but this trailer has been sanitized to be approved for all audiences. The second trailer is an R rated trailer (so be warned). I do not choose to sit through 111 minuets of vulgarity and profanity, (Click here for a description of exactly what the film contains, scroll down to the 'Language' section to see just what type of profanity you will subjected to if you see this film.) this is not entertainment in my opinion. You, of course, can make your own decision.

Argo
(2012 - October 12)
Drama | Thriller
120 min.
Rated: R Some violence, dead bodies, pervasive profanity especially the "F" word and its variations. What parents should know.
Grade: B+
Director: Ben Affleck
Writers: Chris Terrio (screenplay), Joshuah Bearman (article)
Stars: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman | See full cast and crew

During the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Islamic militants take 52 Americans hostage when they invade and seize the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Six of the embassy workers flee during the invasion and are hidden by the Canadian ambassador in his home. The CIA and its specialist, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), put together a very risky plan of rescue before they revolutionaries can discover them and extract them from Iran. Each of the six Americans are given cover identities as location scouts for a Canadian film production titled Argo. Tony has only 72 hours to turn them into convincing filmmakers so they can escape Tehran.

Sinister
(2012 - October 12)
Horror | Thriller
120 min.
Rated: R Scary, intense horror film involves kids and murder. What parents should know.
Grade: B-
Director: Scott Derrickson
Writers: Scott Derrickson (screenplay), C. Robert Cargill
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance and James Ransone | See full cast and crew  

Sinister is a frightening new thriller from the producer of the Paranormal Activity films and the writer-director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Ethan Hawke plays a true crime novelist who discovers a box of mysterious, disturbing home movies that plunge his family into a nightmarish experience of supernatural horror. - (C) Summit

Frankenweenie
(2012 - October 5)
Comedy | Animation | Horror
87 min.
Rated: PG
Grade: B+ Director: Tim Burton
Writers: John August (screenplay), Tim Burton (characters), and 3 more credits »
Stars: Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short, Charlie Tahan| See full cast and crew 

From creative genius Tim Burton comes Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life-with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous. A stop-motion animated film, Frankenweenie will be filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience.  (C) Disney

Taken 2
(2012 - October 5)
Action | Crime | Drama
91 min.
Rated: PG-13
Grade: B
Director: Olivier Megaton
Writers: Luc Besson (screenplay), Robert Mark Kamen (screenplay)
Stars: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace | See full cast and crew

Taken: Former government agent Bryan Mills has retired and attempts to reassemble his old life, after years of overseas employment have left him estranged from his teenage daughter. But when she is kidnapped while in Europe, Bryan must revert to his old skill set to rescue her before she disappears forever. - (C) Official Site

Won't Back Down
(2012 - September 28)
Drama
121 min.
Rated: PG
Grade: C+
Director: Daniel Barnz
Writers: Brin Hill, Daniel Barnz
Stars: Viola Davis, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Holly Hunter | See full cast and crew

Two determined mothers, a bartender (Gyllenhaal) and a teacher (Davis), look to transform their children's failing inner city school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy and corruption from the teacher's union president (Hunter) and the school's principal (Nunn), they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children.

Pitch Perfect
(2012 - September 28)
Comedy | Music
112 Min.
Rated: PG-13
Grade: B+
Director: Jason Moore
Writers: Kay Cannon (screenplay), Mickey Rapkin (book)
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson | See full cast and crew
 
The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory

Beca (Anna Kendrick) is that girl who'd rather listen to what's coming out of her headphones than what's coming out of you. Arriving at her new college, she finds herself not right for any clique but somehow is muscled into one that she never would have picked on her own: alongside mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together, in the new out-loud comedy Pitch Perfect. When Beca takes this acoustic singing group out of their world of traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies into all-new mash-ups, they fight to climb their way to the top of the cutthroat world of college a cappella. This could wind up either the coolest thing they'll ever do or the most insane, and it will probably be a little of both. - (C) Universal

Looper
(2012 - September 28)
Action/Adventure, SciFi/Fantasy
1 hr 59 min
Rated: R Some Sexuality/Nudity, Language, Drug Content and Strong Violence
Grade: B+
Director: Rian Johnson
Writer: Rian Johnson
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt | See full cast and crew

In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented - but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a "looper" - a hired gun, like Joe - is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good... until the day the mob decides to "close the loop," sending back Joe's future self for assassination.



The Perks of Being a Wallflower
(2012 - October 12)
102 min
Rated: PG-13 Sexual references, mature thematic material, a fight, drug and alcohol use, all involving teens and sexual content. Common Sense Media says iffy for 14+. Read More
Grade: C+
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Writers: Stephen Chbosky (novel), Stephen Chbosky (screenplay)

Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope-and the unforgettable friends that help us through life. -- (C) Summit  I delayed seeing this film for some time. I didn't expect much, a typical teenage angst coming of age type story with lots of profanity, sex talk, and promotion of homosexuality (the gay characters are always portrayed as intellectually and morally superior to their loutish, bulling, rednecked, bigoted, heterosexual counterparts). This film was, however, less onerous and somewhat better than I had expected. It could, however, have been easily presented without all the crassness and profanity without sacrificing anything important.

House at the End of the Street
(2012 - September 21)
Horror | Thriller
101 min.
Rated: PG-13
Grade: C+
Director: Mark Tonderai
Writers: David Loucka (screenplay), Jonathan Mostow (story)
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Shue and Max Thieriot | See full cast and crew

Seeking a fresh start, newly divorced Sarah (Elisabeth Shue) and her daughter Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) find the house of their dreams in a small, upscale, rural town. But when startling and unexplainable events begin to happen, Sarah and Elissa learn the town is in the shadows of a chilling secret. Years earlier, in the house next door, a daughter killed her parents in their beds, and disappeared - leaving only a brother, Ryan (Max Thieriot), as the sole survivor. Against Sarah's wishes, Elissa begins a relationship with the reclusive Ryan - and the closer they get, the deeper they're all pulled into a mystery more dangerous than they ever imagined. - (C) Relativity

End of Watch
(2012  - September 21)
Police/Crime Drama
1 hr. 49 min.
Rated: R Strong violence, disturbing images, pervasive language including sexual references, and some drug use.
Grade: B-
Director: David Ayer
Writer: David Ayer
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña and Anna Kendrick | See full cast and crew

A powerful story of family, friendship, love, honor and courage, End of Watch follows Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, two young Los Angeles police officers, Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala, as they patrol the meanest streets of south central Los Angeles. The action unfolds primarily via footage from the handheld HD cameras of the police officers, gang members, surveillance cameras, and citizens caught in the line of fire to create a portrait of the city's most dangerous corners, the cops who risk their lives there every day, and the price they and their families are forced to pay.

Trouble With the Curve
(2012 - September 21)
Drama
1 hr 51 min

Rated: PG-13 Language, sexual references, some thematic material and smoking
Grade: B-
Director: Robert Lorenz
Writer: Randy Brown
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and John Goodman | See full cast and crew

For decades Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood) has been one of baseball's best scouts -- but now his age is catching up with him. Still, he refuses to be benched even though his bosses are questioning his judgment. Tasked with checking out the country's hottest batting prospect, Gus is forced to accept help from his daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams). Though they haven't spent time together in years, father and daughter make new discoveries about their shared past, which could change their future.

The Mine
(2012 - September 14)
Thriller
1 hr. 35 min.
Rated: PG13 some scary images, brief language
Grade: C+
Director: Jeff Chamberlain
Writer: Jeff Chamberlain
Stars: Alexa Vega, Reiley McClendon and Saige Thompson | See full cast and crew

Five school friends seek adventure on Halloween night by exploring a legendary haunted mine, only to discover to their horror that the ghostly rumors may be true. This is a 'Family Friendly' Halloween horror experience.


Resident Evil 5: Retribution
(2012 - September 14)
Action | Horror | Sci-Fi
95 min.
Rated: PG-13 Intense Bloody Violence
Grade: D+
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Writer: Paul W.S. Anderson
Stars: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory and Michelle Rodriguez | See full cast and crew

Alice fights alongside a resistance movement in the continuing battle against the Umbrella Corporation and the undead.


The Master
(2012 - September 14)
Drama
137 min.
Rated: R Graphic Nudity, Sexual Content and Language 
Information for parents: Common Sense Media says Iffy for 16+. Read More
Grade: D
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson
Stars: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams | See full cast and crew

A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader. 

Sleepwalk With Me
(2012 - September 10)
Comedy
1 hr. 30 min.
Rated: PG-13 some sexual content and brief language
Grade: C+
Directors: Mike Birbiglia, Seth Barrish
Writers: Mike Birbiglia, Joe Birbiglia, Ira Glass, and Seth Barrish (screenplay)
Stars: Mike Birbiglia, Lauren Ambrose , Carol Kane and James Rebhorn | See full cast and crew

"I'm going to tell you a story, and it's true....I always have to tell people that." So asserts comedian-turned-playwright-turned-filmmaker Mike Birbiglia directly to the viewer at the outset of his autobiographically inspired, fictional feature debut. Birbiglia wears his incisive wit on his sleeve while portraying a cinematic surrogate. We are thrust into the tale of a burgeoning stand-up comedian struggling with the stress of a stalled career, a stale relationship threatening to race out of his control, and the wild spurts of severe sleepwalking he is desperate to ignore. Based on the successful one-man show, Sleepwalk With Me engages in the kind of passionate and personal storytelling that transfigures intimate anguish into comic art. -- (C) IFC


Winner of a 2012 Audience Award at Sundance, comedian Mike Birbiglia wrote, directed and stars in this sincere and occasionally humorous film, based on his off-Broadway show and bestselling book.

The Words 
(2012 - September 7)
Drama/Romance 
1 hr, 36 min.
Rated: PG-13 for brief strong language and smoking
Grade: B-
Directed/Written: Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal [co-wrote "Tron Legacy" together]  
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Zoe Saldana, Jeremy Irons, Ben Barnes, Nora Arnezeder, John Hannah, J.K. Simmons, Zeljko Ivanek, Michael McKean | See full cast and crew

A writer at the peak of his literary success discovers the steep price he must pay for stealing another man’s work. Hard life lessons are learned.

The Possession
(2012 - August 31)
Horror | Thriller
92 min.
Rated: PG-13
Grade: C-
Director: Ole Bornedal
Writers: Juliet Snowden, Stiles White, Leslie Gornstein
Stars: Natasha Calis, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick | See full cast and crew

A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a Dybbuk, a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child. 


Premium Rush
(2012 - August 24)
Action | Thriller
91 min
Rated: PG-13 Pervasive foul language
Grade: C+
Director: David Koepp
Writers: David Koepp, John Kamps
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon and Dania Ramirez | See full cast and crew

In Manhattan, a bike messenger picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.
 


The Apparition
(2012 - August 24)
Horror | Thriller
 82 min
Rated: PG-13 Terror/frightening images and some sensuality. Common Sense Media says Iffy for 13+ Read More

Grade: D+
Director: Todd Lincoln
Writer: Todd Lincoln
Stars: Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan and Tom Felton | See full cast and crew

Once You Believe You Die...And If You Don't Believe You Won't Die For 82 Minutes In The Movie Theater.


Hit and Run
(2012 - August 22)
Action | Comedy | Romance
100 min.
Rated: R Strong language, pervasive use of the F bomb, crass and vile sexual references, crude and tasteless
Grade: D-
Directors: David Palmer, Dax Shepard
Writer: Dax Shepard (screenplay)
Stars: Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell and Bradley Cooper | See full cast and crew

Former getaway driver Charlie Bronson jeopardizes his Witness Protection Plan identity in order to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. The feds and Charlie's former gang chase them on the road.

ParaNorman
(2012 - August 17)
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
92 min
Rated: PG Scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language. Common Sense Media says Iffy for 9+ Read More
Grade: B-
Directors: Chris Butler, Sam Fell
Writer: Chris Butler
Stars: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick and Christopher Mintz-Plasse | See full cast and crew

Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead. He must take on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse, a curse that causes ghouls, zombies, ghosts and witches to attack.


2016:
Obama's America
(2012 - July 13)
Documentary
1 hr 27 min
Rated: PG
Grade: B+
Directors: Dinesh D'Souza, John Sullivan
Writer: John Sullivan
Stars: Dinesh D'Souza | See full cast and crew

Dinesh D'Souza, the author of The Roots of Obama’s Rage, pulls back the veil that has shrouded the president's past. Love him or hate him, you don't know him. He expounds on the president's past, doing the job the media avoided in the lead up to the election of 2008. Included is an interview with the president's half-brother George Obama. D'Souza discusses what drives Obama's world view, how it was developed and proposes what America will look like should he be elected to a second term.

Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed
(2012 - August 17)
War / Drama
94 min.
Rated: PG-13 War violence and brief language
Grade: A-
Director: Ryan Little
Writers: Lincoln Hoppe, Lamont Gray
Producers: Ryan Little, Adam Abel, Gil Aglaure
Stars: Corbin Allred, David Nibley and Jasen Wade | See full cast and crew

On August 15, 1944 the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) jumped over the south of France. Their mission was to support and protect the Allied Troops marching to Berlin. Landing in enemy territory, they fell under immediate attack. In their effort to complete the mission and rendez-vous with their unit, three isolated paratroopers come across a group of French resistants in desperate need. They decide to help liberate some of the captive Partisans. Doing so they risk their lives in an effort to live the Airborne Creed. -C) Official Site

The Expendables 2
(2012 - August 17)
Action / Adventure
102 Min.
Rated: R Intense Bloody Violence
Grade: C-
Director: Simon West
Writers: Richard Wenk (screenplay), Sylvester Stallone (screenplay), and 4 more credits »
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Liam Hemsworth and Randy Couture | See full cast and crew

The Expendables are back and this time it's personal... Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren),Toll Road (Randy Couture) and Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) -- with newest members Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan) aboard -- are reunited when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) enlists the Expendables to take on a seemingly simple job. The task looks like an easy paycheck for Barney and his band of old-school mercenaries. But when things go wrong and one of their own is viciously killed, the Expendables are compelled to seek revenge in hostile territory where the odds are stacked against them. - (C) Lionsgate

The Odd Life of Timothy Green
(2012 - August 15)
Drama, Comedy, SciFi/Fantasy
104 min
Rated: PG - mild thematic elements and brief language.
Grade: A-
Director: Peter Hedges
Writers: Peter Hedges, Ahmet Zappa
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, CJ Adams, Odeya Rush, Dianne Wiest
 
An inspiring, magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green, who can't wait to start a family, but learn that they can only dream about what their child would be like. One stormy night young Timothy shows up on their doorstep. Cindy and Jim and their small town of Stanleyville (pencil capitol of the world) discover that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts.


The Bourne Legacy
(2012 - August 10)
Action / Adventure / Thriller
135 min
Rated: PG 13
Grade: C+
Director: Tony Gilroy
Writers: Tony Gilroy (screenplay), Dan Gilroy (screenplay), and 2 more credits »

Expansion of the universe created in Robert Ludlum's novels, centered on a new hero, Aaron Cross, whose ill-fated fortunes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films. The narrative architect behind the Bourne film series, Tony Gilroy, takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that has earned almost $1 billion at the global box office: The Bourne Legacy. The writer/director expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films. For The Bourne Legacy, Renner joins fellow series newcomers Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, while franchise veterans Albert Finney, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Scott Glenn reprise their roles. - (C) Universal
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The Campaign 
(2012 - August 10)
Comedy
85 min
Rated: R Language (Including crude and pervasive use of the F bomb, crass and vile sexual references, profanity, blasphemy...you name it its got it.) Crude, Tasteless Sexual Content and Brief Nudity
Grade: D-
Director: Jay Roach
Writers: Chris Henchy (screenplay), Shawn Harwell (screenplay)
Stars: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Katherine LaNasa, Sarah Baker, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Cox and Karen Maruyama 

In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two CEOs seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins, director of the local Tourism Center.

Hope Springs
(2012 - August 8)  
Comedy | Drama | Romance
1000 min.
Rated: PG-13
Grade: B-
Director: David Frankel
Writer: Vanessa Taylor
Stars: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell | See full cast and crew
Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) are a devoted couple, but decades of marriage have left Kay wanting to spice things up and reconnect with her husband. When she hears of a renowned couple's specialist (Steve Carell) in the small town of Great Hope Springs, she attempts to persuade her skeptical husband, a steadfast man of routine, to get on a plane for a week of marriage therapy. Just convincing the stubborn Arnold to go on the retreat is hard enough - the real challenge for both of them comes as they shed their bedroom hang-ups and try to re-ignite the spark that caused them to fall for each other in the first place. -- (C) Sony

Total Recall
(2012 - August 3)
Action/Adventure
1 hr 49 min
PG-13 Intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, some sexual content, brief nudity and language
Grade: B+
Director: Len Wiseman
Writers: Kurt Wimmer (screenplay), Mark Bomback (screenplay), and 5 more credits »
Stars: Colin Farrell,
Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he's got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life - real memories of life as a super-spy might be just what he needs. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. Finding himself on the run from the police - controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), the leader of the free world - Quaid teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) to find the head of the underground resistance (Bill Nighy) and stop Cohaagen. - (C) Sony

Step Up
Revolution
(2012 - July 27)
Drama Music Romance
106 minutes
PG-13 Some suggestive dancing
Grade: C+
Director: Scott Speer
Writers: Duane Adler (characters), Jenny Mayer (screenplay)
Music: Aaron Zigman
Emily Anderson (Kathryn McCormick), the daughter of a wealthy businessman (Peter Gallagher), arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer, but soon falls in love with Sean (Ryan Guzman), a young man who leads a dance crew along with his BFF since 'puppy-hood' Eddie (Misha Gabriel Hamilton) in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs. The crew, called the MOB, strives to win a contest for a major sponsorship opportunity, but soon Emily's father threatens to develop the MOB's historic neighborhood and displace thousands of people. Emily must band together with Sean and the MOB to turn their performance art into protest art and risk losing their dreams to fight for a greater cause.

The Well-Digger's Daughter
(2012 - July 20)
Genre: Drama, Romance
1hr 47min.
Rating: Not Rated French, English Subtitles
Grade: A- 
Director: Daniel Auteuil
Writer: Daniel Auteuil

In pre-World War I France, a father is torn between his sense of honor and his deep love for his saintly daughter when she becomes involved with a handsome young pilot, the son of a wealthy shopkeeper, who abandons her when called up for the frontlines.

Red Lights

(2012 - July 13)
Drama | Horror | Thriller
113 min
Rated: R Language and Some Violence
Grade: C+
Director: Rodrigo Cortés
Writer: Rodrigo Cortés (screenplay)
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Robert De Niro and Cillian Murphy | See full cast and crew

Psychologist Margaret Matheson and her assistant Tom Buckley study paranormal activity for the purpose of debunking and exposing the frauds and hucksters, leading them to investigate world-renowned psychic Simon Silver who has resurfaced years after his toughest critic mysteriously passed away.
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Ice Age: Continental Drift
(2012 - July 13)
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
94 min.
Rated: PG
Rating: C+
Directors: Steve Martino, Mike Thurmeier
Writers: Michael Berg (screenplay), 
Jason Fuchs (screenplay)

A cataclysm of continental proportions is set into play by Scrat's nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn that he’s been after since the dawn of time. He triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid.  Manny leads the herd and Sid is reunited with his cantankerous Granny, as they encounter a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates using an iceberg as a ship who are determined to stop them from returning home.

The Dark Knight Rises
(2012 - July 10)
164 min.
Rated: PG-13 Intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language.
Grade: B-
Budget: $250 million

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Jonathan Nolan (screenplay), Christopher Nolan
(screenplay and story), David S. Goyer (story), Bob Kane (creator: Batman)
Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Gary Oldman | See full cast and crew

It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. -- (C) Warner Bros.

Savages
(2012 - July 6)
Crime / Drama / Thriller
130 min.
Rated: R  Pernicious Profanity, graphic sex, extreme and graphic torture and sadistic violence
Rating: D
Director: Oliver Stone
Writers: Shane Salerno (screenplay), Don Winslow (screenplay and novel), Oliver Stone (screenplay)

Super entrepreneur pot growers, Ben and Chon, face off against a Mexican drug cartel who has kidnapped their shared girlfriend as leverage to force the duo into joining the cartel.
This film should have been rated NC-17. The profanity is pernicious and constant, the sex scenes are graphic and in poor taste, the scenes of torture and gratuitous violence is raw, graphic and will be offensive to most viewers. This unnecessary over the top warped viewpoint of society, that everyone in government, the military, police enforcement and business is corrupt has been the hallmark of Oliver Stone's directorial career.

The Amazing Spider-Man
(2012 - July 3)
Action/Adventure
2 hr.16 min.
Rating: PG-13 Sequences of Action and Violence
Grade: B+
Director: Marc Webb
Writers: James Vanderbilt (screenplay)
Alvin Sargent (screenplay)
Steve Kloves (screenplay)
Stars: Andrew Garfield 

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents left him with his aunt and uncle when he was just 4 years old (Max Charles as young Peter Parker) and then mysteriously disappeared. His path of discovery,13 years later, puts Peter on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner, to complicate things, the now 17 year old Peter is trying to find himself and deal with falling in love for the first time.

Moonrise Kingdom
(2012 - June 29)
Comedy/Drama/Romance
94 Min.
PG-13 Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+ Some language (comparable to TV) and very brief sexual dialogue
Grade: A-
Director: Wes Anderson
Stars: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Edward Norton, Bill Murray and Bruce Willis (See full cast and crew)

A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, causing the organization of a local search party to fan out and find them.
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People Like Us
(2012 - June 29)
Dramatic Comedy
1 hf. 54 min.
Rated: PG-13
Rating: C
Director: Alex Kurtzman
Writers: Alex Kurtzman (Cowboys and Aliens, Transformers), 
Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, Michael Hall D'Addario, Philip Baker Hall, Mark Duplass, Michelle Pfeiffer

Sam is a New York City twenty-something, fast-talking salesman. His latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about. As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about this family and re-examine his own life choices in the process.

Magic Mike
(2012 - June 29)
Biography | Comedy | Drama -
1 hr. 51 min.
Rated: R
Grade: D
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Reid Carolin (screenplay)
Stars: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer and Olivia Munn | See full cast and crew

Set in the world of male strippers, Magic Mike is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Channing Tatum in a story inspired by his real life. The film follows Mike (Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money. -- (C) Warner Bros.
 

Ted
(2012 - June 29)
Comedy | Fantasy
106 min.
Rated: R  Some drug use, sexual content, crude, rude, vulgar, very strong language (including pervasive use of the F word and its variations)
Grade: D+
Director: Seth MacFarlane
Writers: Seth MacFarlane (story and screenplay),
Alec Sulkin (screenplay),
Wellesley Wild (screenplay)
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane | See full cast and crew

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane brings his boundary-pushing brand of humor to the big screen for the first time as writer, director and voice star of Ted. In the live action/CG-animated comedy, he tells the story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), a grown man who must deal with the cherished teddy bear who came to life as the result of a childhood wish...and has refused to leave his side ever since. -- (C) Universal 

Beasts of the Southern Wild
(2012 - June 27)
Drama
93 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for thematic material including child imperilment, some disturbing images, language and brief sensuality
Grade: C-
Director: Benh Zeitlin
Writers: Lucy Alibar, Benh Zeitlin
Stars: Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry and Levy Easterly | See full cast and crew

The film won the Caméra d'Or award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. It also won the Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered.
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Mirror Mirror
(2012 - June 26)
1 hr. 46 min.
Rated: PG Some Fantasy Action and Mild Rude Humor
Grade: C
Director: Tarsem Singh
Writers: Marc Klein (screenplay), Jason Keller (screenplay), and 3 more credits »


One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event for the whole family, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film also stars Armie Hammer as the Prince, and Nathan Lane as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen. -- (C) Relativity
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Abraham Lincoln:
 Vampire Hunter
(2012 - June 22)
Action | Fantasy | Horror
105 min.
Rated: R Violence throughout and brief sexuality See all certifications
Grade: C+
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov reinvent the time-honored genre and present the terrifying creatures of the night as they were meant to be experienced -- as fierce, visceral, intense and bloodthristy. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter brings to the screen the secret life of our nation's favorite president...as history's greatest hunter of the undead.-- (C) Official Site 
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Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
(2012 - June 22)
Comedy/Drama/Romance‎
1 hr 34 min
‎‎
Rated: R
‎‎Language including sexual references, some drug use and brief violence

Rating: C+
Director/Writer: Lorene Scafaria (screenplay)
A 70-mile-wide asteroid is en route to Earth, and the last best attempt to counter it has failed. Also failing is the marriage of soft-spoken insurance salesman Dodge; the breaking news that the world will end in an estimated 21 days cues his wife to leave him on the spot.


Brave
(2012 - June 22)
Animation | Action | Adventure
93 min.
Ranted: PG
Grade: C+
Directors:Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell
Writers:Brenda Chapman (story and screenplay), Mark Andrews (screenplay), Steve Purcell (screenplay), Irene Mecchi (screenplay)

Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (Robbie Coltrane). Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it's too late. -- (C) Disney

Chernobyl Diaries
(2012 - May 24)
Horror
88 min
Rated: R Some bloody images, violence and very strong language (including pervasive use of the F word and its variations)  
Grade: D+
Director:Bradley Parker
Writers:Oren Peli (story and screenplay), Carey Van Dyke (screenplay), Shane Van Dyke (screenplay)
Stars: Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski and Olivia Dudley | See full cast and crew

Chernobyl Diaries is an original story from Oren Peli, who first terrified audiences with his groundbreaking thriller, Paranormal Activity. The film follows a group of six young vacationers who, looking to go off the beaten path, hire an "extreme" tour guide. Ignoring warnings, he takes them into the city of Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, but a deserted town since the disaster more than 25 years ago. After a brief exploration of the abandoned city, however, the group soon finds themselves stranded, only to discover that they are not alone... -- (C) Warner Bros.

What to Expect When You're Expecting
(2012 - May 18)
Comedy | Drama | Romance
1 hr. 50 min.
Rated: PG-13 Sexual content, thematic elements, crude language and profanity | Common Sense Media says OK for kids 15+. Read More

Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don't stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy's husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who's expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn't so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a "dudes" support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco's surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date? -- (C) Lionsgate

The Dictator
(2012 - May 16)
83 min - Comedy - 16 May 2012 (USA)
Rated: R Strong crude and sexual content, brief male nudity, language and some violent images
Grade: D-
Director: Larry Charles
Writers: Sacha Baron Cohen, Alec Berg, and 2 more credits »
Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris and Ben Kingsley | See full cast and crew

The heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

The Five-Year Engagement
(2012 - April 27)
Comedy | Romance
124 min
Rated: R Sexual content and language throughout, crass, vulgar with extensive use of F word by all characters
Grade: D
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Writers: Jason Segel (screenplay), Nicholas Stoller (screenplay)
Stars: Jason Segel, Emily Blunt and Chris Pratt | See full cast and crew

The director and writer/star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall reteam for the irreverent comedy The Five-Year Engagement. Beginning where most romantic comedies end, the new film from director Nicholas Stoller, producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) and Rodney Rothman (Get Him to the Greek) looks at what happens when an engaged couple, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. -- (C) Universal

The Lucky One
(2012 - April 20)
Drama1 hr. 41 min.
Rated: PG-13 Some sexuality and violence, infrequent moderate language
Grade: B
Director: Scott Hicks
Writers: Will Fetters (screenplay), Nicholas Sparks (novel)
Stars: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Blythe Danner | See full cast and crew

U.S. Marine Sgt. Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns home from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he believes kept him alive: a photograph of a woman he doesn't even know. He learns the woman's name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and goes to meet her, eventually taking a job at her family-run kennel. Though Beth is full of mistrust and leads a complicated life, a romance blooms, giving Logan the hope that Beth could become more than just his good-luck charm.

Cabin In The Woods
(2012 - April 13)
1 hr. 35 min 
Rated: R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use and some sexuality/nudity
Grade: D+ 
Director: Drew Goddard

Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen. If you think you know this story, think again. From fan favorites Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard comes The Cabin in the Woods, a mind blowing horror film that turns the genre inside out. -- (C) Lionsgate

33 Postcards
2011 Australia
(2012 - April - USA)
Drama
1 hr. 37 min.
Rated: Not Rated 
Grade: B-
Director: Pauline Chan
Writers: Pauline Chan, Philip Dalkin, Martin Edmond
Stars: Guy Pearce, Zhu Lin, Claudia Karvan | See full cast and crew

Mei Mei (Zhu Lin) is a 16 yr old Chinese orphan girl who dreams of nothing more than being part of the 'perfect' family. Dean Randall (Guy Pearce) has sponsored Mei Mei for the past 10 years, allowing her to get an education. When her orphanage is invited to participate in The Australian Choir Festival Mei Mei takes the opportunity to find her Australian sponsor in Sydney.  However, the Dean Randall's situation she finds is far from the idyllic life he depicted in his postcards. Initially mismatched and disconnected the two begin a journey in search of belonging, family, redemption, love and acceptance.
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The Hunger Games 
(2012 - March 23)
Action | Adventure
142 min
Rated: PG-13
Grade: B
Director: Gary Ross
Writers: Gary Ross (screenplay) Billy Ray (screenplay), Suzanne Collins (screenplay and novel)

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. -- (C) Lionsgate

Project X
(2012 - March 2)
Comedy
1 hr. 28 min.
Rated: R Sexual, crude content throughout, nudity, drugs, drinking, pervasive language, reckless behavior and mayhem - all involving teen. What parents should know.
Grade: D-
Director: Nima Nourizadeh
Writers: Matt Drake (screenplay), Michael Bacall (screenplay and story)
Stars: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown | See full cast and crew

Three anonymous high-school seniors decide to make their mark by throwing a party that no one will ever forget. From the director of The Hangover, who thought that movie's vile vulgarity needed to include the teen market. It is rated R but clearly intended to entice a teen audience. This genre in the past with films like American Graffiti and Sixteen Candles to Superbad etc., almost always focused on young characters learning a lesson or coming of age. This is not the case with Project X. There is no positive message here.

The Vow
(2012 - February 10)
Drama | Romance
1 hr. 44 min.
Rated: PG Sexual content, partial nudity, some language and an accident scene. Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+ Read More
Grade: B-
Director: Michael Sucsy
Writers: Jason Katims, Abby Kohn (screenplay), Marc Silverstein (screenplay), Stuart Sender (story)
A newlywed couple recovers from a car accident that puts the wife in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavors to win her heart again. -- (C) Sony Pictures 
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The Woman in Black
(2012 - February 3)
1 hr. 35 min.
Rated: PG-13 Thematic material and violence/disturbing images. Common Sense Media says Iffy for 13+ Read More
Grade: B-

Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), a lawyer, is recently widowed and grieving the loss of his wife when he is sent to a remote village to put a deceased eccentric's affairs in order. Soon after his arrival, it becomes clear that the villagers are hiding a terrible secret. Kipps discovers that his late client's house is haunted by the spirit of a woman who is trying to find someone and something she lost, and that no one -- not even the children -- is safe from her terrible wrath.