X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Opens May 1, 2009

X-Men Origins: Wolverine | Synopsis
The gruff, steel-clawed Marvel superhero Wolverine strikes out on his own in this X-Men spin-off starring series regular Hugh Jackman. The film is set up as an origin tale for the character, and will find him sharing the screen with Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), Gambit (Taylor Kitsch), John Wraith (will.i.am), Victor Creed/Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber), and Col. William Stryker (Danny Huston). Academy Award-winning director Gavin Hood (Tsotsi) films a screenplay penned by Troy scribe David Benioff (Troy). Daniel Henney and Lost's Dominic Monaghan round out the supporting cast. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins
Director: Gavin Hood
Genres: Comic-Book Superhero Film, Action

Social Bookmarking

The Hannah Montana Movie

Opens May 1, 2009

The Hannah Montana Movie | Synopsis
Miley Cyrus' alter ego, Hannah Montana, gets her own big-screen adventure with this production from Walt Disney Entertainment. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Mitchel Musso, Moisés Arias
Director: Peter Chelsom
Genres: Children's/Family

Social Bookmarking

Nights in Rodanthe

Opens October 3, 2008

PG 13 some sensuality

Nights in Rodanthe | Synopsis
Adapted from author Nicholas Sparks' popular romance novel, director George C. Wolfe's Nights in Rodanthe tells the tale of a doctor (Richard Gere) en route to reconcile with his estranged son when his benevolent mission is sidelined upon checking into a North Carolina beach-town inn. When the doctor arrives at the inn, he enters into a passionate affair with an unhappily married woman (Diane Lane) who is currently considering divorce. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Scott Glenn, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis
Director: George C. Wolfe
Genres: Romantic Drama, Romance

Social Bookmarking

Miracle at St. Anna

Opens September 26, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 24 min.

R strong war violence, language and some sexual content/nudity

Miracle at St. Anna | Synopsis
A group of four black soldiers in the 92nd "Buffalo Soldier" Division of the U.S. Army during World War II get stuck behind enemy lines after getting separated from their squadron when one of them bravely attempts to rescue an Italian boy. Alienated from their own country, the soldiers find solace in the quaint Tuscan village of St. Anna. Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Omar Benson Miller, and Laz Alonso star in a war drama scripted by James McBride and directed by Spike Lee. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller, Matteo Sciabordi, Pierfrancesco Favino, Valentina Cervi
Director: Spike Lee
Genres: War Drama, War

Social Bookmarking

The Lucky Ones

Opens October 24, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 55 min.

R language and some sexual content

The Lucky Ones | Synopsis
Rachel McAdams, Tim Robbins, and Michael Peña star in director Neil Burger's drama concerning a trio of Iraq War veterans who return from battle and set out on an unanticipated road trip across the United States. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Rachel McAdams, Tim Robbins, Michael Peña, Molly Hagan, Mark L. Young
Director: Neil Burger
Genres: Road Movie, Drama

Social Bookmarking

My Best Friend's Girl

Opens September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 43 min.
R strong language and sexual content throughout, including graphic dialogue and some nudity

My Best Friend's Girl | Synopsis
Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, and Alec Baldwin star in this romantic comedy about a man (Cook) who makes his living convincing women to run back into the arms of the men they have recently dumped by taking them on the worst possible dates imaginable. The nightmare lothario's lucrative scheme hits an unexpected hitch, however, when he is hired by his best friend to take out the beauty he longs to win back. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Alec Baldwin, Jason Biggs, Lizzy Caplan
Director: Howard Deutch
Genres: Romantic Comedy, Comedy

Social Bookmarking

Lakeview Terrace

Opens September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 50 min.
PG 13 intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references

Lakeview Terrace | Synopsis
An interracial couple moves into their California dream home, only to find themselves the target of their volatile next-door neighbor -- a racist LAPD officer -- in this tightly wound thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kerry Washington. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington
Director: Neil LaBute
Genres: Psychological Thriller, Thriller

Social Bookmarking

Ghost Town

Opens September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 43 min.

PG 13 strong language, sexual humor and drug references

Ghost Town | Synopsis
Ricky Gervais and Greg Kinnear star in director David Koepp's fantasy comedy concerning a dentist who gains the ability to communicate with the dead after momentarily dying during a routine dental surgery. When the dearly departed begin requesting that the dentist act as a point person between the living world and the spirit realm, he does his best to ensure that the messages of the dead reach their intended recipients. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Billy Campbell, Kristen Wiig, Dana Ivey
Director: David Koepp
Genres: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy Comedy, Comedy

Social Bookmarking

The Women

Opens September 12, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 54 min.
PG 13 sex-related material, language, some drug use and brief smoking

The Women | Synopsis
Veteran producer/director Diane English (The Lathe of Heaven, Murphy Brown) helms this contemporized remake of George Cukor's beloved proto-feminist comedy drama The Women (1939), an adaptation of Clare Boothe Luce's play. The English version follows the gossip, bitchy wisecracking, and overall disillusionment that erupt among a group of socialite friends when their dearest and most envied learns of her husband's marital infidelity at the hands of a backstabbing shopgirl. The all-female cast is fronted by Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Candice Bergen, with supporting roles inhabited by Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman, and Carrie Fisher. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

Cast: Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Candice Bergen
Director: Diane English
Genres: Comedy Drama, Feminist Film, Ensemble Film, Slice of Life

Social Bookmarking

Righteous Kill

Opens September 12, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 40 min.
R violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and brief drug use

Righteous Kill | Synopsis
Jon Avnet's thriller Righteous Kill stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro as a pair of Big Apple police officers investigating a series of murders committed by a serial killer. Carla Gugino co-stars as a crime-scene investigator who has romantic ties to De Niro. 50 Cent, Donnie Wahlberg, Brian Dennehy, and John Leguizamo co-star. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Carla Gugino, 50 Cent, Donnie Wahlberg
Director: Jon Avnet
Genres: Psychological Thriller, Thriller

Social Bookmarking

Moving Midway

Opens September 12, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 35 min.

Moving Midway | Synopsis
Built in 1848, Midway Plantation was for many years one of the most celebrated homes in the Raleigh, NC area -- an antebellum mansion that stood as a reminder of the style and traditions of the old South. However, in late 2003, Charlie Silver, who had inherited the estate, made a decision that took many by surprise -- troubled by the encroaching urban sprawl, Silver decided to move the mansion and its outbuildings to a new and more peaceful location. Charlie and wife Dena planned to finance the relocation by selling roughly a third of vacant property to developers, but not everyone in his family supported this notion; the land had been owned by Silver's kin since 1740, and some relatives felt Midway should remain on its native soil. Film critic Godfrey Cheshire, who is Charlie's cousin, decided to make a film about the role of Southern plantations in American history, popular culture, and society, as well as the difficult project of moving the mansion. While documenting the relocation, Charlie and Godfrey became aware of a previously unknown chapter in their family's history; their great-great grandfather Charles Lewis Hinton, who built Midway, fathered a child with an African-American slave living on the property. As a consequence, Cheshire discovers the existence of dozens of African-American cousins who have their own perspective on Midway's legacy. Moving Midway offers a look at the nuts and bolts of moving a piece of North Carolina history, as well as the people whose lives are rooted in its past, and includes extensive interviews with Robert Hinton, Associate Director of African-American studies at New York University, whose family has roots in Midway. Moving Midway received its world premiere at the 2007 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Director: Godfrey Cheshire
Genres: Biography, Social History, Culture & Society

Social Bookmarking

Burn After Reading

Opens September 12, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 36 min.
R pervasive language, some sexual content and violence

Burn After Reading | Synopsis
A CIA agent who is currently in the process of writing a book loses the disc containing his only manuscript in this comedic tale of espionage that reunites filmmaking duo Joel and Ethan Coen with Intolerable Cruelty and O Brother, Where Art Thou? star George Clooney. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins, Brad Pitt
Director: Ethan Coen
Genres: Comedy, Spy Comedy

Social Bookmarking

Save Me

Opens Friday, September 5, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 36 min.
NR

Save Me | Synopsis
They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and in this look at one of the most polarizing religious and sexual debates in America, filmmaker Robert Cary attempts to reconcile homosexuality with Christianity. Mark (Chad Allen) is a young gay man who has fallen into a dangerous cycle of hard drugs and risky sex. Recognizing that his sibling may not have the strength to pull himself back from the edge, Mark's brother checks him into the Genesis House Christian retreat in New Mexico -- a place far removed from the temptations of the big city. Genesis House is run by a deeply spiritual, middle-aged couple named Gayle (Judith Light) and Ted (Stephen Lang). After losing a battle with sin back when she was young, Gayle has dedicated her entire life to rescuing young homosexuals from their own inner demons. In order to help Mark through the process, Gayle assigns Scott (Robert Gant) -- one of the program's advanced "fifth phasers" -- as the newcomer's mentor. When Gayle notices that Mark and Scott's relationship is intensifying, she sees the development as a threat and fights back in order to prevent her carefully controlled world from falling apart. The spectre of damnation looming constantly over their shoulders, Mark and Scott are finally forced to confront the truth about their own true natures. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Chad Allen, Robert Gant, Judith Light, Stephen Lang, Robert Baker
Director: Robert Cary
Genres: Gay & Lesbian Films, Drama

Social Bookmarking

Ping Pong Playa

Opens Friday, September 5, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 36 min.
PG 13 language, including some sexual remarks and drug references

Ping Pong Playa | Synopsis
Christopher "C-dub" Wang blames genetics for his failure to make the NBA, lives at home, works a dead-end job, and squirms in the shadow of his older brother, Michael, a doctor and ping pong champion. With a family-run store devoted to all things ping pong and a mom who teaches it at the local Chinese Community Center, the Wangs’ entire world revolves around the sport. When his mom and Michael are hurt in a car accident, his father is left to watch over the store, forcing C-dub to take over his mom’s ping pong class of misfits. But when the Wang family livelihood is threatened by a rival ping pong player’s attempts to lure the kids away, C-dub begins to take things more seriously. With the National Golden Cock Tournament coming up and an injured Michael unable to defend his title, C-dub must become the player he pretends to be and defend his family’s ping pong dynasty.Read More

Director: Jessica Yu
Genres: Comedy

Social Bookmarking

Mister Foe

Opens Friday, September 5, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 35 min.
NR

Mister Foe | Synopsis
A teenager (Jamie Bell) falls under the spell of a hotel personnel manager (Sophia Myles) who closely resembles the youth's late mother.

Director: David Mackenzie
Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama, Romance

Social Bookmarking

Bangkok Dangerous

Opens Friday, September 5, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 48 min.
R violence, language and some sexuality

Bangkok Dangerous | Synopsis
Original Bangkok Dangerous directors Danny and Oxide Pang return to familiar territory with this remake of their own popular 1999 thriller about a ruthless hitman (Nicolas Cage) who travels to Bangkok in order to carry out four crucial jobs. During the course of his missions, the triggerman falls in love with a pretty local girl while also forming a friendly bond with his young errand boy. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Charlie Young, Chakrit Yamnarm, Dom Hetrakul
Director: Danny Pang
Genres: Action Thriller, Crime Thriller, Gangster Film, Thriller

Social Bookmarking

August Evening

Opens September 26, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 7 min.
PG 13 brief strong language

August Evening | Synopsis
The bonds of family are weathered by the winds of change in this independent drama from writer and director Chris Eska. Jamie (Pedro Castaneda) is an illegal immigrant living in Texas, where he earns a living doing odd jobs and farm work; in his early Sixties, Jamie is no longer a young man, but he works hard and takes his responsibilities seriously. Jamie shares his home with his daughter-in-law Lupe (Veronica Loren}), who has been on her own since the untimely death of her husband. Jamie feels a paternal love for Lupe, and tries to look out for her however he can, while she looks up to the strong but gentle old man. Life is slowly changing for both of them, though; Jamie isn't getting the same kind of work he once did, and his health is beginning to fail him, while Lupe is gradually finding new love, which deeply concerns her protective father-in-law. August Evening received a special "sneak preview" screening as a work in progress at the 2007 South by Southwest Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Cast: Pedro Castaneda, Veronica Loren, Abel Becerra, Walter Perez, Sandra Rios
Director: Chris Eska
Genres: Drama, Family Drama, Slice of Life

Social Bookmarking

A Secret

Opens September 10, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 45 min.

A Secret | Synopsis
Informed that his elderly father has mysteriously disappeared, anxious Parisian Francois (Mathieu Amalric) recalls his tragic family history in director Claude Miller's adaptation of the fact-based novel by author Philippe Grimbert. As a sickly young child, Francois (Valentin Vigourt) instinctively knew that he was a disappointment to his champion swimmer mother Tania (Cecile de France) and gymnast father Maxime (Patrik Bruel). While Francois does find some amount of solace in his friendship with kindly masseuse Louise (Julie Depardieu), his discovery of a strange toy in the attic causes his parents to act more strangely towards him than ever before. Feeling sympathetic towards the young boy, Louise eventually reveals to Francois that he once had a half-brother, and that his parents weren't drawn together by fairytale romance but through violence and strife. Back before the war, Maxime became engaged to the beautiful Hannah (Ludivine Sagnier). While Hannah's parent's were keenly aware of the ominous implications of Hitler's rise to power, Maxime worried little since he always considered himself French first and foremost. At the wedding, however, Maxime finds his gaze frequently wandering from his fetching bride to athletic beauty Tania. Later, after the happily married bride gives birth to a handsome young boy named Simon (Orlando Nicoletti), the Nazis invade and the once-happy family is torn violently asunder. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Cécile De France, Patrick Bruel, Ludivine Sagnier, Julie Depardieu, Mathieu Amalric
Director: Claude Miller
Genres: Period Film, Drama, Family Drama

Social Bookmarking

The Pool

Opens Wednesday, September 3, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 44 min.
NR

The Pool | Synopsis
American Movie director Chris Smith makes the shift from documentary specialist to feature-film director with this Hindi-language drama concerning a young hotel employee whose obsession with an opulent swimming pool at a nearby house gradually turns his life upside down. The affluent hills of Panjim, Goa, in India are the absolute lap of luxury, and when a young boy working at a nearby hotel discovers an extravagant swimming pool, his awe is soon offset by the arrival of a mysterious family at the home. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Venkatesh Chavan, Jahangir Badshah, Ayesha Mohan, Nana Patekar, Malcom Faria
Director: Chris Smith
Genres: Drama, Slice of Life

Social Bookmarking

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Opened August 15, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 30 min.
PG sci-fi action violence throughout, brief language and momentary smoking

Star Wars: The Clone Wars | Synopsis
George Lucas continues his most popular franchise's legacy with Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a computer-animated 3-D film that takes place between Star Wars: Episode II and III. The first-ever animated feature from Lucasfilm Animation, this action-packed space adventure follows the heroic Jedi Knights as they attempt to maintain order and restore peace during a time of monumental galactic strife. The Clone Wars have engulfed the galaxy in chaos, and as the dreaded droid army of the Separatists wipes out everything in its path, the future of the Galactic Republic becomes increasingly uncertain. Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano embark on a pivotal mission that pits them directly against the dreaded Jabba the Hutt and his criminal minions while Count Dooku enlists the aid of Asajj Ventress and the rest of his sinister agents in ensuring that the young Jedi fails in his noble mission. Back on the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda attempt to fend off the forces of the dark side with the assistance of a massive clone army. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, Dee Bradley Baker, Tom Kane
Director: Dave Filoni
Genres: Sci-Fi Action, Space Adventure, Science Fiction

Social Bookmarking

The X-Files: I Want to Believe

Opened July 25, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 40 min.
PG 13 violent and disturbing content and thematic material

The X-Files: I Want to Believe | Synopsis
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reprise their roles as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully with this long-delayed big-screen continuation that revives the series six years after it headed off the air in 2002. Creator Chris Carter returns to direct, co-writing the script with series veteran Frank Spotnitz for 20th Century Fox. Billy Connolly, Amanda Peet and rapper Xzibit co-star in the stand-alone sequel. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly, Xzibit
Director: Chris Carter
Genres: Sci-Fi Action, Science Fiction, Supernatural Thriller

Social Bookmarking

Batman - The Dark Knight

Opened July 18, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 32 min.
PG 13 intense sequences of violence and some menace

Batman - The Dark Knight | Synopsis
Christopher Nolan steps back into the director's chair for this sequel to Batman Begins, which finds the titular superhero coming face to face with his greatest nemesis -- the dreaded Joker. Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman, Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes (played by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins), and Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger dons the ghoulishly gleeful Joker makeup previously worn by Jack Nicholson and Cesar Romero. Just as it begins to appear as if Batman, Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) are making headway in their tireless battle against the criminal element, a maniacal, wisecracking fiend plunges the streets of Gotham City into complete chaos. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman
Director: Christopher Nolan
Genres: Comic-Book Superhero Film, Crime Drama, Fantasy, Crime

Social Bookmarking

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Opened July 11, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 0 min.
PG 13 sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and some language

Hellboy II: The Golden Army | Synopsis
Ron Perlman returns to the role of the big red BPRD agent in this sequel to 2004's Hellboy, directed once again by Guillermo del Toro and scripted as before in collaboration with original Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. For centuries, an ancient truce has kept the naïve citizens of the human race safe from the horrors of the invisible realm -- but that's all about to change, and fast. A ruthless leader has emerged in the invisible realm, a tyrant just as comfortable walking the surface realm as he is living in the land of fantasy. When this power-mad ruler defies his bloodline to assemble an unstoppable army of fantastical creatures that he will use to wage a supernatural war on humanity, it begins to appear that humankind's days are numbered. But Hellboy (Perlman) isn't about to stand idly by as the planet is purged by a demonic despot, and with a little help from his team at the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, he may just be able to send our otherworldly overlords packing. Of course, Hellboy's pyrokinetic girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), is always willing to conjure up an inferno or two when things get desperate, aquatic Abe (Doug Jones) is prepared to dive headlong into any battle, and protoplasmic mystic Johann (voice of Thomas Kretschmann) proves an invaluable companion in times of inter-dimensional conflict. Now, as the creatures who inhabit the spiritual realm gear up for an all-out attack on the human plane, the only one capable of saving the Earth is a tough-talking hellspawn rejected by both worlds. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Luke Goss, John Alexander
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Genres: Action Comedy, Comic-Book Superhero Film, Monster Film, Action, Fantasy

Social Bookmarking

Wanted

Opened June 27, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 50 min.
R strong bloody violence throughout, pervasive language and some sexuality

Wanted | Synopsis
Night Watch director Timur Bekmambetov helms his first English-language feature film with this big-screen adaptation of Mark Millar's action-packed graphic novel. Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) is a cube-dwelling hypochondriac whose uneventful life has become a mundane blur of terminal boredom. Repeatedly humiliated by his boss and constantly cuckolded by his cheating girlfriend, weakling Wes seems to be living right down to everyone's expectations that he would never amount to anything in life. However, upon discovering that the father he never knew has been brutally murdered, the spineless, clock-punching pushover is recruited into a secret society of assassins known as the Fraternity. During the course of his training, the man who was once an office-bound wimp develops lightning-fast reflexes and superhuman dexterity courtesy of his skilled mentor Fox (Angelina Jolie). Upon completing his training, Wes is assigned the task of dealing out death to the mythological Fates, who possess the ability to alter the lifelines of mortal men. It isn't long before the nebbish nerd-turned-agile assassin is erasing the bad guys with surprising efficiency, yet as Wes begins to carry the mantle passed down to him by his father, he gradually begins to suspect that his wise tutors are not the crime-fighting enforcers they present themselves to be. Now, with everything he ever wanted in life finally within his grasp, Wes is about to find out that the only thing more difficult than ending the lives of others is summoning the courage to take control of his own. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Genres: Action Thriller, Fantasy Adventure, Action

Social Bookmarking

The Incredible Hulk

Opened June 13, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 54 min.
PG 13 sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive content

The Incredible Hulk | Synopsis
Mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner has been traveling the globe in search of the antidote that will allow him to break free from his primal alter ego, but both the warmongers who long to exploit him for their own gain and a horrific creature known as The Abomination are determined to stop him from achieving his noble goal in Transporter 2 director Louis Leterrier's take on the classic Marvel Comics superhero tale. For years, Bruce (Edward Norton) has been living in the shadows, pursued by the military and haunted by the rage within. But traveling the world in secrecy isn't easy, and as hard as he tries Bruce can't get Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) off his mind. The daughter of Bruce's nemesis Gen. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt), Betty represents everything that is beautiful in the world to a man who lives his life on the run. Eventually, Bruce returns to civilization and faces the wrath of The Abomination. While the Hulk may be a formidable force of nature, The Abomination is decidedly more powerful, and determined to destroy Bruce Banner. Created when KGB agent Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) exposed himself to a higher dose of the same radiation that transformed Bruce into The Hulk, The Abomination is unable to change back into human form and holds Bruce accountable for his frightful condition. With time fast running out for both Bruce and The Hulk, New York City is about to become the ultimate urban battle zone as two of the most powerful creatures ever to walk the earth clash in a massive, no-holds-barred fight to the finish. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson
Director: Louis Leterrier
Genres: Comic-Book Superhero Film, Sci-Fi Action, Monster Film, Action

Social Bookmarking

The Happening

Opened June 13, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 31 min.

R violent and disturbing images

The Happening | Synopsis
Lady in the Water director M. Night Shyamalan puts PG-13 suspense on pause to tell this grim apocalyptic tale about a family fleeing a natural disaster that poses a grave threat to the whole of humanity. Philadelphia high-school science teacher Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg) is discussing the disappearance of the bees with his students when the staff is summoned to the theater and briefed about a mysterious event that is currently unfolding in New York City. According to reports, citizens in the vicinity of Central Park have suddenly and inexplicably begun seizing up just before killing themselves by whatever means are at their disposal. As the phenomena begins to spread and talk of terrorism fills the airwaves, Elliot, his wife, Alma (Zooey Deschanel), their friend Julian (John Leguizamo), and his daughter, Jess (Ashlyn Sanchez), board a train bound for the presumed safety of the country. When the train screeches to a halt before arriving at its final destination, however, the frightened passengers are forced to fend for themselves as each consecutive news report paints an increasingly grim picture of the situation in more urbanized areas. Theories abound on what could be causing the unexplainable rash of suicides, but the only thing that everyone seems to agree on is that it's some kind of airborne contagion that is carried in the wind. It would appear that humankind's reign on planet Earth has come to an end, but perhaps if this small band of survivors can find a safe place to lie low until this all blows over, all hope for survival of the species might not be lost just yet. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, Ashlyn Sanchez, Betty Buckley
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Genres: Psychological Thriller, Thriller

Social Bookmarking

Kung Fu Panda

Opened June 6, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 31 min.
PG sequences of martial arts action

Kung Fu Panda | Synopsis
A clumsy panda bear becomes an unlikely kung fu hero when a treacherous enemy spreads chaos throughout the countryside in this animated martial arts adventure featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, and Jackie Chan. On the surface, Po (voice of Black) may look like just another portly panda bear, but beneath his fur he bears the mark of the chosen one. By day, Po works faithfully in his family's noodle shop, but by night he dreams of becoming a true master of the martial arts. Now an ancient prophecy has come to pass, and Po realizes that he is the only one who can save his people from certain destruction. With time running short and malevolent snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane ) closing in, Furious Five legends Tigress (Jolie), Crane (David Cross ), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), Monkey (Chan), and their wise sensei, Master Shifu (Hoffman), all draw on their vast knowledge of fighting skills in order to transform a lumbering panda bear into a lethal fighting machine. Now, if the noble Po can master the martial arts and somehow transform his greatest weaknesses into his greatest strengths, he will fulfill his destiny as the hero who saved his people during their darkest hour. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Seth Rogen
Director: John Stevenson
Genres: Martial Arts, Children's/Family, Family-Oriented Comedy

Social Bookmarking

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Opened May 16, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 20 min.
PG epic battle action and violence

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian | Synopsis
The adventure continues as producer/director Andrew Adamson teams with screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely to tell the tale of the dashing Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) -- who sets out to defeat a tyrannical king who has overtaken Narnia and secure his rightful place on the throne. One year has passed since the events of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and now the kings and queens of that land have returned to make a shocking discovery. Though by their calendars it has been only 12 months since their last voyage into Narnia, the four children are aghast to realize that 1,300 years have passed in the wondrous alternate universe. The Golden Age of Narnia has come to an end, and now the malevolent King Miraz rules over the land without mercy or compassion. Miraz is determined to ensure that the power stays in his bloodline, even if that means killing his nephew Prince Caspian so that Miraz's own son will be next in line for the throne. Fortunately Prince Caspian has the Narnians on his side, and with a little help from the kings, the queens, and some loyal old friends, he may be able to ensure that peace and prosperity are restored on the once-beautiful realm of Narnia. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Sergio Castellitto, Ben Barnes
Director: Andrew Adamson
Genres: Fantasy Adventure, Fantasy, Children's/Family

Social Bookmarking

Hancock

Opened July 2, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 32 min.
PG 13 some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language

Hancock | Synopsis
A hard-drinking lush finds himself thrust into superhero mode in director Peter Berg's unconventional look at the private life of a crime-fighter. Will Smith stars as the embittered do-gooder whose lifestyle is more akin to a rock star than a role model, and who has grown as disillusioned with his once-admiring public as they have of him. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Eddie Marsan, Johnny Galecki
Director: Peter Berg
Genres: Action Comedy, Comic-Book Superhero Film, Comedy

Social Bookmarking

Get Smart

Opened June 20, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 50 min.
PG 13 some rude humor, action violence and language

Get Smart | Synopsis
40-Year-Old Virgin star Steve Carell steps into the telephonic shoes of television's most beloved bumbling detective in this big-screen adaptation of the hit 1960s-era comedy series created by Mel Brooks. The evil geniuses at KAOS have hatched a diabolical plot to dominate every living man, woman, and child on the planet, and their plot gets under way as they attack the headquarters of the U.S. spy agency Control. As a result of the attack, the identity of every agent working for Control has been compromised. Realizing that the only way to thwart KAOS' evil plan is to promote eager but inexperienced Control analyst Maxwell Smart (Carell) to the rank of special agent, the Chief (Alan Arkin) reluctantly teams Smart with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) -- a veteran super-spy whose beauty is only surpassed by her lethality. With no real field experience to speak of and nothing but sheer enthusiasm and a handful of fancy spy gadgets to help him accomplish his deadly mission, Maxwell Smart his new partner, Agent 99, will be forced to faces malevolent KAOS head Siegfried (Terence Stamp) and his loyal army of minions in a decisive fight that will determine the fate of the free world. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, David Koechner, Terry Crews, and Ken Davitian co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp, Ken Davitian
Director: Peter Segal
Genres: Action Comedy, Parody/Spoof, Comedy, Spy Comedy

Social Bookmarking

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Opened May 22, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 4 min.
PG 13 adventure violence and scary images

Indiana Jones | Synopsis
Everyone's favorite archeologist adventurer dusts off his hat and trusty whip for yet another globetrotting trek as Indiana Jones returns to the big screen nearly 20 years after racing for the Holy Grail alongside his father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Harrison Ford reprises his role as the iconic, snake-loathing screen hero in a sequel that also finds Karen Allen returning to the series for the first time since 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark. Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, and Shia LaBeouf round out a cast that also features Cate Blanchett in the role of villainous Russian operative Agent Irina Spalko. Steven Spielberg calls the shots on a script penned by David Koepp (and adapted from the screen story by executive producer George Lucas). ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, Shia LaBeouf, Igor Jijikine
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genres: Adventure Comedy, Costume Adventure, Action, Adventure

Social Bookmarking

Speed Racer

Opened May 9, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 15 min.
PG sequences of action, some violence and language

Speed Racer | Synopsis
The Matrix masterminds Andy and Larry Wachowski usher anime icon Tatsuo Yoshida's classic 1960s-era hit into the new millennium with this family-friendly story of a young racecar driver who takes on the mysterious Racer X in a custom-made, gadget-loaded speed machine named the Mach 5. Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is the kind of driver that every wheelman wishes he could be: a born winner whose unbeatable combination of aggression, instinct, and fearlessness always finds him crossing the checkered flag with a comfortable lead. In Speed Racer's mind, the only driver who could present him with any real challenge is his late brother -- the legendary Rex Racer. Rex died in a heated cross-country rally known as The Crucible many years ago, and now his younger sibling is driven to fulfill the legacy that Rex left behind. To this day, Speed Racer is fiercely loyal to family. It was Speed Racer's father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), who designed the unbeatable Mach 5, and even a lucrative offer from racing giants Royalton Industries isn't enough to get the young ace to break his family ties.

Upon turning down Royalton's (Roger Allam) astronomical offer, Speed Racer makes the shocking discovery that the outcomes of the biggest races are being predetermined by a handful of powerful moguls who pad their profits by manipulating the drivers. Realizing that his career would be ruined if word of the fix gets out, Royalton vows that the Mach 5 will never make it to another finish line. Now, the only way for Speed Racer to save the family business and beat Royalton at his own game will be to win the very same race that claimed his brother's life so many years ago. In order to accomplish that formidable feat, however, Speed Racer will not only have to rely on his family and the aid of his longtime girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), but form a tenuous alliance with his longtime rival -- the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox) -- as well. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, John Goodman
Director: Andy Wachowski
Genres: Chase Movie, Adventure Comedy, Adventure

Social Bookmarking

Iron Man

Opened May 2, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 6 min.
PG 13 some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content

Iron Man | Synopsis
From Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures comes Iron Man, an action-packed take on the tale of wealthy philanthropist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who develops an invulnerable robotic suit to fight the throes of evil. In addition to being filthy rich, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark is also a genius inventor. When Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a diabolical weapon, he instead uses his intelligence and ingenuity to construct an indestructible suit of armor and escape his captors. Once free, Stark discovers a deadly conspiracy that could destabilize the entire globe, and dons his powerful new suit on a mission to stop the villains and save the world. Gwyneth Paltrow co-stars as his secretary, Virginia "Pepper" Potts, while Terrence Howard fills the role of Jim "Rhodey" Rhodes, one of Stark's colleagues, whose military background leads him to help in the formation of the suit. Jon Favreau directs, with Marvel movie veterans Avi Arad and Kevin Feige producing. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb
Director: Jon Favreau
Genres: Comic-Book Superhero Film, Sci-Fi Action, Action

Social Bookmarking

Transformers

Opened July 3, 2007 | Runtime:2 hr. 23 min.
PG 13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor, and language

Transformers | Synopsis
The interstellar battle between the Autobots and Decepticons rains destruction down on planet Earth as director Michael Bay adapts Hasbro and Takara's popular Transformers franchise into a big-budget, live-action summer tentpole extravaganza in this ambitious sci-fi action feature starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Bernie Mac, John Turturro, Jon Voight, and, of course, Optimus Prime and Megatron. Long ago, on the planet of Cybertron, a massive, powerful alien race divided into two factions, the noble Autobots, and the devious Decepticons. They fought for the sole access to a talisman known as the Allspark, a cube with the capacity to grant infinite power, and eventually the Autobots smuggled it off the planet's surface, hiding it in an unknown location on Earth. Now, hundreds of years later, the Deceptacons have come looking for it, and if the Autobots don't find it first, the Earth will be enslaved or destroyed by the evil aliens' use of its massive power. The Autobots don't know where the cube was hidden, but the information may be stored in the most unlikely of sources, as a gangly young Earthling named Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf) who's just picked up his first car, has a strange connection to the Allspark's history, making him the unlikely ally of these enormous creatures, as they fight for humankind's survival and the chance to return home. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Rachael Taylor
Director: Michael Bay
Genres: Sci-Fi Action, Alien Invasion Films, Action, Science Fiction

Social Bookmarking