WEEKEND FIRST: Weekly Movie Comings and Goings
By Tony Rutherford
Huntington News Network Critic
Depending on your cinematic interests, mid-June usually has a slight pause in the barrage of event flicks which bunch up around the next holiday, July 4. In fact, the live-action "Transformers" opens July 3 and a promising comedy , “License to Web,” with Robin Williams opens then also. And, on June 29, the Bruce Willis actioneer, “Live Hard , Die Hard” starts setting off fireworks.
Meanwhile, we have a few weeks of less blatantly ‘event’ and ‘sequel’ productions with one or two exceptions.
FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER: Stan Lee’s Marvel Comic franchise introduces a quasi-villain, The Silver Surfer, (catch the large cool do not touch displays at certain cinemas) whose arrival foreshadows the death of the host planet. However, The Thing, Human Torch, Invisible Girl and Mr. F have to deal with the return another challenging nemesis.
NANCY DREW: The teen icon of every school girl jumps onto the big screen as Emma Roberts (Drew) assists her father in solving cases, particularly cases which lead her on her own path. Drew might be one of the first empowered women for even during the 1930s , a series of films featured the teen detective. Too, she shared co-billing with the male icon Hardy Boys on TV (with Pamela Sue Martin as Drew), so Warner Bros. hopes to start a new mystery series.
DOA: Dead or Alive: Here come the kung fu assassins and they are all female. The ladies are summoned to an island for a slaying tournament. ( Exclusive, Park Place Stadium Cinemas, Charleston)
HOLD OVERS
DISTURBIA: From the previews, you have Alfred Hitchcock thoughts of James Stewart looking out the rear window; however, the scenario is that a teen (Shia LaBeouf) under house arrest spies on neighbors and determines that he’s living next door to a serial killer. (Wonder if Paris Hilton would have succumbed to picture taking spying if she had been left on home confinement?)
HOSTEL II: Three American women end up in an Eastern Europe torture chamber after accepting a woman’s invitation to a burning springs spa off the beaten track. The first two-third actually stresses suspense, but the last third delivers the anticipated grisly shock and awe.
KNOCKED UP: Here comes a new film from the director of “40 Year Old Virgin.” Judd Apatow has a sorta follow up, though, the virgin part is missing. An average guy (Seth Rogen) gets lucky for one night with a beauty (Katherine Heigl). So, she moves on and so does he…no, the gal’s going to have a little one. Gee, what should the dude do, keep the kid to keep the beauty or ….
MR BROOKS: An all star cast pits Demi Moore as a detective tracking a probable serial killer (Kevin Costner) who’s “ordinary” but has a devious alter ego (William Hurt).
OCEANS THIRTEEN: Regaining its complexity and rekindling empathy for the caper team, the film has just the right ingredients that blend “Mission Impossible” and James Bond with “Soprano” type hero/villains.
PIRATES: AT WORLD’S END: Unlike the earlier sequels which tossed special effects, action, Johnny Depp wisecracks and occasional hugs, the third installment has lengthy spells of indirection where you join the cast in a whirlpool of confusion. It’s still another intricately choreographed swashbuckling feast in the wettest and grandest tradition of Errol Flynn/Tyrone Power and other classic pirates.
SHREK THE THIRD: Many showstopping moments, but too many story book characters clutter up this one. More geared for the younger folks than previous installments. Still, sidesplitting at times.
SPIDER-MAN 3: Marvel’s third installment of Spiderman initially has Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) on the verge of a full time job at the Daily Bugle and cuddling up to Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), his long time gal, until three villains force him to don his mask and uniform. Sandman , Venom and New Goblin Indeed, he also must contend with a substance that turns his suit black, bring out the dark side of his personality and alienating him from Mary Jane, his mom and himself.
Limited Release /Art House Films
RECOMMENDATION :
THE WAITRESS: A can’t be missed drama with biting, witty dialogue any time someone opens their mouth. In the southern tradition of “Steel Magnolias” or “Night, Mother,” but far less serious. Even the men at this hilarious rural chic flick indicated they had a good time.
Having received a warm reception at Sundance, this marks the last movie written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, who was found murdered at her New York apartment in November. “Waitress” tells the story of an unhappily married small town woman (Keri Russell) discovers she is pregnant, she decides she must leave both her husband and the town. The woman find encouragement in making her long put off decision when a handsome doctor (Nathan Fillion) moves in. (Exclusive, Pullman Square 16)
FIDO: While it likely will only turn up on select screens, this may be one of the most satirical concept since the indie, “Maneater,” graced screens at Marshall and the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center during the Appy Film Festival. Here’s the skinny --- Timmy (K Sun Ray) has to run damage control after his best friend , a zombie (Billy Connolly) eats Timmy’s next door neighbor! Although listed for this week, no local cinemas have it slated yet.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Although squirt guns, rice, lighters, and other projectiles are forbidden, you can brush up on your Time Warp dance and check out those character costumes. The long running and cult favorite continues a multiple weekend run at the Cinema with the shadow cast now accompanying the on screen action.
(Note: Times and Titles subject to change at discretion of film bookers. Double check websites to verify times or to purchase on line tickets. Some cinemas have changed to school session hours i.e. no matinees on weekdays. Consult individual cinema for schedule.)
HUNTINGTON, WV
Starts Friday
MARQUEE PULLMAN: Fantastic Four: Rise of Silver Surfer 12:00-12:30-12:45-2:15-2:45-3:00-4:30-5:00-5:15-6:45-7:15-7:30-9:10-9:30-9:50; Nancy Drew 11:40-2:00-4:15-6:30-9:00; Sat. June 16 only, “Ratatouillie,” @ 7:00 p.m.; TIME CHANGES: Spiderman III 7:00-10:00 ONLY; Pirates At World’s End 11:15-2:45-6:15-7:15-9:45; Shrek the Third 12:00-12:30-2:15-2:45-4:30-5:00-6:45-9:00; Surf’s Up 11:30-12:00-2:00-2:30-4:20-4:50-6:40-9:00; Mr. Brooks, no 6:45 p.m. show Sat. June 16; ENDS THURSDAY: Gracie
DISCOUNT CINEMA 4: (all shows after 6 p.m. $3.00; Tuesday $2; $2.00 all shows before 6 p.m.) : Delta Farce 1:10-3:10-5:10-7:10-9:10; Disturbia 1:00-3:10-5:20-7:30-9:40; Wild Hogs 1:10-3:15-5:20-7:25-9:30; Vacancy 7:20-9:20 only; Are We Done Yet 1:15-3:15-5:15; Blades of Glory 7:30-9:35; ENDS THURSDAY: Vacancy, Meet the Robinsons; Friday 12 Midnight: "Rocky Horror Picture Show" (Interactive preshow begins 11:30 p.m.), Disturbia, Delta Farce; FREE KIDS FLIX, “Everyone’s Hero,” Wed. June 20 @ 10 a.m.
ASHLAND, KY
Starts Friday
CINEMARK CINEMA 10: Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer 12:05-12:35-2:25-2:55-4:45-5:15-7:05-7:35-9:30-10:00; Nancy Drew 12:00-2:30-5:00-7:25-9:50; TIME CHANGES: Pirates 12:30-4:05-7:45; Shrek the Third 12:20-2:40-5:10-7:30-9:45; ENDS THURSDAY: Mr. Brooks
PHOENIX 10 KYOVA MALL: Fantastic Four Rise of Silver Surfer, Nancy Drew TIMES TBA
MIDTOWN CINEMA 3: ($2.50/$3.50) : Mr. Brooks 6:00-8:05-10:10; Delta Farce 2:55-8:20-10:00; Wild Hogs 1:05-4:35-6:30; Spiderman III 1:10-3:45-6:20-9:00; Are We Done Yet 1:05-2:45-4:25; ENDS THURSDAY: Hot Fuzz; 28 Weeks Later
BECKLEY, WV
Starts Friday:
CROSSROADS CINEMAS: Wild Hogs 12:25-2:45-5:00-7:20-9:40; 28 Weeks Later 12:20-2:35-4:55-7:15-9:35; Condemned 12:50-3:30-6:45-9:15; TIME CHANGES: Vacancy 7:25-9:30; Next 1:00-7:00; 300, 9:20 only; Are We Done Yet 12:30-2:40-4:50-7:10; Bridge to Terabithia 12:15-2:25-4:40; Ghost Rider 4:00-9:25; ENDS THURSDAY: Perfect Stranger, Fracture
GALLERIA CINEMAS: Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer 12:00-12:30-1:00-2:15-2:45-3:15-4:30-5:00-5:30-6:45-7:15-7:45-9:00-9:30-10:00; Nancy Drew 12:00-2:25-4:50-7:15-9:40; TIME CFHANGES: Surf’s Up 12:15-1:15-2:30-3:30-4:45-7:00-9:15; Pirates At World’s End 12:30-4:00-7:30-9:00; Shrek the Third 12:00-12:45-2:15-3:10-4:30-5:35-6:45-9:00; Spiderman III 6:15-9:15;
BLUEFIELD, WV
Starts Friday:
MERCER MALL: Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer: 10:00 a.m.*-12:15-2:30-4:45-7:00-9:15-11:30 p.m. *; Nancy Drew 12:00-2:25-4:55-7;25-10:00; ENDS THURSDAY: Mr. Brooks, Spiderman III ; (* Friday/Saturday ONLY)
COMMONS 8 (Marquee Cinemas, Wytheville, Va.): Fantastic Four: 12:00-1:00-2:30-3:30-4:40-5:40-7:00-8:00-9:20; Nancy Drew 1:00-3:30-5:40-8:00; TIME CHANGES: Shrek the Third 12:15-2:30-4:45; Pirates 2:00-5:30-9:00; Hostel II 7:30-9:55 only; ENDS THURSDAY: Spiderman III, Mr. Brooks
CHARLESTON, WV
Starts Friday:
MARQUEE SOUTHRIDGE: Fantastic Four Rise of Silver Surfer: 10:00 a.m.*-10:45 a.m.*- 12:15-1:00-2:30-3:15-4:45-5:30-7:00-7:45-9:15-10:00; Nancy Drew 10:00 a.m.*-12:20-2:40-5:00-7:20-9:40; “Ratatoulle,” Sat. June 16 only @ 7:00 p.m. (Note: *Saturday Early Morning Shows Only)
PARK PLACE STADIUM CINEMAS: Fantastic Four Rise Silver Surfer, 12:00-1:00-2:00-3:00-4:00-5:00-7:00-8:00-9:00-10:00; DOA: Dead or Alive 12:40-2:55-5:05-7:20-9:20; Nancy Drew 1:05-3:20-5:30-7:25-9:35; “Charlotte’s Web,” Web. June 20 @ 10 a.m., FREE
TIME CHANGES
MARQUEE SOUTHRIDGE: Hostel II 7:30-9:45 only; Mr. Brooks 6:40-9:25 only (no 6:40 show on 6/16); Spiderman 12:40-3:40 only; Pirates: 12:30-4:15-5:45-8:00-9:15; Shrek the Third: 10:10 a.m.* - 10:40 a.m. *- 12:00-1:15-2:15-3:00-3:30-4:30-5:15-6:50-9:10
PARK PLACE STADIUM CINEMAS: TIME CHANGES: Shrek III 1:00-3:05-5:10-7:30-9:30; Pirates 12:00-3:30-7:00
ENDS THURSDAY:
Marquee Southridge: Gracie
Park Place Stadium Cinemas: Spiderman III, Mr. Brooks, 28 Weeks Later
HINTON, WV
Ritz Theatre: "Surf's Up, Friday and Saturday, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Sunday, 6:30 p.m.
HURRICANE, WV
Starts Friday
TEAYS VALLEY CINEMA 10: Fantastic Four 10:15 a.m.*-11:15 a.m.*- 12:15-1:15-2:15-3:15-4:15-5:15-6:15-7:15-8:15-9:30; Nancy Drew 10:45 a.m.*- 1:00-3:00-5:00-7:00-9:15; TIME CHANGES: Spiderman III 10:10 a.m.*-4;15-10:10 only; Pirates of Caribbean: 10:05 a.m.*-12:55-1:40-5:20-7:00-8:45; Shrek the Third 10:10 a.m.*-12:10-2:10-4:10-6:10-8:10-10:00; ENDS THURSDAY: Gracie, Mr. Brooks ; (*No Early Show Sunday); “Barnyard ” Tues/Thursday 9:30 a.m. ONLY, FREE.
LEWISBURG , WV
Starts Friday
SENECA SHOWPLACE: Fantastic Four Rise of Silver Surfer 4:30-7:00-9:30, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:00-2:15; Knocked Up 6:30-9:20, Shrek the Third, 4:00; Sat/Sun Mat. 1:00
LOGAN , WV
Starts Friday
FOUNTAIN PLACE CINEMA 8: Fantastic Four 12:50-2:55-5:05-7:35-9:45; Nancy Drew 12:40-2:45-4:55-7:05-9:20; ENDS THURSDAY: Mr. Brooks, Spiderman III; Kid’s Morning Show: “Barnyard,” Wed. June 20 @ 10 a.m. FREE
NITRO, WV
Great Escape Nitro 12: http://greatescapetheatres.com or 769-0405
SUMMERSVILLE, WV
Starts Friday
NICHOLAS SHOWPLACE: Fantastic Four Rise of Silver Surfer 5:00-7:20-9:40, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:40-2:50; Nancy Drew 4:50-7:10-9:30, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:15-2:30; Surf’s Up 4:50-7:00-9:15, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:30-2:40; Pirates: At World’s End 4:30-8:00, Sat/Sun Mat. 1:00; ENDS THURSDAY: Shrek the Third, Knocked Up
WELCH, WV
Starts Friday
McDOWELL 3: Fantastic Four Rise of Silver Surfer 5:00-7:10-9:20, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:30-2:50; Ocean’s Thirteen 4:00-6:45-9:30, Sat/Sun 1:00; Surf’s Up 4:50-7:00-9:10, Sat/Sun 12:45-2:45; ENDS THURSDAY: Pirates of the Caribbean at World’s End; FREE KID’S SUMMER MOVIES: “Open Season,” 10 a.m. June 19
UPCOMING RELEASES
June 22: Evan Almighty, Mighty Heart, 1408, Black Sheep, You Kill Me
June 29: Ratatouille, Live Free or Die Hard (6/27) , Mama’s Boy, Sicko, Death at a Funeral
July 3: Transformers, License to Wed
July 11: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,
July 13: Captivity, Rescue Dawn
July 20: Hairspray, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Sunshine
July 27: Skinwalkers, The Simpsons Movie, I Know Who Killed Me, No Reservations, Who's Your Caddy
August 3: Underdog, Bourne Ultimatum, Hot Rod, Charlie Bartlett, Cantante, El; Becoming Jane, Resurrecting the Champ; Bratz
August 10: Rush Hour III, Rocket Science, Daddy Day Camp (8/8)
August 17: The Invasion, Superbad, Fanboys, Wedding Daze, Bratz the Movie
August 24: The Comebacks, War, Illegal Tender, Virgin Territory, Good Luck Chuck, Last Legion, Resurecting the Champ
August 31: Brothers Solomon, Wristcutters a Love Story, Mr. Bean’s Holiday
September 7: Shoot 'em Up, The Nanny Diaries , Brothers Solomon
September 14: The Brave One, Mr. Woodcock, Things We Lost in the Fire
Release dates subject to change; not all films will play in every market and/or every theatre. On line ticket purchases for Marquee’s Huntington Pullman Square 16, Charleston Southridge, Welch Cinemas 3, Wytheville Cinemas 8 at http://www.marqueecinemas.com. On line tickets available for Charleston theatres at: http://ourshowtimes.com (Park Place Stadium Cinemas) and http://www.marqueecinemas.com (for Southridge); for Teays Valley, http://allstarcimemas.com/Teays.asp , and for Ashland's Midtown at : http://midtowncinemas3.com.