“Young Adult” (R) ★★★★ Operating on several levels, thanks to a mesmerizing performance by Charlize Theron, this film starts out being a somewhat sad tale of self-delusion and stalking and turns into something more profound as it slowly unwinds to its logical and honest conclusion. Theron brings many characters to one — Mavis Gary...
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“The Muppets” (PG) ★★★★ The Muppet movies are never just funny or cute. They always have a point, and this entry is no different. The movie offers a virtual non-stop parade of star cameos, including Alan Arkin, Zach Galafianakis, Sarah Silverman, James Carville, Whoopi Goldberg, Rico Rodrigues, Kristen Shaal, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski and...
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“Contagion” (PG-13) ★★★★ I don’t usually presume to tell audiences how to watch a film, but in this case, the sooner you catch on, the better and the clearer this complex movie becomes. Concentrate on the human stories. The “contagion” is not really the disease; it is a carrier for the real contagion, which...
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“The Help” (PG-13) ★★★★ Yes, this is very much a chick flick in the sense that it will appeal primarily to the same audience that flocked to buy the book. It is a story of women, black and white, united by geography and tradition in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early civil rights era —...
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“Horrible Bosses” (R) **** There is no competent character in this film. None. The title gives away three of the most incompetent: Colin Farrell as cokehead Bobby Pellitt, whose idea of running a company is having orgies in his office; Kevin Spacey as Dave, the boss from Hell who keeps promotions for himself and...
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“X-Men: First Class” (PG-13) ★★★ This is a long, involved and potentially confusing introduction to the X-Men franchise Generation 2. After five previous X-Men attempts, I suppose it’s time for a new look, but maybe not. This is an interesting concept: a new version of an old franchise that is clearly designed to establish...
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“Bridesmaids” (R) ★★★★ It’s been a long, long time since I have laughed as long and as hard at a film, but “Bridesmaids” gives the audience a chance to let loose and they did in the showing we saw. Kirsten Wiig can now be certified as the genius fans of hers have believed her...
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“Rio” (PG) **** What a breath of fresh air! Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg lead a talented cast of voices in a Brazilian romp that, though an animated feature, makes you want to go down there for some samba. The animation cleans up the infamous favelas of the city and leaves the rest sparkling....
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“Rango” (PG) **** “Rango” starts as a satirical send-up of drama in general with a chameleon later known as “Rango” ruminating on dramatic arcs, pacing, character development and the whole jargon of “serious theater.” After a truck accident in which Rango’s terrarium is shattered and he is left stranded in the desert, informed by...
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“Just Go With It” (PG-13) *** The title says it all. The plot is ridiculous, the characters outrageous, and it doesn’t make any sense if you analyze it — so just go with it. What you will get is great chemistry between Adam Sandler as Danny and Jennifer Aniston as Katherine (aka “Devlin”) and...
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