Hugo

☆☆1/2

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Based on Brian Selznick's New York Times bestseller ("The Invention of Hugo Cabret”), Hugo is the curious story of an orphaned boy (another excellent performance by Asa Butterfield…”The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”) who lives in the walls of a Paris train station while desperately trying to complete a project he began with his late father…the rebuilding of an automaton.

Visually interesting…and the 3-D is worth the extra $$.
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So much potential…but there is very little magic, mystery, or adventure in this film.

Rated PG
2 hr. 6 min.

Visit the website and see the trailer.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

☆☆

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“Twilight” fans are sure to enjoy “Breaking Dawn” (Part 1), based on Stephenie Meyer’s fourth novel.
The story of Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) continues…marriage, honeymoon, and baby.

Great ending shot!
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Uneven acting, slow story, distracting make-up, more unintentionally funny moments….

Don’t leave too early…extra scene after the initial credits roll.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 57 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

The Descendants

☆☆☆☆1/2

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"The Descendants" (based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings) is the story of Matt King (one of George Clooney’s best performances to date) and his two daughters (Scottie played by Amara Walker and Alexandra played by Shailene Woodley) who are forced to come together and deal with a family crisis.

Director Alexander Payne ("Sideways") skillfully manages to balance heartbreak and humor.

Look for Oscar nominations (Best Picture, Best Actor (Clooney), and possibly Best Supporting Actress (Shailene Woodley).
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There are times when you don’t know whether you should laugh or cry.

The voiceover may not work for some viewers.

Rated R
1 hr. 50 min.


Visit the website and watch the trailer!

J. Edgar

☆☆☆☆

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“J. Edgar,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio in an award-winning performance, is a fascinating look at the public and private life of the enigmatic J. Edgar Hoover…a man who headed the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years…all the while struggling with a personal secret.
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How much fact?
How much fiction?
How much embellishment?

Rated R
2 hrs. 17 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

Jack and Jill

☆☆1/2


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In this crazy comedy that delivers plenty of laughs, Adam Sandler stars as Jack…a Los Angeles advertising executive…and Jill…Jack’s obnoxious twin sister from the Bronx who comes to visit, overstays her welcome, and turns everything upside down.
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“Jack and Jill” is a little too silly and has too much “potty” humor.

In an embarrassing supporting role, Al Pacino plays Al Pacino (with a twist)…an actor who falls head over heals for Jill.


Rated PG
1 hr. 33 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer.

Tower Heist

☆☆☆

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"Tower Heist" is the amusing tale of employees from a New York high-rise who set out to get revenge on a billionaire resident who stole their pension fund.

Strong cast includes: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Tea Leoni, Gabourey Sidibe
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The resemblance to the Bernie Madoff case may turn-off some movie-goers.

Many of the movies best moments are in the trailer.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 39 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

In Time

☆☆☆1/2

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“In Time” is an original and thought-provoking futuristic action-thriller where time is used as currency…and human life only continues after age 25 by acquiring extra time.

Stars Justin Timberlake (who proves once again that he can stand his ground as an actor), Amanda Seyfried, and Cillian Murphy.
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Lacks character development

The message (rich vs.poor) is heavy-handed.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 49 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer!

Real Steel

☆☆☆1/2

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Based on the short story "Steel," by Richard Matheson, “Real Steel,” starring Hugh Jackman as ex-boxer Charlie Kenton is a heartwarming story (set in the year 2020) of a father and son who connect through the popular sport of robot boxing.

The CGI robot boxing scenes add some fun and excitement.
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Sentimental and Predictable
Violence
Strong Language

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 6 min.

Visit the "Real Steel" site and watch the trailer!