Hyde Park on Hudson

☆☆☆1/2

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In spite of the fact that “Hyde Park…” is about infidelity, it’s a charming story based on actual events (informed by Suckley’s diaries and correspondence with FDR).

Bill Murray (strong performance, Golden Globe Nominated) stars as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who even through married to Eleanor (Olivia Williams), manages to have many extramarital escapades…including one with his distant cousin Daisy Suckley (spot-on performance by Laura Linney).

Samuel West and Olivia Colman add a great deal of humor as the King and Queen of England.
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The film could be seen as too light on story.

It’s easy to forget that this is the president who is leading the country through the Great Depression.

Rated R
1 hr. 35 min.

Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

☆☆☆☆

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In this visual masterpiece, Gandalf (Ian McKellen) recruits Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) to join forces with thirteen dwarves to reclaim the Kingdom of Erebor…lost to the dragon Smaug.

Excellent Special Effects
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Too Long

The film would benefit by a few less battle scenes (or at least shorter battle scenes).

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 50 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D

☆☆☆1/2

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“Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away” is a young woman’s enchanting search for a circus performer through the worlds of Cirque du Soleil.

A story that allows viewers to see some of the best of several Cirque shows.
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I disagree with critics that believe this film is a commercial for all of the Cirque shows.

The 3D should have been even better.

Some of the amazement of the real show is lost in movie format.


Rated PG
1 hr. 37 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer.

Rise of the Guardians

☆☆☆

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The kids will enjoy this tale of Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy, The Sandman, and Jack Frost joining forces to defend the world’s children against Pitch…the villain who threatens to rob them of their beliefs, dreams, and imaginations.

Excellent Animation
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The “So-So” storyline may scare very young children.

Rated PG
1 hr. 37 min.

Visit the website and see the trailer!

Life of Pi

☆☆☆1/2

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“Life of Pi” from director Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain”) is the fascinating story of Pi, a 16 year old who along with a Bengal tiger survived the sinking of a cargo ship.
As an adult, Pi tells the story to a writer…but there is a surprising twist.
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A Little Long

The scenes of Pi (as an adult) recounting his story are a little distracting and may not have been necessary.

Rated PG
2 hr. 7 min.

Visit the website and see the trailer!

Anna Karenina

☆☆☆

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Director Joe Wright (“Pride and Prejudice,” “Atonement,” and “Hanna”) brings Tolstoy’s novel, “Anna Karenina” to the big screen with amazing costumes, art direction, and set design (possible Oscar consideration).
At times, Wright manages to dazzle viewers as he flawlessly moves from one scene to the next with beautifully unique and well-timed choreography.
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His unique direction becomes so self-aware that it detracts from the story.
Keira Knightley is good…but it feels like this performance is similar to so many others…nothing new.

The film lacks emotion.

Rated R
2 hr. 10 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

Hitchcock

☆☆☆☆

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“Hitchcock” is not only an entertaining behind the scenes look at the making of “Psycho,” but it is also an engaging glimpse into the personal life of one of the most influential filmmakers of the century.
Anthony Hopkins gives an excellent performance as Alfred Hitchcock, and Helen Mirren stars as Alma Reville...his powerful, talented (and at times jealous) wife.
All Star Cast Includes: Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, James D’Arcy, and Toni Collette
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The information regarding the strained relationship between Hitchcock and Reville is said to be factually inaccurate.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 38 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

Silver Linings Playbook

☆☆☆☆

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Writer-director David O. Russell provides an excellent balance of drama and comedy while dealing with a serious story of mental illness.
Pat Solitano (well-played by Bradley Cooper) moves in with his parents after eight months in a mental institution. He meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman dealing with her own set of problems, and the two face their demons head-on.

Solid Supporting Performances: Jackie Weaver and Robert De Niro
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Predictable

Serious Subject – Some will laugh more than others.

Rated R
2 hr.

Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.