Gifted

☆☆☆1/2

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"Gifted" is the feel-good story of Mary (strong performance by young actress Mckenna Grace) a young child living with her uncle (Chris Evans) who is trying to do what's best for his niece who is gifted.

Octavia Spencer helps to elevate the film with a supporting role as Roberta (a supportive friend).
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Aside from Spencer and Grace...other key players seem to be miscast.

The story is just a little too hard to believe.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 41 min.

Visit the movie website and see the trailer.

The Zookeeper's Wife

☆☆☆☆

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Based on the best selling novel (and real life events), "The Zookeeper's Wife is the story of Antonina Zabinska, a woman who (along with her husband) saved hundreds of lives by hiding people in their Warsaw Zoo during World War II.

Jessica Chastain delivers a beautifully understated performance as Antonina.
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The script tells an important story, but may not do the real story justice.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 6 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer.

CHIPS

☆☆☆1/2

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Dak Shepard wrote and directed this laugh out loud comedy about two very different California Highway Patrol officers who were teamed up to help find and capture the criminals responsible for a multi-million dollar crime.
The chemistry between Shepard and partner (Michael Pena) makes for a good time.
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Ignore negative reviews, and go out and see this movie.

Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

Beauty and the Beast

☆☆☆☆☆

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Emma Watson lights up the screen as Belle in this live-action version of "Beauty and the Beast."
The all-star cast can act and sing...making this one of the best live action Disney films to date.
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The animated objects are some of the biggest names in the business, and many are surprised when they come back to life at the end.
Don't miss this one!

Rated PG
2 hr. 9 min.

Visit the website and see the trailer.

The Last Word

☆☆1/2

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Exciting to have Academy Award winning actress Shirley MacLaine back on the big screen as Harriet Lauler, a retired business women who decides to hire a newspaper writer (Amanda Seyfried) to author her life's story.
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Talent is underused because of a disappointing screenplay that doesn't allow for character and story development.

Rated R
1 hr. 47 min.

Visit the movie website and see the trailer.

The Shack

☆☆☆1/2

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"The Shack" is the engaging story (based on the best selling novel) of Mack Phillips (Sam Worthington) a father whose life changes due to a spiritual journey after he suffers a family tragedy.

Octavia Spencer delivers a spot-on performance as Papa.
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See this one soon...before it leaves theaters.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 12 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer.