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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2009

NEW IN TOWN

Bride Wars *½

Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway star as two life-long friends who become enemies when their weddings are planned for the same day, a circumstance that leads them to try to out do each other - and undermine each other - at every turn. Not a great movie, but not near as bad as it could be. Review, Page 4. 89 minutes (PG; suggestive content, profanity and some rude behavior)

Gran Torino **½

Now in his late 70s, Clint Eastwood shows no signs of slowing down. In this film, which he also directed, Eastwood stars as Walter Kowalski, a widower living in Detroit who is upset with the changes in his old neighborhood (i.e., minorities moving in). But when he gets to know one of his young neighbors, he finds his world view changing. There's nothing revelatory here, and the cast other than Eastwood is unproven, but the movie's message is welcome. Review, Page 6. 116 minutes. (R; for profanity throughout, and some violence)

Not Easily Broken (not reviewed)

An affluent couple - she makes most of the money - find their marriage falling apart when the man (Morris Chestnut) takes an interest in the mom of one of the young baseball players he coaches. Martial strife ensues. 96 minutes. (PG-13; for sexual references and thematic elements)

Revolutionary Road **

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio reunite for the first time since "Titanic" for this film about a young married couple experiencing the ennui of living in suburban Connecticut in the 1950s. He works a job he hates in the city, she stays at home and feels increasingly trapped by her idyllic life. Hardly new material, and the pacing by director Sam Mendes ("American Beauty") is deliberate. But both stars offer outstanding performances. See Review, Page 20. 119 minutes. (R; for profanity and some sexual content/nudity).

The Unborn (not reviewed)

David S. Goyer, the prolific screenplay writer ("The Dark Knight," "Blade") wrote and directed this horror movie about a woman (Odette Yustman) who is battling with spirits trying to take her over. Gary Oldman appears as a rabbi. Expect old-school horror elements from Goyer, a professed fan of H.P. Lovecraft. 95 minutes (PG-13, intense sequences of violence and terror, disturbing images, thematic material and profanity including some sexual references)

TAMPA THEATRE

A historic film house at 711 Franklin St. in downtown Tampa; (813) 274-8981. Tickets for regular screenings: $9 adults, $8 students with ID, $7 seniors age 55 and older, military and children 12 and younger. Weekend matinees: $7. Admission includes pre-show Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ mini-concert.

Let the Right One In ****

A vampire movie based on the cult hit book by Swedish writer John Ajvide Linqvist, this film centers on 12-year-old Oskar, who makes friends with the pale girl who lives in the apartment next door. He soon learns she is a vampire and connected with a series of grisly murders in the area. Like the book, the movie offers up plenty of vampire action, but also concentrates on the unlikely romance between the two outcast pre-teens. 114 minutes (R; some bloody violence including disturbing images, brief nudity and profanity)

Showtimes: 7:30 and 10 p.m. today, 2:30, 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

It Happened One Night

In this 1934 classic romantic comedy, Clark Gable is an out-of-work newspaperman who stumbles across a rich woman who has run away from home (Claudette Colbert). They bicker and fight as they go on a trip up the Eastern seaboard, but they also fall in love. Directed by Frank Capra. 104 minutes. Not rated.

Show times: Sunday at 3 p.m.

STILL IN TOWN

Animalopolis (not reviewed)

Making its Tampa debut at the Imax Dome Theater at the Museum of Science and Industry, this film takes viewers up close and personal with a variety of wildlife, including bears, cheetahs, lions, crabs and the often-overlooked cape buffalo. The 12 segments are light-hearted and funny, so don't expect a "when animals attack" sort of thing. (Not rated) .

Appaloosa**

Ed Harris both stars and directs in this film about a sheriff (Harris) and his deputy (Viggo Mortensen) who are charged with cleaning up a lawless town. Most of that lawlessness is led by a bad guy (Jeremy Irons) and his posse. Renee Zellweger also is onboard as the woman who sits back in her room and frets about whether the menfolk are going to survive the big gun fight. 114 minutes (R; for some violence and profanity)

Australia **

When Baz Luhrmann directs a film, you know you're going to get two things: stunning visuals and romance. Both are on display here, but what is lacking over the three hours of this film is consistent storytelling. Nicole Kidman is an English aristocrat who inherits her dead husband's ranch in northern Australia. Soon she finds herself battling a cattle baron who wants control of her land and herd. She also finds herself falling in love with the man who is helping her, The Drover (Hugh Jackman), a cattle driver who is (shocking!) a rugged, handsome rebel who lives by his own rules. Before the movie is over, they find themselves in Darwin when the Japanese attack, trying to save the life of an aboriginal boy. 165 minutes (PG-13; some violence, a scene of sensuality, and brief strong profanity)

Bedtime Stories*½

Adam Sandler returns in a family comedy, but he's still playing the same amiable goofball. This time, he's a handyman named Skeeter. His life gets weird when the stories he, his niece and his nephew tell together start coming true, including things like the sky raining gumballs. Of course, he then tries to influence the storytelling in such a way that it benefits his own life. 95 minutes (PG; some mild rude humor and mild profanity)

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (not reviewed)

A pampered dog from Beverly Hills (voiced by Drew Barrymore) ends up lost in Mexico and needs the help of some local, colorful dogs to find her way back home. And might she also find romance with a dog voiced by Andy Garcia? You bet she might. 91 minutes (PG; some mild mature themes)

Body of Lies **½

A CIA operative (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes to Jordan to track down a spy, making an uneasy alliance with the head of the agency's head of Jordanian covert operations (Russell Crowe). 128 minutes. (R; strong violence including torture, profanity)

Bolt **½

Seriously, can kids get enough of anthropomorphic animals? Apparently not. And so the little tykes - and their parents - will once again have the chance to enjoy the adventures of a talking dog (voice of John Travolta), this time one who is the star of a TV adventure show and (here comes the plot twist) he thinks it's real. Comic adventure ensues when he escapes the television studio and goes on a cross-country trip with a cat (Susie Essman) and a hamster in a plastic ball (Mark Walton). 86 minutes (PG, some mild action and peril)

The Boy In The Striped Pajamas**

When a Nazi officer is sent to a remote location to run a concentration camp, his 8-year-old son befriends one of the Jewish children behind the barbed wire. Their friendship has unexpected consequences for both boys and the family. The mostly British cast is led by director and writer Mark Herman. The film is based on Irish writer John Boyne's novel of the same name. 93 minutes. (PG-13; some mature thermatic material involving the Holocaust)

Cadillac Records**

In Chicago in the late 1950s, Polish immigrant Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) founded Chess Records, launching the career of quite a few great recording artists. The catch: the artists are black, and racism is still very strong in America. And a few of the artists have personal demons to battle. Part of the fun is watching the portrayal of musical legends by some good actors, including Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters and Mos Def as Chuck Berry. The not-so-fun part is watching Beyonce, who still hasn't mastered acting, although, as Etta James, she sings a beautiful version of "At Last." 107 minutes. (R; pervasive profanity and some sexuality)

Changeling **½

Angelina Jolie stars in this Clint Eastwood-directed film about a woman who loses her child in 1920s Los Angeles. When police return the child, she quickly releases (during the "photo op" when they are reunited) that the child is not hers. She is helped in the search for her son by a reverend (John Malkovich). Based on real events.140 minutes (R; some violent and disturbing content, and profanity)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ***½

Based on one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's stranger little short stories, this film is about a man (Brad Pitt) who is born old and grows younger. This makes things hard enough, but it's especially difficult when he falls in love with a woman (Cate Blanchett) who, like the rest of us, ages normally. The film reunites Pitt with "Fight Club" director David Fincher. 167 minutes (PG-13; brief war violence, sexual content, profanity and smoking)

The Day the Earth Stood Still *

In a disappointing remake of the science fiction classic from 1951, Keanu Reeves is Klaatu, an alien who represents several civilizations who are trying to decide whether to eradicate human life on Earth because we are such bad environmentalists. He brings a long a giant robot, Gort, to do the deed, if necessary. A scientist (Jennifer Connelly) and her stepson (Jaden Smith) try to convince him to give Earthlings another chance. The concept is fine, but the execution is subpar, to say the least. 103 minutes. (PG-13; for some sci-fi disaster images and violence).

Doubt ***

John Patrick Shanley adopted his own play for this big screen adaptation (he also directs). Philip Seymour Hoffman portrays a priest accused by a nun (Amy Adams, who apparently can do anything) of having an improper relationship with a boy at the school where they both work. But the real fireworks come in the scenes between Hoffman and Meryl Streep, who is even better than her usual terrific self as the nun in charge of the school. 104 minutes. (PG-13; thematic material)

Extreme (not reviewed)

Playing at the Imax at the Museum of Science & Industry, this film takes viewers close to the action as athletes participate in "extreme" sports such as snowboarding, surfing, mountain climbing and windsurfing - the sort of thing your humble scribe will likely never do but wouldn't mind watching. Sort of like playing professional football and Flamenco dancing. 45 minutes. NR.

Fireproof (not reviewed)

In this Christian-themed movie, a firefighter and his wife (Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea) hold off their divorce for 40 days in order to follow a plan - called the "Love Dare" - to perhaps save their marriage. 122 minutes (PG; mature themes and some peril)

Four Christmases*½

Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) are a couple who always avoid the holidays by getting out of town. But when their international flight is canceled, they end up having to visit four homes - both their parents have remarried. They get the usual dose of passive aggressiveness, brotherly hostility and baby vomit. 88 minutes (PG-13; some sexual humor and profanity)

Frost/Nixon***½

Frank Langella is mesmerizing as Richard Nixon in this Ron Howard film about the 1977 interviews between British talk show host David Frost and the former president. While on one level this complex film is about the enormous political pressure on both men and the importance of the interview, it's also about the price of ambition, as well as the corroding affects of guilt and pride. This is clearly one of the best films of the year and among Howard's finest accomplishments as a director. Peter Morgan wrote the film, adapting it from his own play. Michael Sheen is terrific as Frost, but it is Langella you will not forget. 122 minutes (R; for profanity)

High School Musical 3: Senior Year **½

It's finally here - the last school year for your favorite East High class. Faced with the prospect of separation as they prepare to attend different colleges, Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) join the rest of their singing and dancing Wildcat friends to stage - you guessed it - a spring musical that reflects on their past and expresses hope and anxiety about the future. 100 minutes (G).

Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa (not reviewed)

Showing at MOSI's Imax Dome, this film follows five trekkers up the 55-mile climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. During the 10-day expedition, the trekkers are challenged on their endurance and ability to adjust to the extreme climate changes.

Lakeview Terrace *½

Samuel Jackson is a Los Angeles Police Department officer who begins terrorizing the cute, interracial couple (Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington) who just moved in next door in his suburban neighborhood. Who will win? And will Washington get a scene where she gets to turn the tables and go from scared victim to butt-kicker? We hope so. 110 minutes (PG-13; intense themes, violence, sexuality, profanity and drug references)

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa *½

The adventures of the four escaped New York Zoo animals continue in this sequel. Last time, Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller) had to deal with wanting to eat his friends. This time, he has to deal with getting to know his family, as the crew travels from Madagascar to Africa. Chris Rock (as Marty the Zebra), David Schwimmer as Melman the Giraffe and Jada Pinkett Smith as Gloria the Hippo all return. Oh and the penguins are back, too. 89 minutes. (PG; some mild crude humor)

Marley & Me **½

If you're expecting nothing but a cute dog movie, your expectations are about to be dashed. Based on the book by former Florida newspaper columnist John Grogan, this movie follows the up and downs of a couple (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston) who have their lives turned upside down, first by the dog, Marley, and then by deciding to have children. Dog lovers will love this sweetly comic movie, but bring a hanky. Or five. Its not necessarily for younger kids, either. 110 minutes (PG; mature themes, suggestive content and profanity)

Milk ***½

We hate to use the term "Oscar buzz," but in this case, it applies. Critics are already saying that Sean Penn delivers yet another great performance as Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay politician. This film, which marks a return to mainstream movies by director Gus Van Sant, follows the final seven years of Milk's life, as he rises from obscurity to winning office and dying at the hands of an assassination in 1978. 128 minutes. (R; for profanity, some sexual content and brief violence).

Nights in Rodanthe **

A doctor (Richard Gere) stops at a North Carolina inn while on a trip to see his estranged son. When he meets the innkeeper (Diane Lane), sparks fly. Based on the novel by Nicolas Sparks ("The Notebook," "A Walk to Remember," "Message in a Bottle"), so you know what to expect. 97 minutes (PG-13; some sensuality)

Nothing Like the Holidays *½

In this comedy, a Puerto Rican family living in Chicago gather for what could be their last Christmas together - a fact they learn when the mother (Elizabeth Pena) announces she is leaving her husband (Alfred Molina). Meanwhile, their son and his wife (John Leguizamo and Debra Messing) are defensive about why they haven't had a baby yet. It's essentially the typical family holiday comedy, complete with a thin plot, except with an almost all-Latin cast. 98 minutes. (PG-13; for thematic elements including some sexual dialogue, and brief drug references)

Quantum of Solace***

Daniel Craig returns as James Bond in this 22nd movie in the series, and the second starring Craig (after "Casino Royale" in 2006). This time, Bond is lean, mean and looking for the guy who killed his lady love. Oh, and he's also out to stop a mad environmentalist from taking over a precious resource in South America. Fun, but more violent and gritty than the old days. 106 minutes. (PG-13; intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content)

The Reader***

Ralph Fiennes portrays a young lawyer who gets the shock of his life when he sees his former lover - a woman (Kate Winslet) twice his age who nursed him back to health in post-World War II Germany - once again, only now she is defending herself in the Nazi war crimes trials. The title comes for the fact that she liked him to read books to her when they were lovers, before she mysteriously disappeared. 123 minutes. (R; some scenes of sexuality and nudity)

Religulous ***

Comedian and culture commentator Bill Maher hosts a documentary in which he speaks with various religious leaders and devotees about why they believe in God, which he doesn't. 101 minutes (R; some profanity and sexual material).

Role Models ***

Two men (Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott) agree to a plea bargain in which instead of jail time they are sentenced to 150 hours of mentoring kids in the Sturdy Wings program, designed to enhance the lives of at-risk youth. The kids are tough (and funny, it's a comedy) but soon teach these young men how to grow up. Or something like that. 99 minutes (R; crude and sexual content, strong profanity and nudity)

Seven Pounds***

In this drama, a depressed IRS agent (Will Smith) decides to help seven strangers overcome their difficulties - but he also is carrying a horrible secret. Things are further complicated when he falls for a woman (Rosario Dawson) with a heart condition. To give away more would be unfair, but expect a message about giving, forgiveness and redemption. The movie is directed by Gabriele Muccino, who directed Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness," a role that earned Smith an Oscar nomination. 123 minutes. (PG-13 for thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality)

Slumdog Millionaire***

Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is an Indian boy from the Mumbai slums who makes it onto the India version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." He is one question away from winning the 20 million rupee prize when the show breaks for the night, and he is arrested on suspicion of cheating. Over the course of the night, he tells police his life story and each part reveals about he knew answers for the show. 120 minutes (R; violence, disturbing images and profanity)

The Spirit

The director of this film, Frank Miller, is rightly praised as the man who revolutionized comics with graphic novels such as "The Dark Knight Returns," "Sin City" and "300." He's in his wheelhouse here, adapting the comic character created by the late, great Will Eisner. Unfortunately, the movie is a case of style over substance, what little substance there is. 103 minutes. (PG-13; intense sequences of stylized violence and action, some sexual content and brief nudity)

The Tale of Despereaux **½

While visually stunning, this animated film runs into trouble when trying to fit all three tales from Kate DeCamillo's Newberry Award-winning book, plus a fourth one to wrap everything up. The movie focuses primarily on Despereaux, a tiny mouse who befriends a princess. In addition to beautiful animation, the film also has clever references to other films. Features the voices of Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Robbie Coltrane, Tracey Ullman, Emma Watson, Kevin Kline and Frank Langella. 100 minutes. (G)

Transporter 3 **

Now you see what you've done? So many of you went to see "Transporter" and "Transporter 2" that they've gone and made a third one. Luc Besson (director of "The Fifth Element," of fond memory) co-wrote this film, which once again stars tough-guy Jason Statham as Frank "I'll give you five seconds to remove your hand" Martin. This time, he's hired by a criminal mastermind to deliver a mysterious package. And he can't bail on the job, because if he gets 75 feet away from his Audi, he'll blow up. 100 minutes, (PG-13, sequences of intense action and violence, some sexual content and drug material)

Twilight **½

Here's the plot: Misfit Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) moves to a small town in Washington to live with her father, only to fall for a boy in her class. So far, so normal. But then, it turns out the boy, Edward (Robert Pattinson), is a vampire. The two fall in love, but must deal not only with the differences between them but with another vampire who is hunting Bella. 122 minutes (PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality)

Valkyrie **

Tom Cruise's career remains in serious rehabilitation mode, but he's chosen well here. He plays the leader of a group of German officers trying to kill Adolph Hitler. The movie's only average, but the supporting cast is great - including Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson and Terence Stamp. Unfortunately, the film never quite builds the emotional heft needed to make us care for these men, and the motivations of Col. Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise) are never completely clear. 120 minutes (PG-13; violence and brief strong profanity)

W. **½

Oliver Stone's biography of President George W. Bush concentrates on how he transformed himself from a party boy to a born-again Christian and then, against all odds, a two-term president. Also stars Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush and Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney. 110 minutes (PG-13; language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images)

Yes Man **½

Jim Carrey returns to comedic territory with a heartwarming message in this film about a negative bank loan officer who decides to change his life by saying "yes" to everything - every request, every opportunity that comes his way. This leads to some bad things (a bar fight, running out of gas in the middle of nowhere, little sleep) and a good thing (meeting Alison, played by the lovely Zooey Deschanel). Unfortunately, the funny runs out before the movie runs out of time, and it falls victim to preaching and being trapped by its own silly conceit. 104 minutes. (PG-13; crude sexual humor, profanity and brief nudity)

Kevin Walker

Listing compiled from Tribune wires and staff reports; critics' ratings are out of four stars.

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