July 30, 2008
WEEKEND FIRST: Movie Comings and Goings
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Entertainment Editor
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Oops, did I suggest that X-FILES I WANT TO BELIEVE would be challenging DARK KNIGHT in last weekend’s boxoffice race? It appears, the challenge rightly belonged to STEPBROTHERS!
Alas, though, the X-FILES seemed to fit into the continuation of a comic book hero and scenario filled Summer of 08, a viewing of the picture explains the reasons that the premise had been kept under wrap: It’s an unmanageable melding of the paranormal alien hunt into a serial killer pattern straight from the Hannibal (“Silence of the Lambs” ) Lecter mold. In short, though unsettling, spooky, and clever, “I Want to Believe” dumps a hodge-podge of standard F.B.I. detective challenges, which do not necessarily require pulling two retired paranormal / interplanetary extraterrestrial investigators into the mix.
With apologizes to Producer Brent O’Conner, who executive produced “We Are Marshall,” “Firewall,” and “Get Smart,” Dr. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) played skeptic disbeliever and believer in an adversarial pairing that challenged all throughout the long-running, award winning series. Now, to revive their association with the Bureau, they step into the cold snowy mountains of a fictional West Virginia hamlet searching for a missing FBI agent.
Neither Anderson and Duchovny have lost their sparring chemistry, but their lives have changed to surgical specialist and apparent recluse. Her disconcerting challenge with extreme untested treatments for a terminal patient link to a psychic overlap to a defrocked Catholic priest whose visions --- not little E.T.’s --- bring on the former agents as consultants.
I dare say that as written any two experienced agents, including trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster/Julianna Moore) from the Hannibal franchise, could have replaced the X File agents and connection. Actually, my standards soared higher with that brand; I think as a standalone mystery/chiller, I would not be so critical of the production.
Meanwhile, “Step Brothers” contained comedic magic that seems to follow Judd Apatow whether pushing the gross out edge (“Superbad”) or merely stamping his own brand onto strongly well developed characters whose loser quirks beam with laughter (i.e. “40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Anchorman”). In fact, Apatow will unleash another entry into his dysfunctional personality collection when “Pineapple Express,” debuts with an apparent heavily Cheech and Chong influenced drug laden characters puffing and running from the mob.
That’s a purposeful segue for posting my WEDNESDAY OPENING warnings for those big screen movie lovers who have put off second layer films during the “Dark Knight” dominance. Both, “Pineapple Express” and “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” will open on WED AUG 6, with “The Perfect Game” slated for August 8.
Say, farewell, to extra prints and hold overs as the multiplex schedule ratchets up several notches in the remaining August Summer 08 period. Actually, the schedule has been juggled since last week. “Midnight Meat Train” went out limited to 100 screens and “The Rocker” has been pushed back to the extremely crowded (six new flicks) August 22 date.
Films opening “wide” this weekend:
Aug. 1:
Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor: A young archaeologist accidentally (Luke Ford) awakens China’s entombed Dragon Emperor (Jet Li) sending explorer Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) on a race from ancient Chinese catacombs to the Himalayas.
All Pictures © Universal
Swing Vote: For a preview of election night (or a re-run of the 2000 showdown), Kevin Costner plays an apathetic lovable loser coasting through life, until his mischievous 12-year-old daughter sets off a chain of events in which her dad’s vote will determine the election outcome.
All Pictures © Walt Disney Pictures
Aug 6:
Pineapple Express: An addict (Seth Rogen) witnesses a corrupt cop commit murder, now he and his dealer (James Franco) go on a save their hide road trip to escape a squad of officers who want them wasted. The title comes from a rare new strain of weed. It reunited you with the dudes who brought last summer’s “Superbad” to the megaplex.
All Pictures © Sony
Sisterhood of Traveling Pants II: Best friends (Alexis Biedel, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn. And Blake Lively) reunite in a Grecian seaside town during their first year of college to locate their missing magical jeans. Incidentally, wise producers contractually obligated these stars of “Gilmore Girls,” “Ugly Betty,” “Joan of Arcadia” and “Gossip Girl” to reunite.
All Pictures © Warner Brothers
HOLD OVERS:
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: Aiming for more of a swashbuckling action audience than the fairy tale world, virtually the entire cast and crew reprise. When the children are brought back to Narnia, 1,300 years have passed and the kingdom is now controlled by the evil King Miraz. The kids meet the rightful heir, Prince Caspian, who they must restore to the throne to restore magic and glory in the land.
Get Smart: Mel Brooks and Buck Henry created the TV series that spoofed James Bond and “Man from U.N.C.L.E.” Don Adams had the title role on the small screen, which now Steve Carell snatches along with glamed up Anne Hathaway as the formerly bookish Agent 99. Alan Arkin plays the “Chief” in this ongoing struggle between the often incompetent agents of CONTROL battling the forces of KAOS. Director Peter Segal has previously delivered with “The Longest Yard,” “50 First Dates,” and “Anger Management.”
HANCOCK: Will (“Men in Black”) Smith bumbles along as a conflicted, sarcastic superhero who saves lives but leaves lots of damage along the trail. Having turned the public against his awesomely stupid deeds, the hero makes a life-changing connection with a housewife
HB II (formerly Hellboy 2: Golden Army): The mythical world rebels against humanity hoping to rule the Earth, so Hellboy and his team must intervene. Director Guillermo Del Toro who stunned audiences with Pan’s Labyrinth is on board for the revival of the character he brought to the screen in 2004.
INCREDIBLE HULK: After a dull too philosophical venture in 2003, action director Louis Leterrier --- who worked with Jet Li’s fight choreographer/director on “The Transporter” and “Transporter II --- has put the marauding green monster/hero back on screens. As for the story, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) seeks seclusion to understand and cure his condition that turns him into a monster. With the military wanting him controlled, he also must battle, The Abomination.
INDIANA JONES AND THE CRYSTAL SKULL: Steven Spielberg directs the return of everyone’s favorite globetrotting adventurer who’s been on the shelf for nearly 20 years. George Lucas teams with David Koepp on the screenplay, but it’s under wraps. However, Harris Ford reprises his role, even though his age is starting to limit his death defying stunts.
IRON MAN: Robert Downey Jr. stars as the armor plated hero. Updating the scenatio, Tony Stark remains a billionaire industralist, but has been kidnapped in Afghanistan where he is forced to work on weapons for the bad guys. The villain, none other than perennial nemesis , The Mandarin.
Kung Fu Panda: Not exactly “Happy Feet,” but the big, clumsy Po labors daily in his family’s noodle shop dreaming about Kung Fu. But the bear has been chosen to fulfill a prophesy, so can the panda actually become a kung fun master? (Voices include Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman)
Mamma Mia! Last summer’s “Hairspray” proved that the movie musical can still reign under the summer sun, so now comes another Broadway icon with Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosna on the marquee. A bride to be raised on a Greek island by a mother refusing to disclose her dad’s identity, locates three possible ‘dads’ and invites them to the wedding. Yes, you get to hear ABBA’s greatest hits!
Space Chimps: Cutting edge CGI animation propels this out of the world adventure in which NASA recruits Ham III, grandson of the first chimpanzee in space, to save a $5 billion probe that fell into a galactic wormhole.
SEX AND THE CITY: The movie picks up four year after the six-year-run wrapped in 2004 on HBO. Sarah Jessica Parker returns as Carrie Bradshaw, the style conscious journalist whose romantic exploits ruled the series. As the story continues, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda prepare for Carrie to take the marital plunge
STRANGERS: Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play a young couple staying in an isolated vacation home when a knock on the door in the mid-hours of darkness. Soon, they are fighting for their lives as three masked strangers invade their space.
Step Brothers: Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly re-team with the director of “Talladega Nights” in this comedy of pampered best friends who single parents decide to marry. Judd (“Knocked Up,” “40 Year Old Virgin”) Apatow is one of the producers.
X-Files II: Taking the secretive approach like “Cloverfield,” the X Files sequel will be a standalone supernatural thriller which stresses the complicated Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillan Anderson) relationship. (This is the ‘authorized’ blurb)
WALL-E: Pixar Animation Studios. ‘Nuff said. After hundreds of years picking up humanities trash on the Planet Earth, a search robot EVE discovers that the Waste Allocation Load Lifter robot may have found the meaning of life and a way for human to return home safely. Characters include malfunctioning robot misfits and a pet cockroach.
WANTED: A young man (James McAvoy) finds that his recently murder father was an elite assassin. Now he’s recruited by a man named Sloan (Morgan Freeman) to step into his dad’s shoes. Angelina Jolie also stars. Incidentally, the concept comes from a dark comic with similarity to “Sin City” and “V for Vendetta.”
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS: Would you stay married to Cameron Diaz for six months to qualify for $3 million jackpot? She marries Aston Kutcher during a drunken ceremony, then he hits strikes pay dirt on the slots using her quarter.
You Don’t Mess with Zohan: Judd (“Knocked Up”) Apatow and Adam Sandler team on a screenplay in which a Mossad agent fakes his death and re-emerges in the Big Apple as a hair stylist. Dennis (“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”) Dugan directs.
Limited Release /Art House Films
ONGOING INTERACTIVE FUN NOW AT 9:45 PM FRIDAYS…
The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Although squirt guns, rice, lighters, and other projectiles are forbidden, you can brush up on your Time Warp dance and check out those character costumes. The long running and cult favorite continues a multiple weekend run at the Cinema with the shadow cast now accompanying the on screen action. Pre Show begins @ 9:45 p.m.
Starts Friday August 1:
Pineapple Express and Sisterhood of Traveling Pants II, open Wed. Aug. 6; check theatre website for updates
HUNTINGTON, WV
MARQUEE PULLMAN: (Now ALL digital projection) Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 1:10-1:40-3:50-4:20-6:30-7:00-9:10-9:40; Swing Vote 12:50-3:40-6:40-9:30; TIME CHANGES:X Files I Want to Believe 11:50-2:20-4:50-6:50-7:20-9:20-9:50; Wall E 11:50-2:20-4:50-7:20 only; Wanted 9:50 only; Kung Fu Panda 11:35-2:00-4:30; Hellboy II 6:40-9:40 only; Space Chimps 12:10-2:15-4:25 only; KID TOONS: Sushi Pack, Sat/Sun 11:45 a.m. ONLY (all seats $3.50); FREE KID’S FLIX: Tuesday/Wednesday 10 a.m. Augist 5-6, Barnyard, Flushed Away; ENDS THURSDAY: Get Smart, Meet Dave; For Full Schedule, click: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=584
DISCOUNT CINEMA 4: (all shows after 6 p.m. $3.00; Tuesday $2; $2.00 all shows before 6 p.m.) You Don’t Mess with Zohan 1:25-4:30-7:00-9:20; Incredible Hulk 1:15-7:05 only; Indiana Jones Kingdom of Crystal Skull 1:20-4:15-7:10-9:35; Sex and the City 4:10-9:25; Iron Man 1:30-4:20-7:00-9:30* (No 9:30 Show Fri. Aug 1) ; FREE KIDS FLIX: Wed. 10 a.m. Aug 6, Alvin; ENDS THURSDAY: Prince Caspian, Strangers, Happening; Friday August 1, 9:45 ONLY: 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' (Interactive preshow begins 9:45 p.m.); For full schedule click and select date: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/cinema/index.html
ASHLAND, KY
CINEMARK CINEMA 10: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 1:20-4:05-7:10-9:50; Swing Vote 1:30-4:15-7:00-9:45; Starts Wed. Aug 6, Pineapple Express 12:35-3:45-7:05-9:45; Sisterhood of Traveling Pants II 12:50-3:40-7:10-9:55; TIME CHANGES: Hancock 7:15-9:30; Hellboy II 2:45-9:20; Journey to the Center of the Earth 12:30-7:05; Wall-E 12:00-2:25-4:50; ENDS THURSDAY: NONE; For full times, http://www.cinemark.com/metropolitan_opera.asp
PHOENIX 10 KYOVA MALL: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor, Swing Vote, Times TBA opens Aug 1; TIME CHANGES: Dark Knight 11:30-2:45-6:30-9:15-9:45; Space Chimps 2:00-4:30-9:10; Wall-E 11:55-6:35; Journey to the Center of the Earth 12:00-2:05-4:35-6:55; ENDS THURSDAY: Get Smart; Full schedule: http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=10480
BECKLEY, WV
CROSSROADS CINEMAS: (Confirmed Thru July 31) Iron Man 12:05-3:00-6:00-8:50; Incredible Hulk 12:20-3:05-5:55-8:45; Meet Dave 12:15-2:25-4:35; Baby Mama 6:50-9:10 only; Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 12:00-4:30-8:00; The Happening 12:10-2:25-4:45-7:05-9:20; ENDS THURSDAY: Speed Racer, What Happens Vegas, Horton Hears Who, Prom Night; For full schedule: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=560
GALLERIA CINEMAS: (Now All Digital Projection!): Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 1:00-1:30-3:40-4:10-6:30-7:00-9:10-9:40; Swing Vote 1:00-4:00-6:45-9:30; KIDTOONS: Sushi Pack, Sat/Sun 11:30 am ($3.50 all tickets); FREE KID’S FLIX: Tuesday/Wednesday, 10 a.m. Aug 5-6, Barnyard, Flushed Away; TIME CHANGES: Space Chimps 12:20-2:30-4:40; Hellboy II 7:10-9:55; Wall E 11:30-2:00-4:30-7:00; Wanted 7:00-9:40; Kung Fu Panda 12:15-2:35-4:50; Get Smart 9:30 only; ENDS THURSDAY: Kit Kittredge, Indiana Jones, Strangers; For full schedule: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=680
BLUEFIELD, WV
Starts Wednesday
MERCER MALL: Features/Times To Be Announced; For full schedule, click: http://www.carmike.com/showtimesdetails.aspx?theatrenumber=075503
COMMONS 8 (Marquee Cinemas, Wytheville, Va.): (Now all digital projection!): Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 11:45-2:35-7:05-9:45; Swing Vote 12:10-3:00-6:50-9:40; TIME CHANGES: Space Chimps 12:10-2:20-4:30; Dark Knight 11:40-3:00-6:15-6:40-9:35-9:55; ENDS THURSDAY: Wall-E, Hancock, Hellboy II; FREE KID’S FLICKS: Tues/Wed 10 a.m. Aug 5-6, Spiderwick Chronicles, Over the Hedge; For full schedule: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabloid=580
CHARLESTON, WV
Starts Wednesday
MARQUEE SOUTHRIDGE: (Now All Digital Projection!) Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 11:20-12:40-2:00-3:30-4:40-6:40-7:20-9:20-10:00; Swing Vote 12:30-3:40-6:50-9:40; KIDTOONS: Sushi Pack , Sat/Sun 12:00 p.m. ONLY; FREE KID’S FLIX: Tues/ Wed 9:30 a.m. Aug 5-6, Flushed Away, Barnyard; For full schedule click: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=583
PARK PLACE STADIUM CINEMAS: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 12:20-2:45-5:00-7:25-9:50; Swing Vote 1:20-3:55-7:05-9:35; FREE KIDS FLIX: Wed. Aug 6 @ 10 a.m., Alvin; For full listing: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/parkplace/index.html
TIME CHANGES
MARQUEE SOUTHRIDGE: Space Chimps 12:15-2:25; Hancock 7:20-9:40; Wall-E 11:10-1:40-4:20
PARK PLACE STADIUM CINEMAS: Hellboy II Golden Army 7:05-9:35 only; Wall-E 12:15-2:30-4:45 only; Wanted 7:20-9:45 only; Space Chimps 12:30-3:00-4:55 only
ENDS THURSDAY:
Marquee Southridge: Kung Fu Panda, Wanted, Hellboy II
Park Place Stadium Cinemas: TBA
HURRICANE, WV
Starts Wednesday, July 2
TEAYS VALLEY CINEMA 10: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 10:20*-12:45-3:00-5:15-7:30-9:45; Swing Vote 10:40 a.m.*-1:00-3:20-5:30-8:00-10:15; Starts Wed. Aug 6: Pineapple Express, Sisterhood of Travel Pant s II; TIME CHANGES: Journey to the Center of the Earth 10:00 a.m.*-2:45-7:30; Hellboy II 12:15-5:00-10:00; Iron Man 5:05-9:45; Space Chimps 10:20*-12:50-2:50-7:25; Wall-E 10:05*-12:35-5:35 only; Hancock 3:05-8:00-10:00; ENDS THURSDAY: Get Smart, Wanted, Kit Kitteredge; (* No Sunday Early Showing); For full schedule click: http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/allstar/movies?v=2756
LEWISBURG, WV
SENACA SHOWPLACE: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 4:00-6:45-9:30; Sat/Sun Mat. 1:00; Dark Knight 3:00-6:15-9:35, Sat/Sun Mat. 11:40; FREE KIDS FLIX: Tuesday 10 a.m., Aug 5, Pirates Who Don’t Do; ENDS THURSDAY: Hancock
LOGAN, W.VA.
Starts Friday
FOUNTAIN PLACE CINEMA 8: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 12:10-2:20-4:40-7:05-9:40; Swing Vote 12:50-4:00-7:20-9:50; TIME CHANGES: NONE; ENDS THURSDAY: Space Chimps, Hellboy, Wanted, Wall-E; FREE KIDS FLIX: Wed. Aug 6, 10 a.m., Alvin; For full schedule click: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/fountainplace/index.html
NITRO, WV
Great Escape Nitro 12: http://greatescapetheatres.com or 769-0405
SUMMERSVILLE, WV
NICHOLS SHOWPLACE: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 3:50-6:40-9:20, Sat/Sun Mat. 1:00; X Files I Want to Believe 6:50-9:25; The Step Brothers 4:40-7:05-9:30, Sat/Sun 11:50-2:15; Dark Knight 3:00-6:15-9:35, Sat/Sun Mat. 11:40; Wall-E 4:00, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:30; FREE KIDS SUMMER MOVIES: Tuesday, 10 a.m. Aug 5 , Horton Hears a Who ; ENDS THURSDAY: Hancock
WELCH, WV
MCDOWELL 3: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 3:45-6:30-9:10, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:45; X Files I Want to Believe 6:50-9:20; Dark Knight 3:00-6:15-9:35, Sat/Sun Mat. 11:40; Space Chimps 4:40 daily, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:00-2:20; FREE KIDS FLIX: Tuesday 10 a.m. July 5, Pirates Who Don’t Do; ENDS THURSDAY: Sex and the City, Hancock
WHEELING, WV
HIGHLAND 14 OPENS AUG 8
UPCOMING RELEASES
Aug. 15: Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Tropic Thunder, Mirrors, Vicky Cristina Barrcelona
Aug. 22: Death Race, Crossing Over, Fly Me to the Moon 3D, The House Bunny, The Longshots
Aug. 29: Babylon A.D., College, Traitor, Hamlet II, Disaster Movie
Sept. 5: Accidental Husband, Bangkok Dangerous, Passengers
Sept. 12: Righteous Kill, Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys, The Women
Sept. 19: Ghost Town, Igor, Lakeview Terrace, My Best Friend’s Girl, Taken
Sept. 26: Eagle eye, Miracle at St. Anna, Nights in Rodanthe, Blindness
Oct. 3: Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Oct. 10: City of ember, The Express, House of Lies, Quarantine, Sex Drive, Soul Men
Oct. 17: Max Payne
Oct. 24: Brother Bloom, He’s Just Not That Into You, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Saw V, Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D
Oct. 31: RockNrOLLA
Nov. 7: Quantum of Solace (James Bond), Madagascar II
Nov. 21: Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
· Release dates subject to change; not all films will play in every market and/or every theatre.
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WEEKEND FIRST: Movie Comings and Goings
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Entertainment Editor
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Oops, did I suggest that X-FILES I WANT TO BELIEVE would be challenging DARK KNIGHT in last weekend’s boxoffice race? It appears, the challenge rightly belonged to STEPBROTHERS!
Alas, though, the X-FILES seemed to fit into the continuation of a comic book hero and scenario filled Summer of 08, a viewing of the picture explains the reasons that the premise had been kept under wrap: It’s an unmanageable melding of the paranormal alien hunt into a serial killer pattern straight from the Hannibal (“Silence of the Lambs” ) Lecter mold. In short, though unsettling, spooky, and clever, “I Want to Believe” dumps a hodge-podge of standard F.B.I. detective challenges, which do not necessarily require pulling two retired paranormal / interplanetary extraterrestrial investigators into the mix.
With apologizes to Producer Brent O’Conner, who executive produced “We Are Marshall,” “Firewall,” and “Get Smart,” Dr. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) played skeptic disbeliever and believer in an adversarial pairing that challenged all throughout the long-running, award winning series. Now, to revive their association with the Bureau, they step into the cold snowy mountains of a fictional West Virginia hamlet searching for a missing FBI agent.
Neither Anderson and Duchovny have lost their sparring chemistry, but their lives have changed to surgical specialist and apparent recluse. Her disconcerting challenge with extreme untested treatments for a terminal patient link to a psychic overlap to a defrocked Catholic priest whose visions --- not little E.T.’s --- bring on the former agents as consultants.
I dare say that as written any two experienced agents, including trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster/Julianna Moore) from the Hannibal franchise, could have replaced the X File agents and connection. Actually, my standards soared higher with that brand; I think as a standalone mystery/chiller, I would not be so critical of the production.
Meanwhile, “Step Brothers” contained comedic magic that seems to follow Judd Apatow whether pushing the gross out edge (“Superbad”) or merely stamping his own brand onto strongly well developed characters whose loser quirks beam with laughter (i.e. “40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Anchorman”). In fact, Apatow will unleash another entry into his dysfunctional personality collection when “Pineapple Express,” debuts with an apparent heavily Cheech and Chong influenced drug laden characters puffing and running from the mob.
That’s a purposeful segue for posting my WEDNESDAY OPENING warnings for those big screen movie lovers who have put off second layer films during the “Dark Knight” dominance. Both, “Pineapple Express” and “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” will open on WED AUG 6, with “The Perfect Game” slated for August 8.
Say, farewell, to extra prints and hold overs as the multiplex schedule ratchets up several notches in the remaining August Summer 08 period. Actually, the schedule has been juggled since last week. “Midnight Meat Train” went out limited to 100 screens and “The Rocker” has been pushed back to the extremely crowded (six new flicks) August 22 date.
Films opening “wide” this weekend:
Aug. 1:
Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor: A young archaeologist accidentally (Luke Ford) awakens China’s entombed Dragon Emperor (Jet Li) sending explorer Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) on a race from ancient Chinese catacombs to the Himalayas.
All Pictures © Universal
Swing Vote: For a preview of election night (or a re-run of the 2000 showdown), Kevin Costner plays an apathetic lovable loser coasting through life, until his mischievous 12-year-old daughter sets off a chain of events in which her dad’s vote will determine the election outcome.
All Pictures © Walt Disney Pictures
Aug 6:
Pineapple Express: An addict (Seth Rogen) witnesses a corrupt cop commit murder, now he and his dealer (James Franco) go on a save their hide road trip to escape a squad of officers who want them wasted. The title comes from a rare new strain of weed. It reunited you with the dudes who brought last summer’s “Superbad” to the megaplex.
All Pictures © Sony
Sisterhood of Traveling Pants II: Best friends (Alexis Biedel, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn. And Blake Lively) reunite in a Grecian seaside town during their first year of college to locate their missing magical jeans. Incidentally, wise producers contractually obligated these stars of “Gilmore Girls,” “Ugly Betty,” “Joan of Arcadia” and “Gossip Girl” to reunite.
All Pictures © Warner Brothers
HOLD OVERS:
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: Aiming for more of a swashbuckling action audience than the fairy tale world, virtually the entire cast and crew reprise. When the children are brought back to Narnia, 1,300 years have passed and the kingdom is now controlled by the evil King Miraz. The kids meet the rightful heir, Prince Caspian, who they must restore to the throne to restore magic and glory in the land.
Get Smart: Mel Brooks and Buck Henry created the TV series that spoofed James Bond and “Man from U.N.C.L.E.” Don Adams had the title role on the small screen, which now Steve Carell snatches along with glamed up Anne Hathaway as the formerly bookish Agent 99. Alan Arkin plays the “Chief” in this ongoing struggle between the often incompetent agents of CONTROL battling the forces of KAOS. Director Peter Segal has previously delivered with “The Longest Yard,” “50 First Dates,” and “Anger Management.”
HANCOCK: Will (“Men in Black”) Smith bumbles along as a conflicted, sarcastic superhero who saves lives but leaves lots of damage along the trail. Having turned the public against his awesomely stupid deeds, the hero makes a life-changing connection with a housewife
HB II (formerly Hellboy 2: Golden Army): The mythical world rebels against humanity hoping to rule the Earth, so Hellboy and his team must intervene. Director Guillermo Del Toro who stunned audiences with Pan’s Labyrinth is on board for the revival of the character he brought to the screen in 2004.
INCREDIBLE HULK: After a dull too philosophical venture in 2003, action director Louis Leterrier --- who worked with Jet Li’s fight choreographer/director on “The Transporter” and “Transporter II --- has put the marauding green monster/hero back on screens. As for the story, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) seeks seclusion to understand and cure his condition that turns him into a monster. With the military wanting him controlled, he also must battle, The Abomination.
INDIANA JONES AND THE CRYSTAL SKULL: Steven Spielberg directs the return of everyone’s favorite globetrotting adventurer who’s been on the shelf for nearly 20 years. George Lucas teams with David Koepp on the screenplay, but it’s under wraps. However, Harris Ford reprises his role, even though his age is starting to limit his death defying stunts.
IRON MAN: Robert Downey Jr. stars as the armor plated hero. Updating the scenatio, Tony Stark remains a billionaire industralist, but has been kidnapped in Afghanistan where he is forced to work on weapons for the bad guys. The villain, none other than perennial nemesis , The Mandarin.
Kung Fu Panda: Not exactly “Happy Feet,” but the big, clumsy Po labors daily in his family’s noodle shop dreaming about Kung Fu. But the bear has been chosen to fulfill a prophesy, so can the panda actually become a kung fun master? (Voices include Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman)
Mamma Mia! Last summer’s “Hairspray” proved that the movie musical can still reign under the summer sun, so now comes another Broadway icon with Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosna on the marquee. A bride to be raised on a Greek island by a mother refusing to disclose her dad’s identity, locates three possible ‘dads’ and invites them to the wedding. Yes, you get to hear ABBA’s greatest hits!
Space Chimps: Cutting edge CGI animation propels this out of the world adventure in which NASA recruits Ham III, grandson of the first chimpanzee in space, to save a $5 billion probe that fell into a galactic wormhole.
SEX AND THE CITY: The movie picks up four year after the six-year-run wrapped in 2004 on HBO. Sarah Jessica Parker returns as Carrie Bradshaw, the style conscious journalist whose romantic exploits ruled the series. As the story continues, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda prepare for Carrie to take the marital plunge
STRANGERS: Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play a young couple staying in an isolated vacation home when a knock on the door in the mid-hours of darkness. Soon, they are fighting for their lives as three masked strangers invade their space.
Step Brothers: Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly re-team with the director of “Talladega Nights” in this comedy of pampered best friends who single parents decide to marry. Judd (“Knocked Up,” “40 Year Old Virgin”) Apatow is one of the producers.
X-Files II: Taking the secretive approach like “Cloverfield,” the X Files sequel will be a standalone supernatural thriller which stresses the complicated Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillan Anderson) relationship. (This is the ‘authorized’ blurb)
WALL-E: Pixar Animation Studios. ‘Nuff said. After hundreds of years picking up humanities trash on the Planet Earth, a search robot EVE discovers that the Waste Allocation Load Lifter robot may have found the meaning of life and a way for human to return home safely. Characters include malfunctioning robot misfits and a pet cockroach.
WANTED: A young man (James McAvoy) finds that his recently murder father was an elite assassin. Now he’s recruited by a man named Sloan (Morgan Freeman) to step into his dad’s shoes. Angelina Jolie also stars. Incidentally, the concept comes from a dark comic with similarity to “Sin City” and “V for Vendetta.”
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS: Would you stay married to Cameron Diaz for six months to qualify for $3 million jackpot? She marries Aston Kutcher during a drunken ceremony, then he hits strikes pay dirt on the slots using her quarter.
You Don’t Mess with Zohan: Judd (“Knocked Up”) Apatow and Adam Sandler team on a screenplay in which a Mossad agent fakes his death and re-emerges in the Big Apple as a hair stylist. Dennis (“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”) Dugan directs.
Limited Release /Art House Films
ONGOING INTERACTIVE FUN NOW AT 9:45 PM FRIDAYS…
The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Although squirt guns, rice, lighters, and other projectiles are forbidden, you can brush up on your Time Warp dance and check out those character costumes. The long running and cult favorite continues a multiple weekend run at the Cinema with the shadow cast now accompanying the on screen action. Pre Show begins @ 9:45 p.m.
Starts Friday August 1:
Pineapple Express and Sisterhood of Traveling Pants II, open Wed. Aug. 6; check theatre website for updates
HUNTINGTON, WV
MARQUEE PULLMAN: (Now ALL digital projection) Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 1:10-1:40-3:50-4:20-6:30-7:00-9:10-9:40; Swing Vote 12:50-3:40-6:40-9:30; TIME CHANGES:X Files I Want to Believe 11:50-2:20-4:50-6:50-7:20-9:20-9:50; Wall E 11:50-2:20-4:50-7:20 only; Wanted 9:50 only; Kung Fu Panda 11:35-2:00-4:30; Hellboy II 6:40-9:40 only; Space Chimps 12:10-2:15-4:25 only; KID TOONS: Sushi Pack, Sat/Sun 11:45 a.m. ONLY (all seats $3.50); FREE KID’S FLIX: Tuesday/Wednesday 10 a.m. Augist 5-6, Barnyard, Flushed Away; ENDS THURSDAY: Get Smart, Meet Dave; For Full Schedule, click: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=584
DISCOUNT CINEMA 4: (all shows after 6 p.m. $3.00; Tuesday $2; $2.00 all shows before 6 p.m.) You Don’t Mess with Zohan 1:25-4:30-7:00-9:20; Incredible Hulk 1:15-7:05 only; Indiana Jones Kingdom of Crystal Skull 1:20-4:15-7:10-9:35; Sex and the City 4:10-9:25; Iron Man 1:30-4:20-7:00-9:30* (No 9:30 Show Fri. Aug 1) ; FREE KIDS FLIX: Wed. 10 a.m. Aug 6, Alvin; ENDS THURSDAY: Prince Caspian, Strangers, Happening; Friday August 1, 9:45 ONLY: 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' (Interactive preshow begins 9:45 p.m.); For full schedule click and select date: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/cinema/index.html
ASHLAND, KY
CINEMARK CINEMA 10: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 1:20-4:05-7:10-9:50; Swing Vote 1:30-4:15-7:00-9:45; Starts Wed. Aug 6, Pineapple Express 12:35-3:45-7:05-9:45; Sisterhood of Traveling Pants II 12:50-3:40-7:10-9:55; TIME CHANGES: Hancock 7:15-9:30; Hellboy II 2:45-9:20; Journey to the Center of the Earth 12:30-7:05; Wall-E 12:00-2:25-4:50; ENDS THURSDAY: NONE; For full times, http://www.cinemark.com/metropolitan_opera.asp
PHOENIX 10 KYOVA MALL: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor, Swing Vote, Times TBA opens Aug 1; TIME CHANGES: Dark Knight 11:30-2:45-6:30-9:15-9:45; Space Chimps 2:00-4:30-9:10; Wall-E 11:55-6:35; Journey to the Center of the Earth 12:00-2:05-4:35-6:55; ENDS THURSDAY: Get Smart; Full schedule: http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=10480
BECKLEY, WV
CROSSROADS CINEMAS: (Confirmed Thru July 31) Iron Man 12:05-3:00-6:00-8:50; Incredible Hulk 12:20-3:05-5:55-8:45; Meet Dave 12:15-2:25-4:35; Baby Mama 6:50-9:10 only; Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 12:00-4:30-8:00; The Happening 12:10-2:25-4:45-7:05-9:20; ENDS THURSDAY: Speed Racer, What Happens Vegas, Horton Hears Who, Prom Night; For full schedule: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=560
GALLERIA CINEMAS: (Now All Digital Projection!): Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 1:00-1:30-3:40-4:10-6:30-7:00-9:10-9:40; Swing Vote 1:00-4:00-6:45-9:30; KIDTOONS: Sushi Pack, Sat/Sun 11:30 am ($3.50 all tickets); FREE KID’S FLIX: Tuesday/Wednesday, 10 a.m. Aug 5-6, Barnyard, Flushed Away; TIME CHANGES: Space Chimps 12:20-2:30-4:40; Hellboy II 7:10-9:55; Wall E 11:30-2:00-4:30-7:00; Wanted 7:00-9:40; Kung Fu Panda 12:15-2:35-4:50; Get Smart 9:30 only; ENDS THURSDAY: Kit Kittredge, Indiana Jones, Strangers; For full schedule: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=680
BLUEFIELD, WV
Starts Wednesday
MERCER MALL: Features/Times To Be Announced; For full schedule, click: http://www.carmike.com/showtimesdetails.aspx?theatrenumber=075503
COMMONS 8 (Marquee Cinemas, Wytheville, Va.): (Now all digital projection!): Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 11:45-2:35-7:05-9:45; Swing Vote 12:10-3:00-6:50-9:40; TIME CHANGES: Space Chimps 12:10-2:20-4:30; Dark Knight 11:40-3:00-6:15-6:40-9:35-9:55; ENDS THURSDAY: Wall-E, Hancock, Hellboy II; FREE KID’S FLICKS: Tues/Wed 10 a.m. Aug 5-6, Spiderwick Chronicles, Over the Hedge; For full schedule: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabloid=580
CHARLESTON, WV
Starts Wednesday
MARQUEE SOUTHRIDGE: (Now All Digital Projection!) Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 11:20-12:40-2:00-3:30-4:40-6:40-7:20-9:20-10:00; Swing Vote 12:30-3:40-6:50-9:40; KIDTOONS: Sushi Pack , Sat/Sun 12:00 p.m. ONLY; FREE KID’S FLIX: Tues/ Wed 9:30 a.m. Aug 5-6, Flushed Away, Barnyard; For full schedule click: http://www.marqueecinemas.com/Default.aspx?tabid=583
PARK PLACE STADIUM CINEMAS: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 12:20-2:45-5:00-7:25-9:50; Swing Vote 1:20-3:55-7:05-9:35; FREE KIDS FLIX: Wed. Aug 6 @ 10 a.m., Alvin; For full listing: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/parkplace/index.html
TIME CHANGES
MARQUEE SOUTHRIDGE: Space Chimps 12:15-2:25; Hancock 7:20-9:40; Wall-E 11:10-1:40-4:20
PARK PLACE STADIUM CINEMAS: Hellboy II Golden Army 7:05-9:35 only; Wall-E 12:15-2:30-4:45 only; Wanted 7:20-9:45 only; Space Chimps 12:30-3:00-4:55 only
ENDS THURSDAY:
Marquee Southridge: Kung Fu Panda, Wanted, Hellboy II
Park Place Stadium Cinemas: TBA
HURRICANE, WV
Starts Wednesday, July 2
TEAYS VALLEY CINEMA 10: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 10:20*-12:45-3:00-5:15-7:30-9:45; Swing Vote 10:40 a.m.*-1:00-3:20-5:30-8:00-10:15; Starts Wed. Aug 6: Pineapple Express, Sisterhood of Travel Pant s II; TIME CHANGES: Journey to the Center of the Earth 10:00 a.m.*-2:45-7:30; Hellboy II 12:15-5:00-10:00; Iron Man 5:05-9:45; Space Chimps 10:20*-12:50-2:50-7:25; Wall-E 10:05*-12:35-5:35 only; Hancock 3:05-8:00-10:00; ENDS THURSDAY: Get Smart, Wanted, Kit Kitteredge; (* No Sunday Early Showing); For full schedule click: http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/allstar/movies?v=2756
LEWISBURG, WV
SENACA SHOWPLACE: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 4:00-6:45-9:30; Sat/Sun Mat. 1:00; Dark Knight 3:00-6:15-9:35, Sat/Sun Mat. 11:40; FREE KIDS FLIX: Tuesday 10 a.m., Aug 5, Pirates Who Don’t Do; ENDS THURSDAY: Hancock
LOGAN, W.VA.
Starts Friday
FOUNTAIN PLACE CINEMA 8: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 12:10-2:20-4:40-7:05-9:40; Swing Vote 12:50-4:00-7:20-9:50; TIME CHANGES: NONE; ENDS THURSDAY: Space Chimps, Hellboy, Wanted, Wall-E; FREE KIDS FLIX: Wed. Aug 6, 10 a.m., Alvin; For full schedule click: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/fountainplace/index.html
NITRO, WV
Great Escape Nitro 12: http://greatescapetheatres.com or 769-0405
SUMMERSVILLE, WV
NICHOLS SHOWPLACE: Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 3:50-6:40-9:20, Sat/Sun Mat. 1:00; X Files I Want to Believe 6:50-9:25; The Step Brothers 4:40-7:05-9:30, Sat/Sun 11:50-2:15; Dark Knight 3:00-6:15-9:35, Sat/Sun Mat. 11:40; Wall-E 4:00, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:30; FREE KIDS SUMMER MOVIES: Tuesday, 10 a.m. Aug 5 , Horton Hears a Who ; ENDS THURSDAY: Hancock
WELCH, WV
MCDOWELL 3: Mummy Tomb of Dragon Emperor 3:45-6:30-9:10, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:45; X Files I Want to Believe 6:50-9:20; Dark Knight 3:00-6:15-9:35, Sat/Sun Mat. 11:40; Space Chimps 4:40 daily, Sat/Sun Mat. 12:00-2:20; FREE KIDS FLIX: Tuesday 10 a.m. July 5, Pirates Who Don’t Do; ENDS THURSDAY: Sex and the City, Hancock
WHEELING, WV
HIGHLAND 14 OPENS AUG 8
UPCOMING RELEASES
Aug. 15: Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Tropic Thunder, Mirrors, Vicky Cristina Barrcelona
Aug. 22: Death Race, Crossing Over, Fly Me to the Moon 3D, The House Bunny, The Longshots
Aug. 29: Babylon A.D., College, Traitor, Hamlet II, Disaster Movie
Sept. 5: Accidental Husband, Bangkok Dangerous, Passengers
Sept. 12: Righteous Kill, Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys, The Women
Sept. 19: Ghost Town, Igor, Lakeview Terrace, My Best Friend’s Girl, Taken
Sept. 26: Eagle eye, Miracle at St. Anna, Nights in Rodanthe, Blindness
Oct. 3: Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Oct. 10: City of ember, The Express, House of Lies, Quarantine, Sex Drive, Soul Men
Oct. 17: Max Payne
Oct. 24: Brother Bloom, He’s Just Not That Into You, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Saw V, Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D
Oct. 31: RockNrOLLA
Nov. 7: Quantum of Solace (James Bond), Madagascar II
Nov. 21: Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
· Release dates subject to change; not all films will play in every market and/or every theatre.
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