January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
'Bots are back with a bang
Speciality Cinema
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen
Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Hugo Weaving, Isabel Lucas
Director: Michael Bay
Rated: PG-13
Showing: Daily at 2:30pm, 6:30pm and 9:30pm.
Runtime: 147minutes
Action/adventure/sci-fi
Preview:The robots in disguise are back with more high-octane explosions, thrilling chases and testosterone-fuelled showdowns.
An ancient and evil Transformer called The Fallen plans to restart a long-buried machine capable of destroying mankind and revives evil Decepticon leader Megatron to help him find the ignition key.
Our hero from the first movie, Sam (Shia LaBeouf), once again joins Autobot leader Optimus Prime to help save the world.
And that's about it for the plot - don't expect to have to think too much.
But Transformers is all about mindless, technically brilliant, effects-heavy action sequences - fast, fun and unforgiving.
The opening scenes in Shanghai stand out, as does a 'bot vs 'bot battle on Egypt's Giza Necropolis, which includes a Transformer climbing a pyramid. Transformers may be spectacle over substance but it will hit the mark with its target audience - young boys and adult males who were fans of the cartoon series in the mid-80s.
Watch if you liked: Transformers, iRobot.
For more information about film times, call 292-2135.
Liberty Theatre
The Taking Of
Pelham 123
****
Stars: Denzel Washington, John Travolta.
Director: Tony Scott
Rated: R
Showing: Daily at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.
Runtime: 106 minutes.
Crime/drama/thriller
Review: This remake of Joseph Sargent's 1974 thriller sees Denzel Washington's mild-mannered subway controller go head-to-head with psychotic train hijacker John Travolta.
He demands a $10 million ransom within an hour or he'll start killing hostages - one for every minute they are late with his cash.
Despite being set in a subway control room and underground train, there are explosions galore courtesy of the cops' race against the clock through New York's traffic to get the madman his money. A ton of gunfire will also please action fans.
Travolta commands the screen, combining crazy, funny and dangerous with the skill he did in Pulp Fiction. A great heist movie packed with sharp dialogue.
Watch if you liked: Die Hard.
Next attraction: Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs.
For more information about film times, call 292-7296.
Neptune Theatre
terminator: salvation
***
Stars: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington.
Director: McG
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 115 minutes
Showing: Daily at 7:30pm.
Sci-fi/action/adventure
Review: Most of mankind has been killed in a nuclear holocaust by machines but survivors led by John Connor (Christian Bale) battle on to destroy them.
The action is loud, packed with explosions and the cast plough through an endless stream of death-defying escapes and heroics.
There are also deadly new cyborgs, like giant harvesters who grab and imprison groups of petrified humans.
Connor has shed his persona as a hapless victim reliant on a protector and is now a tough soldier - smart, brave and calculating.
There are nice touches for fans, notably the use of catchphrases 'I'll be back" and "come with me if you want to live". And look out for a familiar face at the end.
Watch if you liked: Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Next attraction: The Proposal.
For more information about film times call 292-7296.
Southside Cinema
imagine that
**
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Yara Shahidi, Nicole Ari Parker
Director: Karey Kirkpatrick
Rated: PG
Showing: Daily at 7:30pm.
Runtime: 107 minutes
Comedy/fantasy/drama
Review: Eddie Murphy is financial executive Evan Danielson, who has hit a money-making slump.
His neglected daughter Olivia's (Yara Shahidi) imaginary pals start giving advice - but he must spend time with her to get it.
Workaholic dad bonding with their kid is a tired old plot and Murphy is equally as dull - he is unusually understated while doing his characteristic silly voices and wacky dances.
Watch if you liked: Liar Liar.
Next attraction: Drag Me To Hell.
For more information about film times, call 297-2821.
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inkheart
****
Stars: Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Andy Serkis, Eliza Bennett
Director: Iain Softley
Rated: PG
Runtime: 106 minutes.
Adventure/family/fantasy
This charming family adventure boasts an all-star cast, an array of fantastical creatures, magical beings and a captivating story.
Mo (Brendan Fraser) is a silvertongue, which means he can bring a book's characters and objects to life by reading aloud.
But to balance this out, real people must vanish into the fictional world - including his own wife and mum to his daughter, Meggie (Eliza Bennett).
Mo now travels the world to find the rare book his beloved is trapped in - but his search is stalled by a plea for help from fire-eater Dustfinger (Paul Bettany), a fictional character who wants to be sent back into the book. He and Meggie are also hunted by the villainous Capricorn (Andy Serkis), who wants to exploit their powers for his own evil ends.
The film moves easily between fantasy, adventure and comedy but its real strength is in its characters.
Paul Bettany steals the movie as the heroic yet tragic Dustfinger who is desperate to be reunited with his family. His mischievous pet ferret will also be a hit with the kids.
Helen Mirren wins laughs as a batty bookworm aunt, as does Jamie Foreman's bumbling evil henchman.
A host of cameos are also fun, including Rapunzel, The Wizard of Oz's Toto and Peter Pan's ticking crocodile.
Sadly, Serkis' hammy acting means Capricorn himself is mildly threatening rather than scary. He isn't half as creepy or treacherous as when he played Gollum.
Overall, Inkheart is an enjoyable family romp and a must-see for Harry Potter fans desperate for a touch of magic while they wait for the wizard's next adventure.
Watch if you liked: The Princess Bride, Labyrinth.
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