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KANSAS CITY, MO —

1) PLANES (PG)
RUSS: “Planes” is Disney Animation’s innocuous follow up to Pixar’s “Cars 2.” It was originally meant to be a direct to DVD release…and it feels like it.
SHAWN: “Planes” is so the definition of generic, Webster would be proud.
RUSS: While “Planes” gets off the ground, it never quite soars.
SHAWN: It doesn’t even get off the ground. Better stuff on Nick and Disney Jr.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
2) ELYSIUM (R)
Tri Star Pictures
RUSS:  “Elysium” is a futuristic sci-fi thriller that’s an allegory about immigration and health care.
SHAWN: Dark and moody. Terrific beginning and an even better Matt Damon. But…
RUSS: It descends into melodrama, but great production values and a timely story make “Elysium” an engaging political commentary.
SHAWN: Yes, “Esylium” gets dumber as it progresses. But it’s never not entertaining but no sci-fi classic.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
3) WE’RE THE MILLERS (R)
Warner Brothers
RUSS: KC’s own Jason Sudeikis stars alongside Jennifer Aniston in the broad and extremely blue comedy, “We’re the Millers.”
SHAWN: Very funny stuff and clever premise. Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Anniston are terrific together. Their comedic timing is razor sharp.
RUSS: All taste is thrown out the family’s RV window, but “We’re the Millers” provides some shameless laughs for those who aren’t easily offended.
SHAWN: It plays like a twisted “Family Vacation” knock off. A family movie not for families.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
4) PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS (PG)
20th Century Fox
RUSS: Demigod Percy Jackson is no Harry Potter, no matter how hard he tries. “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is a modestly diverting fantasy sequel. There’s a lot of impressive eye candy in service of a middling story.

RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags

SHAWN: Did Not Screen

ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK:

James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold star in “Still Mine,” a drama about an elderly man who tries to build a home for his ailing wife. The Open Circle Film Festival, six films with a spiritual focus, takes place at the Tivoli August 9th through the 15th. More info is available at tivolikc.com.

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