KANSAS CITY, MO — RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (PG)
RUSS
“Rise of the Guardians” is an animated epic that plays like “The Avengers” with fairly tale characters.
SHAWN
it’s actually is an over energetic, pop culture joke free, instant holiday classic. Entertaining. But a bit spastic.
RUSS
The story is uninspired, but the effective voice talent and colorful computer animation help make it a passable family holiday flick.
SHAWN
It’s nice holiday treat that’s more fun than masterful.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
LIFE OF PI (PG)
RUSS
Unfilmable. When the fantasy adventure novel “The Life of Pi” was published in 2001, it was just that. But thanks to recent developments in cinematic technology and a daring filmmaker named Ang Lee, “The Life of Pi” is now a visually stunning and absorbing movie experience.
SHAWN
“Life of Pi” is cinematic perfection. Imaginative storytelling. Brilliant directing. An the most amazing — shout your mouth visuals — that in some aspects out do the stunningnest of “Avatar.”
RUSS
It’s both an exciting and ripping yarn and a thoughtful exploration of spirituality. “The Life of Pi” may also be the best film of the year. Go ahead and spend a few extra bucks on the 3D. It’s worth it.
SHAWN
This is a must see in 3D. O-M-G yaw, O-M-G. It’s cinematic poetry at it’s best.
RUSS: 5 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 5 Popcorn Bags
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R)
RUSS
“Silver Linings Playbook” is a smart and smartly acted R-rated romantic comedy. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence play people struggling with serious mental problems who awkwardly fumble their way to romance.
SHAWN
A weighty love story that never feels heavy but gets messy. Call it an anti “Hangover” romantic journey guided by a richly effective Bradley Cooper with a phenominal performance by Jennifer Lawrence who just won herself an Oscar with this performance.
RUSS
It threatens to go off the rails on a number of occasions, but thanks to strong performances and a clever script and direction from David O. Russell, “Silver Linings Playbook” does indeed have a sliver lining.
SHAWN
It totally goes off the rails and gets awkward which is why it isn’t perfect but one heck of an insightful movie.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
RED DAWN (PG-13)
SHAWN
The good news: the remake of “Red Dawn” is slightly better than the original. The bad news: the original is one of the worst movies ever made. North Korea invades the US? So unbelievable should have been a spoof. This movie needed Michael Bay in the worst way!
RUSS: DID NOT SCREEN
SHAWN: 1 Popcorn Bag
Also opening this week, “A Royal Affair” (R) is a Danish historical drama set in the 18th century. It involves the love triangle between an insane king, his beautiful queen and the royal physician.
