KANSAS CITY, MO —
1) THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (PG-13)
Warner Bros.
RUSS
It’s big, it’s bloated and it doesn’t know when to stop, very much like it’s “Lord of the Rings” predecessors. You know exactly what you’re in for…cinematic pectacle and over-the-top adventure.
SHAWN
“The Hobbit” is more visually stunning than it is entertaining. But once Gollum gets in the mix things get a bit interesting and fun to watch. The extras aren’t spectacular and but include ten production videos.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
2) LES MISERABLES (PG-13)
RUSS
The adaptation of the Broadway musical is a beautifully produced and moving version of Victor Hugo’s classic about grace versus the law, set in 19th century France. Anne Hathway earned her Oscar. Have Kleenex handy.
SHAWN
“Les Miserables” is for hardcore musical lovers only. There is no dialogue. Singing only. It’s well made but a bit sappy. Loaded with extras. Absolutely loaded including the star-studded cast and production team discussing the daunting challenge of singing live rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks.
RUSS: 5 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
3) ZERO DARK THIRTY (R)
RUSS
The CIA’s search for Osama bin Laden, from 9-11-2001 to the raid on his compound, gets a thorough cinematic examination in Katheryn Bigelow’s tense and engaging movie. It’s like a police procedural, but powerful and important.
SHAWN
“Zero Dark Thirty” is an over meticulous almost documentary like movie loaed with info that plays out like a cinematic chess match. It’s edgy and controversial but terrific filmmaking. The only extra material are four featurettes.
RUSS: 5 Popcorn Bag
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
4) THIS IS 40 (R)
Universal
RUSS
Homeboy Paul Rudd is fine, but the extremely crude and tired comedy “This is 40” is forty minutes too long.
SHAWN
This spin off from “Knocked Off” is unfunny, unfucosed and unfun. It’s a droll and slightly mean-spireted look at life at the mid-point that’s recklessly joyless. Lots of extras but nothing special.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 1 Popcorn Bags
5) DISNEY DOUBLE FEATURES (G)
Disney
-THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME 1 & 2
-MULAN 1 & 2
-BROTHER BEAR 1 & 2
RUSS
These lesser Disney titles are still better than most other animated efforts. All three films and their direct-to-dvd sequels are passable family distractions.
SHAWN
I wouldn’t call “Mulan” lesser. And there are a few charms in “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” and “Brother Bear” is fun. Each is loaded with bonus material.