Kansas City, MO —
1) FIFTY SHADES OF GREY (R)
Focus Features
RUSS
The big screen adaptation of E.L. James’ kinky S&M bestseller “Fifty Shades of Grey” finally hits theaters and the result is a resounding…’meh.’ One of the year’s most highly anticipated films isn’t bad enough to be campy fun and is about as erotic as a cold shower. Dakota Johnson’s beguiling performance as the naive Anastasia Steele is the only thing this movie has going for it. Jamie Dornan as the titular billionaire, however, is as drab as his name. Plus, the movie is oddly anti-climatic. I wanted to use my safe word after the first half hour. “Fifty Shades of Grey” is fifty shades of dull.
SHAWN says, ” ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ is embarrassingly amateurish. It’s vapid and devoid of details and character development. And it’s not as naughty or as steamy as one might expect. “Secretary,” “Nymphomaniac” and even the low rent “Addiction” are much better movies that cover the same territory.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
2) KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (R)
20th Century Fox
RUSS
If you put James Bond on steroids and added over-the-top R-rated violence and modern cynicism, you might come up with something like “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” based on the popular comic book.
Colin Firth plays an agent with a clandestine non-governmental spy organization who recruits a young apprentice, played by newcomer Taron Egerton, to go up against evil megalomaniac Samuel L. Jackson.
While it’s decadent and ethically questionable, “Kingsman” is so well-directed and energetic and it becomes a guilty pleasure.
SHAWN says, “Its imaginative fresh take and stylistic delivery makes ‘Kingsman’ a total fun watch.”
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
3) STILL ALICE (PG-13)
Sony Pictures Classics
RUSS
Julianne Moore is the odds-on favorite to win an Oscar for her touching performance in “Still Alice,” the story of a middle-aged woman suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Moore and the solid supporting cast make what is otherwise a standard disease-of-the-week movie into something worth remembering.
SHAWN says, “Weighty subject elevated by terrific performances.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
4) MR. TURNER (R)
Sony Pictures Classics
RUSS
Timothy Spall is also terrific in “Mr. Turner,” a biopic about the famous and controversial British landscape painter from the 1800s, J.M.W. Turner. While the film is very slow-moving and austere, Spall’s performance and the lovingly detailed production values make “Mr. Turner” a must-see for art lovers.
SHAWN says, “Timothy Spall is a joy to watch in this expertly made film.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
Also opening this week:
-“Old Fashioned” is a Christian romantic film from faith-based production company PureFlix. It’s positioned as counter-programming to “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
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