KANSAS CITY, Mo—
**AFTER EARTH (PG-13)**
Superstar Will Smith takes second billing to his son Jaden in the big budget sci-fi opus, “After Earth.” Their charisma and box office prowess are put to the test in this well produced thriller.
The Smiths play father and son astronauts who survive a crash landing on Earth 1000 years after humanity was forced to evacuate our home planet. Will Smith conceived the story that’s been adapted for the screen by director M. Night Shyamalan of “The Sixth Sense” fame.
The visuals are impressive and the Smiths’ personal appeal is undeniable. But in this age of big screen razzle-dazzle, “After Earth” seems a bit generic and routine. It’s entertaining, but the memory of “After Earth” may soon fade after viewing.
Shawn says, “If you expect Will Smith to be his usual jiggy self then ‘After Earth’ may not be a satisfying experience. ‘After Earth’ is, however, movie making on a grand scale. It’s visionary, intelligent and thought-provoking on every level. It’s a sophisticated, sleek, moving and intense sci-fi thriller. A bit too sparse and a tad preachy, but overall effective.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
** NOW YOU SEE ME (PG-13)**
Jesse Eisenberg leads a distinguished cast in “Now You See Me,” a thriller about magicians who use their skills of prestidigitation to pull off bank robberies.
Shawn says, “‘Now You See Me’ is a terrific heist. Sure there are more than a few plot holes, but it’s highly entertaining and will keep you guessing until the end. Finally a movie that uses magic for something other than just dumb tricks.”
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
**FRANCES HA (R)**
“Frances Ha” is a low-key, low budget comic drama that was a hit at the Toronto Film Festival. Filmed in glorious black-and-white by director Noah Baumbach, “Frances Ha” is about a loveable loser, played by Greta Gerwig. Frances is a foul-mouthed 27-year-old wannabe dancer in New York City who doesn’t have talent, or anyplace to live, and seems determined not to grow up.
These stories about navel-gazing Manhattanites can often be insufferable bores, but Gerwig’s charming performance helps make this pretentious homage to French New Wave cinema bearable.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
**WHAT MAISIE KNEW (R)**
Irresponsible parents are seen from the viewpoint of a sweet-natured six-year-old girl in “What Maisie Knew,” a modern update of Henry James’ 1897 novel. Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan play the bickering, self-centered parents and young Onata Aprile is our titular heroine.
Alexander Skarsgard and Joanna Vanderham play Maisie’s fumbling but well-meaning step-parents.
Aprile’s beguiling and utterly believable performance is the key to the success of this restrained and subtle adaptation. With its honest depiction of family dysfunction, the century-old story is still surprisingly relevant.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK:
-“At Any Price” is a drama about a farm family in crisis, starring Dennis Quaid and Zac Efron.
-“Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s” is a celebrity-laden documentary about the legendary New York department store.
-“Blancanieves” is a Spanish version of the Snow White fairy tale.
-“I Do” is a yarn about a gay Brit in New York fighting deportation.
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