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KANSAS CITY, MO —

BULLET TO THE HEAD (R)

RUSS
Sylvester Stallone’s “Bullet to the Head” old-school action flick peppered with high-octane contemporary cynicism. Unfortunately, it also has a high-octane sleaze factor.


SHAWN
“Bullet to the Head” is an overly violent, fake bloody and wannabe pulpy crime drama based off of graphic novel. Sylvester Stallone is a hit man who fights like Rocky and blasts like Rambo in a story that takes you on a ride more predictable than a merry-go-round.

RUSS

You have to admit that the action and violence never stop, but I sure wanted them to. The tag line is “Revenge never gets old.” Maybe, but this movie does.


SHAWN
The setting is a lawless New Orleans which is a tad touchy because the real New Orleans is a bit lawless. And in a time where gun violence is being scrutinized. This sort of senseless mayhem is a bit tasteless. But it’s the movie over all that lacks flavor. These old duds need to stop.

RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags

WARM BODIES (PG-13)


SHAWN
“Warm Bodies” does the nearly impossible. The zombie movie injects freshness in a genre that has over worn out almost every possible cliche.

RUSS

It’s a zombie Romeo and a human Juliet in this post-apocalyptic romantic horror comedy. Thankfully, it somehow seems original and clever in spite of being so derivative. 


SHAWN
Not that “Warm Bodies” isn’t a bit cliched but the film adaptation of Isaac Marion’s 2011 novel, which finds the sensitive zombie R (Nicholas Hoult), falling for one of the living, Julie (Theresa Palmer) is more alive than dead.

RUSS

It’s funny and offbeat, and the gore is kept to a minimum to ensure a teen friendly PG-13 rating. 


SHAWN
Directed with playful verve  by Jonathan Levine  who also directed “50/50” the movie is soulful, organic and extremely engaging.

RUSS

It joins “Zombieland” as a welcome, tongue-in-cheek rethinking of the zombie movie formula.


SHAWN
To quote my favorite urban poet Kanye West “Warm Bodies” is extra fly. Phenomenal. A new classic for a new generation. The best zombie/love story ever. A dope, stylistic and completely entertaining movie that hits all of right notes. Brooklyn!

RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags


THE OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS (Not rated)
RUSS

The Tivoli is once again featuring the Oscar nominated short subjects in separate showcases; live action, animated and documentary. As always the results are a mixed bag, but there are some exceptional entries, particularly among the animated shorts. Dog lovers will enjoy seeing man’s very first best friend in the beautifully rendered, “Adam and Dog.” Bart Simpson’s baby sister stars in her own short, “Maggie Simpson: The Longest Daycare,” a zippy silent filled with clever touches. Redemption and sacrifice are themes come through strongling the international live action films, with titles from France, Germany, Somalia and Afghanastan.

RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags

Also opening this week, Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin star in “Stand Up Guys,” a comic drama about old crooks who hook up for one last job.

Follow on Twitter:  @sedwardskc @RussSimmons1 @fox4kc

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