MOONRISE KINGDOM (PG-13)
Quirky filmmaker Wes Anderson offers “Moonrise Kingdom,” a likably whimsical comedy about a pair of eccentric 12-year-old runaways in 1965. The adult supporting cast includes Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Frances McDormand and Bill Murray. It’s definitely not for everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying its offbeat artistry.
Shawn calls “Moonrise Kingdom” the “best-written movie this year, completely original and well acted…but an acquired taste. If you are down with the quirky it will work for you.”
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags, SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S MOST WANTED (PG)
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith and David Schwimmer are all back as the voices of Manhattan zoo animals who hide out in a European travelling circus while attempting to get back to the States.
Visually, it’s easy to see where the money went and the movie has a snappy pace and goofy sense of humor that should keep the youngsters’ attention. Plus, it’s sophisticated enough to please undemanding parents.
The only downside is that, after a while, it becomes a blur of color and action that boarders on overkill. But, thanks in part to Martin Short’s contributions as a goofy sea lion, “Madagascar 3” is a pleasant enough popcorn flick that should appeal to most members of the family.
Shawn calls it, “The most energetic and fun of three movies. The explosion of color and music is ridiculous. Ridiculously fun.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags, SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
THAT’S MY BOY (R)
Perhaps Andy Samberg exists as the result of genetic experiments with Adam Sandler’s DNA, but why these talented comics teamed up for an imbecilic, tasteless raunch-fest called “That’s My Boy” is anybody’s guess. Sandler plays an irresponsible oaf who fathered Sandberg’s character while in middle school. Their reunion, years later, brings chaos. This is the kind of lurid drivel that desperate actors sometimes appear in when their careers are sagging. But everyone involved in this movie is better than this degrading material and the cast members can’t need the money this badly. Sandler is reported worth over $350 million, so he’s got no excuse.
Shawn calls it “The worst movie since Adam Sandler’s ‘Jack and Jill.’ It’s completely crass, vulgar and pointless to the core. Everyone involved should be embarrassed.”
RUSS: 1 Popcorn Bag, SHAWN: 0 Popcorn Bags
