1) How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG)
20th Century Fox
RUSS
Movie sequels rarely measure up to the original. People relish films like “The Godfather, Part 2” and “Aliens” precisely because they’re the rare follow-ups that exceeded their predecessors. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” may qualify for that recognition, as well.
SHAWN
That is so true. 2 is better. “How to Train Tour Dragon 2” is as beautiful an artistic as it is fun and entertaining. And when you throw in a well thought out story about the importance of family what you have is near perfection.
RUSS
The filmmakers created some memorable flying sequences in the first film and they’ve managed to outdo themselves this time around. The animation is breathtaking, especially on the big screen, and this one might actually be worth a few dollars more to see it in 3-D. Although it may be a little too scary for very young kids, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is an imaginative and exciting family thrill ride.
SHAWN
Once again I agree. The 3D is spectacular and there are several scenes that you have to see to believe. Delightful, captivating and totally enjoyable. “Dragon 2” does not disappoint.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
2) 22 Jump Street (R)
Columbia Pictures
SHAWN
Speaking of not disappointing neither does “22 Jump Street” which is also better than the first. First of all Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are fabulous together. Their comedic timing is so sharp I just wanna scream Hublut. And how cool are you if you got that metaphor? And Ice Cube actually showed up to do a little acting. He’s hilarious. His best performance since “Three Kings.” But the real star is the writing. It’s so clever I want to scream Rubic’s Cube. OK, admittedly not as dope as the first metaphor but “22 Jump Street” really is good. If you see a funnier movie this year well then it must be really funny cause this one will be hard to beat.
RUSS: Didn’t Screen
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
3) For No Good Reason (R)
Sony Pictures Classics
RUSS
Actor Johnny Depp was a close friend of the late Hunter S. Thompson, the iconoclastic journalist he played in the movie version of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” It’s fitting that he also befriended artist Ralph Steadman, the man who gave Gonzo journalism it’s striking and scary visual panache. In Charlie Paul’s documentary about Steadman and his career, Depp serves as the interviewer who gets Steadman to open up about his life, his art and his tempestuous relationship with Thompson. While the film seems a bit uneven and unfocused at times, Steadman’s unique vision is center stage. His grotesque representations are unnerving and truthful at the same time. “For No Good Reason” exists for a good reason: to give Steadman his due.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
“Out Here Now,” the Kansas City LGBT Film Festival runs June 12th-July 3rd at the Tivoli Theatre. More information is available at tivolikc.com.
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