These are Maui Scene's mini-reviews, excerpts of wire service reviews and previews provided by studios and other sources.
Opened Wednesday
"Life of Pi," PG, 2:07, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Article Photos
Voiced by Chris Pine, Jack Frost, left, and Tooth, voiced by Isla Fisher in a scene from “Rise of the Guardians.”
AP photo / Paramount Pictures, Dreamworks Animation
Academy Award winner Ang Lee directed this adventure-drama starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan and Akil Hussain. A young man survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor . . . a fearsome Bengal tiger. Some call it the "next Avatar," as it's a remarkable breakthrough of 3D technology.
"Red Dawn," PG13, 1:49, Kaahumanu Center 6.
The fight begins at dawn as a group of teenagers look to save their town from an invasion of North Korean soldiers. Not to be confused with the 1984 version starring Patrick Swayze, this film is directed by Dan Bradley and stars Chris hemswoth, Isabel Lucas and Josh Hutcherson. But it's an action movie and it's a remake, nonetheless.
"Rise of the Guardians," PG, 1:49, Maui Mall Megaplex and Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center.
DreamWorks put together this enthralling film that will easily weave a spell over the whole family, parents included. It's inventive, heartfelt and a work of creative genius when it comes to animation. Lending voices are actors Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law and Isla Fisher. Directed by Peter Ramsay. When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.
Still Playing
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2," PG13, 1:55, Maui Mall Megaplex, Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center.
Movie goers will want to sink their teeth into this compelling saga that unfolds after the birth of Renesmee. The vampire clans are gathered together to protect the child and lies put the family right in front of trouble in this drama, adventure, fantasy.
"Lincoln," PG13, 1:49, Maui Mall Megaplex.
With Steven Spielberg at the helm as director and Academy Award winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field in the lead roles, the Civil War continues to rage on in this biographical and historical drama. Lincoln keeps struggling with the horrific carnage of the war while, at the same time, fighting with some of those in his own cabinet on the controversial decision to emancipate slaves.
"Skyfall," PG-13, 2:23, Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center and Kaahumanu Center 6.
James Bond buffs who wish to be shaken, not stirred will want to watch what director Sam Mendes does with the latest installment in the long-running spy series that now stars Daniel Craig in the cool and collected roll of 007. This time around, M's past comes back to haunt her and Bond's loyalty to her is put to the test. Action-packed scenes include train-top brawls, explosions and other fun surprises.
"Flight," R, 2:19, Maui Mall Megaplex.
An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals something troubling. Captain Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) is behind the controls when treacherous weather and engine failure threatens the lives of the crew and passengers. Whitaker's drug and alcohol issues suggest another title for the film, "Crash Landing." John Goodman and Kelly Reilly co star. Robert Zemeckis directs.
"Wreck-It Ralph," PG, 1:41, Kaahumanu 6 and Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center.
Wreck-It Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) longs to be as beloved as his game's perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer). Problem is, nobody loves a Bad Guy. But they do love heroes . . . so when a modern, first-person shooter game arrives featuring tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch), Ralph sees it as his ticket to heroism and happiness. He sneaks into the game with a simple plan - win a medal - but soon wrecks everything, and accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens every game in the arcade. Ralph's only hope? Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman), a young troublemaking "glitch" from a candy-coated cart racing game who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a Good Guy. But will he realize he is good enough to become a hero before it's "Game Over" for the entire arcade? Rich Moore directs.
"The Man with the Iron Fists," R, 1:36, Kaahumanu 6.
On the hunt for a fabled treasure of gold, a band of warriors, assassins, and a rogue British soldier descend upon a village in feudal China, where a humble blacksmith looks to defend himself and his fellow villagers. Russell Crowe, Cung Le and Lucy Liu star. RZA directs.
"Chasing Mavericks," PG, 1:56, Kaahumanu 6.
The inspirational true story of real life surfing phenom Jay Moriarty. When 15 year old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, is not only real, but exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson to train him to survive it. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes about far more than surfing. Stars Jonny Weston, Gerard Butler and Elisabeth Shue. Michael Apted and Curtis Hanson direct.
"Argo," R, 2:00, Maui Mall Megaplex.
The Iran hostage crisis of 1979-81 was a dire turning point in modern history. Based on a "declassified true story," Director Ben Affleck handles this political thriller with intelligence, great period detail and a surprising amount of humor. The story begins as the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point and a mob takes 52 American embassy workers hostage. A CIA "exfiltration" specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have managed to slip away and find shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador. Affleck also stars with Bryan Cranston and John Goodman.
* Movie listings are subject to last-minute changes. Visit www.mauigateway.com/~rw/ movie/ for updates."
