These are Maui Scene's mini-reviews, excerpts of wire service reviews and previews provided by studios and other sources.
Opened Wednesday
"Monsters, Inc. 3D" G, 1:35, Maui Mall Megaplex.
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Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann reprise their “Knocked Up” roles of Pete and Debbie as they continue the ups and downs of marriage in “This is 40,” opening Friday at Maui Mall Megaplex.
Monsters generate their city's power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted.
"The Guilt Trip" PG-13, 1:35, Kaahumanu 6.
Seth Rogen plays inventor Andy Brewster, who is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime. A quick stop at his mom's (Barbra Streisand) house turns into an unexpected cross-country voyage with her along for the ride.
Opening Friday
"Jack Reacher" PG-13, 2:10, Maui Mall Megaplex, Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center.
The Usual Suspects' Christopher McQuarrie brings Lee Child's Jack Reacher character to the big screen with this film starring Tom Cruise as the lone-wolf investigator on the hunt for a murderous sniper. Robert Duvall, Richard Jenkins, Rosamund Pike, and director Werner Herzog co-star.
"Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D" NR, 1:31, Maui Mall Megaplex.
A young couple who is separated must journey through the astonishing and dreamlike worlds of Cirque du Soleil to find each other, as audiences experience the immersive 3D technology that will allow them to leap, soar, swim, and dance with the performers.
"This is 40" R, 2:14, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Five years after writer/director Judd Apatow introduced us to Pete and Debbie in "Knocked Up," Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann reprise their roles as a husband and wife both approaching a milestone meltdown in this unfiltered, comedic look inside the life of an American family.
Opening Tuesday
"Parental Guidance" PG, 1:40, Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center, Kaahumanu 6.
Artie and Diane agree to look after their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents need to leave town for work. Problems arise when the kids' 21st-century behaviors collide with Artie and Diane's old-school methods.
"Silver Linings Playbook" R, 2:02, Maui Mall Megaplex.
After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.
"Django Unchained" R, 2:02, Maui Mall Megaplex.
A former slave and a German bounty hunter become unlikely allies in the battle against a tyrannical plantation owner in this Western from visionary director Quentin Tarantino. The all-star Hollywood cast features Jaime Foxx, Christoper Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson.
"Les Miserables" R, 2:02, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Bille August directs this Rafael Yglesias adaptation of the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo. In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.
*****
Still Playing
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" PG-13, 2:49, Kaahumanu 6 and Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center.
Director Peter Jackson takes you on an edge-of-your-seat journey in this adventure fantasy that lasts for almost three hours. A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug. Jackson's choice to shoot his epic three-part J.R.R. Tolkien prequel in the format that boosts the number of 48 frames per second to the 24 frames per second standard has some unusual consequences.
"Playing For Keeps" PG-13, 1:46, closes tonight at Maui Mall Megaplex.
Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel and Dennis Quaid star in this romantic comedy about a former sports star who has fallen on hard times. He coaches his son's soccer team to get his life together, yet all of his attempts to become an adult are met with challenges from the many attracitive soccer moms who pursue him at every turn. Directed by Gabriele Muccino.
"Hitchcock" PG-13, 1:38, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Stars Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren and Scarlett Johansson. The story of influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of the movie, "Psycho" in 1959. The biography drama was directed by Sacha Gervasi.
"Killing Them Softly" R, 1:37, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Brad Pitt and Ray Liota star with Richard Jenkins in this crime drama thriller. Todd McCarthy of the Hollywood Reporter pens that "the film is terribly smart in every respect, with ne'er-a-false note in its performances and superb craft work from top to bottom. Writer Kevin Jagermauth of The Playlist says that it's "Uncompromising and uncommercial, divisive and brave," that "Killing Them Softly" bitterly boils at the nation.
"Rise of the Guardians," PG, 1:49, Maui Mall Megaplex, closes tonight at 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.
"Life of Pi," PG, 2:07, Maui Mall Megaplex.
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.
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2," PG-13, 1:55, Maui Mall Megaplex and closes tonight at 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. 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.
"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, closes Monday at Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center and Kaahumanu 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.
"Argo," R, 2:00, closes tonight at Maui Mall Megaplex.
The Iranian 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. Affleck stars, alongside Bryan Cranston and John Goodman.
* Movie listings are subject to last-minute changes. For updates, visit www.mauigateway.com/~rw/ movie/.
