At the Movies: ‘The Conjuring,’ ‘R.I.P.D’ and more
In ‘R.I.P.D.,’ Ryan Reynolds, right, is a recently departed detective who joins the ‘undead’ veteran sheriff played by Jeff Bridges to uncover a potentially apocalyptic plot. –Universal Pictures
OPENS TODAY
‘The Conjuring’ 1/2
Drawn from an actual event, “The Conjuring” tells the tale of a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse, and the paranormal investigators who come to their aid. (R, 111 minutes)
‘R.I.P.D.’ Not reviewed
Jeff Bridges plays veteran sheriff and “undead” R.I.P.D. member Roy Pulsifer, who tracks monstrous spirits disguised as ordinary people. Joined by recently departed detective Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds), the partners team up to uncover a plot that could end life as we know it. (PG-13, 96 minutes)
‘Red 2′ 1/2
In this sequel, retired CIA agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) reunites a team of operatives for a mission that includes dodging assassins in Paris, London and Moscow. Also starring Mary-Louise Parker, John Malkovich, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Lee Byung-hun and Catherine Zeta Jones. (PG-13, 116 minutes)
Ryan Gosling plays a drug kingpin with a cop on his trail in ‘Only God Forgives.’ –Radius-TWC
LIMITED RELEASE
‘Fill the Void’
In Tel Aviv, an Orthodox Hasidic family loses one daughter in childbirth just as another prepares for an arranged, but welcome marriage. When the mother proposes that the younger daughter marry her sister’s widower, the younger daughter must make a choice. At Kahala 8 (PG, 90 minutes)
‘Girl Most Likely’
Kristen Wiig stars as a failed New York playwright who makes the move back home to New Jersey with her eccentric mother and younger brother (Annette Bening and Christopher Fitzgerald), where a strange man (Darren Criss) is sleeping in her old bedroom and an even stranger dude (Matt Dillon) is sleeping in her mother’s bed. At Kahala 8 (PG-13, 102 minutes)
‘Only God Forgives’
Ryan Gosling, teaming up again with “Drive” director Nicolas Winding Refn, plays a Bangkok drug kingpin seeking to avenge his brother’s death as a mysterious policeman follows his every move. At Kahala 8 (R, 90 minutes)
‘The Rooftop’
Gao and his friends live on city rooftops, singing all day and dancing all night — and then he meets dream girl Sian, and fate takes him on a thrilling, romantic ride. Starring and directed by Jay Chou (“The Green Hornet”); in Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles. At Pearlridge West (Not rated, 120 minutes)
‘Secretly, Greatly’
This South Korean box-office smash is a comedy-drama about North Korean spies who infiltrate a village impersonating a fool, a rocker and a high school student — until devastating orders arrive from the North. At Pearlridge West (South Korea, not rated, 123 minutes)
’20 Feet from Stardom’
A documentary about the lives and dreams of a select group of backup singers whose crucial vocalizing lies just beyond the spotlight. At Kahala 8 (PG-13, 91 minutes)
‘Unfinished Song’
A grumpy pensioner honors his recently deceased wife’s passion for performing by joining the unconventional local choir to which she used to belong. Terence Stamp, Vanessa Redgrave and Gemma Arterton star. At Kahala 8 (PG-13, 93 minutes)
Most of the cast from ‘Grown Ups’ has returned for the sequel, ‘Grown Ups 2.’ –Columbia Pictures
NOW PLAYING
‘Despicable Me 2′
Steve Carell returns to voice the once-dastardly mastermind Gru, who is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super-criminal. The brilliantly animated sequel leans more on the humor than the heart, especially with a much-expanded role for the jabbering yellow Minions. The characters are pure silliness and that works beautifully. (Rick Bentley, Fresno Bee) (PG, 98 minutes)
‘The East’ 1/2
An operative for an elite private intelligence firm finds her priorities changing dramatically after she is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations. Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard and Ellen Page star in this thriller co-written by Marling that is a dizzying cat-and-mouse game with all sorts of moral implications. (Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times) (PG-13, 116 minutes)
‘Four Sisters and a Wedding’
In this Filipino drama, a group of sisters reunites to dissuade their younger brother from marrying his fiancee. As they interact, they face long-buried feelings and issues. (NR, 120 minutes)
‘Grown Ups 2′ Zero stars
The sequel to the popular buddy comedy of 2010 shows that Lenny (Adam Sandler) has relocated his family back to the small town where he and his friends — with growing kids of their own — grew up. Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade reprise their roles. (PG-13, 101 minutes)
‘The Heat’
An uptight FBI special agent is paired with a testy Boston cop to take down a ruthless drug lord. The movie relies on the tart chemistry shared by Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, and they and the largely game cast of supporting players riff on all sorts of ridiculousness. (Preston Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) (R, 117 minutes)
‘Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain’
Filmed during a sold-out stint at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hart throws jokes like he’s working a speed bag. Blending an elastic voice with a gift for visual mimicry, he evokes predecessors like Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock while setting himself apart. (Preston Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) (R, 75 minutes)
‘The Lone Ranger’
A Native American warrior recounts the untold tales that transformed a man of the law into a legend of justice. Gore Verbinski’s film is an overlong array of noisy, digitally assisted chases, shootouts, crashes and explosions, with the occasional flash of homage to the “real” Lone Ranger that suggests a better movie than the pricey, jumbled compromise Verbinski delivered here. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (PG-13, 149 minutes)
‘Man of Steel’
Another retelling of the Superman story, this time by director Zack Snyder with a cast starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon. A young journalist (Cavill) confronts his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race. The attempt to put the iconic superhero back into flight falls flat; Snyder’s joyless film has nothing soaring about it. (Jake Coyle, Associated Press) (PG-13, 143 minutes)
‘Monsters University’ 1/2
Mike and Sulley return in this prequel to “Monsters, Inc.,” looking back on their college days when they weren’t necessarily the best of friends. This Pixar feature is far more conventional, and not nearly as witty or clever as the original. The 3-D animation takes the art form to a new level, a few sentimental moments connect and the climax is a humdinger. But with the bar set so high by the first film, this can’t help but feel like a letdown. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (G, 110 minutes)
‘Pacific Rim’
The latest film from sci-fi/fantasy enthusiast Guillermo del Toro takes place as a war between humans and monstrous sea creatures wages on. A former pilot and a trainee are paired to drive a seemingly obsolete giant robot in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse. (PG-13, 131 minutes)
‘This is the End’
Six actor friends find themselves trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson star in this often hilarious and generally irreverent comedy about the Biblical apocalypse as seen through the windows of a movie star’s mansion. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (R, 107 minutes)
‘Turbo’ 1/2
A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream by winning the Indy 500. The latest feature from Dreamworks Animation stars the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Snoop Dogg, Maya Rudolph, Michelle Rodriguez and Samuel L. Jackson. (PG, 96 minutes)
‘White House Down’
While on a tour of the White House with his young daughter, a Capitol policeman springs into action to save his child and protect the president from a heavily armed group of paramilitary invaders. Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx star in this staggeringly implausible, cartoonishly comical and refreshingly dumb movie from director Roland Emmerich. (PG-13, 137 minutes)
‘World War Z’
A United Nations employee traverses the world in a race against time to stop the zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself. Brad Pitt stars in this big summer movie directed by Marc Forster that is actually scary — and not just scary, but relentless, because the zombies are strong and they run, determined in their attack. Structured as a succession of disasters, the movie is almost punishing to watch. It’s nerve-wracking and just keeps coming. (Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle) (PG-13, 116 minutes)
‘The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawaii’
Ryan Kawamoto’s documentary about the little-known story of the Hawaii internees and the confinement sites in the islands. (R, 100 minutes)
Humans employ robots to protect the earth from sea monsters in ‘Pacific Rim.’ –Warner Bros.
FOR THE KIDS
Keiki Film Hui: Disney’s ‘Oceans’
10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; Kapolei 16, Koko Marina 8, Koolau Stadium 8, Mililani Stadium 14, Pearlridge West 16 and Ward Stadium 16, $1
Summer Movie Express: ‘African Cats’ and ‘Chimpanzee’
10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Windward Stadium 10, $1
SPECIAL
‘Born to Royalty’
2 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday at Kahala 8, $20
Narrated by Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”), the film shows how heirs to the U.K. throne are prepped for their role. Includes interviews with experts and onlookers, including royal biographer Ingrid Seward and Ken Wharfe (Princess Diana’s bodyguard). (Not rated, feature-length)
The Best of Bolshoi: ‘La Bayadere’
2 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kahala 8, $20
This relatively unknown ballet by Marius Petipa, set in royal India, tells of the impossible love between noble warrior Solor and temple dancer Nikiya, who is also loved by the High Brahmin. The celebrated “Kingdom of the Shades” scene is considered one of the first examples of abstract ballet. At 2 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Kahala 8
‘Springsteen and I’
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dole Cannery Stadium 18, $15
A crowd-sourced film collecting the video impressions of Boss fans worldwide, from producer Ridley Scott and the makers of “Life in a Day.” (NR, 105 minutes)
Hana Hou Picture Show: ‘Fight Club’
7 and 10 p.m. Wednesday at Ward Stadium 16; $10
A yuppie officer worker (Edward Norton) joins a soapmaker (Brad Pitt) to form an underground fight club, seeking to feel free and alive, in this darkly comic cult film. (1999, R, 139 minutes)
Jordy Smith surfed in Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island, France, while filming for ‘Bending Colours.’ –Courtesy photo
ARTHOUSE
DORIS DUKE THEATRE
Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., entry on Kinau Street (532-8768); $10, $8 museum members (tickets also available online at www.honolulumuseum.org)
Sixth annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival: ‘Isolated’ with short ‘Water Warriors’
7:30 p.m. today
A documentary about world-class surfers who travel to remote Papua New Guinea in search of undiscovered waves and end up finding more than they bargained for. Paired with a short about a bunch of girls who charge into a surf break like Amazons going to battle. (2012, 91 minutes total)
‘Bending Colours’ + ‘Here and Now’
1 p.m. today
A double bill pairing a candid look at world-class surfer Jordy Smith from South Africa with the attempt of more than 25 filmmakers and surfers to document the sport in a single 24-hour period. (2012, 81 minutes total)
‘Waverider’ with short ‘Doze’
1 p.m. Saturday
A profile of Fijian boatman and surfer Isei Tokovou, who won the wild-card entry to the 2012 Volcom Fiji Pro contest, and a short about a Moldavian teenager who discovers surfing in Portugal. (2012, 80 minutes total)
‘Signal Hill Speed Run’
4 p.m. Saturday
Narrated by Ben Harper, this film chronicles the birth of the world’s first skateboard race and explores how other 1970s extreme sports influenced its development. Special guest Michelle McNeil, one of the first women to race at Signal Hill, will introduce the film and lead a post-screening question-and-answer session along with local downhill skater Kenny Bergstrom. (2012, 90 minutes)
‘Boardroom: Legends of Surfboard Shaping’
4 p.m. Sunday
This multiple award winner traces the history of surfboard building with an all-star cast of artisans. (2012, 84 minutes)
‘North of the Sun’ + ‘El Mar Mi Alma’
7:30 p.m. Sunday
Surfers Inge Wegge and Jorn Ranum went to extremes to surf waves off the remote coast of northern Norway, as documented in “North of the Sun.” In “El Mar Mi Alma,” Hawaii-based cinematographer Dave Homcy and director Stephen Jones deliver an ode to Chile, its people and its ocean. (2012, Norway; 2011, Australia, 101 minutes total)
‘Zero to 100′ + ‘Party Mix’
7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Charting the rise of 2012 U.S. Open winner Lakey Peterson, in a film directed by Aaron Lieber, and a short directed by Hayley Gordon that goes on the road from San Diego to British Columbia. (2012, 69 minutes total)
‘Groundswell’ + ‘Stand’
1 p.m. Wednesday
Two films make their cases against a proposed pipeline tanker route that would transport tar-sands oil through Canada at great environmental and aboriginal cultural risk. (2012, 68 minutes total)
‘The Heart and the Sea’
7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Australian director Nathan Oldfield’s meditation on the joys of surfing, filmed in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, France and Spain. (2012, Australia, 85 minutes)
MOVIE MUSEUM
3566 Harding Ave. (735-8771); $5, $4 members; reservations recommended
‘Shun Li and the Poet’
Noon, 3:30, 5:15 and 8:45 p.m. today; 2:15 and 6 p.m. Monday
A Chinese woman and a fisherman from the former Yugoslavia become friends in Italy. (2011, Italy/France, 98 minutes)
‘Beyond’
1:45 and 7 p.m. today
A 1970s-set drama starring Noomi (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) and then-husband Ola Rapace, as a young woman navigates the fallout of her family’s alcohol abuse. (2010, Sweden/Denmark/France, 99 minutes)
’42′
Noon, 4:30, 6:45 and 9 p.m. Saturday
The hit film dramatizing Jackie Robinson’s life and his path to become baseball’s first black major-league player. With Harrison Ford. (2013, 128 minutes)
‘Kokowaah’
2:15 Saturday
A comedy following a playboy who discovers that he’s fathered a charming daughter. (2011, Germany, 123 minutes)
‘Down the Shore’
Noon, 3:45 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
A secret from the past comes back to haunt three friends on the Jersey Shore. Starring James Gandolfini, Famke Janssen and John Magaro. (2011, 93 minutes)
‘La Buena Vida’
1:45 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday; 12:15, 4 and 7:45 p.m. Monday
A psychologist, hairdresser, musician and young woman at loose ends seek “the good life” in Santiago. (2008, Chile/Argentina/Spain/UK/France, 98 minutes)
KIDS FIRST! FILM FESTIVAL
University of Hawaii-Manoa Art Auditorium; free
‘That’s Life’
3 p.m. Sunday
A collection of shorts from the U.S., India and Canada, many award-winning, in the final installment of this project of the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, appropriate for youth ages 10 and up. (78 minutes)
MONDAY MOVIE CAFE
TheVenue, 1146 Bethel St. (436-4326); $10, $5 students
‘Searching for Sugar Man’
7 p.m. Monday
Singer/songwriter Rodriguez made his first album in 1968 with producers who compared him to Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan, but it flopped, and the artist sank to obscurity — except in South Africa, where the bootlegged album and rumors of his fate both circulated widely. Decades later, a pair of fans went looking for him and discovered his story, which became this creative film. It won this year’s Oscar for best documentary feature. (2006, 85 minutes)