At the Movies: ‘Captain Phillips,’ ‘The Face Reader,’ more
Tom Hanks stars in ‘Captain Phillips,’ about a ship captain’s encounter with Somali pirates. –Columbia Pictures
OPENING AS OF FRIDAY, OCT. 11
‘Captain Phillips’ 1/2
This movie about the 2009 pirate attack on the M.V. Maersk Alabama is a thrilling retelling, directed by Paul Greengrass (“United 93″). It tells the story from parallel points of view of the two hard-case captains: Phillips, a veteran no-nonsense sailor, and a Somali pirate named Muse. Tom Hanks lets himself get so deep into this ordeal that you believe the beatings, the horrific stress, the numb terror of that indentation on his forehead where the pistol barrel was pressed. The performances and Greengrass’ way with action immerse us and make “Captain Phillips” a tight, taut, edge-of-your-seat thriller even if you remember the ending. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (PG-13, 133 minutes)
‘The Face Reader’
A skillful face reader who is able to identify culprits in murder cases catches the attention of the king, who demands that he identify traitors threatening his reign. After the king unexpectedly dies, the face reader becomes involved in a huge power struggle to determine the king’s successor. At Pearlridge West 16 (South Korea; not rated, 139 minutes)
‘Inequality for All’
Filmmaker Jacob Kornbluth’s alarming documentary about Robert Reich, an economist, author and educator who was secretary of labor in President Bill Clinton’s administration, and now speaks out about the growing divide between America’s rich and poor. The film presents evidence of how stagnating wages, growing personal debt, consumer spending and the decline of manufacturing are contributing to America’s weakening economy. At Kahala 8 (PG, 86 minutes)
‘Linsanity’
Documentary about the unprecedented story of NBA star Jeremy Lin, a Harvard graduate who went undrafted in the NBA, then became the league’s first American of Chinese descent. His rise to stardom after leading a winning streak while with the New York Knicks captured the hearts of fans all over the world and sparked the global phenomenon known as “Linsanity.” At Pearlridge West 16 (PG, 88 minutes)
‘Machete Kills’ 1/2
Shot in 29 days, this film stars the always-entertaining Danny Trejo as the titular ex-Federale and “enemy of the cartels.” It’s the second movie in a series that follows the man with the giant knife on a mission on behalf of the American government. What is most fun about this film is its sense of itself. It is the most comic-booky movie you will see this year, far more so than the superhero fare that takes its own plotting entirely too seriously. Also stars Charlie Sheen, Demian Bichir, Amber Heard and Sofia Vergara, with cameos by Cuba Gooding Jr., Walt Goggins, Lady Gaga, Alexa Vega and Mel Gibson. (Joe Gross, Austin American-Statesman) (R, 108 minutes)
‘Romeo & Juliet’
Hailee Steinfeld (“True Grit”) and Douglas Booth play the star-crossed lovers in screenwriter Julian (“Downton Abbey”) Fellowes’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) At Kahala 8 and Ward Stadium 16 (PG-13, 128 minutes)
‘The Summit’
Documentary about the world’s most dangerous mountain, known as K2 or Savage Mountain, in the remote area between Pakistan and China. In August 2008, 22 climbers from international expeditions attempted to ascend to the top, but only half of them survived the trek; the other half were killed or simply vanished. At Kahala 8 (not rated, 95 minutes)
Lesley Manville, left, Hailee Steinfeld and Douglas Booth star in Julian Fellowes’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ –Relativity Media
NOW PLAYING
‘Baggage Claim’ 1/2
Paula Patton fizzes and flounces through this romantic comedy about a flight attendant who gives herself “30 days and 30 thousand miles” to find some man to “put a ring on it” before her sister’s wedding. Also stars Lauren London, Trey Songz, Adam Brody, Taye Diggs, Derek Luke and Djimon Hounsou. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (PG-13, 96 minutes)
‘Battle of the Year’
Former “Lost” actor Josh Holloway plays a onetime championship basketball coach asked to lead a “Dream Team” of break dancers at the world championships, held in France. Can he get all 12 of the nation’s best hip-hop dancers to work together to bring the trophy back to America, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in 15 years? Inspired by actual events. Also stars Josh Peck, Laz Alonso, Chris Brown and Caity Lotz. (PG-13, 109 minutes)
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2′
Inventor Flint Lockwood’s cuisine-creating weather machine has come to the attention of his idol, corporate scientist and TV science show host Chester V (Will Forte), who persuades Flint (Bill Hader) to join Chester V’s “Think-quanauts,” scientists who work in Chester V’s invention factory. With the voices of Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris and Terry Crews. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (PG, 93 minutes)
‘Don Jon’ 1/2
Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote, directed and stars in this comedy about a promiscuous online-porn addict who falls for an innocent woman (Scarlett Johansson) weaned on happily-ever-after Hollywood romances and fairy tales. Also stars Tony Danza and Julianne Moore. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) (R, 89 minutes)
‘Enough Said’
Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars for writer-director Nicole Holofcener (“Please Give,” “Walking and Talking”) as a divorced single mom who realizes the man (James Gandolfini) she has started to fall for is the ex-husband of her new best friend (Catherine Keener). (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) At Kahala 8 (PG-13, 93 minutes)
‘Grace Unplugged’
A talented 18-year-old Christian singer (AJÄ¢Michalka) heads to Los Angeles in search of superstardom, leaving behind her former rock-star father (James Denton) and the strong Christian values that have kept her well-grounded all these years. She manages to land a record deal with the help of her father’s ruthless former manager (Kevin Pollak), but how far is she willing to go? At Ward Stadium 16 (PG, 102 minutes)
‘Gravity’
Technically dazzling and emotionally gripping, “Gravity” is a space-age science fiction thriller grounded in something pretty close to reality. A space shuttle/space junk accident picture, Alfonso Cuaron’s film gives us Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, space-walkers whose ship is wrecked, forcing them to face the ultimate human fear: No one wants to die alone. There is no place lonelier than the cold, silent and airless vacuum of space. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (PG-13, 90 minutes)
‘Insidious: Chapter 2′
A young married couple seeks to uncover the childhood secret that has left the family dangerously connected to the spirit world in this sequel to the 2011 film “Insidious.” With Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Lin Shaye. (Los Angeles Times) (PG-13, 105 minutes)
‘Ip Man: The Final Fight’
Legendary wing chun grandmaster Ip Man must defend his life and honor as he is drawn into the dark underworld of rival kung fu styles. Cantonese with English subtitles. At Pearlridge West 16 (PG-13, 102 minutes)
‘On the Job’
This crime thriller by veteran Filipino director Erik Matti is based on a true scandal in the Philippines about shady politicians contracting prison inmates to carry out a series of assassinations while allowed a temporary leave from prison. In Filipino with English subtitles. At Pearlridge West 16 (not rated, 120 minutes)
‘Percy Jackson: A Sea of Monsters’ 1/2
In a film based on Rick Riordan’s best-selling book series, Percy, the son of Poseidon, and his friends go on a fantasy quest through the Sea of Monsters to find the magical Golden Fleece. (PG, 110 minutes)
‘Prisoners’
The Oscar buzz has begun for director Denis Villeneuve’s thriller about the increasingly desperate father (Hugh Jackman) of an abducted girl and the detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) scrambling to find her. Also stars Maria Bello, Paul Dano, Viola Davis and Terrence Howard. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) (R, 150 minutes)
‘Riddick’ 1/2
Vin Diesel reprises his role as the antihero/escaped convict Riddick in the latest saga after “Pitch Black” in 2000 and “The Chronicles of Riddick” in 2004. Left for dead on a scorching planet, Riddick’s only hope is to set off an emergency beacon that will send mercenaries his way. The problem is, they also want him dead. (R, 103 minutes)
‘Runner, Runner’
A broke grad student (Justin Timberlake) travels to Costa Rica to confront the online gambling tycoon (Ben Affleck) who may have conned him out of his money. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) (R, 91 minutes)
‘Rush’ 1/2
Ron Howard directs this perfectly titled film, with fast cars passing in a blur, extreme close-ups of valves, pistons, nerve-wracking gear changes and rubber meeting the road. It’s about men with the courage and lightning-quick reflexes to master all that — a thoroughly entertaining and gutsy rendition of the sexiest era in F1, the 1970s, and its greatest rivalry: the dour Austrian Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) versus the swaggering Brit, James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth). (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (R, 123 minutes)
‘The Spy’
When a Korean undercover agent is sent on a mission to Thailand after a terroristic explosion in Seoul, he spots his wife accompanied by a mysterious and attractive man and is faced with having to save his country and his marriage. At Pearlridge West 16 (not rated, 115 minutes)
‘Wedding Palace’
With his 30th birthday around the corner, Jason (Brian Tee) is pressured by his family to get married as they bring up the issue of an old family curse. He develops a cyber-relationship with the woman (Kang Hye-jung) of his dreams while on a business trip to Korea and even proposes to her, but things just aren’t the same once she arrives in Los Angeles. The comedy also stars Bobby Lee and Margaret Cho. At Pearlridge West 16 (not rated, 98 minutes)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote, directed and stars in ‘Don Jon,’ a comedy about an online-porn addict. –Relativity Media
SPECIAL
‘John Carpenter’s Halloween’
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the 1978 classic horror/slasher film about Michael Myers who, at age 6, murdered his 17-year-old sister. After spending 15 years in prison, he escapes custody en route to a court date and returns to his quiet Illinois hometown to stalk his next victims. Stars Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Loomis, P.J. Soles and Charles Cyphers. 10:30 p.m. today at Kapolei 16, Mililani Stadium 14 and Ward Stadium 16 (R, 93 minutes)
University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. UNLV Rebels football game
Live broadcast. 2 p.m. Saturday at Koko Marina 8 and Koolau Stadium 10, $12
‘National Theatre Live: Othello’
Features Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear in a new production of William Shakespeare’s play about love and jealousy. 2 p.m. Sunday at Kahala 8, $20
‘CBGB’
“Country, BlueGrass and Blues” club owner (Alan Rickman) takes a chance and welcomes punk-rock and new-wave groups such as The Ramones and Blondie into his establishment, which became New York’s epicenter for the alternative-music scene in the mid-1970s. Also stars Ashley Greene and Malin Ackerman. 8 p.m. Tuesday at Kahala 8 (R, 101 minutes)
‘Acquire the Fire Presents: Surge’
Designed for a teen audience, this interactive cinema event combines the music of award-winning Christian artists, the comedy of John Grey and inspirational messages by Ron Luce. Issues such as bullying, relationships and peer pressure are addressed, and attendees “participate” using free smartphone apps that use sound waves to create a light display that is timed to the concert playing on screen. 7 p.m. Wednesday at Kapolei 16, Koko Marina 8, Mililani Stadium 14, Pearlridge West 16 and Ward Stadium 16, $12.50 (not rated, 90 minutes)
‘Dislecksia: The Movie’
Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Harvey Hubbell V explores the world of dyslexia and the unique nature of individuals’ learning processes, with appearances by dyslexic stars Billy Bob Thornton and Joe Pantoliano, world-renowned brain scientists, researchers and advocates who join a movement in an effort to revolutionize education. 7 p.m. Thursday at Kahala 8 (not rated, 84 minutes)
Exhibition: ‘Vermeer and Music: The Art of Love and Leisure’
Experience the works of artist Johannes Vermeer, best known for his painting “Girl With a Pearl Earring,” through a special cinema event that explores his life and world-class art. (PG, 100 minutes) 7 p.m. Thursday at Kahala 8, $20 (100 minutes)
Hitchcocktober: “Vertigo”
Alfred Hitchcock’s adaptation of the French novel “D’entre les morts” about a police officer who retires after developing vertigo and a fear of heights, and is later hired as a private investigator by a friend whose wife is behaving in a strange manner. Stars James Stewart and Kim Novak. 7 p.m. Thursday at Ward Stadium 16, $7 (PG, 138 minutes)
‘Aerosmith: Rock for the Rising Sun’
While Japan was facing the aftereffects stemming from the tsunami disaster in March 2011, Aerosmith was determined to bring its Back on the Road tour to Japan to spread happiness among the people at a time of need. This concert, filmed in seven stages across Japan, includes live tracks and emotional behind-the-scenes footage that demonstrates the reciprocal love and appreciation between the band and its Japanese fans. 8 p.m. Thursday at Ward Stadium 16, $14.50 (PG, 92 minutes)
Fran Kranz plays Claudio in Joss Whedon’s version of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ –Lionsgate
ARTHOUSE
DORIS DUKE THEATRE
Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., entry on Kinau Street (532-8768, honolulumuseum.org)
The Pacific ‘Other’: A Retrospective: Presented by the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, this event features classic films depicting Hawaii and the South Pacific and includes a seminar on exoticism and cinematic portrayals of the noble savage in the South Pacific. Free. tinyurl.com/kaso5o9
‘Tabu’
3:45 p.m. Tuesday
Directors F.W. Murnau and Robert J. Flaherty team up in this silent movie filmed in Tahiti about two youths who fall in love and flee to Takapota (the girl is chosen as the “sacred maiden” who acts as an intermediary between the gods and the people), but fate catches up to them. (1931, 82 minutes)
‘Walkabout’
5:45 p.m. Tuesday
Directed by Nicolas Roeg, this drama visually showcases the sharp contrast between urban life and the natural world through great cinematography in a film about two city children stranded in the Australian outback who are led back to civilization with the help of a young Aborigine boy. (1971, Australia, 100 minutes)
‘King Kong’
8 p.m. Tuesday
Released 80 years ago, this film is ranked No. 43 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest American Movies. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. (1933, 105 minutes)
‘Hawaii’
4:30 p.m. Thursday
An adaptation of the novel by James Michener about a New England missionary couple (Max Von Sydow and Julie Andrews) in a marriage of convenience and a queen (played by Tahitian Jocelyne LaGarde, who won the Golden Globe for supporting actress) who is persuaded to overthrow traditions. Her acts result in more white men coming to the islands, corrupting a simple way of life and leaving behind disease and unhappiness. Directed by George Roy Hill. (1966, 189 minutes)
‘Matariki’
8:15 p.m. Thursday
Fast-paced drama about a rugby star who pulls into a deserted car park to intervene in a fight and is beaten. Meanwhile, a thief nicks the man’s seemingly abandoned car and unwittingly starts a chain of events that will forever change many lives. In Cantonese, English, Maori and Samoan, with English subtitles. (2010, Canada/New Zealand, 93 minutes)
MOVIE MUSEUM
3566 Harding Ave. (735-8771); $5, $4 members; reservations recommended
‘Something for Everyone’
Noon, 3:45 and 7:30 p.m. today
Rare screening of a comedy about a good-looking country boy (Michael York) who charms his way into the castle of a widowed countess (Angela Lansbury). Nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Rated R. (1970, 112 minutes)
‘The Consequences of Love’
2, 5:45 and 9:30 p.m. today
Dark comedy/mystery about a man inspired to break free from the Mafia after he falls for a barmaid who works at the Swiss hotel where he’s been staying for the last eight years. Winner of five David di Donatello awards. For ages 15 and older. (2004, Italy, 100 minutes)
‘Much Ado About Nothing’
12:30, 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 and 8:45 p.m. Monday
Joss Whedon directs this comedy, filmed in black and white and based on Shakespeare’s play, about two couples in love, finding one pair constantly sparring and the other cuddling and cooing. Rated PG-13. (2012, 109 minutes)
‘Cyborg She’ (‘Boku no kanojo wa saibogu’)
2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Touching romantic comedy about a nerdy college student who becomes entangled in an exhilarating love affair after he meets a beautiful and mysterious girl from the future. In Japanese with English subtitles. (2008, Japan, 115 minutes)
‘Behind the Candelabra’
Noon, 2:15, 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. Sunday and 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Monday
Biographical drama about the tempestuous relationship between Liberace (Michael Douglas) and his young lover Scott Thorson (Matt Damon). This film, based on Thorson’s book, also stars Steven Soderbergh, Scott Bakula, Debbie Reynolds and Rob Lowe. Winner of four awards, including three Emmys. For ages 17 and older. (2013, 118 minutes)
‘Eyes Without a Face’ (aka ‘Les Yeux Sans Visage’)
9 p.m. Sunday
In this poetic French horror film, a demented surgeon restores his daughter’s face using the flesh of other young women. For ages 15 and older. (1960, France/Italy, 90 minutes)
‘Dracula’ (also known as ‘Horror of Dracula’)
Noon, 4:30 and 9 p.m. Thursday
This restored, color-corrected version from BEI/Hammer Films includes lost and censored footage and will be shown in its original aspect ratio of 1.66-to-1. (1958, UK, 82 minutes)
‘I Vampiri’
1:30 and 6 p.m. Thursday
In this Italian horror film, the first of its kind, a reporter investigates a possible connection between blood-drained women floating in the Seine River and the Duchess Margherita du Grand and her niece Giselle. Uncut and restored with English subtitles. For ages 12 and older. (1956, Italy, 78 minutes)
‘The Mask of Satan’ (also known as ‘Black Sunday’)
3 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday
In this original, uncut American version once deemed too terrifying by producers, a beautiful witch destroyed by family members returns and seeks revenge — 200 years later. For ages 12 and older. (1960, Italy, 87 minutes)
MONDAY MOVIE CAFE
Cupola Theater, Honolulu Design Center, second floor, 1250 Kapiolani Blvd. (436-4326); $10, $5 students
‘Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare’
7 p.m. Monday, followed by a discussion on Hawaii’s health care with Dr. Elizabeth Chen Christenson.
Director Matthew Heineman explores the increase in America’s health care costs and a movement aimed at instituting innovative low-cost methods of prevention and healing. (2013, 92 minutes)
KOREAN FILM SERIES
Center for Korean Studies’ Fall 2013 Film Series, “Two Koreas, Shattered Lives,” 1881 East-West Road, UH-Manoa. (956-7041); free.
‘Dear Pyongyang’
6:30 p.m. Tuesday
Documentary follows the family of Yang Yong-hi, whose father leads a pro-North movement in Japan and sends her brothers to the North as part of a repatriation program. Through conversations with her father and visits to Pyongyang, she documents the consequences of separating the family. Winner of Sundance’s Special Jury Prize and the International Film Festival’s Nedpac Award in 2006. (2005, 107 minutes)
EAST-WEST CENTER
In conjunction with the “Bollywood & Beyond: Costume in Indian Film” exhibition at East-West Center Gallery, John A. Burns Hall, 1601 East-West Road (corner of Dole Street and East-West Road). 944-7177, arts.eastwestcenter.org. Free.
‘Two Acres of Land’
1-4 p.m. Sunday
A man tries to protect his land from the local landlord. Directed by acclaimed Indian film director Bimal Roy. (1953, India, 131 minutes)