At the Movies: ‘Carrie,’ ‘Escape Plan’ and more
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, in ‘The Fifth Estate,’ a film based on Assange’s actions. –Touchstone
For reviews of movies opening this weekend, see the Today section.
OPENS TODAY
‘Carrie’ 1/2
Far from a mindless monster flick about a kid with supernatural powers, this is a movie that mines the horror of real life, from dysfunctional families to cyberbullies. Director Kimberly Peirce shines such a harsh spotlight on the twisted love between the religious zealot mother (Julianne Moore) and her misfit daughter, Carrie (Chloe Grace Moretz), that the rest of Carrie’s connections to the world seem an afterthought. Home is the real horror here. (Karen D’Souza, San Jose Mercury News) (R, 99 minutes)
‘Escape Plan’
“Escape Plan” is a vintage prison escape movie in the classic Sly Stallone and/or Arnold Schwarzenegger mold. They’re both in it, both locked up in a super-secure, “secret” private prison, and both looking for a way out — Sly as prison-break expert Ray Breslin, who’s sucked into the prison’s maw unexpectedly, and Ah-nold as Teutonic terror Rottmayer, who bonds with Ray inside. Sly takes a few beatings and hunts for that one epic brawl with a bad guy, a guard played by Vinnie Jones. Schwarzenegger finally speaks his native German in a Hollywood film in a long, deranged rant, and tracks down the biggest gun available. And there you have it: Sly or Arnold in their heyday, in a nutshell. It’s undemanding, but the tempered violence, easy bonhomie of the leads and a cast peppered with great supporting players make “Escape Plan” go down easy. Also stars Jim Caviezel, Vincent D’Onofrio and Vinnie Jones. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (R, 116 minutes)
‘The Fifth Estate’
As the world doesn’t seem to have quite made up its mind about Julian Assange, it seems fitting that the new film about him and the rise of Wikileaks has an ambivalence about it as well. “The Fifth Estate” takes us inside the hackers’ milieu, the personalities and news stories that blew up thanks to Wikileaks. It visits the very real consequences of Assange’s actions. But it never gets inside the man, what drives him, what justifies the arrogant self-righteousness that he built his worldview upon. Stars Daniel Bruhl, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Thewlis and Carice Van Houten. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (R, 128 minutes)
‘Tough as Iron’
A Busan street fighter cleans up his life to care for his sick mother but gets caught up in the criminal underworld after witnessing two Busan gangsters staging the death of a Yakuza mobster. At Pearlridge West 16 (not rated, 108 minutes)
‘Wadjda’
For a film that’s as simple and sweet as a child’s kiss, “Wadjda” is revolutionary. It’s believed to be the first movie shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and the first film made by a woman in a nation where movie theaters are banned and sexual segregation is the norm, and is now Saudi Arabia’s first film submission for Oscar consideration — a testament to director Haifaa Al-Mansour’s determination. “Wadjda” (pronounced Waj-da) is also very good — a heartfelt, touching peek into the day-to-day life of a girl so determined to buy a bike that she enters a contest measuring knowledge of the Quran, aiming for the cash prize. (Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) At Kahala 8 (PG, 97 minutes)
Characters voiced by Anna Faris, left, and Bill Hader return in ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.’ –Sony Pictures Animation
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.. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) At Pearl Highlands Stadium 12 (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? Inspired by actual events. Also stars Josh Peck, Laz Alonso, Chris Brown and Caity Lotz. (PG-13, 109 minutes)
‘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. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (PG-13, 133 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. It’s nominally a love triangle between a woman, a man and his laptop, but the movie is much more thoughtful and substantial than that, subverting traditional rom-com formulas with humor and an uncommonly frank depiction of a man’s skewed psyche. Also stars Tony Danza and Julianne Moore. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) (R, 89 minutes)
‘Enough Said’
Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars 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). Director NIcole Holofcener (“Please Give”) infuses the romantic comedy with genuine emotion, as well as her refreshing, wise brand of adult humor. (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald) (PG-13, 93 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)
‘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. (Roger Moore, McClatchy Newspapers) (PG-13, 90 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, presenting 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)
‘Insidious: Chapter 2′
A young married couple seeks to uncover a 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)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, right, stars as a single mom in James Gandolfini’s last film, ‘Enough Said.’ –Fox Searchlight Pictures
‘Linsanity’
Daniel Dae Kim narrates this 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 player 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. It is the most comic-booky movie you will see this year, far more so than superhero fare that takes its own plotting entirely too seriously. With Charlie Sheen, Demian Bichir, Amber Heard and Sofia Vergara, and cameos by Cuba Gooding Jr., Walt Goggins, Lady Gaga, Alexa Vega and Mel Gibson. (Joe Gross, Austin American-Statesman) (R, 108 minutes)
‘On the Job’
This crime thriller by veteran Filipino director Erik Matti, based on a true scandal in the Philippines, is 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)
‘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) (PG-13, 128 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 Formula 1 racing, 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 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)
‘The Spy’
When a Korean undercover agent is sent on a mission to Thailand after a terrorist 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 of his dreams (Kang Hye-jung) 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. (not rated, 98 minutes)
SPECIAL
‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’
Masked killer Michael Myers escapes from the mental hospital once again and is determined to kill his niece (Danielle Harris). Donald Pleasence returns as Dr. Loomis. Originally released in 1988. 10:30 p.m. today at Kapolei 16, Mililani Stadium 14 and Ward Stadium 16 (R, 88 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) 2 p.m. Sunday at Kahala 8, $20 (100 minutes)
Hana Hou Picture Show: ‘Beetlejuice’
Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis star as a ghost couple that hires a “bio-exorcist,” played by Michael Keaton, to spook the new and obnoxious residents of their once-charming New England home. Directed by Tim Burton. 7 and 10 p.m. Wednesday at Ward Stadium 16, $10 (PG, 92 minutes)
‘Merrily We Roll Along’
One-night cinema event features the acclaimed revival of a Stephen Sondheim story about three friends in the entertainment business and their relationship spanning three decades. Includes backstage behind-the-scenes and cast interviews. 7 p.m. Wednesday at Dole Cannery 18, $15 (not rated, 180 minutes)
‘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. Wednesday at Kahala 8 (R, 101 minutes)
‘National Theatre Live: Macbeth’
Manchester International Festival’s electrifying production of Shakespeare’s play starring Kenneth Branagh as the Scottish king and Alex Kingston as Lady Macbeth. 7 p.m. Thursday at Kahala 8, $20
Hitchcocktober: ‘Rear Window’
Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed 1954 film stars Jimmy Stewart as a photojournalist who is in a wheelchair after breaking a leg. To help pass time in his stuffy apartment, he spies on neighbors using binoculars and becomes convinced that a murder has taken place. Also stars Grace Kelly and Wendell Correy. 7 p.m. Thursday at Ward Stadium 16, $7 (PG, 112 minutes)
‘RiffTrax Live: Night of the Living Dead’
Join the stars of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett) as they provide wisecracking commentary on the popular zombie flick in a tape-delayed cinema event taking place across the nation. 8 p.m. Thursday at Dole Cannery 18, $12.50 (not rated, 120 minutes)
Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance Trilogy at Doris Duke Theatre includes ‘Oldboy,’ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. –Courtesy photo
ARTHOUSE
DORIS DUKE THEATRE
Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., entry on Kinau Street (532-8768, honolulumuseum.org)
Friends of Film Friday: ‘Opera Jawa’
Today. Reception at 6 p.m., followed by screening at 7:30 p.m. $15, $12 for members
Cross-cultural musical about a married couple — former Ramayana dancers who once made a living by re-enacting “The Abduction of Sita” — who find their real-life relationship is following the same dark fate as their fictional counterparts. In Indonesian with English subtitles. (2008, Indonesia/Austria, 120 minutes)
Family Film Sunday: ‘Shiver and Shake’
11:10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday (held in conjunction with Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday). $3, $1 for ages 13 and under.
International shorts, for ages 9 and older. (64 minutes)
The Pacific ‘Other’: A Retrospective: Presented by the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
Free. tinyurl.com/kaso5o9
Panel discussion:
2:30 p.m. Saturday
Addressing stereotypes like the “noble savage” and films in the HIFF series, with University of Hawaii-Manoa professor and filmmaker Vilsoni Hereniko, New Zealand scholar Selina Tusitala Marsh, Los Angeles-based filmmaker Arthur Dong, Hawaii Pacific University professor Houston Wood and UH-Manoa assistant professor Alice Somerville.
‘Diamond Head’
4:30 p.m. Saturday
Charlton Heston stars as the head of a WASP agricultural dynasty who aims to ruin the marriage of his beautiful sister (Yvette Mimieux) to a Hawaiian boy (James Darren) but reaches a crossroads when he’s faced with changing his beliefs or watching his dynasty crumble. (1963, 107 minutes)
‘Rabbit Proof Fence’
7:30 p.m. Saturday
Director Philip Noyce sheds light on Australia’s practice of placing Aboriginal children in settlement camps, where they are raised as “white,” with the story of three half-caste girls who make a daring escape and set off on a journey back home. (2002, Australia, 94 minutes)
‘The Castaway Cowboy’
2 p.m. Sunday
A Texas cowboy visiting San Francisco in the 1850s finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and is captured, but he escapes and washes ashore in Hawaii. (1974, 91 minutes)
‘Bird of Paradise’
4:30 p.m. Sunday
King Vidor’s film about a young sailor who falls in love with a chief’s daughter (who happens to be promised to a native prince). (1932, 80 minutes)
’50 First Dates’
6:30 p.m. Sunday
Henry (Adam Sandler) meets Lucy (Drew Barrymore), who suffers from short-term memory loss, and finds imaginative ways to win the girl of his dreams over and over again. Also stars Rob Schneider. (2004, 99 minutes)
Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance Trilogy
In Korean with English subtitles. $10, $8 members
» ‘Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance’: 1 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 p.m. Thursday
A deaf mute turns to black-market organ dealers to help his sister get a kidney transplant. After they rip him off, he kidnaps his former boss’s daughter for ransom. (2002, Korea, 129 minutes)
» ‘Oldboy’: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
After being locked up behind bars for 15 years for reasons unknown, a seemingly ordinary businessman seeking revenge against his captors escapes from prison by digging an escape tunnel with a pair of chopsticks when he learns his wife has been killed. (2003, Korea, 120 minutes)
» ‘Lady Vengeance’: 1 p.m. Thursday
A woman aims to clear her name and get revenge on the man responsible for her being jailed for 13 years after confessing under duress to kidnapping and killing a young boy. (2005, Korea, 112 minutes)
MOVIE MUSEUM
3566 Harding Ave. (735-8771); $5, $4 members
‘Head Against the Wall’ (‘La tete contre les murs’)
2, 5:30 and 9 p.m. today; and 1:45 and 5:15 p.m. Monday
Psychological thriller about a father who conjures up a false medical report to have his troublesome son committed to a mental hospital. For ages 12 and older. French with English subtitles. (1959, France, 95 minutes)
‘Judex’
3:45 and 7:15 p.m. today
Director Georges Franju pays homage to silent-serial director Louis Feuillade’s caped avenger Judex (Channing Pollock) in this rare film, remastered from 35 mm format. For ages 12 and older. French with English subtitles. (1963, France/Italy, 94 minutes)
‘Pacific Rim’
Noon, 2:15, 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Fantasy film director Guillermo del Toro adds his magic touch to this giant-monster movie that finds gigantic robots battling enormous sea beasts. Rated PG-13. (2013, 131 minutes)
‘Island of Terror’
4:30 p.m. Saturday and noon and 6:45 p.m. Thursday
Hideous bone-dissolving creatures are multiplying as they leave behind jellylike corpses. Two scientists must act quickly to find the cause. Uncensored European version. Rated PG. (1966, United Kingdom, 89 minutes)
‘The Mask of Satan’ (‘Black Sunday’)
Noon and 4:30 p.m. Sunday
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)
‘Caltiki the Undying Monster’
1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, and 1:45 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday
The English-language version of the restored and uncut Italian “Blob” film. For ages 12 and older. (1959, Italy/U.S., 76 minutes)
‘Dracula’ (‘Horror of Dracula’)
3 and 6 p.m. Sunday
This restored, color-corrected version from BEI/Hammer Films includes lost and censored footage. (1958, U.K., 82 minutes)
‘Head Above Water’ (‘Hodet over vannet’)
Noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Monday
A dark comedy of errors involving a pretty wife, jealous husband, overly helpful neighbor and dead body. For ages 15 and older. Norwegian with English subtitles. (1993, Sweden/Norway, 97 minutes)
‘A Hijacking’ (‘Kapringen’)
3:15 and 5 p.m. Thursday
The thriller focuses on a hostage aboard a cargo ship hijacked by Somalian pirates in the Indian Ocean. Rated R. (2012, Denmark, 103 minutes)
MONDAY MOVIE CAFE
Cupola Theatre, Honolulu Design Center, second floor, 1250 Kapiolani Blvd. (436-4326); $10, $5 students
‘Kochuu’
7 p.m. Monday
Jesper Wachtmeister directs this film about contemporary Japanese architecture and its relation to Japanese traditions. (2003, Japan, 52 minutes)
OTHER
“Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle” film series: ‘The Loving Story’
1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Kapolei Public Library. Discussion follows with Ann Rayson, UH-Manoa professor emerita of African-American and ethnic literature. Free. 693-7050
Richard and Mildred Loving were arrested in 1958 for violating Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage, a struggle that culminated with a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1967 that overturned anti-miscegenation laws in the United States.
‘Seeds of Hope: Na Kupu Mana’olana’
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Punahou School’s Thurston Memorial Chapel. Talk story with like-minded organizations at 5:45 p.m.; audience discussion follows. Free. 945-1352, seedsofhopethemovie.org
Danny Miller’s 2012 documentary focuses on how farmers, educators and scientists are re-establishing local and traditional agriculture in Hawaii.