“Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 3D” (PG) *** It suddenly occurred to me why I was enjoying this film more than “human” movies with a similar amount of special effects crammed into them. Unrestrained by the demands of minimal reality,…
Mike at the Movies
Mike at the Movies
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“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (PG-13) **** There are movies you see in which, as soon as the opening rolls, you can relax, knowing that you’re in the hands of professionals who will not let you down. Such is the…
Mike at the Movies
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“Marvel’s The Avengers” (PG-13) ★★★★ For a film that has been so much anticipated for so long, this could have been a disappointment, but it is not. Far from being a disappointment, this film transcends the genre of Super Hero…
Mike at the Movies
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“Five-Year Engagement” (R) ★★★★ Finally, a romantic comedy with everything: two stars at the top of their game with engaging chemistry between them and a supporting cast of astounding solidity, plus a daffy, sparkling and surprising script. Jason Segel, who…
Mike at the Movies
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“Cabin in the Woods” (R) *** This is a peculiar film that may have more puzzles than you want to answer. That it is virtuoso horror material is a given. There is more blood and gore per square foot than…
Mike at the Movies
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“The Hunger Games” (PG-13) ★★★ I have not read the novels so this will contain no comparisons. This is strictly a film review. All the hoopla has produced predicted massive crowds and those who loved the novels will probably love…
Mike at the Movies
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“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (PG) *** Danny DeVito leads an all-star cast of voicers as The Lorax in this adaptation of a Seuss classic. It appeared in 1971 when its pro-environment message was a bit fresher, perhaps, but those who…
Mike at the Movies: Oscar Special
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Oscar time, and that means admitting favorites from the year past. Not all of my favorites made the cut. I would have picked “50/50” if it had been nominated and still think it is the most moving film I have…
Mike at the Movies
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Star Wars- Episode 1- The Phantom Menace-PG-*** Three stars for nostalgia value, but there is not much else in this curiously creaky 1999 classic. The reason to see this for most of the audience is to recapture a more innocent…
Mike at the Movies
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“Young Adult” (R) **** Operating on several levels, thanks to a mesmerizing performance by Charlize Theron, this film starts out being a somewhat sad tale of self-delusion and stalking and turns into something more profound as it slowly unwinds to…