Movie Listings (November 3, 2006)
Borat Release Date: November 3, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 24 min. Rating: R - pervasive strong crude and sexual content including graphic nudity, and language Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Pamela Anderson, Ken Davitian Director: Larry Charles Genre: Comedy Synopsis: Journalist Borat Sagdiyev leaves his native Kazakhstan to travel to America to make a documentary on what makes America a great nation. As he zigzags across the nation, Borat meets real people in real situations with hysterical consequences. His backwards behavior generates strong reactions around him, exposing prejudices and hypocrisies in American culture. In some cases, Borat's interview subjects embrace his outrageous views on race and sex by agreeing with him, while others attempt to offer a patriotic lesson in Western values. Along the way, Borat manages to offend just about everyone he meets, falls in love with actress Pamela Anderson, and sets forth on a cross-country journey to make her his wife. Catch a Fire Release Date: October 27, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 38 min. Rating: PG-13 - thematic material involving torture and abuse, violence and brief language Cast: Tim Robbins, Derek Luke, Bonnie Henna Director: Phillip Noyce Genre: Drama, Suspense/Thriller Synopsis: In South Africa, Patrick Chamusso is a charming and loving husband to his wife Precious, and a caring father to his two young daughters. He works as a foreman at the centrally located Secunda oil refinery, which is a symbol of South Africa's self-sufficiency at a time when the world was protesting the country's oppressive apartheid system. In his spare time, Patrick coaches a local boys' soccer team. Carefully toeing the hard line imposed on blacks by apartheid, Patrick is completely apolitical. Nic Vos is a Colonel in the country's Police Security Branch. The shrewd and charismatic Vos strives to maintain order in volatile situations, which have become more and more frequent as the outlawed activist organization African National Congress (ANC) rallies blacks against apartheid. Vos is also concerned for the safety of his wife and two daughters. He and his family live a world away from the Chamusso family--until the innocent Patrick comes under suspicion and is arrested (in June 1980) for sabotage of the Secunda oil refinery. His alibi is compromised, and Patrick is desperate to shield Precious from a past indiscretion and keep his job. But he is ill-prepared to withstand brutal interrogations by Vos' men. As Vos further insinuates himself into the lives of the Chamussos, to Patrick's shock and shame, Precious herself is jailed and tortured. Although he and Precious are soon released from custody, Patrick is stunned into action and completely reorients his sense of self and purpose. He leaves his family to join up with the ANC. Becoming a rebel fighter and political operative, Patrick is radicalized on behalf of his people and his country. He ultimately envisions a formidable and dangerous follow-up strike against the Secunda refinery, risking his own life and future. Change must and will come, for Patrick and his family, and for South Africa itself. The Departed Release Date: October 6, 2006 Run Time: 2 hr. 29 min. Rating: R - strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson Director: Martin Scorsese Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Suspense/Thriller Synopsis: In South Boston the state police force is waging war on organized crime. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate that is run by gangland chief Costello. While Billy is quickly gaining Costello's confidence, Colin Sullivan, a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the police department as an informer for the syndicate, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operations he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the gangsters and the police that there's a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin are suddenly in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy--and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself. Employee of the Month Release Date: October 6, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 43 min. Rating: PG-13 - crude and sexual humor, and language Cast: Dane Cook, Jessica Simpson, Dax Shepard Director: Greg Coolidge Genre: Comedy Synopsis: For customers of Super Club, the largest high-volume, bulk-discount retailer in the country, membership has its privileges. For workers at the cavernous store, the most coveted honor is the Employee of the Month award, and having one's photo immortalized on the wall of fame in the staff lounge. Enter Zack Bradley and Vince Downey, two ultra competitive Super Club workers whose ten years of employment have resulted in drastically different career paths. While Vince--with the aid of his trusty sidekick Jorge--has advanced to become head cashier and winner of 17 consecutive E of M awards, Zack is the ultimate slacker whose scruffy appearance and laid back attitude has made him popular with his colleagues, but kept him stuck in the lowly ranks of the store's box boys. The duo's longtime rivalry comes to a bitter head when Amy--a beautiful new cashier with a reputation of only dating Employee of the Month winners--transfers to the store, immediately becoming the object of both Zack and Vince's affection and often comical gamesmanship. While Vince instantly impresses Amy with his crowd pleasing, flamboyant style behind his checkstand register, Zack's feeble attempts to charm his beautiful new co-worker quickly backfire against him. With the race to win Amy's affections slipping away, Zack determines his only chance rests in winning the store's next Employee of the Month award. Flags of Our Fathers Release Date: October 20, 2006 Rating: R - sequences of graphic war violence and carnage, and for language Cast: Ryan Phillippe, Adam Beach, Jesse Bradford Director: Clint Eastwood Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama Synopsis: February 1945. Even as victory in Europe was finally within reach, the war in the Pacific raged on. One of the most crucial and bloodiest battles of the war was the struggle for the island of Iwo Jima, which culminated with what would become one of the most iconic images in history: five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The inspiring photo capturing that moment became a symbol of victory to a nation that had grown weary of war, and made instant heroes of the six American soldiers at the base of the flag--some of whom would die soon after, never knowing that they had been immortalized. But the surviving flag raisers had no interest in being held up as symbols and did not consider themselves heroes; they wanted only to stay on the front with their brothers in arms who were fighting and dying without fanfare or glory. Based on the book by James Bradley and Ron Powers. Flicka Release Date: October 20, 2006 Rating: PG - some mild language Cast: Alison Lohman, Tim McGraw, Maria Bello Director: Michael Mayer Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Family Synopsis: 16-year-old Katy McLaughlin dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by working on her father's ranch in modern-day Wyoming. But Katy's father wants more for her, insisting that Katy go to college. Katy finds a wild mustang, which she names Flicka, and sets out to make her a riding horse. But Flicka and Katy are more alike than she could have imagined. Like Katy, Flicka has a disdain for authority and is not about to give up her freedom without a fight. After her father sells Flicka, Katy schemes to win back the horse by entering a dangerous race. Based on the novel by Mary O'Hara. Flushed Away Release Date: November 3, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 26 min. Rating: PG - crude humor and some language Cast: Simon Callow, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen Director: Henry Anderson,David Bowers,Sam Fell Genre: Animated, Comedy, Family Synopsis: Beneath the streets of London, Roddy St. James is a pampered pet mouse who thinks he's got it made. But when a sewer rat named Sid--the definition of "low life"--comes spewing out of the sink and decides it's his turn to enjoy the lap of luxury, Roddy schemes to rid himself of the pest by luring him into the loo for a dip in the "whirlpool." Roddy's plan backfires when he inadvertently winds up being the one flushed away into the bustling world down below. Underground, Roddy discovers a vast metropolis, where he meets Rita, a street-wise rat who is on a mission of her own. If Roddy is going to get home, he and Rita will need to escape the clutches of the villainous Toad, who royally despises all rodents and has dispatched two hapless henchrats, Spike and Whitey, as well as his cousin--that dreaded mercenary, Le Frog--to see that Roddy and Rita are iced, literally. The Grudge 2 Release Date: October 13, 2006 Rating: PG-13 - mature thematic material, disturbing images/terror/violence, and some sensuality Cast: Amber Tamblyn, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Beals Director: Takashi Shimizu Genre: Horror, Suspense/Thriller Synopsis: Aubrey Davis discovers from her bedridden mother, Mrs. Davis, that her sister Karen is in a hospital in Japan. She also finds out that Karen is under investigation for the death of her boyfriend in a fire she started in a house located in Tokyo. Since Mrs. Davis is too ill to make the trip, she asks Aubrey to go to Tokyo and bring her sister home. Shortly after she arrives in Tokyo, reporter and photographed Eason, seeks out Aubrey to warn her that her sister, Karen, is in the thrall of something unseen and dangerous. Allison attends an international school in Tokyo. Desperately trying to fit in with the school's in crowd, Vanessa and Miyuki, she is willing to do anything they ask to get in good with them--even if it means going into a mysterious burned-down house, which was the site of several unexplained murders and strange disappearances. The young introverted Jake isn't happy that his widowed father Bill is engaged to Trish. Still mourning the death of his mother, he cannot understand why his older sister Lacey gets on so well with their soon-to-be stepmother. He also doesn't understand why one of his next-door neighbors is being so elusive. It seems that everyone in his apartment building is acting stranger and stranger. One by one, they are infected by the malevolent curse known as The Grudge, which is quickly moving out of the burned-down house in Tokyo and spreading to everyone who crosses its path. The Guardian Release Date: September 29, 2006 Run Time: 2 hr. 15 min. Rating: PG-13 - intense sequences of action/peril, brief strong language and some sensuality Cast: Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Neal McDonough Director: Andrew Davis Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama Synopsis: After losing his crew in a fatal crash, legendary Rescue Swimmer, Ben Randall, is sent to teach at A School, an elite training program for Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Wrestling with the loss of his crew members, he throws himself into teaching, turning the program upside down with his unorthodox training methods. While there, he encounters a young, cocky swim champ, Jake Fischer, who is driven to be the best. During training, Randall helps mold Jake's character, combining his raw talent with the heart and dedication required of a Rescue Swimmer. Upon graduation, Jake follows Randall to Kodiak, Alaska, where they face the inherent dangers of the Bering Sea. In his initial solo rescue, Jake learns firsthand from Randall, the true meaning of heroism and sacrifice, echoing the Swimmer's motto--So Others May Live! Keeping Mum Release Date: September 29, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 43 min. Rating: R - language and some sexual content/nudity Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith Director: Niall Johnson Genre: Art House/Foreign, Comedy Synopsis: The sleepy English hamlet of Little Wallop is about to receive a rude awakening, as the absent-minded Reverend Walter Goodman, his dissatisfied wife Gloria, and their two children, Holly and Petey, await the arrival of their new housekeeper, Grace Hawkins. Gloria is a woman struggling to cope. Her teenage daughter's a nymphomaniac, her young son's the perennial target for the local bullies, and her marriage to Walter has long-since dwindled into monotony. It's no wonder she's failing to resist the advances of her handsome, American, lothario of a golf pro, Lance. What this family needs is salvation. And fast. It comes in the form of Grace Hawkins, a gentle motherly woman with a smile for everyone and an answer for everything. But Grace is not all she seems... Little Miss Sunshine Release Date: July 26, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 42 min. Rating: R - language, some sex and drug content Cast: Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette Director: Jonathan Dayton,Valerie Faris Genre: Comedy Synopsis: No one among the Hoovers quite has it together, but it's not for lack of trying. Father Richard, a hopelessly optimistic motivational speaker, is desperately attempting to sell his 9-step program for success--without much success. Meanwhile, the Hoovers' pro-honesty mother Sheryl is constantly harried by her family's eccentric secrets, especially those of her brother, a suicidal Proust scholar fresh out of the hospital after being jilted by his gay lover. Then there are young Hoovers with their unlikely dreams--the four-eyed, slightly pump, seven year-old would-be beauty queen Olive and Dwayne, an anger-fueled, Nietzche-reading teen who has taken a staunch vow of silence until he gets into the Air Force Academy. Topping off the family is the grandfather, a foul-mouthed pleasure-seeker recently kicked out of his retirement home for snorting heroin. They might not be the picture of the perfect mental health, but when a fluke gets Olive invited to compete in the fiercely competitive Little Miss Sunshine competition in California, the whole Hoover family rallies behind her. They pile into their rusted-out VW bus and head West on a three-day tragicomic journey filled with madcap surprises and leading up to Olive's big debut--which will change the entire misfit family in ways they could never imagine. Man of the Year Release Date: October 13, 2006 Rating: PG-13 - language including some crude sexual references, drug related material, and brief violence Cast: Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken Director: Barry Levinson Genre: Comedy Synopsis: Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams), the satirical host of a political talk show, decides to shake things up by running for U.S. president. A bizarre set of circumstances causes the stunt to backfire, and he unexpectedly finds himself as America's commander in chief. Marie Antionette Release Date: October 20, 2006 Rating: PG-13 - sexual content, partial nudity and innuendo Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Asia Argento Director: Sofia Coppola Genre: Drama Synopsis: When betrothed to King Louis XVI, the naïve and beautiful, Austrian-born Marie Antoinette enters the opulent French court, which is steeped in conspiracy and scandal. Without guidance, adrift in a dangerous world, the young girl rebels against the isolated atmosphere of Versailles and becomes France's most misunderstood monarch. Stripped of her riches and finery, imprisoned, and ultimately beheaded by her own subjects, the Queen of France became a toxic symbol for the wanton extravagance of the 18th century monarchy that incited to the French Revolution. The Marine Release Date: October 13, 2006 Rating: PG-13 - intense sequences of violent action, sensuality and language Cast: John Cena, Robert Patrick, Kelly Carlson Director: John Bonito Genre: Action/Adventure Synopsis: WWE wrestling champion John Cena makes his motion picture debut in this rugged action thriller. Cena is John Triton, a heroic Marine who returns home after being discharged – against his will -- from the Iraq War. Stateside, he finds himself back in action, when his wife (Kelly Carlson) is kidnapped by a murderous gang led by the merciless Rome (Robert Patrick). With everything on the line, the Marine will stop at nothing to carry out his toughest and most important mission. One Night With the King Release Date: October 13, 2006 Run Time: 2 hr. 2 min. Rating: PG - violence, some sensuality and thematic elements Cast: Tiffany Dupont, Luke Goss, Peter O'Toole Director: Michael Sajbel Genre: Drama, Romance Synopsis: Born of slaves, a young Jewish woman named Hadassah becomes part of the harem of powerful King Xerxes. Simultaneously, a close adviser to the king hatches a plan to exterminate the Jews. Hadassah, now called Queen Esther, must find the courage to step forward and save her people from annihilation. Open Season Release Date: September 29, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 40 min. Rating: PG - some rude humor, mild action and brief language Cast: Martin Lawrence, Ashton Kutcher, Gary Sinise Director: Jill Culton,Anthony Stacchi,Roger Allers Genre: Animated, Comedy, Family Synopsis: A 900-pound domesticated grizzly bear named Boog, with no survival skills, has his perfect world turned upside-down when he meets Elliot, a scrawny, fast-talking wild mule deer. When Elliot convinces Boog to desert his idyllic existence living in a garage decked out with all the comforts of home, and try the wild life, things quickly spiral out of control. With open season upon them, and the hunters arriving in force, Elliot must help Boog get in touch with his inner grizzly to unite the woodland creatures and take the forest back! The Prestige Release Date: October 20, 2006 Rating: PG-13 - violence and disturbing images Cast: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine Director: Christopher Nolan Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Synopsis: It all begins in rapidly changing, turn-of-the-century London. At a time when magicians are idols and celebrities of the highest order, two young magicians set out to carve their own paths to fame. The flashy, sophisticated Robert Angier is a consummate entertainer, while the rough-edged purist Alfred Borden is a creative genius who lacks the panache to showcase his magical ideas. They start out as admiring friends and partners. But when their biggest trick goes terribly awry, they become enemies for life--each intent on outdoing and upending the other. Trick by trick, show by show, their ferocious competition builds until it knows no bounds, even utilizing the fantastical new powers of electricity and the scientific brilliance of radical inventor Nikola Tesla—while the lives of everyone around them hang in the balance. Full of twists and turns, The Prestige is set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century London. The cast includes two-time Oscar® winner Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David Bowie. Running With Scissors Release Date: October 20, 2006 Run Time: 2 hr. 0 min. Rating: R - strong language and elements of sexuality, violence and substance abuse Cast: Annette Bening, Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes Director: Ryan Murphy Genre: Comedy, Drama Synopsis: In 1971, the neatness-obsessed but sharply observant 6-year-old Augusten finds himself trapped between his troubled parents: his mother Deirdre, an unpublished--not to mention unstable--confessional poet with delusions of being hugely famous; and his father Norman, an alcoholic math professor who long ago gave up trying to solve the riddle of his wife's problems or his son's precocious behavior. When the Burroughs' marriage goes to pieces, Deirdre signs up for therapy with the eccentric Dr. Finch, a highly unconventional shrink who takes the family under his wing. From the beginning, Augusten is suspicious of Dr. Finch's peculiarities, but when Dr. Finch fails to save the Burroughs' marriage, Augusten's life takes an even more wrenching turn. While Deirdre is packed off to a motel to continue her Valium-aided therapy, Augusten is sent to live in the Finch family home--a kind of Brady-Bunch-gone-bad world where for some dog kibble is a snack, sedatives are consumed like candy and grand prophecies emerge from the bathroom. Soon Augusten unwittingly becomes part of the family comprised of: the shell-shocked Mrs. Finch, Bible-dipping daughter Hope, disco-rebel daughter Natalie and Neil Bookman, the disturbed, 35-year-old, adopted son who lives in a shed at the back of the house; along the way Augusten descends into a kind of surreal childhood hell. Yet, he also finds optimism among the horror, hilarity in the insanity and even love amid the dilapidated ruins as he never loses his spirit or his resilience. The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause Release Date: November 3, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 38 min. Rating: G Cast: Tim Allen, Peter Boyle, Spencer Breslin Director: Michael Lembeck Genre: Comedy, Family Synopsis: It's Christmas time once again and Scott Calvin juggles a full house of family and the mischievous Jack Frost, who is trying to take over the big guy's holiday. At the risk of giving away the secret location of the North Pole, Scott invites his in-laws to share in the holiday festivities, and upcoming birth of baby Claus with expectant wife, Carol. Along for the adventure are Scott's extended family, son Charlie, ex-wife Laura Miller, her husband, Neil Miller and their daughter, Lucy who, together with head elf Curtis, foil Jack Frost's crafty scheme to control the North Pole. Saw III Release Date: October 27, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 47 min. Rating: R - strong grisly violence and gore, sequences of terror and torture, nudity and language Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Bahar Soomekh Director: Darren Lynn Bousman Genre: Horror Synopsis: Jigsaw has disappeared; and with his new apprentice Amanda--the puppet-master behind the cruel, intricate games that have terrified a community and baffled police--he has once again eluded capture and vanished. While city detectives scramble to locate him, Dr. Lynn Denlon is unaware that she is about to become the latest pawn on his vicious chessboard. One night, after finishing a shift at her hospital, Lynn is kidnapped and taken to an abandoned warehouse where she meets Jigsaw, bedridden and on the verge of death. She is told that she must keep the madman alive for as long as it takes another one of his victims, Jeff, to complete a game of his own. Racing against the ticking clock of Jigsaw's own heartbeat, Lynn and Jeff struggle to make it through each of their vicious tests, unaware that he has a much bigger plan for both of them. Shortbus Release Date: October 6, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 42 min. Rating: NR Cast: Sook-Yin Lee, Paul Dawson, Lindsay Beamish Director: John Cameron Mitchell Synopsis: Sofia is a couples therapist who is unable to climax despite the ministrations of her loving husband. Gay couple James and Jamie decide to open the doors of their relationship by inviting in a third partner. All three attend a mixer in which partygoers partake of a sexual banquet. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning Release Date: October 6, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 24 min. Rating: R - strong horror violence/gore, language and some sexual content Cast: Jordana Brewster, Andrew Bryniarski, R. Lee Ermey Director: Jonathan Liebesman Genre: Horror Synopsis: It's 1969. The conflict in Viet Nam has exploded to immeasurable proportions, and 18-year-old Dean Hill's number is up. Dean's brother Eric, who has already seen his share of combat, plans to take Dean to enlist in his beloved Marine Corps in hopes of keeping an eye on him rather than letting him take his chances at the local induction center. But Dean plans to confront Eric about dodging the draft after the boys and their respective girlfriends, Bailey and Chrissie, head across Texas for a final fling of serious fun. Soon after their journey begins, the foursome are spooked by a menacing pair of bikers, Holden and his girlfriend, Alex. When Alex chases the group's jeep, propelling them into a serious accident, Chrissie is thrown from the vehicle. As Alex attempts to rob the injured trio, Sherriff Hoyt arrives and turns the tables on their would-be assassin. While Chrissie hides in the nearby brush, she watches as the sheriff kills Alex and then taunts her friends before ordering them into the back of the patrol car. Unbeknownst to Chrissie, Hoyt is headed to the Hewitt family home where Thomas, who is being groomed to become the terrifying monster known as Leatherface, and the rest of the Hewitt clan await. Chrissie attempts to convince Holden to help her, but he is on a one man rampage to avenge his girlfriend's death. As Chrissie witnesses the horrors inflicted by the Hewitt family upon the people she loves, she realizes she is their only hope of survival. The U.S. vs. John Lennon Release Date: September 15, 2006 Run Time: 1 hr. 39 min. Rating: NR Director: David Leaf, John Scheinfeld Genre: Documentary Synopsis: Before Iraq, before the Bush Administration, before the Dixie Chicks, Bruce Springsteen, and Pearl Jam there was John Lennon, the celebrated musical artist who used his fame and his fortune to protest the Vietnam War and advocate for world peace. 1966-1976 was one of the most fractious periods of American history, dominated by the Vietnam War; the rise of antiwar, civil rights, New Left and other political movements challenging the status quo; the Nixon presidency; revelations of government deception, surveillance and harassment; and Watergate. A large and diverse array of the era's notable figures, men and women, bear immediate and authoritative witness to specific events as well as to the prevailing climate. Among them: African-American political activists Angela Davis and Bobby Seale; journalists Carl Bernstein and Walter Cronkite; Nixon Administration officials G. Gordon Liddy and John Dean; Vietnam veteran and antiwar activist Ron Kovic; the eminent American historian/novelist Gore Vidal; former New York Governor Mario Cuomo; and three-term Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate George McGovern. Tracing Lennon's metamorphosis from lovable "Moptop" to anti-war activist to inspirational icon, the true story of how and why the U.S. government tried to silence him is revealed.