Film Capsules
Capsule reviews of local films
Toolbox
By CARRIE RICKEY and STEVEN REA The Philadelphia Inquirer - Published: October 30, 2009
AMELIA 3 stars. The role of pioneer aviatrix Amelia Earhart (1897-1937), who broke records, hearts and boundaries, fits Hilary Swank like a jumpsuit. Richard Gere co-stars in the evocative film from Mira Nair. 1 hr. 51 PG (discreet sensuality) — Carrie Rickey
ASTRO BOY 2 stars. Slick, stylish CG-animated take on the vintage Japanese TV ’toon, but as robotic as its boy hero. With the voices of Nicolas Cage, Charlize Theron, Kristen Bell, and with Freddie Highmore as the kid with rockets in his feet. 1 hr. 34 PG (cartoon violence, kids and ’bots in jeopardy) — Steven Rea
COUPLES RETREAT 2 stars. A tropical vacation turns out to be a relationship workshop for four couples. Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell and Faizon Love are part of a large cast in a skimpy comedy that is more adult than its rating indicates. 1 hr. 47. PG-13 (profanity, sexual content, rude humor). — David Hiltbrand
A SERIOUS MAN 3 stars. Imagine Job as a physics professor in 1967 Minneapolis and you get the flavor of this surrealistic pillow of a movie — more funny-strange than ha-ha — from Joel and Ethan Coen, starring Michael Stuhlbarg as a physics professor sorely tested by the events in his life. 1 hr. 45 R (profanity, some sexuality/nudity, brief violence) — Carrie Rickey
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE 3 stars. Spike Jonze dares to adapt Maurice Sendak’s sublime and scary children’s book classic, and conjures up a satisfyingly moody, melancholy, madcap live-action romp. No masterpiece, but it’s a brave undertaking, and an oft-times transcendent one. 1 hr. 40 PG (scary imagery, intense emotions, mayhem) — Steven Rea
ZOMBIELAND 3 stars. Inspired zom-com road pic, with nervous ninny Jesse Eisenberg and cool cowboy Woody Harrelson teaming up to battle blood-spewing flesh-eaters across a wasteland U.S.A. With Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin and a truly great surprise cameo. R (blood, gore, profanity, adult themes) — Steven Rea.
Ratings: 4 stars: excellent; 3 stars: good; 2 stars: fair; 1 star: poor.
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