Trailer Unavailable

     Bedlam
1946  NR  DRAMA  1h 19min
CAST— Boris Karloff, Anna Lee, Ian Wolfe, Richard Fraser, Billy House, Jason Robards, Sr.
MUSIC— Roy Webb  DIRECTOR— Mark Robson  BASED ON— A Rake's Progress (paintings), by William Hogarth

     Madness! Madness! A bewigged Boris Karloff is the director of Bedlam, London’s insane asylum, and he rules with an iron fist. That is until a young noble woman decides to lend a helping hand by providing clean bedding, good food, and proper treatment. But all of this costs money! So, of course the only solution is to have her declared insane and have her locked away in Bedlam. A very simple film (labeled as a horror movie, but serving up more drama than chills), it actually shows a more sympathetic viewpoint of the mentally ill and what they endured in the eighteenth century, the so-called “Age of Reason”.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Beauty and the Beast
2017  PG  FANTASY  2h 9min
CAST— Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson
MUSIC— Alan Menken  DIRECTOR— Bill Condon  BASED ON— La Belle et la Bête (story), by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont

     Sacre bleu. The magic has returned in a splendid way in this beautiful remake of an already classic Disney film. Beautiful yet down-to-earth Belle, a young woman much more interested in the exploits of classic literary characters than in her handsome stalker whom the town idolizes, loves her eccentric father more than anyone. But when the family horse returns riderless after what should have been a simple journey she follows the horse’s lead and discovers that her father is being held prisoner in an isolated, mysterious, downright eerie estate lorded over by a hideous (and cranky) man-beast. Belle manages to take her father’s place despite father’s pleas. He promises to rescue her and is hastily forced from the estate. Well the villagers just laugh at the seeming ramblings of a lunatic. Meanwhile, Belle is beginning to learn a bit of the history of this miserable place, which was once a beacon of fun and frivolity, until one night, as the somewhat cold lord of the manor was cruel to an old crone (actually an enchantress). She cursed the palace and all who resided therein to a life of beastly proportions: the servants were to live out their lives as animated inanimate objects, but the real curse fell upon the master of the house, who was transformed into a monstrous beast. Only the love of a woman could reverse the all-encompassing curse. In the present Belle is making friends with all manner of oddity but can she even begin to make nice with, much less fall for, a horrendous beast? The film (gasp!) actually manages to live up to (but never quite surpass) its glorious source material. Whereas the 1991 version was actually a quite simple tale, here the filmmakers believe that bigger is better and, for once, that isn’t a bad thing. But as a suggestion one might wanna view the two films back to back, as the grandeur of both actually complement each other. A rare effect indeed in the world of film.
OUR RATING— *** ½
ORIGINAL— Beauty and the Beast (1946/1963/1991)

     Beauty and the Beast
1991  G  ANIMATED  1h 24min
CAST— Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Jerry Orbach, Angela Lansbury, Richard White, David Ogden Stiers, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart, Bradley Michael Pierce, Jo Anne Worley, Kimmy Robertson
MUSIC— Alan Menken  DIRECTORS— Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise  BASED ON— La Belle et la Bête (story), by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont

     A contemporary classic among animated feature films, Beauty and the Beast captures within its celluloid confines many a magic moment, from the crisp animation to the exciting finale. To rescue her father from the clutches of a terrifying creature young Belle agrees to become his prisoner for all eternity. Thus enslaved in his Gothic castle she begins to explore and discover a world unlike any other; this castle and all of its inhabitants have been enchanted; everything about her is alive, from the brooms to the stove. Never has she encountered such wonder. And never has the beast felt such love for anyone as this girl. As the two draw closer Belle realizes that the beast’s outer appearance hides a compassionate heart, something she never would have expected upon her arrival. A timeless romance that may leave a tear in the eye even after several viewings. The first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture (falling short of The Silence of the Lambs [1991]). Parents may want to use their own judgment as to the wee ones; some scenes may be a tad intense. Oscar-winner for Best Score, Best Song (Beauty and the Beast). Later developed into a television series and a Broadway musical. Final note: Film buffs may also want to check out the exceptional import Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et le Bête) (1946). Extended versions also available. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.
OUR RATING— *** ½
FOLLOWED BY— Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997), Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Magical World (1998)
ORIGINAL— Beauty and the Beast (1946/1963)
REMADE AS— Beauty and the Beast (2017)

     Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête)
1946  NR  FANTASY  1h 33min
CAST— Jean Marais, Josette day, Marcel Andre
MUSIC— Georges Auric  DIRECTOR— Jean Cocteau  BASED ON— La Belle et la Bête (story), by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont

     A film of stunning beauty and vision, Beauty and the Beast transports us to a world of magical fantasy that is all too rare in film. When a poverty-stricken man loses his way in the forest, he comes upon a castle occupied by a terrible man-beast. To escape alive, the man must promise to return or to send one of his three daughters to the beast within one week. His daughter Belle stands up to the challenge and goes to live out her father’s debt. Upon arrival, she finds a world unlike anything she had ever dreamed of, a world of magic and mystery, a world of wonder and fear. She soon comes to realize that the beast is not what he seems, not an animal at all, merely a tortured soul baring the burden of a bestial curse. Shot in stark black and white, aided with wonderfully original, inspired effects this film should not be missed. In French with English subtitles.
OUR RATING— *** ½
REMADE AS— Beauty and the Beast (1963/1991/2017)

     A Beautiful Mind
2001  PG-13  DRAMA  2h 15min
CAST— Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Paul Bettany, Christopher Plummer, Adam Goldberg, Judd Hirsch, Josh Lucas, Anthony Rapp, Austin Pendleton
MUSIC— James Horner  DIRECTOR— Ron Howard  BASED ON— A Beautiful Mind (book), by Sylvia Nasar

     Director Ron Howard delivers another moving drama, ripe with pitch perfect performances by all. This delicate portrait of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash examines his career, his love, and spans nearly sixty years of his life. Beginning his academic career as a brilliant young mind from West Virginia, he soon moved on to his own department, where he met a beautiful young student who would one day become his wife. As he takes the next step in his profession he grows increasingly paranoid, claiming that his work has been designated “classified”. Due to his extreme paranoia and stress he is institutionalized. For the remainder of his life he battles schizophrenia, with his wife standing by his side through thick and thin, while the world all but gives up on him. The central story is not one of mental anguish, but one of lasting love in the midst of despair. Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly are well paired in a film that scores a solid hit. You do the math; see for yourself. Oscar-winner for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Connelly), Best Adapted Screenplay.
OUR RATING— ***

     The Beast with Five Fingers
1946  NR  HORROR  1h 28min
CAST— Robert Alda, Andrea King, Peter Lorre, Victor Francen, J. Carrol Naish
MUSIC— Max Steiner  DIRECTOR— Robert Florey  BASED ON— The Beast with Five Fingers (story), by W. F. Harvey

     Yet another chiller with Peter Lorre playing the all important “creepy guy”. He’s the secretary to a rich pianist who has recently kicked the proverbial bucket. Now mysterious murders are taking place in and around the mansion, causing a panic amongst the household. After some investigation it seems as if the master’s hand has been severed from his body. Could it be this cold dead hand that is the terror of the manor, these dead digits? See if you can “grasp” the truth. But if the film doesn’t fit you like a glove, don’t be surprised.
OUR RATING— * ½

     Beasts of the Southern Wild
2012  PG-13  DRAMA  1h 33min
CAST— Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry
MUSIC— Dan Romer, Benh Zeitlin  DIRECTOR— Benh Zeitlin  BASED ON— Juicy and Delicious (play), by Lucy Alibar

     The word for this one is “different”. In a portion of Louisiana known locally as the Bathtub, devastating floods are a regular occurrence, thanks to the levee in the distance. A young girl named Hushpuppy knows little other than mud and crawfish. Her father Wink, an emotionally distant occupant of an above-water shack, does his best at raising her to be tough, in mind and body, as do their fiercely independent yet resourceful close-knit community of fellow squatters. Wink knows that he’s dying, even though he refuses to confront his illness; thus his harsh attitude escalates. But Hushpuppy knows what’s going on, despite Wink’s denial. All the while there are voiceover reflections made by a somewhat existential though uneducated Hushpuppy, musings about how the universe works and how everyone plays their part. Interspersed throughout the film are depictions of aurochs, prehistoric cattle making their way to Hushpuppy (just why is sort of fuzzy). This is an example of a film that will either enthrall or repel the viewer, though strong performances and the sporadically seen aurochs are highlights. Hard to stomach at times, though there’s quite an emotional payoff. Different, indeed.
OUR RATING— **

    The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms
1953  NR  SCIENCE FICTION  1h 20min
CAST— Paul Christian, Paula Raymond, Cecil Kellaway, Kenneth Tobey, Donald Woods, Lee Van Cleef, Ross Elliot
MUSIC— David Buttolph  DIRECTOR— Eugene Lourie  BASED ON— The Fog Horn (story), by Ray Bradbury

     Another atomic-age freak out film, but one with the notable distinction of being the film debut of Ray Harryhausen’s special effects. The story is so-so; an atomic bomb awakens a monstrous dinosaur-like creature. Said creature begins a long swim from the North Pole to New York (just why it does so is questionable). The lone scientist who was witness to the beast’s awakening now tries to convince anyone and everyone that the monster exists. Sure, the story isn’t much but who came for that? The main attraction is Harryhausen’s superb creature effects, though even those could use more screen time.
OUR RATING— **

     The Beast of Yucca Flats
1961  NR  SCIENCE FICTION  54min
CAST— Tor Johnson, Douglas Mellor, Barbara Francis, Bing Stafford, Conrad Brooks
MUSIC— Gene Kauer, Irwin Nafshun, Al Remington  DIRECTOR— Coleman Francis

     Simply horrifying… horrifying how this film was ever made, that is. A renowned Soviet scientist is caught in an atomic blast and transformed into a “terrifying” beast (the beast of Yucca Flats, if you must know), in reality a shambling, groaning fat man with a skin condition who is a total laugh riot (just wait ‘till he unleashes his fury; it’s a scream). Two assassins, a married couple, some cops and a family of four are soon victimized by the murderous beast and if anyone truly cares at this point they may need help. AKA Atomic Monster: The Beast of Yucca Flats.
OUR RATING— *

     Bean
1997  PG-13  COMEDY  1h 30min
CAST— Rowan Atkinson, Peter MacNicol, Pamela Reed, Harris Yulin, Burt Reynolds, John Mills, Larry Drake, Johnny Galecki, Tom McGowan, Sandra Oh
MUSIC— Howard Goodall  DIRECTOR— Mel Smith  BASED ON— Characters appearing on Mr. Bean (television)

     Britain’s Rowan Atkinson brings his popular television persona across the pond in this highly acclaimed and sensitive portrayal of a man and his dream. Yeah, right; it’s Mr. Bean, for crying out loud! The mumbling bungler, working as a museum security guard, is so bad at his job that the curators will do anything to rid themselves of him. So they send him to California for a gallery unveiling of Whistler’s Mother. Oh, no. He winds up staying at the home of gallery director and family, splitting apart their happy home, and eventually reuniting them in a tearful hug-fest. But will the famous painting be safe in the hands of the Bean? This silly series of misadventures can be a bit pointless at times, but what the heck? You just may find yourself giggling in spite of yourself. AKA Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie, Bean: The Movie.
OUR RATING— **
FOLLOWED BY— Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007)

Trailer Unavailable

     Battling Butler
1926  NR  COMEDY  1h 11min
CAST— Buster Keaton, Sally O’Neil, Snitz Edwards, Francis McDonald, Mary O’Brien, Tom Wilson, Eddie Borden
MUSIC— Silent  DIRECTOR— Buster Keaton

     Another tale of the spoiled-little-rich-boy, as played by Buster Keaton. Off on a wilderness excursion is pampered Alfred Butler, whose outdoor experience is rather limited, to say the least. When he meets the pretty little mountain girl (Sally O’Neil) his thoughts drift toward marriage. Her family takes one look at her scrawny new beau and decide that no wimps are to join their clan. Butler’s butler decides to intervene; he claims that Butler is actually Alfred “Battling” Butler (no relation), famed prize fighter. Now Butler must keep up with the lie by training to fight the notorious “Alabama Murderer”. But things aren’t gonna be easy. He must learn to block, dodge and parry… since there’s no hope that he’ll actually land a blow. More entertaining as a tribute to the hapless outdoorsman than as a sports comedy.
OUR RATING— **

     Battle: Los Angeles
2011  PG-13  SCIENCE FICTION  1h 56min
CAST— Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo, Michael Peña
MUSIC— Brian Tyler  DIRECTOR— Jonathan Liebesman

     A been-there-done-that mashup that’s equal parts Black Hawk Down (2001) and District 9 (2009)… but surprisingly entertaining. Aaron Eckhart plays a lifelong marine staff sergeant who isn’t getting any younger. He grudgingly decides to retire when (wouldn’t you know it) aliens decide to attack Earth. He’s assigned to a squad of young hotshots fresh out of diapers who are itching to prove themselves on the battlefield. But reality soon sets in; not only must they face off against the invading hordes but they all need to keep a cool head if they are to survive their first mission. The film presents its characters (with the exception of Eckhart) as the stereotypical jarheads everyone expects; nobody is expecting anything new going into this one, anyway. Though we’ve all seen this formula countless times the film is never boring. An SF shoot ‘em up that is almost as much fun as it is predictable. AKA: Battle: LA, World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Battle for the Planet of the Apes
1973  PG  SCIENCE FICTION  1h 33min
CAST— Roddy McDowall, Claude Akins, Natalie Trudy, Severn Darden, Lew Ayres, Paul Williams
MUSIC— Leonard Rosenman  DIRECTOR— J. Lee Thompson

     Planet of the Apes (1968) meets The Road Warrior (1981) in the final installment of the original Apes franchise. Caesar is now a wise leader of a ragtag group of apes and humans, living in harmony away from the devastation of the cities. But when a former city engineer informs Caesar that there is surviving archival footage of Caesar’s parents in the rubble of the city, Caesar begins an expedition to see his parents for the first time. Upon arrival the city is a twisted mess of ruined metal and concrete. Unbeknownst to them there is a teeming mass of survivors living therein, and these guys shoot first and ask questions later. Though the apes escape they are followed by the mutated madmen who wage all-out war against the ape city, and they turn out to be pretty solid at battle. Caesar tries to stay organized despite the chaos… but then there are the mutinous, bloodthirsty gorillas to contend with. Fair amounts of philosophical tirades on the peaceful coexistence of ape and man are juxtaposed by plenty of battle scenes between humanized ape and mutated man. All in all a solid entry in the series and a fine conclusion to the saga. Extended version also available.
OUR RATING— ***
PRECEDED BY— Planet of the Apes (1968), Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

     Battle for Terra
2009  PG  ANIMATED  1h 30min
CAST— Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, James Garner, Chris Evans, Danny Glover, Amanda Peet, David Cross, Justin Long, Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson
MUSIC— Abel Korzeniowski  DIRECTOR— Aristomenis Tsirbas

     OK animated sci-fi morality tale for kids and teens featuring an all-star cast. Enjoy the peaceful world of Terra, inhabited by gentle flying folk. But their days of tranquility may be at an end. Humans have set their sights on Terra, invasion on the mind. When one human pilot crash lands on the planet he comes in contact with a female Terrian who uses an android to save the pilot’s life. Thereafter the two begin to learn from each other, slowly gaining mutual respect. Little do they know that the clock is ticking; the humans are beginning their violent invasion, with or without their missing comrade. Meanwhile, Miss Terrian uncovers a hidden truth about her own culture, a dark past that may still linger. Impressive battle sequences are the real attraction in this somewhat inventive SF drama.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
2016  PG-13  ACTION  2h 31min
CAST— Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Gal Gadot
MUSIC— Hans Zimmer, Junkie XL  DIRECTOR— Zack Snyder  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     Okay, there’s a lot going on here. Starting with the climactic battle from Man of Steel (2013) our film for this evening begins with a bang and barely lets up. While Superman (Henry Cavill) battles General Zod (you know, when pretty much all of Metropolis was destroyed?) Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) is scrambling to save bystanders on the ground. When Wayne Financial collapses Wayne sees red. He’s been hearing about this new supposed savior of man for a while now… but Wayne has his doubts; due to this latest turn of events he decides to take down Superman (and with this film’s brooding, brutal version of Batman, you just know he can do it). Wayne hunts down an irradiated chunk of Superman’s home planet, but he’ll have to pry it from the grasp of industrialist Lex Luthor (a horrendously miscast Jesse Eisenberg), who has acquired the kryptonite for his own nefarious schemes. Meanwhile, Superman has been embroiled in controversy as of late, forcing him to reconsider if his choice to aid mankind has been the right one. But it may be too late. Luthor has discovered that Superman is in fact mild mannered reporter Clark Kent so he kidnaps Martha Kent (Diane Lane), threatening to kill her unless Superman kills Gotham’s Dark Knight. During their duel the heroes realize that they’ve both been manipulated and decide to take down Luthor, who has used the corpse of Zod to create the monstrous Doomsday. Even with the help of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) can the world’s finest save the day (and pretty much the world, the universe, and everything in between)? Whew! Plenty of action dominates the screen but the end result is just plain ol’ overkill. The film (after Man of Steel) is a stepping stone to a bigger, expanded universe featuring some of DC Comics’ biggest and brightest. But the excess the film offers is at times exhausting. DC fans have plenty to look forward to, as the teasing additions of characters including Cyborg, The Flash, and Aquaman only serve to whet the appetite of DC fanboys and –girls. Bloated, sure, but still solid. R-rated extended version also available. Razzie-winner for Worst Supporting Actor (Eisenberg), Worst Screen Combo (Affleck and Cavill), Worst Prequel, Remake, Ripoff or Sequel, Worst Screenplay.
OUR RATING— ** ½
PRECEDED BY— Man of Steel (2013)
FOLLOWED BY— Suicide Squad (2016), Wonder Woman (2017), Justice League (2017), Aquaman (2018), Shazam! (2019)

     Batman Returns
1992  PG-13  ACTION  2h 6min
CAST— Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Michael Murphy
MUSIC— Danny Elfman  DIRECTOR— Tim Burton  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     Batman delivers again in this darkly fun sequel directed once again by Tim Burton. This time the brooding protector of Gotham has his hands full with two deadly enemies, The Penguin and Catwoman. The plot needs a little work: Penguin wants to rule Gotham by becoming mayor, so he joins up with Catwoman to rid the city of Batman. Returns is a darker film than the first but it’s still fun. A new director with vastly different ideas helms the sequels after this. So if you want to see Gotham City at its most Gothic, stick with the first two films, then you might wanna check out Batman Begins (2005).
OUR RATING— ***
PRECEDED BY— Batman (1989)
FOLLOWED BY— Batman Forever (1995), Batman & Robin (1997)

     Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
1993  PG  ANIMATED  1h 16min
CAST— Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Hart Bochner, Mark Hamill, Stacey Keach, Jr., Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Abe Vigoda, Dick Miller, John P. Ryan
MUSIC— Shirley Walker  DIRECTORS— Eric Radomski, Bruce W. Timm  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     The Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series gets the star treatment in this theatrical release that surprisingly holds its own. Gotham City’s top crime bosses are being taken out one by one by an ominous stalker, and rumors spread that it’s Batman. Off he goes to investigate and he discovers that truth hits harder than fiction. Featuring an impressive array of vocal talent including Kevin Conroy as the always imposing Batman and Mark Hamill as the Clown Prince of Crime, The Joker, this film shouldn’t disappoint the kiddies. Though made for video, was released theatrically instead. AKA: Batman: The Animated Movie.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Batman Forever
1995  PG-13  ACTION  2h 2min
CAST— Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O’Donnell, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle
MUSIC— Elliot Goldenthal  DIRECTOR— Joel Shumacher  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     Batman starts to descend into camp with this third installment of the continuing series. With a new director, it has none of the same feel of the previous two entries, as this one departs from the Gothic feel and mood that we’ve come to expect from the character. Remember that this takes place in Gotham City. Yet, the city is lit up in pink, green, blue, red, and yellow neon lights. “Gotham” City? We also get some pretty lame acting and dialogue, as well. But, anyway, the movie does have its moments, mostly revolving around the villains, Two-Face and the Riddler, played with energy by Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. Batman also joins forces with a sidekick, Robin. Even with its faults, Forever is much better than its follow-up, Batman & Robin (1997).
OUR RATING— ** ½
PRECEDED BY— Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992)
FOLLOWED BY— Batman & Robin (1997

     Batman Begins
2005  PG-13  ACTION  2h 20min
CAST— Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Ken Watanabe, Morgan Freeman
MUSIC— Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard   DIRECTOR— Christopher Nolan  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     Batman Begins, the story of the Batman legend from the very beginning, is one of the most gripping and powerful superhero movies ever made. The film recounts the story of Bruce Wayne, from the death of his parents through to the origin of his wonderful toys and his first encounters with powerful enemies. After the creation of his alter ego, Wayne soon learns of a terrible secret that puts the lives of all of Gotham City’s citizens in jeopardy. He soon faces two deadly enemies in his fight for justice: The Scarecrow and the evil Ra’s Al Gul. Presenting Batman like never before, this film is so dark and atmospheric that it puts Tim Burton’s two Batman films to shame. Not to say that Burton’s movies aren’t good, but this is Batman for a new generation, and it’s a Batman film that just screams out with great performances, action, and effects (not to mention some genuinely creepy moments). The two villains, seemingly odd choices for this type of huge action movie, turn out to be perfect choices in this amazingly tense film. Get ready to be blown away with this terrific entry into the ever-growing superhero film library, because it’s certainly one of the best ever filmed. One final note: For those out there who think that this film is a prequel to Batman (1989), be warned that it is not. This is an entirely new series, a new beginning for Batman, and it offers us great promises for the future.
OUR RATING— *** ½
FOLLOWED BY— The Dark Knight (2008) The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

     Batman & Robin
1997  PG-13  ACTION  2h 5min
CAST— Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Elle Macpherson
MUSIC— Elliot Goldenthal  DIRECTOR— Joel Shumacher  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     Here we go again. Another Batman sequel directed by Joel Shumacher, and it’s a real stinker. Shumacher just doesn’t have the flair that Tim Burton had as director of the first two films. This, the last of the series, is the worst as Batman and Robin duke it out with not one, not two, but three villains: Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Bane. The best thing about this movie is its effects, and even those are cartoonish. Flat premise and flat performances throughout, along with everyone using lame one-liners sink this movie. Batman and Robin halfheartedly flap their little wings, but nothing comes of it. Perhaps the saddest thing about it is that, even though he’s surrounded by “better” actors, Arnold Schwarzenegger gives the best performance of them all. Scary. Razzie-winner for Worst Supporting Actress (Alicia Silverstone).
OUR RATING— *
PRECEDED BY— Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995)

     Batman
1989  PG-13  ACTION  2h 6min
CAST— Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance
MUSIC— Danny Elfman  DIRECTOR— Tim Burton  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

    Move over, Adam West! This Batman takes a different direction than the camp TV series and movie of the 1960s. The first of the four-part saga, this is still the best (of this series, at least). Michael Keaton plays our hero, and he’s better than ever. Batman moves like a shadow, or rather, a bat, through the streets of Gotham as the city is menaced by the Joker, played to perfection by Jack Nicholson. The Joker has tainted all of Gotham’s hygiene products (a novel approach) with “Smilex”, a truly sinister poison that is nothing to smile about. Will Batman be able to save the day and get the girl? What do you think? Oscar-winner for Best Art Direction-Set Direction.
OUR RATING— *** ½
FOLLOWED BY— Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), Batman & Robin (1997)

     Batman
1966  NR  ACTION  1h 44min
CAST— Adam West, Burt Ward, Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero, Frank Gorshin, Lee Meriwether, Neil Hamilton, Madge Blake, Reginald Denny
MUSIC— Nelson Riddle  DIRECTOR— Leslie Martinson  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     Holy cheese, Batman! Everyone seems to remember the 1960s TV adventures of Batman and Robin as an exercise in camp, slightly tongue-in-cheek adventures that quashed the baddies with a BIFF and a BANG. But in actuality the show was as dumb as a box of diapers. They made a theatrical movie in 1966. It was stupid too. In the film Batman and Robin must stop a frightmare combo of villains: the Joker, the Penguin, the Riddler and Catwoman. They’ve developed a new weapon that dehydrates humans, turning them into dust. They plan on dehydrating high profile world leaders, thereby turning the tables and taking over the world themselves. Not if our heroes can stop them. Lots of lameness awaits those bored enough to take a gander at this goofy mess of guano. AKA Batman: The Movie.
OUR RATING— * ½

     Bate’s Motel
1987  NR  DRAMA/TELEVISION  1h 30min
CAST— Bud Cort, Lori Petty, Moses Gunn, Gregg Henry, Jason Bateman, Kerrie Keane
MUSIC— J. Peter Robinson  DIRECTOR— Richard Rothstein

     Absolutely ludicrous telefilm that ignores the events of Psycho II (1983) and Psycho III (1986) (no masterpieces themselves) and asks the viewer to believe this to be a followup to one of Alfred Hitchcock’s grandest achievements. Norman Bates was institutionalized back in 1960 where he befriended a young boy with psychoses of his own. Twenty seven years later Norman dies, leaving his decrepit motel to his now grown best friend, Alex. Alex is released from the institution and seeks his way towards Fairville, California. Well people think this odd little guy is nuts when he claims that he plans on re-opening the motel (which by now is reputed to be haunted). But he gains support from a girl in a chicken costume (Lori Petty) and a local contractor who actually knew the Bates family. The project before them is grand in scale, but eventually things come together. And them the film segues into an anti-suicide PSA in the form of a ghostly sock hop that is as superfluous as anything in recent memory. Whatever the filmmakers were thinking… no. Just no. The film starts out just interesting enough for one to want to see where this whole thing is heading, but the payoff is nonexistent. If Hitch were still alive and kicking he may have sued. Why didn’t Robert Bloch?
OUR RATING— *
PRECEDED BY— Psycho (1960)

     The Bat
1959  NR  MYSTERY  1h 20min
CAST— Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead, Gavin Gordon, John Sutton, Lenita Lane, Elaine Edwards, Darla Hood
MUSIC— Louis Forbes  DIRECTOR— Crane Wilbur  BASED ON— The Circular Staircase (novel), by Mary Roberts Rinehart

     Here we have a poorly constructed mystery involving scientist Vincent Price in a search for $1,000,000. A mystery novelist moves into a deserted mansion with a sordid reputation. Soon, she starts to receive nightly visits from the masked murderer known only as The Bat. After enlisting aid from the good doctor and the police the search is on for the missing loot, presumably hidden somewhere inside the house. Who is The Bat? When will he strike next? Who cares? There isn’t much substance here, only unintentional laughs, unless you’re a Vincent Price freak, and if so relish every moment.
OUR RATING— * ½

     Barbarosa
1982  PG  WESTERN  1h 30min
CAST— Willie Nelson, Gary Busey, Isela Vega, Gilbert Roland, Danny De La Paz, George Voskovec
MUSIC— Bruce Smeaton  DIRECTOR— Fred Schepisi

     Country music legend Willie Nelson hits the trail in a surprisingly decent Western adventure. He plays a notorious outlaw known as Barbarosa who reluctantly takes under his wing a kindhearted farmhand (Gary Busey) on the run from the law. Nelson shows the kid the ins and outs of a drifter’s life, the dos and don’ts of being a bandit. At first Busey is reluctant to participate but when Nelson is in dire straights Busey must draw upon his newly acquired knowledge to ensure their survival. Though compared to some of the classic Westerns of yesteryear this may seem like so much fluff; but the film is entertaining enough. The pace is swift, the banter is kept light and you can root for the good guys. Final note: even though the film is rated PG the language can still be rather harsh, so be warned.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Bandolero!
1968  PG  WESTERN  1h 46min
CAST— James Stewart, Dean Martin, Raquel Welch, George Kennedy, Andrew Prine, Will Geer
MUSIC— Jerry Goldsmith  DIRECTOR— Andrew V. McLaglen

     Simplistic Western starring James Stewart and Dean Martin as outlaw brothers on the run. After Martin and his gang escape from hanging they kidnap Raquel Welch and head into the wilderness. Big mistake. Welch just so happens to be the object of affection for the sheriff they just humiliated in town. While the sheriff’s posse is hunting down the gang, Stewart joins his brother and the two of them spend the better part of the film protecting Welch from the lecherous gang. A harrowing finale is the highlight in an otherwise forgettable film, though it is fun seeing Stewart as a not so respectable character.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Bambi
1942  NR  ANIMATED  1h 10min
CAST— Bobby Stewart, Donnie Dunagan, Hardie Albright, John Sutherland, Paula Winslowe, Peter Behn, Tim Davis, Sam Edwards, Will Wright, Cammie King, Ann Gillis, Fred Shields, Stan Alexander, Sterling Holloway
MUSIC— Frank Churchill, Edward H. Plumb  DIRECTOR— David Hand  BASED ON— Bambi, A Life in the Woods (novel), by Felix Salten

     A simple, leisurely pace offset with breathtaking animation make this a true Disney classic. One spring morning a fawn is born. Mother names him Bambi and all the furred and feathered denizens of the forest bid him welcome. So begins a life full of joy and exploration; but unfortunately Bambi also faces life’s hardships, often at the hands of man. A change of seasons brings new adventures to Bambi and co. and, what’s that? Could that be love in the air? Innocence and grace feature prominently and the story (or lack thereof) is a relaxing treat. But (as stated) the animation is a stunning triumph. From the patter of rain to a harrowing (though visually arresting) forest fire this film is sure to please even the harshest of critics. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.
OUR RATING— ***
FOLLOWED BY— Bambi II (midquel, 2006)

     Balls of Fury
2007  PG-13  COMEDY  1h 30min
CAST— Dan Fogler, Christopher Walken, George Lopez, Maggie Q, James Hong, Terry Crews, Robert Patrick, Diedrich Bader, Aisha Tyler, Jason Scott Lee, Thomas Lennon, Patton Oswalt, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, David Koechner, Kerry Kinney-Silver
MUSIC— Randy Edelman  DIRECTOR— Robert Ben Garant

     Ping pong. Or, as the Chinese say: ping pong. An entire film devoted to the sacred art of table tennis and the athletes who live and die by the paddle. Dan Fogler plays a washed out ping pong champ, now living a life of dissolution. Out of the blue the FBI show up to recruit him for a top secret mission; he must compete in a tournament hosted by arms dealer Feng, played by a hilariously over the top Christopher Walken. Upon arrival Fogler realizes that this is a do or die mission, literally; the unfortunate losers go into “sudden death” (what part of “sudden death” don’t you understand?). The film features many a comedic performance but the true scene stealer is Walken. The film also contains any and every “ball” joke in existence, so be warned. A novelty film, for sure, but the curious may not want to miss out on seeing the Christopher Walken pay tribute to Def Leppard, singing Pour Some Sugar on Me. Best line (spoken by Walken): “I bid you toodles.”
OUR RATING— **

     The Bad Seed

1956  NR  DRAMA  2h 9min
CAST— Nancy Kelly, Patty McCormack, Henry Jones, Eileen Heckart, Evelyn Varden, William Hopper
MUSIC— Alex North  DIRECTOR— Mervyn LeRoy  BASED ON— The Bad Seed (novel), by William March

     Perhaps the best addition to the “killer kid on the loose” genre of films out there, The Bad Seed just gets better with each viewing. Who would ever believe that sweet and innocent Patty McCormack has the black heart of a killer? She envied a medal that a boy had been awarded; so she simply beat him to death and dumped his body in the bay. Various adults believe her to be less than innocent, but when her mother finds out the whole story she nearly has a nervous breakdown. But little McCormack takes it all with a basket of kisses and a basket of hugs. The production can’t entirely escape its origins, feeling a bit stagy; a bit talky, as well, but overall an entertaining suspense yarn with a wicked villain and a totally satisfying conclusion. A fun performance by Henry Jones may provide a few giggles; the real standout is Patty McCormack in an excellent, Oscar-nominated performance as the title bad seed.
OUR RATING— ***
REMADE AS— The Bad Seed (1985)

     The Badlanders
1958  NR  WESTERN  1h 23min
CAST— Alan Ladd, Ernest Borgnine, Katy Jurado, Claire Kelly, Kent Smith, Nehemiah Persoff, Robert Emhardt
MUSIC— Joseph Cacciola, Louis De Francesco, Philip Green, Alexander Laszlo  DIRECTOR— Delmer Daves  BASED ON— The Asphalt Jungle (novel), by W. R. Burnett

     Entertaining adventure may not be so original but is never boring. Alan Ladd and Ernest Borgnine play two ex-cons, Ladd being a former geologist and Borgnine being a former cattle baron. Set free from Yuma prison they separately return to their hometown, Borgnine looking for work, Ladd seeking a partner to carry out a scheme that has been forming while locked away. Ladd knows of an abandoned mine (on what used to be Borgnine’s property) chock full of gold, ripe for the mining. He persuades Borgnine to fall in with him to relieve the mine of its burden of gold. Offers equal amounts of adventure and drama. By no means a masterpiece but not bad overall.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Bad Day at Black Rock
1955  NR  DRAMA  1h 21min
CAST— Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Anne Francis, Dean Jagger, Walter Brennan, John Ericson, Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin
MUSIC— Andre Previn  DIRECTOR— John Sturges  BASED ON— Bad Time at Honda (story), by Howard Breslin

     A bad day, indeed. Spencer Tracy heads an all-star cast in this suspenseful drama that treats the viewer to the hospitality offered by the populace of Black Rock. When Tracy arrives in this sleepy desert town he is welcomed with a less than enthusiastic response. The locals, headed by ringleader Robert Ryan, give Tracy a cold and menacing shoulder when he begins asking questions regarding a certain member of the community. As the day passes danger looms as Tracy inches closer to the heart of the matter. The film, which unravels like a fine play, features many a great performance, but the real standout is Lee Marvin, playing one of Ryan’s hired thugs. May be considered a post WWII neo/pseudo-Western mystery.
OUR RATING— ** ½

Trailer Unavailable

     Bad Company
2002  PG-13  ACTION  1h 56min
CAST— Anthony Hopkins, Chris Rock, Gabriel Macht, Peter Stormare, John Slattery, Garcelle Beauvais-nilon, Kerry Washington, Matthew Marsh, Brooke Smith, Irma P. Hall
MUSIC— Trevor Rabin  DIRECTOR— Joel Schumacher

     Ahh. Remember the good old days of spy movies? Remember when Sean Connery was James Bond? Now there was a spy! He had it all: he had the looks, the cars, the weapons, and if he said “sit” you thought he said something nasty. Yep, he was a spy, all right. Now, take a moment to consider who his complete opposite would be: Loud, Crass, ANNOYING. No, thankfully no one made a spy movie with Rosanne. They made one with Chris Rock, who as a spy leaves a lot to be desired, doing nothing but complaining and whining to his superior, Anthony Hopkins, who gives the only performance worth anything in this thrown together mess. The plot goes as follows: Rock is Jake Hays, a street-smart ticket scalper who needs to go undercover as his twin brother, a CIA operative in the middle of a huge deal that could hold the lives of thousands in the balance. In comes Hopkins to train him for the mission, and just maybe help him straighten out his life along the way. The film is okay as far as the action goes, but if you’re looking for a good comedy, just pass this one by. Go on.
OUR RATING— * ½

     Bad Company
1972  PG  WESTERN  1h 33min
CAST— Jeff Bridges, Barry Brown, Jim Davis, David Huddleston, John Savage, Jerry Houser
MUSIC— Harvey Schmidt  DIRECTOR— Robert Benton

     Surprising blend of comedy and drama in this Western tale of fellow Union draft evaders heading west. An unlikely duo— a decent, law abiding, church going type and a gruff, womanizing, hard drinking type— ride the range with a band of young outlaw wannabes on their way to freedom. Fun and adventurous, this should entertain long after your ride into the sunset.
OUR RATING— ***

     Back to the Future Part III
1990  PG  FANTASY  1h 59min
CAST— Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Thomas F. Wilson, Lea Thompson
MUSIC— Alan Silvestri  DIRECTOR— Robert Zemeckis

     Great Scott! The trilogy wraps up in this exiting third film of the BTTF saga. This one takes up where Part II left off with Marty still in 1955, but now he needs to go to 1885 to rescue Doc from being murdered. While there, the roles are reversed as Marty starts thinking rationally and Doc falls in love with the local schoolteacher. With lots of humor, action, and a rousing finale, this one has what Part II was missing. This Wild West adventure spelled the end to a great movie franchise. Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Back to the Future Part III were filmed simultaneously.
OUR RATING— *** ½
PRECEDED BY— Back to the Future (1985), Back to the Future Part II (1989)

     Back to the Future Part II
1989  PG  FANTASY  1h 48min
CAST— Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Thomas F. Wilson
MUSIC— Alan Silvestri  DIRECTOR— Robert Zemeckis

     Marty and Doc are back in this sequel, the least of the trilogy. In a complicated plot, they start out in 1985 then go to 2015 then back to an alternate 1985 then all the way back to 1955 trying to get the altered ’85 back to normal. Fun premise doesn’t deliver like the first and third but is good enough as a middle entry. The best scenes are recreated scenes from the first film. Back to the Future Part II and Back to the Future Part III (1990) were filmed simultaneously.
OUR RATING— ** ½
PRECEDED BY— Back to the Future (1985)
FOLLOWED BY— Back to the Future Part III (1990)

     Back to the Future
1985  PG  FANTASY  1h 56min
CAST— Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
MUSIC— Alan Silvestri  DIRECTOR— Robert Zemeckis

     The first of the trilogy, this one is fun from beginning to end. Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly, a teenager from 1985 who travels back in time to 1955 and accidentally prevents his parents from falling in love, which of course means that he and his siblings will never be born. He has to help his father gain self-confidence enough to ask out his mother while avoiding her (ahem) improper advances, all the while trying to figure out a way home with the help of Doc Brown, the future inventor of the time-traveling Delorian. Sound confusing? Just wait for the sequel. Oscar-winner for Best Sound Effects Editing. Later developed into an animated series. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.
OUR RATING— ****
FOLLOWED BY— Back to the Future Part II (1989), Back to the Future Part III (1990)

     Back to Bataan
1945  NR  ACTION  1h 35min
CAST— John Wayne, Anthony Quinn, Beulah Bondi
MUSIC— Roy Webb  DIRECTOR— Edward Dmytryk

     A terrific action-packed war drama, chronicling the aid the Allies offered in the Philippines. John Wayne heads the cast as a leader of a squadron comprised of both Americans and Filipinos. They receive orders to take down an enemy gasoline dump. But en route they come upon a village in dire need; Beulah Bondi plays an American schoolteacher who helps to organize the fight against Japanese invaders. A tense adventure film that will have you rooting for the good guys every step of the way.
OUR RATING— ***

Trailer Unavailable

     Bachelor Mother
1939  NR  COMEDY  1h 22min
CAST— Ginger Rogers, David Niven, Charles Coburn, Frank Albertson, Ernest Truex
MUSIC— Roy Webb  DIRECTOR— Garsin Kanin  BASED ON— A story by Felix Jackson

     …and baby makes two. Ginger Rogers and David Niven star in this lighthearted romp through motherhood. Young shopgirl Rogers tries in vain to help a stranger by placing their baby in an orphanage. The caretakers pretty much turn her away, claiming that she is the mother and that she should raise her own. They involve her employer, played by Niven, who becomes romantically attached to her. As they stumble into a relationship, Rogers becomes more and more the mother, forming an irrevocable bond between herself and her pseudo-child. If only the Maurey Povich show had been on the air back then…
OUR RATING— **
REMADE AS— Bundle of Joy (1956)

     The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer
1947  NR  COMEDY  1h 35min
CAST— Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Shirley Temple, Rudy Vallee, Ray Collins, Harry Davenport
MUSIC— Leigh Harline  DIRECTOR— Irving Reis

     This Cary Grant comedy targeted for a younger demographic leaves a lot to be desired for those used to his usual fare. A seventeen-year-old Shirley Temple falls in love with him and sneaks into his apartment. When she is discovered Grant is immediately arrested and it looks like his goose is cooked. Ya’see, Temple’s sister (played by Myrna Loy) just happens to be a judge and she could throw the book at him at any time. But her uncle, a psychiatrist, realizes that if Grant is put away, Temple will make a dramatic spectacle of her love now lost. The remedy, you may ask? Send Grant and Temple on numerous “dates” so that the girl will get over her undying affection for her one and only love. Think about this for a minute. That would only encourage her. Wouldn’t you want exactly the opposite to happen? The film has zero logic and just as many laughs, so basically forget this fluff. Oscar-winner for Best Original Screenplay (!). AKA Bachelor Knight.
OUR RATING— * ½

     Baby Mama
2008  PG-13  COMEDY  1h 39min
CAST— Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Greg Kinnear, Dax Shepard, Romany Malco, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Martin, Maura Tierney, Holland Taylor, Jonathan Hodgman, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Denis O’Hare, James Rebhorn, Will Forte, Fred Armison
MUSIC— Jeff Richmond  DIRECTOR— Michael McCullers

     Return to your seats, guys. Though the subject matter delves into chick-flickian territory the laughs are intended for all. Tina Fey plays a career oriented over achiever whose focus has recently shifted to all things baby. After trying more conventional methods she decides to outsource the project; she finds a surrogate mother to carry the child. The surrogate turns out to be an aimless, self-indulgent Dr. Pepper freak, in the form of a convincing Amy Poehler. Fresh out of an iffy relationship Poehler needs a place to crash while the bun is in the oven. It’s an easy guess as to who she goes to for a solid. What follows is an Odd Couple-esque comedy that features moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity delivered by the infallible Fey and the oddly charming Poehler. Steve Martin and Sigourney Weaver turn up in the supporting cast, as two of Fey’s contacts in the business world. See, guys; it wasn’t as bad as all that.
OUR RATING— ** ½

     Babylon A.D.
2008  PG-13  SCIENCE FICTION  1h 30min
CAST— Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, Melanie Thierry, Lambert Wilson, Mark Strong
MUSIC— Atli Orvarsson  DIRECTOR— Mathieu Kassovitz  BASED ON— Babylon Babies (novel), by Maurice Georges Dantec

     Here we have a candidate for Big Dumb Action Movie of the Year. Starring Vin Diesel (now we’re talkin’ Oscars), this in-your-face noise-maker exceeds the legal limit of energetic confusion. The plot? Here goes: Diesel plays a former mercenary hired to escort a young girl from Europe to the states come heck or high water. And you’d better believe there’s a whole lotta heck; when the bullets and the fists begin to fly, they barely take a breather. Why is this girl so important? Or dangerous? The answer is as dumb as the rest of the movie. The film is neither compelling nor boring; the loud, over-blown effects are enough to pique your interest, but the pay-off seems more like a rip-off. Unrated version also available.
OUR RATING— **