Reel Life with Jane -- September 2011
by Jane Louise Boursaw
A secret moon mission, a chick-flick adaptation, and The Lion King (in 3D!) are headed to the big screen this month. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new in theaters and on DVD/Blu-ray in September.
APOLLO 18
Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters 9/2. OK for kids 13+. Reel Preview: 3.5 out of 5 Reels. http://www.apollo18movie.net/
Pop quiz! Apollo 17, which launched in December 1972, was the last official manned mission to the moon, but did you know there was one more after that? I didn’t either! Apparently, in December 1974, two American astronauts were sent on a secret mission to the moon funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. What they got was actual footage that reveals exactly why we never went back. Sure, NASA denies its authenticity, but others say it’s the real deal. The truth is out there, and I’m a sucker for sci-fi space movies. This one looks fun, frightening, and mysterious—cue the Twilight Zone music.
WARRIOR
PG-13 for sequences of intense mixed martial arts fighting, some strong language, and thematic material. In theaters 9/9. OK for kids 14+. Reel Preview: 3.5 out of 5 Reels. http://www.warriorfilm.com/
I’m always excited to see Nick Nolte in a cast list, because he’s a great actor who deserves a big comeback (à la Mickey Rourke and Robert Downey, Jr.). Here he plays Paddy Conlon, an alcoholic former boxer whose youngest son, Tom (Tom Hardy), returns home to train with his dad for a mixed martial arts tournament—none of which sits well with Tom’s estranged brother Brendan (Joel Edgerton). It’s a tale of redemption, reconciliation, and forgiveness from Gavin O’Connor, who also directed Miracle and Pride and Glory. Warrior also stars Jennifer Morrison, Noah Emmerich, and Denzel Whitaker.
I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT
Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters 9/16. OK for kids 13+. Reel Preview: 4 out of 5 Reels. http://www.weinsteinco.com/#/film/idontknowhow
Book adaptations don’t always translate well to the big screen (no one but me seemed to like Julie & Julia, Eat Pray Love, or The Nanny Diaries), but I have high hopes for this one, partly because I adore Greg Kinnear. Based on the book by Allison Pearson, this movie stars Sarah Jessica Parker as Kate Reddy, a Boston-based financial executive who goes home each night to her adoring, recently-downsized architect husband Richard (Kinnear) and their two kids. It’s the same juggling act that Kate’s BFF and fellow working mom Allison (Christina Hendricks) performs on a daily basis. It’s also one that Kate’s child-phobic associate Momo (Olivia Munn) intends to avoid. When Kate scores a major account requiring frequent trips to New York, Richard also wins the new job he’s been hoping for. Things get complicated when Kate’s charming new business associate Jack (Pierce Brosnan) proves a little too tempting to the working mom.
THE LION KING 3D
Rated G. In theaters 9/16. OK for kids 5+. Reel Rating: 5 out of 5 Reels. http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/the-lion-king-diamond-edition.html
If your kids weren’t born yet when The Lion King hit theaters in 1994, here’s their chance to see the Oscar-winning film on the big screen in 3D. When a young lion prince named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is born in Africa, it leaves his uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa (James Earl Jones) and Prince Simba, thus making himself king. When the king is killed and the prince survives, Scar convinces Simba that his father’s death was his fault, and the young lion flees the kingdom in shame. After years of exile, he’s persuaded to return home to overthrow the usurper and claim the kingdom as his own. A special two-week theatrical extravaganza begins on September 16, followed by a Diamond Edition DVD/Blu-ray release on October 4. Hakuna matata!
ABDUCTION
PG-13 for sequences of intense violence and action, brief language, some sexual content, and teen partying. In theaters 9/23. OK for kids 13+. Reel Preview: 3 out of 5 Reels. http://www.abductionthefilm.com/
Wondering what the Twilight stars are doing these days? Taylor Lautner, who played the studly werewolf Jacob, stars in this action-drama as a young man thrust into a deadly world of covert espionage. Lautner seems perfect for the role of Nathan Harper, a guy who’s been having the uneasy feeling that he’s out of place in his own life. When he stumbles upon a picture of himself as a little boy on a missing persons website, all of Nathan’s darkest fears come true: he realizes that his parents are not his own, his life is a lie, and he’s being targeted by a team of trained killers, forcing him to go on the run with the only person he can trust—his neighbor Karen (Lily Collins). It’s directed by John Singleton, so expect some edgy violence. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Lautner can make a career for himself beyond his Twilight role.
DOLPHIN TALE 3D
PG for some mild thematic elements. In theaters 9/23 (2D, 3D). OK for kids 7+. 3.5 out of 5 Reels. http://www.dolphintalemovie.com/
What could have been a typical family movie about an ocean creature in peril is elevated by a cast that includes Hollywood royalty Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Kris Kristofferson. The film is based on the true story of a brave dolphin whose tail is severely damaged after being caught in a crab trap. Rescued and transported to a marine hospital, Winter the dolphin is nursed back to health by a dedicated marine biologist (Harry Connick, Jr.), a brilliant prosthetics doctor (Freeman), and a young boy (Nathan Gamble) whose dedication not only helps Winter, but also scores of people around the world.
NEW ON DVD/BLU-RAY:
SCOOBY-DOO! LEGEND OF THE PHANTOSAUR
Not rated. On DVD/Blu-ray 9/6. OK for kids 4+. 4 out of 5 Reels. Buy on Amazon.
Who doesn’t love Scooby-Doo? The loveable mutt is back with a new adventure that starts with a relaxing spa getaway for Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Velma, and Daphne. But things take a strange turn when the gang uncovers a frightening Phantosaur, a ghostly dinosaur that’s protecting hidden treasures buried in secret desert caves. The gang sets out to investigate the prehistoric haunting and uncovers various colorful suspects, including a free-wheeling motorcycle gang, greedy corporate investors, and overzealous scientists. Will the perennially teenage sleuths piece things together and solve the mystery? Sure, we know the answer, but it’s still a must-see for any Scooby fan. Bonus features include Nick Palatas (Shaggy) searching for dinosaur clues at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum.
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity, and language. On DVD/Blu-ray 9/9. OK for kids 14+. 3.5 out of 5 Reels. Buy on Amazon.
If you’re curious about the beginnings of the X-Men, here’s your chance to catch up. This movie harks back to the early friendship of Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) before they took the names Professor X and Magneto. They’re the closest of friends, discovering their powers and working with other mutants to prevent nuclear Armageddon, until a grave rift opens between them, spurring the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men. Read my full review in the June “Reel Life with Jane” column.
THOR
PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence. On DVD/Blu-ray 9/13. OK for kids 13+. 4 out of 5 Reels. Buy on Amazon.
Even if your kids aren’t comic book readers, they’ll find something to like about this Marvel adventure starring Chris Hemsworth as the mighty Thor. Living in the other-worldly realm of Asgard, he’s a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), he’s forced to live among humans, including the beautiful scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Surprisingly entertaining, Thor has something for everyone—family politics, romantic entanglements, government conspiracies, and, of course, the great Anthony Hopkins. Read my full review in the May “Reel Life with Jane” column.
DUMBO: 70TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Rated G. On DVD 9/20. OK for kids 3+. 4 out of 5 Reels. Buy on Amazon.
First released in 1941, this Disney classic follows the adventures of Dumbo, a little elephant who’s ostracized from the circus because of his big ears. It’s a sad tale at first: his mom sticks up for him and ends up shackled; he’s jeered at by children, even one boy who also has big ears; and he’s treated cruelly by the circus folk and demoted to appearing with clowns. Only the decent Timothy Q. Mouse looks out for the little guy, but no worries—in the end, the courageous elephant learns to soar and, in the process, teaches others about friendship and self-confidence.
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Jane Boursaw is a family entertainment writer specializing in movies, TV and celebrities. Syndicate her family movie and TV reviews in your publication; visit her at Reel Life With Jane; follow her on Twitter ; become a friend on Facebook ; email jboursaw@charter.net.
