These are Maui Scene's mini-reviews, excerpts of wire service reviews and previews provided by studios and other sources. Complete movie listings were unavailable as of press time. Please check with theaters for updates.
Opens Friday
"The Words," PG-13, 1:36, Front St. Theaters.
Article Photos
Jeffrey Dean Morgan stars as Clyde, the father of a young girl who teams up with his ex-wife to find a way to end a curse upon their child in “The Possession.”
Lionsgate photo
"The Words" follows young writer Rory Jansen who finally achieves long sought after literary success after publishing the next great American novel. There's only one catch - he didn't write it. As the past comes back to haunt him and his literary star continues to rise, Jansen is forced to confront the steep price that must be paid for stealing another man's work. Stars Bradley Cooper, Dennis Quaid and Olivia Wilde. Brian Klugman and Lee Strenthal codirect.
Still Playing
"The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure," G, 1:28, Maui Mall Megeplex.
It's Schluufy's birthday, and the Oogieloves (Goobie, Zoozie and Toofie), along with their friends J. Edgar, Windy Window and Ruffy, are organizing a surprise party. Everything is going along just perfectly until J. Edgar trips and loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville. The Oogiloves set out to find the magical balloons. Along the way, they meet some interesting characters. Jaime Pressly, Cloris Leachman and Christopher Lloyd star in this animated feature. Matthew Diamond directs.
"Lawless," R, 1:55, Kukui Mall, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Va., a bootlegging gang is threatened by a new deputy and other authorities who want a cut of their profits. Rooted in Prohibition-era outlaw legend, "Lawless" contains exciting character portraits from a robust cast, including Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf and Guy Pierce. The potent atmosphere of the film ignites into visceral bursts of violence. It is an entertaining tale told with style. The film's merits are not lacking for viewers who like blood-soaked, Depression-era crime sagas. John Hillcoat directs.
"The Avengers," PG-13, 2:23, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is director of S.H.I.E.L.D, an international peace keeping agency. The agency is a who's who of Marvel Super Heroes, with Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When global security is threatened by Loki and his cohorts, Nick Fury and his team will need all their powers to save the world from disaster. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson star. Joss Whedon directs.
"Celeste & Jesse Forever," R, 1:32, Maui Mall Megaplex.
A divorcing couple tries to maintain their friendship while they both pursue other people. Celeste and Jesse are played by Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg. It appears they can coast along as friends forever, until Jesse receives a completely unexpected piece of news. This new information brings a sudden infusion of reality into their lives. Lee Toland Krieger directs.
"The Intouchables," R, 1:52, Kukui Mall.
A rich quadriplegic, living in a mansion in Paris, requires live-in care. A young offender turns up for an interview, but he is not really looking to get the job. However, to his surprise, he is hired. The two men then develop a close friendship. Omar Sy plays Driss, the ex-con hired to care for Philippe (Francois Cluzet). Co- written and directed by Eric Tolendano and Olivier Nakache, the film is based on a true story.
"2016: Obama's America," PG, 1:29, Kaahumanu 6.
This documentary examines the question, "If Barack Obama wins a second term, where will we be in 2016?" The film employs a montage of snappy visuals, re-enactments and first-person commentary. Conservative author and political commentator Dinesh D'Souza codirects along with John Sullivan. D'Souza is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Roots of Obama's Rage."
"The Possession," PG-13, 1:32, Maui Mall Megaplex, Front St. Theaters.
A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child. The "true" backstory for this tale has become an urban legend. Several people who have come into possession of the "real" antique box claim to have had terrible fortune. Los Angeles Times writer Leslie Bornstein chronicled the tale in the article, "A Jinx in a Box." The movie stars Natasha Calis, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick. Ole Bornedal directs.
"You May Not Kiss The Bride," PG-13, 1:40, Kaahumanu 6.
An unassuming pet photographer (Dave Annable) is thrown into serious action, adventure and romance when he's forced to marry a Croatian bride (Katharine McPhee) and spend his honeymoon at a remote tropical resort where she is kidnapped. The film sees Rob Schneider returning to comedic concepts introduced in his "First 50 Dates" film character. However, this movie has little to do with Schneider and more to do with Annable?and McPhee. Hawaii-born Tia Carrere also has a role. She and her cousin (Schneider) are part of the nearly fatal misadventure. Rob Hedden directs.
"Hit and Run," R, 1:40, Kaahumanu 6, Kukui Mall, Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center.
Former getaway driver Charlie Bronson (Dax Sherpard) jeopardizes his Witness Protection Plan identity in order to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. The feds and Charlie's former gang chase them on the road. Created on a tiny budget, the lack of resources steers the story away from the action and toward the characters, who are wry, irreverent, even endearing. Screenwriter Dax Shepard tailors the rolls to suit the actors, including Bradley Cooper, Tom Arnold and Kristen Bell. David Palmer and Dax Shepard direct.
"Premium Rush," PG-13, 1:31, Maui Mall Megaplex.
In Manhattan, a bike messenger picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city. Realistic stunt action through the streets of New York translate to convincingly thrilling urban bike-chase sequences. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt in his first action lead role as the best of the Big Apple's speedster bicycle messengers. Last seen in "The Dark Knight Rises," Gordon-Levitt injured his forearm during filming when he crashed into the back window of a taxi. He later admitted it was his fault, for going "too fast." David Koepp directs the nail-biting action. Co-stars Michael Shannon and Dania Ramirez.
"The Odd Life of Timothy Green," PG, 1:41, Maui Mall Megaplex.
A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears. The movie, from novelist and filmmaker Peter Hedges, author of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and creator of Katie Holmes' lovely independent feature "Pieces of April," attempts to Disney-ize the family dysfunction territory he explored so well in those works.
"The Expendables 2," R, 1:44, Kukui Mall, Maui Mall Megaplex, Wharf Cinema Center.
Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat. The movie is full of '80s and '90s action movie stars. Simon West directs the loud and explosive action.
"ParaNorman," PG, 1:33, Front Street Theaters, Maui Mall Megaplex.
A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse. Directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell spin an imaginative patchwork tale. Few movies so taken with death feel so rudely alive as this stop-motion animation. "ParaNorman" is a classic adolescent-misfit adventure. Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick and Christopher Mintz-Plasse star.
"Sparkle," PG-13, 1:56, Kaahumanu 6.
Set in the 1960s, three sisters form a girl group and soon become Motown sensations, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. Musical prodigy, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks), struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are hurting her family. Salim Akil directs.
"Hope Springs," PG-13, 1:40, Front Street Theaters, Maui Mall Mall Megaplex.
After thirty years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship. The couple, Kay and Arnold Soames, are played by Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. With the children grown and their routines in ruts, the couple's relationship went sexless years ago. Thanks to the expert guidance of Dr. Bernard Feld, (Steve Carell), the Soames begin to reintroduce themselves to each other. Comic moments help to lighten the uncomfortable subject of naked adult intimacy and its discontents. David Frankel directs.
"The Bourne Legacy," PG-13, 2:15, Wharf Cinema Center, Kaahumanu 6, Kukui Mall.
Tony Gilroy takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that has earned almost $1 billion at the global box office. The writer/director expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films.
"The Campaign," R, 1:37, Maui Mall Megaplex.
In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two CEOs seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center. As election day draws near, Brady and Huggins cast ethics aside to engage in mud-slinging, mirroring politics of today.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days," PG, 1:34, Maui Mall Megaplex.
The formulaic but family-friendly series, based on the popular book, is back and it's business as usual. School is out and "Wimpy Kid" Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) is ready for the days of summer. Greg hatches a plan to pretend he has a job at a ritzy country club - which fails to keep him away from the season's dog days, including embarrassing mishaps at a public pool and a camping trip that goes horribly wrong. Robert Capron and Devon Bostick costar. David Bowers directs.
"Total Recall," PG-13, 1:58, Kaahumanu 6, Kukui Mall.
A factory worker, Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led. Also stars Bokeem Woodbine and Bryan Cranstons. Len Wiseman directs.
"Step Up Revolution," PG-13, 1:54, Kaahumanu 6.
The colorful and vibrant streets of Miami set the dancing backdrop for this lively romp ti save the neighborhood from development. Stars Kathryn McCormick and Ryan Guzman.
"The Dark Knight Rises," PG-13, 2:04, Maui Mall Megaplex.
Eight years after Batman took the fall for Two Face's crimes, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy. Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar-winner Christian
Bale ("The Fighter") again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. "The Dark Knight Rises" also stars Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle. Christopher Nolan directs.
"Ice Age: Continental Drift," PG, 1:34, Kaahumanu 6.
Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon another adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they explore a new world. Scrat's nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he's been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences-a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. Stars Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo.
"The Amazing Spiderman" PG-13, 2:16, Maui Mall Megaplex.
As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance-leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner. Stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans. Marc Webb directs.
* Movie listings are subject to last-minute changes. Visit www.mauigateway.com/~rw/movie/ for updates.
