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These are Maui Scene’s minireviews, excerpts of wire service reviews and previews provided by studios and other sources.
Opened Tuesday
“Black Nativity” PG, 1:33. Drama, musical. Maui Mall Megaplex.
A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey. Stars Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett and Jennifer Hudson. Kasi Lemmons directs.
“Homefront” R, 1:40. Action, crime, thriller. Maui Mall Megaplex.
A former DEA agent moves his family to a quiet town, where he soon tangles with a local meth druglord. Starring Jason Stathan, James Franco and Winona Ryder. Directed by Gary Felder.
Opened Wednesday
“Oldboy” R, 1:44. Action, drama, mystery. Maui Mall Megaplex.
Obsessed with vengeance, a man sets out to find out why he was kidnapped and locked into solitary confinement for 20 years without reason. Starring Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen and Samuel Jackson. Directed by Spike Lee.
“Philomena” PG-13, 1:38. Drama. Maui Kaahumanu 6.
A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan and Sophie Kennedy Clark. Directed by Stephen Frears.
“The Book Thief” PG-13, 2:11. Drama, war. Kaahumanu 6.
While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents. Stars Sophie Nelisse, Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson. Directed by Brian Percival.
Still Playing
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” PG, 1:35. Animation, comedy, family. Kaahumanu 6.
Flint Lockwood now works at The Live Corp Company for his idol, Chester V. But he’s forced to leave his post when he learns that his infamous machine is still operational and is churning out menacing food-animal hybrids. Stars Bill Hader, Anna Faris and Will Forte.
“Dallas Buyers Club,” R, 1:57. Drama. Kaahumanu 6.
In the 1980s, the free-wheeling life of cowboy Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) comes to a screeching halt when he’s diagnosed with HIV and given 30 days to live. The early days of the AIDS epidemic leaves the U.S. divided over how to combat the deadly virus. Inspired by true events, Ron, now shunned and ostracized by many of his old friends, takes matters into his own hands, tracking down alternative treatments from around the world – both legal and illegal. He joins forces with an unlikely group of outcasts to establish a hugely successful “buyers’ club.” Together, they form an American story of resilience and transformation.
“Delivery Man,” PG-13, 1:43. Comedy. Maui Mall Megaplex.
Underachiever David Wozniak’s (Vince Vaughn) ho-hum life is uphended when he discovers he fathered not one, but 533 children through sperm donations he made decades ago. In debt to the mob and rejected by his pregnant girlfriend, things get even worse when he’s hit with a lawsuit from 142 of the 533 20-somethings who want to know their biological father. As David struggles with the decision over whether to reveal his indentity, he learns lessons about himself and his capacity for fatherhood. Directed and written by Ken Scott.
“Free Birds” PG, 1:31. Animation, comedy. Kaahumanu 6.
Two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history – and get turkey off the holiday menu for good. Stars Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson and Dan Fogler.
“Frozen,” PG, 1:25. Animation, kids and family. Lahaina Wharf Cinemas and Maui Mall Megaplex.
Walt Disney Pictures presents one of its coolest comedy-adventures yet. When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell), teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer, Sven. They embark on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister, Elsa, and put an end to the Snow Queen’s icy spell.
“Gravity” PG-13, 1:30. Drama, mystery, sci-fi. Kaahumanu 6 (3-D).
A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space. Stars Sandra Bullock, George Clooney and Ed Harris. Alfonso Cuaron directs.
“Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa” R, 1:32. Comedy. Maui Mall Megaplex.
Eighty-six-year-old Irving Zisman is on a journey across America with the most unlikely companion: his 8-year-old grandson, Billy. Stars Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll and Spike Jonze.
“Last Vegas” PG-13, 1:45. Comedy. Maui Mall Megaplex.
Three 60-something friends take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal. Stars Kevin Kline, Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas and Morgan Freeman will take you on a senior romp through Sin City that will have you in stiches.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” PG-13, 2:26. Action and adventure, science fiction and fantasy. Maui Mall Megaplex and Lahaina Wharf Cinemas.
This middle chapter of “The Hunger Games” franchise doesn’t have a dull moment: Bigger, better, broodier action sequences keep the story a success for many critics. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return home after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games, only to have to turn around and leave family and friends for the Victor’s Tour of the districts. Sensing a rebellion is brewing, Katniss moves from survivor to leader. Meanwhile, the districts prepare for the 75th games, a competition that could change Panem forever.
“Thor: The Dark World” PG-13, 2:00. Action, adventure, fantasy. Lahaina Wharf Cinema and Kaahumanu 6 (3-D).
Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all. Starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman.
“Wedding Palace” NR, 1:38. Comedy, romance. Ends tonight at Kaahumanu 6.
You’re invited to meet the Kims, a group of whacky American-Koreans, who are intent on marrying son Jason to avoid a family curse. Twenty-nine-year-old Jason is dumped at the altar, and he must find a bride before he turns 30. That, or suffer death, according to an ancient family curse.
“12 Years a Slave” R, 2:14. Biography, drama, history. Maui Mall Megaplex.
This far-from-comfortable film takes viewers on an unflinchingly brutal look at American slavery. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Solomon Northup, a New York citizen who was kidnapped and made to work on a plantation in New Orleans in the 1800s. Steve McQueen directs from a script he cowrote with John Ridley, based in part by Northup’s memoir. Starring Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson and Paul Giamatti.
* Movie listings are subject to last-minute changes. For updates, visit www.mauigateway.com/~rw/movie/ or www.fandango.com.