On local screens

Movie showtimes and reviews March 27-April 3
by Bill White
Mar 27, 2008

21: A formula movie "inspired by" a true story about the M.I.T. students who developed a card-counting system that enabled them to win millions at the blackjack tables in Las Vegas. The excitement is as watered-down as the drinks. It's not unwatchable, but you could watch it with your eyeballs tied behind your back and enjoy it just as much. One and a half stars. — Jim Emerson

• Century Olympia: Fri-Thurs, April 3 1:40, 4:40, 7:30, 10:20.
• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:30, 2:55, 5:20, 7:45, 10:10.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11 a.m., 1:40, 4:20, 7:05, 9:50.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:30 a.m., 12:20, 2:40, 4:10, 6:35, 7:30, 9:40, 10:35.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Fri-Thurs, April 3 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:25. Also Sat-Sun 10:30 a.m.
• Longston Place 14: Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon, 12:30, 3, 3:30, 7, 7:30, 10, 10:30.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11 a.m., 12:30, 2, 4, 4:50, 7, 7:50, 10:05, 10:45.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Fri-Thurs, April 3 1, 3:45, 6:25, 9:05.

10,000 B.C.: Roland Emmerich, the director that brought us Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow now back in time to when the world was ruled by mystics, gods and mammoths. (PG-13) – BW

• Century Olympia: Thurs 12:50, 3:30, 6:05, 7:30, 8:45, 10:05. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:40 a.m., 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10:05.
• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Thurs 12:35, 12:55, 2:55, 3:15, 5:05, 5:30, 7:35, 7:55, 9:55, 10:15. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:40, 3:05, 5:20, 7:40, 10.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: 11:05 a.m., 1:25, 4:10, 7, 9:40.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:50, 4:30, 7:35, 9:20, 10:25. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:55, 4:35, 7:25, 9:55.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:30, 4:55, 7:30, 10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon, 2:25, 5:05, 7:40, 10:20. Also Sat-Sun 11:50 a.m. and no noon.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs noon, 12:30, 2:30, 3:05, 5, 7, 7:30, 9:50, 10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:05, 2:40, 5:15, 7:50, 10:20.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:20 a.m., 1:40, 2:15, 4:45, 7:10, 7:55, 10:35. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:10 a.m., 1:50, 4:35, 7:20, 10:15.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs 12:10, 2:30, 5, 7:25, 9:50. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:10, 2:30, 5, 7:25, 9:45.

THE BANK JOB: A serviceable B-grade British heist movie, The Bank Job is no better than its generic title.  It front-loads the naughty sex and back-loads the plot twists (the titular crime takes place in the middle), but apart from the prominence of Princess Margaret in the goings-on, it’s a pretty routine job, as the use of the hackneyed phrase “plot twists” earlier in this sentence should indicate. (R) Two and a half stars – JE

• Century Olympia: Thurs 11:25 a.m., 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:55. Fri-Thurs, April 3 2, 4:35, 7:10, 9:50. Also Sat-Sun 11:15 a.m.
• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Thurs 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:40, 10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:40, 10.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: 11:50 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:20, 10.  
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:25, 3:45, 7:10, 9:55. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:35, 4:45, 7:45, 10:25.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:20, 5, 7:25, 9:55. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:05, 2:30, 5:10, 7:45, 10:20. Also Sat-Sun 11:55 a.m. and no 12:05.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:15, 2:50, 5:25, 7:55, 10:30. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:40, 3:15, 6:50, 9:40.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:35 a.m., 2:25, 5:10, 7:50, 10:40. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:25 a.m., 2:25, 5:10, 8, 10:40.

COLLEGE ROAD TRIP: The sort of movie that gets described as “fun for the whole family,” but it really isn’t.  Raven-Symone plays a high school whiz kid visiting prospective colleges with her overprotective police chief father (Martin Lawrence).  This movie’s jokes and trust-your-offspring sentiments have been heard 1,000 times.  With Donny Osmond. (G) Half star – DJ

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 2:40, 5, 7:10.
• Century Olympia: Thurs 12:25, 2:45, 5:10, 7:25, 9:40.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:35 a.m., 3:40, 6:45, 9:30.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:20, 4:25, 6:30, 8:35. Fri-Thurs, April 3 4, 8:45. Also Sat-Sun 11:25 a.m.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 12:15, 2:35, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40.
• Regal South Hill Cinema 6: Thurs 12:35, 2:50, 4:55, 7:10, 9:15. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:20, 2:30, 4:40, 6:50, 9.

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY: The story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French fashion editor, who after a stroke could move only his left eyelid and used it to dictate, one blink at a time, a memoir.  Julian Schnabel’s wonderful film looks out through his eye, sees what he sees, remembers and imagines, and is filled with life and color — not nearly as depressing as it sounds.  With a supporting cast of warm and loving women, and Max von Sydow as his wise old father. (PG-13) Four stars – RE

• The Grand Cinema: Thurs 4, 6:25, 8:55. Fri-Thurs, April 3:45, 8:30.

DOOMSDAY: The writer-director of The Descent, Neil Marshall, returns with an action packed thriller about a country that is brutally quarantined  when a deadly virus strikes. (R) – BW

• Century Olympia: Thurs 11:40 a.m., 2:15, 4:55, 7:35, 10:15.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs 11:15 a.m., 1:45, 4:15, 7:40, 10:15.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:55, 4:25, 7:25, 10:15. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:10, 3:40, 6:50, 10:15.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:05, 2:40, 5:15, 7:50, 10:25. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:55, 3:35, 6:45, 10:05.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:40 a.m., 2:20, 5:05, 7:50, 10:40. Fri-Thurs, April 3 4:45, 9:55.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs 12:05, 2:35, 4:55, 7:20, 9:45.

DRILLBIT TAYLOR: Aspiring to the naughty sensibility of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and especially Superbad, this latest offering from the Judd Apatow funny factory keeps the smart-ass dialogue flowing, but it’s in the service of pretty mundane storytelling. Three high school freshman nerds hire an Army deserter and a two-bit thief (Owen Wilson) as a bodyguard to protect them from a psychotic senior. About 40 minutes of story in a 102-minute movie. (PG-13) Two stars – DJ

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 3, 5:45, 8:15. Fri-Sun 1:40, 4:30, 7:10, 9:40. Also Sat 10:50 a.m. Sun no 9:40. Mon-Thurs, April 3 3, 5:45, 8:15.
• Century Olympia: Thurs 11:50 a.m., 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:20 a.m., 1:55, 4:25, 7, 9:30.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: 11:20 a.m., 2, 4:30, 7:35, 9:55.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:45 a.m., 2:20, 5:10, 7:45, 10:10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:45, 3:25, 6:45, 9:25.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:15, 4:40, 7:05, 9:35. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:15, 2:40, 5:05, 7:35, 10. Also Sat-Sun 11:55 a.m.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:40, 3:10, 7:05, 9:45. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:10, 2:45, 5:20, 7:55, 10:35.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:15 a.m., 1:50, 4:25, 7:20, 9:55. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:40, 2:20, 5:05, 7:55, 10:30.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs 12:35, 2:45, 5:05, 7:30, 9:55. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:35, 2:45, 5:05, 7:30, 9:40.

DR. SEUSS’ HORTON HEARS A WHO!: Comedy kings Jim Carrey and Steve Carell deliver a Horton that’s faithful, if not 100 percent, to the spirit of the beloved children’s classic.  Lots of action and slapstick for the kids, plus snarky comments and pop-culture references for their adult keepers.  The all-star cast also includes Carol Burnett, Seth Rogen, Amy Poehler and Will Arnett, with calm narration from Charles Osgood to rein in the often fast and furious proceedings. (G) Three stars – LE

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 2:30, 3:15, 4:45, 5:25, 7, 7:45. Fri-Sun 12:20, 1:05, 2:30, 3:15, 4:40, 5:25, 7, 7:45, 9:10, 10. Also Sat 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m. Sun no 9:10, 10. Mon-Thurs, April 3 2:30, 3:15, 4:45, 5:25, 7, 7:45.
• Century Olympia: Thurs 10:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:10, 2, 2:50, 3:40, 4:30, 5:20, 6:10, 7, 7:50, 8:40, 9:30, 10:20.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs 11 a.m., 12:30, 1, 2:40, 3:10, 4:50, 5:20, 7, 7:30, 9:10, 9:40.  Fri-Thurs, April 3 11 a.m., 1, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:40 a.m., noon, 12:30, 1, 1:50, 2:30, 2:50, 3:30, 4:20, 5, 6:10, 6:40, 7, 7:30, 8:20, 9, 9:50, 10:30. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:50 a.m., 12:50, 2:25, 3:50, 5:10, 6:30, 7:20, 8:40, 9:30. Also Sat-Sun 11:45 a.m. and no 11:50 a.m.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2, 3, 4:10, 5:15, 6:20, 7:20, 8:30, 9:30. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:30, 1:45, 2:45, 5, 6:30, 7:25, 9:40.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:30, 1:45, 2:30, 3, 4:15, 5, 5:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 9:15, 10, 10:30. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:15 a.m., noon, 1:35, 2:30, 4:05, 4:45, 6:30, 7:15, 9:15, 9:45.
• Regal South Hill Cinema 6: Thurs 12:10, 12:30, 12:50, 1:10, 2:20, 2:40, 3, 3:20, 4:30, 4:50, 5:10, 5:30, 6:40, 7, 7:20, 7:40, 8:50, 9:10, 9:30, 9:50. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:10, 1, 2:20, 3:10, 4:30, 5:20, 6:40, 7:40, 8:50, 10.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: 12:30, 2:40, 4:40, 6:45, 8:50.

FOOL’S GOLD: Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson are a freshly divorced couple thrown back together in pursuit of an 18th-century ship’s lost riches in the Bahamas.  Donald Sutherland slums as a yacht owner. (PG-13) Two stars – RE

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 2:25, 8:05.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 1:05, 3:50, 6:55, 10:20. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:20, 7:05.

FRENCH THEATER: Check out these films on Fort Lewis: Fool’s Gold (PG-13) Fri 7.  Sun 7. Step Up 2: The Street (PG-13) Fri 9:30. Sat 2. Definitely, Maybe (PG-13) Sat 7. Sun 2.

FUNNY GAMES: The new Hollywood edition of Funny Games, a clinical re-enactment of Michael Haneke’s Austrian torture-comedy experiment from 10 years ago, is an attempt to replicate the earlier study under English-language conditions.  Two young men wearing white sweaters and white gloves humiliate, torture and kill a family and their dog.  Naomi Watts and Tim Roth star. (R) Half star – JE

• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 4:20, 9:50.

THE HAMMER: Adam Carolla plays a 40-something former amateur boxer who attempts a comeback and an Olympic bid after an unlikely knockout of an up-and-coming pro during a impromptu sparring session. (R) – BW

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Fri-Sun 1:20, 3:30, 5:45, 8:05, 10:15. Also Sat 11:10 a.m. Sun no 10:15. Mon-Thurs, April 3 3:20, 5:50, 8.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:15, 2:35, 5, 7:45, 10:10.

HEARTS AND MINDS: Academy Award-winning documentary that is a insightful critique of the US involvement in Vietnam. (R) – BW

• The Grand Cinema: Sat-Sun 2:45. Thurs, April 3 2:45.

GIRLS ROCK!: The act of picking up a guitar and making some noise becomes a life-changing experience in Girls Rock!, an irresistible new documentary from filmmakers Arne Johnson and Shane King that showcases the transformative power of rock ‘n’ roll.

The film’s subject is the Rock ‘n’ Roll School for Girls; every girl between the ages of 8 and 18 should be required to check it out.  The weeklong summer sessions, which began in Portland, Ore., and now are offered nationwide, give girls the chance to learn an instrument, form a band, write a song and perform before an audience.

The deeper motive, however, is to help girls work on confidence and self-esteem issues.  As the camp’s assistant director, Jen Agosta, explains, the camp is a place where “it is 100 percent OK to be exactly who you are.” Rated PG. Three-and-a-half stars. — Mary Houlihan

• 5:10, 7:10, 9:10 pm.

Two Dublin hit men (Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) are ordered to hide out in Bruges, Belgium, after a hit goes very wrong.  Along the way, there are times of great sadness and poignancy, times of abandon, times of violence, times of goofiness, and that kind of humor that is REALLY FUNNY because it grows out of character and close observation. (R) Four stars – RE

• The Grand Cinema: Thurs 3:40, 6:10, 8:30. Fri-Thurs, April 3 6:10. Also Sat-Sun 1:15.

JUMPER: Hayden Christensen can “jump” anywhere anytime. Samuel L. Jackson wants to kill him. In Giza and New York and London and Paris and Rome and Tokyo and Ann Arbor. (PG-13) One and a half stars – JE

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 5:40.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:55, 5:05, 7:35, 9:45.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:55, 3:30, 6:50, 10:15. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:50, 3:20, 6:55, 9:55.

JUNO: Very smart, very funny and then very touching; it begins with the pacing of a screwball comedy and ends as a portrait of characters we have come to love.  Ellen Page in an Oscar-worthy performance as a pregnant 16-year-old who decides to keep the child.  With J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney wonderful as her parents, older and wiser than most parents in teenage comedies. (PG) Four stars – RE

• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 5, 7:20, 9:40.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:45, 3:25, 6:40, 9:25.

MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY: An entirely charming film based on a 1938 novel by Winifred Watson about a frumpy governess, Miss Pettigrew (Frances McDormand), who becomes the social secretary for nightclub singer Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams), who is intent on becoming a star. (PG-13) Three and a half stars – MH

• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon, 2:25, 4:40, 7, 9:10.
• The Grand Cinema: 2:20, 4:30, 6:40, 8:45. Also Sat-Sun 12:15. Mon-Wed no 2:20.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:50 a.m., 2:20, 4:55, 7:40, 10:20. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:55 a.m., 7:25.

NEVER BACK DOWN: This fun and shamelessly formulaic tale provides a dazzling highlight reel for mixed martial arts fighting.  Essentially a remake of The Karate Kid.  Sean Faris is the new kid, humiliated by the local bully (Cam Gigandet) for having a crush on his girlfriend (Amber Heard).  Djimon Hounsou is the stoic African MMA master who teaches the kid to fight. (PG-13) Two and a half stars – BM

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 2:45, 5:35, 8:10. Fri-Sun 1:30, 4:20, 7:15, 9:55. Also Sat 10:30 a.m. Sun no 9:55. Mon-Thurs, April 3 2:45, 5:35, 8:10.
• Century Olympia: Thurs 1:45, 4:25, 7:05, 9:45. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:50 a.m., 2:30, 5:10, 7:50, 10:30.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs 11 a.m., 1:30, 4:05, 7:25, 9:55.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:40, 4:10, 7:15, 10:05. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:40, 4:25, 7:35, 10:10.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50. Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon, 2:30, 5:15, 7:55, 10:30. Also Sat-Sun 11:50 a.m.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:35, 3:15, 7:10, 9:55. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:25, 3:10, 7:10, 9:50.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:05 a.m., 1:55, 4:40, 7:25, 10:10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:05 a.m., 1:45, 4:25, 7:25, 10:20.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs noon, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40. Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon.

OLYMPIA FILM SOCIETY: All screenings at the Capital Theater, 206, E. 5th Ave. Olympia. Atonement (R) Fri 9 a.m. The Ground Truth (R) Sun 2:30 & 7:30. Mon & Wed 6:30. Tue & Thurs 9 a.m. The Duchess (NR) Sun 5. Mon & Wed 9. Tue & Thurs 6:30.

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL: It’s Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) versus her sister Mary (Scarlett Johansson) and Henry VIII (Eric Bana) in this familiar genre picture about treachery in the House of Tudor.  It’s a historical drama about backstabbing and decapitation in the court of Henry VIII, with ancestors in Shakespeare’s illustrious Henry Histories. (PG-13) Two and a half stars – JE

• Century Olympia: Thurs 1:30, 4:10, 6:55, 9:35. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:45 a.m., 2:35, 5:25, 8:10.
• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:35, 2:50, 5:10, 7:25, 9:40.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:05, 3:10, 6:35, 9:35.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 12:20, 3:30, 6:55, 9:45.
• Regal South Hill Cinema 6: Thurs 12:40, 3:30, 6:50, 9:20. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:40, 3:30, 6:30, 9:20.

PENELOPE: First-time director Mark Palansky brings us Tim Burton-light with his debut, Penelope, a fanciful romantic fable in which the title character was born with a pig snout for a nose.  Surgery is out of the question, as the only thing that will remove the “curse” is if Penelope (Christina Ricci) finds true love.  Enter Max (James McAvoy), who pursues her at first for money, but then really falls for her. (PG-13) Three stars – TB

• Century Olympia: Thurs 12:15, 2:30, 4:45.
• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Thurs 12:40, 4:55, 9:20.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:50, 3:30, 6:50, 10:10.

RUN, FAT BOY, RUN: David Schwimmer, best known for the TV sitcom "Friends," makes his feature film directorial debut with this formulaic, unfunny and forgettable romantic comedy starring Simon Pegg ("Hot Fuzz," "Shaun of the Dead") as a guy who dumped his pregnant wife at the altar and decides five years later than she's the one for him after all. Hank Azaria plays a nice guy who -- surprise! -- turns out to be not so nice, and Thandie Newton at least looks pretty in her throwaway role as the object of Pegg's affections. One and a half stars — Teresa Budasi

• Century Olympia: Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon, 2:20, 4:45, 7:15, 9:40.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:40, 7:10, 9:25.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:25, 4:20, 7, 9:45.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Fri-Thurs, April 3 2, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45. Also Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:40, 7:05, 9:40.
• Regal South Hill Cinema 6: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50.

SEMI-PRO: Comedic MVP Will Ferrell slam-dunks this Guy Flick, playing the coach, GM, power forward and promotions chief of the Flint Tropics, an ABA franchise on the verge of extinction in 1976.  With Woody Harrelson again showing off his white-man’s leap, it’s a nonstop laugh-in that’s not just for hoops junkies. (R) Three and a half stars – JJ

• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Thurs 2:45, 7:05.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:20, 2:45, 5:20, 7:40, 10:10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 3:05, 9:45.

SHUTTER: Newlyweds discover disturbing images in photographs they develop after a tragic accident.  A decision to investigate further proves deadly.  (PG-13) – BW

• Century Olympia: Thurs 1, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 1, 3:15, 5:15, 7:45, 10. Also Sat-Sun 10:40 a.m.
• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Thurs 12:45, 2:40, 4:45, 7, 9. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:45, 2:45, 4:45, 7:05, 9:05.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: 11 a.m., 1:05, 3:10, 5:20, 8, 10:10.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:50 a.m., 2:40, 5:20, 7:40, 10:20. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:55 a.m., 2:10, 4:30, 7:40, 10:20.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:50, 5:10, 7:15, 9:35. Fri-Thurs, April 3 1:20, 3:30, 5:50, 8, 10:15. Also Sat-Sun 11 a.m.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:50, 3, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:35, 2:50, 5, 7:20, 9:35.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs noon, 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:15. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:35 a.m., 1:55, 4:20, 7:35, 9:50.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: 12:15, 2:10, 4:35, 6:40, 9.

TACOMA SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM & FOOD FESTIVAL: Every Thursday through April 17 at the Blue Mouse theater. Where is Happiness? (The Philippines) Thurs. The Italian (Russia) Thurs, April 3. Doors open 5:45 p.m.

THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES: A family moves into a creepy old mansion and discovers it is already inhabited by creatures from the spirit world.  Starring Freddie Hightower as twins, Sarah Bolger as their sister, and Mary-Louise Parker as their mom, plus a supporting cast of gifted actors and impressive effects.  But it should be rated PG-13. (PG) Three and a half stars – RE

• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:45.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:25, 3:20, 6:45, 9:35.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:25 a.m., 2:05, 4:35, 7:35, 10:05.
• Regal South Hill Cinema 6: Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon, 2:40, 5, 7:20, 9:40.

STOP-LOSS: Writer-director Kimberly Peirce's uneven film about a young soldier home from Iraq (Ryan Phillippe) who is forced to rethink his ideas about heroism and patriotism when he is "stop-lossed": involuntarily assigned to another tour of duty. The story is hampered by awkward construction and its characters' inarticulate attempts to describe what is going on, but no feature film can approach the visceral power of any of the hundreds of YouTube clips or superb documentaries that let the soldiers tell their own stories. Two stars — Nell Minow

• Century Olympia: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:25 a.m., 2:10, 4:55, 7:35, 10:15.
• Galaxy Tacoma 6: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:35, 3, 5:25, 7:45, 10:05.
• Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:05 a.m., 1:35, 4:10, 7, 9:40.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:40 a.m., 2:20, 5:20, 8, 10:40.
• Longston Place 14: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:45, 3:25, 7:45, 10:25.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:20 a.m., 2:10, 4:55, 7:40, 10:25.

SUPERHERO MOVIE: From the guys that brought you the Scary Movie series comes a new genre to ridicule … the Superhero/comic book films. (PG-13) – BW

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Fri-Sun 12:50, 3, 5:05, 7:25, 9:30. Also Sat 10:25 a.m. Sun no 9:30. Mon-Thurs, April 3 2:50, 5, 7:10.
• Century Olympia: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:35 a.m., 1:45, 3:55, 6:05, 8:15, 10:25.
• Galaxy Uptown Tacoma: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:15 a.m., 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:40, 9:55.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Fri-Thurs, April 3 noon, 2:30, 4:50, 7:10, 9:50.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Fri-Thurs, April 3 1:15, 3:30, 5:55, 8:05, 10:25. Also Sat-Sun 11 a.m.
• Longston Place 14: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:15, 9:30.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:30 a.m., 2:05, 4:30, 7:30, 10.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:20, 2:20, 4:50, 7, 9:15.

THERE WILL BE BLOOD: Daniel Day-Lewis in a virtuoso performance as an obsessed loner, starting with nothing and becoming a California oil tycoon in a life dominated by greed, duplicity, hatred and loneliness.  Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic is ambitious and relentless as the study of a human monster.  Magnificent visuals created by cinematographer Robert Elswit and set designer Jack Fisk.  A debatable ending, and the film’s reach exceeds its grasp, which is not a dishonorable thing. (R) Three and a half stars – BW

• Blue Mouse Theater: Fri-Wed 7. Sat-Sun 3:30.

TYLER PERRY’S MEET THE BROWNS: The multi-talented writer/director/actor Tyler Perry follows up his popular earlier films (Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea’s Family Reunion) with another family portrayal and features the return of Madea, the fun loving grandma.  After being laid off, Brenda, the single mother of three, is at the end of her rope when she learns of the death of her father she never knew.  Packing up the kids and heading to Georgia for the funeral introduces her to her father’s high-spirited family and a chance at romance. Stars Angela Bassett, Tyler Perry and David Mann (PG-13) – BW

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 2:55, 5:20, 7:55. Fri-Sun 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:35, 10:10. Also Sat 10:10 a.m. Sun no 10:10. Mon-Thurs, April 3 2:55, 5:20, 7:55.
• Century Olympia: Thurs 12:10, 2:40, 5:05, 7:40, 10:05. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:55 a.m., 2:25, 4:50, 7:20, 9:45.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:30 a.m., 12:20, 2, 3, 4:40, 5:30, 7:20, 8, 10, 10:35. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:30, 1, 3, 4:15, 5:40, 6:40, 9, 10.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:10, 4:35, 7, 9:25. Fri-Thurs, April 3 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:55. Also Sat-Sun 11:45 a.m.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 12:10, 2:35, 5:05, 7:35, 10:05. Fri-Thurs, April 3 1, 3:40, 6:40, 10:10.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:30 a.m., 2, 4:30, 7:05, 9:35. Fri-Thurs, April 3 11:35 a.m., 1:40, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30.
• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs 12:20, 2:20, 4:45, 6:50, 9:10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 2:25, 4:45, 6:50, 9:10.

VANTAGE POINT: An edgy, action-packed reprising of an attempted presidential assassination that not only gives us glimpses into an innocent bystander’s recollections, but reveals the viewpoints of the participants — on both sides of the attack.  Starring Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, William Hurt, Forest Whitaker and Sigourney Weaver. (PG-13) Two and a half stars – BZ

• AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 3:05, 5:15, 7:30. Fri-Sun 1:10, 3:20, 5:35, 7:55, 10:05. Also Sat 10:40 a.m. Sun no 10:05. Mon-Thurs, April 3 3:05, 5:15, 7:30.
• Century Olympia: Thurs 1:05, 3:20, 5:35, 7:55, 10:10. Fri-Thurs, April 3 1:05, 3:20, 5:35, 7:55, 10:10. Also Sat-Sun 10:50 a.m.
• Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:10, 3:20, 6:50, 9:10.
• Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs 2:40, 4:55, 7:10, 9:20. Fri-Thurs, April 3 1, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10. Also Sat-Sun 10:45 a.m.
• Longston Place 14: Thurs 1, 3:45, 7:25, 9:40. Fri-Thurs, April 3 1:05, 3:45, 7:25, 10:15.
• Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:55 a.m., 2:25, 4:55, 7:40, 10:25. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:10, 2:40, 5:05, 7:55, 10:35.

WATER: Deepa Mehta’s Water is set in 1938.  Even then, laws existed in India that gave widows the freedom to marry, but as one character observes, “We do not always follow the law when it is inconvenient.”  Torn from her father’s grasp, crying out for her mother, Chuyia (Sarala) disappears into an ashram controlled by the lifelong widows who live there.  Her hair is cut off.  She wears a white garment that marks her.  The woman in charge is Madhumati (Manorma), fat, indolent and domineering, who is frightening to the little girl.  Water is the third film in a trilogy about India by Deepha Mehta. (NR) Three stars – RE

• Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs 12:25, 2:50, 5:10, 7:10, 9:15. Fri-Thurs, April 3 12:05, 2:15, 4:55, 7:20, 9:25.

THE ZULA PATROL: ANIMAL ADVENTURES IN SPACE: A group of aliens travel the galaxy looking for and getting into trouble.

• Lakewood Cinema 15: Sat 10 a.m.

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