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Movie showtimes and reviews Dec. 24-31
by Bill White
Dec 24, 2008

AUSTRALIA: An Australian Gone With the Wind, a sweeping romantic melodrama and broad family entertainment.  With Nicole Kidman as a British society figure, Hugh Jackman as as rough-hewn cattle drover, and Brandon Walters, wonderful as the young Aborigine who narrates.  Gorgeous film, strong performances, exhilarating images, a powerful but sometimes uncertain consideration about Australian racism. (PG-13) Three stars – RE

  • Century Olympia: Wed 1:30, 5:20.   
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed 12:10, 4:15, 7:50.
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 2:35, 6:05.
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 10:40 a.m., 2:15, 6:30, 10.
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11:20 a.m., 2:45, 6:35.   
  • Regal South Hill 6: Thurs 6:05. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 6:05, 9:20.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed 11:50 a.m., 3:10, 8:45.

BEDTIME STORIES: The kids want to be told bedtime stories, and Adam Sandler spins some terrific ones — so terrific, the movie’s budget seems to be the best-kept secret this season. Two and a half stars. Rated PG — RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 12:20, 1:15, 2:40, 3:35, 5, 5:55, 7:20, 8:15, 9:40, 10:35. Fri-Sat 10 a.m., 10:55 a.m., 12:20, 1:15, 2:40, 3:35, 5, 5:55, 7:20, 8:15, 9:40, 10:35. Sun 12:20, 1:15, 2:40, 3:35, 5, 5:55, 7:20. Mon-Wed 10 a.m., 10:55 a.m., 12:20, 1:15, 2:40, 3:35, 5, 5:55, 7:20, 8:15, 9:40, 10:35.
  • Century Olympia: Thurs 12:20, 1:40, 3:10, 4:20, 5:40, 7, 8:20, 9:40. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 11 a.m., 12:20, 1:40, 3:10, 4:20, 5:40, 7, 8:20, 9:40. 
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:30 a.m., noon, 1:50, 2:30, 4:10, 5:10, 7:10, 7:45, 9:25, 10. Mon no 11:30 a.m.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:30 a.m., 1:10, 2, 3:40, 4:30, 6:50, 7:20, 9:10, 10. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:10, 2, 3:40, 4:30, 6:50, 7:20, 9:10, 10.
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:10 a.m., 12:40, 3:10, 5:35, 8:10, 10:40. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:10 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 1:45, 2:15, 4:20, 4:50, 7, 7:30, 9:35, 10:05.
  • Regal South Hill 6: Thurs noon, 1, 2:30, 3:30, 5, 6, 7:30, 8:30, 9:50. Fri-Wed. Dec. 31 10:35 a.m., noon, 1, 2:30, 3:30, 5, 6, 7:30, 8:30, 9:50.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:05, 2:25, 4:50, 7:05, 9:25.  

BOLT: Bolt (voice by John Tarvolta) is a doggy television star who performs amazing feats while saving the world.  One day, Bolt is mistakenly shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City where he begins a cross-country adventure and learns he doesn’t have superpowers. (PG) – BW

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 3:10, 5:25, 7:40. Thurs 12:40, 2:55, 5:10, 7:35, 9:50. Fri-Sat 10:20 a.m., 12:40, 2:55, 5:10, 7:35, 9:50. Sun 10:20 a.m., 12:40, 2:55, 5:10, 7:35. Mon-Wed 10:20 a.m., 12:40, 2:55, 5:10, 7:35, 9:50.
  • Century Olympia: Wed 11:10 a.m., 1:50, 4:40, 7:40.
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre (3D): Wed 11:30 a.m., 1:45, 4:35, 7:15. 
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed 11:35 a.m., 3:15, 6:20. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:25 a.m.
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 12:10, 2:40, 5:15, 7:45. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:25 a.m., 12:45, 3, 5:25.
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 10:35 a.m., 1:10, 3:35. 
  • Longston Place 14 (3D): Wed 11:10 a.m., 1:40, 4:15, 7:25, 9:55. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:40 a.m., 1:10, 4:05.
  • Regal Martin Village 16 (3D): Wed 11:40 a.m., 2:25, 5:10, 7:55. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:50 a.m., 2:10, 4:45. 
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed 11:50 a.m., 2, 4:25, 6:40.

THE BOY IN STRIPED PAJAMAS: Bruno (Asa Butterfield) is an 8-year-old growing up in Berlin, circa 1940.  His dad (David Thewlis) is a Nazi official.  One day Bruno gets the unwelcome news that his dad has a new job, and they will all be moving to the country.  There he finds a puzzling farm where the workers all wear striped pajamas, and makes a friend his age on the other side of a barbed wire fence.  A heartbreaking story, a small tragedy wrapped within an immense one.  Do not discuss the details with anyone. (PG-13) Three and a half stars – RE

  • Century Olympia: Wed 2:30, 7:50.  
  • The Grand Cinema: Wed 2:30, 4:45, 7.

CADILLAC RECORDS: Rhythm and blues had a child and named it rock ‘n’ roll.  It happened largely at Chicago’s Chess Records, 2120 S. Michigan Ave.  The great Chess roster included Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry and Little Walter.  A film of the great Chess years, heavy on the music, that stars Beyonce Knowles, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Cedric the Entertainer and Mos Def, with Adrien Brody as the enigmatic Leonard Chess, who gave his musicians shiny new Cadillacs but never a good look at their royalties. (R) Three stars – RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 2:05, 4:35, 7:05.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed 12:15, 3:30, 6:40. 

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON: A splendidly made film based on a profoundly mistaken premise: A man is old when he is born and an infant when he dies.  It’s impossible to identify with or care deeply about a story — however well told — that’s essentially a gimmick.  Good performances by Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, many others. Rated PG-13 for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking. Two and a half stars — RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 1:40, 5:15, 9:30. Fri-Sat 10:15 a.m., 1:40, 5:15, 9:30. Sun 10:15 a.m., 1:40, 5:15. Mon-Wed 10:15 a.m., 1:40, 5:15, 9:30.
  • Century Olympia: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:30 a.m., 3:30, 8.   
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:20 a.m., 3, 6:30, 9:45.
  • Lakewood Cinema  15: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:20 a.m., 12:10, 3, 3:50, 6:40, 7:25, 10:20, 11. 
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:50 a.m., 2:30, 6, 9:45.
  • Longston Place 14: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:35, 3:05, 6:30, 7, 10:05, 10:35.   
  • Regal Martin Village 16 (3D): Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:55 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:40, 3:15, 6:20, 6:50, 10:20, 10:30.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:50 a.m., 3:10, 8:05.

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL: Alien beings land in Central Park with a message only Jennifer Connelly finds out, and she pleads with Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) to save the human race.  A good-looking, well-made remake of the 1951 classic; pity the plot stands still.  Co-starring Kathy Bates. (PG-13) Two stars – RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 2, 3, 4:25, 5:20, 7, 8. Thurs 12:50, 3:10, 5:30, 7:50, 10:20. Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m., 12:50, 3:10, 5:30, 7:50, 10:20. Sun 10:30 a.m., 12:50, 3:10, 5:30, 7:50. Mon-Wed 10:30 a.m., 12:50, 3:10, 5:30, 7:50, 10:20.
  • Century Olympia: Wed 11 a.m., 12:20, 1:40, 3, 4:20, 5:40, 7:10. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:40 a.m., 2:30, 5:10, 7:45, 10:15. 
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Wed 11:40 a.m., 2:15, 5:10, 7:35. Thurs, Dec. 31 9:30.
  • Lakewood Cinema  15: Wed 12:20, 1:30, 2:50, 4:10, 5:30, 6:45, 7:15, 8. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:20, 3:20, 6:30, 9:40. 
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 12:30, 1:50, 3, 4:40, 5:40, 7:30, 8:15. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10 a.m., 12:30, 2:55, 5:40, 8:05, 10:30. 
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 10:45 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 1:15, 1:50, 3:45, 4:25, 6:45, 7:20, 7:50, 9:25, 10:15, 10:20. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:25 a.m., 1:55, 4:30, 7:10, 9:55. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11:05 a.m., 12:40, 1:50, 3:30, 6:40, 7:45.
  • Regal Martin Village 16 (Imax): Wed 11:55 a.m., 2:20, 4:40, 7:15. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:20 a.m., 1:55, 4:25, 7:05, 9:40.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed 11:55 a.m., 2:10, 4:30, 6:50, 9:10. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 8.

DOUBT: A Catholic grade school could seem like a hermetically sealed world in 1964. That’s the case with St. Nicholas in the Bronx, ruled by the pathologically severe principal Sister Aloysius, who keeps the students and nuns under her thumb and is engaged in an undeclared war with the new parish priest. Stars Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams. Four stars. (PG-13) — RE

  • Century Olympia: Thurs 1:10, 4:10, 6:50, 9:20. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:40 a.m., 1:10, 4:10, 6:50, 9:20. 
  • The Grand Cinema: Thurs 1:45, 4, 6:15. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 4, 6:15, 8:30. Also Fri-Sun 1:45.
  • Lakewood Cinema  15: Thurs 1:35, 4:15, 6:55, 9:30. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:50 a.m., 1:35, 4:15, 6:55, 9:30. 
  • Longston Place 14: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:35 a.m., 1:05, 4, 7:20, 9:50.   
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 noon, 2:35, 5:20, 8, 10:35.

FOUR CHRISTMASES: Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon get trapped having to visit the households of their four divorced parents, which are so dysfunctional, this feels more like a Thanksgiving picture, where the families are always miserable. (PG-13) Two stars – RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 3:15, 5:30, 7:35. Thurs 12:30, 2:45, 4:55, 7:25, 9:35. Fri-Sat 10:10 a.m., 12:30, 2:45, 4:55, 7:25, 9:35. Sun 10:10 a.m., 12:30, 2:45, 4:55, 7:25. Mon-Wed 10:10 a.m., 12:30, 2:45, 4:55, 7:25, 9:35. 
  • Century Olympia: Wed 11:50 a.m., 1:10, 2:20, 3:40, 4:30, 5:50, 6:50. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:40, 2:50, 5:30, 8:10, 10:25.
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Wed 12:10, 2:20, 4:40, 7:20.
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre (21&up): Wed 9:40.
  • Lakewood Cinema  15: Wed 12:05, 3:50, 7:40. Thurs 1:50, 9:40. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 1:50, 9:55.
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed noon, 2:30, 4:45, 7:20. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:45 a.m., 2:15,4:45, 7:20, 9:30.
  • Longston Place 14: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:30 a.m., 2:10, 4:40, 6:55, 9:35.  
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11:05 a.m., 1:40, 4:20, 7:10. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11 a.m., 1:30, 6:55.
  • Regal South Hill 6: Wed 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m.,1:45, 2:15, 4:15, 4:45, 6:45, 7:15.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed 11:45 a.m.,1:50, 3:55, 6:05, 8:15, 10:15.  

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA: Same characters, same challenge: Can wild animals survive in the wild? Our heroes tape together a crashed airplane and try to fly it home, but end up dealing with volcanos and drought. Brighter and funnier than the original. (PG) Three stars – RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 3:05, 5:15.
  • Blue Mouse: Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 7. Also Sat-Sun 4:30.
  • Century Olympia: Wed 11:20 a.m., 2.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed 11:50 a.m., 2:15, 4:40.
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11:15 a.m., 2, 4:45, 7:35. 
  • Regal South Hill 6: Wed 11:30 a.m., 1:40, 4, 6:20.

MARLEY & ME: Marley & Me is a cheerful family movie about a young couple starting out in life with a new house, new jobs, a new dog and then three children, whom the dog doesn’t eat or it wouldn’t be rated PG. Three stars (PG) — RE

  • Century Olympia: Thurs noon, 1:30, 3, 4:40, 6, 7:30, 9, 10:10. Fri-Thurs, Dec. 31 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30, 3, 4:40, 6, 7:30, 9, 10:10.
  • Galaxy Tacoma 6: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:15, 9:30.
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:05 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 9:50.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 1:30, 2:10, 4:20, 5:10, 7:10, 8, 9:50, 10:45. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:25 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 1:30, 2:10, 4:20, 5:10, 7:10, 8, 9:50, 10:45.
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:15 a.m., 1:10, 4:05, 7, 9:55. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 11:35 a.m., 12:45, 2:20, 4:15, 5:05, 7:15, 7:55, 10:10, 10:40. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 11:05 a.m., 12:45, 2:20, 4:15, 5:05, 7:15, 7:55, 10:10, 10:40.
  • Regal South Hill 6: Thurs 12:15, 12:45, 3, 3:45, 6:15, 6:45, 9, 9:45. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:30 a.m., 12:15, 12:45, 3, 3:45, 6:15, 6:45, 9, 9:45. 
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:35 a.m., 2, 4:25, 7, 9:30.

MILK: Extraordinary performance by Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, the first self-identified gay person to win public office in America.  Following him from a personal turning point to the leadership of a powerful political and social movement, the film never objectifies him as a hero, but as an ordinary man: kind, funny, flawed, shrewd, idealistic, yearning for a better world.  Deeply involving, emotionally inspiring. (R) Four stars – RE

  • The Grand Cinema: Wed-Thurs 12:30, 3:15, 6. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 3:15, 6, 8:45. Also Fri-Sun 12:30.
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11:50 a.m., 3:20, 6:50.

NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS: For the first time in several years, all the members of their far-flung Puerto Rican-American family gather for Christmas.  A familiar formula, yes, but the actors breathe real life into the characters; funny, sad, corny, romantic, heartfelt, all when it needs to be.  With John Leguizamo, Alfred Molina, Elizabeth Pena, Debra Messing. (PG-13) Three stars – RE

  • Century Olympia:. Wed 11:40 a.m., 5:10. 
  • Galaxy Tacoma 6: Wed 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30. 
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Wed 11:50 a.m., 2:20, 4:50, 7:35. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 9:20. 
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed 12:25, 3:40, 6:50.   
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 12:45, 3:15, 5:45, 8:10. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 7:45, 10:10.
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11:20 a.m., 2:05, 4:50, 7:40. 
  • Regal South Hill 6: Wed 11:05 a.m., 1:50, 4:10, 6:50. Thurs 9:20. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 9:15.

NIGHTS IN RODANTHE: Richard Gere plays a surgeon.  Diane Lane plays a mother of two, separated from her snaky husband.  To help out a friend, she is taking care of a rustic inn on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  He is the only weekend guest.  A hurricane is approaching.  True love is also approaching. (PG-13) One and a half stars – RE

  • Blue Mouse: Thurs 7.

QUANTUM OF SOLACE: A disappointment.  No Q, no Miss Moneypenny, no suave and seductive James Bond, and a Bond girl under-named ... Camille.  The evil villain’s globe-threatening scheme is to control the water supply in ... Bolivia.  Daniel Craig is handsome, agile, muscular, dangerous.  Everything but Bond, who has been replaced by an Identikit action hero mixed in with incomprehensible CGI. (PG-13) Two stars – RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 2:10, 4:40, 7:10. 
  • Century Olympia: Wed 4:10, 6:40.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed 11:55 a.m., 2:45, 6:35. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 9:20. 
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 12:35, 3:05, 5:35, 8:05.
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 11:25 a.m., 2, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 6:40, 9:45.
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11:10 a.m., 1:55, 4:35, 7:25. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 9:55.  
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed 6:25.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW: Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Brad and Janet are dancing the “Time Warp” at the Proctor District’s cozy Blue Mouse which features a stage for the movie’s loyal following to perform.  Not for the kiddies. – BW

  • Blue Mouse: Sat night only 11:30.

ROLE MODELS: The kind of movie you don’t see every day, a comedy that is actually funny.  Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott play teammates who drive a super truck from school to school, touting a Jolt-like energy drink.  They get into trouble, are sentenced to community service, and are assigned two problem kids (terrific performances by Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Bobb’e J. Thompson). (R) Three stars – RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 7:25. 
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 10:50 a.m., 1:20, 3:50, 6:35, 9:30. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 5.

SEVEN POUNDS: Will Smith plays a deeply manipulative IRS agent whose badge allows him into lives he takes a curious interest in. Rosario Dawson is one of his cases.  They fall in love, but strangely, he doesn’t act on it.  He is cruel to a blind man (Woody Harrelson), but why?  His motives remain deeply hidden until the graceful, moving revelations at the end. (PG-13) Three stars – RE

  • Century Olympia: Wed 1, 4, 7. Thurs 2, 4:45, 7:40, 10:20. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:50 a.m., 2, 4:45, 7:40, 10:20. 
  • Galaxy Tacoma 6: Wed noon, 12:50, 2:35, 3:30, 5:10, 7:05, 7:55, 9:40, 10:30. Thurs-Wed Dec. 31 12:30, 12:55, 3:05, 3:30, 6:30, 7, 9:05, 9:35. 
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: 11 a.m., 1:40, 4:20, 7.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed 11:45 a.m., 1:45, 3, 4:45, 7, 7:45. Thurs 12:45, 1:40, 4:40, 6:45, 7:50, 10:40. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:45 a.m., 12:30, 1:40, 4:40, 6:45, 7:50, 10:40.   
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 1:15, 4:15, 7:15. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:45 a.m., 1:40, 4:35, 7:30, 10:20. 
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:05, 3, 4:55, 7:15, 7:45, 10:10, 10:35. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:35, 2:05, 4:25, 4:55, 7:15, 7:50, 10:10, 10:40. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 12:30, 3:45, 7. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:30, 3:45, 7:10, 10:15.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: 11:30 a.m., 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50. 

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: Bridges the two Indias, cutting between poverty and the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.  The story of an orphan born into a brutal early existence.  A petty thief, impostor and survivor, he improvises his way up through the world and remembers everything he has learned.  A miraculous entertainment by Danny Boyle, winner of the Audience Award at Toronto 2008. (R) Four stars – RE

  • Century Olympia: Wed noon, 3:10, 6:30. 
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre (VIP): Wed 11 a.m., 1:30, 4:10, 6:45.
  • The Grand Cinema: Wed-Thurs 1, 3:40, 6:20. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 1, 3:40, 6:30. Also Fri-Sun 1.
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 10:30 a.m., 1:25, 4:20, 7:35, 10:25. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:35 a.m., 2:25, 6:50, 10:15. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 12:35, 3:40, 6:45. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:45, 3:40, 6:45, 9:45.  

THE SPIRIT: The Spirit is mannered to the point of madness. There is not a trace of human emotion in it. To call the characters cardboard is to insult a useful packing material. The movie is all style — style without substance, style whirling in a senseless void. The film’s hero is an ex-cop reincarnated as an immortal enforcer; for all the personality he exhibits, we would welcome Elmer Fudd. (PG-13) One star — RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 12:35, 3, 5:25, 8, 10:30. Fri-Sat 10:05 a.m., 12:35, 3, 5:25, 8, 10:30. Sun 10:05 a.m., 12:35, 3, 5:25, 8. Mon-Wed 10:05 a.m., 12:35, 3, 5:25, 8, 10:30.
  • Century Olympia: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:50 a.m., 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 10. 
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:50 a.m., 2:30, 5, 7:40, 10:10.  
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10 a.m., 12:30, 3, 5:30, 8, 10:30. 
  • Longston Place 14: Thurs-Wed, Dec 31 11:05 a.m., 1:40, 4:15, 7:05, 9:40.  
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:25 a.m., 2, 4:40, 7:35, 10:20.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:45 a.m., 2:10, 4:30, 6:50, 9:20. 

THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX: One of the most beautifully drawn animated films I’ve seen, rendered in enchanting detail and painterly colors.  The story involves a big-eared mouse named Despereaux, a sniffy rat named Roscuro and other members of the animal and vegetable kingdoms.  It’s a joy to look at frame by frame, but the plot is muddled and could involve us more. (G) Three stars – RE

  • Century Olympia: Wed 12:10, 2:40, 5, 7:20. Thurs 1:20, 3:50, 6:20, 9:10. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:45 a.m., 1:20, 3:50, 6:20, 9:10.
  • Galaxy Tacoma 6: 12:30, 2:40, 4:50, 7, 9:10.
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: 11:45 a.m., 2, 4:40, 7:15.
  • Lakewood Cinema 15: Wed noon, 2:30, 5, 7:20. Thurs 1, 3:30, 7. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:35 a.m., 1, 3:30, 7.  
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 12:35, 2:55, 5:10, 7:35. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:20 a.m., 12:35, 2:55, 5:10, 7:35, 9:55. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:55 a.m., 2:30, 5, 7:25.
  • Regal South Hill 6: Wed 11 a.m., noon, 1:15, 2:20, 3:45, 4:40, 6:15, 7. Thurs 12:05, 12:50, 2:20, 3:15, 4:50, 7:05. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:50, 1:30, 3:15, 3:50, 7. 
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed 11:35 a.m., 1:40, 3:45, 6, 8:05, 10:05. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:55 a.m., 1:55, 3:55, 6, 10:15.

TRANSPORTER 3: is a perfectly acceptable brainless action thriller, starring the steely eyed, taciturn Jason Statham, who makes his deliveries on time and with no questions asked, except this time, when he starts caring for his cargo (the delightfully freckled Natalya Rudakova).  Two stunt sequences of remarkable complexity and reckless foolishness. (PG-13) Two and a half stars – RE

  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 1:45, 4:30, 7:05. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:45, 3:05, 8:10.
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 11:05 a.m., 1:30, 3:55, 6:40, 9:40.

TWILIGHT: Teenage romance between fresh-faced Kristen Stewart and the distant, aloof, handsome, dangerous Robert Pattinson, who plays a vampire.  Lush, beautiful, preposterous, based on the runaway best-seller. Primary audience: 16-year-old girls. They’ll love it. (PG-13) Two and a half stars – RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Wed 2:15, 4:50, 7:30. 
  • Century Olympia: Wed 1:15, 4:15, 7:15. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:30, 5:50.
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Wed 11:30 a.m., 2:10, 4:50, 7:30. 
  • Lakewood Cinema  15: Wed 1:35, 4:30, 7:35. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 3:45, 9:45.
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 1:30, 4:15, 7:10. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:05 a.m., 3:05, 8:10. 
  • Longston Place 14: Wed 10:55 a.m., 1:45, 4:45, 7:40, 10:30. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:55 a.m., 1:45, 4:35, 7:30, 10:20.  
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 12:45, 3:35, 6:55. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 4, 9:30.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed 1:20, 4, 6:45, 9:25.

VALKYRIE: A meticulous thriller about a conspiracy within the German army to assassinate Hitler.  Tom Cruise is perfectly satisfactory in the leading role, as Col. Claus von Stauffenberg, and a good supporting cast includes standout performances by Kenneth Branagh and Tom Wilkinson.  If the film lacks high-octane excitement, that’s partly because we know the plot failed, partly because veteran officers of the high command school themselves not to betray emotions.  Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language. Three stars — RE

  • AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 1:24, 4:15, 7:05, 9:45. Fri-Sat 10:45 a.m., 1:24, 4:15, 7:05, 9:45. Sun 10:45 a.m., 1:24, 4:15, 7:05. Mon-Wed, Dec. 31 10:45 a.m., 1:24, 4:15, 7:05, 9:45.
  • Century Olympia: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:20 a.m., 2:10, 5, 7:50, 10:30.  
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11 a.m., 1:30, 4:20, 6:50, 9:30.
  • Lakewood Cinema  15: Thurs 1:20, 4:10, 7:30, 10:30. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 10:30 a.m., 1:20, 4:10, 7:30, 10:30.  
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 10:30 a.m., 1:15, 4, 7:05, 10.  
  • Longston Place 14: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:10 a.m., 2, 4:50, 7:40, 10:30. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:15 a.m., 2:05, 4:55, 7:50, 10:45.
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 2:14, 4:45, 7:20, 9:55. 

YES MAN: Jim Carrey stars as a bank loan officer who attends a lecture by a self-help guru and agrees to say “yes” to everything.  The problem is, this new policy makes scenes into obvious setups with entirely foreseeable consequences.  Zooey Deschanel is bewitching as his new love, and Terence Stamp is darkly Stampian as the Guru of Yes. (PG-13) Two stars – RE

  • Century Olympia: Wed 11:30 a.m., 12:50, 2:10, 3:30, 4:50, 6:10, 7:30. Thurs 1:50, 3:20, 4:30, 7:10, 8:40, 9:50. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 11:10 a.m., 1:50, 3:20, 4:30, 7:10, 8:40, 9:50.  
  • Galaxy Tacoma 6: Wed 12:15, 12:40, 2:30, 2:55, 4:50, 5:15, 7, 7:30, 9:10, 9:45. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 12:15, 12:40, 2:30, 2:55, 4:454, 5:15, 7, 7:30, 9:15, 9:45.
  • Galaxy Uptown Theatre: Wed 11:15 a.m., noon, 1:50, 2:30, 4:10, 5, 7, 7:45. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11:15 a.m., 1:50, 4:10, 7, 9:35. 
  • Lakewood Cinema  15: Wed 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:10, 3:20, 4:50, 6:30, 7:30. Thurs 2:50, 4:05, 5:20, 7:15, 8:10, 10:50. Fri-Wed, Dec. 31 11 a.m., 2:50, 4:05, 5:20, 7:15, 8:10, 10:50.
  • Lakewood Towne Center 12: Wed 1:30, 4:20, 7. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 11 a.m., 1:30, 4:20, 7, 9:40. 
  • Longston Place 14: 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:35, 2:10, 4:10, 4:40, 7, 7:30, 9:35, 10:05. Thurs-Wed, Dec 31 10:50 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 1:20, 1:50, 3:50, 4:20, 6:45, 7:25, 9:30, 10. 
  • Regal Martin Village 16: Wed 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:45, 2:15, 4:30, 5:05, 7:20, 7:50. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 313 11 a.m., 1:40, 4:30, 7:15, 7:45, 9:50, 10:25. 
  • Yelm Cinemas @ Prairie Park: Wed noon, 2:15, 4:35, 6:55, 9:15. Thurs-Wed, Dec. 31 noon, 2:20, 4:35, 6:55, 9:15. 


 

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