The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)
Sci-fi mind-control thriller heavy on romance. David (Matt Damon) meets the irresistible Elise, (Emily Blunt), but destiny-controlling agents intercede to keep them apart. The contest between free will and predetermination is on.
Cedar Rapids (R)
In the course of a no-holds-barred convention weekend in Cedar Rapids, wide-eyed nerdy insurance salesman Tim (Ed Helms) is introduced to drugs, alcohol, infidelity, and a whole menu of tempting misdeeds by his wild roommates Ronald (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) and “Deanzie” (a boorish but entertaining John C. Reilly). With Sigourney Weaver and Anne Heche.
Gnomeo and Juliet (G)
A comical take-off of Shakespeare’s most popular romance played by feuding families of garden gnomes, with Elton John songs, pink plastic flamingos, and lawnmower races.
Limitless (PG-13)
Fun thriller about NZT, a pill that can turn ordinary people into geniuses. Eddie (Bradley Cooper), an intense would-be novelist takes the untested pill, and voila — turns into a mastermind. He should have anticipated some complications: Being followed by a mysterious man, and getting entangled with a Russian loan shark, and a corporate tycoon (Robert De Niro) who wants to be in the know.
The Lincoln Lawyer (R)
Matthew McConaughey is the charismatic Mick, a flash and dash unconventional LA defense attorney (his office is the backseat of his chauffeured Lincoln) with a client list of eccentric characters. He defends the well-connected Louis, (Ryan Phillippe) charged with rape and murder. Hmmm, maybe he did; maybe he didn’t. Lots of side stories and characters played by William H. Macy, Marisa Tomei, and Bryan Cranston.
Paul (R)
Sweet, whimsical road-trip comedy with engaging characters. Seth Rogen is Paul, an endearing alien who escapes confinement by the U.S. military after 60 years of being forced to advise world leaders and moviemakers. He winds up on the run, protected by British sci-fi fans Graeme (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost). The three travel the U.S. in their RV with government agents in hot pursuit.
Rango (PG)
A strange, wildly imaginative animated film with a cast of strange icky-looking characters and lots of inside-movie humor. Rango (Johnny Depp) sheltered chameleon, whose purpose in life is to blend in, becomes sheriff of the lawless town of Dirt. Fun.
Red Riding Hood (PG-13)
A medieval-style fantasy. The red-cloaked Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) — in love with the woodcutter Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), but betrothed to the wealthy Henry (Max Irons), regularly visits her grandma (Julie Christie) — until the werewolf shows up. Demon-hunter Father Solomon (Gary Oldman) takes up the battle. A beautiful, but disappointing film.