For movies opening August 5, 2011
BIG BUDGET FILMS
The Change-Up (R for crude sexuality, pervasive profanity, drug use and graphic nudity) Body swap comedy about a fatigued family man (Jason Bateman) and a jaded bachelor (Ryan Reynolds) whose prayers are instantly answered when they ask for each other’s lives while relieving themselves in a magical wishing well. With Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde and Alan Arkin.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13 for frightening images and intense violence) Prequel to the ever-popular “Gorillas Gone Wild” franchise, set in San Francisco, pits primates against people after a scientist’s (James Franco) test of an experimental cure for Alzheimer’s leaves millions of chimps with human-like intelligence. Cast includes Andy Serkis, John Lithgow, Freida Pinto and Brian Cox.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
Assassination Games (R for torture, profanity, sexuality, nudity and graphic violence) Revenge thriller about a pair of rival assassins (Jean-Claude Van Damme and Scott Adkins) who reluctantly join forces in order to take on a blood-thirsty drug cartel backed by corrupt, undercover DEA officers. With Michael Higgs, Kevin Chapman and Ivan Kaye.
Bellflower (R for nudity, drug use, graphic sexuality, disturbing violence and pervasive profanity) Romance drama about a couple of buddies (Evan Glodell and Tyler Dawson) who build flamethrowers and other weapons of mass destruction with plans for world domination until one of them has second thoughts when he falls under the spell of a charismatic temptress (Jessie Wiseman). With Zack Kraus, Rebekah Brandes and Vincent Grashaw.
Gun Hill Road (Unrated) Dysfunctional family drama, set in the South Bronx, about a just-paroled ex-con’s (Esai Morales) return home after a three-year stint behind bars to an emotionally-estranged wife (Judy Reyes) who’s been unfaithful and a troubled, teenaged son (Harmony Santana) contemplating a sex change operation. With Isaiah Whitlock, Jr., Miriam Colon and Franky G.
Habermann (Unrated) World War II saga, set in Sudetenland in 1938, recounting the real-life ordeal endured by the family of a German saw mill owner (Mark Waschke) with a half-Jewish wife (Hannah Herzsprung) upon the outbreak of hostilities. Cast includes Karel Roden, Ben Becker and Radek Holub.
Magic Trip (Unrated) Psychedelic documentary about Sixties cult figure Ken Kesey recounting the best-selling author’s (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) fabled, hallucinogen-fueled bus trip across the country from Oregon to New York in the company of a band of freewheeling, fellow acid freaks known as The Merry Pranksters. With file footage featuring Neal Cassady, Jane Burton and The Grateful Dead.
Mysteries of Lisbon (Unrated) Screen adaptation of Camilo Castelo Branco’s historical novel, set in the 19th C., about a priest (Adriano Luz) who orchestrates the reunion of an orphan (Joao Luis Arrais) with an adulteress countess (Maria Joao Bastos) recently released from prison who might be his long-lost mother. Supporting cast includes Rui Morrison, Carloto Cotta and Ricardo Pereira. (In Portuguese, French and English with subtitles)
The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Unrated) Prodigal Son drama about a one-hit wonder (Kevin Zegers) who returns to his hometown after his second record flops in order to reconnect with his songwriting friend (Jason Ritter) responsible for his first album’s phenomenal success. Ensemble includes Peter Fonda, Ruby Dee, Billy Dee Williams, Kelly Lynch, Lauren Holly, Aimee Teegarden and Sugar Blue.
Protektor (Unrated) Holocaust drama, unfolding in Prague in 1938, revolving around an emotionally-conflicted radio host (Marek Daniel) who decides to collaborate with the Nazi occupiers in order to save the life of his Jewish wife (Jana Plodkova). With Matthias Brandt, Jan Budar and Cyril Drozda. (In Czech and German with subtitles)
The Whistleblower (Unrated) Fact-based drama chronicling the heroic exploits of Kathryn Bolkovac (Rachel Weisz), an American peacekeeper in postwar Bosnia who uncovered widespread corruption, including a United Nations cover-up of the sex-trafficking of young women.
