Movie Debuts for 2/16
Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fibre of a character, but strengthen it. Every conquered temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.
-- James Buckham


This week's movie debuts.....

Music and Lyrics (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/14
A romantic comedy following Alex Fletcher, a washed-up '80s pop star who's been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet with her, but there's a problem--Alex hasn't written a song in years, he's never written lyrics, and he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days. Enter Sophie Fisher, Alex's beguilingly quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship, Sophie is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobe Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano and under it, Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears--and the music--if they want to find the love and success they both deserve.
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Hugh Grant, Sherman Alpert, Jason Antoon, Blake Baxendell

Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/14
A single father, Monty, is a garage mechanic who lives in a poor neighborhood and struggles to make ends meet as he raises his three young daughters on his own. But when the courts award custody of his daughters to his corrupt, drug-dealing ex-wife, Monty desperately tries to win them back, enlisting the help of Julia, a beautiful--and hard-nosed--attorney he meets during his short stint as a chauffeur. While Monty and the Ivy-League-educated Julia couldn't be less alike, an unexpected romance blossoms--and it soon begins to feel like true love. But in order for their relationship to survive, the couple must reconcile their two very different worlds--and overcome the forces that threaten to tear Monty's family apart.
Starring: Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Lou Gossett, Jr., Tasha Smith, Gary Sturgis

Breach (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/16
When young Eric O'Neill is promoted out of his low-level surveillance job and into the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, his dream of becoming a full-fledged agent is on the verge of becoming reality. Even more impressive, O'Neill is hand picked to work for renowned operative Robert Hanssen within "information assurance," a new division created to protect all classified FBI Intelligence. But O'Neill is quickly confronted with the true reason behind his hire: Hanssen is the sole subject of a long-term, top-secret investigation, a suspected mole made all the more dangerous by the sheer global import of the information he is charged with protecting. The Bureau asks O'Neill to use Hanssen's growing trust and slowly draw the traitor out of deep cover. Engaged in a lethal game of spy-versus-spy without the benefit of a cover story or backup, O'Neill finds himself fighting to bring down Hanssen before the treacherous double-agent can destroy O'Neill, his family and the nation they are both sworn to serve.
Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Jonathan Keltz, Chris Cooper, Aaron Abrams, Laura Linney

Bridge to Terabithia (PG); Nationwide; opens 2/16
Jess Aarons is an outsider at school and even in his own family. Jess has trained all summer to become the fastest kid in his middle school class but his goal is unexpectedly thwarted by the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, who competes in the boys only race and wins. Despite their awkward introduction, the two outsiders quickly become best friends. Leslie loves to tell stories of fantasy and magic. Jess loves to draw, but until he met Leslie it was something he kept to himself. Leslie opens a new world of imagination for Jess. Together they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia, a magical place accessible by swinging on an old rope over a stream in the woods near their homes. There, the friends rule the kingdom, fight the Dark Master and his creatures and plot against the school bullies. Thanks to his friendship with Leslie, Jess is changed for good.
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Lauren Clinton, Bailee Madison

Ghost Rider (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/16
Superstar motorcycle stunt rider Johnny Blaze strikes a deal with the vile Mephistopheles for the most precious of commodities, his immortal soul. Now Johnny Blaze is forever destined to ride night after night as the host to the powerful supernatural entity known as the Ghost Rider.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Matthew Long, Peter Fonda

Close to Home (Karov La Bayit) (NR); Limited
A tale chronicling the day to day life of two young Israeli women, Smadar and Mirit, during their compulsory military service in which they are assigned to patrol the streets of Jerusalem. Both eighteen-years-old, they are paired together, despite their other differences. They are assigned to detain any Palestinian passersby, check their papers, and register their details in special forms. Mirit is respectful of her superiors, while Smadar barely conceals her desire to rebel. When a tragic event occurs, they are quickly reminded of their surroundings and must learn to overcome their differences. Jerusalem's multifaceted reality presents obstacles that these young women face, set against the backdrop of the decisions made by political and religious leaders that directly affect their lives. For Smadar and Mirit, compulsory army service is another challenge to endure in order to start adulthood.
Starring: Smadar Sayar, Naaina Schendar, Irit Suki, Katia Zimbris



Coming Attractions
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The Abandoned (R); Nationwide; opens 2/23

Astronaut Farmer (PG); Nationwide; opens 2/23

The Number 23 (R); Nationwide; opens 2/23

Reno 911!: Miami (R); Nationwide; opens 2/23  ¶ 2/16/2007 06:11:00 AM 0 comments

  Closing the door on a chapter in life... Nearly all my life I have had to deal with rumours being spread about me, some of them true, and some of them not.

But I have to laugh at how much gossip has gone on since I moved to Wilmington five or so years ago.

The first couple of years here saw some turmoil and a huge fuck-up in my relationship that was slowly worked out. After we ended on amicable terms, I decided to hit the town some and see what life was out there. I vanish for a few years to take care of some things, finally emerging from a cocoon of sorts to relive again. I was met with greetings of ‘I thought you had moved’, ‘I heard you were dead’, and ‘Where the fuck have you been?’ It was always interesting to hear what stories were told during my absence because people had nothing better to do with their time than create some really fantastic shit.

The past summer saw me at the club maybe two to three times a month for a little while so I could try to go and have some fun. I met guys, exchanged phone numbers and did the occasional hookup. Some friends would stay at the apartment and everyone thought I was fucking around with them. I made friends quickly at the club and heard that I was banging everyone in town. I had to laugh. It was so amazing the stories that went through people’s minds and flew like wildfire in this small town where everyone knows everyone else.

Once again I got bored with hitting the clubs all the time and looked for people who did not involve themselves so deep in the drama and drugs, who understood that there was more to life than hitting the club every weekend. They understood that people had jobs but not always possessing the ability to blow big bucks all the time, their schedules were not always as set as liked, and did not always need to have the banging of bass throbbing through their heads every night. Hitting a restaurant for dinner, seeing a movie at the theatre, having get-togethers to just bullshit and have fun. That is what I wanted and longed for. People who could be non-judgmental and just enjoy life.

And I did find some that were like that. I enjoyed hanging out and just doing whatever. But there weren’t many. So I occasionally went back out to say hi to the other people I knew and had been polite to me. It was always funny seeing the looks of amazement on their faces that I was still in town. Especially this past New Years when my brother didn’t give me a choice but to meet him and his crew out when they were in town. And I had a blast! I got the usual questions of where have you been, and the updates on some of the latest rumours that were flying through. And I am sure that more were created that night. I do have to say that I found it funny when one kid came up to me trying to find out if it was true that I had HIV. I really would like to know where that came from. Yeah, I have my involvement with that community, but I can say that my tests over the last seven years have come back as being negative each time.

I had my flings here and there, and kept to myself for periods. I shrunk my circle of friends down lower than it had been in years, but kept many acquaintances around town. I knew who I could trust and who I couldn’t. I got wrapped in drama with a couple of people, and seem to be in it still on some level. I decided many times that I should just start being Lucy from the Peanuts strip and rent a couch somewhere with a sign ‘The Doctor is In, $5’ (instead of 5¢) I have opened my door to many people, and took pity on some. I swore to control my emotions, and become a tougher person. But, each time, that was pretty much fucked over because I can only be mean when I am pissed off and just point forward the rest of the time.

But that is kinda beside the point.

The main point of this was to put to rest a rumour that is getting out to people that I had not confided in yet.

I am beginning the last month of my residence within Wilmington, and will be relocating to the Raleigh as of the latter part of March. I know some people will miss me and others will celebrate. I had a good time here, and I enjoy being near the water. But it has not made me as happy as I probably could be. Five years and I still find myself somewhat lost in the dark with why people here act the way they do. But, I will still come back here as there are a couple of people that I cannot forget, no matter how much I might try. And I know that it will step on the toes of a couple that would be happier probably with me out of the picture completely. All I can say is, sorry…I got my territory rights and I will fuck a bitch over!! LOL

But, no, honestly, I will miss this area. I just need to try to get the next step in my life started and completed. Maybe I will come back here; maybe one wish will come true. I don’t know. But, that is why they call it the future and why it is so mysterious.

I have not planned anything for going away as of yet, but I might hit the club/bars on a last time basis before I leave….and maybe I will live up to the names that I have been called by some as well and let the town see what I can do. LOL Yeah…right. The hot dog down the hallway can be left for someone else, thanks.

Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength. ~ Anonymous

Nothing will sustain you more potently than the power to recognize in your humdrum routine, as perhaps it may be thought, the true poetry of life. ~ Sir William Osler (1849-1919) Canadian Physician  ¶ 2/14/2007 10:48:00 AM 0 comments

  Valentine/S.A.D. February 14th. Most people know it as Valentine's Day and exchange cutsie little gifts with their partner or loved one. All because of two Christian martyrs by the name of Valentine. But it is also know as Singles Awareness Day and a way of just poking fun. Why should only those who are involved in something be able to celebrate? I know a few people that are happy being single right now…they'll look for the other half later on in life when truly ready.

A few friends of mine recently had some issues in regards to friends/potentials and have had their feelings hurt. And one was told that he should not have given anything to his friend. But I think that is more of one becoming wrapped in the sadness of solitude rather than embracing the fact that someone actually cares enough to show it.

So, whether you are involved in a relationship, crushing on someone, or single, make sure that you smile and remember that today should be a day to just have some fun. Grab drinks, hang out, have a great time. But just try to smile today…even if it hurts. I know I will (well, once I wake up and can deal with cheeriness in the mornings….)  ¶ 2/14/2007 05:40:00 AM 0 comments

  Movies 2/9 Hannibal Rising (R); Nationwide
The monster Hannibal Lecter's formative years. These experiences as a child and young adult led to his remarkable contribution to the fields of medicine, music, painting and forensics. We begin in World War II at the medieval castle in Lithuania built by Dr. Lecter's forebear, Hannibal the Grim. The child Hannibal survives the horrors of the Eastern Front and escapes the grim Soviet aftermath to find refuge in France with the widow of his uncle, mysterious and beautiful Japanese descended from Lady Murasaki Shikibu, author of the Tale of Genji. Her kind and wise attentions help him understand his unbearable recollections of the war. Remembering, he finds the means to visit the outlaw predators that changed him forever as they battened on helpless during the collapse of the Eastern Front. Hannibal helps these war criminals toward self-knowledge even as we see his own nature become clear to him.

Starring: Gaspard Ulliel, Gong Li, Ivan Marevich, Aaron Thomas, Rhys Ifans

Norbit (PG-13); Nationwide
Norbit has never had it easy. As a baby, he was abandoned on the steps of a Chinese restaurant/orphanage and raised by Mr. Wong. Things get worse when he's forced into marriage by the mean, junk food-chugging queen, Rasputia. Just when Norbit's hanging by his last thread, his childhood sweetheart, Kate, moves back to town.

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Thandie Newton, Eddie Griffin, Terry Crews, Clifton Powell

Black Friday (NR); Limited
Black Friday is a film about the investigations following the March 12, 1993 serial Bombay bomb blasts, told through the different stories of the people involved - police, conspirators, victims, and middlemen. The film is based on S. Hussain Zaidis' book of the same name which depicted the shocking and violent events of that fateful day which followed just two weeks after the bombing of the World Trade Center.

Starring: Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Pavan Malhotra, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Kishore Kadam

Breaking and Entering (R); Limited
Will is a partner in a thriving landscape architecture firm which he runs with his friend, Sandy. Professionally, things could not be better but Will spends less and less time at home with his beautiful, melancholy partner, Liv, and her troubled 13 year-old daughter, Bea. Will's office has recently relocated to King's Cross, the centre of Europe's most ambitious urban regeneration site and their state-of-the-art studio repeatedly attracts the attention of a local gang of thieves. After one of the break-ins, Will follows teenaged parkour enthusiast Miro back to the apartment he shares with his mother, Amira, a Bosnian refugee. With his relationship already in crisis, Will embarks on a passionate journey into both the wilder side of himself and the city in which he lives.

Starring: Jude Law, Vera Farmiga, Juliette Binoche, Martin Freeman, Ray Winstone

The Last Sin Eater (PG-13); Limited
In 1850's Appalachia, 10-year-old Cadi Forbes is wracked with guilt over the death of her sister. She feels responsible for the loss and sets out to find the only man, known as The Sin Eater, who can take away her guilt. But while seeking redemption, Cadi learns a devastating secret that has the potential to tear apart her family and community.

Starring: Louise Fletcher, Henry Thomas, Liana Liberato, Soren Fulton, A.J. Buckley



Coming Attractions
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Music and Lyrics (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/14

Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/14

Breach (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/16

Bridge to Terabithia (PG); Nationwide; opens 2/16

Ghost Rider (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/16  ¶ 2/09/2007 11:49:00 AM 0 comments

  Movie Release 2/2 Because I Said So (PG-13); Nationwide
Daphne Wilder is a mother whose love knows no bounds or boundaries. As a single parent, she has raised three fantastic girls--klutzy, adorable Milly, stable psychologist Maggie and sexy and irreverent Mae--to become the kind of women any mom would die to have. The only problem is they're about to strangle her. In order to prevent her youngest, Milly, from making the same romantic mistakes she did, Daphne decides to set her up with the perfect man. The one thing Daphne decides not to tell Milly, however, is that she placed an ad in the online personals to find him. If anyone knows exactly what her daughter does and doesn't need out of a long-term relationship (or clothes or her career), it's Daphne. Comic mayhem unfolds as the well-intended mom continues to do the wrong thing for the right reasons--all in the name of love for her beloved daughter. Is the man of Daphne's (erm, Milly's) dreams the responsible architect Jason, or is he the free-spirited rocker Johnny? Daphne will continue to push, cajole, suggest and nudge her way into Milly's smallest of decisions until she rights the wrongs of her own life choices or drives her girl nuts. But once Johnny's own father, Joe, catches a buried spark within Daphne, things really start to heat up for the Wilder matriarch. Finally letting herself begin to fall, Daphne begins to wonder if she is just pushing her girls as a way of ignoring her own issues.

Starring: Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham, Gabriel Macht, Tom Everett Scott

The Messengers (PG-13); Nationwide
The Solomon family has left the fast paced life of Chicago for the secluded world of a North Dakota farm. Amidst the tranquil sway of the farm's field of sunflowers, Jess, 16, soon realizes how terrifying seclusion can be when she and her brother Ben, 3, begin seeing ominous apparitions invisible to everyone else. When those specters become violent, Jess' sanity is questioned--a double jeopardy for the tormented teen. Her troublesome past comes face to face with the past of those who once lived in the house, a perilous confrontation that leaves her believability in question with those she desperately tries to warn before it is too late.

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dylan McDermott, Penelope Ann Miller, John Corbett, Graham Bell

Constellation (PG-13); Limited
Returning to the Deep South to a town that once held back their opportunities but now glistens as a modern, sexy city, the Boxer family and its extended members discover in the memory of a loved one what binds them together.

Starring: Ever Carradine, David Clennon, Rae Dawn Chong, Melissa De Sousa, Hill Harper

East of Havana (NR); Limited
Calling themselves "El Cartel," a trio of underground rappers in Cuba struggle to get their music heard while bypassing the official government-sanctioned music industry. Growing by word of mouth thanks to their electrifying performances, they put all of their energy into creating a music festival, even as government officials and Hurricane Charley close in.

Starring: Clark Peterson, Meagan Riley-Grant, Juan Carlos Saizabitoria, Charlize Theron

Factory Girl (R); Limited
The year is 1965, and Edie Sedgwick is living every young girl's dream. Rich, ambitious and breathtakingly beautiful, Edie's life changes forever when she meets Andy Warhol, New York's most famous artist, and the man who will transform this trust fund baby into the Big Apple's most dazzling Superstar. At the center of this exciting and decadent new world is The Factory, Warhol's downtown loft, a place where musicians, artists, actors and all types of misfits gather to create art and movies during the day, and to throw fabulous parties at night. It is here that Edie takes her place at Andy's side, as the Factory's most alluring and irresistible Superstar. Edie has the world at her feet. Every woman wants to be her. Every man wants to be with her. But unable to find the love she craves from Andy and The Factory, Edie turns to the voice of a generation singer-songwriter Danny Quinn, a captivating and talented musician who represents everything that Andy is not--where Andy is all cool surfaces, Danny burns with the fire of his convictions. Danny pushes Edie to free herself from Andy, who has been using her in his movies but never paying her. Edie quickly falls for Danny, but every affair has its price.

Starring: Guy Pearce, Sienna Miller, Hayden Christensen, Jimmy Fallon, Meredith Ostrom

Raising Flagg (PG-13); Limited
Flagg Purdy and his oldest friend Gus Falk have been fierce competitors since they were three. When one of their conflicts escalates into a courtroom drama, it reunites the Purdy clan and tests the power of forgiveness to heal … even those who are toughest to love.

Starring: Alan Arkin, Lauren Holly, Glenne Headly, Richard Kind, Austin Pendleton



Coming Attractions
-
Hannibal Rising (R); Nationwide; opens 2/9

Norbit (PG-13); Nationwide; opens 2/9  ¶ 2/01/2007 12:50:00 PM 0 comments