Honolulu Weekly

Unattributed film synopses indicate movies not yet reviewed by HW staff.

Indicates films of unusual interest

Opening

The Baader Meinhof Complex Based on the formation of the Red Army Faction, a group of West German radicals who promoted communist-inspired terrorism during the ’70s. In hopes of creating a more “human” world, the members of the RAF end up losing their own humanity.

Bright Star A poetic period piece based on John Keats’ relationship with Fanny Brawne, an outspoken fashion student. Like most romance-dramas set in early 19th-century England, floral landscapes and poofy costumes prevail.

Couples Retreat Four couples retreat to a tropical island resort to undergo couples therapy, resulting in a series of comedic shenanigans. No, it’s not the premise for another VH1 reality television show, just another bro-tastic dude fest featuring Vince Vaughn and Jason Bateman.

Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love A documentary that captures two years of the Senegalese singers’ life, including his recording of Egypt, a record promoting a more tolerant outlook of Islam that was considered blasphemous amongst many Senegalese. Undeterred, N’Dour commits to sparking social change through his uplifting music.

Continuing

9 Unfortunately, when the haunting images fade, the paper-thin plot shows its true colors…One only wishes the sophistication and effort given to its look matched the story behind it.
–Dean Carrico

Capitalism: A Love Story See review online at [honoluluweekly.com]

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Forecast: Kiddy flick with a chance of nostalgia. This animated adaptation of the famous children’s book has all the raining sausages and drizzling pizzas you could possibly stomach, but beware–they’ll be coming at you in 3-D, too!

Fame If you thought regular high school was bad, cue the stage lights and watch the drama unfold at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. A modern spin on the 1980 Oscar-winner of the same name.

The Informant! Even though it’s about whistle-blowing, it’s a slight movie, lacking the damning graveness of The Insider, the hypnotic driving ambition of Michael Clayton, or even the dramatic star power of Soderbergh’s own earnest Erin Brokovich. Because no one else in the production takes things seriously, neither do we. –Ryan Senaga

The Invention of Lying See review on page 24.

Love Happens as do maudlin romance films. A widowed, self-help guru (Aaron Eckhart) can’t follow his own advice. That is until he meets Eloise (Jennifer Aniston), a hotel florist who helps him come to terms with his loss.

Pandorum Largely action but tricked out in sci-fi drag and chockfull of that genre’s clichés, preoccupations, and themes… This is strictly for DVD consumption, with the aid of certain herbal enhancements. –Bob Green

The September Issue A look at fashion’s notorious ice queen, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and muse for The Devil Wears Prada. Watch Wintour give birth to her five-pound baby, aka the September 2007 issue, which clocked in at 840 pages.

Surrogates By the end of its laughably bad FX and even dumber logistics, you realize it would have worked better as a Mike Judge or Judd Apatow comedy. –R.S.

Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3-D A double feature staring Buzz Lightyear and co., who made their debut way back in 1995, and the sequel that inconceivably turned out to be even better than the original. This go around, get even closer to the plastic figurines in Disney Digital 3-D.

Whip It Somewhere in England, the Spice Girls are giddy over Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, which stars Juno’s Ellen Page and an ample serving of girl power! Page, who’s secured her role as America’s favorite tomboy, plays a rebellious teenage girl who trades beauty pageants for the roller derby.

Zombieland See review on page 25.

Doris Duke Theatre

The Horse Boy (Mongolia/India, 2009) A documentary about a family’s quest through Mongolia following two year-old Rowan’s diagnosis with autism. Rowan’s parents dabble in shamanism and discover their son’s connection with horses. An official selection at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Wed 10/7, Fri 10/9, Sat 10/10, Tue 10/13, 1pm, 4pm & 7:30pm; Thu 10/8, 1pm & 4pm.

Movie Museum

Manual of Love (Italy, 2005) Four episodes (falling in love, crisis, cheating and breakup) featuring four different couples intertwine in this romantic comedy set in Rome.

Thu 10/8, 12:15pm, 2:30pm, 4:45pm, 7:00pm & 9:15pm.

Whatever Lola Wants (France, 2007) Lola, a perky New York Postal worker, moves to Cairo in pursuit of an Egyptian hunk and falls head over heels for belly dancing instead. A modern day fairy tale featuring sequined outfits and a spirited soundtrack.

Fri 10/9, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm.

Ping Pong Playa (2007) The Wang’s are ping-pong enthusiasts, a point of contention for Chris, the teenager son who calls himself “C-Dub” and has dreams of playing in the NBA. Following an unexpected family accident, Chris must defend the Wang’s honor in a ping-pong tournament.

Sat 10/10, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm.

Live and Become (France, Belgium, Israel, Italy, 2005) In 1984, 80,000 Ethiopian Jews were sent to Israel to escape an impending famine. One 8-year-old boy, raised Christian, is sent and is forced to reconcile this new culture with his African roots. Winner of three awards at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Mon 10/11, 12:30pm, 3pm, 5:30pm & 8pm.

The Lovely Passion of Judith Hearne (U.K., 1987) Set in 1950s Dublin, Judith Hearn, a spinster played by Maggie Smith, falls for a former New York City hotel doorman, who she comes to suspect is swindling her out of money.

Fri 10/12, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm.

University of Hawaii

The Women and the Waves (2008) A documentary featuring the most prolific women of surf, including five-time Women’s World Champion Linda Benson, and Zeuf, a 50-year-old “oceanholic” who rides waves through her battle with cancer.

Sun 10/11, 5pm.