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Film Now Playing

The Lady Vanishes (1938)

Opening:

DR. CABBIE—Canadian comedy about an Indian doctor (Kunal Nayyar) who emigrates to Canada with the hopes of starting a new life, but when he can only find work as a taxi driver he begins practicing medicine illegally and treating patients from his cab, becoming a local hero. Despite the amusing premise seeming to rely heavily on stereotypes, reactions from preview screenings have been generally positive. Co-starring Vinay Virmani, Isabel Kaif, and Adrianne Palicki. Directed by Jean-Francois Pouliot. Regal Elmwood

HAPPY ENDING—Hindi romantic comedy in the Bollywood mold about a hack writer living in Los Angeles and the rival novelist who wins his heart. Bollywood movies tend to struggle to find an audience outside of India, and the early buzz is that this one is no exception. Starring Saif Ali Kahn and Illeana D’Cruz. Directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. Regal Elmwood

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2—Sequel to the 2011 hit comedy reuniting stars Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day as friends and co-workers who go to absurd lengths to save their small business. Despite the talent involved, this looks to follow in the long-tradition of unnecessary comedy sequels failing to live up to the original, taking the brand of humor on display in the previous entry to even further tasteless and borderline offensive degrees to compensate for lack of originality. Co-starring Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, Chris Pine, Christoph Waltz, and Kevin Spacey. Directed by Sean Anders. Opens Nov. 26. Maple Ridge, Flix, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR—Animated family comedy featuring the popular penguins from the Madagascar series in their first spin-off movie. Kids who were won over by the colorful art style and PG comedy of previous Madagascar movies will likely enjoy themselves, but parents shouldn’t expect much beyond light entertainment or anything close to the sophistication seen in the better animated films of recent years. Featuring the voice talents of Christopher Knights, John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Jeong, and Peter Stormare. Directed by Simon J. Smith and Eric Darnell. Opens Nov. 26. Maple Ridge Flix Regal Elmwood Regal Niagara Falls Regal Quaker Regal Transit Regal Walden Galleria

THE STARFISH THROWERS—Documentary exploring how three people from very different backgrounds—a 5-star chef, a 12-year-old girl, and a retired schoolteacher, find themselves united by their individual efforts to feed the poor and fight global hunger, helping to inspire change across the world. Poignant and heartwarming. Starring Narayan Krishnan, Katie Stagliano, and Allan Law. Directed by Jesse Roessler. Opens Dec. 3. North Park

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING—Biographical romantic drama detailing the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, his relationship with first wife Jane Wilde Hawking, and his overcoming of ALS disease to become one of the most influential thinkers of his time. Although it looks like it may lean a little too heavy on sentimentality for some, the terrific cast, including an award-worthy lead performance from Eddie Redmayne, should do justice to the inspiring true life story. Co-starring Felicity Jones. Directed by James Marsh. Opens Nov. 25. Reviewed in next week’s issue. Dipson Amherst, Eastern Hills

ETC:

CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR (2007)—Biographical political comedy recounting U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) and his partnership with a maverick C.I.A. Operative (Philip Seymour Hoffman) as they launch a covert operation to organize and support Afghanistan resistance during the Soviet War in the Middle East. While it doesn’t rank among his best work, it is notable for being the final film of acclaimed director Mike Nichols, who recently passed away. Co-starring Julia Roberts. Presented as part of the Buffalo Film Seminars. Dipson Amherst

ELF (2003)—Christmas comedy starring Will Ferrell as one of Santa’s elves who learns of his true identity as a human and goes to New York City to win the affections of his cynical biological father (James Caan). Pretty much everyone’s favorite Will Ferrell movie. Directed by Jon Favreau. Aurora Theater

HITCHCOCK (2012)—Biographical showbiz film which centers on the relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife during the making of Psycho, one of the most controversial and acclaimed films of the legendary director’s career. It succeeds best when focusing on the behind the scenes drama of making a movie classic, but stumbles when the screenplay attempts to explore the man and his marital woes. Starring Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren. Directed by Sacha Gervasi. The Screening Room

THE LADY VANISHES (1938)—Classic British thriller about a beautiful English tourist (Margaret Lockwood) travelling by train in Europe and her attempts to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the elderly woman who was accompanying her. Notable for being the last movie Hitchcock made in Britain before coming to Hollywood, his dark English humor is on display as much as his mastery of suspense. Co-starring Michael Redgrave, Paul Lukas, and Dame May Whittey. The Screening Room

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1947)—Classic Christmas film about a department store Santa in New York City who claims to be the real Santa Claus. A perennial Holiday favorite for the true believers, though more jaded viewers are better off renting Bad Santa. Starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn. Directed by George Seaton. North Park


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