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You'll root for aliens in 'Darkest Hour'

Based on the admittedly flimsy evidence of films like "The Darkest Hour," the best defense against invading aliens is to be as attractive as possible.

Williams is more Marilyn than Marilyn

When Marilyn Monroe walked into a room, men and women froze in her orbit. Athletes and intellectuals fell before her -- presidents, too.

There's no saving 'Chipwrecked'

Puns like these would be unforgivable coming from a human. From high-pitched rodents, they prompt calls for an exterminator.

Latest 'Sherlock Holmes' offers little intrigue

One need not be a master of the science of deduction to observe that "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" is something of an overlong, overblown, disorganized mess, despite being slightly better than its predecessor.

'The Skin I Live In' will get under yours

When Pedro Almodsvar's "The Skin I Live In" starts, gifted plastic surgeon Robert Ledgard already has lost his beautiful wife to an auto accident that left her badly burned and suicidal.

Symphony bringing it 'Home for the Holidays'

This year's "Home for the Holidays" pop concert will feature several special events, including two world premieres for new pieces.

Harold & Kumar return to wreaking havoc

DETROIT -- Kal Penn's break from acting to work for the Obama administration garnered a lot of media attention. But the other half of the "Harold & Kumar" franchise, John Cho, has a cool White House connection, too.

'Tower Heist' is so fun, it's criminal

"Tower Heist" is an ensemble, and a strong one at that, led by Ben Stiller, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck and Tea Leoni. But Brett Ratner's blast of an action comedy truly brings out the best in Eddie Murphy, something many of us may have forgotten even existed.

‘Horrible Bosses’ employs abused theme of the year

If you are bright enough to count your change at the popcorn stand, you are too smart to see “Horrible Bosses.”

Filmmakers will be in town for ‘On Coal River’ premiere

Filmmakers Adams Wood and Francine Cavanaugh will be on hand to discuss their documentary “On Coal River” Thursday at Green Spaces, 63 Main St. The movie is being screened as part of the Arts & Education Council’s sixth annual Back Row Film Series.

James’ comedic instinct rescues ‘Zookeeper’

We want the same thing from our comedians that we expect of great ballplayers — that they “leave it all on the field.” And Kevin James does that. From his various team-ups with Adam Sandler to “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” James hurls himself at the physical shtick and never lets on that he knows he’s not making art.

‘Super 8’ is a welcome anomaly for summer fare

I haven’t seen a studio release this year that jitterbugs with love for movies like “Super 8.” As the title suggests, it’s a valentine to filmmaking, especially the family-oriented science-fiction variety. J.J. Abrams, who directed the best entries in the “Mission: Impossible” and “Star Trek” franchises, delivers a phenomenal pop-art experience, dazzling the senses while aiming straight for the heart.

Ellington

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