Kam Williams Reviews Movies Opening Aug. 22, 2014

PHOTO: Still from The Prince

BIG BUDGET FILMS   

Are You Here (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity and drug use) Road comedy revolving around a couple of lifelong friends’ (Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis) return trip to their hometown so one can collect an inheritance from his recently-deceased, estranged father. Featuring Amy Poehler, Edward Herrmann and Jenna Fischer. 

If I Stay (PG-13 for sexuality and mature themes) Chloe Grace Moretz stars in this adaptation of the Gayle Norman best-seller of the same name as a comatose cellist who experiences an out-of-body experience after a car accident leaves her suspended in limbo between life and death for 24 hours. With Mireille Enos, Stacy Keach and Jamie Blackley.   

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (Unrated) Eagerly-anticipated sequel, based on the second book in Frank Miller’s series of graphic novels, finds the denizens of the seedy metropolis crossing paths with some unsavory characters. Ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dennis Haysbert, Ray Liotta and Lady Gaga. 

When the Game Stands Tall (PG for mature themes, brief smoking and one scene of violence) Overcoming-the-odds sports saga recounting the real-life exploits of Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel), the legendary coach of the De La Salle High Spartans, the football team he turned from perennial also-rans into gridiron titans with a record-setting, 151-game winning streak. With Laura Dern, Michael Chiklis, Ser’Darius Blain, Stephan James and Alexander Ludwig.     

PHOTO: Rosario Dawson in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS 

14 Blades (R for graphic violence) Martial arts drama, set during the Ming Dynasty, about a member of the imperial guard (Donnie Yen) on the run from an army of assassins after being betrayed by colleagues. With Wei Zhao, Chun Wu and Kate Tsui. (In Mandarin with subtitles)

I Am Happiness on Earth (Unrated) Homoerotic drama, set in Mexico, about an aspiring filmmaker (Hugo Catalan) who cavalierly seduces and abandons a vulnerable dancer (Alan Ramirez) who already entered the relationship damaged goods. Co-starring Gabino Rodriguez, Andrea Portal and Ivan Alvarez. (In Spanish with subtitles)   

Jersey Shore Massacre (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity, drug use and graphic violence) High attrition-rate horror flick about a weekend gone bad for a group of young revelers who end up on the run from a serial killer in the Pine Barrens after losing possession of their oceanfront rental. Ensemble cast includes Danielle Dallacco, Angelica Boccella, Giovanni Roselli and Chris Lazzaro. 

K2: Siren of the Himalayas (Unrated) “We Try Harder” documentary about a mountain climbing team’s perilous trek to the top of the Earth’s 2^nd highest peak.

Kink (Unrated) Sexual fetish documentary exploring bondage and sadomasochism as practiced by performers on the website Kink.com. 

Love Is Strange (R for profanity) Dream deferred drama about a gay couple (John Lithgow and Alfred Molina) that finally gets to tie the knot after four decades together only to have to separate when they lose their home. With Marisa Tomei, Cheyenne Jackson and Charlie Tahan.

The One I Love (R for profanity, sexuality and drug use) Romantic comedy revolving around a couple (Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss) whose weekend getaway intended to revitalize their flagging marriage instead has them confronting an unexpected dilemma. With Ted Danson, and Oscar-winners Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God) and Mary Steenburgen (Melvin and Howard). 

The Prince (R for violence, profanity and drug use) Crime thriller, set in Las Vegas, about a retired hit man (Jason Patric) who enlists the assistance of his BFF (John Cusack) to rescue his daughter (Jessica Lowndes) from the clutches of a former rival (Bruce Willis). With 50 Cent, Rain and Gia Mantegna (Joe’s daughter).

Salvo (Unrated) Mob drama about a Mafia hit man (Saleh Bakri) who rethinks his line of work after being befriended by his latest victim’s blind sister (Sara Serraiocco). Support cast includes Luigi Lo Cascio, Mario Pupella and Jacopo Menicagli. (In Italian and Sicilian with subtitles)

See You Next Tuesday (Unrated) Dysfunctional family dramedy, set in Brooklyn, about an unemployed, pregnant woman’s (Eleanore Pienta) toxic relationships with her mother (Dana Eskelson), her lesbian sister (Molly Plunk), and her sister’s live-in lover (Keisha Zollar). Support cast features Taylor Dior, Stephan Goldbach and Michele Meises.

To Be Takei (Unrated) Reverential retrospective about the life and career of George Takei, the actor best remembered as the original Star Trek’s Lieutenant Sulu. 

Winter in the Blood (Unrated) Screen adaptation of the James Welch best-seller of the same name, set in Montana, about an alcoholic Native American’s (Chaske Spencer) self-destructive spiral in the wake of a series of family tragedies and personal setbacks. Cast includes David Morse, Gary Farmer and Julia Jones.