Horton Hears a Who! ***
Cast (voices): Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Isla Fisher, Amy Poehler, Jaime Pressly, Charles Osgood
Director: Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino
Running Length: 1:28
MPAA Classification: G

Horton (Carrey) is an elephant who one day discovers a talking speck of dust. Of course, it is not really the speck that is talking, but the people living on it. He catches the speck on a clover and manages to talk to the Mayor of Whoville (Carell). The mayor begs Horton to find a safe place for the speck so his world isn’t destroyed. Horton agrees, but must deal with the Kangaroo (Burnett) who does not believe in anything she cannot see.

“Horton” is the best motion picture adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ work. Better than “Granch” and far better than “Cat in the Hat”. The computer animation better suits the characters created in childrens’ books many years ago. Carrey and Carell do solid jobs as the two leads, and the rest of the voice talents are good as well. This is a movie geared more towards kids, but adults will find enjoyment in it as well. Son’t be surprised if we see Horton again in a few years, trying to hatch an egg. I recommend this film.

10,000 B.C. *1/2
Cast: Steven Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis, Joel Virgel, Affif Ben Badra, Mo Zinal, Nathanael Baring
Director: Roland Emmerich
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: PG-13

D’Leh (Strait) and Evolet (Belle) are destined to be together, but are kept apart by clan politics. Evolet wants to run away with him, byt D’Leh will not because his father left the tribe when he was a child. His father’s act made D’Leh an outcast of sorts, and he has worked hard to restore his name. When a roving band of warriors raid their village and take most of the tribe, including Evolet, D’Leh makes it his mission to save his people and the woman he loves.

At the very least, “10,000 B.C.” has good special effects. Not great, but good. The story itself is nothing special, even silly. The acting is about the same. There does not appear to be any factual basis for anything that occurs in the film either. A key point at the end of the film even elicited an audible groan from me. There was a time when director Roland Emmerich made movie that were somewhat engaging, but those days seem to be long gone. My recommendation is to stay away from this film.

U2 3D ***1/2
Cast: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr.
Director: Catherine Owens, Mark Pellington
Running Length: 1:25
MPAA Classification: G

“U2 3D” is an example of just how great a 3D movie experience can be. Mostly shot in Buenos Aires, this concert film puts you in the audience and on the stage at a concert from one of the best bands of the last 30 years. Actually shot at a number of concerts and meshed together, the illusion is seamless. At times, the band seems so close you could reach out and touch them. The set list is a good selection of old and new, hits and lesser known songs. The band members themselves are great showmen, and each get their own close-up. Fans of U2 will definitely want to check this out. If you are not a fan, see this movie and become one. The band is great, the 3D is great, the film is great. Highly recommended.

Set list:
Vertigo
Beautiful Day
New Year’s Day
Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own
Love and Peace or Else
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Bullet the Blue Sky
Miss Sarajevo
Pride (In the Name of Love)
Where the Streets Have No Name
One
The Fly
With or Without You
Yahweh

Atonement ***
Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, Saoirse Ronan, Harriet Walter, Brenda Blethyn
Director: Joe Wright
Running Length: 2:10
MPAA Classification: R

In 1935 England, 13-year old Briony (Ronan) lives with her family in the countryside. Her older sister Cecilia (Knightley) is developing a relationship with Robbie (McAvoy) the servant. Cecelia herself has a crush on Robbie and is a bit jealous. She does see him as a seducer and wants to protect Cecelia. When a friend of the family is raped on the grounds, Briony offers up a lie that will change the three of their lives forever.

“Atonement” is an interesting, if tragic, movie. It straddles a thin line between youthful misunderstanding and jealous maliciousness. Briony is a tragic figure, played well by Ronan, Garai, and Redgrave, who spends her life trying to make up for a wrong that may or may not have been intentional. McAvoy is solid as Robbie, the person whose life is most directly affected by her actions. Director Joe Wright does a good job bringing war torn Europe to life. The problem with “Atonement” is that, aside from having a main character in Briony that is mostly unlikable, the film is a bit of a downer. This will not be a hit with mainstream audiences, and really was the weakest of the Best Picture nominees in 2007. This is definitely not a film for everyone.