The Muppets ***1/2

Cast: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Jack Black, and the voices of Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Peter Linz
Director: James Bobin
Running Length: 1:37
MPAA Classification: PG

Walter (Linz) is a Muppet-like boy whose dream is to see the Muppet Studios.  Gary (Segel), his big brother, decides to bring him along on a California vacation that he had planned with his girlfriend, Mary (Adams).  While touring the run down Muppet Studios, Walter learns of a sinister plan by millionaire Tex Richman (Cooper) to tear down the studio and drill for oil.  They embark on a plan to thwart Richman's scheme and reunite the Muppets to save the studio.

This is a fun movie.  Of course, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Muppets.  I remember watching The Muppet Show as a child and loving it.  This movie is definitely able to tap into that nostalgia, and it will resonate with others who remember that great show.  There is something truly great about seeing the Muppets on screen again, and handled in such a reverant way.  Jason Segel is the driving force behind this movie, not just starring in and co-writing it, but pushing to get it made in the first place.  Segel and Adams are great as Gary and Mary, providing a likability and certain level of cheesiness that works perfectly.

I have seen this movie about five times now, and have found that it does not grow old with repeated viewings.  The songs are wonderful, from the new stuff to classics like "The Rainbow Connection".  When I initially saw it in the theater, everyone, from child to adult, enjoyed it.  Perhaps the adults even enjoyed it more than the kids.  The Muppets is like visiting with old friends again.  I highly recomment checking it out!

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian **

Cast: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams, Christopher Guest, Alain Chabat, Jake Cherry
Director: Shawn Levy
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: PG

The magical tablet that brings exhibits to life is transferred with a number of the exhibits to the Smithsonian. Larry Daley (Stiller), now an inventor, realizes that this could be a problem, and travels to Washington, D.C. to avert disaster. By the time he arrives, Pharaoh Kahmunrah (Azaria) is planning to take over the world with the help of Napoleon (Chabat), Al Capone (Bernthal), and Ivan the Terrible (Guest). Larry rallies his troops, including Jedediah (Wilson) and Amelia Earhart (Adams) to stop him.

Given the success of the first “Night at the Museum”, a sequel was inevitable. Unfortunately, there is not much story-wise here. What story there is has plot holes, as the script doesn’t like to follow its own rules. The effects are top-notch like in the first film, but that is hardly enough to make this worth seeing. The one bright spot is the always adorable Amy Adams, who gives yet another standout performance. Kids will undoubtedly enjoy this, but adults will find the film lacking. Wait for DVD if you must see this.

Doubt ****

Cast: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: PG-13

At Saint Nicholas Church School, Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep) is the principal. She is an old-school nun who sees sin just about everywhere she looks. Sister James (Adams) is a new and impressionable nun who is very idealistic. When she sees something that may be inappropriate between Father Brendan Flynn (Hoffman), a progressive priest, and a student, she confides in Sister Aloysius. Sister Aloysius then takes on Father Flynn, who professes his innocence.

“Doubt” is an intense drama with amazing performances. Streep, Hoffman, Adams, and Davis (as the boy’s mother) all deliver Oscar nominated performances. Those nominations are all well deserved. The story works so well because of the doubt that is present. Did Father Flynn act inappropriately? Or is Sister Aloysius just on a witch hunt, seeing what she wants to see? The movie forces the viewer to think and come to their own conclusions. This is a great film, and is definitely worth seeing.

Charlie Wilson’s War ***1/2
Cast: Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams, Ned Beatty, Om Puri
Director: Mike Nichols
Running Length: 1:37
MPAA Classification: R

Democratic congressman Charlie Wilson (Hanks) is a bit of a playboy who never met a party he didn’t like. In 1980, he is named to the Defense Appropriations subcommittee in Congress, and becomes aware of a situation in the Middle Eastern country of Afghanistan. The US is funding the “freedom Fighters” to fight against the USSR with $5 million. Charlie has that amount doubled, but his friend Joanne Herring (Roberts) informs him that more is needed. Soon, Charlie is visiting the region and seeing how things are going firsthand. He returns to the US determined to win this war. With the help of CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman), he is able to get the funding significantly increased, and soon the US is spending $500 million to help Afghanistan.

“Charlie Wilson’s War” has a top notch cast, including three Oscar winners and two nominees. As one would expect, Tom Hanks is excellent as the womanizing Wilson. Over the course of the film, his Wilson develops a conscience and becomes something more than just a playboy. Hoffman steals the scenes as Avrakotos, and should be a serious contender for another Oscar nomination. Up-and-comer Amy Adams also makes a solid appearance as Wilson’s assistant. The story is interesting and even funny at times. In fact, the majority of the film has a lighter tone despite being about war. This is an enjoyable, smart film that is worth checking out. I recommend it.

Enchanted ***1/2
Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Susan Sarandon, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey
Director: Kevin Lima
Running Length: 1:47
MPAA Classification: PG

In the animated world of Andalasia, Giselle (Adams) dreams of falling in love with a prince. Fortunately, Prince Edward (Marsden) falls in love with her the moment he sees her. Of course, Edward’s evil step-mother, Queen Narissa (Sarandon) is not happy with the match, and banishes her to New York City – the real world. With the help of Nathaniel (Spall) and a talking chipmunk, Edward goes on a quest to return Giselle to their world. In the real world, Giselle is a fish-out-of-water who is rescued from wandering the streets by Robert (Dempsey), a single parent who doesn’t believe her story but is too nice to just leave her. If Edward is able to find her, she may have to decide who really is her true prince.

“Enchanted” is a great movie, capturing the spirit of Disney’s princess movies. Amy Adams is adorable as Giselle. She clearly has done her homework, and has the mannerisms down pat. She looks and acts like she just stepped out of a Disney cartoon. She is the reason that this movie is as good as it is. The rest of the cast fill their roles nicely. Marsden is good as the dopey prince, and Sarandon gets to have some fun as the evil Queen. “Enchanted” is an enjoyable film, and I highly recommend it.