1408: John Cusack is the man to watch in this horror thriller based on a Stephen King short story. Like “The Shining,” also based on King material, the main character is a frustrated writer who likes to drink, has a terrible trauma in his past and is in isolated surroundings that send him spiraling into madness. Though it doesn’t quite stack up to “The Shining,” Cusack’s performance — most of the film is just him in a “haunted” hotel suite — puts it a notch above a lot of current horror fare. Samuel L. Jackson as the hotel manager doesn’t get much screen time, but makes the most of what he’s given. (PG-13) HH1/2 – TB
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 2:55, 9:10.
Galaxy Tacoma 6: 12:45, 3, 5:20, 7:40, 10.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:50, 3:40, 7:40, 10:35. Fri-Tues 2, 5:30, 7:55, 10:40.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:15, 3:30, 5:45, 8:10, 10:30. Fri-Sun 12:20, 2:40, 5, 7:20, 9:40. Also Sat-Sun 10:05 a.m. Mon-Tues 12:20, 2:40, 5, 7:20, 9:35.
Longston Place: Thus-Tues 10:20 a.m., 1:15, 3:55, 7:25, 10:35.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 11:45 a.m., 2:25, 5:10, 7:50, 10:30. Fri-Tues 11:45 a.m., 2:20, 5, 7:35, 10:35.
Yelm Cinemas: Fri-Tues 7, 9:20.
CAREY THEATER: Check out these films on Fort Lewis. Shrek the Third (PG) Thurs 7. Pirates of the Caribbean (PG-13) Fri 7. Sun 2. Thurs, July 12 7. Mr. Brooks (R) Fri 9:30. Sat 7. Gracie (PG-13) Sat 4. Sun 7. Theater closed Mon-Wed.
EVAN ALMIGHTY: There’s no movie here — just a concept that holds little promise and can’t even deliver on those low expectations. Out of the blue, God (Morgan Freeman) appears and tells Evan (Steve Carell) to build an ark. This witless effort could have been called “God Is My Co-Signer.” (PG) H – RR
AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 12:45, 2:25, 3:15, 4:45, 5:45, 7, 8:15, 9:30, 10:30. Fri-Sat 12:45, 2:25, 3:15, 4:45, 5:45, 7, 8, 9:30, 10:30. Also Sat 10:30 a.m. Sun-Tues 12:45, 2:25, 3:15, 4:45, 5:45, 7, 8, 9:30, 10:10.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:25 a.m., 1:55, 4:25, 7:05, 9:40.
Gig Harbor 3: Thurs-Tues 1:20, 4:40, 7:40, 10:20.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11 a.m., 1:05, 2:10, 3:35, 5:25, 6:10, 7:45, 8:45, 10:40. Fri-Tues 12:45, 3:25, 6:45, 9:30.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:20, 1:50, 3:35, 4, 5:50, 6:45, 8:05, 9, 10:20. Fri-Sun 11:50 a.m., 12:50, 2:05, 3:05, 4:15, 5:20, 6:30, 7:30, 8:45, 9:45. Also Sat-Sun 10:35 a.m. Mon-Tues 11:50 a.m., 12:50, 2:05, 3, 4:15, 5:15, 6:25, 7:30, 8:40, 9:40.
Longston Place: Thurs-Tues 9:50 a.m., 10:25 a.m., 12:15, 12:50, 2:40, 3:15, 5:05, 5:40, 7:35, 8:05, 10, 10:30.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 12:15, 1:40, 2:45, 4:10, 5:15, 6:50, 9:30. Fri-Tues 11:40 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:30, 10:20.
Yelm Cinemas: Thurs-Tues 12:10, 2:20, 4:30, 6:45, 9. Wed-Thurs, July 12 12:10, 4:30.
EVENING: Upstairs, in a big Newport mansion, a woman is dying in a Martha Stewart bedroom. She takes a long time to die, and the movie is flashbacks from her reveries. An all-star cast sinks in a turgid weepie that commits the cardinal sin: It doesn’t make you weep. One cliche after another is done awkwardly; the movie lacks even the self-confidence of soap opera. With Vanessa Redgrave, Claire Danes, Natasha Richardson, Toni Collette, Eileen Atkins, Hugh Dancy, Patrick Wilson, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep. (PG-13) H1/2 – RE
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:05 a.m., 1:50, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05.
Galaxy Tacoma 6: 12:30, 3, 5:30, 8, 10:25.
Longston Place: Thurs-Tues 9:55 a.m., 12:40, 3:25, 7:05, 9:55.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 12:20, 3:35, 7:20, 10:40. Fri-Tues 12:15, 3:35, 6:40, 9:40.
FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER: A new team of writers attempts to bring depth to this sequel and ends up with a movie that, while occasionally funny, is nonetheless mind-numbingly silly. Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis return to save the world, this time from the planet-destroying Silver Surfer voiced by Laurence Fishburne. (PG) HH1/2 – MD
AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 12:30, 2:40, 4:55, 7:45, 9:50. Fri-Tues 12:30, 2:40, 4:50, 7:40, 9:55. Also Sat 10:20 a.m.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:40 a.m., 2:10, 4:50, 7:10, 9:45.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:30 a.m., 2:40, 5:10, 7:50, 10:25. Fri-Tues 12:50, 3:55, 6:25, 9:35.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:40, 3:55, 6:10, 8:45. Fri-Sun 12:40, 2:50, 5, 7:15, 9:30. Also Sat-Sun 10:30 a.m. Mon-Tues 12:40, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15, 9:25.
Longston Place: Thurs-Tues 10:10 a.m., 1:05, 3:35, 7:10, 10:05.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 9:30 a.m., 11:55 a.m., 2:35, 5:05, 7:35, 10:25. Fri-Tues 11:25 a.m., 2, 4:25, 7:25, 10:15.
Yelm Cinemas: Thurs-Tues 11:50 a.m., 2, 4:15.
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX: See review next week. (PG-13)
Century Olympia: Tues night 12:01 a.m.
Gig Harbor 3: Tues 11:59. Wed-Thurs, July 12 12:30, 3:45, 7, 10:15.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Tues 11:59.
Longston Place: Tues 11:59.
Regal Martin Village: Tues 11:59.
Yelm Cinemas: Tues night 12:01 a.m. Wed-Thurs, July 12 11:45 a.m., 12:15, 2:50, 3:25, 6:15, 6:50, 9:10, 9:45.
KNOCKED UP: If “Old School” and “She’s Having a Baby” lined up 50 yards apart, sprinted at each other at full speed and collided in violently comedic-sexual fashion, spawning one film, the result would be “Knocked Up.” Half goofball guy-movie and half sentimental chick-flick, it works on both levels, even if it does overstay its welcome. (R) HHH – RR
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 2:35, 8:30.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:45 a.m., 3:10, 6:50, 9:40. Fri-Tues 11:20 a.m., 2:30, 6:40, 9:50.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:35, 4:25, 7:10, 9:55. Fri-Sun 11:45 a.m., 2:30, 5:15, 8, 10:45. Mon-Tues 12:05, 2:50, 5:35, 8:30.
Longston Place: Thurs-Tues 9:40 a.m., 12:35, 3:30, 6:55, 9:50.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 1:30, 4:55, 8:05, 10:55. Fri-Tues 12:10, 3:35, 7, 10:25.
LA VIE EN ROSE: Marion Cotillard in a brilliant, convincing performance as Edith Piaf, “The Little Sparrow,” the most beloved French singer of the 20th century. Born of street entertainers, raised in a brothel, her songs became so evocative that Marlene Dietrich called her “the soul of Paris.” One of the best biopics I’ve seen. Directed by Olivier Dahan. (PG-13) HHHH – RE
The Grand Cinema: 3:15, 6, 8:40. Also Sat-Sun 12:30.
LICENSE TO WED: See review page 21.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 12:10, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50.
Galaxy Tacoma 6: 12:50, 2:55, 5, 7:05, 9:10.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 11:20 a.m., 1:50, 4:30, 7:05, 9:20. Fri-Tues 11:10 a.m., 1:40, 7:35, 10.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:05, 3:20, 5:35, 7:45, 10. Fri noon, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9. Sat-Sun 10 a.m., 12:10, 2:20, 4:35, 6:50, 9:05. Mon-Tues noon, 2:10, 4:15, 6:30, 8:35.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 11:30 a.m., 2:15, 5, 7:45, 10:40. Fri-Tues 11:30 a.m., 1:55, 4:20, 7, 9:30.
South Hill Mall: Thurs 11:30 a.m., 2:10, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50.
Yelm Cinemas: Thurs-Tues 12:25, 2:45, 5:05, 7:20, 9:30. Wed-Thurs, July 12 2:20, 6:40, 8:50.
LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD: Nearly two decades after creating one of the most iconic antihero cops in modern action-movie history, a lean and now bullet-headed Bruce Willis is in classic form as NYPD Det. John McClane, who is once again thrust into a cataclysmic emergency in which he is facing insurmountable odds. Two hours of pure adrenaline. (PG-13) HHH – RR
AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 1:15, 2, 4:15, 5, 7:30, 8, 10:15. Fri-Sat 1, 2, 4, 5, 6:50, 7:50, 10, 10:35. Also Sat 11 a.m. Sun-Tues 1:15, 2, 4:15, 5, 7:30, 8:15, 10:15.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:35 a.m., 2:30, 5:40, 7:15, 8:45, 10:10.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 10:05 a.m., 12:30, 1:15, 3:45, 4:20, 6:45, 7:20, 9:50, 10:30. Fri-Tues 10:05 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:20, 2:50, 4:20, 6:10, 7:20, 9:45, 10:30.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:20, 4:20, 7:30, 10:25. Fri-Tues 11:40 a.m., 2:25, 5:10, 7:55, 10:40.
Longston Place: Thurs-Tues 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:55, 1:25, 3:50, 4:20, 6:45, 7:15, 9:40, 10:10.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 10:05 a.m., noon, 1:05, 3:25, 4:05, 6:45, 7:15, 9:45, 10:20. Fri-Tues 10:10 a.m., 11:55 a.m., 1:10, 3:25, 4:15, 6:35, 7:10, 9:35, 10:10.
Yelm Cinemas: 12:30, 3:20, 6:05, 8:55.
NANCY DREW: Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts’ niece, shows her star quality as teen sleuth Nancy Drew, who leaves her cozy River Heights home with her dad for Los Angeles. Despite good performances, the film suffers from poor direction and a senseless storyline. (PG) HH – BZ
AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 1:30, 4. Fri-Sat 1:30, 4:10. Also Sat 11:15 a.m. Sun-Tues 1:30, 4.
Century Olympia: Thurs 11:55 a.m., 2:20, 5, 7:30, 10:10. Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 10 a.m. Fri-Tues 10:30 a.m.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:05. Fri 11:55 a.m. Sat-Sun 1. Mon-Tues 11:55 a.m.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 9:55 a.m. Fri-Tues 10:45 a.m., 1:30, 4:10.
South Hill Cinema 6: Thurs 6:40, 9:10. Fri-Tues 11:30 a.m., 2:10, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50.
OCEAN’S THIRTEEN: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle and the usual sidekicks produce a baker’s dozen sequel that belongs in the day-old store. When Al Pacino cheats their pal Elliott Gould out of his casino, they team up to sabotage opening night with a lickety-split plot that includes such implausibilities as creating a fake earthquake with a 600-ton Eurotunnel boring machine. Good looking, however, and maybe fun if you don’t expect a real caper movie. (PG-13) HH1/2 – RE
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:45 a.m., 5:35.
Galaxy Tacoma 6: 12:35, 3:05, 5:30, 7:55, 10:25.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:35, 3:25, 6:20, 9:25. Fri-Tues 1:30, 4:30, 7:40, 10:35.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 3:40, 6:20, 9. Fri 2:10, 4:50, 7:35, 10:15. Sat-Sun 10:20 a.m., 3:15, 6, 8:40. Mon-Tues 2:10, 4:55, 7:35, 10:15.
Longston Place: Thurs-Tues 10:05 a.m., 1:10, 4, 7:20, 10:20.
Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 7:55, 10:50. Fri-Tues 6:55, 9:50.
OLYMPIA FILM SOCIETY: All films at Capital Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, downtown Olympia. Bamako (NR) Thurs 6:30. Fri 9. Offside (PG) Thurs 9. The Wizard of Oz (G) Fri 6. Paprika (R) Sat 6:30. Sun 2:30, 7:30. Mon & Wed 6:30. Tues & Thurs, July 12 9. Stephanie Daley (R) Sat 9. Sun 5. Mon & Wed 9. Tues & Thurs, July 12 6:30.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END: If Erroll Flynn, Tyrone Power and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. could see the ridiculously entertaining action sequences in this third “Pirates” movie, they’d drop their swords in amazement. Director Gore Verbinski and the stunt and special effects crews have created one of the most impressive blends of live-action work and CGI wizardry ever put on film. Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush and Keira Knightley have poured so much talent and energy into their roles, I have to acknowledge that even though I haven’t been the biggest fan of the “Pirates” franchise, these characters have earned their iconic status. (PG-13) HHH – RR
AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs 6:30, 9:50. Fri-Tues 6:30, 9:50.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:10 a.m., 5:30.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 12:10, 4, 8. Fri-Tues 10:40 a.m., 2:10, 6:05, 9:40.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 3:20, 10:10. Fri 1:45, 5:05, 8:30. Sat-Sun 10:15 a.m., 3:50, 7:15, 10:40. Mon-Tues 1:45, 5:05, 8:25.
Longston Place: Thurs-Tues 9:35 a.m., 2, 6:50, 10:25.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 4:45, 8:30. Fri-Tues 11:15 a.m., 3:10, 6:50, 10:30.
RATATOUILLE: Disney and Pixar deliver a marvelous animated tale of friendship, following one’s dreams and the art of French haute cuisine. The hero of the story is a tiny Parisian rat named Remy (voice by Patton Oswalt), who one day finds himself in the kitchen of one of the world’s greatest chefs, where he soon befriends the kitchen’s busboy Linguini (voice by Lou Romano). The two form a unique bond that affords Remy the chance to indulge in his culinary artistry and Linguini the chance to make something of himself. The computer-animated visuals are stunning, the story is compelling, and the music will carry you away. The film is rated G, which stands for gloriously entertaining. Grownups will find this one irresistible. Oh yeah, the kiddies will like it, too. (G) HHH1/2 – MD
AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs noon, 1:45, 2:45, 4:30, 5:30, 7:15, 8:30, 9:45. Fri-Sat noon, 1:45, 2:45, 4:30, 5:30, 7:15, 8:15, 9:45, 10:45. Also Sat 10:45 a.m. Sun-Tues noon, 1:45, 2:45, 4:30, 5:30, 7:15, 8:15, 9:45.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11 a.m., 12:15, 1:45, 3:10, 4:40, 6, 7:25, 8:50, 10:15.
Gig Harbor 3: 1, 4:20, 7:20, 10.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 10:10 a.m., 12:20, 1:10, 3:30, 4:10, 6:30, 7:10, 9:30, 10:10. Fri-Tues 10:10 a.m., noon, 1:10, 3, 4:10, 6:20, 7:10, 9:05, 10:10.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:15, 4:10, 7, 9:45. Fri-Sun 11:30 a.m., 2:05, 4:40, 7:20, 9:55. Mon-Tues 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 9:35 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:25, 1:45, 3:30, 4:25, 6:30, 7:10, 9:15, 9:55. Fri-Tues 10:05 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:50, 1:45, 3:30, 4:35, 6:30, 7:20, 9:15, 9:55.
South Hill Cinema 6: Thurs-Tues 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45, 1:30, 2:40, 3:35, 4:20, 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 9:20, 9:40, 10.
SHREK THE THIRD: A damped-down return to the kingdom of Far Far Away, lacking the comic energy of the first brilliant film and not measuring up to the second. The plot involves Shrek’s reluctance to become the king, which will not much interest younger viewers, and lacks the comic invention of the earlier films. Also, not enough Donkey. (PG) HH1/2 – RE
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 9:50 a.m.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1:10, 6:45. Fri 11:35 a.m. Sat-Sun 11:40 a.m. Mon-Tues 11:35 a.m.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 12:10. Fri-Tues 10:30 a.m.
South Hill Cinema 6: Thurs 12:30, 3:45. Fri-Sun 10:30 a.m., 1:15, 3:45, 6:40, 9:10. Mon-Tues 1:15, 3:45, 6:40, 9:10.
SICKO: Michael Moore’s litany of horrors about the American health care system, which is run for profit, and insurance companies, who pay bonuses to employees who are successful in denying coverage or claims. Moore tones down his usual humor and seriously, sympathetically listens to such people as a 9/11 volunteer who can’t get the treatment she needs. Likely to strike home with anyone, liberal or conservative, who has had serious illness in the family. (PG-13) HHH1/2 – RE
The Grand Cinema: Thurs-Sun 2:20, 4:45, 7, 9:15. Also Sat-Sun noon. Mon-Wed 4:45, 7, 9:15. Thurs, July 12 2:20, 4:45, 7, 9:15.
Regal Martin Village: Thurs 12:35, 4, 6:55, 10. Fri-Tues 12:30, 4:05, 7:05, 10:05.
Yelm Cinemas: Fri-Thurs, July 12 11:40 a.m., 2:25, 6:10, 8:45.
SPIDER-MAN 3: It’s as if director Sam Raimi felt he had to give us more of everything and in the process lost sight of what made the first two Spider-Man films so enjoyable — likable characters facing off against truly menacing and evil villains, a half-dozen great action scenes and just the right dose of madcap humor. But “Spider-Man 3” has an identity crisis. It’s often thrilling but never scary, and at times it’s pure camp. HH (PG-13) – RR
Blue Mouse: Nightly 7. Also Sat-Sun 3:45.
SURF’S UP: Hollywood’s infatuation with penguins continues as a documentary film crew follows Cody Maverick, a rockhopper from Shiverpool, Antarctica, on his quest to become a champion surfer. The Sony Animation team spared no detail in making it appear like a real doc, and directors Ash Brannon and Chris Buck took a chance by recording the voice talent together rather than individually. It pays off with better character reaction and comic timing than some other animated films. Excellent voice work by Shia LaBeouf as Cody, Jeff Bridges as Big Z, Jon Heder as Chicken Joe and James Woods as a Don King-like surfing promoter. (PG) HHH1/2 – TB
AMC Narrows Plaza 8: Thurs-Tues 12:20. Also Sat 10:15 a.m.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:50 a.m., 2:15, 4:45.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Fri-Tues 11:45 a.m.
Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 9:40 a.m., 12:05, 2:30.
South Hill Cinema 6: Thurs-Tues noon, 2:20, 4:35, 7, 9:30.
Yelm Cinemas: Thurs 2:30. Fri-Mon only 11:45 a.m.
TRANSFORMERS: See review page 21.
Century Olympia: Thurs-Tues 11:30 a.m., 12:20, 1:10, 2, 2:50, 3:40, 4:30, 5:20, 6:10, 7, 7:50, 8:40, 9:30, 10:20.
Galaxy Tacoma 6: 10:30 a.m., 1, 1:30, 4, 4:30, 7, 7:30, 10, 10:30.
Gig Harbor 3: Thurs-Tues 12:30, 3:50, 7, 10:10. Wed-Thurs, July 12 noon, 3:20, 6:40, 9:50.
Lakewood Cinema 15: Thurs 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., noon, 12:40, 1, 3:15, 3:50, 4:15, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45. Fri-Tues 9:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:40, 12:40, 1, 2:45, 3:50, 3:50, 4:15, 4:15, 6, 7, 7, 7:30, 9:15, 10:15, 10:15, 10:45.
Lakewood Towne Center: Thurs 1, 1:45, 4:15, 5, 7:30, 8:15, 10:40. Fri-Sun 12:15, 1:15, 3:25, 4:25, 6:35, 7:40, 9:50, 10:50. Also Sat-Sun 10:10 a.m. Mon-Tues 12:15, 1:15, 3:20, 4:20, 6:25, 7:35, 9:30, 10:35.
Longston Place: Thurs 10:15 a.m., noon, 12:30, 1:30, 3:15, 3:45, 4:45, 6:30, 7, 8, 9:45, 10:15, 11:15. Fri-Tues 9:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon, 12:30, 1, 1:30, 3:15, 3:45, 4:15, 4:45, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15.
Regal Martin Village 16: Thurs 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 12:30, 1, 2:50, 3:45, 4:15, 6:35, 7, 7:30, 9:50, 10:15, 10:45. Fri-Tues 9:45 a.m., 12:45, 1:15, 3:15, 4, 4:30, 6:45, 7:15, 7:45, 10, 10:30, 11.
Yelm Cinemas: 11:35 a.m., 12:05, 2:40, 3:10, 6, 6:20, 9:05, 9:25.
WAITRESS: You’ll want to do one of three things after you see “Waitress”: eat a pie, bake a pie or sing a song about pie. Whichever way you go, you’ll have a spring in your step and a smile on your face. It’s this year’s “Little Miss Sunshine,” where instead of a van, a road trip, a mute son and a suicidal Proust scholar, we have a diner, an unplanned pregnancy, a fumbling doctor and a crabby old coot. Jenna (Keri Russell) is a pie genius who vents her frustrations baking pies in this bittersweet parable. (PG-13) HHHH – TB
The Grand Cinema: Thurs-Sun 2:30, 5, 7:15, 9:20. Also Sat-Sun 12:15. Mon 5, 7:15, 9:20. Thurs, July 12 2:30, 5, 7:15, 9:20.