‘The Impossible’ an intense drama of tsunami survival

If you’ve ever had a hankering to find out what it’s like to be swept up in a tsunami—without, you know, the life-threatening peril—look no further than The Impossible. Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona’s intense drama is based on a true story of survival in the wake of the ferocious Asian Pacific tsunami of December 2004; it plunges the viewer smack into the middle of utter chaos when a rogue wall of water rises up and devastates everything in its path for miles around in a matter of minutes.

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Five noteworthy 2012 films to watch for in 2013 

The carols have been sung, the New Year's champagne quaffed, and various large, stuffed, cinematic holiday hams have been delivered to local movie theaters. It may seem like it's all over but the shouting as far as end-of-the-year Hollywood blockbuster movie releases go. But wait.

Films This Week
Check out the movies playing around town.
With: Reviews,
Movie Times click here.
Santa Cruz area movie theaters >

Films This Week
Check out the movies playing around town.
With: Reviews,
Movie Times click here.
Santa Cruz area movie theaters >

Women star in three pivotal movie trends of 2012  

As women (very slowly) gain more clout and credence in the film biz, it's worth noting how our image is evolving onscreen. Three trends emerged in the films of 2012 that touch in some way on how women are presented—or present themselves—in the movies.

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‘The Hobbit’ wanders too far from its own creative shire 

Balin, Dwalin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Fili, Kili, Oin, Gloin, Nori, Dori and Ori are 12 dwarfs tempting fate. (And their names are kind of cool, too.) Led by Thorin, son of a fallen king who, like many other dwarfs long, long ago, lost his life in a most bloody battle between their enemies, the Orcs (their ugly trumps their nasty), these eager “dwarriors” boldy set out on a mission to reclaim their lost dwelling on The Lonely Mountain in Middle Earth. They seek the help of a wizard named Gandalf, who, in turn, opts to bring a reluctant hobbit along for the ride.

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Hopkins' entertaining performance fuels larky 'Hitchcock'

It takes a certain amount of gutsiness for an actor to try to transform himself onscreen into one of the most famous and recognizable icons in the history of film.