At the Movies

• 'The Hobbit'

This film image released by Warner Bros., shows Ian McKellen as Gandalf in a scene from the fantasy adventure "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." (AP Photo/Warner Bros., James Fisher, File)

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THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

This new prequel to the Lord of The Rings movies follows Bilbo Baggins, as he is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and giant spiders, shapeshifters and sorcerers.

There will be a special advance showing for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” Thursday at midnight. The picture opens nationally, including at the Luxury 5 Cinema, Friday. 169 minutes. It is presented in 3-D and 2-D. It is rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence and frightening images.

KILLING THEM SOFTLY

Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini head the cast of this new action hit about the mob.

Adapted from George V. Higgins’ novel and set in New Orleans, “Killing Them Softly” follows professional enforcer, Jackie Cogan (Pitt), who investigates a heist that occurs during a high stakes, mob-protected, poker game. His job is to hunt down and kill the guys dumb enough to try to rob a mob game.

“Killing Them Softly” starts at the Luxury 5 Cinema Friday and is showing through Dec. 18. 97 minutes. It is rated R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language and some drug use.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Gerard Butler and Jessica Biel headline in this romantic comedy.

George (Butler) is a retired soccer pro whose glory days are behind him. Burnt out on his playboy lifestyle and bankrupted by a string of bad investments, he moves back to Virginia to reconnect with his estranged exwife (Biel) and neglected son (Noah Lomax). Making up for lost time, George starts to coach the boys’ soccer team. But can he keep his eyes on the goal when the bleachers are stacked with sexy soccer moms and desperate housewives? The film also stars Uma Thurman, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Judy Greer.

“Playing for Keeps” is held over through Dec. 20. 106 minutes. It is rated PG-13 for some sexual situations, language and a brief intense image.

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

Jeffrey Katzenberg and Dreamworks Animation present this magical, epic adventure that tells the story of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Jack Frost.

They are legendary characters who possess previously unknown extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces to protect the hopes, beliefs and imaginations of children everywhere.

“Rise of the Guardians” is held over through Dec. 20. 97 minutes. It is presented in 3-D and 2-D at alternating showtimes. It is rated PG for thematic elements and some mildly scary action.

MONSTERS, INC.

Walt Disney and Pixar have rendered this favorite animated hit into 3-D for this re-release.

The monsters under your bed when you were a child are real and actually work for “Monsters, Inc.” But the secret is they’re as afraid of humans as we are of them. When a little girl goes where no human has gone before and enters their world, everything is in an uproar.

“Monsters, Inc” opens Dec. 19. 95 minutes. It is presented in 3-D and 2-D at alternating showtimes. It is rated G for all ages.

THREE STOOGES

The Farrelly brothers bring back slap-stick fun and mayhem in this new version of the antics of Moe, Larry and Curly.

Left on a nun’s doorstep, Larry, Curly and Moe grow up finger-poking, nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing their way to uncharted levels of knuckleheaded misadventure. Out to save the orphanage that was their childhood home, only The Three Stooges could become embroiled in an oddball murder plot while also stumbling into starring in a phenomenally successful TV reality show.

“The Three Stooges” is showing Saturday and Sunday afternoons as the final week’s movie on the AAUW Children’s Matinee Series. 92 minutes. It is rated PG for slapstick action violence.

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