Arts & Entertainment

What's Playing At Contra Costa Cinemas

This week's new releases feature boxing robots and an intense political thriller.

The Ides of March2:35,Β 5:05,Β 7:20,Β 9:40
George Clooney directs and stars in this tense political thriller about a presidential candidate and his assistant who gets entangled in intrigue and backrooom politics. Also stars Ryan Gosling and Marisa Tomei.Β 

Real Steel (PG13)
11:45 am,Β 2:20,Β 4:55,Β 7:30,Β 10:00
Hugh Jackman stars in this story about the year 2020, when the most popular sport is robot boxing, and what happens to one seemingly washed-up robot, whose fate is tied to a boxer and a young boy.

50/50Β (R)
12:20 2:40 5:00 7:25 9:45
Seth Rogan and Joseph Gordon-Levitt star in this hilarious and touching comedy of a young man who discovers he has cancer, and how he and his friends and family learn to deal with it. Far better than the trailer would have you believe, this is Seth Rogan at his best, and the entire cast shines, as does the writing and direction.Β 

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Dolphin Tale in 3DΒ (PG)
11:55AM 2:20 4:45 7:10 9:35
Here is a family film if there ever was one. Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson, Harry Connick, Jr. and Ashley Judd team up in this true tale of a kid who discovers an injured dolphin on the beach, and has it fitted with a prosthetic tail. It's strange that this movie wasn't released earlier in the summer -- this sounds like perfect summer fare. But if you're looking for something to take the kids to, and you've already seen the Lion King reissue, look no further.

Dream HouseΒ (PG13)
12:40 2:50 5:15 7:45 9:50
Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz star in this tale of a man who moves into a home with his wife and family, only to discover that it had been the scene of a grizzly murder in days gone by, and that his family might be the next target.

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The Lion King in 3DΒ (PG)
12:30 2:45 4:50 7:00 9:00
If you remember this Disney film from the 1990s, then you'll probably want to see the 3D version again. If you haven't seen it yet, you should. It's a classic.

MoneyballΒ (PG13)
12:35 3:30 4:50 7:00 9:45
Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane in this take of a real life baseball franchise called the Oakland A's, and how they managed to turn a team of underpriced players no one else wanted into a team to contend with. This is a soaring, sweeping ride of a movie you won't want to miss. Aaron Sorkin co-wrote the amazing script, which has appeal even for those who don't care about baseball. Phillip Seymor Hoffman gives an astounding downplayed turn as bellicose A's manager Art Howe, a role that has the real Art Howe screaming "foul" from the dugout.Β 

What's Your NumberΒ (R)
12:00 2:25 4:50 7:15 9:35
Anna Feris stars in this snoozer of a loser film about a woman who freaks out when she reads that women who have had 20 or more lovers rarely get married. It's a lame premise, and a lame film -- Feris is far more talented a comedian than this script allows her to be. You see the plot points coming in the first five minutes. There are no surprises, except that someone gave this movie a green light.

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