Movies Reviews: What’s Playing at the Pearl? 1600 N Broad Street
A new batch of reviews of films playing North Philly’s Pearl Theater — including the blockbuster Batman v. Superman flick.
Pearl Theater/Max Pulcini
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
It’s been many years in the making and, thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint.
After the destruction of downtown Metropolis, billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) has a bone to pick with a certain superhero by the name of Superman (Henry Cavill). Meanwhile, the rest of the world is wondering just what to make of Superman, his abilities, and just how dangerous he may be.
Director Zack Snyder asks many of the deep, heavy questions about violence, death and justice, none of which get solid, set-in-stone answers. However, Snyder delivers on what makes these superheroes tick — combat. The action scenes in Batman v. Superman are some of the most exciting and fun you’ll seen this year.
While some may be disappointed that DC favorites like Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), and Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons) don’t play bigger roles in the grander scheme of things, the fact remains that they all give a little bit to make this two-and-a-half-hour long superhero flick feel like a classical epic in the same vein of Spartacus or Gladiator. Except, with more tights and capes.
4 out of 5 stars
10 Cloverfield Lane
Due to it being clouded in so much secrecy, “10 Cloverfield Lane” is a hard movie to talk about. Just know this: Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars as Michelle, a married woman who is leaving her city life, for reasons unknown. Somehow, on her way to wherever, she gets into a car accident and wakes up on a mattress in the basement of some bomb shelter. Why? Well, that’s sort of the beauty and genius of “10 Cloverfield Lane” – we’re never told exactly what is going on outside the walls, therefore, our imagination runs wild.
First-time director Dan Trachtenberg shows us that sometimes it’s not what we see is the most horrific, but what we think. Though the last half gets a little off-the-rails, by that point, “10 Cloverfield Lane” has already worked enough of its smart and intense magic that it’s hard not get sucked up in all of the fun and excitement.
4.5 out of 5 stars
The Pearl Theater at Avenue North is located at 1600 N. Broad Street. Visit PearlThearters.com for showtimes.
