Film Screening 19th November, 2011

Poster for The Smurfs

The Smurfs 

6:00 PM, 19th November, 2011
No Guests

  • G
  • 103 mins
  • 2011
  • Raja Gosnell
  • J. David Stem, David N. Weiss
  • Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria

When the evil wizard Gargamel (Azaria) discovers the location of the Smurfs' tiny village, he chases them out of it and into a forbidden grotto during the mysterious and supernatural 'Blue Moon'. Falling into a magical portal, Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Clumsy Smurf, Brainy Smurf and a cluster of other adjective-named Smurfs are magically transported from the Middle Ages to modern day Central Park in New York City. Rescued by Patrick (Harris) and Grace Winslow (Mays), the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their mushroomed village before Gargamel can track them down once again.

Based on the original Belgian comic strip and the beloved 80s children's television series of the same name, The Smurfs is the first film in the franchise to feature a combination of live action and CGI animation, courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs). In addition to the trusty Harris and the chameleon-esque Azaria, the film features an all-star motley crew of celebrities providing the voices for the various Smurfs, including Anton Yelchin, George Lopez, Katy Perry, Paul "Pee-wee Herman" Reubens and even master chef Wolfgang Puck as Chef Smurf.

A family friendly film in every sense, The Smurfs will delight anyone looking for laughs and little blue people.

Rob Lidgard

Poster for Zookeeper

Zookeeper 

8:00 PM, 19th November, 2011

  • PG
  • 102 mins
  • 2011
  • Frank Coraci
  • Nick Bakay,  Rock Reuben, Kevin James, Jay Scherick, David Ronn
  • Kevin James,  Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb

The lovable Kevin James plays Griffin Keyes, the kind-hearted caretaker of the Franklin Park Zoo. While Griffin loves working at the zoo, he is lonely, having had his marriage proposal recently rejected by the love of his life because of his dedication to his job. Realising that he's more comfortable with a lion than a lady, Griffin decides to leave the zoo in order to find himself a more glamorous job and a new life - one that he can share with the (new) girl of his dreams (Dawson). Every animal in the zoo adores Griffin, so when they get wind of his plan, they panic and come up with a way for him to stay at the zoo AND find a lady. Their plan, however, involves revealing their biggest secret: they can talk!

So, you guessed it, the animals must now educate Griffin on the rules of courtship and finding love... animal-style. Featuring the voices of Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Nick Nolte, Don Rickles, Judd Apatow, Jon Favreau and Cher as the various zoo inhabitants, Zookeeper is silly but satisfying fun. Will the animals be able to help Griffin seduce his dream girl and keep him employed at the zoo? Well, you'll have to come along to Film Group to enjoy a laugh and find out!

Steven Cain