Over the Hedge

Just whose backyard is it, anyway?

Spring has sprung, and Verne and his woodland friends awaken from their long winter's nap to discover that a tall, green "thing" has mysteriously cropped up right through the middle of their home. Enter RJ, an opportunistic raccoon, who explains that the world beyond the hedge is the "gateway to the good life" where peculiar creatures called humans live to eat, rather than eat to live.

Suspicious and even a little jealous of RJ, the ever-cautious Verne wants to keep his blended family safely on their side of the hedge. But, proving the adage that one man's garbage is another man's—or rather animal's—treasure, the manipulative RJ tries to convince the woodland band that there is little to fear and everything to gain from their over-indulgent new neighbors. Eventually, RJ and Verne form an unlikely friendship as they learn to co-exist with—and even exploit—this strange new world called suburbia.

Location: Causeway Point Cathay
Date: 25 May 2006 (Thursday)
Time: 09:10pm
With: Kossy

Chicken Little

This time the sky really is falling.

Walt Disney Feature Animation adds a whole new dimension to its legacy for memorable characters, great storytelling, and technical innovation with “Chicken Little,” the Studio’s first fully computer-animated feature film. A pioneer in using computers in animation since the early 1980s, Disney brings its distinct filmmaking style and approach to this exciting medium, along with a host of technical innovations. The result is a film that captures the very best qualities of Disney animation with a look and feel that audiences have never seen before. Adding to the excitement, “Chicken Little” is being presented in select theatres across the country in Disney Digital 3D, a revolutionary new true three-dimensional digital experience. Disney teamed with effects powerhouse Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to render the movie in 3D, and the film will be shown using specially installed Dolby Digital Cinema systems.

The sky’s the limit in Walt Disney Pictures’ “Chicken Little,” a delightful computer-animated comedy-adventure that gives a sophisticated and satirical twist to the classic fable. It is now one year after the “unfortunate acorn incident” when Chicken Little caused big-time havoc in his hometown of Oakey Oaks by proclaiming that the sky was falling after being conked on the head by what appeared to be an acorn. Down but not out, the plucky chicken joins the local baseball team in the hopes of reviving his reputation and winning the respect of his father, Buck Cluck. When he leads the town to an upset victory, he becomes the toast of the town. But no sooner has the champion chicken redeemed himself when he is hit on the head one more time. And this time the sky really is falling! Fearful of once again being labeled crazy, he is reluctant to tell anyone what has happened. Instead, he enlists the help of his closest pals -- Runt of the Litter, Abby Mallard (aka Ugly Duckling), and Fish Out of Water -- in an attempt to save the day without sending the town into a whole new panic.

A stellar cast of talented actors and actresses lend voice to the animated stars of “Chicken Little.” Zach Braff, star of the hit NBC series “Scrubs” and the director of last year’s critically acclaimed feature, “Garden State,” brings offbeat humor, a sense of determination, and lots of explosive energy to the likeable little title character. Veteran director and all-around funnyman Garry Marshall (“Pretty Woman,” “The Princess Diaries”) provides the distinctive voice of Buck Cluck, frustrated father of Chicken Little and a former baseball star. Actress Joan Cusack adds warmth and comedy to the vocal performance of Abby Mallard (aka Ugly Duckling), a beautiful friend who has no shortage of advice to share. Steve Zahn (“Sahara,” “Happy, Texas”) takes on the big role of Runt of the Litter, a skittish 900-pound porker who is the smallest in his family. Dan Molina, the film’s editor, creates the non-verbal sounds for Fish Out of Water, aided and abetted by a five-gallon bottle of water and a drinking straw. Chicken Little’s nemesis, Foxy Loxy, is voiced by Amy Sedaris, the popular star of such programs as “Sex and the City” and “Strangers with Candy.”

The film’s supporting cast includes performances from some top comic talents. Don Knotts, the intrepid deputy sheriff Barney Fife from “The Andy Griffith Show,” gets a promotion to Mayor Turkey Lurkey in “Chicken Little.” Comic actor Harry Shearer (“The Simpsons,” “This is Spinal Tap”) reports for vocal duty as the play-by-play canine commentator at the big baseball game. Patrick Stewart gives a sheepish performance as the humorless high school teacher, Mr. Woolensworth. Wallace Shawn is heard as high-strung high school principal Fetchit. Fred Willard and Catherine O’Hara team up for laughs as concerned alien parents, Melvin and Tina, on a mission to find their missing kid, Kirby. Adam West turns in a commanding performance as the voice of Ace, Hollywood’s version of Chicken Little in the movie version of his life. Patrick Warburton, who delighted audiences as the dim-witted Kronk in “Emperor’s New Groove,” provides a memorable cameo here as the alien cop.

Location: Causeway Point Cathay
Date:
Time:
With: Kossy

The Da Vinci Code

Seek the truth

The Da Vinci Code involves a thrilling murder investigation that unearths the biggest cover-up in human history.Famed symbologist Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is called to the Louvre museum one night where a curator has been murdered, leaving behind a mysterious trail of symbols and clues. With his own survival at stake, Langdon, aided by the police cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), unveils a series of stunning secrets hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, all leading to a covert society dedicated to guarding an ancient secret that has remained hidden for 2000 years.

The pair set off on a thrilling quest through Paris, London and Scotland, collecting clues as they desperately attempt to crack the code and reveal secrets that will shake the very foundations of mankind.

Location: Causeway Point Cathay
Date: 23 May 2006 (Tuesday)
Time: 06:10pm
With: Sheri

Take the Lead

Never Follow.

Antonio Banderas stars in Take the Lead, a drama inspired by the true story of Pierre Dulaine, an inspirational Manhattan dance teacher and competitor who volunteers his time to teach ballroom dancing to a diverse group of New York inner-city high school students serving detention.The students are initially skeptical of Dulaine, especially when they learn what he’s there to teach them, but his unwavering commitment and dedication slowly inspire them to embrace his program. In fact, they even take it one step further and combine Dulaine’s classical dance with their unique hip-hop style and music to create a high-energy, unique fusion. As Dulaine becomes a mentor for his students, many of whom haven’t had much to strive towards in their lives, he inspires them to hone their craft for a prestigious city ballroom competition, and in return they share with each other valuable lessons about pride, respect and honor.

Joining Antonio Banderas in the talented ensemble cast are Rob Brown (Coach Carter, Finding Forrester), Yaya DaCosta (UPN’s “Top Model”), Dante Basco (Biker Boyz), John Ortiz (Narc) Laura Benanti (Nine), Marcus T. Paulk (UPN’s “Moesha”), Jenna Dewan (Tamara), and Alfre Woodard (Beauty Shop, ABC’s “Desperate Housewives”).

Location: Causeway Cathay
Date: 01 May 2006 (Monday)
Time: 09:50pm
With: Kossy