Movie Reviews: 'World War Z', 'Monsters University', 'Man of Steel' and More

World War Z

• Run Time: 116mins.

• Starring: Brad Pitt , Mireille Enos , Anthony Mackie , James Badge Dale , Bryan Cranston

This nightmarish travelogue is coy about gore, but it’s still an effective thrill-ride. If the sequel happens, let’s hope it delivers some actual combat. Empire, Full Review

Go big or go home, they say; World War Z picks the wrong choice for its slow fade-out, and, instead of leaving you in fear of being chomped upon as you exit the theater, makes you feel enraged that you’ve been more than a little cheated. David Fear, Time Out New York. Full Review

Do you plan on seeing this movie? Leave a review when you get home and tell your neighbors how it was!

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Monsters University

• Run Time: 110mins.

• Starring: Voices of Billy Crystal , John Goodman , Steve Buscemi , Dave Foley , Julia Sweeney

• Director: Dan Scanlon

• Trailer

Speaking of second chances, Monsters University is exactly the rebound Pixar needed after 2011's "Cars 2" left some wondering if the studio had lost its magic. Entertainment Weekly, Full Review.

It’s easily the most enjoyable animated film so far this year, one that is visually stunning, wickedly subversive, incredibly funny (Day's character is a hoot), and (at times) lump-in-your-throat emotional. Drew Taylor, The Playlist. Full Review

Do you plan on seeing this movie? Leave a review when you get home and tell your neighbors how it was!

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Man of Steel

• Run Time: 143 mins.

• Starring: Henry Cavill , Amy Adams , Michael Shannon ,Russell Crowe , Diane Lane

• Director: Zack Snyder

• Trailer

"Deploying an impeccable American accent, Brit Henry Cavill may be as charming as the late great Christopher Reeve." Lou Lumenick, New York Post. Full Review

"The local multiplex is lousy with celluloid crime fighters. So what turf is left for good old Clark Kent? That's the nagging question that director Zack Snyder's Man of Steel tries — and ultimately fails — to answer." Entertainment Weekly. Full Review

Do you plan on seeing this movie? Leave a review when you get home and tell your neighbors how it was!

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This Is The End

• Run Time: N/A

"By the time September arrives, This is the End will probably be in the running for "funniest comedy of the 2013 summer." James Berardinelli, ReelViews. Full Review

"It's disheartening that, despite some half-hearted overtures toward shifting the comedy paradigm, the filmmakers make little attempt to expand their comedic palette." Jesse Cataldo, Slant Magazine. FullReview

Do you plan on seeing this movie? Leave a review when you get home and tell your neighbors how it was!

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The Purge

• Run Time: 85 mins.

• Starring: Lena Headey , Ethan Hawke , Max Burkholder ,Adelaide Kane

"There are flaws, but also some fun surprises. Much closer to Hitchcock than "Hostel," this is what can happen when a pile of trash falls into the hands of a talented and resourceful director (James DeMonaco)." Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle.

"Mostly, it’s just a clumsy lecture about who we’re becoming, haves vs have-nots, with the haves armed to the teeth." Roger Moore, Movie Nation.

Have you seen this movie? Tell us how it was in the comments!

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Any of these catch your fancy? 

All or most of these movies should be at theaters in the Iowa City area this weekend. Check out showtimes at Marcus Sycamore Cinema or Marcus Coral Ridge Cinema. 

For other suggestions, try the Bijou Theater (University of Iowa)