The Croods 5* 2013

Preview. Full. Curious teen Eep (Emma Stone) follows firefly to fire-maker Guy (Ryan Reynolds) with pet Belt (Chris Sanders), who warns their world is ending, and leads the way to higher ground "tomorrow" and "the light". Caveman dad Grug (Nicholas Cage) - rhymes with hug - wants to keep his family safe in-law Gran (Chloris Leachman), wife Ugga (Catherine Keener), son Thunk (Clark Duke b. 1985), and feral growling biting baby Sandy (Randy Thorn) but the cave falls in the earthquake. Racing just ahead of disaster, they meet trouble, danger, friends, and a better future "You really need to see this". Wish for big screen to see giant purple sabretooth kitty, rainbow of prehistoric flora and fauna.

Gangster Squad 2013 3*

Teaser shows high point visuals. 1949 Los Angeles looks very glamorous and very dangerous. Symbolic that the Hollywood sign has fallen letters? Crime boss Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn - poorly made up as old) wants the whole West coast. Chief Parker (Nick Nolte) enlists his most honorable "Sarge" (Josh Brolin - MIB 3) to form a small guerrilla team to take out the entire enemy operation. The standard pregnant (uh-oh red-shirt?) wife Connie (Mireille Enos) suggests he recruit wild cards like himself, not the rising stars likely to be already bribed. Sad ending for some, surprise for her.

Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling) falls for Cohen's girl Grace Faraday (Emma Stone). Cohen's bodyguard Jack Whalen (Sullivan Stapleton) is Jerry's childhood pal, informant, and tries to protect the couple. Coleman Harris (Anthony Mackie) wants to fight Harlem addiction by cutting off the drug source. Conway Keeler (Giovanni Ribisi), best "wire" man sets up listening bugs (only parent, puts him in a Trek red shirt). Old sharpshooter Max Kennard (Robert Patrick) has Mexican protegé "Christmas" Navidad Ramirez (Michael Peña) trying to get ahead against race prejudice. 30s feel to credits jazz score. Based on book "Gangster Squad" by Paul Lieberman.

Extra: short Tough Guys with Style

hats, suits, only Jerry in pinstripes like bad guys

"chin so strong you could break your fist on it"

girls in satin, Emma mix of classics Hayworth, Bacall, Tierney,

less money & malls, individuality, vivid crimson lips, "intoxicating .. glamor"

Previews: The Great Gatsby, Bullet to the Head, Beautiful Creatures, Man of Steel