Movie Reviews, Showtimes: World War Z, The Bling Ring, Monsters University

Are you a movie buff? Or maybe you just enjoy the occasional dinner and a movie date? Either way, Patch would be thrilled to have you on board as a movie blogger. All you have to do is shoot a quick email to Ryan Martin at ryan.martin@patch.com.

Monsters University

• Run Time: 110 mins.

Mark Glass, Patch: 2.5 stars: Twelve years ago, Pixar delighted audiences with its animated feature, Monsters, Inc. Billy Crystal and John Goodman voiced the cuddly leading creatures - little round one-eyed Mike, and big furry Sully. They might be "monsters", but in their realm, it’s the humans who are feared. Scaring kids is just a business that supports the economy. After years of merchandising success from the original, we’re served this prequel, showing how the guys met at college, turning from foes to pals, as they learned the craft we’ve already seen from their adult adventures. To read the full review, check out the Patch review.

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The Bling Ring

• Run Time: 90 minutes

• Starring: Emma Watson, Leslie Mann, Katie Chang

• Rated: R

• Find local showtimes on Moviefone.com

Mark Glass, Patch: 2 stars: This film had to be fact-based in order to be made. A handful of privileged teens in suburban Los Angeles decided to break into the homes of celebrities to steal their stuff. Although they sold some of the swag for profit, they were mostly motivated by glomming onto the glamor of the Paris Hiltons and Lindsey Lohans our culture idolizes by taking objects they owned. It’s akin to ancient tribal rites like eating the heart of one’s slain enemy to assume his (former) powers. Fame is not only available without achievement, but its essence seems transferrable through personal property, at least to these deluded delinquents. Like Andy Serkis’ Gollum, the kids believed they’d acquire star power via their version of "precious." To read the full review, check out the Patch review.

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World War Z

• Run Time: 116 minutes

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

• Rated: PG-13

• Find local showtimes on Moviefone.com

Mark Glass, Patch: 3.5 stars: These days you just can’t assume too much about a movie when you hear the subject is zombies. The range of that premise now extends from low-budget schlock to high-octane gorefests, to spoof comedies like Shaun of the Dead to more thoughtful, almost restrained fare like this one. Hollywood decided it’s Brad Pitt’s turn to save the world - this time from a sudden epidemic of undead legions who turn within 10 seconds of being bitten, and swarm to the next victim/convert. They’re mindless, but agile, swift and highly focused.To read the full review, check out the Patch review.