ABANDON (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Two years ago, a student went missing. He was artistic and eccentric, but the foundation that stands to inherit his substantial estate wants to have the case closed. Is he dead, or is he still around, up to his rather strange ways? There are a few nice chills here, but the story becomes transparent and unimaginative rather quickly. Katie Holmes does a nice job, but she seems to have a knack for ending up in these, "less than wonderful" films. Filmed in Quebec, Canada. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE ABANDONED (R) 91 minutes * 1/2 Nice atmosphere and earnest performances, but this remains a rather lifeless story. A somewhat chilling statement in the opening narration sets the mood nicely. "Just because you're through with your past, doesn't mean that your past is ever through with you." That said, we never really connect well with these characters. And when we hear the closing narration, "Better not to know, better still to forget, best of all to be abandoned", we can't help but think we'd have been better off watching something else. R for violence, nudity, and language.
ABOUT A BOY (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Will (Hugh Grant) doesn't do that well with relationships. He thinks he may have finally found a new source for dates though... single mothers. He's not really interested in Fiona, but her son Marcus is a little strange. Marcus has decided that Will would be a nice guy to have around to look after his mother. It's a cute story, but the narration is irritating, and too much of the story relies on Nicholas Hoult, who plays Marcus, and he just isn't able to carry the story. It does end nicely, but we've been ready for it to be over well before we get there. PG-13 for language.
ABOUT SCHMIDT (R) 119 minutes * * * Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson) has only recently retired from his lifelong job when his wife dies. He's not really ready for changes of this magnitude, but he'll do his best to handle what life has laid before him. The story itself really doesn't offer us anything new, but it is well photographed, and Nicholson once again shows what an extremely talented actor he is. There's an earnest quality, and even though Warren's struggles are quite depressing at times, there is also an ironic sense of humor as well. What difference have you made with your life? Perhaps you've made a difference to someone without even realizing it. Rated R for language and nudity.
ABOVE THE LAW (R) * 1/2 Steven Seagal's film debut isn't much to speak of. The action scenes are nice and Seagal looks the part, but the story preaches too much and the characters have little or no depth.
ABOVE THE RIM (R) 92 minutes * * Tommy Sheppard (Duane Martin) comes home after his mother dies. His little brother (Tupac Shakur) is now a drug dealer, and the high school basketball coach wants him to stick around and take the job when he leaves. Meanwhile, Tommy is dealing with the death of his mother and that of a friend who died years before while playing one-on-one. Interesting ideas in some sequences, but a good deal of familiar territory as well.
ABSOLUTE POWER (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Pieces fall into place a little too slowly in this story of a murder witnessed by a burglar. There are some good, tense sequences, but even these seem to be drawn out a little too long. Clint Eastwood's direction is probably the culprit here, though his performance is fine. William Goldman's screenplay is up to par, but it still seems that with the talents of Gene Hackman, Judy Davis, Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, and E.G. Marshall, we should have had a more interesting picture. R for violence and language.
THE ABYSS (PG-13) 134 minutes * * * 1/2 A nuclear submarine is resting on the bottom of the ocean after having some trouble. A nearby mining unit is asked to offer assistance in checking for survivors. What no one was expecting was to come into contact with another life form. But this isn't another "monster from the deep" film. This life form is far more advanced than humans and doesn't feel the need to be hostile. Alan Silvestri's soundtrack is both beautiful and haunting, which is quite appropriate. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio compliment each other and lead a fine supporting cast of believable and entertaining characters. PG-13 for violence and language.
ACCEPTED (PG-13) 89 minutes * 1/2 Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) can't seem to get accepted at any school he applies to, so he decides to create his own school. It's such a great idea that a whole bunch of other unaccepted students want to go there too. It's not called the South Harmon Institute of Technology (S.H.I.T.) for nothing. Long's earnest performance goes a long way to making this work as well as it does, but it's still pretty weak. PG-13 for language.
THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST (PG) 117 minutes * * * Are we merely accidental tourists in life, or are we intentional withour existence? What are the reasons behind our actions? While the story offers no real answers, it does offer us the chance to explore and expand our minds. Definitely not a film for everyone, we explore these questions through the eyes of a man who has recently lost his son to death and is now having problems with his marriage. William Hurt delivers a superb performance and his talents are combined effectively with those of co-star Kathleen Turner and director Lawrence Kasdan. Nice work from David Ogden Stiers and Ed Begley Jr. in supporting roles too, though Geena Davis struggles with her role. PG for language.
THE ACCUSED (R) 107 minutes * * Intense photography, music, and story, involving a gang rape case with Jodie Foster playing the part of the victim. Her performance garnered an Oscar, but it's mostly due to the emotional intensity of the story. The acting is less than believable from almost everyone here. For Jodie Foster fans only. R for language and sex (in particular, a rather unnecessary reenactment of the crime).
ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE (PG-13) 81 minutes * Jim Carrey stars as a pet detective who tries to uncover who has kidnapped the mascot of the Miami Dolphins. Carrey's first feature film, but otherwise not noteworthy for much. Full of the typical problems that result from taking a comedy skit and stretching it into a film.
ACE VENTURA: WHEN NATURE CALLS (PG-13) 87 minutes * 1/2 Well, what can I say... if you liked the first one, you'll probably like this. Jim Carrey is making a fortune spinning bad Saturday Night Live material into movies that aren't really all that funny unless you're short on sleep. Low budget, poor special effects, and a pathetic script... the poor little capuchin monkey deserves an Oscar for putting up with everything... including Carrey! PG-13 for language.
ACES: IRON EAGLE III (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 Louis Gossett Jr. and friends take to the air once again. The cast is likeable and there are some good pyrotechnics throughout the film, but the script is atrocious to say the least, making this hard to watch and hardly worth remembering.
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (PG-13) 125 minutes * * * 1/2 Utilizing the music of The Beatles to tell a story, we follow Jude (Jim Sturgess) as he travels to the United States in the 1960s in search of his father. Along the way, he falls in love with Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) and becomes involved in the anti-war movement. It's a magical and fantastic trip through the words and music of The Beatles. And in retelling the events of the sixties and early seventies, we are reminded of the poignancy, the depth, and the incredible power of the lyrics of the songs. These are wonderful new renditions of the songs, with Sturgess and Wood adding their voices along with Bono, Eddie Izzard, Joe Cocker, and others. Beatles purists may cringe at that, but should still find themselves swept into the story, and taken along for the "trip". PG-13 for sex and language.
ACTION JACKSON (R) 92 minutes * * Fine stuntwork in this appropriately titled action film with a sense of humor. Carl Weathers is the man in question, and does a fine job. Dialogue is a bit weak, and the music video breaks by Vanity are a bit on the obvious side, but most action fans will find this to be an entertaining endeavor.
ADAPTATION (R) 110 minutes * * * * It's about orchids... and so much more! The adaptation not only of orchids, but life forms in general, to the world they live in, and the adaptation of a book into a screenplay... Charlie Kaufman has accomplished an amazing feat by writing himself into the script in a way that really works. We hear the story of how he interacted with the author and the other characters from the book and the struggles he faced as he tried to adapt a book "with no plot" into a screenplay that will be interestig for people to watch. Meryl Streep does a nice job as Susan Orlean, author of "The Orchid Thief", but it's Nicolas Cage and Chris Cooper who really stand out here. Cage gets to play both Charlie and his twin brother, both writers, but with very styles and personalities. And Cooper finally gets an opportunity to take a character farther than he ever has before. He's always done well with smaller parts, and here he shows us how well he can do when given the opportunity to bring a character like John Laroche to the screen. While there is a special appeal to people who are interested in the film industry, everyone should be able to appreciate the excellent performances and the finely crafted story that this film has to offer. It's a rare orchid of a film! R for language, violence, and sex.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY (PG-13) 95 minutes * * 1/2 What this film really needed was a little less plot and a few more spooky little one-line jokes... like the old TV show it's supposed to be imitating. The performances are very good, especially by Christina Ricci (Wednesday) and Anjelica Huston (Morticia). Costumes, sets, photography, and music all compliment the performances quite well. There are some good scenes between Wednesday and Pugsley, and the school play sequences is the best part of the film. PG-13 for violence.
ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (PG-13) 87 minutes * * As sequels go, this isn't too bad, with a few cute bits scattered throughout the film. The best of these is the new ending Wednesday (Christina Ricci) plans for the camp play. The best aspect is, as it was with the first, sets, costumes, and the general atmosphere created by the cast. PG-13 for language.
ADDICTED TO LOVE (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 How does Meg Ryan always manage to get parts with such good dialogue? She does a fantastic job of making a very mediocre film well worth watching. Matthew Broderick is fine, but it is Ryan's spunk which makes this story of rejected love and revenge so entertaining. Otherwise it is incredibly predictable, mildly cute, and maybe a tiny bit too long. R for language and sex.
THE ADDICTION (NR) 82 minutes * * * Far and away the most philosophical vampire film I've ever seen. Lili Taylor stars in this black and white film that follows her through the experience of becoming a vampire and feeling the craving and addiction to blood. Her studies of the atrocities of history only serve to heighten the new sensations she is experiencing. A beautiful piece of work that will haunt you.
ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING (PG-13) 97 minutes * * * * Chris (Elisabeth Shue) ends up babysitting when her date for the evening cancels on her. Then her friend calls to say she's run away from home. The kids blackmail Chris into taking them with her and it just keeps getting more complicated after that. Fun, light-hearted entertainment, with great music and energetic performances. This is one of those films that everyone in the family can enjoy. Filmed in Chicago and Toronto. PG-13 for language.
THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND (G) 68 minutes * * * Nice little adventure film for the Sesame Street crowd. Elmo's blanket is thrown into Oscar's trash can and has to be retrieved from Grouchland where the evil Huxley (Mandy Patinkin) has taken possession of it. Good music and plenty of guest appearances keep this bright and entertaining even for the not so young crowd.
THE ADVENTURES OF FORD FAIRLANE (R) 96 minutes * * Foul-mouthed Andrew Dice Clay in his first feature film as Ford Fairlane is fairly funny, but still falls flat. The humor wears thin quickly and his line "Some people play hard to get... I play hard to want," is all too true. R for language.
THE ADVENTURES OF HUCK FINN (PG) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 Elijah Wood stars in this version of the Mark Twain classic. He does an outstanding job and receives wonderful support from the talents of Jason Robards and Ron Perlman. Bill Conti's music is magnificent as well. This is great family entertainment, and its refreshing to see new talent play an old role so well. PG for violence.
THE ADVENTURES OF JOE DIRT (PG-13) 83 minutes * * Joe's life has always been a rough one. Abandonded by his parents at a young age, he's always been looking for them. Now he's telling his life story on the radio, and it just might be the way to finally find them. David Spade's cynical brand of humor works fairly well here, but the story gets boring rather quickly and the character performances by the supporting cast are little more than cardboard cutouts. At least it doesn't run too long! PG-13 for language.
THE ADVENTURES OF MILO AND OTIS (G) 72 minutes * * * Cute film about a cat and a dog and their friends and adventures. Though it's aimed at younger children and animal lovers, Dudley Moore's wonderful narration goes a long way toward making it entertaining for just about anyone. G because it's so cute.
THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (G) 86 minutes * * Jonathan Taylor Thomas stars in this modern retelling of the classic story. There's more comedy in this version, which is only fun to watch when Bebe Neuwirth is smacking Rob Schneider around. Otherwise, it's Martin Landau who steals the show as Gepetto, with an additional touch of class provided by Genevieve Bujold as Leona.
THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY & BULLWINKLE (PG) 84 minutes * * * 1/2 Fearless leader, Boris, and Natasha have made their way into the real world and are planning on taking over the world by using really bad TV! Corny, silly, and loads of fun! The mood of the old cartoon, with its bad puns and frequent asides to the audience is here, but that's not all. The animation and effects work is near perfect, and Piper Perabo's performance as Karen Sympathy is a delight. Cameos by Carl Reiner, Jonathan Winters, John Goodman, Whoopi Goldeberg, and others are evident throughout the film. And the song "Through the Eyes of a Child" at the end, gives it just the right touch. Fans of the old show should find this to be a fun film that captures the spirit of the series and takes it to the big screen. PG for violence.
THE ADVENTURES OF SHARKBOY AND LAVAGIRL IN 3-D(PG) 85 minutes * * Adventure film for children with the title characters coming to life from the imagination of a young boy. They teach the lessons that it's important to dream, to dream unselfishly of how the world can be a better place, and to work to make it happen. All good stuff, but the acting is pretty bad. It's definitely no "Spy Kids" and we expect a little better from director Robert Rodriguez. PG for violence.
AEON FLUX (PG-13) 86 minutes * * 1/2 In a not-too-distant future, the world's population all live in a single, utopian city. But all is not as perfect as it seems, and there are those who are working to change the balance of power. Aeon (Charlize Theron) is one of them. Too much of the visual aspect of the film seems to lack originality and far too much of the dialogue is simple and shallow. It allows us to become less interested in what happens and care less when things aren't explained that should be. Still, the overall idea is still interesting and worth a look for sci-fi fans. PG-13 for violence and sex.
AFFLICTION (NR) 111 minutes * * * Afflicted with the violence of his father, Wade's world is clouded, tainted, and he will end up on a path that is very similar. This is not a particularly pleasant film to watch, but it is solidly performed by Nick Nolte, James Coburn, Sissy Spacek, and the rest of the cast. It is rather strange to lead us astray toward the beginning with the elements of a mystery. It is no mystery what the film is trying to tell us. Written and directed by Paul Schrader from the novel by Russell Banks.
AFTER THE SUNSET (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Max (Pierce Brosnan) and Lola (Salma Hayek) are retired jewel thieves who are just trying to relax on a tropical island. But when the right temptation happens to cross their path, they just can't pass it up. Too bad they couldn't pass up making this film... None of the cast seem all that interested in playing their characters here, with the possible exception of Woody Harrelson. The larger problem though, is that the story trips itself up every few minutes by dropping clues that give away everything that's going to happen. Definitely one of the less exciting heist films you'll find. PG-13 for language and violence.
AFTER THE WEDDING (R) 119 minutes * * * When Jacob (Mads Mikkelsen) goes to Copenhagen to try and arrange for a grant to help the orphanage he works with in India, he has no idea what lies in store. Pieces of his past are about to come together and things he never thought possible will be well within reach. It won't be easy though, time has gone by, and every minute missed was precious... but so is every minute that lies ahead. Heartfelt and sincere performances from Mikkelsen, Rolf Lassgard, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Stine Fischer Christensen. Life is full of possibilities and changes even, or maybe especially, after the wedding. R for language and sex.
AFTERGLOW (R) 111 minutes * * * Lucky (Nick Nolte) and Marianne (Lara Flynn Boyle) are both married to people who aren't interested in having sex with them. The honeymoon is over and they have distanced themselves from the relationship. Lucky and Marianne understand the importance of intimacy and find themselves together as they struggle to deal with their problems. This is a fascinating study of two couples and their interactions and relationships. It is also a reminder that those who have denied their sexuality will always struggle to find an effective means to express it, while those who accept it will find freedom. R for sex and language.
AGAINST THE ROPES (PG-13) 106 minutes * * It may be a man's world, but Jackie Kallen (Meg Ryan) wa raised on boxing, and when she gets the chance to show it, she knows as much if not more about the business than any man that's ever done it. It's nice to see Ryan in a non-romantic role that she can really run with. The script doesn't allow for much depth for the characters, but Ryan's facial expressions manage to add quite a bit to her character. The real Jackie Kallen has a bit part as a reporter in the film. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE (PG) 133 minutes * * Beautiful camera work and exquisite costumes and sets make for a production that is worth a look. Even the shots of perfectly decorated plates of food show us the detail to which they have gone. The story, of an age of pretenses and deceit rather than innocence, little different from present day, suffers from an imbalance. Michelle Pfeiffer is featured, and does a fine job, while Daniel Day-Lewis gives us a very weak performance. Winona Ryder is little more than a shadow, though her role could have been stronger. And why must we have that annoying narration? The ending has a bit of class, but getting there is more than most of us can bear.
AGENT CODY BANKS (PG) 96 minutes * * * Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz) is part of the CIA's junior agent training program and the agency has decided to activate him. His job is to get close to Natalie Connors (Hilary Duff) whose father is apparently working for some rather nasty people. The only problem is that Cody has trouble talking to girls... It's a story that manages to be cute enough to make parents smile and exciting enough to keep the younger crowd watching. It's aimed primarily at the 8-12 age group, but some of the secret agent equipment is worthy of James Bond himself. Plenty of story and character development packed into this, and a nice supporting performance from Angie Harmon as Cody's "handler". Madonna served as one of the executive producers. PG for violence.
AGENT CODY BANKS 2: DESTINATION LONDON (PG) 94 minutes * After about twenty minutes, this begins to get really tedious. The younger ones in the audience were growing very restless as well. One new gadget after another, and very little story. Some of the gadgets are interesting, but the story is too ridiculous and having Anthony Anderson as Muniz's assistant just never works. PG for violence.
AGENT RED (R) 89 minutes * Matt Hendricks (Dolph Lundgren) has the unenviable task of making sure a highly contagious biological weapon gets back to safe storage. Of course there are a few people who would like to stop him. Lundgren is showing his age a bit here, with a slimmer look and a bit less action. The real problems are the less than exciting script and the bad acting by so many of the supporting cast. R for language, violence, and nudity.
A.I. (PG-13) 138 minutes * * * 1/2 This is not a cute film about a little robot boy who wants to become human. There are elements of sentimentality here, but they are intermingled with science and philosophy. David (Haley Joel Osment) has been created as a prototype. A child robot with the capability to love. But can humans really love robots? Can an organic (orga) person really care that deeply about a mechanical (mecha) being? Love can be fickle, and love can hurt. And sometimes we do not act in love even though we may still feel it. Parallels are drawn to the story of Pinocchio, but this is still a different and very beautiful story. It is also very much a Stanley Kubrick film, even though Steven Spielberg is the one who finished the project and had more creative input. It "feels" like a Kubrick film, and his films can take a bit of getting used to. They tend to simmer in the back of your mind for weeks after watching them. Osment is amazing and Jude Law does a wonderful job as Gigolo Joe, who helps him on his journey to find the blue fairy. It's a beautiful piece of work. One that I think Kubrick would have been proud to have his name associated with. PG-13 for violence and language.
AIR AMERICA (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. are pilots for the CIA during the Vietnam war. Their specialty is smuggling and getting into close calls. There's some great banter between Gibson and Downey, but not much material in between. This is one of those project that was a good idea on paper, but somebody forgot to hire a screenwriter who knew how to write. The special effects keep things interesting, but the story just never goes anywhere. R for language.
AIR BUD (PG) 93 minutes 1/2 The story is fairly typical Disney fair about being part of a team. The only problem is that only one character is developed enough for us to know or care about. The court scene at the end feels out of place and Bill Cobbs role as the retired pro basketball player/janitor/last-minute coach is the only part of this that has much class. The younger crowd get impatient for this film to end. PG for language.
AIR BUDDIES (PG) 74 minutes * Disney has made several direct-to-video sequels to "Air Bud", which is puzzling as it was not much of a success. Most have attempted to address different sports. This one does have the advantage of using cute puppies in the story. Unfortunately, it's little more than a poor reworking of "101 Dalmatians". In fact, just in case you didn't pick up on the idea, they show you part of it during the film. Sad. Children over the age of six will be bored very quickly. PG for language.
AIR FORCE ONE (R) 118 minutes * * * Most of the points here are purely for entertainment. The film is paced well, with a great soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, but the only character with much pizzaz is Gary Oldman's. Too many plot complications are solved far too quickly and there are lots of segments that just don't make much sense. Flashy fun that won't be remembered for long by those who see it. R for language and violence.
THE AIR UP THERE (PG) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Kevin Bacon is Jimmy Dolan, an assistant coach who may be on his way out... unless he learns what coaching is really all about. He heads to Africa in search of a star player, and learns more than he expected to. This has some of the same feel of "Cool Runnings" and "The Cutting Edge", but far less heart than either of them.
AIRHEADS (PG-13) 89 minutes * Three idiots take a radio station hostage, with toys guns, in an attempt to get their recording demo some airtime. With talents like Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler, and Steve Buscemi, you'd expect a little more than this delivers. Knowing the music business makes this a little more comical, but it's still nothing to rave about.
AKEELAH AND THE BEE (PG) 106 minutes * * She's a whiz at spelling and needs the resources and motivation to make it to the national championship. We're an audience and we deserve a film with a little more depth. When Akeelah's mother, played by Angela Bassett doesn't want her daughter to have a coach, or do anything after school, or see anybody... we never really see enough of what she's going through to understand why she's beaing so difficult. And Akeelah never really seems to care that much about winning, it's more about having some friends. PG for language.
ALADDIN (G) 85 minutes * * * * One of the most entertaining films to ever come out of Disney's animation department. Robin Williams is absolutely perfect as the genie and Alan Mencken and Tim Rice deliver a rousing score as well. There's plenty of entertainment here for all ages... adventure, comedy, romance... don't miss it!
THE ALAMO (PG-13) 128 minutes * * This version of the events at the Alamo dwells primarily on the relationships among the higher profile people who were there. At times, it appears to blame some of those personal conflicts for what happened, and at other times, it clearly indicates that it was Sam Houston's fault for not arriving earlier. The script somehow manages to both oversimplify the situation and drag it out at the same time. There is some beautiful photography courtesy of Dean Semler, and Jordi Molla delivers a very nice supporting performance as Juan Seguin. PG-13 for violence.
ALASKA (PG) 106 minutes * 1/2 As one might expect, the scenery is beautiful. The story is far too unrealistic to keep us involved and caring about the characters. The scenes with the polar bear cub are fun though, and the children learn to respect nature and discover their own talents as they deal with traumatic situations. Fraser Heston directed this and his father, Charlton has a part as a man with no regard for nature who gets what he deserves thanks to Thora Birch and the rest. PG for violence.
ALEX & EMMA (PG-13) 91 minutes * * * Alex Sheldon (Luke Wilson) has to get his book written in the next thirty days or the people he owes money to will kill him. That means he has to get some help. Enter Emma Dinsmore (Kate Hudson), who can take dictation and transcribe the book for him, though she'll definitely offer some criticism of her own along the way. Hudson and Wilson work well together, though this is much more a showcase for Hudson's amazing charm and wit. Director Rob Reiner knows how to bring out the best in actors, and this is another fine example. In fact, not only does Hudson light up the screen with her comic skills, we get the chance to see a bit of fire in one particular sequence as well! This is a bit on the talky side, and though the narration fits well with the style of the film, it adds even more to that aspect. Filmed in Los Angeles and Boston. PG-13 for language.
ALEX RIDER: OPERATION STORMBREAKER (PG) 86 minutes * 1/2 Surprisingly uninteresting spy adventure for kids. Alex's (Alex Pettyfer) uncle disappears and Alex is left to stop the evil Darrius Sayle (Mickey Rourke) from taking over the world's computers. Rourke seems to be wondering why he signed on for this, Ewan McGregor has only a brief appearance as the uncle who disappears, and Alicia Silverstone doesn't have much to do either. Anthony Horowitz adapted this from his own book, but there's not much spark to it. PG for violence.
ALEXANDER (R) 168 minutes * * 1/2 The story of the great Alexander, the stuff of legends. Oliver Stone had been wanting to make this film for quite some time, though it appears part of his problem once again is his inability to keep things brief. In fact, with narrative interludes by Anthony Hopkins as Ptolemy, this covers enough territory to have been a miniseries. The battle scenes are one of the stronger parts of the film. The weaker parts are all of the flashbacks and the idea that Angelina Jolie could be Colin Farrell's mother. Despite fine performances by both, the relationship is never believable. Nice soundtrack by Vangelis. R for violence and sex.
ALFIE (R) 98 minutes * * This remake of the classic film with Michael Caine consistently falls short of the earlier version. Jude Law does a nice job, and there are moments here and there where this film does hint at something greater. Part of what it lacks is the sense of playfulness of the earlier version, which is crucial once Alfie realizes that if he's never serious, he'll never really find true love. The direction in this version asks Law to be more of a playboy who has moments of sincerity and finally comes to a sense of realization. R for sex and language.
ALI (R) 151 minutes * * 1/2 Strong performance from Will Smith in this bio-pic about the great one. The first fifteen minutes is your clue to how the movie is going to run... slowly. The cast does nice work here, but director Michael Mann has opted for an approach that is a bit too drawn out. The story mixes elements of Ali's private and professional life along with current events of the period that were influential as well. Smith captures the effects of the events so well with his performance, that to draw them out only bores us. One also wonders why they felt the need to use makeup effects to get Jon Voight to look like Howard Cosell. No attempt was made to do so with other characters and it proves to be a distraction every time Voight is on screen as he looks more like a corpse than the character he's portraying. R for violence and language.
ALICE (PG-13) 106 minutes * * * Familiar style of presentation from Woody Allen as we watch Mia Farrow contemplate having an extra-marital affair. Those who don't like Allen's work won't like this film, but for those who do, it's a treat to watch Farrow's performance. The supporting cast is stellar and talented, performing their roles to perfection. It's a little wordy, as Allen is prone to, but it's more charming than most of his other films as well. PG-13 for language.
ALIEN NATION (R) 86 minutes * * * The aliens are among us... and we're integrating them into our society, albeit not without some grumbling. Det. Sykes (James Caan) agrees to take one on as his partner to help investigate the murder of his former partner by an alien. Caan and Mandy Patinkin convince us that this would work with their banter and there's plenty of action as well.
ALIEN RESURRECTION (R) 103 minutes * * 1/2 What can you do when you kill off the star of your show and you want to have a sequel? Evil scientists decide to clone Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in an attempt to make an alien they can deal with since she had an egg inside her when she died. The story here is a little better than part three, but the power and creativity of the first two will probably never be equaled. Winona Ryder seems a little out of place here too, though the rest of the cast is fine. R for violence and language.
ALIEN 3 (R) 108 minutes * * Sigourney Weaver is being chased by the aliens again, this time on a planet where all that remains is an old prison colony where the men have become members of a religious order of monks. The alien (just one) runs amok until the end of the film. (Yawn) That's right, this is pretty boring when compared to the other entries in the series. All of the improvements that made part two so good are abandoned, leaving a film that still has a fairly good look, but nothing underneath to make it interesting. R for violence and language.
ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (PG-13) 89 minutes * * 1/2 This long-awaited film does a nice job of combining the two science fiction series. In a nutshell, the predators use humans as a way to breed some aliens for a hunt as part of the coming of age for some of their own kind. A group of scientists stumbles across the secret location where this usually takes place and... the beginning is definitely a bit slow and the ending is definitely yet another ridiculous stage-setting for a sequel. Nice work from Sanaa Lathan as Alexa Woods, the only one smart enough to figure out what needs to be done. PG-13 for violence.
ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM (R) 88 minutes 1/2 A predator ship with alien specimens on board crashes on earth, releasing the specimens. Now another predator ship is on the way to deal with the situation. It's a dark film, and I don't mean sinister, I mean that there isn't enough light to see very much. That's never a good sign. The soundtrack leaves a great deal to be desired as well. The actors... well, apparently they couldn't get any more work on the television shows they've all played small parts on, so they signed on for this movie. Even fans of the series will find this entry more than a little tedious. R for violence and language.
ALIVE (R) 119 minutes * * * 1/2 This is the story of the 1972 South American rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes mountains on the way to Chile. Rather than presenting itself as an adventure film for our entertainment, it asks us to get to know the characters. We find ourselves closer than ever to experiencing what survival conditions like these might ask of us. Moral choices become less clear under extreme conditions, and we realize that we should find out why people behave the way they do, rather than passing judgment on them without trying to understand. Beautiful scenery, the music of James Newton Howard, and a fine cast, bring this well-written story to life. R for violence and language.
ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN (G) 79 minutes * 1/2 Disappointing cartoon feature from the talented Don Bluth. The character of Anne Marie is adorable, but the music sounds cheap and the animation is not very well done. It does have a nice ending, but only the youngest children will be entertained enough to stay until then.
ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN 2 (G) 76 minutes 1/2 Gabriel's horn to open the gates of heaven for dogs is stolen and Charlie gets to go back to fetch it. Along the way he flirts with another dog and rescues a kid. What fun... a great cast of voices (Charlie Sheen, Sheena Easton, Dom DeLuise, Ernest Borgnine, Bebe Neuwirth...) that is utterly wasted.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS (G) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Thora Birch is outstanding in this story of two children who have a special Christmas wish regarding the reuniting of their parents. It's a predictable story, but the actors do such a nice job that we don't mind too much. Leslie Nielsen even does a good job here as he plays Santa. A good holiday family film.
ALL THE KING'S MEN (2006) (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * Sean Penn stars in this adaptation of the Robert Penn Warren novel, filmed before in 1949 and 1958. Although this film is unlikely to get the same sort of accolades as the 1949 version with Broderick Crawford, it is quite good on its own. Willie (Penn) is a man of integrity who finds himself running for Governor of Louisiana. A true man of the people, he wins, but finds his hands tied by the rest of the political machine. There's a price to pay for having power, and a price to pay to keep it. Filmed in Louisiana. PG-13 for language and violence.
ALL THE PRETTY HORSES (PG-13) 112 minutes * * 1/2 John Cole (Matt Damon) thought he was going to run the ranch after his father dies, but his mother has other plans. So John and a friend head off to Mexico, where they find themselves working on the biggest ranch in the country. The rules are a little different though, and things begin to get complicated when John falls in love with Alejandra (Penelope Cruz), the ranch owner's daughter. The story takes its time telling us about John's journey to manhood, and takes a few side trips that aren't realyl necessary. It has the right look, but rings hollow. The chemistry we need to see between Damon and Cruz isn't there, but the script doesn't give it much of a chance anyway. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE ALLNIGHTER (PG-13) 98 minutes BOMB The ultimate party film... as in, you can turn it on and no one would care that they weren't actually watching it. No plot, lousy photography, barely adequate music, and pathetic dialogue. Tamar Simon Hoffs directed her daughter Susanna in this, and it looks like they shot it in their basement.
ALMOST AN ANGEL (PG) 92 minutes * * Paul Hogan plays an ex-convict who decides to go straight after nearly dying. The story has quite a few holes in it and Hogan's charm, isn't enough to cover them up. It's mildly entertaining, but mostly forgettable. PG for language.
ALMOST FAMOUS (R) 117 minutes * * * It's 1973, he's 15 years old, and he's going on the road with a rock band. Director Cameron Crowe lived this story and does a fine job of bringing it to the screen. Of course it's been romanticized here and there, but the heart of this film is evident. We watch as the lines blur between groupie and critic, innocence and experience, and between the heart of rock & roll and the "death" it experienced due to over-commercialization. William Miller (Patrick Fugit) plays the part of the young man modeled after Crowe, but it's Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) that we'll remember the most. She's a gem to watch and the part is a perfect fit. Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Fairuza Balk, Anna Paquin, and Philip Seymour Hoffman are featured as well. R for language and nudity.
ALMOST HEROES (PG-13) 86 minutes * 1/2 Chris Farley died before this film was completed, but that isn't really noticeable. What is evident is the importance that David Spade played in Farley's comic routines. Without Spade, Farley's humor has little to resonate with and the film gets tedious rather quickly. Matthew Perry seems very out of place here and the only person worth watching is Lisa Barbuscia. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
ALONE IN THE DARK (R) 90 minutes * The doorway between light and dark was opened and something evil slipped through. Yes, there is a reason to be scared of the dark. It's because they might be showing a movie like this one. Adapted from the Atari video game... OK, that was your first clue... the next clue is the really long narrated opening that lets you know there was another 15-20 minutes of film that they must have decided they didn't have enough money to film. This does have some nice special effects, but little else. Too much of the story seems like it was reworked from other sources that we've already seen before. R for violence.
ALONG CAME A SPIDER (R) 94 minutes * * * This adaptation of James Patterson's novel is about a kidnapper with visions of grandeur invites Alex Cross to try his luck at cracking the case. But with Cross on the case, things just might not go as planned. There are some nice plot twists, but Morgan Freeman seems to take things a little too lightly. Monica Potter handles her role nicely and the pace of the film keeps us interested despite how neatly things manage to wrap up toward the end. R for language and violence.
ALONG CAME POLLY (PG-13) 85 minutes * * 1/2 Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) has just come out of a relationship and isn't sure he's ready for another one yet, but then along comes Polly... It's a light-hearted look at the risks of being in a relationship, and what taking those risks can do. Stiller really hits the mark here, though working opposite Jennifer Aniston can't hurt. In fact, the rest of the cast, which includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, and Hank Azaria among others, all deliver solid performances that make this a fun film to watch. The story lets us down a bit as far as developing the characters a bit more, but that won't show up as much if you're watching on video. Nice soundtrack by Theodore Shapiro as well! PG-13 for language and nudity.
ALPHA DOG (R) 108 minutes * * * Johnny Truelove (Emile Hirsch) deals in drugs. When he isn't paid, he gets upset. Jake isn't sure how he's going to get the money he owes Johnny, and it gets worse when Johnny kidnaps his little brother. But posturing and violence only creates more of the same. Well-acted and violent story, based on the life of Jesse James Hollywood, one of the youngest men on the FBI's most wanted list. R for language, violence, and sex.
ALWAYS (PG) 115 minutes * * * 1/2 Romance, suspense, mystery... beautiful photography, great music from John Williams, superb acting by Holly Hunter... and Steven Spielberg as the director. Richard Dreyfuss is a bit off at times, but it may well be because of the strength of Hunter's performance. It's a film that's full of wonderful insights and quotable lines about the importance of being able to let go of what you love. Spielberg has always enjoyed exploring the unknown with his films. This time around, he mixes that with romance and just a touch or two of humor. It's what Spielberg does best... he creates a world and shows us a piece of it. A piece of himself that touches cords of truth within each of us. A reminder that encourages us to dream and to do what we can to keep those dreams alive.
THE AMATEURS (R) 93 minutes * * Andy (Jeff Bridges) sometimes has ideas come to him. They are often projects that just never work out. His latest brainstorm is about how he could make more money. Making a pornographic movie sounds like a great idea. And there are plenty of people in town who are willing to help... or are they? A stellar cast does what they can with a rather silly idea that just isn't written very well. It's a pleasant diversion, but the cast deserved better, and so do we. R for sex and language.
AMAZING GRACE (PG) 113 minutes * * * Historical drama that follows the work of William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) and his friendship with John Newton (Albert Finney) Wilberforce was clearly affected by the words and work of Newton, especially the words to the now famous hymn. The film moves somewhat awkwardly between past and present, but is otherwise a fine historical film with solid performances by all. Also starring Michael Gambon, Cieran Hinds, and Rufus Sewell. PG for language and violence.
THE AMAZING PANDA ADVENTURE (PG) 80 minutes * Another "boy and animal" story with beautiful scenery, and very poor special effects. From the very start, Ryan Slater (Christian's little brother) gives us no indication of acting skills. It only gets worse as we settle into the formula story that doesn't even give us the emotional tug on our heart at the end. Very disappointing.
AMBITION (R) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Lou Diamond Phillips wrote the screenplay for this sympathetic tale of a psychopathic killer. It's a dangerous game, to play with the mind of a psychopath who isn't confined... dangerous and cruel. It's an interesting approach that works, in part, due to a solid performance from Clancy Brown. R for violence and language.
AMERICAN BEAUTY (R) 116 minutes * * * * Incredible characters! This is the story of a man who has lost interest in life. Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) no longer cares about his job, his wife is a highly driven and not all that successful realtor, and his daughter Jane (Thora Birch) is a bit on the typically strange side. And then Lester meets Jane's friend Angela, an American beauty, even if she IS the same age as Jane. Offbeat and boundary pushing, with dialogue that is as sharp as a knife. Spacey is amazing once again, and Bening, Birch and Mena Suvari are perfect in their roles as well. Alan Ball has written a tantalizing script, and those who like their films on the original side will love this one. R for language and sex.
AMERICAN CYBORG: STEEL WARRIOR (R) 91 minutes 1/2 Futuristic action film with an inventive use of sets and some interesting costumes. Of course this is mostly due to creativity that is forced by a low budget... The story is weak and the dialogue is pathetic, but Nicole Hansen manages to rise above it and deliver an adequate performance.
AMERICAN DREAMZ (PG-13) 103 minutes * * 1/2 It's the hottest reality talent show on TV! Making dreams come true has made for a great show, but it involves some... manipulation. This season will have some very interesting contestants, and the final battle will be more thrilling than ever before. Fun parody of "American Idol" with Hugh Grant, Mandy Moore, and Dennis Quaid among others. Nothing stellar here, but worth a few chuckles at the least. PG-13 for language.
AMERICAN GANGSTER (R) 149 minutes * * * When Bumpy (Clarence Williams III) dies, Frank (Denzel Washington) takes over the business. But Frank plans to run things a bit differently. He's selling drugs that are stronger, but selling them for less... and his business is expanding faster than anyone else can cope with. When the government begins to crack down on the drug business, Frank and Richie (Russell Crowe) are on a collision course. Power can become just as addictive as a drug, and Frank doesn't want to lose the power he has. Dark and brooding film, yet slick and polished like most other Ridley Scott films. Based on the article "Return of the Superfly" by Mark Jacobson. R for language, violence, and nudity.
AMERICAN GUN (R) 91 minutes * * * One gun is used to kill, but it affects far more than one life. The story traces the lives of those affected, from the families of those killed, to the brother of the shooter, to the principal of the school and the policeman who arrived on the scene. Intensity does vary here, with some scenes being far more emotional than others, but the idea is clear enough. Solid performances all around and a strong ending help make this a film well worth a look. R for violence and language.
AMERICAN HARDCORE: THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN PUNK ROCK 1980-1986 (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Documentary history of the American punk rock movement, packed with interview clips and performance footage. Focusing on the hardcore aspect of the movement and its rebellious nature, this manages to give us a strong picture of the history, but it discounts the direction punk rock later took and pays no regard to the British scene and its effect. R for language.
AN AMERICAN HAUNTING (PG-13) 77 minutes * * * Retelling of the Bell Witch haunting, the well-documented story of the unusual events experienced by a family in Tennessee. This version of the story is adapted from the novel "The Bell Witch: An American Haunting" by Brent Monahan and proposes an interesting possible explanation for the events. Despite the explanation, the events themselves are quite creepy and sure to give you a few chills at the least. It's more of an old-fashioned horror story in many ways, and works well thanks to solid performances and a genuinely spooky atmosphere throughout. PG-13 for violence.
AMERICAN OUTLAWS (PG-13) 90 minutes * * 1/2 When the Younger and James boys come back from the war, they discover that the North is not yet done giving them trouble. Now it's in the form of the railroad. But the railroad men are going to get a little more than they bargained for when they try to cross the Younger and James families. This does take a few liberties with history in an effort to entertain us, but the embellishments work fairly well. And the decision to keep this relatively short was a wise one as well. Gabriel Macht does a particularly nice job as Frank James. PG-13 for violence.
AMERICAN PIE (R) 91 minutes * * * As American as... the struggles of high school boys who are trying to have that first sexual experience with a girl. Although this drags a bit in a few spots, the characters are well-rounded and feel real enough to keep us interested. Some have criticized this film for being overly explicit, but I found it to be unflinchingly honest. Not only in how it presents the pursuit of sex, but in it's realization as well. Make all the plans you want, sex will happen when it happens. R for language and sex.
AMERICAN PIE 2 (R) 98 minutes * 1/2 Relying heavily on the success of its predecessor, this sequel manages to follow our stars as they have finished up their first year after high school. Not a great deal has changed. The actors do appear to be a bit tired of their characters though, and it makes a few of the scenes rather awkward. This definitely should have been shorter than the first film... not longer. R for language.
AMERICAN PIE PRESENTS BAND CAMP (R) 87 minutes * 1/2 This one is about Stifler's younger brother Matt. Trying to follow in his brother's infamous footsteps, he lands himself in band camp as punishment and eventually becomes a band geek. Typical sex comedy though this one tries to have a heart, it just doesn't have the budget to come up with much of a story. The acting isn't that bad for the level of experience here, though it's not going to win any awards. R for language and nudity.
AMERICAN PIE PRESENTS THE NAKED MILE (NR) 98 minutes * This series continues to get progressively worse as it goes along, stretching farther and farther for plot ideas. This time it's Erik Stiffler (John White) who is still a virgin and bringing shame to the Stiffler name. His girlfriend isn't ready to have sex, but gives him a "free pass" while he and his buddies are at the "Naked Mile" event at the college his cousin attends. Will he lose his virginity with all of those sexy college co-eds around? Who cares! Filmed in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario.
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT (PG-13) 107 minutes * * * The president of the United States is a widower who has found someone he'd like to date... but what will the American public think? Fun and watchable, thanks to Michael Douglas and Annette Bening, though her performance is a little shaky at the start. They're no Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, but they have a little more chemistry than Rock Hudson and Doris Day . This is a nice film that reminds us that there is a human side to the White House. PG-13 for language.
AMERICAN PSYCHO (R) 97 minutes * 1/2 Portrait of a man on the edge. He seeks perfection and stimulation. But things aren't going so well lately and small problems seemto really get on his nerves... he's killing more regularly now. It's a slick and empty production, which may be a statement about the character, but it just doesn't work for the film. There are moments that seems to capture something beyond what we see, but not enough of them and nothing to draw them together. R for violence, language, and sex.
AN AMERICAN TAIL: FIEVEL GOES WEST (G) 69 minutes * * Fievel and his family are tricked into going west by a clever cat, but he gets separated from his family during the trip. This short animated sequel lacks the charm of the first film and doesn't have as many quality songs, but those under age 7 will find it enjoyable enough to keep their attention through most of the film.
AMERICAN WEDDING (R) 90 minutes * 1/2 Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) have decided to tie the knot. Of course, you know that it can't be as simple as that. Not with these characters... There are more serious messages mixed in with this film than with the first two "American Pie" films, but that doesn't compensate for all of the tired jokes that are in almost every scene. R for language and sex.
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Three members of a daredevil club take a tour around Europe, ending up in Paris, where they find much more than anticipated. Andy ends up diving off the Eiffel Tower to save Serafine, who is determined to kill herself. The story itself isn't that bad, but the large doses of humor mixed into the story tend to undermine any spooky or scary effects that might have been present. The special effects are uneven throughout the film as well. The Eiffel Tower fall is near perfection, but many of the werewolf effects leave much to be desired, leaving too much to the computer and not fitting in with the film. Julie Delpy and Tom Everett Scott weather it all fairly well, but most fans will still be a little disappointed. R for violence and nudity.
AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * Eddie (John Cusack) and Gwen (Catherine Zeta-Jones) used to be Hollywood's perfect couple. They've already split up, but there's one movie left to promote. Can they put aside their problems long enough to promote the film? The rather elaborate set-up is a bit much, but it isn't the real problem. First and foremost, we see far too much of Billy Crystal. His part just isn't that essential to the story and it wastes valuable time. Zeta-Jones doesn't look comfortable with her role either. Cusack, on the other hand, is wonderful and Julia Roberts does a nice job as well. If you like them, this is a film you'll want to see. PG-13 for language.
AMISTAD (R) 148 minutes * * * 1/2 Intense and graphic telling of the Amistad slave ship, the slave revolt, and the ensuing trial. Anthony Hopkins is brilliant as John Quincy Adams, outshining the rest of the cast by far. It's hard to see much of what goes on early in the film, as though director Steven Spielberg is leery of showing too much of the violence. It might have been better to shed a bit more light on a few of those scenes though, and just not show as many of them, cutting the film down by 5-10 minutes at least. R for violence.
THE AMITYVILLE HORROR (2005) (R) 82 minutes * * 1/2 This remake of the 1979 classic that definitely has some creepy sound effects and interesting camera angles. The story itself seems to be a bit more true to Jay Anson's book, but the performances are less convincing than they were in the earlier film. Ryan Reynolds does have a few moments, and young Chloe Moretz does a nice job, but on the whole, the performances are poor and distract from the nice job the special effects people did to create the mood. R for violence and language.
AMOS & ANDREW (PG-13) 91 minutes * 1/2 Amos Odell (Nicolas Cage) is a two-bit criminal who just can't stay clean. Andrew Sterling (Samuel L. Jackson) has moved to the island of his dreams, away from the prejudices he's felt before, or so he thought. A nosy neighbor turns Sterling in as a thief, and it suits the local police chief just fine, until the tangled web of lies gets too big. In the meantime, the film has grown boring and lacks the comedy to make it appealing or the drama to make it meaningful. PG-13 for language.
ANACONDA (PG-13) 85 minutes * 1/2 Small group of people attempting to film a documentary in the Amazon find more than they bargained for. The snake f/x are somewhat mixed, some being quite good and others looking too computerized or too mechanical. The plot twists are no real surprise and this short film seems to drag on forever. Lots of potential, but nothing to take note of. Filmed in Brazil. PG-13 for violence.
ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (PG-13) 93 minutes * Crew of people looking for a flower with powerful medicinal properties find giant anacondas during mating season instead. How they survive a boat captain who takes them over a waterfall, spiders that can kill, crocodiles, fighting among themselves, and a rainstorm in the jungle is hard enough to believe, let alone the snakes, which suffer from the same problems they did in the first film. Filmed in Fiji. PG-13 for violence and language.
ANALYZE THAT (R) 89 minutes * This is yet another example of why not to make a sequel... far more foul and crude dialogue and far less humor are the highlights as Paul (Robert DeNiro) discovers that someone is trying to kill him and ends up enlisting Ben's (Billy Crystal) help once again. Both DeNiro and Crystal seem bored by the whol idea and it comes across in their performances. R for language and violence.
ANALYZE THIS (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Even gangsters have bad days, and Paul Vitti (Robert DeNiro) is no exception. He decides that seeing a psychiatrist might be in order. Enter Dr. Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal), who is now raising eyebrows by associating with a known gangster. The film unfortunately never manages to find the balance between drama and comedy, leaning more toward comedy in most segments, giving the edge to Crystal's performance rather than DeNiro's. Lisa Kudrow and Chazz Palminteri are both here as well, but their roles are so small that there's little point. R for violence and language.
ANASTASIA (G) 87 minutes * * * The animation is superb and the songs are lyrical and beautiful, but choosing a story from history puts certain confines on what you can do. Disney studios faced this problem with "Pocahontas", 20th Century Fox has chosen the story of Anastasia. Focusing on the later part of the story and bringing in the aspect of romance help, but this doesn't have the strong emotions it needs to sweep us through the story. Bartok, the bat companion of Rasputin (voice by Hank Azaria) steals every scene he's in and manages to keep us well entertained, but this isn't as strong as it could've been. Perhaps a bit too much money was spent on big name voices for the characters that should've been spent elsewhere.
ANDRE (PG) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Standard animal film aimed at family viewing as we here the story of a seal that is adopted and cared for by a family. Tina Majorino gives a wonderful performance as the daughter and the footage of the real Andre and his adopted family at the end of the film is a nice touch. Nice family fare, and a very good rental film.
THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN (G) 131 minutes * * * A virus from space is now threatening life on planet earth... sounds like a corny movie from the 50's. But this is from Michael Crichton's terrifying best seller and is sure to keep you at least a little spooked. A fine piece of work, and a classic science fiction/thriller.
ANGEL EYES (R) 99 minutes * * Sahron (Jennifer Lopez) tends to have problems with relationships. After being rescued by a stranger during a shoot-out, she finds herself strangely attracted to him. It's a story about the healing that needs to take place for some people before they can truly love another. A bit on the spooky side, with some fine photography and music, but a bit thin on the story. Lopez and Jim Caviezel look the part, but things just never quite reach the level they need to. R for language and sex.
ANGEL HEART (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke) is hired to find a singer. It's a little more difficult than it sounds. Everything seems to get more violent and evil the longer he looks. Based on William Hjorstburg's novel, adapted for the screen and directed by Alan Parker, which might explain some of the strangeness of the film. Plenty of talent involved here, it's just so unusual that it never really draws us in.
ANGEL-A (R) 85 minutes * * * Another little gem from writer/director Luc Besson, this is the story of a small-time scam artist who has reached the end of his rope. It is then that he finds Angela (Rie Rasmussen). Andre (Jamel Debbouze) can't figure out why she is so fascinating, or why she wants to be around him. And it makes even less sense when he learns that she is an angel, sent to help him. Debbouze and Rasmussen at first may appear to be an unlikely pair, but in this fable-like story, it works very well. Andre has a few lessons to learn, and if he's willing, Angela will help. She just might help you too. R for language and sex.
ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD (PG) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Remake of the 1951 film with Christopher Lloyd, Danny Glover, and Tony Danza, and Brenda Fricker. A last place baseball club has a streak of wins thanks to some angelic intervention. A bit thick with moral/theological statements, but pleasant enough overall. Very similar to the original, though the actors seemed to work better together in the first film.
ANGER MANAGEMENT (PG-13) 98 minutes * * * In the wrong place at the wrong time, Dave Busnick (Adam Sandler) finds himself in anger management therapy with the highly unusual Dr. Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson). Nicholson is a delight here, playing up the eccentric aspects of his character and just having fun. Sandler's performance definitely brings Albert Brooks to mind, as his character continues to wander more deeply into mistakes until things finally start to turn around. It's a nice script that gives everyone a chance to shine. Lots of cameos throughout the film as well. PG-13 for language and violence.
ANGIE (R) 102 minutes * * * Angie (Geena Davis) doesn't know what lies ahead for her in life. Like the rest of us, she just has to wait until it happens. This is a film about the journey of life, and what it means to one particular, and very interesting, woman. Adapted from the novel, "Angie, I Says", this gives us a good look at Geena Davis in prime dramatic form, with a script that will have you laughing and crying. R for language and sex.
ANGUS (PG-13) 85 minutes * * * It's his high school freshman year and Angus (Charlie Talbert) has never spoken to the girl he's had a crush on for years. This fun slice-of-a-kid's-life film has lots of charm, great music, and some wonderful performances from Talbert, George C. Scott, Rita Moreno, and Kathy Bates. The message is obvious, but it's the way in which it's presented that keeps us watching and caring about Angus.
ANIMAL (R) 89 minutes * * Ving Rhams is "Animal", tough and mean, and determined to survive the streets, prison, or whatever life throws at him. Of course he eventually realizes that it might be better another way. Rhames and Terrance Howard both do nice work here, but the story (created by Rhames though scripted by someone else) doesn't say anything we haven't heard numerous times. Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. R for violence and language.
THE ANIMAL (PG-13) 74 minutes * 1/2 Marvin (Rob Schneider) always wanted to be a cop. Now he's a superhero... sort of. After a tragic accident, some of his body parts have been replaced with animal parts. The only problem is that he acts like those different animals sometimes. Typically dumb/funny antics that you'd expect from a film of this type. At least it doesn't last too long. PG-13 for language.
ANNA AND THE KING (PG-13) 142 minutes * * * Splendid version of the classic story of a teacher who goes abroad to instruct a prince, but who ends up not only educating an entire country and its king, but learning more about life and love than she ever dreamed possible. Based on the diaries of Anne Leonowens, this is less glamorous than you might expect. Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat present us with a film that feels very much like the truth. It does run on a bit, but it's hard to find a place to make a cut. Filmed in Malaysia. PG-13 for violence.
ANNAPOLIS (PG-13) 98 minutes * 1/2 Jake (James Franco) never thought he'd get a chance to go to the academy. Now that he's there, it's a bit more difficult than he thought, but he's beginning to find within himself what others have seen all along. While that part of the plot is good, the inordinate amount of time spent focusing on the brigades (the boxing tournament where rank has no meaning) does not strengthen the film. It quickly degenerates to a face-off between Jake and Cole (Tyrese Gibson) and their battle in the ring. Dumb ending too! PG-13 for violence and language.
ANOTHER 48 HRS. (R) 92 minutes * * * Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) hasn't been able to turn up any information on the "iceman" and is going to have to turn to Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) for help... again. There's plenty of action here and the story is fairly interesting, but the villains aren't very strong. Nolte and Murphy work well together and their parts are well-written, which more than carries the film. But stronger villains for them to work against would have made this more exciting and memorable. R for violence and language.
ANOTHER STAKEOUT (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez are on the job again. This time they're trying to find a missing witness with the assistance of Rosie O'Donnell. Unfortunately , her character never really fits here and feel much like an unwanted and unnecessary third wheel. Dreyfuss and Estevez worked well together in the first film (and here), so it's unclear why they felt they needed to bring in a new character. PG-13 for violence and language.
ANOTHER YOU (R) 90 minutes * * Gene Wilder plays a compulsive liar and Richard Pryor is a street hustler. The two become involved in an elaborate scam that gets them into trouble every step of the way. Although they've both done worse films, this is far from their best material. R for language.
THE ANT BULLY (PG) 81 minutes * * 1/2 Lucas gets picked on by a bully and takes his frustration out on a nearby anthill. But the ants have a surprise for him. Theyshrink him down to their size and teach him that ants have feelings too. Adapted from the book by John Nickle, and featuring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Julia Roberts, Ricardo Montleban, Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin. One memorable quote from the film has much to say not only about children, but about adults as well.... "Some humans prefer to clobber people they don't understand." PG for violence.
ANTITRUST (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Milo (Ryan Phillippe) is a computer genius, and he has the skills and talent that Gary Winston (Tim Robbins) needs to make his global communications system operational. As Milo soon discovers, Gary will stop at nothing to acquire what he wants and to stop those who he sees as competition. Slick production values make this pleasant enough to watch, but despite the dressing, it's still the same old story of a power-hungry adult who is eventually brought down by a "powerless" underdog. Phillippe and Robbins, along with Claire Forlani and Rachel Leigh Cook all do reasonably good work here, but you won't miss anything if you slip out of the room for a minute or two. PG-13 for language and violence.
ANTONIA'S LINE (R) 105 minutes * * * * A woman returns to the town of her birth after WW II, with her daughter in tow. They are unconventional to say the least, but their wills are strong and the town soon begins to change. This film is delightful from start to finish. Antonia's family learns the meaning of love, hatred, forgiveness, life, and death. Powerful lessons which create characters that are deep and memorable. Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.
ANTWONE FISHER (PG-13) 114 minutes * * * Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke) has a problem with anger. It will take him some time and a superior officer in the military who has a great deal of patience, but eventually, he'll discover the man behind that anger. The story moves along rather slowly at first, as we learn about Fisher primarily through his sessions with Davenport (Denzel Washington) and through flashbacks. It finishes quite nicely though. Washington's direction (his first feature-length work) is a little stiff, but shows great promise. He also co-wrote this along with the real Antwone Fisher. PG-13 for language and violence.
ANTZ (PG) 77 minutes * * General Mandible wants to start a new colony of ants by marrying the princess and killing off those who aren't loyal to him. Of course, Z will save the day by serving as an inspiration to others. Questioning his status as a worker and becoming a soldier, he leads them to safety and helps them to begin thinking for themselves. The animation is wonderful, but the story is a bit narrow in focus and aimed far above the heads of children. One wonders why they didn't make the story a bit more complex and/or violent and go for the PG-13 rating. As is, it's PG for language and violence.
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY (R) 155 minutes * * 1/2 Oliver Stone's heavy-handed direction heads to the football field in this story of a coach and his struggling team. The Sharks lose two quarterbacks in a game and end up using a young third-string player (Jamie Foxx) who has talent, but is not a team player. Sparks fly as his success and charisma appeal to the owner of the team (Cameron Diaz), but fail to acoomplish much on the playing field. The dramatic sequences off the field are handled well, but the segments on the field are noisy, confused, poorly directed, and poorly edited. The jerky camera movements , which are undoubtedly meant to show us the intensity of the sport, serve only to give us a headache. And the uniforms for some of the opposing teams and their cheerleaders are atrocious. Fans of Al Pacino won't be suprised to know that it's his strength as an actor that carries the film. R for language, violence, and nudity.
ANYWHERE BUT HERE (PG-13) 107 minutes * * * A mother and her teenage daughter are headed across the country from Wisconsin to sunny California. Ann (Natalie Portman) doesn't really want to go, but her mother (Susan Sarandon) thinks it will be better. Parenting isn't easy, but then again, neither is being a kid. The interactions between these two fabulous actresses are incredibly real. The narration is a bit thick at times, but Portman has a screen presence that few people ever have and brings you inside the film so quickly you don't have time to think about it. Roger Deakins' photography and Danny Elfman's music really help set the mood as well. There's also a gem of a scene between Portman and Thora Birch, another great young talent. Life is a process of growing up and letting go. PG-13 for language.
APOCALYPTO (R) 130 minutes * * 1/2 In part, this is the story of the fall of the Mayan civilization, but it's also the story of Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) and his efforts to survive and protect his family and his tribe. It's about how reaching for too much and not being satisfied can cause you to fail. Mel Gibson's direction takes a step backwards here as he once again lingers on the gross special effects rather than recognizing that they should not be the focus, but what can add depth and realism to a scene. The animatronic puppet scenes are particularly bad in that they aren't even well done. Great soundtrack by James Horner and beautiful photography courtesy of Dean Semler. Filmed in Mexico. R for violence and nudity.
APOLLO 13 (PG) 134 minutes * * * 1/2 Yet another fine film from director Ron Howard, this time about the Apollo 13 mission to the moon. Fabulous performances throughout the film, even those playing the very small roles. The special effects and photography here really make us feel like we're watching the real thing. It's a major part of the reason the film is able to take hold of us so effectively and keep us watching even when we know exactly what will be happening. PG for language.
THE APOSTLE (PG-13) 128 minutes * * Sonny (Robert Duvall) is a preacher from the Holiness movement. Beginning his career at a young age, it is all he has known. His wife Jessie (Farrah Fawcett) finally leaves him after repeated attempts to try and reconcile their differences. Sonny continues to have affairs and, after assaulting Jessie's male friend, she is able to not only retain custody of the children but have Sonny removed from the church. The story wanders through their lives at an amicable pace, but far too much times is spent with us listening to Sonny speak in front of his congregations. His message is simple enough, as is that of the film... does the good one accomplishes outweigh the bad? It is left for us to decide, but the film would've been less a chore to watch if it had been a bit shorter. Duvall directed, wrote, acted, and served as an executive producer for the film. It looks like it was a little too much to handle effectively. PG-13 for violence and language.
APRIL FOOL'S DAY (2008) (R) 87 minutes 1/2 This remake of the 1986 horror film has lots of pretty faces, but not much in the way of talent. Not that the original was that great of a film either. It's all about tricking someone into confessing their guilt, but we don't really care. R for violence, language and sex.
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE COLON MOVIE FILM FOR THEATERS (R) 79 minutes BOMB Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad fight a piece of exercise equipment that is trying to take over the world. Disjointed story with poor animation, not that the TV show this comes from is much better. Fans of the show will enjoy it, others should stay away. R for language and violence.
AQUAMARINE (PG) 98 minutes * * Emma Roberts stars in this adaptation of the Alice Hoffman children's novel. Two young girls, one of whom is about to move away, find a mermaid. If they can help her find true love, she'll grant them a wish. Of course, there IS more than one kind of love. Overly sweet and silly despite the fact that is has a good point to make. PG for language.
ARACHNOPHOBIA (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Fairly good acting here, and this is definitely one of those horror films where they realize how silly the idea is and just play with it. That goes a long way toward making it more entertaining. The spider effects are good, but the story quits on us at the end which spoils some of the fun we had up until then.
ARCTIC TALE (G) 81 minutes * * * The National Geographic film crew follow the lives of a young polar bear and a young walrus as they brave the dangerous world of the Arctic. Queen Latifah provides the narration for the story, which also deals with how the world of these magnificent creatures is growing increasingly smaller due to global warming. There are scenes of wildlife feeding, but the violence of these is kept to a bare minimum, making it very much a film that is suitable for the family.
ARE WE DONE YET? (PG) 87 minutes * 1/2 Based on the film, "Mr. Blandings Build His Dream House", this is a tired and not very funny film with Ice Cube and Nia Long as a couple struggling with the problems of owning a home that ends up needing quite a bit of work. If you really liked "Are We There Yet?", you might like this, otherwise, you'll want to stay away. PG for language and violence.
ARE WE THERE YET? (PG) 90 minutes * 1/2 It's "Home Alone" on the road, with Ice Cube having the unfortunate task of taking two kids, who don't want anyone interested in their mother, on a road trip to see her on New Year's Eve. Ice Cube does what he can, but it's a tired idea, and we can see how tired he is of it after about thirty minutes. By the time it all works out well, we don't really care that much. PG for language.
ARE YOU SCARED? (R) 76 minutes 1/2 Simply put... no. Bored maybe, but not scared. Awww, come on, you knew I was going to say that, right? Seriously, aside from a couple of special effects that aren't too bad, this doesn't have much to offer. The plot, about teens who think they are contestants for a game show instead of in a demented man's warehouse, is a clear rip-off of the "Saw" series of films. And the acting is even worse. Will you be scared? No. Will you watch it? I hope not. R for violence and language.
THE ARISTOCRATS (NR) 79 minutes * * 1/2 It's a movie about a joke, yet it's so much more. If you know the joke, I don't need to tell you. If you don't, the only warning I can give is that it's by far the most potentially offensive joke you could ever hear. It's freeform, and the object is to be as gross, crude, vulgar, and offensive as possible. The film studies the art of the joke itself, why, and when comedians use it, and what it means... sort of. My favorite parts were Kevin Pollack's imitation of Chris Walken, Bob Saget's version of the joke, and Gilbert Gottfried at the Hugh Hefner roast. NR for extremely vulgar language.
ARLINGTON ROAD (R) 113 minutes * * Suspicion, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. When it leads you to the truth, it is rewarding, but when it blinds you to the truth, it can be a dangerous attitude to have. Michael Faraday (Jeff Bridges) begins to grow suspicious of his neighbor, but takes it to the level of paranoia. Bridges does a fine job with the role, but the script and direction take this too far. It takes away from the credibility of the film and removes much of the suspense inherent in the story. Angelo Badalamenti's music is wonderful, but doesn't make up for a film that is hampered by the direction taken by Bridges character. R for language and violence.
ARMAGEDDON (PG-13) 144 minutes * * * 1/2 Director Michael Bay has managed to keep the action nearly non-stop and still run a solid thread of human interest in this "asteroid-to-end-the-world" film. Bruce Willis and his crew are being sent to the rock to drill and explode it before it crashes to earth. Plenty of suspense, with great action scenes handled by several different special effects studios. One of the more interesting aspects of the film is the number of scenes from around the world as we see people from different countries dealing with the issues that arise as people think about what might happen. Yes, it's predictable and a bit sentimental, but handled well, predictability and sentimentality can draw us in and give us a film to remember. PG-13 for violence and language.
ARMY OF DARKNESS (R) 76 minutes 1/2 Mercifully short sequel to "EVIL DEAD II" that finds Bruce Campbell trying to find his way back to the present, wisecracking his way through the medieval ages. A few good special effects and some fairly good music are all that make this bearable.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (2004) (PG) 114 minutes * 1/2 Another version of the Jules Verne classic novel, this one with Steve Coogan as the inventor who takes a trip around the world. Sidekick Jackie Chan comes along, but only to return a stolen jade Buddha to his village. Loads of cameo appearances by everyone from Rob Schneider and Owen Wilson to Macy Gray and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It doesn't help much. PG for violence and language.
THE ART OF WAR (R) 114 minutes * * 1/2 Neal Sharp (Wesley Snipes) is a covert operative for the United Nations and the situation at the UN has been getting a little sticky lately. So sticky, in fact, that it's rather hard to follow all the twists and turns that this story takes. Don't worry, everything works out in the end and there's plenty of action along the way. It's just that it would've been nice to understand what was going on before things wrap up. Snipes delivers his usual solid performance, and the rest of the cast do a nice job too (Anne Archer, Maury Chaykin, Michael Biehn, and Donald Sutherland). Still, the film has little to offer in the way of depth or heart, which also means it has little chance of being a film that you'll remember having seen. R for violence and language.
ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Jerome (Max Minghella) is following his dream of going to art school to become a great artist like his hero Picasso. Despite his talent, art school is more frustrating than he expected. He also finds another passion... Audrey (Sophia Myles). Almost two films in one, the first part of the film being much lighter in tone than the second. Each is good on its own, but when put together, the integrity of the film slips away. R for language, nudity, and violence.
ARTHUR (PG) 97 minutes * * * 1/2 Dudley Moore, in the best role of his acting career, is a spoiled millionaire who has to choose between money and love in this classic comedy co-starring Liza Minelli. John Gielgud won an Oscar for his supporting performance. Plenty of laughs, although the point of the film is clear as well.
ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) 86 minutes * * * An amazing adventure awaits Arthur in his own backyard. He needs to find the rubies his grandfather buried, and he'll need the help of the Minimoys to succeed. This delightfully magical film is based on a universe created by Celine Garcia and brought to life by Luc Besson. It's an entertaining adventure for both children and adults, with characters voices by Freddie Highmore, Robert DeNiro, Madonna, Mia Farrow, Jimmy Fallon, and Harvey Keitel among others. PG for violence.
ARTICLE 99 (R) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Ray Liotta plays a doctor in a veteran's hospital who care about treating patients more than about keeping his job. Kiefer Sutherland is the new kid on the block who wants to keep his nose clean. It's a great cast, and the film has a lot of heart, but the script and direction miss the mark in far too many places for this to keep the momentum it needs. It's a little better on video than it was in the theaters, making it a reasonably good rental.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS (PG-13) 134 minutes * * * * Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is extremely obsessive/compulsive, but his world is about to change, no matter how hard he tries to keep it from doing so. Though Nicholson's character is the focus of the story, it's really a tale of three people, incredibly different from one another, who are drawn together by circumstances they don't understand. As they cope, we too, are drawn into their story, perhaps finding a bit of ourselves in their struggles. Nicholson and Helen Hunt are wonderful, but it is Greg Kinnear who turns in the best performance. PG-13 for language, violence, and brief nudity.
ASK THE DUST (R) 113 minutes * * 1/2 Arturo Bandini (Colin Farrell) is a struggling writer. When he encounters Camilla (Salma Hayek), his life seems to spiral out of control. He can't focus on his writing anymore, but she doesn't even seem interested. It's a mildly interesting study in passion with a solid performance from Farrell. Hayek is cleraly secondary here, which is a shame as the role doesn't allow her to do much acting, keeping her little more than an object in the story. Set in the 1930's in California, though there isn't any real need for that as it's a story where time really doesn't matter. There are some nice contrasts in setting between ocean and desert that reflect Bandini's struggles. R for sex and language.
ASPEN EXTREME (PG-13) 116 minutes * * 1/2 Two boys from Detroit go to Aspen and discover that there's more to life than skiing and women. The skiing sequences are wonderful, the acting is mediocre, and the story is pathetic. But if you enjoy skiing or seeing Finaola Hughes and Teri Polo, you'll definitely find this worthwhile. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (R) 153 minutes * * Overly long and somewhat tedious retelling of the events leading up to the death of Jesse James. Brad Pitt's performance as James is a bit cavalier, though Casey Affleck earned a well-deserved Oscar nomination for his performance as Robert Ford. Ford's awe of James eventually turns to disgust and Affleck does a nice job with the role. It's as if the story never quite fills the screen as James is presented to be such an epic and legendary character by the attitudes of Ford and his brothers, but Pitt's performance never lives up to that expectation. The narration doesn't really help here either, except at the end of the film. Adapted from the novel by Ron Hansen. Filmed in Calgary and Winnipeg. R for violence and language.
THE ASSASSINATION OF RICHARD NIXON (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Character study of Sam Bicke (Sean Penn), who plotted an assassination attempt on President Richard Nixon. Penn does a nice job of showing us the changes that occur as Bicke is faced with a boss who is very strict on how sales are to be achieved, an attempt to start a business partnership, and increasing dissatisfaction with the government of the United States. There's an interesting tension in the film as the anxiety of Bicke's character increases, the music almost becomes even more relaxing. Penn does a nice job and there's a small, and well-done role by Don Cheadle, but the film doesn't get us connected with Bicke enough for us to care about him. R for language and violence.
ASSASSINS (R) 125 minutes * * * The best assassin in the world is getting a run for his money by a young upstart. Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas are rival assassins in this fast-paced action film. Who will complete the assignment? Who will spot the weakness of the other and be able to use it to their own advantage? Great job by both leads, though Julianne Moore's role needed to be played with more strength. An exciting film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (R) 102 minutes * * 1/2 Remake of the John Carpenter classic with Ethan Hawke and Laurence Fishburne as unlikely allies when a virtually abandoned police station comes under siege on New Year's Eve. Fishburne does a nice job here, but Hawke's performance lacks the focus it needs to develop a strong character. Plenty of gunfire, explosions, and a few car crashes and a nice soundtrack by Graeme Revell keep this just slightly above average for the genre. R for language and violence.
THE ASSOCIATE (PG-13) 107 minutes * 1/2 Two women who won't accept "no" for an answer create an investment firm that takes off like a rocket. Whoopi Goldberg and Diane Wiest do there best with a script that drags on forever and with characters that don't have the integrity of those in "Working Girl". Another example of wasted talent as this also features Tim Daly, Bebe Neuwirth, Lainie Kazan, and Austin Pendleton. PG-13 for language.
THE ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Charlie Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) may have been discharged from the Air Force, but he never gave up on his dream. He's a farmer, and he's building a rocket. But at what cost to his family. Not only is it an expensive hobby, it brings more than a little ridicule his direction. Thornton does a nice job as the dreamer who can't quit his dream, but the story lets us down by trying to bring in humor when it isn't really needed. PG for violence and language.
THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE (R) 103 minutes * 1/2 A shuttle mission, an explosion, two minutes of contact with the astronauts is lost. Now that he's back home, strange things are happening. The film moves slowly, though there is suspense and a sort of creepy edge to events that occur. But the script is heavyhanded and doesn't really let us care about the characters. Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron seem to work well together, but that doesn't help the overall effect that much. R for violence, sex, and language.
AT FIRST SIGHT (PG-13) 92 minutes * * Amy Benic (Mira Sorvino) goes to a spa to relax and finds herself falling in love with blind masseuse Virgil (Val Kilmer). But is she really falling in love? Doesn't that mean accepting someone as they are? Flawed script that leaves Kilmer and Sorvino floundering and us wishing we hadn't bothered. There are a few moments, but the characters never come to life for us. PG-13 for language and nudity.
ATL (PG-13) 103 minutes * * 1/2 Life in the ATL, much of which revolves around Cascade, the local skating rink. A little love, a little heartache, a little talent, a little honesty, a little trouble... it's all a part of life in the ATL. Antwone Fisher wrote the story this is baed on, but it lacks both the power and the focus his autobiographical film had. It does end nicely, but getting there is a bit of an indirect path to say the least. PG-13 for language and violence.
ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE (PG) 88 minutes * * Very unevenly paced film. Starts a little slowly, picks up the pace, begins to drag again, gets exciting, has an incredibly boring sequence where we're introduced to each of the characters as they sit around a campfire and tell us who they are... whose idea was THAT? The animation is nice, but most of the kids in the audience while I watched this were ready to go play in the lobby after about 15 minutes. Not one of Disney's more entertaining films, which is unfortunate as it was a rather interesting idea. PG for violence.
ATONEMENT (R) 110 minutes * * * Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, and Saoirse Ronan star in this adaptation of the novel by Ian McEwan about a young girl whose false accusation has far more repercussions than she could have imagined. Ronan earned an Oscar nomination for her supporting role here and the film earned numerous other nominations and awards. Sets, costumes, acting, screenplay... just a very good production all around. Sex, violence, and language.
ATTACK FORCE (R) 91 minutes 1/2 Even fans of Steven Seagal may want to stay away from this direct-to-video piece. Seagal has struggled with his last few films, and this is the worst so far. The budgets seem to get smaller, the sets looking more and more like cheap plastic, the actors looking more and more like they have no acting experience at all... There are a couple of fight sequences that are OK, but even those are toned down from past films. One of the worst bits here is the dubbed dialogue that doesn't even sound like Seagal. Apparently, the story was changed again after filming was done and he was no longer available. Bad move, and bad movie. R for violence, language, and sex.
,b>AUGUST RUSH (PG) 107 minutes * * * It's one night of magical, musical passion, but real life intervenes and pushes three lives apart from each other rather than together. But music lives... and breathes. It moves and flows... and eventually, it returns. August (Freddie Highmore) knows that he will find his parents again, and senses that it is music that is the key. It's a sentimental story that sacrifices believability in more than one spot, but we like where it ends up. What we could have done without is Robin Williams' Fagin-like performance. A street artist who saw talent and offered a few wise words and a little help would have been much more suited to this story. PG for language and violence.
AUSTIN POWERS (PG-13) 84 minutes * Comic version of "Demolition Man" with Mike Myers as a parody of James Bond. This does have a couple of moments here and there, but it's mostly forgettable. There are some nice costumes, but well-dressed doesn't mean well-made. Myers wrote and co-produced and should go back to doing short skits for TV shows. PG-13 for language.
AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME (PG-13) 90 minutes * 1/2 Barely better than the first film, the plot has Dr. Evil going back in time to steal Austin's mojo. Full of more bad puns and in-jokes for those of us who've seen lots of movies, but it's only that funny if you're tired. Seth Green steals the show as far as acting, but acting isn't really a high priority here anyway. PG-13 for language.
AUTUMN IN NEW YORK (PG-13) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Will (Richard Gere) has never stayed with one girl very long since he lost the woman he loved. But now, the daughter of an old friend stands a chance at breaking through the wall he's built around himself. Sure, there are some differences that give the relationship some unique dynamics. He's 48, she's 22... he can't make a commitment, she doesn't have long to live... Gere and Winona Ryder don't have the on screen chemistry we need here, but individually, they do some nice work. Vera Farmiga does a very nice job in a small role as well. It's a film that reminds us of the importance of making the time we have special, rather than trying to find a way to have more time. PG-13 for language and sex.
AVALON (PG) 121 minutes * * * Five brothers move from Russia to the United States in this third film from director Barry Levinson in a series that are all set in Baltimore. It's a film about families, tradition, and memories that moves slowly and carefully, painting a picture that feels very real. Well-acted and superbly directed, though it does slow down a bit too much in a few spots.
THE AVENGERS (PG-13) 81 minutes * 1/2 Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman give this film the right look and do a fine job handling the subtleties of their roles. The direction seems to prefer the cartoonish approach rather than the spy/adventure film angle that one might expect, and the film suffers for it. Sean Connery is sorely miscast as the villain, and the film just never gets off the ground as far as excitement. At 81 minutes, one wonders what ended up on the cutting room floor and how different the end result might have been with another director. PG-13 for violence and language.
AVENUE MONTAIGNE (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * Although the Bar des Theatres usually only hires waiters, Jessica (Cecile de France) is hired on a temporary basis because business is picking up and they just lost two other waiters. It's a pleasant little restaurant in the middle of the arts district in Paris, and Jessica gets to meet all sorts of famous people. The story flows in a sort of free-form style, mixing and mingling the people Jessica meets, letting us get to know them and understanding bits and pieces of their lives. If anything is missing, it's more time with Jessica. Cecile de France has an energy and innocence that are utterly charming and endearing, and we want to know her better and find out what happens next for her, though it's sure to be something good. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE AVIATOR (PG-13) 164 minutes * * * Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) was many things, but his love of aviation was above all else. This bio-pic doesn't shy away from the eccentric, reclusive, and obsessive/compulsive side of Hughes, but his love of aviation and drive to succeed in whatever he chose to become involved in are here as well. DiCaprio's performance gets better as the film progresses, but Kate Blanchett's performance of Katharine Hepburn was too affected. The best performances of the film are from John C. Reilly and Matt Ross who portray the two men without whom Hughes would never have been able to accomplish all that he did. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
AWAKE (R) 79 minutes * * 1/2 He's a rich young man with a bad heart, and he's in love with a beautiful girl. Of course, that's only part of the story. There are some nice twists and turns here as well as nice performances by some of the cast. What starts as a medical drama/love story almost has a sort of EC Comics approach as it progresses, with a macabre moral to the story. Terence Howard, Jessica Alba, Hayden Christensen, Lena Olin, and Fisher Stevens. R for violence, language, and sex.
AWAKENINGS (PG-13) 117 minutes * * * * Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams) is a neurology research specialist. He never intended to work with people on a daily basis as their doctor. But he finds himself working in the chronic care ward of Bainbridge Hospital with patients who are near catatonic, and with the theory that they know what's going on around them. Williams is convincing in his shy, but persistent pursuit of truth and hope for these chronic patients, and Robert DeNiro is charming and convincing as Leonard Lowe, who is the first to try an experimental drug. This is a rare film. Not only is it outstanding in every technical aspect, but it does something else. It dares to touch our hearts with hope, even while it tells us that sometimes things just don't work out the way we'd like. Not many films or filmmakers have the talent and the courage to accomplish both of those tasks.
AWAY FROM HER (PG-13) 106 minutes * * * Very nice feature film debut for writer/director Sarah Polley. Adapted from the short story, "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" by Alice Munro, this follows the story of an older couple as they face the issues around dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. The story is both heart-breaking and heart-warming, and well-performed by all. PG-13 for language.
AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE (R) 110 minutes * * * Set in the late 1940's, this is the story of a rather cruel theatrical director and the struggling young actress who falls in love with him. Taken from Beryl Bainbridge's novel, it's a study of characters and their reactions to pressure. Hugh Grant, Georgina Cates, Peter Firth, and Alan Rickman are fascinating to watch, though this isn't something to watch if you want to be happily entertained.