Film Reviews D

D-WAR: DRAGON WARS (PG-13) 82 minutes * Based on a Korean legend with dragon-like creatures doing battle and destroying most everything in their path. There's a little more to this, but most of the legend is very poorly told. The dragon-snakes... because they are actually more snake than dragon in most scenes, are well animated, but seem to keep doing many of the same moves over and over... PG-13 for violence.

D2: THE MIGHTY DUCKS (PG) 101 minutes * * The Mighty Ducks are back in a somewhat new form... or is it just the uniforms that are new... Almost a carbon copy of the original film. Fairly entertaining and energetic, with the standard moral about trying hard and playing fair. PG for language.

D3: THE MIGHTY DUCKS (PG) 101 minutes * * Emilio Estevez can't be the coach anymore, now that the kids have moved on to a private school. Somehow the Ducks still have problems and still manage to overcome them and still come off with a movie that is relatively entertaining. It IS getting a bit thin though. PG for violence and language.

THE DA VINCI CODE (PG-13) 141 minutes * * * A murder, mysterious clues in the artwork of Leonardo Da Vinci, a secret society, and the truth about the holy grail are wonderfully intermingled in this film adapted from the novel by Dan Brown. There has been a great deal of controversy around this film and the story it presents, and little understanding that it is a novel. Of course there are conspiracy theorists who will never let up, but that aside, this is a fascinating story that is interesting to explore. The performances are adequate, though not spectacular, and the suspense is quite good despite a couple of cheap shots early in the film. PG-13 for sex and language.

DAD (PG) 114 minutes * * * 1/2 A subperb drama that explores family relationships and asks us to examine how much we really do depend on each other. Jack Lemmon is outstanding once again, and Ted Danson has some of his best moments as well. There are moments where he struggles with this character though, which weaken the film just enough to allow it to ever so slightly miss the mark.

DADDY DAY CAMP (PG) 85 minutes * Yet another embarrassing film for Cuba Gooding Jr., though he dooes try to make this work. The story is old and boring and one has to wonder why a sequel was even considered when the first film showed so little promise. PG for violence and language.

DADDY DAY CARE (PG) 87 minutes * * Eddie Murphy ends up being a stay-at-home dad who needs to make some money. So, he decides to start up a day care center with the help of another father... with predictable results. This has contractual obligation written all over it, and Murphy doesn't put much energy into it. It's watchable, but Steve Zahn is actually more fun here than anyone else. PG for language and violence.

DADDY'S LITTLE GIRLS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Monty (Idris Elba) is just trying to raise his three girls. It's not easy, especially when his ex-wife and her drug-dealing boyfriend decide they want custody. Solid drama with strong performances and a straightforward story from writer/director/producer Tyler Perry. Also starring Gabrielle Union and Louis Gossett Jr. PG-13 for sex, violence, and language.

DAN IN REAL LIFE (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * Dan (Steve Carell) is a widower with three daughters. He's just met the perfect woman. She happens to be dating his brother... With both Carell and Dane Cook in this film, you might be expecting a comedy, but plan to be surprised. The film is both easy-going and light-hearted, but definitely spends a good deal of time on the more serious aspects of relationships. Nice work by the entire cast, and nice to see Carell and Cook in less-comedic roles. PG-13 for language.

DANCE WITH ME (PG) 120 minutes * 1/2 Rafael (Chayanne) has come from Cuba to get a job with the man who once loved his mother. He starts as a handyman at the dance studio, but soon begins to dance himself. He befriends Ruby (Vanessa Williams) and they learn a great deal from each other, about dance, life, and love. That all sounds nice, but the characters are a bit too one-dimensional here. There are quite a few nice Latin dance numbers, but the script really does this one in. PG for language.

DANCER IN THE DARK (R) 125 minutes * * * Bjork is stunning in this unusual drama with elements of musical theater mixed in. She plays the part of a single mother who is the victim of a hereditary disease that is taking her eyesight. The rest of her world is falling apart as well, with only her interest in musicals as a refuge. It's an uneven production, but it does hit the mark several times. Bjork wrote the music for this and performs several numbers too. R for language and violence.

DANCES WITH WOLVES (PG-13) 175 minutes * * * 1/2 Kevin Costner's directorial debut is a beautiful piece of work. The time is 1863, and America is far from a united nation, fighting between the north and south and with native Americans as well. Lt. John J. Dunbar (Costner) learns firsthand that the Sioux aren't evil or less than human, and in fact have a few things the rest of the country could benefit from learning about. He's forced to choose where to place his loyalties and what values are the most important to him. Not only does he find the wild, untamed west that he went in search of, but he finds the frontiers of his own life, the thoughts and feelings that were beneath the surface. Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, and Rodney A. Grant offer wonderful supporting performances and this was an Oscar winner in seven categories. Filmed in South Dakota. PG-13 for violence.

DANCING AT LUGHNASA (PG) 92 minutes * * * Adapted from Brian Friel's stage play about an Irish family in the 1930's, this works quite well on the big screen. It's a slice of their life rather than a comprehensive story, but does a wonderful job of creating the feeling of the period. Five unmarried sisters and their brother, who has just returned from years of missionary work in Africa... it isn't always easy to dance and enjoy life, but it is important to try. Filmed in Ireland. PG for language.

DANGEROUS GROUND (R) 91 minutes * * Ice Cube stars and serves as executive producer for this story of a man returning to South Africa for his father's funeral. The search for his missing little brother leads us into the typical messages about staying away from drugs and the struggle of black Africans and African- Americans for equality. R for violence and language.

DANGEROUS LIAISONS (R) 118 minutes * * 1/2 Glenn Close and John Malkovich star in this classy-looking piece of fluff. Their performances are forced and exaggerated and do nothing to draw us into the story, which is an 18th century soap opera about a manipulative woman. The sets and costumes are beautiful and earned the film Oscars, though why it recieved one for the script is beyond me. The film, "Valmont", is a much better version of the story.

DANGEROUS MINDS (R) 93 minutes * * * Although not as gritty as some films about educating underprivileged high school kids, this is a very appealing look at the topic. Michelle Pfeiffer gives one of her best performances and is surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast that fill out the film nicely. It's a solid drama that you won't be sorry you watched. R for language and violence.

A DANGEROUS WOMAN (R) 98 minutes * * Martha (Debra Winger) is a child in an adult's body. She doesn't understand why people lie, why the truth can get you into trouble, and why people won't just leave her alone. This isn't really a pleasant film to watch, but Winger does a wonderful job and David Straithairn has a nice supporting role as well. The awkward ending leaves us wondering where they were headed with this , but we're mostly just happy that its over.

DANNY DECKCHAIR (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * Charming and slightly quirky film about Danny Morgan (Rhys Ifans), who decides to see if he can get his lawn chair to lift him up with the help of some helium filled balloons. Little does he realize the stir he is about to cause, let alone the changes that will happen to him as he embarks on his unusual adventure. Delightful performances offset a story that, although predictable, delivers a romantic story that will definitely make you smile. Filmed in New South Wales, Australia. PG-13 for sex and language.

DANTE'S PEAK (PG-13) 101 minutes * * 1/2 The team approach to handling the volcano situation is a bit too obviously copied from "Twister". Still, there are some great special effects here, especially at the one hour point. Stretches believability a bit farther than most, but paced well and keeps you involved. Filmed in Idaho. PG-13 for violence and language.

DAREDEVIL (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Very nice intro to the character during the first fifteen minutes or so of the film for those not already familiar with the comic book. Nice choice of villains for Daredevil to deal with this first time out as Michael Charles Duncan plays Kingpin and Colin Farrell does a wonderful job as Bullseye. Jennifer Garner does a great job as Elektra, but I didn't care for what happens toward the end, but I won't spoil it for you. Ben Affleck does a passable job as Daredevil, of course, it isn't a particularly strong character, but it is one that grows on you. If you watch quickly, you'll see both Stan Lee and Frank Miller in cameo parts. PG-13 for language and violence.

THE DARJEELING LIMITED (R) 87 minutes * * Wes Anderson and Jason Schwartzman bring their rather unusual sense of humor to this story of three brothers who take a spiritual journey across India to see their mother and to recapture the closeness they used to have. Schwartzman co-stars along with Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody as the three brothers. The journey has more than it's share of... unique problems, but the brothers do learn some lessons along the way. R for language.

DARK BLUE (R) 112 minutes * 1/2 No surprises here, just another movie about cops gone bad, cops gone worse, and cops trying to clean up the system. The script is two-dimensional at best, but it's fun to watch Kurt Russell here and it's easy to see that he's having fun too. R for violence and language.

DARK CITY (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 This film is loaded with style, but utterly confusing from the very start. Perhaps that is the intention, to confuse us in the same way the characters are being confused as their identities are switched each day. It just serves to make us uneasy and grope for understanding. As we begin to figure it all out (the aliens trying to understand what makes us human by understanding our memories) we find ourselves not really caring anymore. It is at this point where we are treated to a two minute monologue from Kiefer Sutherland that explains it all just in case we haven't figured it out. It's an anti-climax though, making us feel as though we're missing thirty minutes of film. The ending is nice, but loses the effect it could've had due to the fact that we have little or no sympathy for these characters. Disappointing, though an uncut version on video might be worth a look. R for sex, violence, and language.

THE DARK HALF (R) 116 minutes * * 1/2 Reasonably good adaptation of Stephen King's novel. The story is about a writer and his "other self" that comes to life. Solid production, though the script has some weaknesses. Part of the problem is the story itself, which leaves the main character with only one course of action, thereby eliminating much of the suspense.

DARK WATER (PG-13) 97 minutes * * Dahlia (Jennifer Connelly) and Ceci (Ariel Gade) move into an apartment during a custody dispute and find a few other problems in the building. Water leaks, tricky elevators, strange voices, and the ghost of a former resident. This remake of a 2002 Japanese film loses a bit of the suspense in the translation, but still has a few good moments. Gade does a very nice job with her sad face through much of the film, but more suspenseful music and sound effects would have helped this quite a bit. As with most, the original is better. PG-13 for language and suspense.

DARKMAN (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 It's an interesting idea, a scientist who is forced to stay in the dark after an accident and becomes a hero. But the villains are two- dimensional and the special effects quickly become more interesting than the story. We do learn quite a bit about Darkman, but heroes need well-developed villains to work against or they just aren't very interesting. There are a couple of direct-to-video sequels, but they're much the same. R for violence and language.

DARKNESS FALLS (PG-13) 74 minutes 1/2 It had to happen at some point... a horror film about the tooth fairy... Actually, this isn't about "the" tooth fairy, but about a woman who was nice to children and put money under their pillows in exchange for their teeth and who ends up being blamed for something she didn't do, then cursing the town that puts her to death. Filled with far too many cheap noise scares though there are some nice shadow effects and a few rather creepy moments. The story lets us down fairly quickly and simply has us waiting for a good look at the monster. R for violence.

DATE MOVIE (PG-13) 71 minutes BOMB Really bad comic parody that pokes fun at a string of films like "Meet the Parents", "Meet the Fockers", "Hitch", "The Wedding Planner", and many more. As with most films in this genre, most of the fun that you might have is with naming the other films that are referenced. There are also parodies of individuals here as well, but we're just glad it's fairly short. PG-13 for language.

DAVE (PG-13) 106 minutes * * * Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) does imitations of the president in his spare time to earn a few extra bucks. Asked to double for the president at a particular event, he finds himself playing the role much longer than intended when things get out of hand with the real president. Ivan Reitman's direction keeps this paced well, and makes this a great entertainment piece. Lots of cameo appearances from real politicians, and a solid performance from Kline make this into a fun look at democracy and honesty, with a bit of romance and comedy to round out the story. PG-13 for language.

DAVE CHAPPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Part documentary, part concert film, this is the story of Dave Chappelle' Block Party and how he made it happen. Chappelle may ruffle the feathers of a few studio execs, but he knows how to put together a great block party. He knows how to make people laugh, he knows great music, and he isn't afraid to take a risk and be honest. Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Kanye West, The Fugees, Talib Kweli, and more! R for language.

DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004) (R) 94 minutes * * Remake of the classic horror film with a slight twist... these zombies can raelly move! It adds a nice bit to the film and the rest of the modernization works fairly well. There are a few cameos by actors from the earlier version as well and this moves along quite nicely until the end. The choppy home video style cinematography and cheap conclusion to the story were definitely not the right directoin for this film to take and leave us more than a little disappointed. R for violence, language, and sex.

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (PG-13) 115 minutes * * Global warming has set off a chain of events that is creating extreme weather. So, in a matter of a few days, we'll be in a new ice age... hmmm... since this ignores logic, I don't need to say much about that part of the story. But there is so much wrong with the story... virtually nothing about the third huge storm in Asia, only one brief section about the European storm, and so much of the one in the US that is ignored in favor of telling us about a father and son. That might be the focus of the story, except that there isn't enough of that part either. And why is there the brief secton about all of the tornadoes in California when the rest of the film talks about the storm being centered over New York? Most of the effects are handled quite well and the end result is a fairly typical disaster film with a moral. PG-13 for language and violence.

DAY NIGHT DAY NIGHT (NR) 90 minutes * * * Disarmingly simple and straightforward film about a suicide bomber. The film follows "she" (Luisa Williams) as preparations are made and instructions are carried out. As the moment approaches, we find ourselves drawn to her as we try to understand, though we are given little help in making that possible. Fascinating and challenging. Not a film that is easily forgotten.

DAY WATCH (R) 138 minutes * * This adaptation of the second book in a trilogy is just as disjointed as the first film (Night Watch) was. A second viewing helps, but you may not feel inclined to bother. There are some great special effects here, but the story about light versus dark is nothing new. How the forces of light and dark do battle, are seen (or not seen) by others, interact with each other and ordinary people... are all very interesting... just a bit confusing. Nice finish. R for violence and language.

DAY ZERO (R) 90 minutes * * 1/2 The military draft has been reinstated and three friends find themselves thinking about their last thirty days before leaving somewhat differently from each other and somewhat differently than they expected. Elijah Wood is miscast here, though he gives the role his usual quality treatment. Chris Klein delivers a rather nondescript performance. Jon Bernthal plays the third of the friends and does a very nice job with his character James, who has no hesitation about what to do when he first receives his notification. His performance makes this work a look. R for language and violence.

DAYLIGHT (PG-13) 108 minutes * * * OK, if you believe that anyone could have survived the explosion in the tunnel at the beginning, I guess the rest of this is feasible... The action is fast-paced and relentless, despite the weaknesses that are sometimes evident in the story. The exhaust fan sequence is particularly notable for edge-of-the-seat tension! Nice fx work and stuntwork throughout the film, and Sylvester Stallone delivers his standard performance as the hero who saves the day. Definitely one of the good action films to see. PG-13 for violence and language.

DAYS OF GLORY (R) 119 minutes * * * They were four men who chose to fight with France in World War II. Little did they know about the personal battles they would face with the French, many of whom did not want Muslim soldiers from North Africa to be fighting alongside them. But which is the greater evil, what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goal, and what does it mean to serve together in a time of war? Intense and thoughtful production that earned an academy award nomination for best foreign film. R for violence and language.

DAYS OF THUNDER (PG-13) 104 minutes * Tom Cruise co-wrote this story about auto-racing, but that's nothing to be proud of. His character has no depth and the talents of Robert Duvall and Randy Quaid are utterly wasted. Director Tony Scott is behind the wheel, but this car has no engine. Hans Zimmer's soundtrack is nice, but this is one to stay away from unless you just have to see everything Cruise has done.

DAZED AND CONFUSED (R) 96 minutes * * * It's May 28, 1976 and school is about to be out for the summer! Wonderful slice of adolescent life in the mid-seventies, with colorful characters who leave us wanting to see more. Great work by Jason London, Rory Cochrane, Wiley Wiggins, Christina Hinajosa, Milla Jovavich, Ben Affleck, and Matthew McConaughey. There are a few editing problems, but this has captured the look and feel of the day to the tee! R for language.

DEAD AGAIN (R) 104 minutes * * * Mike Church (Kenneth Branagh) befriends a woman with amnesia only to discover that they were married in a previous life. Of course, in that previous life he killed her for having an affair... There are a couple of nice plot twists here, and Branagh turns in a good performance as well. The ending lets us down a little, but there are plenty of nice chills along the way. R for violence.

DEAD BANG (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Somewhat disappointing police-action film from director John Frankenheimer. Strong villains are important for a film like this, and while we have a hint that these might be really bad guys, we end up looking at Don Johnson too often to be sure. One might get the impression that the amount of screen time was a key passage in his contract... It gives the film a rather lopsided feeling as we don't get to hear enough about other characters, including the villains, and why they're doing what they're doing.

DEAD CALM (R) 93 minutes * * Terror on a yacht at sea as a couple pick up a stranger. The plot has huge holes in it, but the performances of Sam Neill, Nicole Kidman, and Billy Zane make up for a great deal with their sincerity. R for sex and violence.

DEAD MAN ON CAMPUS (R) 90 minutes 1/2 Josh learns a lot his freshman year at college. He takes too many classes, has a party animal for a roommate, gets involved with a girl, and his grades are about as low as they can get. The solution? Find a roommate who'll commit suicide and he can get straight A's. Dumb idea resulting in a pathetic film. Even those who enjoy bathroom humor will get bored with this story. R for language.

DEAD MAN WALKING (R) 115 minutes * * * Absorbing story of Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) who became the spiritual advisor to a man convicted of murdering two people and scheduled to receive the death penalty. More than an argument of the death penalty issue, this film gives us strong, real characters who draw us in and let us feel the story on a deeper level. Sean Penn gives us a solid performance in a film you won't forget. Directed, co-produced, and  scripted (from Sister Helen Prejean's book) by Tim Robbins. Take a look at the "thanks list" at the end of the film too... lots of actors names!

DEAD POETS SOCIETY (PG) 124 minutes * * * 1/2 The society of which the title speaks, is a small group of artistic, romantic, creative young men at a boys' school who feel that they must reach out and take hold of life, for without this effort, life is not worth living. Many years after the formation of the group, John Keating (Robin Williams) returns to his alma mater to teach. As he inspires his students with his style and wisdom, the society, which had lapsed into inactivity, reforms as an outlet for the creative energies that have once again been triggered in the minds of youth. It's a film about how the creative mind works, and it gives us a fantastic dramatic performance from Williams as well as others in the cast. Inspirational and challenging, it's a wonderful film that is well worth your time. PG for language.

THE DEAD POOL (R) 91 minutes * 1/2 Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) is back again, but the attitude that comes across the screen is not one of excitement or pleasure at making another film. Instead, the impression we receive is more one of boredom. The plot is relatively transparent and only the subplots provide us with much interest. The car chase scene with the remote control car is very entertaining, but it goes on so long that we're hard-pressed not to notice that different cars were used for different sequences. The ending of the film lets us down as well. Instead of being creative, intelligent, and slightly witty, as Callahan's character has been developed by Eastwood over the previous 17 years, it's simply gratuitous violence.

DEAD PRESIDENTS (R) 114 minutes * 1/2 Not a film about a bank robbery so much as it is about a young black man and the people he knows. The film follows them through the course of their young adulthood and into the Vietnam war. We then return with them to the Bronx as they encounter the difficulties faced by many veterans when they try to re-enter civilian life. The film has some good ideas, but the script manages to trash them all. R for language and violence.

DEAD RINGERS (R) 112 minutes * * Creepy film from director David Cronenberg about twin gynecologists and their twisted way of viewing love and togetherness. The horror here is on a thought-provoking level rather than just gross effects, though there are a few of those as well. The best part though, is the performance by Jeremy Irons of both lead roles. Adapted from the novel by Bari Wood.

DEAD SILENCE (R) 84 minutes * 1/2 When his wife is killed on the same night he receives a strange package containing a ventriloquist dummy, Jamie (Ryan Kwanten) is determined to find out what's behind it all. He uncovers a strange tale of an old woman whose name is no longer spoken, and of the dolls who were buried with her. There are some nice bits of cinematography here, and some creepy music and sound effects. Most are clearly borrowed from other recent horror films, but they still manage to create a few chills. The "dead silence" bit doesn't work very well as a gimmick though. R for violence and language.

THE DEAL (R) 104 minutes * 1/2 A major fuel crisis is underway and Tom's (Christian Slater) firm is working to broker a deal between a Russian oil cartel and a client of his company. All is not as it seems. Tom and his new associate Abbey (Selma Blair) have uncovered some secrets that could create a world of problems for a lot of people... including themselves. The plot is a bit too vague early on and then becomes far too obvious. Blair and Slater do what they can, but it just doesn't work very well. R for language and violence.

DEAR GOD (PG) 108 minutes * * Moderately entertaining comic twist version of the "Miracle on 34th Street" idea. Greg Kinnear stars, but can't really handle this by himself. Tim Conway and Hector Elizondo have supporting roles, but the story relies on Kinnear to heavily. Cameos by Tony Danza, Elvira, and Erin Moran. PG for language.

DEATH AND THE MAIDEN (R) 99 minutes * * * Very faithful adaptation of the stage play about a woman who has been tortured getting the chance to exact her revenge. Sigourney Weaver and Ben Kingsley are both great here. Stuart Wilson starts out a little weak , but by the end, he's doing a great job as well. An intriguing piece of work that will stay with you for quite awhile.

DEATH AT A FUNERAL (R) 82 minutes * * 1/2 A comedy of errors as a family comes together for a funeral and finds out more about each other (and the deceased) than they thought possible. It's slapstick with a rather macabre sense of humor, but keeps us entertained and doesn't drag on too long either. Nothing outstanding, but definitely good for more than a few laughs. R for nudity and language.

DEATH BECOMES HER (PG-13) 98 minutes * * * Madeline Ashton (Meryl Streep) is obsessed with looking young. Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn) is her arch enemy, looking young with ease. It's a satirical farce with awesome special effects that won an Oscar as the two women carry things to the extreme. Hawn and Streep both do excellent work here, and you'll probably find yourself watching this one more than once, just because it's so much fun.

DEATH OF A PRESIDENT (R) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Interesting.... while George W. Bush is still in office, there's a documentary-style film about his assassination. However, as interesting as that may be, the film itself is rather dry and "factual", with little to surprise or interest us. It's almost so realistic and believable that it's boring in spots. In one sense, that means it is well-made, but it tries so hard, and in many ways succeeds, at having no political agenda. That's the one part, and far too crucial area, where the film's believability falls short. R for violence.

DEATH PROOF (R) 110 minutes * * 1/2 He's a stunt man with a passion for killing and a sense of invincibility. But these women have had enough. Quentin Tarantino's attempt to recreate the style of 1970s car chase/exploitation films works well. What doesn't work is how the film is split into two almost separate stories that don't fit together or complement each other. It takes away some of the strength of the ending. It does look like the cast had fun making it though. Kurt Russell, Rose McGowan, Rosario Dawson, Zoe Bell, and Tarantino as well. R for violence, sex, and language.

DEATH SENTENCE (R) 100 minutes * 1/2 Nick's (Kevin Bacon) son is killed in a gang initiation, evidence against the killer is slim, and the rest of the gang is just as guilty in many ways. Nick decides to take things into his own hands, but soon discovers that being a vigilante isn't easy, especially when the ones you're going after know that you're coming. This sounds remarkably similar to "Death Wish" which shouldn't come as a surprise when you find out that it's adapted from a novel by John Garfield, who also wrote the novel... "Death Wish", which was adapted into the film, and which spawned several sequels. R for violence and language.

DEATH TO SMOOCHY (R) 102 minutes * * 1/2 Not a show for the kids, but for those who hate Barney... no, seriously... Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) is the host of the number one kids show until he's arrested for solicitation of money and his show is taken off the air. Smoochy (Edward Norton) takes his place, but Rainbow has gone off the deep end and is trying to kill Smoochy. Williams and Norton are what make this work as well as it does. The story definitely has a sense of macabre humor that makes it no surprise to see Danny DeVito as the director. He loves working on this kind of film, and it shows. It's definitely different and interesting, though it most certainly isn't what most people will want to watch. R for language and violence.

DEATH WARRANT (R) 85 minutes * Jean Claude Van Damme stars as a Royal Canadian Mountie who goes undercover in a prison to discover who is killing inmates. Gaping holes in the story do this in pretty quickly. Not that this should really surprise you... R for violence and language.

DEATH WISH 4: THE CRACKDOWN (R) 96 minutes * 1/2 Drugs are the situation around which the revenge centers this time. Typical violence and shallow characters. There are a few plot twists that help a little, but this series reached a dead end before this film began.

DEATH WISH V: THE FACE OF DEATH (R) 92 minutes 1/2 Mediocre special effects, no surprises, cardboard characters, cheap dialogue... and we still have room for a sequel? Come on, Charles Bronson must have a death wish if he thinks this can keep up any longer.

D.E.B.S. ((PG-13) 87 minutes * * They're an elite special force, recruited after scoring well on particular questions on the SAT that reveal their potential. Lightweight satire aimed at "Charlie's Angels", this doesn't have much substance, but does manage to get us to chuckle a few times. Sara Foster, Devon Aoki, Meagan Good, and Jill Ritchie are the D.E.B.S. with Jordana Brewster playing the villain. PG-13 for language and sexuality.

DECEIVED (PG-13) 105 minutes * * Considering the title of the film, it's interesting that we never doubt John Heard's guilt throughout the film. In fact, there's only the slightest hint that his character has any redeeming qualities at all. Heard and Goldie Hawn give us solid performances, but the story is too much formula and not enough surprise. PG-13 for violence.

DECEMBER BOYS (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * They are the December boys, four orphans who were all born in the month of December. The chance to spend a few weeks in a small fishing village seems like a gift from heaven. They will swim, fish, have adventures, cause a bit of trouble, and come to understand family in ways they never dreamed. Adapted from Michael Noonan's heartwarming novel, this is the story of four boys and a friendship that carries them through life. Filmed in Australia. PG-13 for sex and nudity.

DECK THE HALLS (PG) 89 minutes * 1/2 Looking for a way to be noticed, to be the best, to be original and to do something "monumental", Buddy (Danny DeVito) decides to light up his new house for the holidays. But Buddy's quest for greatness doesn't sit too well with his neighbor, Dr. Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick), who happens to be known in town for his holiday spirit. The feud begins, and of course the Christmas spirit wins out in the end. Kristin Chenoweth does do a very nice job singing "O Holy Night", but the sentimental ending can't really salvage a film that began to bore us after the first thirty minutes. PG for language and violence.

DECONSTRUCTING HARRY (R) 96 minutes * * * Woody Allen plays a writer who uses his own life experiences as source material, much like Allen himself. Well-written and more appealing than many Allen features. The cast also includes Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Kirstie Alley, Richard Benjamin, Demi Moore, Tobey Maguire, and MANY more!

THE DECOY (NR) 97 minutes * Deputy Cooper (Justin Kreinbrink) has to escort his friend to be hung for his part in killing Cooper's in-laws. But what part did he really play, and do we really care? Not even two-dimensional acting from Kreinbrink, who also wrote and directed the film. The reason for giving it a full star is that for being filmed in 16 days, the sets and props are nicely done and the costumes aren't that bad either. Filmed in Arizona.

DEEP BLUE SEA (R) 98 minutes * Aquatica is a marine research facility that is experimenting with sharks for the purpose of curing Alzheimer's disease. But they're doing genetic manipulation, and you know what happens when they start doing that, especially when a big tropical storm is on the way. The mechanical sharks and computer generated images aren't very convincing, but neither is the story or the acting. R for violence and language.

DEEP COVER (R) 103 minutes * * 1/2 Russell Stevens (Larry Fishburne) leaves Cleveland to go deep under cover in LA, working for the DEA. It's a tough game to play, because you have to watch people die and even supply drugs to be able to work your way in deep enough to get the "big fish". What's even worse is that the game can turn without warning. Stylized and a bit unbelievable at times, but the point is well-made. Once the game begins, it can't stop if you're playing for keeps. R for violence and language.

THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN (PG-13) 105 minutes * * Beth (Michelle Pfeiffer) goes to her high school reunion with her three kids in tow. But after turning her back for a few minutes, one of them is missing. Nine years go by before the boy shows up on their front step to mow the lawn. Silly and contrived story with lots of sentimentality, but not much sensibility. Pfeiffer, Treat Williams, and the rest of the cast are fine, but the story is pathetic. It won't come off too bad on video, but films like this don't look good on the big screen. PG-13 for language.

DEEP IMPACT (PG-13) 113 minutes * * * Struggling TV journalist Jenny Lerner (Tea Leoni) stumbles onto the story of a lifetime, but it isn't quite what she thinks. The world is about to be destroyed by a asteroid the size of Manhattan. Star-studded disaster flick for the 90's that features Morgan Freeman as the president, Robert Duvall as captain of the spaceship sent to destroy the asteroid, and Elijah Wood as the boy who discovered it. The first 15 minutes or so of the film does leave us feeling a little lost as the scenes are scattered among the characters, but it comes together soon enough and draws us in relatively well. The pacing is steady enough to keep us involved, without getting too sentimental or trying to convey some important message. The special effects are of a fairly good quality, though not the best. The result is a picture that is interesting and sometimes exciting to watch, which is more than many other have to offer. PG-13 for violence and language.

DEEP RISING (R) 101 minutes * 1/2 A cruise ship is about to be taken over, the wealth of its passengers to be stolen, and the ship sunk to claim the insurance money. Unless the monster from the depths of these south China seas kills everyone first. There are a few good effects here, but the creature is too quick to be believable. Famke Jannsen is interesting to watch. She has much of the same screen presence as Sandra Bullock, but she needs to land a better role than this for us to tell for sure. R for violence and language.

DEEP STAR SIX (R) 95 minutes 1/2 Less than thrilling rip-off of "Alien" that gives us 65 minutes of no action. Excuse me. There are a couple of bumps to the ship by the monster, but I really don't think that qualifies as action. What's that? It was time for character development? Then how come we didn't learn anything about them? It's mildly entertaining to watch Miguel Ferrer, but it's as if he's the only one who realizes how bad this all is and decided to just ham it up and have a little fun. Director Sean Cunningham gave us "The Last House on the Left" and the first "Friday the 13th", films that managed to show imagination and an understanding of what scares people. The only thing scary here is that you might be paying to watch it.

DEEP WATER (PG) 89 minutes * * * It was supposed to be an exciting adventure. A race around the world on yachts. Men braving the forces of nature. No one else on board. Just the water... and time. Many did not even expect Donald Crowhurst to finish. He was the last to start. Within a few weeks, he was fourth out of only four left from the original nine. But the prospect of nine months alone, and the challenges of the sea, soon lead Crowhurst to make a decision that will have dramatic results. It's a fascinating story and Crowhurst is not the only one who finds the course more life-altering than expected. PG for language.

DEFENDING YOUR LIFE (PG) 108 minutes * * 1/2 Albert Brooks' whining performance detracts a bit from this rather interesting film. It follows his character after death as he's being judged. Presents some interesting ideas for the open-minded and there are several well-done scenes, but Brooks does get on one's nerves after awhile.

DEFENSELESS (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Barbara Hershey delivers a fine performance here as an attorney who gets a bit too involved with a client who is murdered and finds herself being suspected of the crime. Interesting and well-written, though technical problems hurt this in several spots. R for violence and nudity.

DEJA VU (PG-13) 118 minutes * * * A ferry explodes, killing hundreds... a young woman is murdered and left on the river bank... they are connected, but how? ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) may be able to discover the connection thanks to an amazing new computer program that opens a window into the past. But is this just a computer program? Well-paced and interesting story with fine performances from Washington and a few others. Still, the ending waxes sentimental and doesn't fit with explanations given earlier in the film. It's a problem common to films dealing with time travel, giving us a disappointing finish to an otherwise fine film. PG-13 for violence and language.

DELIRIOUS (PG) 93 minutes * * After a knock on the head, a soap opera writer finds himself inside his own story. Nice idea, but the cast deserves a better script and a steadier hand at the helm. John Candy, Emma Sams, Mariel Hemingway, Jerry Orbach, Raymond Burr, and Robert Wagner do what they can, but this flounders more than it should.

DELIVER US FROM EVA (R) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Three guys get married to three beautiful sisters, but the fourth sister can't stop meddling in their daily lives. They guys decide to set the fourth sister up with a friend. Of course it backfires and we can see it a mile away. LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union play the mis-matched couple quite well and the ending does a nice job of being both funny and tender. R for language and sex.

DELIVER US FROM EVIL (NR) 99 minutes * * * Bold documentary that details the many sexual abuse cases involving Father Oliver O'Grady and the extent to which the Catholic church has covered up and/or ignored virtually everything about it. It's somewhat frightening, not only that a religious institution could prove itself to be this callous and uncaring, but that O'Grady, as presented here, seems to still not think that what he has done is so terrible that some people might not be able to forgive him. Sometimes saying sorry just isn't enough. It's powerful material and may be too much for some people to watch.

DELIVERANCE (R) 109 minutes * * * 1/2 James Dickey adapted his own novel to bring this chilling tale of a canoe trip that turns into a nightmare for four businessmen to the screen. This was the first film for both Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox, and they both deliver strong performances as do Jon Voigt, Burt Reynolds, and the rest.

DE-LOVELY (PG-13) 119 minutes * * * The story of Cole Porter's life is played out for Cole himself to review. It's a wonderfully theatrical style of presentation that works quite well, with a solid performance by Kevin Kline as Porter. Several new adaptations of Porter songs are included in the soundtrack. They feature the talents of Elvis Costello, Alanis Morisette, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Diana Krall and many more. Nice make-up job on Kline as well. PG-13 for language.

DELTA FARCE (PG-13) 85 minutes * 1/2 With Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, and D.J. Qualls, you can already sort of imagine where this story will go. They're deployed to Iraq, but end up in Mexico where they manage to inadvertantly become heroes to some villagers. PG-13 for language and violence.

DELTA FORCE 2 (R) 105 minutes * 1/2 Chuck Norris and his crew head to Latin America to fight a drug lord in this rather boring sequel. There are a few good action sequences, but little else to distinguish this. R for violence.

DEMOLITION MAN (R) 110 minutes * * 1/2 In the society of tomorrow, Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes) is more than the San Angeles police can deal with. So, they defrost John Spartan (Sylvester Stallone) to take care of the situation... and ger a little more than they expected. Lots of interesting props and sets, but the story isn't very well thought out and Phoenix isn't as malicious as we need him to be.

DEMON KNIGHT (R) 86 minutes * * * Good action and effects in this "Tales from the Crypt" film about the struggle between good and evil. In keeping with the spirit of the series, though more graphic, as one might expect. The character bits are well-done, being over-played by just the right amount to give us the EC comics feel.

DENNIS THE MENACE (PG) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Rather than presenting us a big screen version of the character, we have a toned down "Home Alone", with Mason Gamble a little less obnoxious than Macauley Culkin. We needed to see more of Joey (Kellen Hathaway) and Margaret to balance the film and we didn't need to have the villainous Switchblade Sam (Christopher Lloyd) at all. Written by John Hughes, who also wrote the "Home Alone" films. Surprised?

A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS (G) 80 minutes * * Somewhat strange mix of a more typical Dennis the Menace story about the trouble he gets into with his parents, Mr. Wilson, and a school bully and another version of "A Christmas Carol". Maxwell Perry Cotton does a nice job as Dennis, though the real treat is watching Robert Wagner and Louise Fletcher as the Wilsons.

THE DEPARTED (R) 145 minutes * * * Cop or criminal? It makes little difference when the gun is pointed at you. Despite both being on the Massachusetts State Police force, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon find themselves on different sides of the law as they go undercover for different organizations. Loyalties are tested along with skills as they each try to uncover the other in this police thriller from director Martin Scorsese. It's a very good film, but Damon's performance is less than what we need and Mark Wahlberg (who could have handled that role more effectively) has a small supporting role that doesn't matter much until the very end. DiCaprio does a very nice job here, and the film is definitely worth a look as another fine Scorsese film. R for violence, language and sex.

DERAILED (R) 101 minutes * * A chance encounter, an act of kindness, and somehow it turns into something more than either of them expected or anticipated. But then the world comes crashing down and it doesn't make any sense... or does it? There are a couple of nice twists here, but for the most part, it's really not that imaginative. Clive Owen does a nice job here, but has to carry a bit too much of a story that needed a bit more work. R for language and violence.

THE DESCENT (R) 94 minutes 1/2 Trapped in an unmapped cave, a group of adventurous young women discover more than they bargained for. Fairly good claustrophobic atmosphere throughout the film, but a completely senseless ending. As you might expect from a film about people being trapped in a cave with weird creatures, most of the action is in the dark and happening very quickly, making it easier to get by with less expensive special effects. You get what you pay for. R for violence and language.

DESPERADO (R) 99 minutes * * * Antonio Banderas is El Mariachi, a man with a mission to accomplish in Mexico. This big budget version of director Robert Rodriguez' earlier film "El Mariachi" is fun and has plenty of action. However, it does come up lacking in creativity and energy. If you can find "El Mariachi" somewhere and watch it, you'll see what I mean. R for violence and language.

DESPERATE HOURS (R) 101 minutes * * A brilliant criminal escapes from prison with the aid of his beautiful attorney. He holes up in a house for a few hours, waiting for his girlfriend to contact him. Of course, caring for her is his fatal flaw. Mickey Rourke does a nice job as Michael Bosworth, but Michael Cimino's direction gives us little of the intensity we need in a story of this nature. The 1955 film version of this story is much better. Anthony Hopkins, Mimi Rogers, and Kelly Lynch are also featured.

DESPERATE MEASURES (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 The measures are desperate indeed, when FBI agent Frank Conner (Andy Garcia) feels he has to bargain with killer Peter McCabe (Michael Keaton) to get bone marrow for his son. The film is paced fairly well, with action and suspense keeping the tension high throughout. Young Joseph Cross gives the best performance as Frank's son Matt. Garcia and Keaton both do alright, but it's a mystery as to why Keaton was cast here, he handles the role with a bit more humor than it should have. It's an exciting ride, but the ending is less than satisfying. R for violence and language.

DESTINY TURNS ON THE RADIO (R) 98 minutes * * Dylan McDermott escapes from jail and heads to Vegas to get his girl and his money. But Destiny, as in Johnny Destiny (Quentin Tarantino) has something else in mind. Offbeat, to say the least, but the story is little more than an outline, and loses most of us along the way. It's interesting, but we can't get enough of a handle on anything to decide whether we really like it or not.

DETENTION (R) 95 minutes * 1/2 Dolph Lundgren is a teacher who is fed up with the lack of dedication in his students and is ready to quit. The principal asks him to supervise the students in detention on his last day. It just happens to be the day that a group of murderous villains is going to use the school as a base of operations for their latest heist. The characters here are interesting, and the balance of action and humor is heavy on action and light on humor and works well. What doesn't work is that the villains can't seem to hit anything they aim at, though they seem to have an unending supply of ammunition. The low budget is the big enemy here with most of the money spent on explosive effects, most of which don't do much for the story. Filmed in Hamilton, Ontario. R for violence and language.

THE DETONATOR (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Wesley Snipes stars in this convoluted and surprisingly uninteresting action film. He's supposed to prevent the sale of a nuclear weapon, but when his cover is blown, he is switched to the mission of protecting the woman who has stolen the money that was going to be used to buy the weapon. Snipes seems bored and so are we despite a few explosive effects here and there. R for violence, language and nudity.

DETROIT ROCK CITY (R) 89 minutes * * It's 1978 and Hawk (Edward Furlong) and his friends are going to the Kiss concert in Detroit. Unless they get into some trouble before then... and on the way... and when they get there... The music selections do a wonderful job of recreating the late 70's, though there aren't really that many Kiss songs used. The problem is that the script is uneven. At times it captures the mood of the period quite well, but then it turns to utter nonsense a few lines later. The appeal lies with the cast, who manage to grow on you as the film progresses. R for language and nudity.

DEUCE BIGALOW: EUROPEAN GIGOLO (R) 78 minutes 1/2 Deuce goes to Europe to get away from some trouble, only to end up in more trouble with his friend TJ as someone is killing all the gigolos in Europe. There are some good song on the soundtrack, but that's the best part by far. R for language and sex.

DEUCE BIGALOW: MALE GIGOLO (R) 82 minutes 1/2 The two biggest problems with this film are that Rob Schneider is not a leading actor, and that it was a really dumb idea for a film like this to try and have something important to say instead of just relaxing and having fun. There are a few moments that are fun, but Schneider has to try too hard to make everything work. It's a valiant, but failed effort. And yes, Oded Fehr, who plays Antoine is the actor who did such a fine job in "The Mummy". R for language and nudity.

DEUCES WILD (R) 91 minutes * Leon's brother dies from an overdose of drugs that Marko sold him. Leon vows to keep his block drug free, but when Marko gets out of jail, that may be a little harder than he thought. Weak fight sequences make this look like a bad high school production and the unimaginative script never manages to take us anywhere. Poor direction is to blame as well. R for violence and language.

THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON (PG-13) 106 minutes * * * Fascinating biography of Daniel Johnston, a manic-depressive musician and artist. The film deals with Johnson's struggles as a musician, as an artist, and as a human being. Part genius, part child, and undiscovered by many, there's an honesty and depth to his material that has been the reason it continues to have a following. Art isn't always "pretty", and this is a wonderful look at how it has taken shape in one man's life. PG-13 for language.

THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK (NR) 83 minutes * * * Brian Steidle was given a job by the United States Marine Corps that was simply to monitor a cease-fire agreement. What he witnessed and photographed was a tragedy of human rights and a nation in the process of committing genocide against the people of Darfur. Passionate retelling of events that tries to deal simply with the facts, but can't help but bring emotion into the picture at times, simply becuase the issue is such a crisis. The title refers to the janjaweed and how they arrive to destroy village after village.

DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS (R) 97 minutes * * Adapted from Walter Mosley's novel, this film has all the looks, but not enough of the substance we need. Costumes, sets, props... all the detail is there, but the narration and acting seem to keep us at arms length the whole way through.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * Andrea (Anne Hathaway) takes a job as an assistant for fashion magazine legend Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)... who is also a major pain to work for. She catches on quickly to what needs to be done to please her boss, but is succeeding at this job worth the price? Streep delivers another delightful performance, but it's also great fun to watch Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci in their supporting roles. Hathaway is fine, but it's really the others who make this an enjoyable film. PG-13 for sex.

THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (R) 136 minutes * * 1/2 Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves) is the best prosecutor that anyone in this small Florida town has ever seen. So, it's no surprise when a big firm from New York takes interest. But things aren't what they seem to be, and Kevin finds out some interesting things about his talent, his freedom, and much more. The story gets corny and weak toward the end, but it's fairly entertaining along the way. Al Pacino gives his typical fine performance and Reeves is better than normal. The best work is by Charlize Theron as Kevin's wife Mary Ann. R for language, violence, and sex.

THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE (R) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 Haunting story of a young orphan boy who arrives at a makeshift orphanage during the final days of the Spanish Civil War only to discover that there are far more disturbing stories and secrets than he would have ever dreamed possible. He will share a mysterious and dangerous adventure with his new friends, facing fears both human and otherworldly. It's a fascinating story that is sure to stay with you long after watching it. R for violence and sex.

THE DEVIL'S OWN (R) 107 minutes * * * Frankie (Brad Pitt) is one of the IRA's best men, and now he's in Tom O'Meara's (Harrison Ford) house, trying to work a deal to buy some stinger missiles to take back home. Tom is a New York police officer of Irish descent... will he help Frankie? Fairly realistic feel to most of the film, helped along by James Horner's great soundtrack and some wonderful supporting performances. This is definitely an exciting picture that will keep your interest till the end. R for violence and language.

THE DEVIL'S REJECTS (R) 104 minutes * It's 1978 and a police raid on a farmhouse reveals the record of 75 brutal murders committed by one family. The family is known as "The Devil's Rejects". This sequel to "House of 1,000 Corpses" benefits slightly from the work of some talented character actors like Leslie Easterbrook and Mary Woronov as well as the curiosity value of having some people like Ginger Lynn Allen and P.J. Soles around. It does appear that Rob Zombie has learned a little bit about how to make a better film, but only a little bit. R for violence, language, and sex.

DIABOLIQUE (R) 103 minutes * * 1/2 Adapted from the French film "Les Diabolique", this is weaker than the original, but still a reasonably good film. Guy (Chazz Palminteri) is emotionally abusive to his young wife Mia (Isabelle Adjani). His affair with Nicole (Sharon Stone) is also characterized by abuse. Mia and Nicole decide to retaliate. Sounds simple, but there's more to this than meets the eye. Unfortunately, the twists and turns are so broadly drawn that there isn't much suspense. It's mildly fun, but you've probably seen it before. R for language, sex, and violence.

DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN (PG-13) 111 minutes * * 1/2 After eighteen years of marriage, Helen's (Kimberly Elise) husband literally kicks her out of the house... on their anniversary. After finding her inner strength and moving on, she's confronted with a choice she never thought she'd have. Crowd-pleasing story that unfortunately sacrifices the truth of the characters to please the audience. This is mostly the fault of Tyler Perry, who, while very talented, has over-extended himself here. Not only has he written, co-produced, and co-written the music, but he performs three roles. Kimberly Elise does a nice job here, and Cicely Tyson is still amazing to watch. PG-13 for language.

DICK (PG-13) 91 minutes * * * It's a lighthearted look at the Watergate affair with Dan Hedaya as Nixon and Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams as a couple of high school girls who stumble onto the nation's biggest secret. Those who lived through this part of history will undoubtedly find it more entertaining than those who didn't. And it does get a bit goofy at times. Still, the costumes, props, and soundtrack do a great job of putting you back in the 1970's, a time when the American public was just beginning to open their eyes to what was going on in the political arena. PG-13 for language.

DICK TRACY (1990)(PG) 103 minutes * * * 1/2 Stylized make-up, lots of bright colors for the sets and props, and even the dialogue, all come together to create this visual comic strip. Danny Elfman and Stephen Sondheim collaborated on the soundtrack, which is perfect for the mood of the film. The story is predictable, but the idea here wasn't really about creating an original story, it was about bringing this colerful character to the big screen. Just sit back and enjoy the ride as this takes you back to the days of the old comic strip. PG for Madonna's costumes.

DICKIE ROBERTS: FORMER CHILD STAR (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Dickie (David Spade) desperately wants to make a comeback. His days of being a childhood star are long gone, but making a comeback is no easy task. Reasonably good mix of comedy and serious message, this has some great comments to make about appreciating what you have, the importance of friends, and the understanding that what you want isn't always what you need. Full of great songs, including the delightful "Child Stars on Your Television" at the end. This also does a very nice job of including a large number of former child stars in supporting and cameo roles. PG-13 for language.

DIE ANOTHER DAY (PG-13) 127 minutes * * 1/2 Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry star in this James Bond adventure. Outrageous stunts as usual, and a fairly interesting story involving double agents, though it's not that difficult to figure out. Perhaps something a bit more complicated would have served better. The music is one of the better aspects of the film with Madonna singing the title song and getting a bit part in the film as well. John Cleese and Judi Dench return as Q and M, but we don't get to see much of them. PG-13 for violence.

DIE HARD (R) 127 minutes * * * 1/2 John McClane (Bruce Willis) is a New York City cop on his Christmas vacation. He wasn't really counting on getting locked into a building with a dozen trigger-happy robbers who have enough firepower to level several city blocks. Willis' style of humor is a perfect match for the intense action and fast pace of this film. It manages to break the tension without breaking the mood which allows our interest to remain steady. And what a great bunch of villains! The better the villain is played, the more impressive the hero can become. Of course it's a bit far-fetched at times, but the action is almost non-stop, with car chases, machine guns, explosions, helicopters, and acrobatics in elevator shafts. A great action film that's not to be missed, providing high-energy entertainment that won't be easily forgotten.

DIE HARD II: DIE HARDER (R) 116 minutes * * * 1/2 Based on Walter Wager's novel, 58 Minutes, this is a great, action- packed sequel! John McClane (Bruce Willis) is waiting for his wife to arrive at the airport when he learns of a terrorist plot. That's his cue to step into action and save the day. Exciting and energetic, with well-played villains and great effects. R for language and violence.

DIE HARD: WITH A VENGEANCE (R) 120 minutes * * * Jeremy Irons is a psychotic bomber who is out to get McClane (Bruce Willis). Though the inclusion of Samuel L. Jackson is annoying (for being yet another black/white action team) the way Jackson is worked into the story is at least one of the more inventive ways we've seen it done. Believability is not a high priority here, but action seems to take on a new meaning! A solid entry in the series that is not to be missed!

DIGGING TO CHINA (PG) 95 minutes * * * Harriet (Evan Rachel Wood) has a home life that's far from ideal, and she keeps trying to figure out a way to leave. When she meets Ricky (Kevin Bacon), she may have finally found the friend she needs to help her cope. Were it not for Wood's performance, this might end up being just another film about a child forming a friendship with a mentally challenged adult. Wood gives her character a heart and leaves us wanting more. Tim Hutton does a nice job with the direction here, especially since this is his first effort. Still, it lacks some of the polish it needs, and too many of the characters are lacking the depth they need to flesh out the film. PG for language.

DIGGSTOWN (R) 93 minutes * * A couple of con artists stage a fight in a small town between an aging boxer and ten younger men. Things get a little out of hand, as can be expected. The script holds nothing new for us, but James Woods and Lou Gossett Jr. make it watchable.

DIGIMON: THE MOVIE (PG) 81 minutes * * 1/2 Unlike Pokemon, Digimon can digevolve and increase their power. They also don't have that annoying habit of repeating their name over and over. The story here is essentially two "episodes", with the first being about a digital monster that's trying to take over the internet. It isn't destroyed, but it's progress is stopped and the second part of the story picks up at that point. Fairly good introduction to the characters, with plenty of lively animation and music. And there will undoubtedly be a sequel, for "Digimon never die, they just get reconfigured." PG for violence.

DINOSAUR (PG) 75 minutes * * * The visual effects are astounding, making it easy to believe that this is real... until the dinosaurs start talking. The story is pretty simple, revolving around the search for food and a valley that will provide sanctuary. Events do get a bit on the violent side, making this a little questionable for those under age six or so. Voices for the dinosaurs are provided by D.B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard, Joan Plowright, Della Reese, and Ossie Davis among others. It's definitely a visual treat. PG for violence.

DIRTY (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Cuba Gooding Jr. and Clifton Collins Jr. star in this gritty police drama about two tough cops on the mean streets of Los Angeles. The dirty deals and set-ups are a bit confusing at times, and it's a little hard to sympathize much with either of them, which keeps us from connecting very much with the story. R for violence and language.

DIRTY DANCING (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * Frances (Jennifer Grey) thought it would just be another summer like any other. Then she meets this dance instructor (Patrick Swayze) and everything changes. Sensual exploration of young sexuality that is also both artistic and tasteful. Kenny Ortega's choreography is mesmerizing, and Swayze and Grey work very well together, making this a classic and passionate love story.

DIRTY DANCING: HAVANA NIGHTS (PG-13) 82 minutes 1/2 Innocent young girl goes to Havana with her family and discovers the sensuality of Cuban dancing, falling for a local boy and entering a dance contest. Trite and overly simplified story that feels like it was generated by a third-rate computer program. Some of the dancing near the end is adequate and we do get to see Patrick Swayze briefly as a dance instructor, but this is pretty much a cheap and belated effort to cash in on the success of the original film. PG-13 for language and sex.

DIRTY LAUNDRY (PG-13) 107 minutes * * 1/2 Sheldon (Rockmond Dunbar) is going home. His traditional, Southern family might not be ready for how he's changed. He's not interested in keeping secrets anymore, and now that things are out in the open, maybe all of that dirty laundry can finally get cleaned. A slice of family life with a side dish of humor. Also starring Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis, and writer/director Maurice Jamal. PG-13 for language and sex.

DIRTY LOVE (R) 86 minutes BOMB Jenny McCarthy fans might enjoy this, but even some of them might find it a stretch to enjoy. McCarthy penned this herself, creating a character that whines, screams, and pouts her way through a story about losing love and then finding it again. Annoying, boring, and a waste of time. R for language and sex.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (PG) 109 minutes * * * Steve Martin plays a two-bit American con artist to Michael Caine's high-rolling European version. Martin wants to learn and Caine is willing to teach him just so he'll go away. (And also because it's a bit embarrassing to have someone THAT bad in the same profession.) One day the student decides that it's time to challenge the teacher... It's easy to draw some comparisons with Caine's earlier film "Sleuth", which also featured a challenge between masters of their game. And while this is played for laughs instead of drama and while I would not choose to compare Steve Martin with Sir Laurence Olivier, this story is fun to watch and gives us fine performances from both leading men.

A DIRTY SHAME (R) 79 minutes 1/2 Accidental concussions turn people into sex addicts. Do I really need to say anything else? The only reason this even gets half a star is that Tracey Ullman is such a talented individual, that even in a film like this, she can have some moments where her talent shines through despite the terrible script and poor excuse for a story. Go watch an old episode of the Tracey Ullman Show and you'll be far more entertained. R for sex and language.

DIRTY WORK (PG-13) 76 minutes 1/2 Bob Saget (of America's Funniest Home Videos) directs his first feature film here... with very limited success. Pathetic acting cripples the weak story of two guys who go into business pranking people. It backfires, they get into trouble, but everything works out in the end. The sole highlight of the film is Traylor Howard, who plays the girlfriend of the star. There are also a number of cameo appearances and bit parts played by comedians like Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Chevy Chase and a few others. Mindless and not very entertaining.

DISCLOSURE (R) 124 minutes * * * Tom Sanders (Michael Douglas) is on his way up... in line for promotion to a vice-presidency in the corporation. That is, until a woman from his past steps into the picture, and into the position. The story that unfolds is intriguing, keeping us involved and interested with its pacing. Ennio Morricone's music adds to the tension, but the characters are still somewhat difficult to empathize with. They are stiff and empty chess pieces that are moved around (albeit brilliantly) by the story. R for sex and language.

DISORGANIZED CRIME (R) 98 minutes 1/2 An amazing waste of talent that follows a group of untalented criminals whose leader has managed to get himself arrested before their big bank heist even starts. R for language.

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN (R) 106 minutes * * A small-time con artist, Thomas Jefferson Johnson (Eddie Murphy) decides to move into the big leagues by using his name to get the votes of the now deceased Jeff Johnson, a popular congressman. Of course, he quickly realizes that there are already many con artists in Washington and now he's trying to make the country a better place by ousting them from their offices. Needless to say, the character's change of heart is a bit hard to swallow. Yes, politics is more than a con-game. But moviemaking is more than throwing a handful of good ideas up on the screen without much direction or focus. R for language.

DISTRICT B13 (R) 80 minutes * * Plenty of acton in this film scripted by the talented Luc Besson. In particular, there are a number of elaborate chase scenes on foot. A criminal whose sister is being held by a gang and a police officer have to cooperate to defuse a bomb and rescue the girl. The story has some holes, though that may have been a result of editing. The film feels like an adrenaline rush, but sacrifices what makes sense along the way. R for violence and language.

DISTURBIA (PG-13) 99 minutes * * 1/2 House arrest isn't all that bad, until Kale's (Shia LaBeouf) mom cuts the cord on his TV. Literally. There's nothing left to do except watch the neighbors. That could prove to be very interesting. Especially since one of them might be a serial killer. No real surprises here, but solid performances from LaBeouf and the rest of the cast manage to make this a reasonably good suspense film with some appeal to adults as well as teens. PG-13 for violence and language.

DISTURBING BEHAVIOR (R) 78 minutes * 1/2 Two actors in search of a script... Katie Holmes and James Marsden do what they can with this "Stepford children" movie. The idea is nothing new, and as their friends become perfect little robots one by one, we only wonder how long it will take them to get out of town. Holmes in particular does a good job here, growing into the responsibility of her role as the film progresses, thanks to costume and make-up as well as her acting. The ending, as one might expect, ruins the film and only serves to highlight that Marsden and Holmes gave appealing and earnest performances in a film that had next to nothing in terms of script or budget. R for language and violence.

DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD (PG-13) 111 minutes * * * 1/2 Callie Khouri has done a magnificent job of bringing these characters to the screen. Her screenplay has captured the essence of the book and brought us a quartet of women and the club they formed as children that has remained a lifelong bond between them. Their lives are enriched by each other and the struggles they face, they face together. Sandra Bullock is perfectly cast as Siddalee, daughter of Vivian, and as stubborn as her mother. The sisterhood has their work cut out, but they will prevail, with a good sense of humor intact as well. There is a little awkwardness with some scene changes as we move back and forth in time, but the characters are so strong that we are carried along despite the rough spots. There isn't a bad performance in the lot. PG-13 for language.

DIVING IN (PG-13) 87 minutes * Disappointing and rather boring film set in the world of swimming. A kid who is scared of heights wants to be an olympic diver and manages to overcome his fear. Nothing original here and the music is absolutely awful. Indiana residents might be interested as swimmers from Anderson, Arsenal Tech, Carmel, Northwest, and Pike High Schools were used in the film. PG-13 for language and nudity.

D.O.A. (R) 93 minutes * * * 1/2 Remake of the film noir classic starring Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, that just oozes style. Filled with noir style camera angles and utilizing both color and black and white photography, it's an entertaining mystery to watch even if you do guess whodunit. This also poses the question, by forgetting how to appreciate life, do we die? Interesting... Filmed in Austin, Texas.

DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE (PG-13) 80 minutes * Corey Yuen's must have directed this in his sleep. Based on a video game, fighters accept a challenge to go to an island and fight for the chance to be the ultimate fighter, only to find that the person in charge has other ideas about how to use their skills. Devon Aoki and Jaime Pressly are worth noting, and there are a few good fight sequences, but nothing outstanding or surprising in the least. PG-13 for violence and nudity.

DO THE RIGHT THING (R) 113 minutes * * 1/2 Director Spike Lee takes a look at civil rights and violence in a New York neighborhood on a hot summer day. This definitely has some interesting and powerful things to say, but the message gets in the way of the story at times. It feels like a rough cut of what could have been a much stronger film. R for language and sex.

DOC HOLLYWOOD (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * Michael J. Fox is a big city doctor who finds himself doing some community service in a small town, and learning a few things in the process. Fox makes this easy to watch and the cast is full of familiar faces. A nice film that most everyone will enjoy. PG-13 for nudity and language.

THE DOCTOR (PG-13) 118 minutes * * * 1/2 A sarcastic and insensitive doctor finds that the world looks much different when you're the patient. William Hurt does an outstanding job as his character struggles to learn to live again. Adapted from the book "A Taste of My Own Medicine", and also featuring Christine Lahti, Mandy Patinkin, and Elizabeth Perkins. It's an impressive film that overcomes predictability with solid performances.

DOCTOR DETROIT (R) 95 minutes * * * A quiet and shy college professor becomes the king of the streets in this rather silly story. There are good points to be made about the hero that lies within us all, and the script is well-written. Dan Aykroyd's performance is a little over the top, but that's what he's good at doing.

DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY (PG-13) 87 minutes 1/2 LaFleur's (Vince Vaughn) gym is about to be taken over by the neighboring high-tech gym run by White Goodman (Ben Stiller). The winner of a dodgeball game will take all. Vaughn and Christine Taylor somehow manage to come off reasonably well here, but the sexist, violent humor grows old and boring very quickly. PG-13 for language, violence, and sex.

A DOG OF FLANDERS (1999) (PG) 96 minutes * * Remake of the classic story of a young boy who dreams of being an artist, but as an orphan, faces innumerable odds against achieving his goal. It's a great story, but the younger actors struggle with the material and the pace is jerky. It looks like pieces were cut out in an attempt to speed the story along rather than letting it flow naturally. Filmed in Belgium. PG for violence.

DOGFIGHT (R) 92 minutes * * * A challenge to bring the ugliest date to a party by a group of marines on their way to Vietnam finds Lili Taylor in the company of River Phoenix. Wonderful character study with heartfelt performances and an awesome script. A good deal of thought went into the songs chosen for the soundtrack as well.

DOGMA (R) 122 minutes * * Jay and Silent Bob are back! This time they are prophets coming to the aid of Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) as she attempts to prevent two angels from reentering heaven (Matt Damon and Ben Affleck). Director Kevin Smith pokes fun at his Catholic background and stretches things a bit too far for some, but it's all in the name of fun... and perhaps making you think just a bit. The cast is wonderful, also featuring Jason Lee, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Alan Rickman, and several others. It does get a bit pretentious at times though, and it looks like Smith didn't think things through very well in a few spots. Otherwise, it's a fun romp with Jay and Silent Bob through the world of religious beliefs. R for violence and language.

DOLORES CLAIBORNE (R) 127 minutes * * * Kathy Bates does an outstanding job as a woman accused of killing her employer and friend. When her daughter returns and they begin to talk, we slowly discover the real story of their estrangement, and what part Dolores' husband and her employer have played in her life over the years. Incredible characters (thanks to Stephen King), well-portrayed by all. Danny Elfman's music works well to move us through the story and the scenery (in Nova Scotia) is striking.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE (PG-13) 81 minutes * 1/2 Frank's (John Travolta) ex-wife is about to get married to one of the nicest guys in town. Of course, he hasn't been around all that long and there could be a dark side that no one but Frank and his son are able to see... There are a few scenes with reasonably good suspense, and Vince Vaughn is definitely creepy, but it's pretty much the same old story as Vaughn continues to have a harder time looking innocent as his past begins to resurface. And the ending is simply ridiculous. PG-13 for violence and language.

DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST (R) 112 minutes * 1/2 Somewhere between "Exorcist: The Beginning" and "The Exorcist", comes this part of the story. He witnesses the atrocities of World War II and abandons the priesthood, but later finds he must recommit himself to his faith to fight the evil that will continue to be his nemesis for years to come. Unfortunately, this falls prey to the same problem that plagues so many other sequels that feel a need to explain the backstory... it's boring. There is some nice atmospheric music from Trevor Rabin and Angelo Badalamenti, but that's about it. R for violence.

DOMINO (R) 119 minutes * * 1/2 A portion of the life story of Domino Harvey, a model turned bounty hunter. Definitely an unusual story, and Keira Knightley does a reasonably good job in the lead role. In fact, the acting is reasonably good all around, it's director Tony Scott's choice of film style that undercuts the film. Choosing a sort of grunge music video style that uses lots of short cuts, strange angles, and often jerky camera shots, it doesn't really seem to serve a purpose. The narration is a bit much as well. Still, we do get a glimpse of the bounty hunter life as she and the others get involved in a job that goes wrong. The real Domino died shortly before the film was released. R for violence, language, and sex.

DON JUAN DEMARCO (PG-13) 92 minutes * * * Marlon Brando and Johnny Depp, a therapist and his patient. Brando wants to retire and Depp thinks he's the world's greatest lover. A charming story that captures us from the beginning, thanks to strong performances from Brando and Depp. What is sacred? What is the spirit made for? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for? These are the four questions of life. The answer? Watch the movie!

DONNIE BRASCO (R) 122 minutes * * 1/2 Johnny Depp is FBI special agent Joseph Pistone, who goes undercover in the mafia and gets a few surprises. The story wanders around a bit too much, making this feel uneven as we move from intense scenes to segments that don't seem to have much importance. Al Pacino and Michael Madsen give fine performances, but the real star here is Anne Heche, in the supporting role of Pistone's wife Maggie. R for language and violence.

DON'T BE A MENACE TO SOUTH CENTRAL WHILE DRINKING YOUR JUICE IN THE HOOD (R) 84 minutes 1/2 Parody of all the hood movies that have been made, and typical of the genre, it's only funny on a sporadic basis. Stringing two-minute skits together doesn't make a movie. Fans of the Wayans family might be interested, but that's about it.

DON'T MOVE (NR) 116 minutes * * * Timoteo (Sergio Castellitto) and Italia (Penelope Cruz) are an unlikely couple to say the least. But their attraction is strong, and provides both of them with something they seem not to be able to find elsewhere. All of the bits and pieces, various memories and bits of memories are running through his mind as he waits to find out the prognosis of his daughter who was in an accident. Excellent performances from the leads, though the flow of the story is a bit uneven. Not rated, but rather intense sexuality and violence in some spots.

DON'T SAY A WORD (R) 109 minutes * * * Though the actual premise here is a bit unusual, the manner in which it is played works very well. The idea is that a psychiatrist's daughter will be kidnapped to give him the incentive to retrieve the location of a jewel from the mind of a young girl who is mentally traumatized. The plot has some nice twists and turns along the way and Michael Douglas and Brittany Murphy both do a very good job. It's not a particularly unique story, but the script, acting, and direction keep it suspenseful and interesting. R for language and violence.

DON'T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER'S DEAD (PG-13) 101 minutes * 1/2 Christina Applegate's first major motion picture is an unfunny comedy about a babysitter dying and leaving the kids to fend for themselves. Those interested in trivia might notice the song by Spinal Tap in the soundtrack.

DOOGAL (G) 69 minutes * * Doogal and his friends must find three diamonds before Zeebad does. Otherwise his other friends may remain frozen inside a carousel forever. OK fare for the 5-7 age crowd, with lots of bright colors and bouncy characters. Adults may fall asleep here though. Despite the vocal talents of Chevy Chase, Whoopi Goldberg, Ian McKellan, Judi Dench, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, and William H. Macy, this manages to be less than might be expected.

DOOM (R) 96 minutes * 1/2 The Rock leads a team of mercenary marines in a fight against mutant monsters in this big-screen adaptation of the video game. It's pretty much what you'd figure, lots of guns and shooting, chasing monsters down hallways and having them appear behind people when least expected. The special effects are fairly good, the acting is... well... less than fair. For all the back story that so many video games have, they just don't usually make good movies. Fans of The Rock won't be too disappointed, but otherwise, you might want to pick something with a bit more substance. R for violence and language.

THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR (R) 108 minutes * * Strange story of a children's book author (Jeff Bridges) who also paints nudes and his wife (Kim Basinger) as they cope with the death of their two sons. It not only breaks apart their marriage but spins both of them into separate struggles from which they don't appear to be able to work through. Much of the story is played off of a young intern who works for Ted (Bridges) while becoming Marion's (Basinger) lover. There are a few moments of wonderfully played drama, but much of it doesn't seem to know what direction its going. R for sex and language.

THE DOORS (R) 135 minutes * * 1/2 Director Oliver Stone's chronicle of the life and times of the rock group, The Doors, and their lead singer, Jim Morrison. The first part of the film is a bit uneven, though it fits with the style of filming that Stone uses. It's the latter part of the film, which comes off more polished, that is actually less satisfying. The Doors were born out of the 1960's drug culture. Characterized by a brazen attitude, a defiance of authority, and a freedom from structure, the band was shaped by that culture and by its fans. Stone claims to present an accurate historical picture, but we see a romanticized version. It does deal with Morrison's involvement in drugs, alcohol, sex, witchcraft and so on. But it paints a picture of an talented young poet and musician who was abused by the media and misunderstood by his friends and associates that we just never buy as very accurate. These are two pieces of the whole picture to be sure, but far from the whole truth. R for sex, nudity, language, and violence.

DOUBLE DRAGON (PG-13) 88 minutes * 1/2 Somewhere between the Power Rangers and Mortal Kombat... but falling short in both effects and story. It's 2007 in New Angeles and two brothers are fighting an evil billionaire for the pieces to a mystical medallion. Play the game, skip the movie.

DOUBLE IMPACT (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Jean-Claude Van Damme plays twins in this action film. The story works pretty well here, though Van Damme's acting is still pretty much the same as in the rest of his films. R for violence and language.

DOUBLE JEOPARDY (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 All seems perfect with the world. Libby's husband just bought her a sailboat and they take it out for a romantic cruise. But then he turns up missing and she's covered in blood... Convicted of his murder, she suspects that something else is going on and discovers that she can't be convicted for the same murder twice. It's a formula story, but Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones make it easy to watch. Nothing outstanding, but it will look really nice on video. R for violence and language.

DOUBLE TAKE (PG-13) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Daryl (Orlando Jones) is just doing his job until he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a bad bank deal involving money laundering, Mexico, the CIA, FBI, and Freddy Tiffany (Eddie Griffin). The action and intrigue aren't too bad here, but you have to get past Griffin's rather abrasive comedy. Too much is made of Jones and Griffin and not enough of the story. The result gives us a comedy/action film that doesn't really stand out from the rest. PG-13 for language and violence.

DOUBLE TEAM (R) 88 minutes * 1/2 Jean Claude Van Damme is back again, with another very mediocre film. This time out he's teamed up with Dennis Rodman, who can't act his way out of a wet paper bag. Too many of the players in this story of spies and double agents are hard to figure out and we quickly move to a point where we don't really care. Fight scenes are kept to a minimum and we are simply treated to a variety of explosions instead. R for violence and language.

DOUG'S 1ST MOVIE (G) 70 minutes * * 1/2 Doug and his friends find and make friends with the monster from Lucky Duck Lake. Now they have to let people know the truth about the pollution in the lake. Very family oriented cartoon that is well-suited for the "under 8" crowd. Nothing spectacular as far as animation, but a wholesome story.

DOWN IN THE DELTA (PG-13) 112 minutes * * * Things haven't been going to well for Loretta (Alfre Woodard), and the idea of going down to Mississippi to spend time with some relatives has as many drawbacks as it does benefits, but she goes anyway. It's a film about family and about history, about finding out who you are and who you want to be. Woodard gives a nice performance, as do Al Freeman Jr. and Esther Rolle. It runs a bit long, but the cast is appealing enough that we want to keep watching. Filmed in Toronto, Canada. PG-13 for language and violence.

DOWN PERISCOPE (PG-13) 87 minutes * * It may be the age of nuclear submarines, but Lt. Commander Dodge (Kelsey Grammer) is about to take a diesel submarine into war games. Full of great comic bits by several of the supporting cast, but there really isn't much substance to the film. Lightweight fun with just enough language thrown in to get the PG-13 rating.

DOWN TO EARTH (PG-13) 81 minutes * 1/2 Sadly rehashed version of "Heaven Can Wait" has Chris Rock as a man taken before his time. Having his character be a stand up comedian who has to temporarily use the body of an older white man and still try to do his old routine in the clubs is in poor taste and requires little of Rock. Why bother with the story if you just want to hear his routine? The ending is cute, but Rock's fans deserve better than this. PG-13 for language.

DOWN TO YOU (PG-13) 86 minutes * * Cute little film about that special first love, with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Julia Stiles. Their performances make this easy to watch, but there isn't much substance. I don't usually care for narration in films like this, but it works well here and the editing is nicely done as well. PG-13 for language.

DOWN WITH LOVE (PG-13) 94 minutes * * She's written a book about how women need to stop loving so they can be as successful as men. He's the "ladies man, man's man, man about town" and when they meet... Campy, romantic fun, though it's definitely a bit contrived most of the time. Set in the 1960s, this does a good job of creating that atmosphere except for the sexual undertones that get a bit stronger than necessary. The script is sharp and witty though and the sets, costumes, and props really help set the mood. Ewan MacGregor and Reneee Zellweger do their own singing here too. PG-13 for language.

DOWNTOWN (R) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Everything has been working well for Detective Dennis Curren (Forest Whitaker) until he stops an important businessman one day. It was a man who didn't appreciate being stopped and now Curren is working downtown instead of at the rich suburb station. Some people think he won't be able to make it, but they're in for a surprise. The story is quite good and there are some great performances in supporting roles. If anything, the story is actually overly ambitious in how much ground it covers. The car chase scenes are a little weak, but the villains are quite nasty, which is essential if we're to have a story for our heroes to work with.

DR. DOLITTLE (PG-13) 78 minutes * * Mercifully short and non-musical version of the Hugh Lofting stories that stars Eddie Murphy as the man who has a rather unique ability. It's a moderately entertaining film with a message that reminds us to "be who you are". The best parts of the film are the voices of the various animals, provided by a variety of actors and comedians and actors that include Ellen DeGeneris, Cybil Shepherd, Chris Rock, Gary Shandling, Gilbert Gottfried, Albert Brooks, and Julie Kavner. PG-13 for language.

DR. DOLITTLE 2 (PG) 81 minutes * * Dolittle is called upon to save a forest. Can he convince a circus bear to live in the woods and be a father, thus putting an endangered species in the forest so the federal government can protect the land? He IS the doctor! Moderately cute sequel. Mostly fluff, but it's fun to watch. PG for language.

DR. DOLITTLE 3 (PG) 90 minutes * * Another fluff sequel, this one straight to video and without Eddie Murphy. His daughter Maya (Kyla Pratt) is the star here, but her ability to communicate with animals like her father is creating problems at school, so her mother sends her off to a ranch for the summer. Of course the ranch is in financial trouble and Maya's ability to talk to the animals will prove essential in saving it. Mildly cute and fun. PG for language.

DR. GIGGLES (R) 92 minutes BOMB Lunatic doctor's son escapes from an asylum and returns home to begin a killing spree. Cheap film with transparent story, horrible acting, and little else.

DR. JEKYLL AND MS. HYDE (PG-13) 86 minutes * * This verson of the classic story has TV show "Wings" star Tim Daly transforming into Sean Young.... it's lightweight fun, that is mercifully short. The special effects are fine, but you can't help but think that this could've been handled in even less time. A rather mindless film to watch, so make sure you have coupons to sort, a jigsaw puzzle to do, or junk mail to go through while you watch it. PG-13 for language.

DR. T & THE WOMEN (R) 116 minutes * Dr. Travis (Richard Gere) loves his wife too much and she's having a mental breakdown due to this excessive love... In his frustration with how to deal with this situation, he finds comfort in the arms of a new golf instructor. Far from being the typical Robert Altman film, this seems little more than a venue to play Richard Gere off of several female characters. Most Altman films are characterized by a freshness and depth of character that are missing here. The cast of females is impressive, but they're given little to do and that's a real shame. Helen Hunt, Shelley Long, Farah Fawcett, Laura Dern, Kate Hudson, and Liv Tyler. The ending does add some interest, but most people will have a hard time waiting to get there. R for language and nudity.

DRACULA: DEAD AND LOVING IT (PG-13) 85 minutes * Slow going though this parody of Dracula films starring Leslie Nielsen. Mel Brooks stretches himself way too thin once again, by directing, producing, acting, and co-authoring the screenplay. He used to be able to handle working on so many different aspects of a film, but a box-office hit hasn't come his way in a long time.

DRACULA 2000 (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 A group of rather idiotic and greedy young people who work for Abraham VanHelsing (Christopher Plummer) break into a vault and release Dracula from his sealed crypt. There are some nice touches here and there, though most of the effects are noticeably low-budget. The worst comes toward the end, as the "true" identity of Dracula is revealed. R for violence, language, and nudity.

DRAGNET (PG-13) 110 minutes * 1/2 Overlong and comic treatment of the classic television series. Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd try hard, but the script, which Aykroyd co-wrote, just isn't that funny. Perhaps as a short skit it might have worked...

DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY (PG-13) 115 minutes * * 1/2 Jason Scott Lee stars as the legendary Bruce Lee in this reasonably good bio-pic that emphasizes not the way in which he died, but the way in which the man lived. Dedicated to his art, but a man with a great sense of humor and a well-rounded life outside the world of martial arts. PG-13 for violence.

DRAGONFLY (PG-13) 98 minutes * * Joe's (Kevin Costner) wife dies and he has always believed that death is the end of life. It seems that he might have been mistaken. Perhaps there is something else and his wife is trying to reach him... or is it only that he imagines it? The story here loses much of its strength as it wavers between the supernatural and the scientific, between hope and cynicism. John Debney's music does a nice job of setting the mood throughout the film. By the time we get to the end, the story is a little bit on the sentimental side and tries too hard to wrap things up in a nice package for us to answer all of our questions. Some questions are better left unanswered. Filmed in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Kauai. PG-13 for language.

DRAGONHEART (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 The story here is a bit dreary and long-winded, with far too much dialogue to keep the pace as exciting as it should be. Dennis Quaid and Drago (whose appearance was even modeled after that of Sean Connery, who provides the voice) are entertaining. The special effects for Drago are amazing, especially when Drago swims just beneath the surface of the lake. But this lacks the epic feeling of other sword and sorcery films and leaves us with a few moments of entertainment rather than a whole story we will remember. PG-13 for language and violence.

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM (PG-13) 108 minutes * 1/2 Coleman Ettinger (Jason Robards) loves to experiment with reality. He feels that dreams offer us clues to the possibility of eternal existence. His wife Gena (Piper Laurie), tolerates what she feels are eccentric ideas because she is devoted to her husband. Thanks to a bicycle accident (don't even ask) Coleman and Gena find themselves switched with two much younger people. The film is very poorly edited and the already tired story is sabotaged with a sappy ending that makes us wonder why they even bothered.

THE DREAM TEAM (PG-13) 107 minutes * * Michael Keaton, Christopher Lloyd, Peter Boyle, and Stephen Furst are four mental hospital patients who get separated from their doctor while on a field trip, only to discover that there are some pretty crazy people who live on the outside. Lightweight and mildly entertaining thanks to the cast, but they really deserved a better script than this.

DREAMCATCHER (R) 136 minutes * * * Nicely adapted screenplay (by William Goldman and director Laurence Kasdan) of Stephen King's rather creepy alien body-snatcher story. It's a great story, but much like the book, it takes awhile to figure out what's going on. By the time you do figure it out (about halfway through for most people), there aren't any surprises left. There are some nice effects, and James Newton Howard gives us a very different soundtrack that is quite effective in creating the mood. Filmed in British Columbia. R for violence and language.

DREAMER (PG-13) 99 minutes * * * One bad break after anothr for Ben Crane (Kurt Russell), but he's a great horseman, and Sonador is a great race horse. When racing is in your blood, it's what you do. Great family film with all the magic of dreaming and the hard work it takes to help make them come true. Sentimental and predictable to be sure, but still nicely done with yet another strong performance from Dakota Fanning. Also starring Kris Kristofferson, Elisabeth Shue, David Morse, and Oded Fehr. PG-13 for language and violence.

DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * Film adaptation of the Broadway musical about the difficulties encountered by three African-American female singers trying to succeed in the music business. Despite their phenomenal talents, it will take dedication, sacrifice, and more than a little luck. Good performances throughout, though the best by far is from newcomer Jennifer Hudson. The real star is the soundtrack, including new material not in the Broadway version, but very well-suited to the show. PG-13 for language and sex.

DREAMLAND (PG-13) 85 minutes * * * While Audrey (Agnes Bruckner) dreams of leaving the trailer park she calls home, she also feels like she is needed there. Her father is trapped in the past and used alcohol to sooth his sense of loss. Her best friend Calista (Kelli Garner) has dreams of being Miss America, despite how unattainable that is for her. Mookie's (Justin Long) arrival throws things just enough out of balance that Audrey realizes that she must make a choice. It's a gentle, quiet film, with a slow and easy pace, fine performances by the cast, and a script by Tom Willett that creates characters we care about. That's no small task. PG-13 for language and sex.

THE DREAMLIFE OF ANGELS (R) 113 minutes * * * 1/2 Two women with almost nothing in common meet at a clothing factory and end up sharing living quarters. It's an incredible character study as we watch them interact. And it's also tragic, as hope and despair meet and mingle in this dramatic French film. Elodie Bouchez and Natacha Regnier shared a best actress award for their performances.

DRIVE ME CRAZY (PG-13) 86 minutes * * The big 100 year celebration for their high school is just around the corner, but Nicole (Melissa Joan Hart) and Chase (Adrian Grenier) are both having relationship problems. They decide to hook up for the dance and get back at their former partners. Of course, what begins as retaliation soon becomes a lesson in the give and take of relationships. The film relies heavily on Hart, but she has an easy-going style that is pleasant enough. Keri Lynn Pratt is the one to watch though. Her small part as Dee Vine, is quite impressive. Filmed in Utah. PG-13 for language.

DRIVEN (PG-13) 108 minutes * * Jimmy Bly (Kip Pardue) is the hottest new driver on the Grand Prix circuit, but he's already starting to show signs of cracking under the stress. Enter Joe Tanto (Sylvester Stallone), an old pro who is brought in to be a mentor. You see, winning isn't just coming in first in a race, it's an attitude that you have about life. There are some nice racing sequences and some great music for the soundtrack. The accidents are a bit too spectacular and the computer generated effects almost comical at times. Some of that won't look so bad when this is on video, but the two-dimensional characters still won't look better. Ten minutes worth of trimming and this would've looked alot better. PG-13 for violence and language.

DRIVING LESSONS (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * Coming-of-age story featuring Rupert Grint as Ben, a boy struggling to break away from a domineering and over-protective mother and not be like his own father, who seems to be so docile and accepting. Dame Evie (Julie Walters) is just what he needs... an outspoken, eccentric, who knows the importance of living life to its fullest. The quirkier aspects of the story remind us of "Harold and Maude", but this is more low-key and gentle. Nice work by both Grint and Walters. PG-13 for language and sex.

DRIVING MISS DAISY (PG) 95 minutes * * * * This is a story of independence, aging, the South, class differences, and the unbreakable bond of friendship. Jessica Tandy is sheer perfection as Miss Daisy, and Morgan Freeman brings to the screen the role he played so well on Broadway. Dan Aykroyd delivers one of his best performances as well. Adapted for the screen by Alfred Uhry from his play, this filmed version fills out the story quite nicely, giving us some extra material to add depth to the characters.

DROP DEAD FRED (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Phoebe Cates gets revisited by her childhood imaginary friend as things get a bit stressed in her life. Those who had imaginary friends will find this much more entertaining than those who didn't. And we should have heard a rendition of "Puff the Magic Dragon" in the soundtrack. Somebody slipped up on that one.

DROP ZONE (R) 97 minutes * * * Stretching believability as do most action/thrillers, this one features Wesley Snipes as he learns parachuting skills to help solve the case he's working on. Yancy Butler is his teacher, doing an outstanding job of teaching him the ups and downs of the trade. Packed with action and plenty of stuntwork, as is typical of a film directed by John Badham, this is worth a look despite the somewhat weak plot. R for violence and language.

DROWNING MONA (PG-13) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Set in Verplanck, NY, where the Yugo automobile was tested, which explains why everyone in the cast is driving one, and perhaps why the story is a little unusual. When Mona (Bette Midler) drives her son's Yugo off a cliff, quite a few people feel guilty... because no one's really sad that she's gone. Plenty of fun characters to watch here, but the mystery and its solution become a bit burdensome as the film goes along. PG-13 for language, violence, and sex.

DRUGSTORE COWBOY (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch star in the story of a group of drug addicts, led by Dillon, who rob drugstores to support their drug habits. It's moody and intriguing, and doesn't use the usual approach to this topic, instead choosing to just show us who these people really are. "Most people don't know how they're going to feel from one minute to the next. All the drug addict has to do is read the labels." (Dillon)

DRUMLINE (PG-13) 112 minutes * 1/2 It's Atlanta A & T marching band training and a brand new crop of freshmen have just arrived. Devon (Nick Cannon) is extrememly talented, but his attitude is covering up a weakness that will soon be uncovered. Acting, direction, and script are all in need of some help here, but the music is solid and the last fifteen minutes of the film feature a very nice drumline challenge. PG-13 for language.

A DRY WHITE SEASON (R) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 It's like a dance. You go forward and backward, but to make progress, you have to keep dancing. Benjamin (Donald Sutherland) finds himself learning in this process. Learning just how oppresive the white people have been to the people of South Africa. The story itself is dry at times, but it's an image that fits, especially in a culture that is used to looking at the larger picture. Sutherland and Marlon Brando are particularly worth watching here, but it's a quality production on every level.

DUCK TALES: THE MOVIE-TREASURE OF THE LOST LAMP (G) 69 minutes * * 1/2 Moderately entertaining cartoon that kids will probably enjoy but not necessarily want to watch repeatedly. Typical Saturday morning fare rather than anything all that elaborate. It does provide a chance for Donald Duck's family to get some big screen time, which they don't seem to get much of anymore.

DUDE, WHERE'S MY CAR? (PG-13) 78 minutes 1/2 Two guys who live in a perpetual state of stupor, try to remember what happened the night before so they can find their car. Among other things, it will end up involving a briefcase full of money and a continuum transfunctioner. Uh huh... and what else would you expect from a movie with a title like this? PG-13 for language.

DUDLEY DO-RIGHT (PG) 70 minutes * * Made by the same team that gave us "George of the Jungle", and in much the same vein. The story is fairly creative and gives Dudley a chance to be the bad guy for a little bit as he attempts to enveil Snidley's evil plot. Brendan Fraser does a great job with this kind of character and Alfred Molina does a good job too. The production values and direction are a bit sloppy, but most kids won't notice that too much, and that's who this is intended for. PG for violence.

DUETS (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 It's a film of vignettes which slowly tie together as unlikely couples are united on their way to a national karaoke contest. This isn't really about the contest though, it's about people. The karaoke singing serves as an interesting venue to play the issues of life, love, friendship, and family. This has the feel of a Robert Altman film, but it's Bruce Paltrow at the helm. Gwyneth Paltrow's performance is shaky early in the film and her father being the director may be partly to blame. What really hurts though, is the script. Too many cliches and stilted dialogue that are hard for the characters to work through. Still, it's an interesting film and I found myself smiling a good deal of the time while watching it. R for language and violence.

THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (PG-13) 99 minutes * Let me just say from the start that the one star that this film does manage to get is for the stuntwork. Seannn William Scott either never saw an episode of the original TV show, or just didn't get it. Johnny Knoxville is a little better, though he plays the role a bit too much like a simpleton. Thankfully, Jessica Simpson, who couldn't act her way out of a wet paper bag, has very few lines and not really that much screen time. Most everyone seems to be wandering around wondering why they signed on to do this film, including the narrator, who seems bored to death with the lines he's reading. PG-13 for language and violence.

DUMA (PG) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Boy raises orphaned cheetah cub that must eventually be released to the wild. Typical coming of age story with beautiful nature photography. As Xan (the boy) says, "I was taking Duma home, but he took me somewhere too." Adapted from the book, "How It Was With Dooms". PG for violence.

DUMB AND DUMBER (PG-13) 101 minutes 1/2 Has there ever been a more appropriately titled film? Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star in a film that's only funny when you're with a bunch of friends and you've all had no sleep for two days. There are some great songs on the soundtrack, but the film is not worth wasting time on.

DUMB AND DUMBERER (PG-13) 79 minutes 1/2 Just when you thought things couldn't get any dumber... there are a few chuckles here and there, though they are also usually accompanied by groans. Basically, this is only of interest to fans of the first film, but even those will still prefer the first film where they have the opportunity to enjoy Jim Carrey's facial expressions. PG-13 for language.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (PG-13) 101 minutes * * The role-playing game becomes a film, but with less than the hoped for results. The special effects are top-notch, but there is almost no story. Perhaps the intent was for us to already know the game in depth... It's also too bad that more time wasn't spent on these characters. They are very interesting, but we don't get to see much in the way of background or motivation. The comedy is misplaced as well. An adventure story like this has little need for more than a few touches of more subtle humor. Filmed in the Czech Republic. PG-13 for violence.

DUNSTON CHECKS IN (PG) 83 minutes * 1/2 Dunston is an orangutan who has been trained as a thief, but prefers his new friends (children) to his master, thus causing trouble for everyone. Mildly entertaining fluff, mostly thanks to the antics of the orangutan. Otherwise, it's a real waste of the talents of Faye Dunaway, Paul Reubens, and young Eric Lloyd.

DUPLEX (PG-13) 82 minutes * 1/2 Alex (Ben Stiller) and Nancy (Drew Barrymore) have just bought a beautiful, historic duplex for a very reasonable price... because it comes with a "sweet" little old lady who is driving them crazy! Everything that can go wrong does, but we've seen it all before. There are a few chuckles, but we expect more from the mind of Danny DeVito. PG-13 for language.

DUTCH (PG-13) 102 minutes * * Doyle Standish (Ethan Randall) is the ultimate in spoiled rich kids. But Dutch (Ed O'Neill) is going to change all that during Christmas vacation. John Hughes wrote the script for this, but it has a disjointed feeling to it. There are a number of great scenes, but they just don't flow well. This could have been a great film about the importance of keeping in touch with your inner child, but it falls short of that mark due to poor direction. PG-13 for language.

THE DYING GAUL (R) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Robert (Peter Sarsgaard) has written a brilliant screenplay that Jeffrey (Campbell Scott) wants to produce. The catch is that he wants the lovers in the story to be heterosexual instead of gay as that will sell better. It has nothing to do with his own personal interests, since he finds Robert rather attractive. So does his wife Elaine (Patricia Clarkson). Robert is rapidly drawn into a twisted world of lies and betrayal. Despite strong characters, first-time director Craig Lucas struggles with presenting them effectively on the screen. The performances are all very good, but this reads better than it plays on the screen. R for sex and language.

DYING YOUNG (R) 107 minutes * * * Campbell Scott is very convincing as Victor, a young man with leukemia who just wants to be able to live life, enjoy things outside his rich father's home, and feel that special kind of love. Julia Roberts has her moments here, but her performance is uneven. Director Joel Schumacher works the camera well to express moods and ideas to the audience and the film does a fine job of being the tearjerker one might expect from a film with this title. R for language and sex.