E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (PG) 115 minutes * * * * Director Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece of childhood adventure as young Henry Thomas makes contact with a small alien that has been stranded on Earth. John Williams score won an Oscar, as did the sound and visual effects, but what we remember most are the heartwarming moments of contact and communication between the children and a trusting alien. A modern classic that the studios never thought would last more than a couple of weeks at the theaters. Instead, “E.T. phone home” became a well-known quote, and the sales of Reeses Pieces reached new heights.
EAGLE EYE (PG-13) 111 minutes * * Jarry (Shia LaBeouf) and Rachel (Michelle Monaghan) have been "activated". But by who, and for what? Their mission begins and their every move is tracked to make sure they are coorperating. Logic and feasibility are not really part of the story here, and when we discover what is going on, it's rather silly and reminds us a bit too much of "WarGames". Le Beouf and Monaghan do their best, but the story just doesn't have enough to offer. PG-13 for violence and language.
EAGLE VS. SHARK (R) 85 minutes * * * A quirky and sweet love story. Lily (Loren Horsley) has a crush on Jarrod (Jemaine Clement). Their awkwardness at relationships is well-matched, though when she meets Jarrod's family, we discover that Jarrod comes by his eccentric behavior honestly. The innocence and charm of Lily and Jarrod shine through the more unusual aspects of the other characters. If you want a love story with characters who are a bit on the unique side, this is the film for you. R for language, violence, and sex.
EARTH (G) 86 minutes * * * The "Planet Earth" documentary television series was so successful that they decided to cut a feature film out, focusing on the stories of polar bears, whales, and elephants. The photography is beautiful and the music is majestic. As the narrator reminds us, "Yes, it's full of harsh realities, but sometimes it's just paradise."
EARTHQUAKE (PG) 129 minutes * * 1/2 Not really one of the better disaster pics of te 70's, but well-known and worth a look. Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, and George Kennedy head a stellar cast in this predictable film. Despite being so derivative, the film managed to win an Oscar for sound, a special achievement award for special effects, and citations for the development of “sensesurround”. With all the disaster films that are out there these days, it’s worth noting that some of these classics of the 70's set the tone for what we see today. So, buckle that safety belt on your recliner and get set to shake with “Earthquake”!
EARTHSTORM (PG) 87 minutes 1/2 The moon is splitting apart and a demolitions expert is hired to go fix it and save the planet... are we really supposed to take this seriously? I'm sure that NASA would love to have a space shuttle with the kind of maneuverability that this one does. Clearly, not one of the better disaster films out there. PG for violence and language.
EASTERN PROMISES (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Anna (Naomi Watts) has discovered something about a baby she helped bring into the world. What she knows is putting her life at risk, but it's making her even more determined that she must see that the truth is told. Nikolai (Viggo Mortensen) is supposed to stop her. But he has a secret of his own. Fairly intense story, but a bit hard to follow at times. It's as if the pieces of the story that might have helped make it more complete were removed. Then again, the extra story might have made it too tedious... R for violence, sex, and language.
EASY VIRTUE (PG-13) 91 minutes * * Going home to meet John's (Ben Barnes) parents was never supposed to last this long. And to make matters worse, Larita's (Jessica Biel) new mother in law (Kristin Scott Thomas) definitely doesn't approve of her, considering her a woman of easy virtue, and clearly not up to British standards. Adapted from the play by Noel Coward, with wonderful bits of understated humor as well as the more obvious ones. Thomas and Colin Firth are fine here, but Barnes is out of his depth and Biel doesn't fit, even as an out-of-place American. PG-13 for sex.
ED (PG) 88 minutes 1/2 Aside from the few cute scenes watching Doren Fein (as Liz) play with the ape, this story of a baseball playing monkey is a real waste. Billed as an animal comedy film for kids, this isn't funny, doesn't appeal to kids, and doesn't really have an animal as the star, though the ape mask is fairly well-made.
EDDIE (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Whoopi Goldberg is what makes this film bearable and somewhat entertaining. Her antics as a basketball fan who ends up becoming the coach of the team give us a few moments of fun. The pace sags dramatically after the first 25 minutes though, and it never really recovers.
EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS II: EDDIE LIVES (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 OK, the idea that Eddie didn't really die at the end of the first film and is living in Canada and working as a carpenter is a bit hard to take. If you can get past that, this isn't really a bad film. It's defintitely geared to those who loved the first one, and to those who are of the opinion that Elvis might still be alive... The soundtrack is quite nice and the story is, aside from the initial presumption, relatively good. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE EDGE (R) 113 minutes * * Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin star in a story of conflict, challenge, and courage. Hopkins plays his character with an annoying coolness that seems a bit out of place when you consider that he suspects Baldwin of trying to kill him. The bear attacks are unrealistic, though they are a consistent line throughout the film. The best part of the film is watching the beautiful scenery of Alberta, Canada where this was filmed. R for violence and language.
THE EDGE OF HEAVEN (NR) 110 minutes * * * Powerful drama that follows a young man as he struggles to do what is right in the aftermath of his own doubts and his father's violent behavior. Nicely written story that shows how our lives intertwine with those of others.
THE EDGE OF LOVE (R) 102 minutes * * * Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys) and Vera Phillips (Keira Knightley) were young lovers. Time has passed and Thomas is now married. But when Vera ends up in the same place, their passion is renewed, and Caitlin (Sienna Miller) has to find a way to deal with it. Passionate love story that could have used a bit more of the poetic touch, but still does a fairly good job of capturing the intensity and struggle that surrounded Thomas and his loves. R for sex, language, and violence.
EDTV (PG-13) 114 minutes * * 1/2 A TV network whose ratings have hit the skids tries a new approach... the life of an ordinary man, broadcast live, 24 hours a day. Matthew McConaughey is the one chosen, but his ordinary life soon becomes quite extraordinary as his popularity with the public grows. The film has a good bit of charm and it's fun to watch for this cast at work. Unfortunately, it never has the energy or depth we've come to expect from a Ron Howard film. Perhaps it lost something in the translation. The idea was already presented in the film Louis 19: Roi de Ondes and few films make the shift to an American approach with much success. PG-13 for language.
THE EDUCATION OF CHARLIE BANKS (R) 93 minutes * * * Charlie (Jesse Eisenberg) is moving on with his life, headed to college and looking to the future... until his old high school nemesis shows up on campus and wants to hang around. Now, Charlie has to figure out why Mick (Jason Ritter) is really there, and what he's going to do about it. Slightly different angle on the coming of age story with a great performance from Jason Ritter. Eisenberg's whining tone can be annoying, but the story is a good one, and that's what ends up mattering the most. R for language, violence, and sex.
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * * This is an original fairy tale/fable from the mind of director Tim Burton about a rather unique boy... and why it snows in California. Johnny Depp is perfect as Edward and is surrounded with an excellent supporting cast that includes the talents of Winona Ryder, Diane Wiest, Vincent Price, and Alan Arkin. Danny Elfman's music has the perfect combination of spooky and fanciful elements and Stan Winston's special effects work well with Burton's design for the picture. It's a very unique film and not something that everyone will enjoy. Those who do, will probably list it among their favorites. PG-13 for language and violence.
EIGHT BELOW (PG) 113 minutes * * 1/2 Suggested by the film "Nankyoku Monogatari" (also known as "Antarctica") this Disney version makes it all a bit nicer, and less realistic. The dogs here are very well-trained and do an excellent job... the people... not so much. Nice soundtrack by Mark Isham. PG for violence.
EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS (PG-13) 70 minutes * Davey Stone is the major holiday humbug. Of course, that will change after 70-year-old Whitey takes him under his wing. This animated modern-day Scrooge story from Adam Sandler is most definitely rude and filled with rather immature humor, but does end up having a positive and somewhat sentimental point to make. The soundtrack is worth a listen, thanks to Sandler's creative song lyrics, but only die-hard fans will want to sit through the rest. PG-13 for language.
8 HEADS IN A DUFFEL BAG (R) 90 minutes * * * Joe Pesci has a delivery to make... and it isn't going to be easy. Especially not when your duffel bag gets picked up by the wrong person. Poor Charlie only wanted to have a nice vacation with his girlfriend and her parents, but finding body parts in your luggage can be a little unnerving. Newcomer Andy Comeau does a great job as Charlie, and Pesci and Kristy Swanson support him well. However, the poor acting by George Hamilton and Dyan Cannon really detracts from the overall effect. This is fun and a little bizarre, but not as polished as it needs to be. R for violence and language.
EIGHT LEGGED FREAKS (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 You didn't really expect too much from a film with this title, now did you? A week after a toxic barrel of material ends up in a roadside pond, the crickets that breed there are fed to some spiders who end up growing to incredible size and wreak havoc on the neighboring town. The special effects for the spiders are quite nicely done throughout the film, but the story is beyond silly and somehow manages to miss being as much fun as the "Tremors" series. Be sure to listen for Joey Deluxe's version of "Itsy Bitsy SPider" that is sung during the ending credits. PG-13 for violence and language.
EIGHT MEN OUT (PG) 115 minutes * * * Intriguing character studies are the focus of this film about the 1919 world series and the corruption and scandal that surrounded it. Great performances from John Cusack, Charlie Sheen, Perry Lang, and the the rest. Director John Sayles enjoys working a character and it's quite evident in a film like this. PG for language.
8 MILE (R) 106 minutes * * Like so many people, Jimmy (Eminem) is just trying to catch a break, but sometimes its hard to tell who your friends really are. There are some nice performances here from Brittany Murphy and Mekhi Phifer. Eminem does a nice job as well in his acting debut, though its nothing to rave about. Kim Basinger's performance is typically two-dimensional, though much of the film suffers from this problem as well.
8MM (R) 120 minutes * * 1/2 Tom Welles (Nicolas Cage) has been hired to find out if a particular film, found by the widow of a wealthy man, is really a snuff film. Was the girl actually killed? But trying to identify someone in a snuff film involves immersing yourself in the culture that produces films of that nature. The film plods along, much like the investigation, buoyed only by Cage's performance. It's his story - a descent into hell to discover the truth that few want to see and fewer still can do anything about. R for violence, language, and sex.
8 OF DIAMONDS (NR) 87 minutes * Everyone wants the diamond, but no one seems to know for sure where it is. No one trusts anyone else either. And, after about thirty minutes, we begin to stop caring. First time effort by both director Scott Prestin and writer John Pizzo is sorely lacking in skill in both departments. It's difficult to tell for sure because the script is so bad, but it would appear that the actors aren't really doing a bad job, they just don't have much to work with or a director who knows what to do with it. The story idea isn't bad, it's just told in a way that loses our interest rather quickly.
8 SECONDS (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Bio-pic dealing with rodeo star Lane Frost (Luke Perry) and his meteoric ride to the top of the circuit. Cynthia Geary stars as his wife, and the film tries to tug on our emotions, but it tries too hard. Undoubtedly has more appeal to those interested in the rodeo circuit, but even so, there are better films than this to watch on the topic.
8 WOMEN (R) 107 minutes * * * One man and eight women. Now that he's been found dead, which of them is the guilty one? It's rare to find a murder mystery as entertaining as this, but it's quite fun. Adapted from Robert Thomas' play, it does get a little talky at times, but with actresses like Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Fanny Ardant, and Emmanuelle Beart, it's still a pleasure. Suspicion passes from woman to woman as more and more details are uncovered, drawing us deeper and deeper into the twisted web that they've all woven a few strands into. R for sexual content.
18 AGAIN (PG) 98 minutes * * * Pleasant, light comedy about body-switching, with the added charm of Georga Burns going a long way toward helping it succeed. Charlie Schlatter does a nice job as well, despite a few inconsistencies. Some nice supporting work from Red Buttons and Bernard Fox as well in this family-style comedy.
88 MINUTES (R) 103 minutes * * 1/2 College professor and forensic psychiatrist Jack Gramm (Al Pacino) has 88 minutes to discover who is going to kill him and to do something about it. But there are so many possibilities... Pacino is good here, though the story does let us down by not being all that intense. The idea is interesting, to be sure, but we're not surprised by the twists and turns, and the 88 minutes seem to move rather slowly. As he explores the possibilities, and looks at choices he has made in the past, Gramm reminds us of an important question to keep in mind... "Justice and truth... where do they intersect?" R for violence, language, and nudity.
ELDORADO (NR) 75 minutes * * * Being nice to strangers isn't something that comes naturally to Yvan (Bouli Lanners), especially when he finds them robbing his home. When he decides to help Elie (Fabrice Adde) by giving him a ride, he has no idea where it will lead. Fascinating character study of two men who are drawn together for a brief time, despite their differences, and who may or may not find themselves changed by that experience. Based on a true incident experienced by writer/director/actor Lanners.
ELECTION (R) 100 minutes * In an effort to keep the advances of a student at bay, Mr. McAllister (Matthew Broderick) convinces another student to run for student council president. Everything that can go wrong, does. And we don't really care. These are characters who are hard for us to sympathize with. Broderick is a complainer, Reese Witherspoon is a brat, and the rest of the cast is completely forgettable. The subplots that are meant to involve us in the characters' lives, when the real interesting part of the story is the interaction of the leads and why they are acting this way. Shabby production quality also manages to damage the films' credibility. Aside from a few humorous moments that do manage to capture the emotional trauma of high school life, this has little to offer. R for language.
ELEGY (R) 102 minutes * * * "Time passes when you aren't looking." So says Ben Kingsley's character David Kepesh, a man who is growing old, but having difficulty doing so gracefully. Though he thought he had given up on relationships, he finds himself drawn to one of his students. He will experience life anew, but time will still pass, and death and loss will still come, whether you are ready for them or not. Adapted from the Philip Roth novel, The Dying Animal. R for sex and language.
ELEKTRA (PG-13) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Sent on an assignment to kill a man and his daughter, Elektra (Jennifer Garner) senses that something isn't right and moves to protect them instead. Garner is good here, though that's no surprise with the work she does on "Alias". Kirsten Prout does an admirable job as young Abby Miller as well. Those who follow the comic book character from which this is taken will notice that the character of Elektra is a bit more emotional here, instead of the more distant and cold character we were familiar with. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE ELEPHANT KING (R) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Oliver (Tate Ellington) travels to Thailand to bring back his brother. Jake (Jonno Roberts) is in trouble and their mother (Ellen Burstyn) wants him home so that she can help him face the music. Jake has no intention of coming home to let his mother control things, and almost manages to pry Oliver from their mother's grasp. Burstyn once again plays a manipulative mother and wife. It's a part she plays well, but which is not pleasant to watch. R for sex, language, and violence.
ELEPHANT TALES (G) 91 minutes * 1/2 Two young elephants lose their parents to hunters one evening. Now they are on their own, looking for another family to be part of. Beautiful South African scenery, but this can be a scary story for the little ones who are watching. It does all turn out OK in the end, but there are plenty of other cute animal films that are better than this.
11:14 (R) 81 minutes * * One evening, at 11:14pm, the lives of a number of people will intersect in a variety of ways... hmmm... haven't we heard this before? That could be forgiven if the story was well-written, but it's not. There are a few good scenes here and there, thanks to the acting talents of Hilary Swank, but too much of this is a good idea gone very mediocre. R for language, violence, and sex.
ELF (PG) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Buddy (Will Ferrell) thought he was an elf. He was raised by elves at the North Pole, but the time has come for him to learn the truth... and to go and be with his human family. It's a tall order, and one that will need more than a fair share of the Christmas spirit to work. There's far more sentimentality and holiday spirit here than one might expect, and it does get a bit silly in spots, undermining the effect a little. Ferrell seems sincere enough and Zooey Deschanel does a nice job as well. PG for language.
ELF BOWLING: THE MOVIE (PG) 78 minutes 1/2 Santa's brother continues to try to take over Christmas through trickery and deceit, and bowling challenges. Not one of the better decisions of what video games you might want to make into a movie. The dead animation doesn't make the characters appealing either. PG for violence and language.
THE ELITE SQUAD (R) 111 minutes * * 1/2 The slums of Rio De Janeiro are a tough and violent area, and since the pope is planning a visit, the elite squad from the police force are asked to go in and clean up the area. Meanwhile, Nascimento (Wagner Moura) is trying to find a replacement to lead the team because his wife is pregnant and he wants to retire. Tough and gritty film, very rough around the edges, giving it an almost documentary-like feeling at times. R for violence and language.
ELIZABETH (R) 119 minutes * * * Elaborate sets and beautiful costumes are plentiful in this story of the rise of Elizabeth to the throne of England. The intrigue is a bit hard to follow early on, though part of this is due to most Americans lack of familiarity with British history. Later in the film this isn't a problem though, and we find ourselves immersed in the story. It's a bit gratuitously graphic in spots, but overall, it's a wonderful piece about the history behind Elizabeth's coming to power. R for violence and sex.
ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE (PG-13) 106 minutes * * * Cate Blanchett returns to the role of Elizabeth for director Shekhar Kapur's continuation of the story. The Holy War continues, and the only thing that stands between King Philip II of Spain and victory is England... and Elizabeth. While her ways are a bit unorthodox and the Catholic church continues to try to remove her from the throne, Elizabeth will not be move. Though momentarily blinded by love, it is Elizabeth's passion for life and for freedom that inspire the people to fight. That passion coupled with the rough English seas spell defeat for the Spanish Armada... and the beginning of the golden age of England. The story strays a bit here, though Blanchett carries it all quite well. PG-13 for violence and nudity.
ELIZABETHTOWN (PG-13) 117 minutes * * * Drew Baylor (Orlando Bloom) has just had the worst day of his life, discovering that he has lost almost a billion dollars for the company he works for, only to get a phone call about the death of his father. Somehow, he finds the strength to make the flight home, which is where he meets Claire (Kirsten Dunst). She is almost annoyingly positive in her attitude, but he can't help but be drawn to her. Yes, it's sentimental, though there are definitely bits of comedy worked in to keep it from getting too bad. In fact, the shifts in mood throughout the film are nicely balanced. The story tends to ramble a bit though and the narration isn't really necessary. PG-13 for language.
ELLA ENCHANTED (PG-13) 89 minutes * * 1/2 When Ella was a baby, a spell of obedience was cast on her and she has to do what anyone tells her to do. Now that she's a teenager, it's getting to be more than a bit frustrating. Full of puns and witty little bits of dialogue and creative sets and props, this is a wonderfully creative adaptation of Gail Carson Levine's book. The music is delightful as well, with Anne Hathaway doing her own singing. There's so much focus on all the witty bits that we don't get very much story though. And, while Hathaway does a nice job with the musical numbers, her acting offers little depth. PG-13 for language.
ELLEN FOSTER (PG) 97 minutes * * * Jena Malone is sheer perfection as she plays Ellen Hammond, a girl who wants more than anythng else to find a home where she can be loved after her mother dies. Malone is captivating and sincere and carries the film well. She is able to show an understanding of her character that many actors never achieve. As with many sentimental dramas, supporting characters are frequently a bit two-dimensional. But the film remains a strong statement for the worth of love over that of blood ties. Bravo, Jena! PG for language and violence.
ELSEWHERE (R) 103 minutes * Jillian (Tania Raymonde) hates her life in this small town. She's always talking about leaving, so few are surprised when she disappears. But her friend Sarah (Anna Kendrick) is worried, especially because of the websites Jillian had been spending time on. Now she needs to find out what happened to her friend. Few of the performances here indicate that anyone took any acting classes, and natural talent is missing as well. The production quality is good, but that's about all that's here. Filmed in Goshen, Indiana. R for language, sex, and violence.
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK (PG-13) 93 minutes * The plot is, for those of you familiar with Elvira, no more substantial than her costume. It's mostly about how she's trying to get money together for an act she wants to do in Vegas. The jokes refer almost exclusively to her figure and grow boring rather quickly. There are a few spooky effects and the music is mildly entertaining, but one of the better points is the showcasing of her car. Elvira's style of comedy works fairly well when it's limited ot a few remarks before a commercial break on television. But an hour and a half? PG-13 for her costumes and a little bit of suggestive language.
EMMA (PG) 118 minutes * * * 1/2 Gwyneth Paltrow is absolutely charming as Emma Woodhouse, a young matchmaker who finally gets in over her head in this classic story. Greta Scacchi and Toni Collette are perfect counterparts to Paltrow, and the looks between them add a character to this that makes it thoroughly entertaining. There are those who critique this in light of its inaccuracies in adapting the book to the screen, but in light of how fun the final product is to watch, I think that can be forgiven. PG for language.
EMMANUEL'S GIFT (G) 77 minutes * * * Inspirational film about Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who rode a bike across his native Ghana, changing the perception of people across the world about people with physical challenges. We meet those who inspired him along the way, and many of those who his example has touched. Never one to give up, Emmanuel has accomplished things that many would never have dreamed possibile.
THE EMPEROR'S CLUB (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * What will your contribution be? What do we learn and what do we teach? Kevin Kline plays the part of a teacher at St. Benedict's where he teaches history and builds character in the lives of his students. It's a great story, and though we've heard it before, the gentle twists and turns here are nicely played by Kline and the rest and accented well by a stirring soundtrack from James Newton Howard. PG-13 for language.
THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE (G) 72 minutes * * * A bratty young emperor gets himself changed into a llama. Eventually, he learns the value of cooperation and what it means to erally care about others. OK, that may not sound all that impressive, but it's actually a pretty cute story and works quite well. David Spade and John Goodman lend their voices to the lead characters and the result is a film for kids that most parents won't mind watching.
EMPIRE (R) 95 minutes * Victor (John Leguizamo) deals drugs. He's not the biggest fish in the lake, but he's pretty high up on the chain. He's decided that it's time to get out of the business and take advantage of an investment opportunity that has fallen into his lap. It's obvious to us that he's being played, but even when he does realize, he hopes to turn it around to his advantage. The film has alot of heart, but relies too heavily on Leguizamo to carry it all by himself. He does his best, but with so little help, this just never gets off the ground. Isabella Rosselini is sadly miscast here as well. Filmed in New York and Miami. R for language, violence, and sex.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (R) 92 minutes * David Walsh (Matt Dillon) is having a bad day. He just got fired and now his fiancee is breaking up with him. So what else can go wrong? How about being in a one-note joke of a film? The twist that happens at the end of the film explains it all, but it also undermines a good deal of the story along the way. If you already lasted that long, be sure to go ahead and watch the credits as there's another "surprise" that you'll see there as well. R for language, violence, and nudity.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (2006) (PG-13) 102 minutes 1/2 Vince is about th complete his 18th straight month as employee of the month. It's a record for the Super Club chain of stores. Zack decides to try and stop him. It doesn't hurt that the pretty new girl that just started working there is supposed to have a thing for employees of the month. It's pretty much as bad as it sounds, with only a couple of chuckles. It takes itself far too seriously and sorely wastes the comedic talents of Andy Dick and Harland Williams. PG-13 for language.
ENCHANTED (PG) 99 minutes * * * 1/2 What would happen if a fairytale became real? Just ask Disney Studios! No one has more experience at making it happen. (Like it or not.) Delightful, silly, and romantic, with an absolutely enchanting (sorry, I had to say it) performance from Amy Adams. Her performance as Giselle makes thisa treat to watch, though it's difficult to find much fault with this at all. Three of the songs were nominated for Oscars and this is sure-fire entertainment for the whole family. PG for violence.
ENCHANTED APRIL (PG) 91 minutes * * * 1/2 Two married women decide that they've had enough of their ordinary, and frequently frustrating lives. The decide to leave their London apartments for a month and rent a castle in Ireland. Two other women join them at the last minute to share in the expense. The place isn't quite what they expect, and yet it is even more. They find that this castle is magical. Not is a superstitious way, but magical in the way that any special place or time can be if we will only let it. An enchanting and beautiful film, full of the drama and humor of life. A real delight to watch and experience. PG for language.
ENCINO MAN (PG) 84 minutes * Weak comedy about a prehistoric man being defrosted and living in Encino. Pauly Shore is the best thing about this film, if that gives you any ideas about whether you'll like it or not...
ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD (G) 98 minutes * * * Director Werner Herzog turns his focus to the South Pole. He reports on the activities of the scientists and researchers who live and work there, and talks with us about what they are discovering about the earth and about the nature of life. Herzog's narration has a quality of personal reflection and musing that make us feel like we're listening to an old friend.
END OF DAYS (R) 115 minutes * 1/2 This action/thriller stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Jericho, a man who finds himself protecting a woman who is the key to the "end of days". There's plenty of action, but little in the way of logic as we are immersed in Christian symbolism and literal interpretations from the book of Revelation. There are lots of very impressive special effects courtesy of Stan Winston and a few others, as well as a nice soundtrack from John Debney. The shallow story can't keep us interested though, and we get tired of the special effects after awhile too. Filmed in Los Angeles and New York. R for violence, language, and nudity.
THE END OF THE AFFAIR (R) 98 minutes * The acting talent of Stephen Rea is completely wasted in this sappy, and overly-dramatic love story. Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore spend the majority of the film in bed, leaving their acting talents with little for us to appreciate either. And, as if things weren't bad enough, a huge portion of the film is repeated to show us a different viewpoint. The problem is that there's very little that is different as far as the repeated scenes. Some muttered words here and a few thoughts there, but it makes this tedious to watch to say the least. Filmed in London and Brighton. R for sex.
END OF THE SPEAR (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * The Waodani are a fierce tribe in the jungles of Ecuador. Establishing contact with them, some Christian missionaries think they've begun the work they'd dreamed of, only to have the Waodani kill their first team. While the ways of peace eventually find their way into the world of the Waodani, it's no small task to change the warrior ways of a people who have known nothing else. Nicely made film that definitely has some appeal, but if you find it interesting, you should really take a look at the documentary "Beyond the Gates" by the same director. PG-13 for violence.
THE ENDLESS SUMMER II (PG) 106 minutes * * The sequel to Bruce Brown's 1966 surfing film follows "Wingnut" Weaver and Pat O'Connell around the globe while Bruce narrates. The camerawork is wonderful, but this still feels more like Bruce's home movies than a feature film presentation. It also drags on a bit long with "accidents" that are obviously staged to try and add to the story.
ENDURING LOVE (R) 95 minutes * * 1/2 After witnessing a tragic ballooning accident, Joe (Daniel Craig) is plagued with guilt. It overpowers even his relationship with Claire (Samantha Morton). Jed (Rhys Ifans) also witnessed the accident and is trying to deal with his own emotions. He becomes obsessed with Joe, who wants nothing more than to be able to forget that it happened. In one sense, it is an interesting story about how accidents can change our lives. It remains a bit too philosophical though and doesn't allow us to connect as well with the characters as we need to if we're to really feel the struggles they are facing. R for language and violence.
ENEMIES: A LOVE STORY (R) 115 minutes * * * Herman Broder (Ron Silver) has a problem. He can't survive on the attentions of just one woman. As the film begins, he is living with Yadwiga (Margaret Sophie Stein) and having an affair with Masha (Lena Olin). He loves them both, and is juggling things fairly well until his wife, who was presumed dead, shows up. Though this sounds like it could be a comedy, it isn't. Broder is used to hiding, but now he may have to face the music. Well-acted and with a nice script that producer/director Paul Mazursky co-wrote, it's an interesting character study. R for language and sex.
ENEMY AT THE GATES (R) 124 minutes * * * In times of war, heroes are needed to provide inspiration to those who are fighting for the cause. Vassili Zeitsev becomes one such hero, though he has no desire to be considered one. He was in the right place at the right time, but isn't that what often makes heroes? Now the Germans have sent their best sniper to take him out. The acting is good here, but the accents get in the way. with a mix of American and British actors playing the parts of Russians and Germans, it gets a little muddled. The language is also somewhat stilted, though the strength of the story manages to overcome that in many ways. Sets, costumes, and props also provide an authentic feel to the film, and we feel the tension build as loyalties are tested and as a hero struggles to just be a man. R for violence, sex, and language.
ENEMY OF THE STATE (R) 127 minutes * * The game of politics can be rough, but when Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voigt) has Phil Hammersley (Jason Robards) killed, he's gone a bit too far. The deed was captured on tape as well, and now the hunt is on. Will Smith does a fine job as the "innocent" who is in possession of the tape. There are also a number of other fine supporting performances by Gene Hackman, Jason Lee, Gabriel Byrne, Seth Green, and several others. Unfortunately, the film is just too long. Cutting about ten minutes would also help the pacing which seems to drag at several points. R for violence and language.
THE ENGLISH PATIENT (R) 158 minutes * * * 1/2 Beautifully painted picture that does drag in a few spots, but over-all is a real work of art. The scene changes are poetic, and the story of wartime romance draws you into the film and carries you away. Taken from the novel by Michael Ondaantje, and with wonderful performances by Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, and many more, this is a must-see for those who enjoy artistic film. Filmed in Italy and Tunisia. R for sex and violence.
THE ENGLISHMAN WHO WENT UP A HILL BUT CAME DOWN A MOUNTAIN (PG) 92 minutes * * * 1/2 Based on a Welsh legend, this is the story of a mountain called a hill, turned into a mountain. The local "characters" are what make this film come alive as the story is fairly simple. Still, it's one that keeps you smiling the whole way through.
ENOUGH (PG-13) 110 minutes * * He was the nicest guy she'd ever found and things were working out perfectly until she discovered he was having an affair. He thinks its the perfect arrangement, but she wants it to end. He tries to force the issue, and she finally decides she's had enough. Jennifer Lopez does a reasonably good job and the rest of the cast is fine as well. In fact, Tessa Allen's performance as her daughter is quite good. The story is full of holes though. Some of them are minor, but some are far too evident to ignore and it ruins the integrity of the film. PG-13 for violence and language.
ENRON: THE SMARTEST GUYS IN THE ROOM (R) 107 minutes * * * Unflinching look at the collapse of corporate energy giant Enron. Follows the story from the creation of the company all the way through to the finals days when the corporate elite walked out with over a billion dollars while the bulk of the staff got next to nothing. Justice was finally served, but the scales still aren't very balanced. Nice piece of work that will leave you even more frustrated with the corporate world than you were before! Be sure to stick around for Tom Waits' "God's Away on Business" during the credits! R for language.
ENTRAPMENT (PG-13) 107 minutes * * * He's a master thief and she is out to catch him. But how will she be able to do that when he's the best there is? This does take its time to build and the plot twists come along a bit too methodically, but Sean Connery always makes a film worth watching and Catherine Zeta-Jones plays well off of Connery's experienced charm. The ending pushes believability a bit far, but manages to stay just within the limits it needs to for this to be an entertaining film. PG-13 for language and violence.
ENVY (PG-13) 95 minutes * * Tim and Nick have been friends for ages. Tim (Ben Stiller) is the practical one, Nick (Jack Black) is the dreamer. Nick's idea to create a spray that will vaporize dog poop seems like a silly idea to Tim... until it works and Nick becomes incredibly rich. It's lightweight entertainment with a heavy-handed presentation of the moral about appreciating what you have and being honest. PG-13 for language.
EPIC MOVIE (PG-13) 69 minutes BOMB Yet another parody film, spending most of its time making fun of "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", but managing to throw in several others along the way. Sorely missing the talented Anna Faris, though they have someone acting like her. All that does is remind us how bad this really is. PG-13 for sex, language, and violence.
ERAGON (PG) 97 minutes * * Somewhat disappointing adaptation of Christopher Paolini's novel about a boy who discovers a dragon's egg, and that he is the dragonrider who will save the kingdom from it's evil king. The dragon effects are very good, and Rachel Weisz does a nice job providing it's voice, but the story is two-dimensional and poorly paced. The ending clearly indicates that there are plans for more films, but they will likely be straight to video productions if they are made at all. PG for violence.
ERASER (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 Multiple writers on this script give us an awkward mix of action, mystery, and comic entertainment that just doesn't wash. The action is fairly steady and the basic idea of someone's identity being erased presents some interesting possibilities. But nothing really interesting happens here... it's the same old story rehashed one more time. It does play a little better on video than the big screen, but it's not one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's better films.
ERIK THE VIKING (PG-13) 102 minutes * 1/2 Or, the misadventures of Erik according to the Monty Python school of comedy. Not as sharp-edged as most Python films, though it is interesting to see people like Tim Robbins, Eartha Kitt, and Mickey Rooney in this kind of satire.
ERIN BROCKOVICH (R) 126 minutes * * * Erin (Julia Roberts) hasn't had much luck lately. Begging her way into a job at a law firm as a filing clerk, she stumbles across a case that intrigues her. Pursuing it as only she can do, it becomes a case that will make or break the firm and the lives of hundreds of people in a small town whose water has been contaminated. Roberts does a nice job here and it's wonderful to see Albert Finney at work as well. The focus is on the characters and not the legal/political/environmental issues, but that's nice for a change. Adapted from a true story, liberties have been taken to make it more entertaining, and for the most part, it works pretty well. R for language.
ERNEST GOES TO CAMP (PG) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Typical story of a corporation trying to buy up a campground. Jim Varney's scenes are great, but they aren't the focus of the film, which is too bad. The 6-10 year-old crowd will enjoy this and parents will find it worth a chuckle here and there.
ERNEST GOES TO JAIL (PG) 77 minutes * 1/2 Ernest ends up in jail thanks to a switch planned by an evil lookalike. There are a few chuckles here and there, but it's mostly for young fans of Jim Varney's character. This is the third of the Ernest films and the series has begun to grow tiresome. PG for language.
ERNEST RIDES AGAIN (PG) 90 minutes BOMB Even Ernest fanatics might find this entry a bit tedious as Ernest romps through the countryside, looking for a giant cannon that may lead to the hiding place of the crown jewels of England. Prat falls and prop jokes that all get tiresome very quickly.
ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS (PG) 87 minutes * * * * A wonderfully wholesome Christmas message wrapped in a delightfully funny story with that crazy Ernest. By far the best of the Ernest films, with a perfect mix of comedy and drama. PG for language, but not very much.
ERNEST SCARED STUPID (PG) 88 minutes * 1/2 Well, Ernest was pretty stupid before this anyway... this time he faces off with an evil troll. There are a few funny bits thanks to some props and Jim Varney's ability to make an inanimate object appear more intelligent than himself. PG for some gross special effects.
ESCAPE FROM L.A. (R) 96 minutes * 1/2 Though much of the same talent is here for the second outing, this film has little of the energy and excitement that made the first one so appealing. There are too many tricks and toys and not enough meat to the story to keep us interested. They also opted to include more humor in this film, and it doesn't work very well. This type of story needs that harder edge to pull us in and make things interesting. R for language and violence.
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (R) 103 minutes * * * * Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman has the incredible talent of being able to create characters that are instantly appealing despite, or perhaps because of, their unusual qualities. This time, we have Joel Barish, a man who has finally found someone to love, only to find that she has erased him from her memory. That's what Lacuna Inc. does... erase memories. Except, there may be a problem with the procedure. It's yet another perfect script from Kaufman that asks us to think about what happens when you start to forget. What do you do when every memory you hold on to slips through your fingers and when everything you love is vanishing from your mind like smoke in the wind? Kate Winslet does an awesome job here and Jim Carrey delivers his most sensitive performance ever. The title comes from a quote by Alexander Pope, "How happy is the blamesless vestal's lot, the world forgetting, the the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each prayer accepted, each wish resigned." If you're a Jim Carrey fan, you'll need to be thinking about "The Truman Show" and "Majestic". R for language.
EUROTRIP (R) 84 minutes * Dumped by his girlfried, Scott ends up on a trip to Berlin to try and find Mika, his true love that he met online and accidentally told to "get lost". A few moments of "cute" here, but it's definitely not enough to really make it worth watching. Matt Damon has a cameo as a rock singer and Lucy Lawless has a small part as an S&M mistress... R for sex and language.
EVAN ALMIGHTY (PG) 88 minutes * Evan (Steve Carrell) is starting his new job as a junior congressman tody... but God has another job for him to do first. It involves building an ark. A few sentimental moments, lots of nonsensical ones, and little reason for us to remember either. Carrell can be funny at times, but he's trying too hard here. PG for language and violence.
EVE OF DESTRUCTION (R) 96 minutes * 1/2 This twist on the Frankenstein story has a female monster running amok, but for all the slick production values and good music from Philippe Sarde, it just isn't ever really suspenseful. Maybe it's that B-movie script... Gregory Hines really tries to make this work, but it just never gets very far off the ground.
EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES (R) 91 minutes * An incredible cast does an atrocious job in this bizarre film about a girl with a huge thumb that makes her the perfect hitchhiker. By far, this is Uma Thurman's worst film, with it's strange mix of women's rights and cowgirls paraded before us with bad dialogue and horrible direction.
EVEN MONEY (R) 109 minutes * * To achieve your dreams, you usually have to take risks. But they seem to have difficulty in understanding which risks have a better chance of paying out. The story is designed well, tracing the stories of several different characters and how they intertwine. Kim Basinger's poor acting spoils a good deal of the film, and the narration at the end restates the obvious. Everyone wants more, what are you willing to risk? R for language, violence, and sex.
EVENING (PG-13) 112 minutes * * * * Memories... at the end of life. Memories of what was, what might have been, and what it all means to us and to those we leave behind. So much of it doesn't matter in the end. But then again, so much of it does. Vanessa Redgrave adds yet another stellar performance to her resume, but she is only one of many very talented actresses who all deliver wonderful performances here. Toni Collette, Natasha Richardson, Claire Danes, Meryl Streep, Mamie Gummer, Glenn Close... wow! Many of the scene changes from one time frame to the other are sheer magic. Adapted from the book by Susan Minot and filmed in Rhose Island. PG-13 for language and violence.
EVENING STAR (PG-13) * * * The evening star is the first to shine, the brightest, and the longest. This sequel to 1983's "Terms of Endearment" doesn't really have the strength it needs until the final half hour or so. The early scenes are uneven and disconnected, keeping us at arms length from the characters. Marion Ross delivers the best performance in the film, though Jack Nicholson's appearance toward the end helps give this the extra charisma that it needs. PG-13 for language and sex.
EVENT HORIZON (R) 91 minutes * This "Hellraiser"-in-space film never gives us enough of what we need to understand much of anything. The deep space vehicle disappears, goes to a dimension of chaos and pure evil (read: Hell), returns and has some connection to Dr. Weir, who designed it, and now wants to take a ride on it to go there. ? There are some nice special effects, but without more to explain who Dr. Weir is and why he feels a desire to go to Hell on this ship, we're left with nothing to interest us. The cheap noise scares don't help the integrity of the film either. R for violence, language, and nudity.
EVER AFTER (PG-13) 117 minutes * * The "real" Cinderella story, told here in an extended flashback format, stars Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott, with Anjelica Huston as the evil stepmother. It's an interesting idea, and there are some beautiful costumes and sets, but the British accents don't fit when the story is set in France. Of course, there's always the problem we have with Drew trying to do a serious role... she has a hard time keeping a straight face. Scott is likeable enough and fits the role well, so the film has an unbalanced feel to it that keeps us from being drawn in by the fairytale as we should be. Filmed in France. PG-13 for language.
EVERY LITTLE STEP (PG-13) 90 minutes * * * Fascinating look at the auditions for the revival of the musical, "A Chorus Line" on Broadway. Including clips from the original show, interviews with the creators of the show, and those going through the audition process. If you enjoy musical theater, this is a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes of a remarkable show. PG-13 for language.
EVERYBODY WINS (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 Strange little film about a private eye and a hooker, but Nick Nolte and Debra Winger are never able to overcome the convoluted story and nearly non-existent direction. The screenplay is by Arthur Miller from his one-act play, "Some Kind of Love Story".
EVERYBODY'S ALL AMERICAN (R) 122 minutes * * * Absorbing tale, adapted from Frank Deford's novel, of an American football hero who married a homecoming queen and their lives after high school. Told from her point of view, it's an excellent study of American culture from the 50s to the 70s. The period detail is well done and both Dennis Quaid and Jessica Lange give solid performances. R for violence and language.
EVERYBODY'S FINE (PG-13) 95 minutes * * * Since his kids won't come home for a holiday dinner, Frank (Robert DeNiro) decides to travel across the country to visit them. What he discovers is that the distance between he and his children is not just geographical. As a young father, Frank was expected to earn the money for the family, not to raise the children, but now he wants more, and it's a little too late. Another fine performance by DeNiro, well-supported by Drew barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell. Based on the Italian film "Stanno Tutti Bene". PG-13 for language.
EVERYONE'S HERO (G) 84 minutes * * * It's the Yankees and the Cubs in the world series, but someone has stolen Babe Ruth's lucky bat. Yankee Irving knows that he has to get it back to the Babe, or the Yankees will lose. Can he make it from New York to Chicago in time? Great adventure story for the younger ones in the audience, and fun for the older crowd as well. (OK, fans of the Cubs might not be too happy...) This was the last project for both Christopher and Dana Reeve, and is a heartwarming and inspirational tribute to their lives. Everyone has it in themselves to be a hero.
EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED (PG-13) 102 minutes * * * 1/2 Liev Schreiber makes his directing debut with this wonderfully quirky film about a young man (Elijah Wood) who is trying to find the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis in World War II. Jonathan's search gets off to a rough start when he meets his guide and translator (Eugene Hutz), a rather unusual guy who isn't thrilled about being a guide and has some problems with the english language. The film starts on a rather uneven and slightly comic note, but as they all begin to understand, so do we, and the tone becomes more serious. Wood is terrific as usual, and Hutz provides the perfect counterpoint, at first aggravating the situation and then becoming more of a guide than he expected. Schreiber does a wonderful job with both the direction and the screenplay, which he adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer's novel. Most importantly, he allows time for the camera to talk rather than cluttering up every scene with dialogue. Nicely done! PG-13 for language and violence.
EVE'S BAYOU (R) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 This is the story of a family with roots that run strong and deep. They live in Louisiana bayou country, where tradition and mystery are rich and plentiful. We begin by hearing Eve tell us that the summer she killed her father, she was ten years old. An interesting beginning to a fascinating and intense story. At times it is haunting, dark, and mysterious, yet at some points quite humorous. It is a story of coming of age in the bayou, and what it means to one young girl and her family. Journee Smollett, who plays young Eve, is a talent to watch and the film will definitely be one that you remember for a long time. R for language and violence.
EVITA (PG) 128 minutes * * * This film is a wonderful example of the incredible power of music to move the viewer. The varied strains of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" create so many moods and move us through the story as we watch Madonna's portrayal of Eva Duarte Peron. The music has become a bit dated, considering when this first opened as a musical on Broadway, but it's still a powerful story and a pleasure to watch. Madonna gives us a powerful performance, supported well by Antonio Banderas' animated portrayal of Che', who narrates the story as it moves along. PG for language, sex, and violence.
EVOLUTION (PG-13) 95 minutes * 1/2 "Ghostbusters" meets "Tremors" in this comic science fiction misfire. This has neither the great cast or the ability to keep a straight face that it needs to succeed. It tries too hard to be funny and more frequently makes us wince. Granted, the special effects are nice and the music works well. It's nice to see Dan Aykroyd in a bit part given the flavor of the film, but you'll be better served by watching one of the other two films rather than this one. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE EX (PG-13) 82 minutes * * Tom (Zach Braff) couldn't have picked a worse time to stand up to his boss. Now he's out of work and soon to be a father. Now he'll have to work for his father-in-law. That might not be too bad, except that an old high school pal of his wife's, who also works there, has it in for him. Braff does a nice job here, but this is little more than fluff. A mildly pleasant diversion, but nothing more. Also starring Amanda Peet, Jason Bateman, and Charles Grodin. PG-13 for nudity and language.
EXCESS BAGGAGE (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Arranging her own kidnapping in an effort to see how much her father loves her, Emily (Alicia Silverstone) get more than what she bargained for. The car she hides in is stolen and she is attracted to the car thief who finds himself in a real predicament. The most interesting character is Emily's uncle, played by Chris Walken. Unfortunately, the film suffers from poor direction of a script that just wanders around. A good idea for a film, but poorly executed. PG-13 for language and violence.
EXCESSIVE FORCE (R) 82 minutes * 1/2 Pretty much run of the mill story of a cop accused of setting up his partners on a murder rap while he walks away with millions. The difference here is that writer/co-producer/actor Thomas Ian Griffith has created a character that is a martial artist/cop/musician. Interesting, but not enough to carry the film.
EXECUTIVE DECISION (R) 127 minutes * * 1/2 When terrorists hijack a 747 with enough explosives on board to wipe out the entire Eastern seaboard of the United States, it's a good thing to know that Kurt Russell is on board to save the day! A good supporting cast and a nice soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith help keep this exciting and interesting. A little on the long side, but worth watching. R for language and violence.
EXIT TO EDEN (R) 109 minutes * 1/2 Going undercover to break up a diamond smuggling ring was never so kinky. Dan Aykroyd and Rosie O'Donnell go to a fantasy island that specializes in S&M. The mix of sex, comedy, and intrigue doesn't work very well here, making us feel like we're watching at least two movies at once. (Neither one very good.) Based on a novel by Anne Rice.
EXIT WOUNDS (R) 95 minutes * 1/2 He's a tough cop who always seems to be stumbling across trouble. Now, Orin Boyd (Steven Seagal) had been transferred to the 15th precinct, filled with nasty criminals and dirty cops. I'm not sure how this qualifies as "punishment", but anyway... a couple of standard plot twists later, and everything works out for Boyd by the time we reach the end of the film. There are a few nice fight moves, but too often they're done with cut-shots and with too little light for us to see very much. They try to add a little humor with Tom Arnold's character, but that doesn't work too well either. R for violence, language, and nudity.
THE EXONERATED (NR) 87 minutes * * * Originally presented as a play, this is the story of six people who were sentenced to death and later exonerated. Told in their own words, and presented by a wonderfully talented cast, whose presentations immediately involve us in the stories. It's a well-crafted reminder that, while there are people in prison who are guilty, the system is far from perfect, and there are people who are innocent as well. Featuring Brian Dennehy, Danny Glover, Delroy Lindo, Susan Sarandon, Aidan Quinn, and David Brown Jr.
THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (PG-13) 115 minutes * * 1/2 Emily Rose is dead, but how did she die? Was it epilepsy with psychotic complications that could have been controlled through medication, or was she possessed by a demon or demons? And how much does what a person believe control how they can best be helped? Laura Linney does great work here, showing an intensity as she struggles not only with how to defend her client but as a person who is struggling with her own beliefs and experiences. Filmed in Vancouver.
EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING (R) 106 minutes * * Gory prequel to the classic horror film that shows us Father Merrin's (Stellan Skarsgard) first encounter with the demon Panzuzu. Editing needed some work here, but there are some nice, and expectedly gross, special effects and a nice soundtrack from Trevor Rabin. It's an interesting, though not all that necessary addition to the series. It does end quite nicely though, setting the stage for the first film. R for violence and language.
EXORCIST III (R) 106 minutes * * 1/2 Based on William Peter Blatty's novel, Legion, this is a continuation of the earlier story. The priest from part one has been possessed by the spirit of a killer. There is a good deal of suspense here, with little in the way of gore. The difficulty is that so much of this relies on your having seen the first films, answering questions that were raised there. It makes the film weak in that it doesn't stand alone, but it does make a good companion piece.
EXOTICA (R) 101 minutes 1/2 Amazingly enough, this won as award as Canada's best film of the year... it's a strange little piece that tries to trade on the voyeuristic, but delivers little eroticism or intrigue. Eventually we learn what links our five characters together, but by then, we don't really care anymore. Written, produced, and directed by Atom Egoyan.
EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED (PG) 97 minutes * * * Comedian Ben Stein takes a dry and witty approach to the idea that intelligent design is a worthwhile idea to consider. The film does a very nice job of showing how both creationists and Darwinians represent extremes that seem unwilling to consider other points of view. Emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech and freedom of inquiry, Stein argues that we should all examine and encourage others to recognize when the information presented to us is one-sided, and to demand the right to see and understand other viewpoints so we can make and informed choice about our worldview. PG for language.
EXPLICIT ILLS (R) 83 minutes * * 1/2 A neighborhood in Philadelphia is portrayed in this mosaic of four stories. At times, they feel rather disconnected, but that's part of the point, and part of reality as well. It's interesting, but we tend to feel a bit like a voyeur in a sense, and don't connect with the stories in a way that draws us in very much. R for language.
THE EXPRESS (PG) 123 minutes * * * He was a natural talent, but Ernie Davis (Rob Brown) needed a break. When Syracuse recruited him for their team, college sports history was about to be made. Adapted from Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express by Robert C. Gallagher, it's the powerful and emotional story of a young man who not only fought to become one of the greatest college football players of all time, but a person who became a wonderful example of honor and integrity. Davis used the opportunities life presented him to further the cause of civil rights, and become an inspiration to those around him. Solid performances all around and a moving soundtrack by Mark Isham. PG for language.
EXTRACT (R) 88 minutes * 1/2 Joel (Jason Bateman) built the company from the ground up. Now, with the opportunity to sell and make good money on the deal, things start falling apart... on pretty much every front. Cindy (Mila Kunis) is responsible for quite a bit of it, but it's a bit of a surprise that some of this hasn't fallen apart before now. If you're a fan of director Mike Judge's sense of humor, you might like this, though it's not as strong as some of his other work. Others are likely to find it good for a few chuckles... and not much more. R for language and sex.
EXTREME MEASURES (R) 114 minutes * * 1/2 Overly dramatic presentation of hospital ethics gone bad as Gene Hackman experiments on the homeless to help medical science progress. Sarah Jessica Parker (with very bad make-up) co-stars along with Hugh Grant (looking a little too slick and suave) in this film that starts and finishes well, but plods along far too much in-between. R for violence and language.
EXTREME OPS (PG-13) 89 minutes 1/2 They're extreme athletes, working on a new commercial that will have them skiing down a mountain in from of a real avalanche. The problem is that the mountain they choose, just happens to be the current hideout of a very evil international criminal. Mostly an extreme skiing/snowboarding movie with a little bit of violence added to try and give us more of a story. Two-dimensional at best. The stuntwork is quite good in sopts, but the ending is just too ridiculous. PG-13 for violence, nudity, and language.
EXTREME PREJUDICE (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Jack Benteen (Nick Nolte) and Cash Bailey (Powers Boothe) grew up as best friends. Somewheer along the line, things changed. Now Jack is a Texas Ranger and Cash is a multimillionaire drug lord based in Mexico. When Cash starts dealing in Texas, Benteen has to step in. The real problem is the special team the government sends in. Terminating with extreme prejudice seems to be the only way they know how to work. Story seems to play a bit too much for humor toward the end. Also featuring Michael Ironside, Rip Torn, Clancy Brown, and William Forsythe.
THE EYE (PG-13) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Sydney (Jessica Alba) receives a cornea transplant after years of being blind. She regains her vision, but something else along with it... the ability to see other things. As she struggles with what that means, we wonder if her returned vision was worth the price. Based on a Hong Kong film, Jian Gui. Some nice effects and Alba does a nice job, but there's little else to keep us interested. PG-13 for violence and language.
EYE FOR AN EYE (R) 97 minutes * * Sally Field is a vigilante in pursuit of her daughter's rapists. Extreme enough to be compared to the "Death Wish" films, but more far-fetched. It's a shallow story that wastes the talents of Field, Kiefer Sutherland, Ed Harris, and others. Taken from Erika Holzer's novel, this is little more than gratuitous violence in the guise of vengeance.
EYE OF THE BEAST (NR) 87 minutes 1/2 What's been killing all of the fish in the lake? Could it be a giant squid? James Van der Beek stars in this ridiculous sea-monster movie. Low-budget script and even lower budget effects make this one to avoid.
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER (R) 97 minutes * * * Strange, but interesting film about a British secret service agent, Lucky Wilson (Ewan McGregor), and his latest case. He's hired to watch a woman who is suspected of having an affair, only to witness her commit a murder. He finds himself inexplicably attracted to her, wanting to protect her. McGregor and Ashley Judd both do nice work here, letting us understand their characters and drawing us into the story. Marc Behm's novel translates to the screen well, and the scene changes flow smoothly and with a style that adds to the suspense and mysterious mood of the film. R for violence, language, and nudity.
EYE OF THE DOLPHIN (PG-13) 97 minutes * 1/2 Alyssa (Carly Schroeder) is too much of a handfull for her grandmother, so she is sent to live with her father, who she barely knows. He's a good man, but very involved in his research on dolphins and the way they communicate. Which of course leads to other lessons about communication. The script is amateurish at best, making it difficult for the cast to put any feeling into their performances. The scenery is attractive, but we need a bit more than that. PG-13 for language.
EYES WIDE SHUT (R) 153 minutes * * * Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise) thinks he has life pretty well figured out. He loves his wife and trusts her. He wouldn't dream of being unfaithful to her and doesn't even see the opportunities to do so. But it's one thing to be faithful because you choose to, another thing totally if you go through life with your eyes closed. It's a film about the loss of innocence and Cruise does a fine job as he discovers and is consumed by what he finds. Director Stanley Kubrick has created yet another wonderful film, though many find it not to their liking. Hearing a quote from the end of the film may help those who haven't seen it understand what Kubrick was trying to get across. "The reality of one night, let alone that of a whole lifetime, can never be the whole truth. And no dream is just a dream. The important thing is, we're awake now, and hopefully for a long time to come." R for sex and language.
THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (R) 113 minutes * * * Beau and Jeff Bridges are the Baker boys, who after 31 years of playing nightclubs together have decided to bring a third person into their act. Not only will Susie (Michelle Pfeiffer) change the act, she will change their lives. It's a moody character study that is well played by three talented actors. Not something that most people will find "entertaining", but a great film for those who really enjoy watching actors work with their characters.
FACE/OFF (R) 130 minutes * * 1/2 Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) is a violent criminal. Sean Archer (John Travolta) has made it his life's work to bring him in. But just when things seem to have been resolved, Archer must become Troy to get information about a bomb. Troy then becomes Archer and the story gets too complicated to explain here. Kevin Yagher's special effects are nice, and there is some astounding stuntwork near the end of the film, which is typical of director John Woo. The biggest problem here is Woo's inability to handle the transitions from action to drama. He's getting better, but the film still feels choppy and rough in too many spots. R for violence and language.
FACING THE GIANTS (PG) 106 minutes * * Second feature film from director Alex Kendrick fares a little better thanks to the photography of Bob Scott, who has worked with filming football scenes for several films as well as the series "Friday Night Lights". Kendrick still holds on to too much of the project, directing, editing, writing, producing, scoring, and starring in the film. Essentially a project of the Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia, with many of their members as cast and crew. The story outlines the struggles of a football coach whose team can't seem to get it together until they put more faith in God. PG for language.
FACTORY GIRL (R) * * * Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller) was a bright star that burned bright and fast, but she was also a spoiled rich girl who fell under the spell of Andy Warhol (Guy Pearce). The attraction was mutual, but it didn't really help either of them. He didn't really know how to be with her, and being with him only made her want to burn brighter. By the time her self-indulgence had turned to self-destruction, Warhol had moved on to other projects that were less dangerous. Miller and Pearce are both quite believable here, though the script and editing let them down a little in a few spots. The interview clips at the end are interesting too. There were so many possibilities for Edie, but she never really had the strength within or the support from without that she needed. R for sex and language.
FACTOTUM (R) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Dark, moody, and depressing film, adapted from Charles Bukowski's book by writer/director Bent Hamer. Matt Dillon delivers a fine performance here in a style that is clearly influenced by film noir of the '40s. The other characters have little meaning here, as the story's focus is on Chinaski (Dillon). They simply drift in and out of the story in a cynical, dreamlike fashion. While that plays to the strength of Dillon's ability to carry a film, it also highlights the self-indulgent aspect of the story as Chinaski is Bukowski's fictional version of himself. R for language and sex.
THE FACULTY (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 The alien body snatchers are taking over Herrington High School, which is already in pretty bad shape. But even though you've seen the story before, it's fun to watch. Director Robert Rodriguez knows how to get us involved in the story quickly, giving us character names and painting the picture with broad strokes and filling in the details as we go on. Few people know how to do so much with a small budget, but Rodriguez is a master. Having a cast that includes Elijah Wood, Bebe Neuwirth, Piper Laurie, Famke Jansen, and Salma Hayek doesn't hurt either! R for language, violence, and nudity.
FADOS (NR) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Passionate and beautifully photographed exploration of fado. The film moves between more traditional performances of the genre of music and more contemporary explorations. Watching and listening transports us to another place. Mesmerizing!
FAHRENHEIT 9/11 (R) 120 minutes * * 1/2 Michael Moore's anti-George Bush film has a little less punch than expected, in part, because we've already heard most of it before. He does uncover a few extra bits of information here and there, but it's too easy to see how he manipulates the presentation of information to make his own point. And, much like Bush, he goes on a bit too long without saying anything different. R for violence and language.
FAHRENHYPE 9/11 (NR) 77 minutes * * 1/2 The documentary reaction to "Fahrenheit 9/11" does present the other side of the issues, but manages to manipulate and misprepresent information as well. Not as much, but while it's being presented as a truthful expose, there are numerous passages lifted out of context, illogical conclusions, and a misunderstanding of a couple of the ideas presented in the first film. For the best effect, see them both, and understand that this is part of what freedom of speech is all about!
FAILURE TO LAUNCH (PG-13) 91 minutes * * * Tripp (Matthew McConaughey) is in his thirties and still living at home, so his parents hire Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker) to get him interested enough in a woman that he'll leave home. We've seen this story so many times, there's really no point in mentioning anything else about it. What makes this fun are the supporting performances. Zooey Deschanel is a delight, and almost steals the show as Paula's roommate Kit... cynical, quirky, and falling for one of Tripp's friends despite herself. I say she almost steals the show because Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw definitely do their share of scene stealing as Tripp's parents. The wild animal scenes are a bit much. Unrealistic and not really essential to the story, though someone must have thought them funny enough to include. PG-13 for language and sex.
FAIR GAME (R) 85 minutes * * Let's hope that Cindy Crawford remains with the career she already established as a model. Filled with the shallow dialogue that seems to be standard in so many action films, we are given characters we learn little about, and therefore care little about. What makes the film worth watching at all, is the stunt work and the work done by the explosives crew. Great work by these folks, too bad they don't have a story to set it all off for. R for violence, language, and nudity.
FAIRYTALE: A TRUE STORY (PG) 93 minutes * * * In 1917 some very interesting photos were taken by two young girls. They showed what appeared to be several fairies. The photos were not faked and this is the story of what happened. A beautiful little film, though a bit thin on story as little time is spent with any subplots. Both girls do a fine job and it's fun to see Harvey Keitel and Peter O'Toole as Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But the kudos go to young Elizabeth Earl in her feature film debut as young Frances Griffiths, the cousin who comes to visit and rekindles the belief in fairies that was starting to fade. PG for language.
FAITH LIKE POTATOES (PG) 113 minutes * * Adapted from the book of the same title, this is the story of a South African farmer of Scottish heritage who has a life transforming experience and begins to put his trust in God. Inspirational story based on the life of Angus Buchan. It runs a bit long, especially with its predicatable story and mediocre performances. PG for language.
FAITHFUL (R) 87 minutes * * * Chazz Palminteri stars in an adaptation of his play along with Cher and Ryan O'Neal. O'Neal wants his wife dead, but Palminteri hasn't killed a woman before, though he finds out she was ready to kill herself anyway... the characters here are very well-written and full of energy and we find ourselves caught up in the story right away. A delight to watch and really makes you want to see this as a play as well. Wonderful direction from Paul Mazursky.
THE FALL (R) 111 minutes * * * It begins as a simple story to pass the time. A tale told by a young man to a little girl. But as Roy (Lee Pace) continues the story, his own pain and depression alter the tone, and Alexandria's (Catinca Untaru) imagination joins in the mix as well. It's a magical tale within a tale, with a delightful performance by Untaru and fascinating costumes. Based on the film "Yo Ho Ho". R for violence.
FALLEN (R) 120 minutes * 1/2 John Hobbes (Denzel Washington) is on a murder case that has some bizarre touches to it. Just what will he uncover? The clues here are extremely obvious, even though it takes them forever to fall into place. Donald Sutherland and John Goodman offer nice supporting performances, but even they have to struggle with a script that treats us like we've never seen a mystery before. The ending is completely without surprise and is very disappointing. R for violence and language.
FALLING DOWN (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 A man with a violent temper who has been pushed too far, this is Bill Foster (Michael Douglas). He just wants to get home for his daughter's birthday party, but his methods are not what most of us would consider normal. Robert Duvall plays the police officer about to retire, who stumbles onto the case and doesn't really want to get involved. This is the problem with the film... a reluctant hero and a villain with whom we can sympathize too easily. Rather than focusing on the drama of the human struggle, this is presented as a police thriller and given a typical ending that is unworthy of these dynamic characters. R for violence and language.
FALLING FROM GRACE (PG-13) 94 minutes * 1/2 Country singer Bud Parks (John Mellencamp) comes home and catches up on what's going on around town. Kay Lenz and Mariel Hemingway have enough experience to work through Mellencamp's poor direction, but the production suffers. There are a few good scenes, but little else. Filmed in Seymour, Indiana, Mellencamp's home town.
FAMILY BUSINESS (R) 111 minutes * * * Vito (Dustin Hoffman) has tried hard to do the best for his son. The problem is that Adam (Matthew Broderick) doesn't want his Dad's best, he just wanted his Dad. Jessie (Sean Connery) has always realized this, but as Vito's father, he felt his hands were tied. Things are about to change, and get very tangled up in the process. These are three great actors from three generations in a story of personal past, present, and future... what it really means to be a member of a family. The performances by the leads are definitely the highlight here, and director Sidney Lumet plays them skillfully off the background of the story. R for language.
THE FAMILY MAN (PG-13) 120 minutes * * * Sometimes, the decisions we make head us down a far different path in life than what we initially expect. Such is the case for Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage). A year-long internship turns into thirteen, and he becomes a fast-track executive on the move rather than a family man. But what if he hadn't gotten on that plane? Not only does Nicolas Cage give then fine performance we expect, but Tea Leoni matches it with a great performance of her own. Nice performances by the kids too. So, despite the overly sentimental message, it's a nice film that most everyone will enjoy, though it does run a bit on the long side. PG-13 for language.
FAMILY PLAN (PG) 86 minutes * * Cute, if a little lightweight, comedy with Tori Spelling as a woman on her way to the top in the business world. The only problem is that her boss thinks she has a husband and daughter. She promptly arranges to have one, but it isn't always smooth sailing, though she may find it's closer to what she wants than she thought. Nothing new here, but Spelling does a decent job as does the rest of the cast, and it's decent family entertainment, which is more than you can say for a number of others. PG for language.
THE FAMILY STONE (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * Everett (Dermot Mulroney) is bringing Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) home for Christmas to meet his parents (Diane Keaton & Craig T. Nelson). Of course there are a few siblings to meet as well, and much harassment along the way. It's just the way the Stone family is... but it may be a bit much for Meredith to deal with. The acting is wonderful, but with a cast like this, it would be hard not to have that well taken care of. What is lacking a little is originality in the story. Most of the twists and turns here are old news and happen quickly enough that we don't really have time to think enough about them before the next one rolls along. It's all fun and we laugh quite a bit, but it definitely lacks the strength underneath that would have made a more memorable film. Also starring Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, and Luke Wilson. PG-13 for language.
THE FAMILY THAT PREYS (PG-13) 104 minutes * * * When you climb to the top by stabbing others in the back, the odds are very good that it will come back around to you later. A wealthy family and a working class family whose matriarchs have been friends for years, find themselves embroiled in controversy and scandal as their children race down a course that can only lead to self-destruction. Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard lead a fine cast in this powerful and moving drama of family relationships and loyal friendships. PG-13 for language and violence.
A FAMILY THING (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2 After his mother's death, Earl Pilcher (Robert Duvall) finds out about a brother he never knew he had. The only thing is that Earl is white and his brother is black... Meeting his brother will teach Earl much about himself, for even though his life has been in the white community of the rural south, his roots lie elsewhere. Although this suffers from poor direction at times, it manages to get its point across, asking us to take a look at what we've come to take for granted in our lives, and be willing to look at things from a different angle. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE FAN (R) 111 minutes * * Gil (Robert DeNiro) is a fanatic San Francisco Giants fan. He's also a foul-mouthed failure who only seems to be successful at scaring people. Director Tony Scott has given us a highly stylized film with excellent camera work, but a story that leaves us wanting more. Two-dimensional characters that walk through the scenery just aren't enough to keep us interested. This does look a little better on the small screen, but it's still no prize. R for language and violence.
FANNY HILL: MEMOIRS OF A WOMAN OF PLEASURE (NR) 115 minutes * * * The life and loves of Fanny Hill (Rebecca Night), an orphan girl who is taken in by a friend and finds herself working as a "woman of pleasure". Adapted from the book by John Cleland, and with a delightful performance by Rebecca Night.
FANTASIA 2000 (G) 69 minutes * * * Considering the explanation at the beginning of the film about how the original idea for "Fantasia" was to continue to release collections of new short animated films... why include "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" again in this version? It wasn't even the best segment of the first film, though it is the most well known. Steve Martin's interlude is rather tacky and definitely sets the wrong mood, and I'm not sure what the point of including it could have been. There are three segments that make the film worth watching. The Gershwin number that begins with a simple line moving across the screen, builds to a wonderful finish that uses Hirshfeld-style drawings and tells a story of life in New York is simply superb. The flamingo yo-yo sequence is both funny and well done and will be the one most of the kids who watch this will remember. And the Firebird Suite that the films closes with is a fabulous note to end on with impressive animation and a fine performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
FANTASTIC FOUR (PG-13) 98 minutes * * 1/2 The classic Marvel comic heroes finally hit the big screen! Vastly superior to the low-budget production made in 1994 that isn't "officially" available for viewing. The special effects here are amazing. The story... well, the story leaves a bit to be desired, spending far too much time on how their powers are acquired and far too little time on fighting the infamous Dr. Doom. Perhaps the inevitable sequel will give us more interaction with villains. PG-13 for violence.
FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER (PG) 86 minutes * * There is plenty of action here, and the special effects are amazing, but the dialogue is over-simplified and tries too hard to have a sense of humor. It's a somewhat strange mix that almost makes it feel like a children's film, but it's not. And once again, the story strays too far from what was in the comics. PG for violence and language.
THE FANTASTICKS (PG) 87 minutes * * * Although some of the unique atmosphere of this long-running musical isn't captured by this film, it still scores on many points. It's the story of two teenagers whose romance has been manipulated by their fathers. A story of life, love, and remembering. Fun and offbeat, for those who haven't been able to make it to the theater, this is an enjoyable alternative. PG for language.
FAR AND AWAY (PG-13) 133 minutes * * 1/2 Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star in this long and tedious romance film. It isn't their performances that hurt it, but the story is incredibly shallow. It's a real surprise to discover that Ron Howard co-wrote it as he's usually much more aware of how to draw in an audience and tell a story. John Williams' sweeping soundtrack is the real star. So, unless you enjoy predictable, sappy endings, just listen to the soundtrack. Filmed in Ireland, Montana, and Oklahoma. PG-13 for violence and language.
FAR FROM HOME: THE ADVENTURES OF YELLOW DOG (PG) 75 minutes * Boy and dog get lost story with plot-holes-a-plenty. The scenery is nice, but why would a kid who knows so much about survival (as he exhibits at some points in the movie) not know that it takes green wood to set a signal fire and that he should stay near the shore where he can be seen? Poor direction and worse acting make this one hard to sit through for all but the few who don't know any better.
A FAR OFF PLACE (PG) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 Their parents killed by poachers, Nonnie (Reese Witherspoon) and Harry (Ethan Randall) must cross the treacherous Kalahari desert in search of help. The desert is the real star here, far from lifeless, though usually very quiet. James Horner's music weaves its magic as well, transporting us to this strange and beautiful world. The opening scenes are a bit violent for the younger viewers, but after that, it's a very entertaining film for one and all. PG for violence.
FAR OUT MAN (R) 81 minutes 1/2 It's home movie time at the Chong house. Tommy wrote and directed this piece, which featurs himself, Rae Dawn, Shelby, and Paris as well as a few other friends of the family. Cheech Marin has a cameo bit as well, but this doesn't even come close to the old Cheech and Chong films. R for language.
FARCE OF THE PENGUINS (R) 73 minutes 1/2 Mockumentary of "March of the Penguins" with Bob Saget writing new dialogue for footage of the penguins making their treks across the Antarctic to feed, mate, and raise their young. If you saw "The Aristocrats", you won't be surprised that this is a Bob Saget project as far as the rude humor. Still, aside from all of the one-liners by an impressive group of Saget's friends, there's just not much here. R for lots of language.
FARGO (R) 94 minutes * * * Strange mix of comedy and fright that reminds us of "Twin Peaks", "American Gothic", and "Natural Born Killers". Set in Minnesota, this is another Joel and Ethan Coen production with a soundtrack by Carter Burwell that sets just the right creepy tone through the whole film. A very offbeat film that you will either love or not finish watching. Rated R for language and violence.
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS (PG-13) 97 minutes * 1/2 Fast cars, pretty girls, and a little detective work on the side in this story of street racing and hijacked shipments. The script is the real bad guy here, keeping Vin Diesel and everyone else two-dimensional and sounding like they came out of a cheap paperback novel that you throw away when you've finished reading it. Actually, it's adapted from a magazine article by Ken Li, which could be the problem. Stretching an article into a movie script can sometimes stretch a story more than it can handle. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT (PG-13) 97 minutes * 1/2 When Sean (Lucas Black) wrecks his car and gets into trouble with the law again, she sends him to live with his father in Tokyo. Sean quickly learns a new style of racing where cars "drift" around turns, and is quickly in trouble again, though of a slightly different kind. Plenty of stant car driving here, with some great work, but the dialogue definitely sub-par and aside from Black, most of the acting leaves a great deal to be desired. There is a nice soundtrack... PG-13 for violence and language.
FAST FOOD NATION (R) 106 minutes * * * When the meat that is being used by a fast food chain is discovered to contain some undesirable material, marketing executive Don Anderson (Greg Kinnear) investigates... and finds out more than he bargained for. Adapted from the book by Eric Schlosser, this is not only a study of the fast food industry, but of a way of life promoted in the United States. Consumerism driven by advertising to make more money for those who already have it, supported by cheap labor and a lack of concern for quality, safety, and the environment. The impact of the film is lessened by it being a drama rather than a documentary, but it's still there if you want to notice. Several interesting smaller roles and cameos by Patricia Arquette, Esai Morales, Kris Kristofferson, Bruce Willis, Ethan Hawke, Avril Lavigne, and a few others. R for language, violence, and sex.
FAT ALBERT (PG) 87 minutes * * Fat Albert and his pals leave their cartoon world for the real world to help a girl who is having trouble making friends. The only problem is, after a little while, they start to fade, even though they find the real world a really nice place to be. There are some cute bits here and there, but the story wears thin way before the time is up. Fat Albert fans will have a little fun with this, but that's about all. PG for language.
FAT GIRLS (R) 80 minutes * * 1/2 An alternative coming of age story. Rodney Miller (Ash Christian) has always felt like a "fat girl", and now he's starting to think that there isn't really anything wrong with that after all. Christian also wrote and directed this, and the low budget is clearly evident, but actually works to the film's advantage in that it adds to the "home movie" approach to the story. R for sex and language.
FAT MAN AND LITTLE BOY (PG-13) 123 minutes * * * 1/2 The war serves as the context for this story about the ethical conflict involved in harnessing nuclear energy. Several times throughout the film, we are reminded that this is the energy that drives the universe. The struggle for control plays out in the struggle between General Groves (Paul Newman) and Robert Oppenheimer (Dwight Schultz), but is there on a larger scale between the Nazis and the Communists and even between humanity and the universe. Schultz brings Oppenheimer to life for us and is supported well with performances by both John Cusack and Laura Dern. Ennio Morricone's soundtrack and Vilmos Zsigmond's photography add immeasurably to the presentation as well. Not only is this a film about watching the unimaginable take place, it is also a film about peace and life. As Merriman (Cusack) says late in the film, "I hope we choose life, because I realize how beautiful, how glorious, how magical, life can be."
FATAL ATTRACTION (R) 115 minutes * * Obsessed with the man she had a one-night fling with, Alex (Glenn Close) begins to stalk him. Dan (Michael Douglas) is momentarily flattered, then annoyed, and soon fears for his life and that of his wife and daughter. Masquerading as a mystery/suspense film, this is really little more than a slasher horror film with a bigger budget and a story aimed at an older audience. Maurice Jarre's soundtrack does a great job of adding to the effect.
FATAL BEAUTY (R) 101 minutes * * Whoopi Goldberg is Rita Rizzoli, narcotics cop, on the trail of the drug, Fatal Beauty. While the action and suspense are fairly good here, the dialogue is both heavy-handed and full of unnecessary foul language. Harold Faltermyer provides another good pop music soundtrack, and Goldberg and Sam Elliott give good performances.
FATAL CONTACT: BIRD FLU IN AMERICA (NR) 83 minutes * Not sure how much of a plot description you need after reading the title to this film. Despite the scary possibility it presents, the characters here seem pretty emotionless and bored. Cheap ending, but by the time it arrives, we really don't care all that much.
FATAL INSTINCT (PG-13) 86 minutes * * Another of the parody comedies, this one actually does a decent job in poking fun at "Basic Instinct", "Fatal Attraction", and "Body Heat". If anything, it pays too much attention to detail and doesn't have enough light-hearted fun with the idea. The great cast includes Armand Assante, Kate Nelligan, Sherilyn Fenn, and Sean Young.
FATHER HOOD (PG-13) 91 minutes * * Patrick Swayze stars in this mildly entertaining TV movie-style production about a man who impulsively kidnaps his two children from the state's foster care system. Don't expect much and you won't be disappointed.
FATHER OF THE BRIDE (PG) 100 minutes * * Remake of the 1950 classic featuring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, who just never have the chemistry it takes to bring this off well. There are far too many voice-overs, and too many attempts at comedy that just don't fit well. Kieran Culkin, playing the little brother, comes off better than most everyone. PG for language.
FATHER OF THE BRIDE PART II (PG) 102 minutes * * * This is one of those few times when a sequel is actually rather good. Even more interestingly, it's a remake of a sequel. (Father's Little Dividend) Steve Martin's daughter has grown up and is making him face his own middle age, with comical results of course. Sure to make you smile, this also shows off young Keiran Culkin better than the first film did and gives us a fine supporting performance from Jane Adams as Dr. Eisenberg. Great work by all!
FATHER'S DAY (PG-13) 95 minutes * 1/2 Robin Williams and Billy Crystal star in this story of two men trying to find a boy who has run away. One of them may be the boy's father, but no one seems to know for sure. They keep finding him and losing him throughout the movie. And just as they keep missing the kid, this film keeps missing the mark.The moral here is fairly obvious and Williams and Crystal don't work well together. Based on the film "Les Comperes" (which is undoubtedly better), the best part of this film is an unbilled cameo appearance by Mel Gibson. PG-13 for language.
THE FAVOR (R) 93 minutes * Amateurish direction and a poor script hang this story before it has a chance. Elizabeth McGovern is asked by her friend, Harley Jane Kozak to sleep with her old high school boyfriend and then tell her what it was like. Bill Pullman, Brad Pitt, and Ken Wahl are among the others featured here, but acting talent can't save a film like this.
FEAR (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Stylishly directed story of sweet teen (Reese Witherspoon) falling for a psycho kid. Her father (William Peterson) intervenes, but trouble ensues. The story is far too obvious and takes too long to play out. Good acting by Witherspoon and music by Carter Burwell help make this worth watching.
FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (R) 112 minutes * * 1/2 Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro star in this adaptation of Hunter Thompson's satirical travelogue/social commentary on the 1960's and 70's. Depp is on assignment to cover the Mint 400 dirtbike race but ends up being more interested in experiencing hallucinations through drug use. There is a good deal of strong social commentary here, especially late in the film, but most will be turned off by the bizarre caricatures and unusual cinematography. Small roles and cameo appearances are scattered throughout the film, two of the more notable being Christina Ricci and Ellen Barkin. R for language and violence.
FEAR DOT COM (R) 93 minutes * A sadistic killer is somehow using a website to trigger people's fears and overload them with adrenaline... the problem is that this killer doesn't have a physical body. This starts out nicely. Dark and mysterious, with a very spooky little girl that keeps appearing. There are some nice moments of suspense here and there, but the story just doesn't hold together. A nice cast (Stephen Rea, Natascha McElhone, Stephen Dorff, and others) end up being wasted. R for violence and language.
FEARLESS (R) 115 minutes * * 1/2 Max (Jeff Bridges) survives an airplane accident and begins to feel that he is invulnerable to harm. As is the case with most of director Peter Weir's films, there is a theme throughout. This time, it's "hands"... reaching, holding, letting go... This aspect is quite good, but some portions of the film are weak and could've used better writing and acting. R for language and violence.
FEARLESS (2006) 100 minutes * * * Jet Li stars as Huo Yuanjia, the founder of the Jin Wu Sports Federation. His life was dedicated to bringing the various martial arts traditions together to appreciate one another and to focus on discipline rather than violence. As a child, he just wanted to win and he learns how to fight well enough to do so. But as he grows older, he learns that respect and honor are of more value than winning. His vision of uniting the various disciplines of martial arts and creating a federation did more than help the sport, it helped unite the Chinese people. Quality piece of work from director Ronny Yu. R for violence.
FEAST (NR) 80 minutes * * 1/2 Strange group of aliens monsters trap a group of people in a bar one night. Can they make it till morning? Will morning make a difference? Very intense and full of gore, with fairly good performances, though it's hard to tell much as the dialogue is univentive to say the least. The aliens really aren't that elaborate either, but there is the fun bit of the rotating hero role. First-time director John Gulager has fun with this and given some better material to work with, he could give us a pretty scary film. R rated version available, violence, language, and sex.
FEAST OF LOVE (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Bradley Thomas (Greg Kinnear) is a nice guy, but love just doesn't seem to be working out for him. His friend Harry (Morgan Freeman) shares words of wisdom from time to time, but in the end, love and life will do what they will and loss is always part of the story. Love offers much, but it takes much as well. Adapted from Charles Baxter's novel, this is a gentle and quiet story, well-acted, and without presumption that it is trying to tell us anything particularly unique. Filmed in Portland, Oregon. R for sex and language.
FEEL THE NOISE (PG-13) 84 minutes * 1/2 An aspiring young rapper finds his dreams dashed and then reshaped into something more realistic in this rather lifeless story. This unfortunately has both the look and feel of a low budget production. It's too bad for the actors, who try to give this some life, but the script and poor direction never give it much of a chance. PG-13 for sex, violence, and language.
FEELING MINNESOTA (R) 92 minutes * Really bad attempt to copy "Pulp Fiction", with Keanu Reeves and Dan Aykroyd stumbling through very bad dialogue. Tuesday Weld is probably embarrassed about being in this film, and Courtney Love shows nothing of the power she later exhibits in "The People Vs. Larry Flynt". Another grand example of a terrible script from Hollywood. R for language, violence, and sex.
FEMME FATALE (R) 110 minutes * * Double-crossing the thieves she works with to get $10 million in diamonds, she establishes a new identity and might just get away with it except for this annoying photographer who takes her picture and begins to unravel what took her so long to put in place. Director Brian DePalma puts in a very nice plot twist late in the film that feels like his older films. The biggest problems here are that the film does drag on a bit long, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos does make a better model than she does an actress. Recognize that voice on the phone? It's John Stamos, Rebecca's husband. R for sex, violence, and language.
FERN GULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST (G) 69 minutes * * 1/2 Ecological cartoon with nice music and some great voices (Robin Williams, Samantha Mathis, Grace Zabriskie, Tim Curry, Cheech & Chong, Christian Slater) but the story isn't very imaginative and the animation is strictly Saturday morning fare.
FEVER PITCH (PG-13) 96 minutes * * Ben (Jimmy Fallon) is a big Red Sox fan. So much so that it's always gotten in the way of his past attempts at romantic relationships. Lindsey (Drew Barrymore) has always been so preoccupied with her work that she hasn't been able to have a good romantic relationship either. Can they somehow make this work? Adapted from the book by Nick Hornby, this may appeal to Red Sox fans, but neither Barrymore or Fallon seem all that interested. Fallon appears to be just walking through his part, and Barrymore has nothing to play off of with a co-star is so bland. PG-13 for language.
A FEW GOOD MEN (R) 134 minutes * * * 1/2 Classy military courtroom drama with Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise facing off as the death under suspicious circumstances of a Marine private is investigated. Aaron Sorkin does a masterful job of adapting his stage play to the screen. Rob Reiner's talented direction brings together a fine cast that also includes Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, James Marshall, and Keifer Sutherland. R for violence and language.
FIDO (R) 86 minutes * * 1/2 In the not-too-distant future, zombies don't really present much of a problem anymore. Thanks to some creative thinking, they can be put to work doing menial labor. Well, except when something happens to their collar... In fact, Timmy's (K'Sun Ray) zombie helps keep the local bullies from picking on him. Just remember... they aren't really human... anymore. If you liked "Shaun of the Dead", you'll find this film fun as well. R for violence.
FIELD OF DREAMS (PG) 100 minutes * * * * Based on the book "Shoeless Joe", this is a magical story about a farmer who hears a voice telling him to build a baseball field on his property. It's also about the courage to follow a dream and the faith it takes to believe in that dream. And it's about the importance of our memories and our love for those who are important to us. It's magical Hollywood at its best, and Kevin Costner plays it to perfection. The script is perfect, and the direction manages to capture every nuance of emotion. Definitely a film not to miss!
FIELDER'S CHOICE (NR) 83 minutes * * Not only has Phillip (Chad Lowe) never thought much about being a father, he wouldn't have time for it anyway. It's all he can do to manage to help out his sister for the weekend by taking care of his nephew. But when she dies in an accident, he finds himself the boy's custodian. Lowe does a nice job here, though this never really gets past the mild tear-jerker, TV movie category.
FIERCE CREATURES (PG-13) 87 minutes * * This sequel to "A Fish Called Wanda" doesn't quite measure up to its predecessor, but it still has its fun moments. Nobody can stumble around words and still keep a scene moving like John Cleese. There are a number of in-jokes for those who saw the first film. PG-13 for language.
FIERCE PEOPLE (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 Finn (Anton Yelchin) was supposed to spend the summer with his father, studying a remote and savage tribe of people. Instead, he will be spending the summer with his mother, among a strange and savage "tribe" of rich people near New York City. Finn quickly begins to gain influence and respect among this tribe, but soon finds that trust and loyalty are not won so easily. Excellent cast that also includes Diane Lane, Kristen Stweart, and Donald Sutherland. R for language, sex, and violence.
15 MINUTES (R) 113 minutes * 1/2 An arson investigation turns into a homicide investigation involving two eastern European killers with some rather strange ideas about American justice and the media. It's too long and gets lost quickly somewhere between trying to tell us how much the media influences us and how poorly the justice system works. The characters continue to struggle with telling us their story, which we care little about after the first half hour or so. The filming is choppy and erratic and we find ourselves ready to have this over long before it grants us the pleasure. R for violence and language.
THE FIFTH ELEMENT (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * 1/2 Visually stunning science fiction epic with traces of "Stargate", "Star Wars", and "Blade Runner" mixed together. Wonderful special effects too, but its the story that really grabs you, right from the very start. Evil is returning, and the five elements must be united to defeat it. There's a little too much comedy here, especially in Gary Oldman's character, and I wouldn't have cast Bruce Willis (although he does a fine job). Milla Jovovich is absolutely perfect as Leeloo. This is a very impressive film from director/writer Luc Besson. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
FIFTY/FIFTY (R) 98 minutes * Robert Hays and Peter Weller are the only things this film has going for it. Pathetic story of two mercenaries who end up working for a small group of "good people" who are trying to get their land back. The chemistry between the leads at least makes a few of the scenes entertaining. R for violence and language.
50 FIRST DATES (PG-13) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Henry (Adam Sandler) has problems with commitment in relationships. But now he's fallen for Lucy (Drew Barrymore), a girl who forgets everything from the day before each morning when she wakes up. It's unfortunate that scattered throughout this charming and sensitive love story are the constant reminders that Sandler loves off-color humor. It's especially bad early on though it does tame down a bit as it progresses. Absolutely beautiful scenery courtesy of the north shore of Oahu where most of this was filmed. PG-13 for language.
54 (R) 83 minutes * Set in 1979, this is the story of Studio 54, the place to go for freedom and fame, glitz and glamour, sex and drugs. Ryan Phillippe stars, though Salma Hayek, Neve Campbell, and Mike Myers do a little better with their roles. The script is incredibly boring and keeps the characters far too shallow for us to care about what happens to them. The other big disappointment here is the lack of music. A film about one of the hottest disco places in the world should have had a better selection of music than we have here. R for language and nudity.
FIGHT CLUB (R) 135 minutes * * 1/2 What does it mean to be a man? What does it take to be a man? Edward Norton's character explores these questions through the course of the film. It's an incredible script, though I'm rarely thrilled with narration. It does end on a rather strange note, but getting there is very interesting. There's also a feeling of self-indulgence here that is a bit thick at times, dimming the strength of the material and of Norton's fine performance. Brad Pitt offers us another somewhat quirky performance, though not as unusual as his character in "Twelve Monkeys". Also of note are well-done and very unique performances by Helena Bonham Carter and Meat Loaf. R for language, violence, and sex.
FIGHTING (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Shawn's (Channing Tatum) life isn't really headed anywhere until he meets Harvey (Terrence Howard). Harvey is a scam artist, but he recognizes a good fighter in Shawn, and takes advantage of the situation. Howard does a great job here, and Tatum actually doesn't do too badly either. The story just doesn't have very far to go here, and is complicated by awkward aspects like the gang that follows Harvey around. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS (PG-13) 119 minutes * 1/2 Darrin (Cuba Gooding Jr.) loses his job and goes back home to his Aunt Sally's funeral where he discovers that his sizeable inheritance hinges on his ability to get the local church choir to win a musical competition. Not an easy task. And it takes a bit too long to happen. The music is great, with treats from The O'Jays and Beyonce Knowles among others, but it just doesn't feel sincere at all. PG-13 for language.
FINAL ANALYSIS (R) 121 minutes * * Richard Gere starts sleeping with a patient's sister and finds himself in a mysterious mess. This film is a bit of a mess as well, though it does get better toward the end. Kim Basinger does a reasonable job, but Gere and Uma Thurman do the majority of the work. R for sex, language, and violence.
FINAL APPROACH (NR) 158 minutes * * Formula disaster film originally shown on TV about terrorists hijacking a plane headed for Los Angeles. Their plan appears to have covered every possible angle, but a former FBI agent is going to do his best to make sure that their attempt fails. Reasonably good performances and the story flows well, if rather predictably, to it's conclusion.
THE FINAL CUT (PG-13) 90 minutes * * Strange little film with Robin Williams as a "cutter" who edits the stored memories of people's lives down to a memorial film. Not only does he uncover a dramatic secret while editing, he also uncovers a bit of his own past that he needs to track down to be able to understand it. Williams does a nice job here, but the story just sort of splashes out without much direction. PG-13 for language and violence.
FINAL DESTINATION (R) 92 minutes * 1/2 Just before the plane takes off for Paris, Alex has a dream about the plane crashing. He and a few of his friends get off the plane, which crashes moments after take-off. Were they lucky? Or is death still out to get them? An interesting idea that is handled very poorly, with silly horror film effects, poor acting, and a ridiculous ending. Ali Larter is the only standout in a film that could have been much more interesting and suspenseful than it turned out to be. R for language and violence.
THE FINAL DESTINATION (2009) (R) 76 minutes 1/2 Fourth in the series of "people who should have died and have to wait until later" films. Plenty of "in your face" graphic gore to capitalize on the 3-D presentation, and plenty of cliches about not taking life for granted. Unfortunately, even more than the other films so far, there are no suprises and we never really care about the characters. With any luck, this is the final entry... R for violence, language, and sex.
FINAL DESTINATION 2 (R) 84 minutes * 1/2 Beginning not all that long after the end of the first film, we have a new person who is given a vision of a multi-vehicle crash on the interstate. What's more, the people who are rescued by the vision all have ties to the folks from the first film! It actually works fairly well as a story mechanism. Consider yourself WARNED - the special effects are extremely gross. More what you might expect from a horror film rather than a suspense film. Although that being said, the interstate scene in the first few minutes of the film is amazing, doing a wonderful job of combining real stunts with computer animation. Ali Larter returns to help explain things to the new people, and once again delivers the best performance.
FINAL DESTINATION 3 (R) 87 minutes * * It's a roller coaster accident in an amusement park that a few people survive this time, thanks to the premonition of one girl. The usual, bizarre string of events that begin to balance things starts, and our protagonists must see if they can stop it somehow. Slightly better pacing than the previous films, and more extremely gross effects, along with some nice camera work gives this a slight edge over the previous two in the series. R for violence, language, and nudity.
FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN (PG-13) 98 minutes * * The extraordinary animation is the highlight here, though the mouths still need a little work. The story is a bit on the rough side and it feels like we lost a few scenes that might have helped clarify some of the story. The idea that a planet has a life force of which we are all a part is interesting, but we don't hear enough about the life force from the meteor and how the alien ghosts are able to kill. This doesn't really follow the game, so there is potential for a sequel of sorts, but that remains to be seen. PG-13 for violence.
THE FINAL SEASON (PG) 113 minutes * * * Norway High School, a small school in rural Iowa with an amazing baseball team. When a nearby school corporation begins the process to merge Norway into their system, the town is more than a little upset. They will have one more season, with an untested young coach, and a chance to add the 20th state championship trophy to their collection. It's a great story with the only real problems involving the cast. The players are all fine and Powers Boothe does a nice job as the legendary coach Jim Van Scoyoc. Sean Astin delivers only a mediocre performance though, and Rachel Leigh Cook is woefully miscast as the representative of the larger school system who becomes involved with Astin's character. Based on fact, this is a good film for baseball fans, but it could have been even better. PG for language.
FIND ME GUILTY (R) 120 minutes * * Based on the actual trial of Giacomo "Jackie Dee" DiNorscio and the events surrounding it, and using some of the actual transcripts. Director Sidney Lumet is used to this sort of film, but gets caught here in trying to make this too true to the actual events. Vin Diesel does a nice job here, and his charisma along with that of Peter Dinklage are what make this film as good as it is. Far too much of the rest is dry and uninteresting. It makes the story rely even more on Diesel's performance, which has an unusual combination of comic and serious aspects that are a bit hard to watch. More than anything, this just seems to miss whatever mark that Lumet was aiming for. R for language and violence.
FINDING FORRESTER (PG-13) 131 minutes * * * Jamal (Rob Brown) has a talent for writing. He's never done much with it, because he just wants to fit in with his friends. But when his path crosses with that of William Forrester (Sean Connery), a recluse who wrote the great American novel and then disappeared, they both find themselves moving in new directions. Much as Forrester's character serves as a mentor for Jamal, Connery seems to have had a similar effect on Rob Brown. The characters are, unfortunately, locked into a story that almost never moves past the obvious, though there are hints of the depths they could achieve. It's always a delight to watch Connery, and Brown's debut along with a nice supporting role by Anna Paquin definitely make this a worthwhile film. PG-13 for language.
FINDING NEMO (G) 91 minutes * * * This gem from Pixar does start out on a rather sad note, but as Marlin (Albert Brooks) searches for his son Nemo, with the help of Dory (Ellen DeGeneris), the quest does a nice job of tastefully mixing humor into the story. My favorite is the "whale talk"... words fail to describe just how funny it is. The story is a delightful mix of humor, educational information about marine life, and family dynamics. Charming and touching, it's a film that most everyone in the family can enjoy.
FINDING NEVERLAND (PG) 96 minutes * * * J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp), author of Peter Pan, found his inspiration for that story in his interations with the children of a friend. There are many good performances here, Depp (of course), Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell, Dustin Hoffman, and young Freddie Highmore who is also playing opposite Depp in the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The pacing in the script is a bit off though. The film starts slowly and ends rather quickly with too many aspects being resolved too easily. Still, the idea is there... reality and fantasy need to walk beside each other, for only then can we experience the magic and beauty of life. PG for language.
FIRE DOWN BELOW (R) 99 minutes * 1/2 Another Steven Seagal film about tragedy striking the environment. Seagal goes in to fix it all for the "little people" by kicking the snot out of the mean people without getting a hair out of place or a scratch on his face. Nothing new, though the songs are good, including the ones Seagal writes and sings. R for violence and language.
FIRE IN THE SKY (PG-13) 105 minutes * * Based on "The Walton Experience", this story of UFO abduction develops rather slowly and has an awkward ending. It does manage to keep us interested, but mostly because we'd like some answers that are never given. An interesting cast that includes D.B. Sweeney, Kathleen Wilhoite, and James Garner. PG-13 for violence.
THE FIRE NEXT TIME (NR) 82 minutes * * * Documentary about the struggles of Kalispell and the Flathead Valley area in Montana as they deal with major changes to their way of life. The film does a nice job of presenting both sides of several issues that have residents angry and even hateful towards one another. It's not just about the environment or jobs, it's about a community and a way of life. Is it possible to reach any understanding or common ground? Are there issues affecting your community in the same way? Nice work from director Patrice O'Neill.
FIREBIRDS (PG-13) 80 minutes * * 1/2 Exciting flight sequences, romance, a little danger, a pilot who thinks he's the best there is... sound a little bit like "Top Gun"? Yup, only this time with Apache helicopters. The film struggles with an unbelievable relationship between Nicholas Cage and Sean Young and rarely has the intensity it needs to keep us really interested. There are some nice flight sequences, but they don't really show off the full capabilities of an Apache. It's a slick production, but feels a little too shallow the whole way through.
FIRED UP (PG-13) 84 minutes * Football camp or cheerleader camp... the choice seems obvious to these two young football jocks. They already know how to play football, and how difficult can cheerleading be? And of course there's no opportunity to be around girls at football camp. As expected, they find that there's more to cheerleading than they expected, and that the competitive spirit is contagious, and they discover a new respect for the cheerleaders. Corny, light-hearted film with just enough sexual teasing to get the PG-13 rating. There are actually a few nice cheer sequences mixed in with the nonsense as well. PG-13 for nudity and language.
FIREHOUSE DOG (PG) 103 minutes * * 1/2 When a dog is rescued from a fire, it seems to be just what Engine 55 and the rest of Dogpatch Company need. What they don't know is that this is Rexxx, canine movie star, who just might be able to help them solve a series of arson cases. Nice work by young Josh Hutcherson here, as he and the dog are pretty much the whole show. It does run a little long, but is otherwise a nice family film. Trivia note: Rexxx was played by four dogs. PG for violence and language.
FIREPROOF (PG) 112 minutes 1/2 Another Kendrick brothers film, so heavy with pro-Christian message that the characters often sound more like they are giving sermons than actually talking to one another. Stilted and amateurish dialogue, and most of the performances are bad enough that they make Kirk Cameron look good... and that takes some doing. PG for language.
FIRESTORM (R) 84 minutes * * Smokejumpers are that elite group of firefighters who are trained to parachute into wildfire areas to try and keep them under control. This time, their job is made more difficult by an escaping group of inmates who plan to use a forest fire as cover for their escape. Ex-football star Howie Long does quite well here, with some reasonably good support from Scott Glenn, William Forsythe, and Suzy Amis. The story has a good many holes in it that should have been dealt with. Things feel far too rushed and it makes the film weak. The visual presentation is quite good though, thanks to direction by Dean Semler (a wonderful photography director) in his first outing. Filmed in Castaic, California and Vancouver, Canada. R for violence and language.
FIREWALL (PG-13) 102 minutes * * 1/2 While his family is held hostage, Jack (Harrison Ford) is expected to be the inside man on a bank job. There always seems to be one more wrinkle in the plan, and always one more way to solve the problem just before it gets too bad. Despite all of the action, this manages to move rather slowly, and it ends very abruptly. Ford looks tired throughout, but manages to keep us interested in the story enough to keep watching. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE FIRM (R) 151 minutes * * * Though this gets off to a bit of a slow start, the well-written script recovers fairly quickly. It strays from the book, but the real problem is Jeanne Tripplehorn's weak acting. She fails to convince us that she has played her part (the wife who knows but acts like she doesn't) well enough to convince the other characters. Holly Hunter, Ed Harris, David Straithairn, and Gene Hackman do great work though, and the soundtrack, composed and performed by Dave Grusin, is a treat. Tom Cruise is adequate in the lead, but this isn't his best film.
FIRST BORN (PG-13) 95 minutes * Muddled mess of a suspense film with Elisabeth Shue as a woman who essentially has post-partum depression and paranoia. There are a number of red herrings that lead us toward thinking there are supernatural forces at work, but nothing is ever substantiated. John Frizzell delivers a suspenseful soundtrack and Shue does a nice job, but the story fails her, and us, at every turn. PG-13 for violence.
FIRST DAUGHTER (PG) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Samantha (Katie Holmes) just wants to have a normal life, but it's hard to do that when you're the president's daughter. How do you live your life when the camera never stops following you? Holmes delivers a nice, subtle performance here and the camera work does a great job emphasizing her facial expressions. Part of the reason this works so well is also due to director Forest Whitaker's decision to present this story as a fairy tale about an ordinary little girl who will always be a princess. Nice choice!
FIRST DESCENT (PG-13) 106 minutes * * 1/2 If you've ever wondered why people want to snowboard, you should definitely see this film. Part history of the sport and part extreme snowboarding event, with five young snowboarders hitting some of the highest and steepest slopes in Alaska. It's a great look at a sport that can actually be traced back farther than you might expect. This definitely looks better on the big screen, but some of the footage is still pretty incredible even on the small screen. PG-13 for language.
FIRST KID (PG) 97 minutes * * Sinbad stars in this familiar story of a spoiled brat learning some of the important lessons in life. Moderately good entertainment for the 6-10 age crowd, but aside from a nice performance by young Erin Williby, there isn't much here. PG for language.
FIRST KNIGHT (PG-13) 128 minutes * * * Well-balanced film with a story that unfolds at a very nice pace. Guinevere (Julia Ormond) is struggling with the dilemma of how to choose which man she wants to spend her life with, Arthur (Sean Connery) or Lancelot (Richard Gere). Beautiful scenery and a fine soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith compliment things well, though it does run a little on the long side. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE FIRST POWER (R) 94 minutes * * The third power is possession, the second is knowledge of the future, and the first is resurrection. Now you know. This has all the right suspense and a great soundtrack from Stewart Copeland, but little in the way of originality. Suspense in a horror film has to be followed with a scare or some other release of the tension that builds. This one just keeps fading away, lulling us into a state where we aren't interested after awhile. R for violence.
FIRST SUNDAY (PG-13) 95 minutes * 1/2 Durell (Ice Cube) needs to raise $17,000 if he wants to be able to keep seeing his son. He convinces his friend LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan) to help him rob a church to get the money. Not only is it more trouble than they expected, but we're never convinced. Ice Cube's character is too angry throughout the film and it just isn't as much fun to watch this as it should be. PG-13 for language.
THE FIRST WIVES CLUB (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 You can't help but smile through most of this picture as we watch Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton waltz through their parts. Hawn steals the show, though Midler does have a few good bits here and there. The script and direction are weak, however, stealing much of the power this film could have delivered. Great costumes by Theoni Aldredge and watch for unbilled cameo appearances by Stockard Channing, Rob Reiner, and Sarah Jessica Parker. PG for language.
A FISH CALLED WANDA (PG) 105 minutes * * * The plot is about a robbery and the changing loyalties that occur afterwards when nobody wants to share. But what it's really all about is getting a couple of the old Monty Python troupe together and having a blast. It's not quite as good as the TV show, but it's grand fun. Kevin Kline fits in perfectly with Michael Palin and John Cleese. And Jamie Lee Curtis holds her own quite well. There are a couple of awkward scenes that don't seem to fit all that well, but Python fans will enjoy it regardless. R for language.
THE FISHER KING (R) 134 minutes * * * 1/2 Parry (Robin Williams) used to be a professor of medieval history. But when his wife is killed, Parry retreats into a world of his own creation... a world with castles, Red Knights, and a Holy Grail. Jack (Jeff Bridges) hosts a talk radio show. One day, the comments he makes lead a man to go into a restaurant and kill seven people. Jack and Parry's paths cross, and they find themselves working together as each pursues their own Holy Grail. This is a film filled with imagery and emotion, social commentary and New York City humor. Director Terry Gilliam does a superlative job presenting this picture to us, guiding Williams and Bridges as they search within and around themselves for meaning. R for language, violence, and nudity.
FISHTALES (PG) 87 minutes * * Unusual live-action children's film telling the story of a professor (Billy Zane) whose research takes him to the Greek isles. Thanks to his daughter, and a mermaid, he ends up finding love, which is what he really needs. What could have been a charming and lightly romantic film for the preteen crowd, ends up missing the mark due to occassional humor scattered throughout the film that undermines the strength of the story. PG for language.
FIST OF THE WARRIOR (R) 84 minutes * * When Lee Choe (Ho-Sung Pak) turns down a job for his mobster boss, he doesn't realize that it will cost the life of his girlfriend. As he tracks down the man responsible, his own life is still in danger, and not only from the mob. Nicely photographed, with some wonderfully stylized shots, and some nice action sequences. Script and acting are a bit weak though, and the ending is far from satisfactory. R for violence, language, and sex.
FISTS OF IRON (R) 88 minutes 1/2 Paper-thin plot as Michael Worth attempts to avenge the death of a friend who fought a private "fight for pay" professional. Low budget, poor photography, and little in the way of acting or story. The only item of note is the appearance of Sam Jones, whom we haven't seen in awhile.
FIVE FINGERS (R) 79 minutes * * Travelling to Morocco to work with a charity that distributes food to the poor, Martijn (Ryan Phillippe) is kidnapped and tortured by those who believe he has another motive. The story here has no frills, which could be good, but it also lacks depth. We don't ever feel a connection with the characters since Martijn is the only one we really get to know, and we're never sure he's completely innocent. The ending, offering a twist that we aren't really that surprised by, feels empty, despite reasonably good performances throughout. R for violence, language, and sex.
THE FIVE HEARTBEATS (R) 116 minutes * * 1/2 The story of the R & B group, The Dells, and their rise to fame. Things start off well here, but begin to drag after the first hour. Robert Townsend perhaps took on a bit much by serving as director, executive producer, co-writer, and leading actor. It works a little better on video, but it still runs a little long.
(500) DAYS OF SUMMER (PG-13) 91 minutes * * * He believes in true love. She believes that love is a myth. He wants and needs to know what their relationship is and where it's going. She lives in the moment and labels don't have much meaning to her. A tragic and occasionally funny romance, well-played by both Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon Levitt, and nicely written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. PG-13 for language.
THE FIVE OBSTRUCTIONS (NR) 84 minutes * * * Documentary film director Jorgen Leth is challenged by his friend and fellow filmmaker to remake his short film "The Perfect Human" five times with varios obstructions that create new ways of looking at the idea. It's a fascinating look at the world of filmmaking and at two friends who are willing to explore themselves as well as their craft.
THE FIVE SENSES (R) 101 minutes * * * An exploration of life and love through the experiences of five characters. There's a heightened awareness of the senses and how they play a part in the way we relate to our world. The five stories weave together less in plot and more in sense of theme. Well-told and well-acted, it's a character study that asks for us to look at ourselves and see where we fit in. Definitely a nice change of pace. R for language and sex.
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS (R) 123 minutes * * * The story of the men who raised the US flag at Iwo Jima, and what lie in store for them afterwards. Called heroes by many, it was a label that made them uncomfortable. Director Clint Eastwood does a great job with the emotional aspects of the film, including the use of the soundtrack he wrote for the film. The pacing does seem awkward in a few spots as the story moves into the post-war personal lives of the main cast. Still, it's a great companion piece to "Letters From Iwo Jima", also directed by Eastwood, both films reminding us that violence doesn't really solve conflicts. R for violence and language.
FLASH OF GENIUS (PG-13) 113 minutes * * When Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear) invented an intermittent wiper for automobiles, all he wants to do is run a small company that will make them. The big automakers have other ideas, especially about how they can deny that Kearns was the one who came up with the idea. Once again, the individual faces the giant corporation, and our spirits are lifted as dedication and sincerity are eventually rewarded. Kinnear does reasonably well here, but the story strikes the same note for so long that we grow tired of it early on. PG-13 for language.
FLASH POINT (R) 85 minutes * * Donnie Yen plays a cop who tends to dish out a little justice of his own while arresting criminals. Yen does a nice job here, and the fight scenes deliver plenty of action, though the only extended fight scene is near the end of the film, as is fairly standard. the story is pretty thin, but that's no real surprise either. R for violence.
FLASHBACK (R) 105 minutes * * 1/2 Dennis Hopper is a "flashback" to the '60s all by himself. But as his character Huey Walker states in the film, "It takes more than renting a copy of "Easy Rider" from a video store to be a rebel." The costumes, dialogue, and music all contribute to the '60s feel of the film, but it just isn't enough. On the one hand, we're told that we shouldn't forget the '60s, that standing up for the oppressed IS worthwhile, and that nature is beautiful and needs to be preserved. We're also reminded that our consciousness as a society was raised by the events of the '60s because it was a violent and vital time. Conflict can really make you feel alive, and that is a great deal of what the '60s were all about. In the end though, we grow older and less rebellious, leaving vital changes to those who are younger, and who sometimes rebel against the rebellions of those who went before. It does make us wonder, but falls short of making a strong enough comment to stay with us. R for language.
FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL (R) 103 minutes * * * Once a big movie star, Joe Scott (Daniel Craig) is not so popular anymore. The death of a childhood friend takes him (and us) back to earlier days. Memories flash by, and he wonders what has happened. Dealing with grief and past relationships is a difficult process and he wonders if its worth the effort. Interesting, though somewhat depressing story. Craig does a nice job here, but the mood of the story may make it a bit difficult for some to watch. R for sex and language.
FLATLINERS (R) 110 minutes * * * Nelson Wright (Kiefer Sutherland) has an idea. If he succeeds with his experiment, the questions we have about death will be answered. If he fails... well, he'll die. It seems like a fair gamble until he and the other four medical students who decide to help him make it into a game. It's a game with consequences they are only beginning to understand. This is a fascinating story that draws us in quickly and keeps us paying attention throughout the film. Philisohically, the film comes up a bit short and the characters appear satisfied with what they've learned, which is rather hard to believe. But the performances are intense and the photography and music are appropriately moody. Taut and suspenseful, this is a great entry in the genre of films that deal with death and dreams. Also starring Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, William Baldwin, and Oliver Platt. Filmed at Loyola University in Chicago. R for language, violence, and sex.
FLAWLESS (R) 104 minutes * * He may be a decorated cop, but he's a man alone, who doesn't know where to turn for help after a debilitating stroke. He has shut himself off from the world and may have to turn to those around him for help. They're more than willing, but they're also gay, and he hates gays. He's also out of options. Robert DeNiro struggles with this role. Some scenes work, but others are poorly directed and just don't work very well. Philip Seymour Hoffman comes off the best, managing to have the mix of emotions in his character that the film fails to capture as a whole. The mix of drama, comedy, and mystery is uneven in the film and despite Hoffman's solid performance, we finish watching this knowing that it should have been much better. R for language and violence.
FLAWLESS (2007) (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * It's 1960 in London, and not too many women have managerial jobs. Laura Quinn (Demi Moore) is an exception, but she's reached the glass ceiling. She may even be in danger of losing her job at the London Diamond Exchange. Mr. Hobbs (Michael Caine) has a proposition that might prove interesting. Clever and suspenseful heist film, with solid performances from both Caine and Moore. PG-13 for language.
FLED (R) 93 minutes * * * Graeme Revell's music really helps keep this suspense/thriller moving along nicely. Laurence Fishburne, Stephen Baldwin, and Salma Hayek work well together and the script gives us solid characters. There are the usual extremes that are hard to believe and no real surprises, but this is still a solid film with a well thought out ending. R for language, violence, and nudity.
FLESH AND BONE (R) 118 minutes * * The past has a strange way of coming back to haunt some people as Meg Ryan finds out in this suspense film. Unfortunately, it's rather weak on suspense. Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid both do good work, but nothing you wouldn't expect from them. The film plods along to its rather strange and unsatisfying ending. Not sure what went wrong with this film, but it probably won't be a favorite. R for violence and language.
FLETCH LIVES (PG) 90 minutes * 1/2 Disappointing follow-up to "Fletch" that has Chevy Chase inheriting a southern mansion that is rather run down, to say the least. Throw in murder, religion, bad jokes, and stereotyped southern characters, and there you have it. Oh, and by "bad jokes", I don't mean ones that make you groan or that might be offensive, I mean jokes that just aren't any good. The story idea itself isn't a bad one, but it's been padded with so many useless scenes that it just doesn't work.
FLICKA (2006) (PG) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Alison Lohman stars in this adaptation of the book, My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara. Adopting a wild horse as her own, Katy (Lohman) struggles to make her father understand why it's so important to her. Maria Bello delivers an excellent performance as Katy's mother, in contrast to Tim McGraw's stiff and stale performance as her father. Lohman herself is adequate, as are the rest of the cast. The best parts are simply watching the horses run around the beautiful Wyoming scenery. PG for violence.
THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (NR) 76 minutes * 1/2 Disappointing Christmas cartoon for kids that follows a young reindeer who wants to find his father, who he is sure is part of Santa's Flying Forces. He pouts and whines through much of the film, accompanied by an annoying flying squirrel who tries to help. It does end well, but getting there is a little tedious.
FLIGHT 93 (PG-13) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Dramatization of the events on United flight #93 that was the only plane on September 11, 2001 that did not reach it's intended target. It's a pretty straightforward telling, typical for a TV version of the story, based on the cell phone calls and statements of family members, flight controllers, and a few others. In one sense, it's very emotional, but that's all story as the performances and dialogue are lacking in depth. PG-13 for violence.
FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER (PG-13) 110 minutes * * * I suppose you could call this a "Top Gun" without the Hollywood glamour, but it's really more than that. Adapted from Stephen Coonts' novel, it gives us a cross-section of military life toward the end of the Vietnam war. No gritty realism here, but no glossed-over romantic picture either. Consistent performances from Willem Dafoe, Danny Glover, Rosanna Arquette, and Brad Johnson make this a good picture for those who enjoy military drama.
FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (2004) (PG-13) 106 minutes * 1/2 Remake of the 1965 film about a plane crash in the desert where the survivors decide to make a new plane out of the wreckage of the old. The problem is that virtually none of these characters are likeable. Dennis Quaid is the pilot who has no room for compassion or dreams, Giovanni Ribisi is the arrogant pretender who is not what he seems... we have a spineless site operations manager, and several other works who just can't get along with each other. The result is that we don't really care much if these people get out of the desert. PG-13 for language and violence.
FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON (NR) 111 minutes * * * Gentle, relaxing, dreamlike film, inspired by the 1956 classic, "The Red Balloon", in which there is almost no dialogue. Simon (Simon Iteanu) and his new babysitter share an imaginary world where they are followed by a red balloon. Their calm and peaceful world is in stark contrast to the hectic world of his mother (Juliette Binoche). She seems unable to slow down, except for brief moments, even though she is aware of how important it might be.
FLIGHTPLAN (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Kyle (Jodie Foster) gets on the plane with her daughter, but a few hours later, her daughter is gone. Where did she go? Was she ever there? Do we really care? Foster does a nice job here, which is no surprise, but the script is far too transparent and the flight crew too unrealistic. The music and photography work together well toward the end of the film to help create a suspenseful atmosphere, but it's a little too late by then. PG-13 for language and violence.
FLING (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Mason (Steve Sandvoss) and Sam (Courtney Ford) have an open relationship. But when she runs into an old boyfriend, and he finds a young girl with a crush on him, their relationships and friendships will be put to the test. The acting is reasonable here, but the script is heavy-handed and overflowing with dialogue, giving the characters no room to "live". Lots of gloss and little appeal. R for sex and language.
THE FLINTSTONES (PG) 83 minutes * 1/2 This is one of those films that has all the right look, but there isn't anything "inside". Wonderful props and costumes, and the cast, John Goodman, Rick Moranis, Elisabeth Perkins, and Rosie O'Donnell, all fit very well. The story is extremely weak, and kids are bored with it quickly. This mostly ends up being a curiosity item for those who are interested.
THE FLINTSTONES IN VIVA ROCK VEGAS (PG) 83 minutes * 1/2 Ignoring the first film's minimal efforts, this starts at the beginning, before Fred and Barney have met Wilma and Betty and tells the story of their friendship and marriage. The new cast makes little difference and the story is no better than the first. The sets and props remain the feature attractions and we'd still rather just watch the cartoon. PG for violence.
FLIPPER (PG) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Fairly standard animal film in this modernization of the Flipper story. Elijah Wood and Paul Hogan make this much more entertaining than it otherwise might be. The numerous scenes with no dialogue, although giving us beautiful scenery, don't do much to keep this moving along. Still, this does have a little more "heart" to it than some of the other animal films we've seen.
FLIRTING (NR) 93 minutes * * 1/2 The outcasts from two boarding schools in Australia meet and fall in love in this slightly offbeat film. The acting and the story itself are a little uneven at times, but it's a good film, with one of Nicole Kidman's earlier (and better) performances.
FLIRTING WITH DISASTER (R) 85 minutes * * Ben Stiller wanders around trying to meet his real parents, meeting all sorts of interesting people along the way. The problem is that the film has little sense of direction, and despite a talented cast, ends up floundering as it meanders through the insanity.
FLIRTING WITH FORTY (PG) 85 minutes * * Her husband left her for a younger woman, and now she's turning forty. But when Jackie's (Heather Locklear) best friend finally convinces her to take a vacation in Hawaii, she meets this surfing instructor who convinces her to take some risks and start living again. Mildly entertaining TV movie. Locklear has fun with it, but don't expect much depth here. PG for language.
FLOW (NR) 77 minutes * * * Powerful documentary that explores the issue of water supply and control and how it affects various cultures across the planet. Water may soon become the most valuable resource controlled by companies and governments, and life does not happen without it. There are those who are already trying to make sure that everyone has the right to access an adequte water supply to sustain a reasonable quality of life, but the fight continues.
FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC (PG-13) 87 minutes * * Four children kept locked away in the attic of the family mansion by their evil grandmother. Louise Fletcher is perfectly cast as the grandmother, but aside from that and the somber music that does a nice job creating the atmosphere, this doesn't have much to offer.
FLUBBER (PG) 87 minutes * 1/2 Disappointingly mindless fluff, with a main plot that is almost non-existent. Professor Brainard (Robin Williams) has created flubber. More than flying rubber, it seems to have an intelligence and spirit all it's own. Of course we don't get to hear much about that or about the spirit of weebo, one of his robotic creations. It's too bad, because that track would be far more interesting to pursue. For the most part, Williams is wasted here, though without him the film would be in terrible shape. PG for language and cartoonish violence.
FLUKE (PG) 89 minutes * Awkwardly paced adaptation of James Herbert's novel about a man reincarnated as a dog who tries to reconnect with his family. More for adults than kids in some ways, but most adults will be bored with this because of how much it wanders around. And for those who wondered, Fluke is played by Comet, the dog from the Full House TV series.
FLUSHED AWAY (PG) 76 minutes * * * Roddy had it made as a pampered pet, but when a sewer rat shows up, Roddy finds himself flushed down the toilet and into the sewer. Sid is living it up in Roddy's place and Roddy has to learn how to survive in the sewers of London. Lots of little details including plenty of humor for the adults. The action is almost non-stop, so the younger set are enjoying this as well. The animation is good, though nothing outstanding. Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslett, and Ian McKellan provide some of the voices. PG for violence and language.
FLY AWAY HOME (PG) 103 minutes * * * Pacing is a little slow in spots, but Anna Paquin, Jeff Daniels, and Dana Delaney make this a joy to watch. Mark Isham's music is inspirational to say the least, but the effect of the gentle music during the opening sequences is what one could only call "unique". The message here is a little different from the standard, "if you love someone, set them free". Instead, it's the idea that when you love someone, you'll make the sacrifices it takes to help them fly. From the autobiography of Bill Lishman, PG for language.
FLY ME TO THE MOON (G) 82 minutes * Three young houseflies sneak onto Apollo 11 so that they can fly to the moon. Cute at times, but rather slowly paced with too many segments with no dialogue and little action. It's also hard to figure out what the appeal to small children might be here, especially when Buzz Aldrin comes on screen at the end to explain that there weren't any contaminants, like flies, aboard Apollo 11. Thanks for that extra dose of realism. Especially since we were already trying to figure out how a fly from the 1930s was still alive in the 1960s...
FLYBOYS (PG-13) 130 minutes * * * They were the first fighter pilots, and a new breed of hero. The story of the Lafayette Escadrille and the young men who took to the air to fight a new kind of war. There are plenty of wonderful dogfight sequences in the film, which one would expect. What really keeps us watching though, is James Franco's low-key, yet intense performance as Blaine Rawlings. It draws us into the story and keeps us there, taking us through moments of anxiety, passion, and humor, and helping us understand the men who flew with the Lafayette Escadrille. PG-13 for violence.
FLYING BY (PG-13) 92 minutes * * After going to his high school class reunion, George (Billy Ray Cyrus) has a chance to make good on an old dream of being in a successful rock band. But what will it cost in terms of priorities and change, and is it worth it? Time does fly by, and many opportunities only come by once. Nice music throughout. The acting is mediocre at best. PG-13 for language.
THE FLYING SCOTSMAN (PG-13) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Designing and building his bicycle from scrap metal, Graeme Obree took the cycling world by storm, breaking records and winning race after race. Based on a true story, it's a formula sports-bio film that fans of the sport will enjoy and others will find OK. PG-13 for language.
THE FOG (2005) (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Spooky fog, creepy priest, unexplained deaths, weird symbols... and too many cheap noise scares! No real improvements over the 1980 version aside from some slightly better special effects. It's a bit of a puzzle why anyone would choose to remake this film in the first place. R for violence and language.
FOLKS! (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Jon's (Tom Selleck) mom ends up in the hospital and Jon then discovers that his father is senile. Now they have to live with Jon because his dad manages to burn their trailer. Taking care of parents isn't easy... neither is watching this film. Selleck never manages to really sell this story and the production values are definitely a few notches lower than most films. Don Ameche does a nice job here, but otherwise, this just doesn't have much to offer.
FOOD, INC. (PG) 91 minutes * * * A very small number of companies now control the vast majority of the food supplyin the United States. While in some ways this may not be a surprise, especially if you think about other industries, it makes a difference when you consider what it means for the quality of the products that we all consume to stay alive. A small number of companies means more power for each, more control for them, and less for consumers to be able to do about it. PG for language.
FOOD MATTERS (NR) 76 minutes * * * Documentary promoting the benefits of healthy eating and vitamin supplements and pointing out the dangers of prescription medications. The claim, and there seems to be good information to back it up, is that nutrition-based health care, rather than the current methods used in medical practice offers more promise for a healthy life.
FOOLISH (R) 79 minutes * 1/2 Foolish (Eddie Griffin) wants to make it big, but his job as a stand-up comedian seems to be at a standstill. Griffin does a nice job here, but every time Master P (who wrote the story) step in, the film stalls. We needed to see more of Foolish and less of the foolish story that doesn't go anywhere. Griffin deserves better. R for language and nudity.
FOOL'S GOLD (PG-13) 108 minutes * * * A treasure hunt film with Matthew McConaughey locating a long lost shipwreck that just happens to be very close to an island owned by a bad guy he owes money to. Not only does he have to figure out how to get the treasure, but how to keep another treasure hunter away and try to win back his wife (Kate Hudson). Fun adventure film that delivers on most counts. No real surprises, but definitely entertaining. Filmed in Queensland, Australia. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
FOOLS RUSH IN (PG-13) 105 minutes * * 1/2 Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek star in this light romance about love and compromise. Story does a good job of hitting the essentials of what makes a marriage work, and Perry and Hayek work well together. Doesn't really pull us in all the way until the very end. Light fluff, but pleasant enough to watch. PG-13 for language.
THE FOOT FIST WAY (R) 80 minutes BOMB Low-budget misfire by writer, director, actor, producer Jody Hill (almost never a good sign when you're doing that much). Almost all of the performances are flat and humorless, which is apparently supposed to be funny. It's sadly depressing instead. R for language and sex.
FOR KEEPS (PG-13) 95 minutes * * A high school senior with a great future in journalism finds out that she's pregnant. Comic approach to a serious topic doesn't really work during the first half of the film, though things do get more serious toward the end.
FOR LOVE OF THE GAME (PG-13) 130 minutes * * * As one might expect from a movie starring Kevin Costner, this is a bit long. For most of the film we don't really mind this length, as the story of baseball pitcher Billy Chapel slowly unfolds. Costner fits into this character nicely, complemented well by the supporting performances of Kelly Preston, John C. Reilly, and Jena Malone. It's the story of a baseball legend who fights back after an injury, but whose time in the game may finally be at an end. It's hard when you've played for so long to make the decision to leave the game. Nice direction from Sam Raimi, though the ending doesn't seem to hit exactly the right note. PG-13 for language.
FOR LOVE OR MONEY (PG) 89 minutes * 1/2 Doug (Michael J. Fox) is a concierge at the Bradbury Hotel, looking to own his own establishment. His troubles start when he finds himself falling in love with wealthy Anthony Higgins' mistress. There are a few nice character bits that are fun to watch, but too much of this film is high gloss with no bite. We don't care what happens to these people because we never feel we know them. And then there's that really cheesy ending!
FOR MY FATHER (NR) 92 minutes * * * It's been planned for some time, but when Tarek (Shredi Jabarin) goes to the market to set off the bomb strapped to his chest, it doesn't work. There's a little Jewish electronic repair shop nearby, so he takes the trigger there to get repaired. Then he sees this cute girl across the street. He decides to stick around and talk with her. Now, there are people he knows who would be among those he is supposed to kill... and he's not so sure about what to do anymore. Powerful and tragic story.
FOR RICHER OR POORER (PG-13) 110 minutes * * After ten years of marriage, Brad (Tim Allen) and Caroline (Kirstie Alley) are calling it quits. They might have to wait until the IRS gets through with them though... and who knows what effect hiding out on an Amish farm will have on them. Pleasant enough and lightly humorous, but this is another of those made-for-video films that just doesn't have much substance. The moral is that marriages take work, which should tell you how things will work out in the end. PG-13 for language.
FOR THE BOYS (R) 138 minutes * * Bette Midler makes the soundtrack of this film worth listening to, but don't expect as much from the film. The story shifts its focus from biography to patriotism to anti-war and doesn't seem to know where it stands. The old age makeup on Midler and James Caan is terrible, and they both struggle with how to act old as their characters age later in the film. The sentimental ending wraps things up nicely, but the standout performance is by Christopher Rydell as Midler's son. R for language and violence.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (PG-13) 81 minutes 1/2 Writer/director Christopher Guest turns his cynical, satirical eye on the film industry. Far less fun than "Spinal Tap" or "A Mighty Wind", this is more along the lines of "Best in Show" with far more misses than hits as far as the comedy goes. The idea is about a very mediocre bunch of actors working on a film where someone hears a rumor that an Oscar nomination might be coming their way. The stir it creates and the fallout from it are the story. Not particularly humorous at all until the very end... if you want to try to last that long for a few chuckles. PG-13 for language.
FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (PG-13) 97 minutes * * * A fan of martial arts films, Jason (Michael Angarano) discovers that it is his responsibility to return a magical staff to the monkey king and restore him to his rightful place. A very nice story by John Fusco. It's a coming of age film that is equal parts adventure, legend, love, and humor. And, of course, it's fun to see Jackie Chan and Jet Li working together as well. PG-13 for violence.
FORCES OF NATURE (PG-13) 100 minutes * * 1/2 On the way to his wedding, Ben Holmes (Ben Affleck) finds himself stranded in another city and spending time with a rather unlikely female companion. Sometimes the forces of nature reroute our lives for us. Affleck doesn't really perform that well here, but Sandra Bullock pulls out the stops with an energetic and charming performance. The character of Sarah gives her a chance to be a little different. Reckless and carefree, but with a depth that we are allowed to glimpse as well. Nice direction and photography help to make this a film that is definitely worth a look.
FOREVER LULU (R) 82 minutes BOMB One of the two worst films I ever saw in a theater. Deborah Harry, who has one line of dialogue in the whole film, is the star attraction here. It's supposed to be a parody of "Desperately Seeking Susan", but Anna Schygulla can't act, and the script wanders without focus, making this feel like it lasts for hours.
FOREVER YOUNG (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Danny McCormick (Mel Gibson) undergoes cryogenic sleep in 1939 to help his friend test the equipment and to avoid dealing with the fact that his girlfriend is in a coma. Romantic soap opera with a touch of science fiction that relies heavily on the chemistry between Gibson and young Elijah Wood, who helps McCormick in his quest. Both actors have done better work, but they make this watchable and even a bit charming at times.
FORGET PARIS (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * * Marriage can't always be like the courtship and the honeymoon. It's about communication and sticking it out through the rough spots. It's about forgetting Paris... and not forgetting Paris. Billy Crystal (director/writer/actor) is right on target for the entire film, and Debra Winger gives us one of her absolute best performances. Hilarious, charming, romantic, poignant, and so much more. A wonderful film.
FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL (R) 107 minutes * * * Getting over his ex-girlfriend is difficult enough, but when Peter (Jason Segel) begins his relaxing vacation in Hawaii, Sarah (Kristen Bell) is there as well... along with her new boyfriend (Russell Brand). There is an attractive hotel employee (Mila Kunis) that might take his mind off Sarah, but the island seems to be getting smaller by the hour... The story is familiar territory, but what makes this fun and offbeat comedy film well worth a look are the supporting performances of Brand and Kunis. Great soundtrack too! Filmed on Oahu. R for sex and violence.
FORGIVING THE FRANKLINS (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Frank Franklin (Robertson Dean) is a lawyer. His wife Betty (Teresa Willis) is the perfect housewife. Their son Brian (Vince Pavia) is on the high school football team, and his sister Caroline (Aviva) is a cheerleader. They go to church every week, say grace before meals, and live a wonderfully "normal" life. A car accident leaves Caroline injured and the others in a coma. A mysterious coma which alters their perspective on life in a rather dramatic fashion. An interesting and unusual look at small town USA and what it means to be "normal" or to challenge that idea. R for sex and language.
THE FORGOTTEN (PG-13) 87 minutes * * It's been a bit over 14 months since Telly's (Julianne Moore) son died in a plane crash... or did he? The twists and turns in this mediocre suspense film start after the first half hour and the suspense builds nicely. The problem is that when the answers start coming, they're less than satisfactory. The simplistic approach to how we remember someone after they die turns into a one-note story about mother-son love that just doesn't ring true, even within the context of the film. PG-13 for language and violence.
FORMULA 51 (R) 86 minutes * * There's a great new drug available for the masses, better than any other illicit drug, it's sure to make millions. Elmo (Samuel L. Jackson) is having a bit of difficulty arranging a deal to sell the formula for it though. The idea isn't bad, but the film tries to to use the style of "Pulp Fiction" and "Snatch". It misses both, not having the well-crafted touches of "Pulp Fiction" and lacking the humor that was present in "Snatch". R for violence, language, and nudity.
FORREST GUMP (PG-13) 134 minutes * * * * Forrest Gump is a symbol of America in all her beauty, in all she strives to be, and in how she struggles along the way. Put the past in perspective and move ahead. Outstanding performances by Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise and a fine soundtrack from Alan Silvestri. This rapidly became the most quoted film of the year and will remain a favorite of many people for years to come. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE FORSAKEN (R) 87 minutes * * Driving a car acrss the country for a delivery, Sean ends up meeting Nick, a guy who has been bitten by a vampire and who is hunting down the source of his "virus". It's an interesting variation of the vampire story with a reasonably good finish as well. A bit too much of the film is dark, making it hard to see what's going on, and the music is a bit overpowering. For those who love their vampire films, this is a nice little film that makes an interesting addition to the genre. R for violence, language, and nudity.
FORTRESS (R) 90 minutes * 1/2 Pathetic special effects and a very weak script do major damage to this story of a future society where couples may only have one child. Christopher Lambert and Loryn Locklin star, but act as though they were prisoners to a contract they'd rather not have signed. R for violence, language, and nudity.
40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 To get past his lingering infatuation with his ex-girlfriend (who is now engaged), Matt (Josh Hartnett) has decided to give up sex for lent. OK, the idea isn't an original one, but the direction and the acting, by Hartnett in particular, manage to keep this just a shade above what you might expect. Shannyn Sossaman could be one to watch... she works well with Hartman and it will probably get her a chance at a few other scripts. R for language and sex.
THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN (R) 112 minutes * * Forty years old and still a virgin, Andy Stitzer's (Steve Carell) friends are doing everything they can to help him once they find out. Of course true love prevails, but we would have enjoyed that more if it hadn't taken so long to get there. Some cute bits are scattered through the film, but Carell isn't all that funny and the jokes grow tired rather quickly. More could have been done with the scenes where he was beginning to relate to Trish's kids and a bit less with his buddies would have been nice. R for sex and language.
THE FOUNTAIN (PG-13) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Visually stunning film with three parallel stories with an overarching theme of love and death. Definitely a little difficult to follow, and director Darren Aronofsky even seems to get lost in the visual effects a few times. It's clearly a film that benefits from repeat viewings with more of the layered meanings becoming more clear as you see things again. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz both perform well, it's just difficult to catch all of the subtleties in the story the first time around. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
FOUR BROTHERS (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 The color of their skin doesn't matter. What matters is that they are four brothers... foster kids who were adopted by and raised under the kind and caring guidance of a woman who has been killed. Though they had gone their separate ways, they are together again, determined to find out who is responsible and to make sure that justice is served. Tensions build and the plot twists and turns just enough to keep us interested though it does run out of steam as we near the end. A nice performance from Terrence Howard, as is typical. R for violence, language, and nudity.
FOUR CHRISTMASES (PG-13) 80 minutes * * * Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) have it all figured out. They make their excuses and spend the holidays having fun on their own, without the rest of the family. But when the flights are all grounded, they have to spend a bit of Christmas with all four parts of their families. Funny and charming holiday film that doesn't really try to be anything else. Plemty of star power here too, with supporting performances by Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Mary Steenburgen, Jon Favreau, Dwight Yoakum and Tim McGraw. PG-13 for language.
THE FOUR FEATHERS (PG-13) 124 minutes * * * Jack (Wes Bentley) and Harry (Heath Ledger) are friends who are in love with the same girl. But when the country goes to war and Harry chooses not to fight, he is labeled a coward. It's a label he eventually proves wrong, but at a great cost. This is a very good adaptation of the classic story by A.E.W. Mason, though it does drag a bit in spots. It's no fault of the actors, just some fine tuning that was missing from the script and editing aspects. Filmed in Morocco and the United Kingdom. PG-13 for violence.
4 MONTHS 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS (NR) 106 minutes * * * While set in Romania in 1987, a time and place where abortion was illegal, the story could still apply to many places today. Feeling trapped and without many options, Gabita (Laura Vasiliu) gets her friend Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) to help her deal with her problem. The film has an almost frighteningly realistic feeling to it. Very nice work from writer/director Cristian Mungiu. Filmed in Romania.
4 WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (R) 113 minutes * * * Hugh Grant is Charles, a man whose friends all seem to be getting married. But when his path crosses that of Carrie (Andie McDowell), something begins to happen. Plenty of charm and quite a few interesting characters throughout, make this an entertaining film. The plot is a bit thin in spots, but Grant and McDowell carry it through well enough.
1492: CONQUEST OF PARADISE (PG-13) 144 minutes * * * 1/2 Lavish and beautiful sets combine with a soundtrack by Vangelis to set the dramatic and adventurous mood of this film. Director and co-producer Ridley Scott has chosen to dwell less on the events leading up to the voyage, giving more time to the latter parts of the life of Christopher Columbus. We get a chance to see the older Columbus, the man who didn't succeed like he had expected. The man who, in fact, played a large part in destroying his own dream by recreating the world of war and greed that he thought he had left behind. As he says in the film, "Paradise and Hell.. both can be very earthly. We carry them with us wherever we go." The film does drag a bit in spots and slow-motion is used to frequently to try and convey a point, but it's still a powerful film that's well worth watching. PG-13 for violence.
1408 (PG-13) 98 minutes * * * Room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel is haunted. But Mike Enslin (John Cusack) doesn't believe in ghosts... yet. He does respect a well-told story though, and having a hotel manager try to convince you not to stay in a particular room is a nice touch. Very nice special effects and some great chills in this creepy little piece, adapted from a Stephen King story. The ending is a bit different, but it works nicely. Many kudos to Cusack as so much of the film relies so heavily on him to work. Nice job! PG-13 for violence and language.
THE FOURTH PROTOCOL (R) 115 minutes * * Slow-moving espionage thriller that leaves us a little less than thrilled. It's not that it isn't interesting, but the slow pace really hurts. Frederick Forsyth adapted from his own novel with some assistance and additional material... which might be part of the problem. Featuring Michael Caine, Ned Beatty, Joanna Cassidy, and Pierce Brosnan.
THE FOURTH WAR (R) 89 minutes * * Two war heroes, one American, the other Russian, play out their own private war on the Czech border. Based on the novel by Stephen Peters, this gives us some interesting characters and they are performed well. John Frankenheimer's direction is far from what it needs to be though, and it looks like the studio didn't want to spend very much money on making this. The result is a low-budget cold war thriller that just doesn't thrill us. R for violence and language.
THE FOX AND THE CHILD (G) 86 minutes * * 1/2 A young girl comes across a fox in the woods. This experience is the beginning of a fascination with not only the fox, but with nature as it lives and breathes in the woods near her home. Her efforts to tame the wild fox teach her a valuable lesson. Beautiful scenery.
THE FOX AND THE HOUND (G) 82 minutes * * * * A wonderful story about friendship, change, and the meaning of committment. Delightful entertainment from Disney for the younger crowd that most adults won't mind watching with them. Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Sandy Duncan, and Pearl Bailey (among others) provide the voices.
THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2 (G) 62 minutes * 1/2 Todd and Copper are back, this time with Copper getting a chance to become a singing star. Todd doesn't understand why, and their friendship is at risk because of it. Mediocre animation and a boring story make this one the kids might want to skip.
FRACTURE (R) 109 minutes * * It looks like an open and shut case, but Willy (Ryan Gosling) is so intersted in his move to another better job, that he isn't paying attention. If he doesn't start thinking fast, he may lose the case as well as the new job. There's always some small, overlooked item or a crucial fact that can make or break a case. One small piece that will split apart the lies and uncover the truth. But how do you find it? And can Willy find it in time? Gosling and Anthony Hopkins both deliver adequate performances here, but script and direction let them down. It's not terrible, but clearly not up to what we can expect from either of them. R for language and violence.
FRAGMENTS (R) 92 minutes * * * It's difficult to know how events will efect your life, or how you will respond to tragedy. When a man walks into a diner and starts shooting, no one has any idea how their lives will change or that being a victim can mean so many things. Wonderful ensemble cast in a story that reminds us that "endings are beginnings, and moments, like pieces, fit together again." R for violence, sex, and language.
FRAILTY (R) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Bill Paxton stars as a man who has had a vision of the end of the world. It's a vision that leads him to commit one murder after another and to train his two sons to assist him as they pursue their work of killing demons. It's a painful story of a childhood lived in fear and ruled by a man whose sense of reality is permanently skewed. Paxton's performance is less than convincing, but Matthew McConaughey and Powers Boothe both turn in fine performances. There is suspense here, but there's also a great deal of drama between the two boys and their father. R for violence and language.
FRANK AND JESSE (R) 102 minutes * * Yet another sympathetic retelling of the James' brothers story, with Rob Lowe and Bill Paxton as the leads. The slant this one takes is to emphasize how Pinkerton made a bad situation even worse. The acting saves this from being unbearable, and those interested in country music may enjoy seeing Randy Travis play the part of Cole Younger.
FRANKENSTEIN (1994)(R) 118 minutes * * 1/2 The camera work is energetic and the sets are sheer perfection, with the exception of Dr. Frankenstein's home. The overall effect though, is too strong, overpowering the characters rather than serving them. It finishes well, but Robert DeNiro (as the monster) is more DeNiro and less monster than we need. And John Cleese and Aidan Quinn are miscast in their supporting roles. Director Kenneth Brannagh proves here that he needs to get back to some Shakespeare and let others handle remaking classic horror.
FRANKIE & JOHNNY (R) 112 minutes * * * Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a winning performance as a waitress who finds herself falling in love despite her attempts to prevent it from happening. Al Pacino is great too, but Pfeiffer is the one who really draws us in. Adapted from Terrance McNally's play, this is a slice of New York life filled with romance and reality. R for sex and language.
FRANTIC (R) 116 minutes * * Somewhat predictable thriller with Harrison Ford being drawn into the underworld of Paris when his wife disappears shortly after they arrive in Paris. Harrison Ford does a nice job here, but the story just doesn't have the edge it needs to keep us all the way in.
FREAKY FRIDAY (2003) (PG) 90 minutes * * * Remake of the old Disney comedy about a mother and daughter who switch bodies until they learn their lesson. This is more than just a remake though, it's a modernization that feels like it's been scripted to fit Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. They work very well together and do a great job of making this a very entertaining film to watch. The soundtrack is fun as well, with great songs that will keep your foot moving and a smile on your face. PG for language.
FRED CLAUS (PG) 108 minutes * * 1/2 Fred (Vince Vaughn) hasn't gotten along well with his brother for a long time. Nicholas (Paul Giamatti) always seemed to do everything well, care about others, and receive more positive attention from their parents. Fred's in trouble now, and Nick is the only one he can turn to. It means he'll have to go to the North Pole and help make toys. Not something that Fred is really looking forward to. Cute story, though there aren't really any surprises except for the "Siblings Anonymous" group, which is hilarious. It's difficult to keep a good balance between humor and sentimentality, and this does miss the mark a few times. Still, earnest and likeable performances from Vaughn, Giamatti, Rachel Weisz and Kathy Bates help this work fairly well. PG for language and violence.
FREDDIE AS F.R.07 (PG) 87 minutes * * 1/2 British cartoon about a French prince who's been turned into a frog by his evil aunt. Now he's a secret agent. A bit scary for the younger crowd, but there's some really beautiful animation here. Lots of complex colors and interesting movement. The story is a bit weak, but if you want to see something different in animation, here it is.
FREDDY GOT FINGERED (R) 82 minutes BOMB Gordon (Tom Green) is having trouble growing up... and we're having trouble finding much that's very funny in this crude and inane attempt at comedy. Self-indulgent trash from the mind of Tom Green. R for language and vulgar humor.
FREDDY VS. JASON (R) 90 minutes * Fans of the "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Friday the 13th" horror films waited a long time to see this. I hope some of them liked it. Freddy is tired of being forgotten, so he uses Jason to commit a few murders on Elm Street so that people will begin to remember and to dream once again. Of course there's no explanation of how Freddy could have reached Jason to begin with, but the idea is that Jason gets out of hand and Freddy has to deal with him. Unfortunately, it's all the same old scares and the battle between the two "stars" doesn't happen until the last half hour. It's no surprise that they're both still going to be around for a potential sequel, which leaves it up to the viewer to determine whether either one of them won this fight. R for violence, language, and nudity.
FREDDY'S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE (R) 84 minutes 1/2 The end of Freddy Kreuger... at last. Even Robert Englund seems tired of the character in this film. This is really only of interest to those who feel they have to see the whole series. The last 10 minutes were originally shown in "Freddy Vision", also known as 3-D.
FREE WILLY (PG) 107 minutes * * 1/2 Great scenery in this wildlife/kids movie. The story is an old one, but the cast does a pretty good job of making it feel somewhat fresh. This one also managed to spawn more than its fair share of sequels, more due to overbearing marketing than anything else. PG for language.
FREE WILLY 2: THE ADVENTURE HOME (PG) 93 minutes * * Formula sequel with familiar tugs on the heart. Beautiful scenery, and some nice music, "Childhood" by Michael Jackson and "Forever Young" sung by The Pretenders add particular spice to Basil Poledouris' soundtrack. Still, it's mostly the same old "boy and his whale" story that is pleasant enough, but not very memorable.
FREE WILLY 3: THE RESCUE (PG) 82 minutes * 1/2 If you haven't got the point of this series by now, you're the one who needs rescuing! Same ideas rehashed by much of the same cast in a similar story that leaves us wishing they wouldn't rescue Willy. But have no fear, now that Willy has had a baby, we're sure to have part four coming along soon. PG for violence.
FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) 117 minutes * * * An idealistic young teacher, Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) moves to an inner city school where she feels she is needed. She doesn't seem to be able to get through to the students in her class until she asks them to write a journal. What she reads in the journals surprises her, and she finds herself caring more deeply than she thought possible. It's exactly what these students need... someone who truly cares and wants to understand who they are and what they are going through. Similar stories have been done before, but this is well-done in it's own right. It's an inspirational film with solid performances, adapted from the book, "Freedom Writer's Diary". PG-13 for language and violence.
FREEDOMLAND (R) 109 minutes * * * Based on the book of the same title, this follows the course of events as Brenda Martin (Julianne Moore) reports that her car has been stolen and that her son is still in the back seat. Racial tensions run high because of her initial description of the carjacker and the location of the crime. Feelings are at the boiling point, but Detective Lorenzo Coucil (Samuel L. Jackson) keeps pushing. There's something Brenda isn't saying, and he knows it has to be the key to the whole case. Excellent story with great performances by everyone except Moore. She does a good job, but there are times when her performance is hard to believe. It's a difficult role, and she just misses the mark a bit. R for language and violence.
FREEJACK (R) 103 minutes * 1/2 Driving in the 1991 Grand Prix, Alex (Emilio Estevez) is transported to 2009 an instant before his death so his body can be given to someone else. Preposterous scenario with an atrocious script and heavy-handed direction. Manages to waste the talents of Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Mick Jagger, and several others.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION (R) 104 minutes * * * * One of William Friedkin's early films, this action-packed story of heroin being smuggled into New York City earned him an Oscar for best direction. It also earned four other Oscars and is famous for having one of the best car chase scenes ever filmed. This holds up very well against most action films that are much newer, which speaks well of Friedkin's sense of timing and suspense.
FRENCH KISS (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * 1/2 Curl up on a couch with a cup of cocoa and the one you love and enjoy Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline in this romantic film that entertains and makes you feel good inside at the same time. Ryan and Kline work very well together and Lawrence Kasden's direction highlights the story in all the right places. James Newton Howard's soundtrack adds the finishing touches. PG-13 for language.
FREQUENCY (PG-13) 112 minutes * * * Thanks to some major sunspot activity, John (Jim Caviezel) is about to talk to his father (Dennis Quaid) using his dad's old short wave radio... even though his father died 30 years ago. But through their interactions, they change their history, and it puts other people at risk. The story is quite interesting and works well, showing us how John is remembering both what was and what is now as different events change the timestream. Still, they don't dwell on it long enough to get confusing, keeping the story moving along and supporting it with good acting. There are a couple of unnecessary scenes at the very end, but otherwise it's quite nice. PG-13 for language and violence.
FRESH (R) 108 minutes * * * Sean Nelson stars as Fresh, a "little G" in the hood who knows what he wants... he wants to be "the man". This is great slice-of-life material, though a bit strong for some people to take. Nelson is convincing and draws us into his world of drugs and violence where he is both criminal and hero, victim and survivor. It ends a bit awkwardly, but remains a powerful film. Filmed in the Tribeca area of New York.
FRESH HORSES (PG-13) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Matt Larkin (Andrew McCarthy) has lived a good, safe life. He's never taken many risks, although he's had his share of dreams. One day, at the urging of a friend, he goes to a house out in the country and ends up meeting Jewel (Molly Ringwald). He's drawn both by her vulnerability and by a certain toughness that lies within. It isn't logical and it won't be easy, but since when is love logical or easy? The direction is a bit weak at times and the script falters in a few spots as well, but McCarthy and Ringwald do some nice work here as well.
THE FRESHMAN (PG) 99 minutes * * Starting his first year at film school, Clark Kellogg (Matthew Broderick) gets his belongings stolen and in a rather bizarre set of circumstances ends up befriending a rather unique individual who had a proposal for him to consider. Offbeat and a bit off target, though the performances by Broderick and Marlon Brando help quite a bit.
FRIDA (R) 116 minutes * * * Biographical film about Frida Kahlo, the Mexican painter who not only painted from her heart, but showed us her pain as well. A life filled with pain from a tragic traffic accident when she was young, and with the struggles of a stormy relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera. Artistic lives are often shaped by tragedy, and despite Frida's attempts to create something normal, she never succeeds, but the art she created touches our heart. Salma Hayek's performance is amazing and Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, and Valeria Golino deliver strong performances as well. There are cameos by Antonio Banderas, Ashley Judd, Edward Norton, and composer Elliot Goldenthal. The dialogue is a little weak at times, but this still does a nice job of bringing an important life story to the screen. R for language and sex.
FRIDAY (R) 86 minutes * 1/2 It's a Friday and there's nothing to do, so let's sit on the porch, watch the neighbors, and cause a little trouble. Slice of black life that gives us the same message as always... don't use drugs or guns. Of course, if this film had lasted much longer, I might have been tempted to try at least one or the other...
FRIDAY AFTER NEXT (R) 80 minutes * Craig and Day Day are working security at a small shopping center to earn a few dollars for the rent money they just lost to a Santa Claus thief. Not much besides that to the plot, and Ice Cube definitely looks like he's tired of making this series. At least it isn't very long... R for language.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (PG-13) 111 minutes * * 1/2 High school football in Texas... hard-hitting and unforgiving, but character building and rewarding as well. Billy Bob Thornton portrays coach Gary Gaines of the Permian Panthers as they give their heart and hard-work to have a championship season. Based on H. G. Bissinger's book, this is a fairly standard sports film that chronicles the efforts of a team as it strives to win a championship against the odds. Nicely photographed and well-acted, but the story is still pretty much the same. PG-13 for violence and language.
FRIDAY THE 13th (2009) (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Retelling/modernization of the 1980 classic slasher horror film. Nicely done, keeping the spirit of the first film without being a shot-for-shot remake (which usually doesn't work anyway). Those who find themselves anywhere near the camp at Crystal Lake are in for some trouble. R for violence, sex, and language.
FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD (R) 85 minutes 1/2 Starting with almost five minutes of footage from the earlier films, this doesn't manage to get off on the right foot from the start. (Hey, I have an idea. How about 85 minutes of clips from the films in this series and calling it "Friday the 13th: The pieces"!) Jason's fight this time is with a girl with telekinetic powers who caused the death of her own father at Crystal Lake. The two most interesting aspects here are the lack of graphic violence until the last fifteen minutes or so, and the face of Jason. No longer is it the face of a deformed human, but that of a monster who looks like he's been drowned, buried, and undergone various amounts of decay... except for his eyes...
FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VIII (R) 97 minutes * Jason does Manhattan in this entry in the series. The screenpaly attempts to tie up some of the loose ends of the story from the last few films and only manages to succeed in a minor way. Definitely not one of the better entries in the series.
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (PG-13) 126 minutes * * * 1/2 Adapted from Fannie Flagg's book, "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe", this is the story of young Idgie Threadgoode. She was a stubborn and contrary child who grew up in the south during the depression. It's a wonderful story of friendship, relationships, memories, and growing old. Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, and Mary Stuart Masterson lead the ensemble cast in a film you don't want to miss. PG-13 for language.
FRIENDS WITH MONEY (R) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Olivia's (Jennifer Aniston) friends are all married and doing well financially. OK, so some of them are having a little trouble with their marriages... But they all think Olivia needs to do a better job of handling life at her age. Quitting a well-paying job and becoming a maid and still hung up on a brief affair with a married man is just not what they envision for their friend. Perhaps things will turn out alright for Olivia, perhaps they won't. Maybe they should wonder why they are trying to fix her life instead of their own... Interesting, introspective piece, though it does tend to shy away from any real depth for the characters. Nice performances from Aniston, Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand, and Catherine Keener, who would have all benefited from a script that let them take their characters a bit farther. R for language and sex.
THE FRIGHTENERS (R) 105 minutes * * * Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox) can see spirits and uses it to his advantage to make a little money on the side. But lately he's been seeing the soul collector... who doesn't want to be seen. Rather a strange little film, especially adding in Danny Elfman's soundtrack, that comes off like a mix of "Ghostbusters" and "Flatliners". More of either style would have helped. Instead, we go right between and have a mix of comedy and suspense that throws us off balance a few times. Still, it's pretty good and definitely worth a look for those who enjoy lightly spooky films. R for language and violence.
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (R) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Violent film with loads of bikers, vampires, and special effects. Director Robert Rodriguez showed more creativity in "El Mariachi", and Quentin Tarantino has fared better as well. George Clooney and Juliette Lewis fare the best, but it's fun to watch Cheech Marin and Tom Savini in the supporting cast. With the touches of "Natural Born Killers" and "Pulp Fiction" you find here, this is what could be called an alternative horror film.
FROM HELL (R) 115 minutes * * * The Hughes brothers directed this absorbing foray into the depths of the dark side of London when Jack the Ripper was terrorizing the locals. The atmosphere is perfectly mysterious and dark and Johnny Depp plays the inspector quite well. The fact that his clues for the case seem to mostly come from visions while he's on opium seem both far-fetched and inaccurate. Noticing details that others had missed or coming up with ideas that others hadn't thought of would have been a better approach. Still, the story is interesting and convincing as fact, though it is based on a graphic novel. R for violence and sex.
FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY (PG) 77 minutes 1/2 Frankie and Annette they are not! Despite efforts to make this spring break, musical love story into something entertaining, it remains full of shallow characters doing a bad job of dancing. Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson do a nice job singing, but that's probably why they won on "American Idol". The production looks very much like it was thrown together (which it was) to capitalize on Justin and Kelly's momentary name recognition before it fades away. PG for language.
FROST/NIXON (R) 116 minutes * * * David Frost's (Michael Sheen) interview show had just been cancelled in the United States. He was working in Australia when Nixon resigned the presidency and he had this idea about doing an interview. As sponsor after sponsor fell through, Frost had to rely on a few friends and emptying his own bank account to pay for an interview that would become one of the best known and important political interviews of all time. Frank Langella's performance of Nixon is one of the best of his career. Peter Morgan adapted his play to the big screen with very nice results, making this political drama well worth watching. R for language.
FROZEN RIVER (R) 93 minutes * * * An uneasy alliance between Ray (Melissa Leo), a woman whose husband has left her and who is now running out of money, and Lila (Misty Upham), a young Mohawk woman who is smuggling people across the border to make money for her own reasons. The river crossing is only one of the dangers they are risking, but they both feel that there's no other choice available. Great acting by both Leo and Upham, who deliver performances that quickly draw us in to the frustrations and sense of hopelessness that their characters are feeling. R for language.
THE FUGITIVE (PG-13) 124 minutes * * * 1/2 Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) has been accused of murdering his wife, is found guilty, sentenced to die, and is on his way to prison when there is an accident. Now he's free and on the run... trying to find the one-armed man he believes is responsible for the murder. Great suspense, though the ending is lacking a little bit of the power it needed. There are some differences here from the old TV series, but the heart is there, and it makes for a great ride. PG-13 for violence and language.
FULL COUNT (R) 86 minutes * * Five young men during their last summer at home before college. They have been known as the "dream team", but all is not right and good in this small town. The story seems to have more than it's share of loose ends, and looks like a project that was put together without a great deal of time, money, or effort. The acting is still reasonably good, but you don't feel like you've watched anything when it's over. R for language.
FULL FATHOM FIVE (PG) 76 minutes BOMB Not only is this film incredibly predictable, but the performances are wooden and the dialogue sounds as if it's being read by people who just learned how to speak English. The special effects are obviously cheap and the stock footage used from older films is clearly recognizable. The grainy film quality doesn't help matters much. What little there is of a story is about the days before the United States is planning to invade Panama. Some people from Panama steal a Russian submarine which is then taken over by Cubans who manage to mess things up and get blown up by the Americans. There are a couple of minutes worth of good music in the film, but after they've been played over and over for an hour, they no longer sound very interesting. Don't say I didn't warn you!
FULL METAL JACKET (R) 112 minutes * * * 1/2 Based on the novel "The Short-Timers" by Gustav Hasford, this follows a group of young men through their training and out onto the field of battle. The "phony tough and the crazy brave" find themselves changed as they encounter the intensity of war. Impressive sets and a more straightforward script than director Stanley Kubrick often uses make this a memorable entry in the war film genre.
THE FULL MONTY (R) 86 minutes * * * It's 25 years after the steel industry was supposed to make Sheffield into the city of the future. It's hard to find a job, and a few of the neighborhood guys are looking into starting a male dance revue. Charming and funny, and guaranteed to make you smile! Wonderful acting and characters that you will remember for quite awhile. This is a fresh new film, the likes of which are hard to find. R for nudity and language.
FUN WITH DICK AND JANE (PG-13) 84 minutes * 1/2 Based on the 1977 film, which wasn't really all that good either, this follows the lives of Dick and Jane as Dick gets promoted to vice-president of a company to be the scapegoat for the company's failure. Jane already quit her job, so they turn to a life of crime to support their upper-class lifestyle. Jim Carrey returns to his patented slapstick sort of physical humor here, and it doesn't do much for the film. PG-13 for language and violence.
FUNNY ABOUT LOVE (PG-13) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Duffy (Gene Wilder) finds himself falling in love... again. But he doesn't really want to, or does he? That's the funny thing about love. Well, OK, that's ONE of the funny things about love. Duffy and his wife are having trouble with conceiving a child. He ends up getting involved with a younger woman and things start getting all tied up in knots. Wilder is very good here, but the material lacks originality. It's entertaining, but not something that will stick with you for long. PG-13 for language.
FUNNY FARM (PG-13) 100 minutes 1/2 Chevy Chase heads to the country, and discovers that it isn't as peaceful as he'd thought. Disappointingly unfunny, rather uninteresting, and far down on the list of Chase's films to watch.
FUNNY GAMES (R) 148 minutes * * Naomi Watts and Tim Roth are held captive in their home by a couple of preppy, but psychotic young men. It's creepy at times, but these killers are almost too nonchalant. There's also a "rewind" segment at the end and a couple of times when the killers make comments to the camera that break the tension and ruin much of the potential effect of the film. R for violence and language.
FUNNY MONEY (R) 93 minutes * He picks up the wrong briefcase and it's full of money. Now the bad guys and the cops are after him, and his friends and relatives aren't helping matters either. Silly and forgettable adaptation of the play by Ray Cooney. Not particularly well adapted to the screen. Chase does fairly well here, and Kevin Sussman if fairly good too. The rest of the cast seem to be wondering how they ended up doing this. R for language.
FUNNY PEOPLE (R) 140 minutes * * Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, George (Adam Sandler) tells no one except Ira (Seth Rogen), a struggling comedian he hires to write some jokes for him. Ira becomes not only a writer, but a friend and caretaker as well. The biggest difficulty here is that when well-known comedians play dramatic parts, the audience is always waiting for the punch line. When you add to that Sandler's characteristic smirk and the cast that features a number of other comedians as well, we have difficulty with the story, which does drop in bits of humor throughout. There are some very good moments here, but not enough to sustain a film that runs over two hours. R for language and sex.
FUR (R) 116 minutes * * * Interesting pseudo-biographical film about photographer Diane Arbus and her unusual journey to becoming a photographer. Adapted from the biography by Patricia Bosworth, the film chooses to dwell on one particular unusual person whom Diane befriends. Through this friendship we see her artistic temperment and skills begin to blossom as she sees the unique beauty that lies within, and finds ways for the camera to show that beauty to others. It may not have been the best approach to the story, or the most effective, but it does work, thanks to fine performances by both Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey Jr. and to some quality camera work by Bill Pope. R for sex and language.
THE FUTURE OF FOOD (NR) 86 minutes * * * If you've ever wondered why organic food might be important, what's wrong with using pesticides, or what it means for foods to be genetically modified, this is the documentary you need to see. Hard-hitting and well-documented, the information presented here may well change the way you think about the food you buy and what it means to exercise your democratic right to have a say in the way corporations operate and how much control they have over your life. Especially frightening to see how many people in high level positions in the US government are directly connected to Monsanto... Not rated, but suitable for all ages.
F/X 2 (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * Although this relies heavily on your having seen the first film, it's a nice treat for those who have. Bryan Brown and Brian Dennehy are together again, battling bad cops, mobsters, and other assorted villains in this action-packed sequel. The special effects are first-rate, although they don't explain them as much as they did in the first film. PG-13 for violence and nudity.