HACKERS (PG-13) 99 minutes * * A group of computer whiz kids get blamed for a crime they didn't commit and must use their skills to uncover the real criminal. It's a good cast, with Fisher Stevens, Lorraine Bracco, Angelina Jolie, and Jonny Lee Miller, but the script lets them down. There's lots of style and flash, but it's a little thin on story.
HAIRSPRAY (2007) (PG) 106 minutes * * * Fun film version of the musical stage version of the original movie. Nikki Blonski does an amazing job as Tracy, the girl who wants to be a star. The music (by Marc Shaiman) is an expansion on what was created for the stage production, and is amazing, to say the least. The lyrics and tunes are both light and fun, with more than a few potent jabs at society and human behavior. The messages about racial tension are just as important and relevant today as they were in the 1962 of the story or the 1988 of the earlier film version. In whatever form it is needed, fairness doesn't just happen, you have to fight for it. PG for language.
HALF BAKED (R) 77 minutes 1/2 In this misguided attempt to recreate the old Cheech and Chong marijuana films, some of the Saturday Night Live crew get together and act dopey. Kenny goes out for some munchies and ends up in jail, forcing the rest to go sell pot to raise money for bail. Filmed in Toronto. R for language.
HALF NELSON (R) 102 minutes * * * Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling) is a teacher and a coach, well-liked by his students, and soon to have everything come crashing down around him. He has a drug habit, and when Drey (Shareeka Epps), one of his students discovers his secret, their relationship changes. Dunne wants to teach and inspire these youth, but can't seem to lift himself up long enough to make it really happen. This tension plays out in his relationsship to Drey as he tries to protect her, while he slowly loses respect in her eyes. Fine performances by both Gosling and Epps, though the rest of the cast almost seem like scenery. R for language and sex.
HALF PAST DEAD (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Another predictable Steven Seagal action film. This one has him undercover in the new Alcatraz prison when a group breaks in to get to a prisoner who is about to be executed to find out where he stashed the millions in gold that he stole. Reasonably good action and fair acting. The most pleasant aspct of the film is not having to listen to some political/environmental agenda as has been present in a number of Seagal's films. PG-13 for violence and language.
HALLOWEEN (2007) (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Rob Zombie's remake of the 1978 classic starts out well, doing a better job of helping us understand Michael's motivation for killing. It's clearly a more violent version of the story, which we expect from Zombie. There are also some great little cameos and bit parts for people like Dee Wallace, Sybil Danning, Mickey Dolenz, and Udo Kier. Interesting twist on the ending of the original film... and not without merit. R for violence, sex, and language.
HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS (R) 85 minutes * 1/2 Trying to return to the basics of the first two films in the series, this sequel focuses on the evil that is within Michael. Too bad that the story is still rather predictable, the acting still poor, and the scares are few and far between, though there is some suspense. It's just not enough.
HALLOWEEN 5 (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Loomis (Donald Pleasance) is reaching his breaking point. He's been after Michael for close to twelve years and still hasn't caught him. (And we're about at our breaking point too after watching these films for that long.) There is a bit more story than the last couple of films, but not enough to make this much of an entry in the series. At the end, we're set up for part six. Surprised?
HALLOWEEN H20: 20 YEARS LATER (R) 80 minutes * * 1/2 Right from the beginning, we know that the makers of this film are a bit more serious about the story than most. Starting with the "Mr. Sandman" song let's us know that this film begins with the plot from the end of part two. Disregard the other sequels, as they have nothing to do with the essence of horror that has been defined by "Halloween". Suspense is sacrificed somewhat as there is a need to stay true to the story, but it is well-written and Jamie Lee Curtis and her mother Janet Leigh give this an authenticity that has been sorely lacking. This is truly the end of the story, and one that fits very well. Be sure to watch for the car from "Psycho" as well as a shot of a shower curtain that appears in a mirror. R for violence and language.
HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS (R) 82 minutes * 1/2 Michael is still around, killing off his relatives and anyone who happens to take up residence in his old home. The best part of this entry is the skillful use of quiet spooky sounds (like the creaks and groans of an old house) and complete silence, to build tension. It doesn't make up for a poorly written story, but it helps.
HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION (R) 85 minutes 1/2 Sadly misguided sequel to H2O thaat does start with an interesting premise. The idea is that the person we thought was Michael at the end of the last film was actually someone he had just traded clothes with a few moments earlier. Things quickly deteriorate though, as we follow a group of idiots spending the night in Michael's own house for a live internet broadcast. The idea is too similar to MTV's "Fear" and the style of filming too reminiscent of "The Blair Witch Project". What's worse is that the film ends with a very obvious signal that there will be another in the series. What a shame. R for violence, language, and nudity.
HAMBURGER HILL (R) 106 minutes * * The "Screaming Eagles" Army 101st airborne unit and their part in one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War. The soundtrack by Philip Glass is superb, but the film is disjointed. Rather than a cohesive whole, it's a collection of scenes that never quite tell their story. There's a sense in which that could have been a statement about the war, but it's not crafted well enough to make that point.
HAMLET (1990) (PG) 130 minutes * * * 1/2 Director Franco Zefferelli does a beautiful job of painting the picture with the photography, lighting, costumes, colors... It's a masterful remake that focuses on entertaining us, breathing an energy into the production that some versions lack. Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates, and Helena Bonham Carter are all outstanding.
HAMLET (1996) (PG-13) 242 minutes * * * 1/2 Kenneth Branaugh's version is a thorough treatment of the classic with lavish costumes and sets that must be seen to be believed. Branaugh's performance is a bit extreme, but the intensity keeps us involved. Stellar names appear all the way through in roles of various sizes, adding quality and depth to the film. It's a stunning work, and a great addition to Branaugh's already impressive list of Shakespeare adaptations. PG-13 for language, and violence.
HAMMETT (PG) 97 minutes * * * This has the look and feel of 1930's mystery films as we explore the life of Dashiell Hammett and his involvement in a real-life mystery. Though entirely fiction, we are convinced that these events could have led Hammett to his writing career. Director Wim Wenders style of direction draws us in so completely that we are convinced. Frederic Forrest is perfect as Hammett. A great film for mystery buffs.
THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 Predictable suspense thriller with Rebecca DeMornay as the nanny you shouldn't have hired. Her acting, as well as that of Ernie Hudson, manage to rescue this and keep it fairly interesting, even though we know all to well what's going to happen. R for violence and language.
THE HANDMAID'S TALE (R) 105 minutes * * * Adapted from Margaret Atwood's novel of a future where fertility is highly prized and those who can conceive must bear children for those who can't. It's an entirely different setting than the world we live in, but by asking us to make that shift, the film is able to move us to a point where we realize how differences don't necessarily make people wrong, they just make us different. We need to allow each other the freedom to be different and retain our own values provided these values benefit not only the individual, but the society as well.
HANGING UP (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Though this is the story of three sisters, the focus is on one. Eve (Meg Ryan) is the middle daughter and has always been the one who held things together at home. Now their father's health is failing and she needs her sisters. There are quite a few comic moments here, but the drama of family dynamics is never just a comedy. In fact, most who watch this expecting a comedy will be rather disappointed. Meg Ryan does a great job, but the film relies too heavily on her. We never really believe these sisters of hers are very reliable, even in a pinch, as far as family matters are concerned. Walter Matthau delivers a nice supporting performance as well, but the film just never packs the punch it needs to impress us. PG-13 for language.
HANNIBAL (R) 127 minutes * * Director Ridley Scott's sequel to "The Silence of the Lambs" takes a turn away from suspense and moves toward horror. Cheap scares and bloody effects, primarily toward the end of the film, help make this a disappointing sequel. Julianne Moore steps into the shoes of Jodie Foster, who wouldn't play the role after she read the script... and Anthony Hopkins returns as Hannibal Lecter. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Mason Verger, who serves as an antagonist to Lecter, is interesting, but his demise is silly to say the least. This is yet another sequel to avoid in the long list of films that Hollywood should have avoided the temptation to make. R for violence and language.
HANNIBAL RISING (R) 113 minutes * * Young Hannibal Lecter's life was marked by violence, though love and hope were not completely missing. Still, it is the nightmares that haunt him. Nightmares of what happened to his little sister. The characters are well-acted here, but the story drags and repeats far too much. Based on the book by Thomas Harris and in some ways telling a part of the story that we never really needed to know. Giving Hannibal a reason to act the way he does manages to weaken his sinister character juat a bit. R for violence and language.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER (G) 71 minutes * 1/2 This strange continuation of the Snow White story has the queen's brother swearing vengeance on Snow White and Prince Charming for what they've done. The dwarfs are dwarfellas (females) here, which is mildly interesting, but the film is dark and sinister with little to appeal to the younger kids. A few good bits of background animation, but not much else to recommend this one for.
HAPPILY N'EVER AFTER (PG) 77 minutes * * When Munk and Mambo are left in charge of the wizard's scale that keeps the balance between good and evil, you can pretty much count on something going wrong. Cute story with a twist on the original Cinderella and a few other bits from other fairy tales scattered throughout. Wonderful voice work fro Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., Patrick Warburton, Wallace Shawn, Andy Dick, George Carlin, Sigourney Weaver, and more. The music... needed some work. PG for language.
HAPPY ACCIDENTS (R) 107 minutes * * * Interesting and very offbeat love story with Vincent D'Onofrio as a man from 2470 who has fallen in love with a girl who just doesn't understand how this could happen to her. Ruby (Marisa Tomei) has always had trouble with her relationships, but never anything quite this strange. But maybe it's true. Charming and very real despite the occasional moves toward the science fiction piece of the story, with solid performances from both leads. R for language.
HAPPY ENDINGS (R) 127 minutes * * 1/2 The Billy Joel songs "Honesty" and "Just the Way You Are" both summarize the important messages in this film about relationships and honesty. The plot twists around the lives of eight people and their interactions. It's not always pretty and the endings aren't always happy. For the most part, the performances are very good, especially those of Lisa Kudrow and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who sings her own songs. The uneven aspects of the film seem to come more from the script and direction, which both seem to wander a bit at times and lose focus. R for sex and language.
HAPPY FEET (PG) 99 minutes * * * Mumble is a penguin who cannot sing. And singing is very important. But, as Mumble discovers, though we do each have our own song, we also have our own way of sharing it. The film features an amazing soundtrack, with popular music and a beautiful score that make the soundtrack alone worth purchasing. It's a wonderful film for the family, though there are a couple of scenes that may be a bit scary for the youngest ones in the audience. Oscar winner for best animated feature film. PG for violence and language.
HAPPY GILMORE (PG-13) 88 minutes 1/2 Way too many boring scenes in this comedy from Adam Sandler. The film is almost entirely set on the golf course and sort of just stops at the end rather than finishing the story. There are the few good minutes of Sandler's brand of humor, but it's hard to say that it's worth sitting through the whole film for them. PG-13 for language.
HARD CANDY (R) 101 minutes * * * They met in a chat room, and after a few weeks, they decide to meet. But he's in his 30s and she's only 14, and when she agrees to go back to his place... he finds himself in deep trouble. It turns out that she'd planned this all along, and has a vicious desire to punish him for what he was about to do... or already did... Frighteningly good performance from Ellen Page as young Hayley. The script demands quite a bit and she never lets up, delivering a hard-edged performance that moves between innocence and vindictiveness with suprising ease. R for violence and language.
HARD LUCK (R) 97 minutes * 1/2 Offbeat and unusual film from director Mario Van Peebles, with Wesley Snipes as an ex-con who is trying to turn his life around. But one bad turn leads to another and Lucky (Snipes) soon finds himself with stolen money and on the run from dirty cops with a kidnapped girl in tow. Then there are the "sawtooth killers", a serial killer couple, who are causing their own trouble for people. It's a little too much without time for us to connect with any of the characters. It doesn't help that Snipes seems disinterested in the whole thing either. R for sex, violence, and language.
HARD PROMISES (PG) 89 minutes * * Promises are hard to keep, and Joey (William Peterson) just has to keep wandering. He isn't cheating on his wife with another woman, but the adventure of the open road keeps calling. Too much of this film rests on Peterson's shoulders and too little on Sissy Spacek's. The script gives us characters that are too shallow to sympathize with and so we just never care that much what happens to them. PG for language.
HARD RAIN (R) 93 minutes * * A flood, an armored car with a load of money, what will happen? The tension isn't bad and the flood effects are fairly good as well. But the film ebbs and flows a bit too much, speaking of a less than steady hand behind the directing. The cast, Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Randy Quiad, Minnie Driver, and others, make this more credible than it would be with some, but this is still somewhat soggy going. R for language and violence.
HARD TARGET (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Combat veterans become targets for human hunters in this story, but Jean Claude Van Damme is on the way to uncover their setup. The real star here is Yancy Butler, as she delivers her lines with an intensity that draws you in. The slow-motion fight scenes are irritating, though most of the action is standard anyway.
HARD TO KILL (R) 93 minutes * * * One of Steven Seagal's better films has him uncovering corrupt politicians and exacting revenge after nearly dying. The story is slick and fast-paced, managing to steer clear of most of the logical flaws that usually haunt action films. Kelly LeBrock, who nurses Seagal back to health in the film, was his wife in real life at the time this film was made.
THE HARD WAY (R) 106 minutes * * 1/2 Nick Lang (Michael J. Fox) wants to research his next acting role to he can play the part more effectively. So he picks New York's toughest cop, John Moss (James Woods) to be his role model. Moss is less than thrilled with the idea. This actually deals less with the comedy and more with drama and action than some other similar films have done, but Fox doesn't handle those aspects very effectively. It's not bad, but the film has little depth and probably won't make your top ten list. R for language and violence.
HARDBALL (PG-13) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Keanu Reeves plays the part of a guy with a gambling problem who ends up coaching kids in the projects to earn some money and a few lessons about life and responsibility. If you haven't already seen this story in one of its many incarnations, this isn't a bad version to catch. PG-13 for language and violence.
HARDROCK (R) 76 minutes BOMB A low budget and poor production quality combine with a bad (and far from original) script with results that are not surprising. Some of the acting isn't really that bad, especially when you consider the quality of the production in general.
HARDWARE (R) 90 minutes * * It's a unique, highly artistic vision of the future with a romantic and somewaht suspenseful story. Interesting and well-made, but too slow-moving early on. And the low budget is evident in some areas that really hurt, like direction. Based on the story "SHOK" in the Fleetway Comics series, "2000 AD".
HARLEM NIGHTS (R) 110 minutes * * Only partially successful attempt to make fun of the old gangster films, this manages to waste the talents of comic greats like Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, and Arsenio Hall. Murphy wrote, directed and served as executive producer, which apparently stretched him a bit too far. The few funny scenes there are, just aren't enough to keep this going. Herbie Hancock's soundtrack is nice. R for language.
HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN (R) 93 minutes * * This is one of those films that looks great, but falls apart when the actors open their mouths to speak their lines. Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson work well together, but even they seem to notice how bad the dialogue is! The basic story is that the two of them decide to rob a bank to get money to save a bar they like. They end up stealing a shipment of drugs that the bank is selling instead. It's no surprise that there are quite a few holes in the story with the quality of writing here. See it if you like Rourke or Johnson, but not if you're expecting much in the way of entertainment.
HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE (R) 82 minutes 1/2 Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) have a craving for White Castle, but the trip there is going to involve quite a few side trips. Harold and Kumar should have stayed home... so should you. The handful of chuckles aren't worth the rest of the time wasted waiting for more. There are a few good songs on the soundtrack though. R for language and nudity.
HARRIET THE SPY (PG) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Taken from the novel by Louise Fitzhugh, Michelle Trachtenberg stars in the story of a young detective. Rosie O'Donnell plays Ole Golly quite well and the film is very entertaining. Still, the story is choppy and weak overall, leaving little desire for much repeat viewing. Trachtenberg is a delight to watch and her performance makes this well worth a look. PG for language.
HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS (PG) 106 minutes * * * * After colliding (literally) with a bigfoot, the Henderson family carts it home to sell to a museum. But the "monster" isn't dead... which presents a problem. The younger crown will enjoy all of the physical comedy, while the older people in the audience ponder what they would do if they had latched onto a big hairy bundle of money that suddenly came to life. John Lithgow and the rest of the cast are superb, Rick Baker's creature effects are sheer perfection, and the music and message of the film are sure to please as well. A great film for the family, though the language really merits a PG-13 instead of a PG.
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (PG) 152 minutes * * * The chamber of secrets deep within the walls of the school has been opened and a monster is about to be unleashed. No one is safe, but Harry will save the day. The mood here is a bit darker and more scary than the first film, but the performances, sets, props, music, and so forth are very much the same. The younger members of the audience may find it a bit too scary, but the older ones seem to enjoy it as much if not more than the first film. Daniel Radcliffe does a little better as Harry this time, though Emma Watson still steals the show until she gets "frozen" by the monster. PG for violence.
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (PG-13) 144 minutes * * * The tri-wizard tournament is the focus of this film, with one student from each of three schools, plus Harry of course, competing for the prize. There are definitely a few weak spots in the story, but they mostly relate to personal relationships and the struggles that adolescents face when dealing with those feelings. Since the emphasis of the film is on the action and the magic, it's no surprise that the relationship angle is a bit weak. The rest of the production quality remains the same as the other films, and this makes a nice addition to the series, despite a rather abrupt ending. PG-13 for violence.
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (PG-13) 128 minutes * * * The news that Voldemort is alive is being denied by many and kept secret by the rest. Meanwhile, Dolores Umbridge has been sent by the Ministry to bring order to Hogwarts. Another strong entry in the series, this film version of the fourth book draws us more deeply into the world of Harry and his friends. "We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is what we choose to act on." Wise words from Sirius Black. And then there are the words of the prophecy... "Neither can live while the other survives." Hmmm... Excellent soundtrack too! PG-13 for violence.
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (PG) 130 minutes * * * Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban and is looking for Harry. But what does that mean for Harry and his friends? Although this definitely has the feel of being the middle part of a long story with Harry still only beginning to discover who he is and what that means, it's a very nice entry in the series. It definitely still manages to appeal to both younger and older audiences with the possiblity of being a bit too scary for the younger ones and a bit too juvenile for the older ones. But it's still a fun story with wonderful special effects and a very talented cast. PG for violence.
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (PG) 144 minutes * * * Harry is a very special boy and this is only the beginning of his story. It spans several novels and they've promised us it will span several films as well. Aside from the fact that it's a bestseller that appeals to all ages, it's a great story with memorable characters, and plenty of magic. Bringing it to the big screen is a challenge that was handled quite well for the most part. The cast includes such wonderfully talented veterans as Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Robbie Coltrane, the young Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, and the debut performance of Emma Watson, who makes the film worth watching all by herself. The first thirty minutes drag on as we learn background information. It's not that it isn't important, but there must have been a better way that would've taken less time. Fans of the series and author J.K. Rowling all seem to agree that this is a brilliant adaptation, but Harry seems a bit too unimpressed with the events here. Of course, he already knows what happens in the next film... PG for violence and rightfully so. There are scenes toward the end that are definitely not for the little tykes.
HARSH TIMES (R) 110 minutes * * Jim (Christian Bale) and Mike (Freddy Rodriguez) are buddies from South Central LA. They have dreams of working for the LAPD, and it looks like Mike will make it. But Jim's psychological profile raises some questions. It seems he tends to be more violent than LAPD wants. The federal government is interested though, but can Jim's violent tendencies stay in check long enough for him to get the job? It's not a bad idea, but we never sense much of a bond between these two. It's David Ayer's first time directing, and comes off a bit unsure and uneven. Ayer's script is also far less strong than other scripts he's completed. R for violence and language.
HART'S WAR (R) 116 minutes * * * Honesty and integrity both come to bear in a WWII POW camp when one prisoner is accused of killing another. Adapted from John Katzenbach's novel, this is a fairly intense and well-written war drama, set in Belgium at the end of 1944. Bruce Willis isn't really at his best here, but several strong supporting performances make up for it. The closing narration could have been better, but it's a nice entry in the genre all the same. R for violence and language.
THE HAUNTED MANSION (PG) 81 minutes * Beautiful sets and props , but the story drags terribly for the first half hour. As with "Pirates of the Caribbean", there are severl nice images that are adapted directly from the rides at the Disney amusement parks. The special effects, by Rick Baker, are excellent, but the story is very disappointing with a less than interesting performance by Eddie Murphy and a supporting cast that seem unsure of how to be spooky and fun at the same time. PG for violence.
THE HAUNTING (PG-13) 112 minutes * * 1/2 This updated version of the Shirley Jackson classic features a wonderful set, terrific spooky music thanks to Jerry Goldsmith, and quite a few creepy effects with computer animation and light and shadow. Sure, it pulls a few punches to keep the PG-13 rating, but it will give you quite a few chills. Lili Taylor steals the show as far as acting, with the rest of the cast showing little depth or much interest in being in the house to begin with. This is the weakest aspect, but probably won't be quite as noticeable on video. So, sit back, turn off the lights if you dare, and make sure you aren't alone! PG-13 for violence.
HAVANA (R) 141 minutes * * * Robert Redford is a gambler who knows how to play the bluff. The idea is that sometimes you lose with a winning hand so that you can later bluff to win with a losing hand. It can apply to life as well as a card game. Redford is as suave as ever and Lena Olin is wonderful. The film is steeped in politics and history, which may be a bit much for some, but it's a fine film from director Sydney Pollack and deserves a look.
HAVEN (R) 95 minutes * * 1/2 When two businessmen escape to the Cayman Islands to avoid federal prosecution, they start a chain of events that has far deeper consequences than they imagined. Bill Paxton, Stephen Dillane, and Orlando Bloom star, but the scenery steals the show in too many spots. This is Frank E. Flowers' first feature film as director, and it's not a bad debut, but this needed stronger direction and possibly a better cast as well. Filmed in the beautiful Cayman Islands. R for language, sex, and violence.
HAVOC (R) 82 minutes * * Allison (Anne Hathaway) and her friends enjoy the "gangsta" life. But it's a game to them, a way to act and sound like something they aren't, something that sounds and feels just dangerous enough to be exciting. When they begin to get involved in the real world of gangs, drugs, sex, and violence, it's much different than they expected... and much more dangerous. Hathaway does some nice work here, and it's more than a little different from her work in "The Princess Diaries". Too much of the "real" gang footage looks glossy instead of gritty though, and the dialogue isn't very good. I do like the ending though... R for sex, language, and violence.
HE SAID SHE SAID (PG-13) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Competing journalists, one for TV, the other for a newspaper, end up being a hot item. Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins both do nice work here, but the script is mediocre and the direction is awkward. Being co-directed by a male-female team was perhaps not the best of decisions. It does end nicely, but getting there is a bit rough. PG-13 for language and nudity.
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS (R) 116 minutes * * Three people, already romantically entwined, find the war with Germany testing their loyalties and their love in ways they never thought possible. Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend, and Penelope Cruz all do nice work here, but the story never really has the depth it needs to help us care about these characters. Theron, in particular is a delight to watch, but she needs more to work with. R for sex and violence.
HEAD OF STATE (PG-13 88 minutes * 1/2 It's an election that their party can't win, so they choose a candidate who'll put on a good show. They don't bother to tell him that he's not expected to win... and he may just surprise them. As with most of Chris Rock's projects, it's a little bit too much Chris Rock. He directed, co-produced, and co-wrote this as well as starred... and it's a little too much. Unless you're a major fan of Rock, you probably won't even want to bother watching. PG-13 for language and violence.
HEAD OVER HEELS (PG-13) 83 minutes * * 1/2 To say that Amanda has had bad luck with guys is an understatement. Now she's moved in with four supermodels and she's falling for the guy across the street, who happens to work with them. It's a nice little romantic comedy with some action and mystery mixed in. Monica Potter and Freddie Prinze Jr. make it pleasant to watch, and the script is better than average for films in this genre. PG-13 for language.
HEAR NO EVIL (R) 93 minutes * * 1/2 A two-bit reporter taps into a big story, but finds himself a little out of his league. After he's killed (early in the film), his friends are left to figure everything out. Of course, his friends begin to feel an attraction for one another that adds to the mix of suspense and mystery already present. Graeme Revell gives us a terrific soundtrack too, but the editing is weak, and the resolution to the story is very unsatisfactory. It all results in one of those films you won't be sorry you saw, but probably won't remember after awhile either. R for violence, language, and sex.
HEART (R) 91 minutes 1/2 A down and out fighter gets his chance for a comeback when he fights a young champ. He's supposed to lose, but his manager doesn't tell him that. Low budget attempt to cash in on the success of some other boxing films that fails miserably despite the attempts of the cast.
HEART AND SOULS (PG-13) 99 minutes * * * 1/2 Robert Downey Jr. gives an outstanding performance as Thomas Riley, a young man followed by four ghosts who don't understand why they're still hanging around. Downey's ability to handle physical comedy is near perfection here, and Marc Shaiman's soundtrack sets the mood for a story of love, second chances, and finding the good that lies within us all.
HEART CONDITION (R) 95 minutes * A prejudiced cop (Bob Hoskins) gets a heart transplant from a black lawyer (Denzel Washington). To make matters worse, he's being haunted by the lawyer, who wants his killer to be brought to justice. The script is a mess, and despite the talents of Hoskins and Washington, this is hard to watch. It drags the whole way through, with only a few minutes here and there that are worth watching.
HEART OF DIXIE (PG) 90 minutes * * * Based on the novel "Heartbreak Hotel" by Anne Rivers Siddons, this is the story of three girls from an Alabama college sorority in the 1950's and their beginning awareness of the history of the south. What is the real heart of Dixie? Is it the beautiful southern belles and the large plantations, or is it the soul and struggle of the black people? Starring Phoebe Cates, Virginia Madsen, and Ally Sheedy, this appears to be a bit pretentious at first, but that very attitude serves to help make the point of the film.
THE HEART OF THE GAME (PG-13) 95 minutes * * * The Roosevelt Roughriders girls' basketball team is the focus of this inspirational documentary. They were a team that never used to win. But when a tax professor decides to take on the coaching job, his style is a perfect fit for the team, which begins to succeed like never before. The film follows the team through several seasons and doesn't shy away from some of the difficulties they faced, though the focus is definitely more on the ways they found to succeed. PG-13 for language.
HEARTBREAK HOTEL (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 A teenager kidnaps Elvis and takes him home to his divorced mom who's always had a crush on the King. It's a hard to swallow premise, but a fun enough ride through the nostalgic 1950s and 1960s. Filmed in Austin and Taylor, Texas.
THE HEARTBREAK KID (R) 108 minutes * Another dud from the Farrelly brothers. A remake of the 1972 film with Charles Grodin, this time its Ben Stiller who after his recent marriage finds another girl who he's much more attracted to. The story intersperses bits of comedy within a story that tries to be sweet and charming. That might work if the humor wasn't so vulgar and obnoxious. We find it far to difficult to like Eddie (Stiller), so we really don't care if things work out well for him. Adam Sandler seems to be able to make this sort of story work better, then again, he also tends to take himself less seriously. R for sex and language.
HEARTBREAKERS (PG-13) 118 minutes * * A mother/daughter con team ends up pushing their luck a bit too far and get themselves into a lot of hot water. The story plays very well, thanks to a nice script, but it does begin to drag toward the end. It's just too long. Sigourney Weaver, Gene Hackman, Jason Lee and Ray Liotta deliver nice performances, though it's Jennifer Love-Hewitt who carries the film. It's by far the best work she's done to this point and is a role she seems to have fun with, being a mix of appearing to be less than bright while actually being very savvy. It's a fun story and will play very well on video. PG-13 for language.
HEARTS IN ATLANTIS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * 1/2 This film makes a rather nice companion piece to "Stand By Me" as a Stephen King coming of age film. It's not quite as strong, mostly due to the introduction of the somewhat supernatural character of Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins). I saw no reason for Brautigan to be supernatural in the book. A threesome of children, with our main character being parented by a single mother... a wise and somewhat eccentric older man serves as mentor for awhile, aiding in the maturation of our protagonist, and so the story goes... Why muddle it up with the supernatural? Despite this problem, King has created some incredible characters which have been brought to life to show us a vividly painted picture of childhood and the process of growing up. Another gem from a master storyteller! Anton Yelchin and Mika Boorem both do incredible work as the young Bobby and Carol. Filmed in Virginia. PG-13 for language.
HEAT (R) 166 minutes * * * This star-studded cops and robbers story pits Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro against each other with plenty of action and superb performances. The story sputters a few times, losing steam and power, but manages to finish rather well. Director Michael Mann also wrote the script, reworking his earlier TV movie, L.A. Takedown. Also starring Val Kilmer, Jon Voigt, Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, and many more.
HEAVEN & EARTH (R) 135 minutes * * 1/2 Gloomy picture of the Vietnam war and its effect on one girl in a particular village. Offers us a picture that feels far more realistic than most films in this genre. Tommy Lee Jones does a nice job, but the real star is director Oliver Stone, who proves with this film that he does know how to give us a powerful picture by using a camera and music. R for violence, language, and sex.
HEAVEN'S PRISONERS (R) 128 minutes * 1/2 A lifeless script makes this story of a plane crash, that no one was supposed to see, very hard to watch. The cast has the talent, with the likes of Alec Baldwin, Mary Stuart Masterson, Kelly Lynch, Teri Hatcher, and Eric Roberts, but there's just no energy to the story. Everything just moves along mechanically with no surprises and not much tension. Based on a book by James Lee Burke.
HEAVY METAL (R) how many minutes * * * There aren't many times when a magazine is made into a movie, but there aren't many magazines like Heavy Metal! Visually stunning with animation and stories that stretch the imagination. This pushes the limits just like the magazine always did, but if you're ready, it will give you a treat like no other. R for violence, language, and sex.
HEAVYWEIGHTS (PG) 93 minutes * The importance of good self-esteem is the message here, but the way in which we hear it is questionable at best. The problem is, how do you explain to all the overweight kids watching the movie that the humor in the film is centered around "fat jokes"? Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara have really reached the bottom of the barrel. Filmed at Camp Pinnacle in North Carolina.
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (R) 87 minutes * * * John Cameron Mitchell's musical about Hedwig, a transgendered, glam-rock star. Originally a stage production, this translates well to film. Mitchell has created a memorable character with very real struggles around the idea and experience of love. This has quickly become a cult classic with its unique mix of stand-up comedy, love story, and a soundtrack that is simply amazing. A companion documentary, "Whether You Like It Or Not: The Story of Hedwig", gives a nice background to the creation of the character and the production. R for sex and language.
HEIGHTS (R) 96 minutes * * Glenn Close stars as a famous actress who is thinking about pursuing a relationship with a younger man who lives in the same building as her daughter. Her daughter is about to marry someone who is trying to avoid a previous lover who is trying to interview him for a job he's working on. They are five very different people whose lives are entwined. Adapted by Amy Fox from her play, this is a wonderful character study and well performed by the cast. It does, however, still feel a bit too much like a play and while the characters are very well-developed, they somehow manage to remain rather emotionless. R for language and sex.
HEIST (R) 103 minutes * * * Never do a job without a back-up plan. That's Joe Moore's (Gene Hackman) philosophy and one that has served him well. He's planning the biggest and boldest heist of his life, but he's an old hand at this. Hackman gives us another fine performance here, well supported by Delroy Lindo, Danny DeVito, and the rest, but it's the story that keeps us involved and paying attention. The twists and turns aren't really convoluted, but are just enough to keep us on the edge. R for language and violence.
HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II (R) 91 minutes * * Wonderfully gruesome special effects in this bloody sequel to "Hellraiser". The story doesn't do much for us though, as our heroine takes a trip to Hell to try and rescue her father. Obstacles surface along the way, and we conclude with a rather cheap ending that nullifies the overall effect.
HELLBOY (PG-13) 114 minutes * * * The Nazis open a portal to another dimension and before the allies can close it, a little baby monster comes through, Fortunately, he learns to work for the side of good rather than evil. His name is... Hellboy! Ron Perlman does a great job here,lending sensitivity to a very unusual character. The story is full of wonderful little bits of humor that never manage to distract us, they simply add to the whimsical nature of the plot. Selma Blair and David Hyde Pierce have some unusual and interesting supporting roles as well. Adapted from the Dark Horse Comic book series, it does try to cover a bit too much territory and wraps up too quickly, but director and writer Guillermo Del Toro has otherwise done a nice job bringing a very interesting comic book "hero" to the big screen. PG-13 for violence and language.
HELLO AGAIN (PG) 93 minutes * * * Shelley Long plays Lucy Chadman, a housewife who chokes to death and is then brought back to life a year later by a spell her sister casts. Corny and slapstick at times, charming at others, it's a fun, light comedy that does a nice job keeping us interested and entertained. Fans of Long will definitely enjoy this.
HELLRAISER (R) 91 minutes * 1/2 Demons to some, angels to others, they are experimentors in the further regions of experience. From the mind of Clive Barker comes this extremely gross and violent horror film. Great make-up effects and some nice camera angles that add to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the acting is almost one-dimensional, and the music is uninventive to say the least. Somehow this managed to spawn a few sequels, probably because Barker himself wanted the story to continue.
HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH (R) 86 minutes * 1/2 Mediocre sequel with good special effects but far too much cardboard acting. The plot revolves around pinhead and his attempt to destroy the box which released/created him, thereby protecting himself. He can't just take it though, someone has to give it to him.
HELLRAISER IV: BLOODLINE (R) 80 minutes * Rather contrived entry in the series that goes into a great amount of background detail to try and answer questions that we had from the first three films. Hollywood should know by now... that doesn't make for an interesting film. At least we get to see Angelique (Valentina Vargas) look normal for a little while in this one.
HENRY V (NR) 135 minutes * * * * Kenneth Branaugh is Henry V in this brilliant adaptation of the classic Shakespearean drama. Branaugh wrote and directed this as well, and his uncanny sense of how to present these stories makes them a joy to watch. The story of Henry V's struggles with the French gives us a fascinating study of character and Branaugh performs it to perfection.
HER ALIBI (PG) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Phil Blackwood (Tom Selleck) is a mystery writer who has been in a slump ever since his wife divorced him to marry a literary critic. Now Nina (Paulina Porizkova) has walked into his life. She's an inspiration, a vision from heaven, and his imagination is off and running again. Selleck plays this sort of role well, and the story is just mysterious enough to keep us interested. It's also a pleasure to see William Daniels in a wonderful supporting role as Blackwood's agent. It definitely feels like a made for TV production, but at least it's a good one.
HERBIE FULLY LOADED (G) 94 minutes * As silly, unrealistic, and thinly plotted as any of the other Herbie films ever was. Michael Keaton, Lindsay Lohan, and Matt Dillon do what they can, but there isn't much to work with here. It was definitely not a wise choice for Disney to recycle this old idea. Rated G because not very many people will want to see it anyway.
HERCULES (G) 87 minutes * * * 1/2 Disney takes a step back in the direction of "Aladdin" with this release. It's more fun and action-filled than the last couple of animated features. Of course, there is the usual corruption of the original material... None more evident than the highly ironic use of a song that talks about this story being the "gospel truth". (The gospel coming AFTER the Hercules mythology and the film being FAR from the truth!) Ah well, it's fun to watch and the animation, though not astounding, is the typical high quality material you'd expect from Disney Studios.
HERE ON EARTH (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Leelee Sobieski and Chris Klein play mismatched young lovers in this romantic tear-jerker. The problem is that this story has been done to death by so many talented people over the years, it's getting a bit tired. Aside from Sobieski, there's nothing fresh about this version either. She's a treat to watch as she breezes into a room and it's obvious that she enjoys her work, but it isn't enough to carry a tired story where we already know the outcome. PG-13 for language.
HERO (PG-13) 112 minutes * * * Just what is it that makes a hero? Is it a lifestyle, or a moment of action inspired by selflessness? A wonderful and inspirational story with fine performances by Dustin Hoffman and Geena Davis. This is one of those films that will stay with you.
HERO (2002) (PG-13) 94 minutes * * * It is the vision of the leader of the kingdom of Qin to unite the seven states into one great land. (That we would come to know as China.) But to accomplish this, much blood will be shed. Nameless (Jet Li) must decide where his loyalties lie and whether this vision of a unified land is one that should be embraced or ended. Plenty of great swordplay and beautiful artistic design throughout. The story does keep us at arms length though, never really working to get us to care about these characters or their dilemma. PG-13 for violence.
HEXED (R) 89 minutes * Arye Gross is a hotel clerk who's always daydreaming. But now those dreams have become a nightmarish reality as a beautiful model is staying in the hotel and causing more trouble than he ever dreamed. A few cute bits, but mostly idiotic and filmed on a shoestring that comes undone rather quickly.
HEY ARNOLD: THE MOVIE (PG) 72 minutes * * A big corporation is going to tear down Arnold's neighborhood and turn it into a mall, but not if Arnold and his friends can put a stop to it. Nothing really to distinguish this from the episodes on TV except the length. Basically harmless stuff, just not that interesting, even to the kids that were watching. PG for violence.
HIDALGO (PG-13) 129 minutes * * * It's more than just a horse race, it's a time-honored tradition and it's the opportunity for Frank Hopkins to look within himself and discover who he truly is. Hidalgo (his horse) already knows. Nice adventure story with beautiful scenery and a story that mixes both western and middle-eastern ideas. Based on the life of Frank T. Hopkins. PG-13 for violence.
THE HIDDEN (R) 95 minutes * * Great story idea about a body-switching alien who is being pursued by an LA cop and an FBI agent who is really another alien. The dialogue is weak throughout, which leads to some confusing moments as we try to figure out exactly what's happening. Nice ending though, and fans of science fiction will most likely enjoy this.
HIDDEN AGENDA (R) 92 minutes * * Dolph Lundgren stars in a story about an organization that helps people "disappear". When their security is compromised, Lundgren uncovers layer upon layer of double-cross and hidden agenda. Lundgren is pretty good here and the rest of the cast is reasonably good as well. What hurts, no real surprise here, is the script. While some of the misdirections work well, the characters launch into lengthy explanations at times so we don't get too far off track. It gets progressively worse as the film moves along. Then there are those annoying freeze-frames during the action sequences that are even worse than using slow-motion. R for violence and language.
HIDE AND SEEK (R) 97 minutes * * Nice performances from Robert DeNiro and Dakota Fanning, but the story really doesn't leave us in suspense all that long. Fanning's makeup is one of the more creepy aspects of the film. Famke Janssen's character doesn't get developed enough either. We can tell there's more too this, but apparently it was cut from the film. John Ottman's soundtrack sets the mood nicely, it's just too bad the film didn't do a better job of living up to it. R for violence and language.
HIDEAWAY (R) 99 minutes * 1/2 Jeff Goldblum stars as a man brought back from death in a car accident who finds himself psychically linked to a killer, also recently back from the dead. The story plods along slowly for almost an house before things finally start to move along. It ends well, but it's rather hard to sit through for most.
HIDING OUT (PG-13) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Jon Cryer is an FBI witness on the run and hiding out in his cousin's high school... as a student. Cryer makes this fun to watch, but if you're looking for a story with depth, you might want to try something else.
HIGH CRIMES (PG-13) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Everything seems to be going well for Claire (Ashley Judd). She might even be looking at a partnership in the law firm she works for. But then she discovers that her husband may not be who he says he is and that the government is accusing him of murder. Although the set-up is done very nicely, this quickly settles into the pattern of most military court films, offering little to differentiate itself. Judd, along with Morgan Freeman, Jim Caviezel, and Amanda Peet, do a fine job with their characters, which keeps it flowing well, but the story just lacks that something extra that would have been nice to see, and that might have given it the edge it's lacking. PG-13 for violence and language.
HIGH FIDELITY (R) 104 minutes * * Rob Gordon (John Cusack) has lousy luck with women and proceeds to tell us his story. The characters here are wonderful and brought to life with the amazing talents of Cusack, Lili Taylor, Lisa Bonet, Sara Gilbert, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack and many more. The story is another matter, being mired in depression and lacking effective direction. Heavily symbolic in many spots, this is a film that fans of Cusack will enjoy much more than those who are looking for entertainment or something humorous. Filmed in Chicago. R for language.
HIGH SCHOOL HIGH (PG-13) 80 minutes * Jon Lovitz stars in this low-budget comedy/parody that won't elicit more than a few smiles from most viewers. It is, at least, mercifully short. Unless you're a real fan of Lovitz, stay away! PG-13 for language.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (G) 96 minutes * * Choreographer Kenny Ortega directed this Disney TV musical, which has great choreography, and a few nice songs as well, though it could have used more. The story is the real weakness here. The captain of the basketball team and a new girl in town find themselves inexplicably drawn to audition for the high school musical and win the lead roles over the bratty sister/brother combo who usually get the parts. Definitely sub-par for Disney, who usually manage to tug on the heart strings with their stories. The acting is fine, nothing great, but if the story had any depth, it would have been a good deal better.
HIGH SPIRITS (PG-13) 94 minutes * * 1/2 A deteriorating castle in the country, a debt that can't be met, a greedy debt collector, and a group of strange people who are committed to saving the castle. Then there are the ghosts, and when the fake ones are supplemented by real ones, trouble isn't far behind. Set in the beautiful Dromore Castle in Ireland, and featuring the talented Peter O'Toole along with Darryl Hannah, Liam Neeson, Beverly D'Angelo, and Steve Guttenberg, this has all the right look. After a promising beginning though, it flounders and never really does much after that. PG-13 for language.
HIGH TENSION (R) 87 minutes * 1/2 Spending the night at the house of her friend Alex's parents soon turns into a nightmare as a homicidal maniac chooses the place to start a killing spree. Weak script and amateurish acting have us far too bored by the time the somewhat interesting twist comes along on the last few minutes. It also makes us wonder how that second car got there... R for violence and language.
HIGHER LEARNING (R) 124 minutes * * 1/2 College life at Columbus University, with tensions that center around racial and sexual issues, as presented by director/writer/co-producer John Singleton. Strong characters populate the film, and there is a good deal of truth to the topics dealt with. Omar Epps does a wonderful job as Malik, a young athlete looking for answers and focus in his life. Drags on too long though, stalling out when it begins to concentrate on a group of skin-heads.
HIGHLANDER ENDGAME (R) 82 minutes * 1/2 The end approaches as Connor and Duncan must face Jacob Kell, who has grown stronger and stronger and now feels that it's time to destroy them. CHristopher Lambert seems to be tired of the role and Adrian Paul is not what you could call a great actor. Much of the film is cartoonish, especially the "quickening" scenes, and that will disappoint fans and confuse newcomers. Fans will also know the only way this can end long before they see it despite how the storyline jumps back and forth through time, trying to confuse us. On the positive side, perhaps this is actually the final entry in the series. R for violence, language, and sex.
HIGHLANDER: THE FINAL DIMENSION (PG-13) 89 minutes * 1/2 Too many flashbacks and an introduction that lasts about 30 minutes really hurt this films effectiveness. There's some nice scenery here, but the story is poorly told and not well directed. This third in the series is the most inept, and only of interest to die-hard fans.
HIGHLANDER II: THE QUICKENING (R) 84 minutes * * There are a number of great special effects, but there are others that come across very poorly. It's an uneven film in other aspects too, with the best part simply being that we get to see the characters again. Otherwise, it's thoroughly disappointing.
HILARY AND JACKIE (R) 119 minutes * * * Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths star in a story about two sisters, both extremely talented musicians, and the different paths their lives took. Watson and Griffiths both do outstanding work here and we are quickly drawn into their rivalry. It's a moving portrait of siblings who love each other deeply, yet remain rivals throughout their lives in one way or another. The soundtrack is quite good as well, featuring music from a recording by the real Jacqueline du Pre. R for language and sex.
THE HILLS HAVE EYES (2006) (R) 103 minutes * 1/2 Based on the 1977 film by Wes Craven, this modernization opts for increased gore and an extra fifteen or so minutes. We didn't really need the extra time and we're sorely missing the presence of Michael Berryman. The modernization of the story works fairly well, but there are far too many cheap noise scares and silly mistakes that the family makes. R for violence and language.
THE HILLS HAVE EYES II (R) 85 minutes 1/2 Nobody has been to the hills for awhile, but when some surveillance equipment is installed, the people who did it disappear. It seems that someone was already watching... This is NOT a remake of "The Hills Have Eyes, Part II", which is good, because that was a bad movie. This one is just a bad sequel to a remake of the first movie. More gory, but less interesting. R for violence, language, and nudity.
HIMALAYA (NR) 104 minutes * * * Every year, they travel through the Himalaya mountains to trade their salt for grain. The leadership of their village is in question now as the chief's heir has met with an accident and his grandson is only a boy. Breathtaking scenery provides an astounding backdrop for this story of a power struggle, a coming of age, and the lessons learned from life and death. Filmed in Nepal and nominated for an Oscar as best foreign film, this is an inspiring film that gives us a glimpse into another world.
THE HISTORY BOYS (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 They are a talented and intelligent group of young men in England. Bright, shining examples of their school who hope to go on to Oxford or Cambridge. But there are other temptations and possibilities along the way. Adapted by Alan Bennett from his play. The story does wander a bit, but only slightly hints at its stage origins. R for language and sex.
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (R) 92 minutes * * Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) was nobody to speak of in a small town until a couple of thugs show up and threaten to kill a waitress in a diner. Suddenly, Tom becomes the hero of the town when he kills them before they can do the same to anyone else. But is this something he's done before? Although there are some nice action sequences here, and the story is reasonably good, Mortensen's dry performance is less than appealing. Ed Harris does a nice job with his supporting role, but William Hurt is burdened with lines that give his character no depth whatsoever. Adapted from the graphic novel. R for violence, language, and sex.
HITCH (PG-13) 114 minutes * * * He is the date doctor - able to get even the most hopeless guy a chance to get into a romantic relationship with the girl of his dreams. He does great work, but when it comes to his own relationships... Definitely a predictable film, but Will Smith's incredibly likeable performance does a wonderful job of keeping us entertained and Eva Mendes plays very well opposite him. It does run a bit long, but most of the way it's quite fun. PG-13 for language.
THE HITCHER (R) 78 minutes * 1/2 There are some intense moments in this story of a hitchhiker who pursues a young couple. Unfortunately, the film drags terribly inbetween those moments. The acting here is better than in the 1986 film from which this is adapted, and the budget appears to be a bit larger, but the overall effect is still the same. It's a suspenseful short story that just doesn't make the stretch into a feature length film. R for violence and language.
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (PG) 102 minutes * * * Douglas Adams' satirical look at life, the universe, and lots of other things. The film manages to retain much of the feel of the book despite some major changes to the material that Adams himself (as screenwriter) chose to change. Part of that feel is that. much like your appreciation of the book increases with a second reading, your appreciation of the film will most likely increase with a second viewing. There are so many little bits that it's difficult to catch them all and pay attention to the story at the same time. Sam Rockwell, Mos Def, and Zooey Deschanel all do wonderful work here and the special effects work well. It's definitely an unusual piece, as was the book, but well worth a look if you enjoy science fiction. PG for language and violence.
THE HITMAN (R) 89 minutes * You know you're in bad shape when the title to the film isn't accurate. Chuck Norris isn't a hitman, he's a cop who goes undercover as a strongarm in a gang. He's eventually able to set up two rival gang leaders to take a fall. There's far too little action of the type we used to see from Norris. It's all guns and a few punches, and another poor directing job thanks to his brother Aaron. Aaron's direction has little sense of rhythm or pacing and has the look of isolated scenes that are awkwardly pasted together.
HITMAN (2007) (R) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Based on the videogame, this is the story of Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant), raised to kill, he's one of many who work for "The Organization". He's the best, but someone is out to get him. His job is to find out who that is and stop them before they stop him. This has all of the right look, but the story gets a bit tangled as it tries to explain what's going on. R for violence, language, and sex.
THE HOAX (R) 111 minutes * * 1/2 A rather low-key performance from Richard Gere as Clifford Irving, the author who tried to sell a biography of Howard Hughes which he had no permission to write, based on interviews with Hughes that never happened. Despite the somewhat interesting idea, the film struggles to hold our attention. Gere's is not the only performance that is less than inspiring. R for language.
HOCUS POCUS (PG) 92 minutes * * * Lightly spooky Halloween tricks and treats, courtesy of Bette Midler, Kathy Nijimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker. The story moves along quickly, with some nice special effects along the way. Fun and lighthearted, with a great performance from Thora Birch as the first victim the witches try their spells on after 300 years. Special note: For some strange reason, this was released in July. Go figure!
HOFFA (R) 131 minutes * * * Jack Nicholson delivers a riveting performance as James R. Hoffa, teamster labor union organizer. The supporting cast does a fine job of rounding the scenes out, but it is Nicholson who captivates us. The film moves back and forth through time with flashbacks, and though this can be irritating in some films, it is executed very smoothly here, thanks to a well-written script by award winner David Mamet. Though the portrait may be a bit too clean and wholesome to be believed completely, what we do see is a man who was getting a fantastic amount of loyalty from the "working man". A man with charisma, a growing following, and an increasing influence over the working white population at the same time in history that Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were reaching out to blacks. The conflict was that the federal government was trying to reach those people as well, though with a slightly different message. More of that conflict should have been evident in the film. R for language, violence, and nudity.
HOLES (PG) 111 minutes * * * Stanley's (Shia LaBeouf) luck appears to be no better than that of the other men in his family. He's now at Camp Greenlake for Boys, where each day they must dig a hole "to build character". There's much more to this magical and delightful story of friendship, justice, and family, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Adapted by Louis Sachar from his bestselling novel for youth, this is a great film for the 8-14 age group. Nice performances by all of the kids and by Patricia Arquette as Kissin' Kate, whose legend is what started it all in the first place. PG for violence.
THE HOLIDAY (PG-13) 130 minutes * * * They're both dealing with bad relationships, they both want to just get away. They meet online and decide to exchange homes for two weeks over the holidays. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star in this romantic comedy that is definitely a little lacking on depth, but still fun to watch. Winslet in particular has some very charming moments, and it's nice to see Eli Wallach in a strong supporting role too. Everything works out well in the end, though getting there is a little forced and awkward in spots toward the end. PG-13 for language and sex.
HOLLOW MAN (R) 105 minutes * 1/2 Disappointing film that serves as little more than a showcase for some wonderful special effects. The problem is that the story is dull and boring. Kevin Bacon and Elisabeth Shue are wasted as we follow their experiments, which focus on the attempts to reverse the process of becoming invisible. The effects are a delight to watch, but the film relies too heavily on them and fails to entertain or even be all that interesting after awhile. R for language, violence, and nudity.
HOLLOW MAN 2 (R) 88 minutes * In a continuation of the boring and dull story from the first film... with less talented actors, this relies even more heavily on the special effects, but there's nothing new here. Christian Slater has what amounts to little more than a bit part, especially if you only count when his face is visible. And then there's the cheap ending that leaves room for another sequel... let's hope not! R for violence, language, and sex.
HOLLYWOOD ENDING (PG-13) 108 minutes * * 1/2 Val Waxman (Woody Allen) used to be a great film director. Now his career is on the rocks, but he may get one last chance. His ex-wife thinks he'd be the perfect director for her husband's new film. The problem is, Val has a history of rather strange problems that seem to develop when he starts working on a picture. It's fairly standard Allen comedy with the major difference being a very nice performance from Tia Leoni, whose no-nonsense character tends to cut Allen's whining short. It's a welcome change, but the film still could have used some trimming as it drags in a few spots. PG-13 for language.
HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE (PG-13) 110 minutes * * People are killing each other in the hip-hop music business in Los Angeles, so it's time for a little "Dragnet" style police work to uncover the guilty parties, along with a few dirty cops along the way. This gets a bit silly in spots and there are far too many subplots, though it does manage to end fairly well with a nice chase scene toward the very end of the film. Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett never quite work together like they need to, and the talents of numerous other people are pretty much wasted as well. This is definitely one of those that will look a little better on video. PG-13 for violence, language, and sex.
HOLLYWOODLAND (R) 119 minutes * * * George Reeves (Ben Affleck) found stardom in the role of Superman, but when he tried to move outside of that role, he met only failure. His death from a gunshot wound was a surprise to many, but was it suicide, or could it have been murder? Adrien Brody delivers another fine performance as the private investigator who explores the possibilities, though the rest of the cast is a little lacking. The film noir atmosphere works well, and Brody works comfortably within that style, keeping us waiting for the next bit of information that may lead to the answer of what happened. R for language, violence, and sex.
HOLY MAN (PG) 109 minutes * The mix of spirituality and comedy doesn't work very well here as Eddie Murphy begins to have an effect on the life of Jeff Goldblum. At first glance, Murphy appears to be an eccentric guy who just likes to be nice to people. Maybe he's something a little more, but the point is that by the end of the film, we don't care. Goldblum's character is too hard to sympathize with and Murphy's comedy doesn't fit very well. Filmed in Florida. PG for language.
HOLY MATRIMONY (PG-13) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Joseph Gordon-Levitt steals the show in this story of a 12-year-old Hutterite who ends up married to Patricia Arquette. She's on the run from a robbery, and he has a few things to teach her about the meaning of marriage and commitment. More for the family than one might think at first glance, this chooses comedy to make its point. Nothing outstanding, but Gordon-Levitt makes it worth watching.
HOME ALONE (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 What happens when young Kevin (Macauley Culkin) is left behind when his family leaves on their Christmas vacation? Quite a bit... Culkin was perfectly cast here and definitely knows how to work the camera. The script is a bit too sentimental in some spots, and a bit too slapstick in others, but this not only managed to spawn a couple of sequels, but a few copycats, and not only launched Macauley's career, but opened the door for his brother Kieran, who plays his little brother in the film, as well. PG for language and violence.
HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK (PG) 116 minutes * * 1/2 This is almost identical to the first film in every respect. It's not bad, but there aren't any surprises. The idea seems to have been that the first one did so well, why should they mess with changing it? PG for violence.
HOME ALONE 3 (PG) 97 minutes * * Alex is home alone with the chicken pox and a remote control car. Of course, this particular one has a computer chip that some very mean (and not so bright) villains would like to retrieve. The usual pratfalls pervade the film, most of them not all that funny. What make the film work as well as it does? The performance of young Alex D. Linz is more genuine than Macauley Culkin's, and the way in which he is left at home is far more believable. The rest of the film stretches the limits as one might expect, but having these two aspects grounded serves to strengthen the film a great deal. Filmed in Evanston, Skokie, and Chicago, Illinois. PG for language and cartoonish violence.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (PG-13) 99 minutes * * * 1/2 Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) is returning home for the holidays... to an extremely dysfunctional family. Hilarious look at a wild bunch of characters who are all played to the hilt by veterans Anne Bancroft, Geraldine Chaplin, and Charles Durning. The entertaining script is courtesy of W.D. Richter, and the precise, near perfect direction comes from none other than Jodie Foster.
HOME FRIES (PG-13) 91 minutes 1/2 Angus (Jake Busey) and Dorian (Luke Wilson) scare their step-father to death because he's had an affair. What they don't count on is Dorian falling in love with the girl their step-father got pregnant (Drew Barrymore). Strange, and rather dumb idea, that goes nowhere. With the talents involved, it's a surprise this isn't better, but the story itself is at fault here, written with little to interest us or make us care about the characters. PG-13 for language and violence.
A HOME OF OUR OWN (PG) 101 minutes * * * 1/2 Absorbing story of a family poor in money, but rich in the things that really count. Kathy Bates plays Francis Lacey, a single mother of six children, who moves from Los Angeles to Idaho to begin a new life. It won't be easy, but as she says in the film, "You work with what you get. You try to make it better."
HOME OF THE BRAVE (2006) (R) 98 minutes * * After serving time during the War in Iraq, three people return home, discovering how much their experience has changed them. Not a new story, and the depth of the story is questionable as well. Definitely heavy on the sentimental aspects, though the performances by Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel, and Brian Presley are sincere enough. Nice quote from Machiavelli at the end, "Wars begin where you will, but they do not end where you please." R for violence and language.
HOME ON THE RANGE (PG) 69 minutes * * * The farm is up for sale and it's up to the animals to save it! OK, so there's not much to the story... there are still several cute songs and fun characters. Featuring the vocal talents of Roseanne Barr, Jennifer Tilly, Steve Buscemi, Randy Quaid, Judi Dench, and Cuba Gooding Jr. and rated PG for some cartoonish violence.
HOMELESS TO HARVARD (NR) 90 minutes * * * 1/2 Amazing performance from Thora Birch (though that's not really a surprise) as Liz Murray, a young woman who overcame the difficulties her home life presented her with and achieved what few would have thought possible. Birch's performance earned a well-deserved Emmy nomination. The story is a bit sentimental, but it's difficult to present a story like this without that aspect being present. Not rated, but essential a PG sort of film with strong references to drug use and abuse.
HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY (G) 79 minutes * * Scenery that is somewhat less than spectacular and annoying human voices for the animals, ruin this remake of the classic Disney film "The Incredible Journey". Watch the original and don't bother with this sappy, lightweight remake. Filmed in Oregon.
HOMICIDE (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Investigating a "simple" murder of an area shopkeeper, Detective Robert Gold (Joe Mantegna) uncovers a network of Jews still involved in fighting the Nazis. His own Jewish heritage resurfaces, bringing with it many questions. The ending is a bit puzzling, but writer/director David Mamet has given us some interesting things to think about.
HONEY (PG-13) 89 minutes * * Honey Daniels (Jessica Alba) teaches dance at the center while she waits for a break into the big time. When it comes, she'll have to learn how to balance it with her experience of the real world and decide what's most important to her. Nothing new in the story here, and the editing is more than a bit rough in spots, but the dance moves are nicely done and Alba carries what there is of the film quite well. Young Zachary Williams does a nice job too. PG-13 for language.
HONEY I BLEW UP THE KID (PG) 85 minutes * * 1/2 Mediocre sequel with a not-so-clever story and a large baby. The special effects are nice, but not that outstanding. It's mostly Rick Moranis' absent-minded scientist and family man, that carries this along and keeps us watching, though it does get a bit old toward the end. PG for language.
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS (PG) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Wonderful special effects and large doses of humor help this familiar story of people being shrunk to miniature size. The script is definitely a little weak here, but Rick Moranis manages to make it fun most of the time.
HONEYMOON IN VEGAS (PG-13) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Jack Singer (Nicolas Cage) makes a promise to his dying mother that he will never get married. He promptly falls in love and wonders what he's going to do about it. Once he decides to pop the question, the problems begin. Cage does a fine job handling a role that is both comic and serious, as does co-star James Caan. Sarah Jessica Parker struggles a bit here, but I suspect that the script is more to blame than she is. The story is really about how the two men are playing a game to see who wins the girl, so she is the weakest character by design. Parker manages to keep it interesting, but there are still some problems with the role the way it is written. PG-13 for language.
THE HONEYMOONERS (PG) 85 minutes * 1/2 Unusual remake/update of the TV show that stars Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Gabrielle Union, and Regina Hall. Those who loved the show probably won't care for this, but its harmless enough on its own. Its also not all that interesting or particularly funny either. It's too bad, and it's definitely not the fault of the actors, who do what they can with a rather miserable script. Filmed in Ireland and New York. PG for language.
HOODLUM (R) 120 minutes * * This story of Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson and his role in the gangland of 1930'2 New York takes awhile to get going. Laurence Fishburne does alright with his role, but Tim Roth overplays Dutch Schultz and Andy Garcia is too suave in his portrayal of Lucky Luciano. As this also features Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams, and Clarence Williams III, it's mostly a showcase for actors whose roles depend on what we already know of them, rather than on a good script. R for language and violence.
HOODWINKED (PG) 74 minutes * * 1/2 Cute idea, to tell the other side of the Little Red Riding Hood story as the investigation of the incident and to hear the various perspectives of the story from different characters. Too much money went to lining up the cast of voices, which, although very stellar, can only do so much with a story that is missing the energy it needs to carry it to the next level of excitement and success. Patrick Warburton, Anne Hathaway, Glenn Close, Jim Belushi, Anthony Anderson, Andy Dick, Xzibit, and many more. PG for violence.
HOOK (PG) 134 minutes * * * 1/2 This is a continuation of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" with Robin Williams giving another great performance as Peter. He has grown up and forgotten everything about his early life, but Captain Hook hasn't forgotten. The film does begin a little slowly, but picks up the pace after the first half hour. It's a typical Steven Spielberg film, filled with special effects, great music (John Williams), and beautiful photography (Dean Cundey). Amber Scott is perfect as Peter's daughter Maggie, singing her way into our hearts with "When You're Alone". It is we in the audience who are the real stars of this film though. "Thank you for believing," Peter Pan says late in the film. You're welcome, Peter. Those of us who do believe, know that it is believing that makes the magic of films and stories work their wonders in our hearts and in our lives.
HOOP DREAMS (PG-13) 165 minutes * * * Fascinating and honest look at the lives of two high school boys who love basketball. William Gates and Arthur Agee are very different, but their stories weave together to tell a tale that is well worth listening to. Slightly over-long, but a strong film with an important message. PG-13 for language.
HOOT (PG) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Roy (Logan Lerman) is the new kid in town, and in no time at all, he finds himself in the middle of a struggle to stop a pancake house from building on land that will destroy the homes of the burrowing owls that are native to the area. Typical story of youth facing off against a corporation that doesn't care. The difference is that this is adapted from a very well-written novel by Carl Hiaason and translates well to the screen. Songs by Jimmy Buffett, including "Good Guys Win", which serves as a theme song for Roy. Buffett also co-produced and plays one of Roy's teachers. PG for language and violence.
HOPE FLOATS (PG-13) 109 minutes * * This is a classic case of poor direction. Sandra Bullock does an admirable job as a young woman who finds out that her best friend is having an affair with her husband. She returns home to gather her thoughts and finds that a new romance is waiting for her. No real surprises in the script, just a gentle telling of a familiar tale. Bullock, Gena Rowlands, Harry Connick Jr. and young Mae Whitman make it worth a look, but the scene changes, among other things, make it really hard to sit through in a few spots. I do like the ending though, and a good ending sometimes makes up for quite a bit. Filmed in Smithville, Texas. PG-13 for language.
THE HORSE WHISPERER (PG-13) 161 minutes * * * A traumatic opening pulls us into this story very quickly, though it takes a long, slow course afterwards. A horse riding accident leaves young Grace (Scarlett Johanson) without the use of her legs. Her horse somehow managed to survive, but is virtually unapproachable. Horse expert Tom Booker (Robert Redford) enters the scene and works his wonders of understanding and healing. The story and pacing suit Redford perfectly as we come to understand that physical healing is only part of what must take place after a traumatic event. Inner healing takes time, patience, tenderness, understanding, respect, and love. Johanson does a fine job here too, but the supporting actors can't be overlooked either. Diane Wiest, Chris Cooper, and Kristin Scott Thomas all add to the mix and give this film a well-rounded feeling. The ending is more upbeat than that of the book, though it's still not the most cheery of closings. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE HOST (R) 115 minutes * Usually the effect of dumping formaldehyde into a river is that the fish and other creatures die. Not here. Instead, they turn into a mutant monster fish that runs (sort of) on two legs. But the story is confused. Are we supposed to be more frightened of the creature or of the virus it is supposed to carry? Why is it killing only some of the people it catches? Are there more than one of them? How did it get big so fast? Lots of questions, and not really much information. Just lots of scenes of people running from a weird fish-monster. R for violence and language.
HOSTAGE (R) 108 minutes * * 1/2 He used to be a hostage negotiator, but after a scenario goes bad, he transfers to a low crime area where things are supposed to be quiet. But when a couple of young punks do a carjacking that turns into a kidnapping, Jeff Talley (Bruce Willis) finds himself involved again. It's intense and well-played, though there aren't really any surprises. Basically a mediocre film that Willis' performance gives a slight edge to. Adapted from the novel by Robert Crais. R for language and violence.
HOSTEL (R) 90 minutes 1/2 Josh and Paxton go hostel-hopping across Europe in a quest for sex. They find themselves in the company of a psycho surgeon wannabe. The worst part is that he's only one of the psycho killers that torture and kill people once they've paid a fee. Little more than a low-budget gorefest, to say this lacks creativity is an understatement. Most of the effects have been done as well or better in other films, and the performances are typical of a low-budget film that was completed in a year. R for language, violence, and sex.
HOSTEL 2 (R) 90 minutes 1/2 After tracking down and killing the only survivor from the first film, the hostel is back in business. The pacing of the film is uneven at best, as is the editing. It starts slow, ends quickly, some scenes are handled well, or at least adequately, while others are very weak and poorly edited and acted. The twist at the end catches our attention a little bit, but you may not want to stick around that long. R for violence, language, and sex.
THE HOT CHICK (PG-13) 97 minutes * Attractive, but spoiled Jessica (Rachel McAdams) changes bodies with crude and disgusting Clive (Rob Schneider). Not only have we heard this all before, we have to put up with Schneider's antics as a pampered female through almost the whole film. McAdams may be new, but the few segments we get to see of her as a crude guy aren't too bad. Anna Faris, playing the part of Jessica's friend April manages to come off better than anyone else. PG-13 for language.
HOT FUZZ (R) 115 minutes * * 1/2 Transferred out to the countryside because he's doing so well that he makes his fellow offiers look bad, Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) may have stumbled across the biggest murder case ever. Pegg's comic style fits well here, but the story drags on too long. Nice supporting work by Nick Frost as his well-meaning partner. R for violence and language.
HOT PURSUIT (PG-13) 89 minutes * 1/2 After missing the plane, Dan (John Cusack) spends his entire break chasing after his girlfriend and her family. The bits between Cusack and Robert Loggia are good, and the music (by Rareview) is also good. Everything else is little more than a jumbled mess that isn't very interesting. Definitely one of Cusack's lesser films. Filmed in Victoria, British Columbia.
HOT ROD (PG-13) 83 minutes BOMB Andy Samberg is "Hot" Rod Kimble, a wanna-be stunt man who probably wouldn't even make it as a regular on "Jackass"... which is pretty sad. Poorly written and barely acted, even by the few people in the film we would expect far better from. PG-13 for language and violence.
HOT SHOTS (PG-13) 79 minutes 1/2 Parody of "Top Gun" that offers plenty of silly one-liners, most of which aren't all that funny. There are fans of this genre of film who find this hilarious, but things like this work far better as 5-10 minute skits rather than as feature films.
HOT SHOTS PART DEUX (PG-13) 83 minutes 1/2 Why make a sequel to a film like "Hot Shots"? The only reason this gets any credit at all is for a few props that are nicely done. Films like this take no talent to put together and offer so little in entertainment value, but somehow they still make enough money that studios keep making them. PG-13 for language.
THE HOT SPOT (R) 124 minutes * 1/2 The sleepy, somewhat seedy little town of Landers, Texas, finds a stranger in its midst. He's a drifter by the name of Harry Madox. Harry begins to work, wins the hearts of two very different women, and robs the local bank. This runs way too long, but the real problem is Don Johnson. He's not a great actor to begin with, but this part just doesn't fit. He's never able to convince us of the subtleties we need to notice in a character of this type. Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Connelly, and Charles Martin Smith do nice work, but we get bored with this pretty quickly. R for sex and violence.
HOT TO TROT (PG) 80 minutes 1/2 Fred Chaney (Bob Goldthwait) inherits half of the family business when his mother dies. With the help of Don, the talking horse, he makes lots of money and then loses it, and Don wins a race for him to get it all back. In a word... boring. I do enjoy Goldthwait, but it's rather painful to watch him wallow in a senseless script that has no direction. The few cute bits of humor are muddled with an overabundance of crude and rather pointless jokes. Goldthwait fans will definitely be disappointed.
HOTEL RWANDA (PG-13) 116 minutes * * * Powerful film about the war in Rwanda between the Tutsis and the Hutus, focusing on Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager (and Hutu) who risked his life to save as many Tutsi refugees as he could. Wonderful performances by Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, but the script does shy away in some spots from making even stronger statements. The focus remains with the characters rather than the political situation in which they find themselves. Still, this is an important film to see even if it does make the message a little more palatable than it needed to. PG-13 for violence.
THE HOTTEST STATE (R) 112 minutes * * * Ethan Hawke's novel about the struggles of a young actor does suffer a bit from Hawke's over-involvement in the project. He wrote the screenplay, directs, and acts in the film as well. It is well-written, and is a story in which the narration works well... not a small achievement by itself. Mark Webber delivers a sincere and earnest performance as William, in whom we see glimpses of Hawke. But there are a few rough spots here as well, that perhaps the involvement of another director might have been able to work with in a way that would have strengthened the film. Richard Linklater's films, "Before Sunset" and "Before Sunrise" that Hawke starred in, are both somewhat obvious influences as well. R for sex and language.
THE HOURS (PG-13) 110 minutes * * * The opening credits sequence does a wonderful job of setting the stage for a story that will span generations and pulse with life. Phillip Glass' music was a superb choice for the soundtrack! Extremely well-adapted script from the book by Michael Cunningham, this is the story of Virginia Woolf, the character of Mrs. Dalloway that she created, and the similarities between that character and two other women in two other times. The stories intertwine, weaving a tale that is both fascinating and sad, for we see taht perhaps WOolf was less creating characters than recognizing a truth that keeps repeating itself in life. Perhaps the most powerful stories come to us through those who recognize those patterns and stories that resonate within us and repeat like ripples in the water through time itself. Nicole Kidman does a marvelous job as Woolf, and Meryl Streep adds yet another strong performance to her list. It's a great cast all around, but the story is so strong that some of those with smaller parts (Ed Harris, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels) seem to appear so briefly that we almost don't have the chance to appreciate them. Though there's even a way in which that supports the story too. PG-13 for language.
HOUSE ARREST (PG) 104 minutes 1/2 Locking your parents in the basement to help them work out their marital problems is the premise here... does that tell you enough? This is notable mostly because it wastes the considerable talents of Jamie Lee Curtis, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ray Walston, and Wallace Shawn.
HOUSE OF D (PG-13) 93 minutes * * 1/2 This directorial debut of David Duchovny is part coming-of-age film, part nostalgic look at the Greenwich Village of the early 1970s. Trying to deal with his relationships with his own wife and son, Tom (Duchovny) tells us the story of his adolescence. Anton Yelchin does a very nice job as the young Tom, but we spend so much time in this flashback, that we almost forget where the film is headed. It's not a bad first effort as a director from Duchovny, but it is more than a bit sentimental and lacks the more subtle touches that would make it a stronger film. PG-13 for language.
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS (PG-13) 113 minutes * * * Jin (Takeshi Kanishiro) and Leo (Andy Lau) are part of an assassination plot that has them follow the beautiful Mei (Ziyi Zhang) back to the leader of the House of the Flying Daggers. Loyalties and love will make this journey a difficult one, but it is the path that lies before them. The cinematography is visually stunning, and the visual effects that are used during the battle scenes are nicely done as well. A very nice companion piece to director Yimou Zhang's "Hero". PG-13 for vioelnce and sex.
HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES (R) 85 minutes BOMB Clearly, there was a reason that Universal chose not to release this film. Rob Zombie bought it back and managed to convince a smaller studio to release it. Unfortunately. It's little more than a very bad remake of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" without the creativity. The ending is... stupid and there are several spots in the film that just don't make any sense, like the flesh-eating zombies in the well that eat a corpse and one live person, then disappear, leaving the other person alone... My guess is that there was quite a bit more footage that might have explained some of these senseless segments. Not that I really want to see it... R for violence and language.
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG (R) 123 minutes * * * Kathy (Jennifer Connelly) is alone in the house her father left to her and her brother and is working at putting pieces back together and finding meaning in her life. When the county repossesses and quickly auctions off her home for back taxes she doesn't owe, she doesn't know what to do. The new owner (Ben Kingsley) is selfishly refusing to return the house, but then again, he's only pursuing a piece of the American dream for himself and his family as they work to create a new life that is better than the one they left in Iran. Each refuses to give any ground until it's too late. Other people get involved and events begin to spin out of control. Kathy and Behrani find themselves both on a path to destruction that they can't seem to change. Strong performances from both Connelly and Kingsley, but the plot is a little too simplififed and one sided. There needed to be a better balance, showing us that both characters are focusing too much on themselves. That would help us see more clearly that when we do the same, our own "house" is as equally apt to wash away and/or disappear. R for language, violence, and sex.
HOUSE OF THE DEAD (R) 86 minutes BOMB Welcome to the rave... just remember that they don't call it the "island of death" for nothing! Based on the video game (which should give you a clue) and including clips from the video game which are annoying to say the least. Cheap special effects, unsympathetic characters, and a weak ending don't help either. R for violence and language.
HOUSE OF THE DEAD II (R) 91 minutes 1/2 This may not be directed by Uwe Boll (as the first one was), but I'm not really sure that would have made it any worse. A zombie virus has contaminated a campus, and a military team is trying to get a blood sample from the first person who contracted it. We don't really care. R for violence, language, and sex.
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS (R) 129 minutes * * * 1/2 Clara (Meryl Streep) would almost appear to be of another world, ethereal, psychic, blessed, and cursed. This is her story, and that of those whose lives entwined with hers. A picture where the imagery is deep and rich, and the characters have lives that seem to extend beyond and beneath the screen. A good deal of territory is covered here, roughly 50 years, but we're so absorbed by it all that time just flies by.
HOUSE OF WAX (2005) (R) 107 minutes * 1/2 Boring remake of the classic horror film that for some reason seems to think that a longer version is required. It's not. Some of the special effects are nice. Especially when Paris Hilton gets a steel shaft through the head. Otherwise, this is for diehard horror fans, who will still wish they'd just watched the old version one more time. R for violence and sex.
THE HOUSE OF YES (R) 85 minutes * * * Marty (Josh Hamilton) brings his fiancee (Tori Spelling) home to meet his family. But, Marty's family is a bit "different". It's a darkly satirical film that is highlighted by Parker Posey's performance as Marty's twin sister, Jackie-O. Her insanity is all the more frightening as she seems at times to be perfectly normal. Her character makes the film well worth watching, though the rest of the cast does a fine job too. Adapted from Wendy MacLeod's play, the film does tend to keep us at arms length at times, but the overall effect is still powerful. R for language.
HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (R) 87 minutes * * 1/2 This bears little more than passing resemblance to the 1958 classic with Vincent Price, which was loads of fun. There are some nice special effects here and some good camera angles. The music is also sufficiently spooky, but the script... It ruins the pacing in several spots, taking away the suspense, and gives Chris Kataan very little to work with for his character. Geoffrey Rush takes on the Price role, but with a nagging wife, played by Famke Jansen, we aren't really that interested in how things turn out. And whose idea was it to make the "house" a sanitarium? R for violence and language.
HOUSE PARTY (R) 97 minutes * Low-budget film featuring rappers Kid 'n Play and capitalizing on the house dancing fad of the moment. Nearly non-existent story and not much house dancing, though I'm not sure that more dancing would've really added that much to the film anyway.
HOUSE PARTY 2 (R) 90 minutes * Kid and Play head to college, still partying and being irresponsible. Moralistic film about the value of staying in school that has little appeal to those who aren't fans of Kid and Play.
HOUSE PARTY 3 (R) 89 minutes * Kid 'n Play are back for another go round. Good music, but not much story. Kid 'n Play take a back seat to a new character named Immature, which says enough all by itself.
HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY (PG-13) 93 minutes * 1/2 The house has a new owner and the demons and zombies are raising all kinds of havoc as they search for a crystal skull. Strange mix of comedy, horror, and adventure that never really succeeds in any of those categories. There are some good make-up effects and the ending isn't too bad.
HOUSEGUEST (PG) 105 minutes * 1/2 Chased by debt collecting hoods, Kevin (Sinbad) masquerades as the friend of a rich man and invites himself into another kind of life. This runs way too long and Phil Hartman and Sinbad don't really play off each other that well. For Sinbad fans only.
HOUSESITTER (PG) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Newton Davis (Steve Martin) is just you r average kind of guy. A bit impulsive and romantic sometimes, but nothing too extreme. Then one day Gwen (Goldie Hawn) waltzes into his life. What's a guy to do? Hawn outshines Martin here, but that's by design. It does make things a bit unbalanced, but it's still fun to watch. It isn't their best work, but it's a fun look at what can happen when we lie, when we dream, and when the two get mixed together. PG for language.
HOW HIGH (R) 87 minutes BOMB Method Man and Redman star in a film about two potheads who end up in college, trying to find a better lab to grow their stuff. They are aided in their endeavors by a dead friend whose ashes fertilize their prize plant. Need I say more? R for language.
HOW SHE MOVE (PG-13) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Michelle (Tre Armstrong) is back in her old neighborhood. Not a great deal has changed, and her mother doesn't like the company she keeps, but Michelle is following her heart. Though the story offers nothing new, there are several nice step competitions through the course of the film. PG-13 for language.
HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK (R) 119 minutes * 1/2 Stella's life is busy and boring, so she goes to Jamaica on the spur of the moment and has an affair with a Jamaican guy who's half her age. Angela Bassett does a fine job in the lead role here, but the one-note script gets old after the first hour. We don't get to see enough of the scenery and we needed to hear much more about Winston (Taye Diggs) and Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg) to give us a little variety. R for language and nudity.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (PG) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Not that you would expect anything less from Rick Baker, but the special effects makeup is amazing. Jim Carrey really does become the Grinch as far as that goes. He does get a bit out of hand as the film progresses though, becoming a bit too zany for the character. More of a goofy Grinch than a mean one. It's also puzzling why we need to have Christine Baranski playing Martha May Whovier as someone who has the hots for the Grinch. There are also some questionable references to some past activities in Whoville that are unnecessary. The spirit of the story remains intact though, and that is what we leave with, the classic story from Dr. Seuss, played out by real people. PG for language.
HOW TO BE A PLAYER (R) 89 minutes * Though Bill Bellamy does a reasonably good job here, the stale plot and lack of support from the rest of the cast really kill this. A true player doesn't just learn to adapt, they learn how to pick good films to work on so they will have a long career. This is definitely not a film that will help those who took part in its making. R for sex and language.
HOW TO DEAL (PG-13) 95 minutes * 1/2 What does it mean to love, and how do you deal with all of the bad stuff that life hands you? Mandy Moore and Trent Ford are fairly good here, but the story, adapted from two novels by Sarah Dessen, is stiff and two-dimensional and offers answers that don't feel real at all. If you want to tell a story that has characters struggling with how to deal with life's troubles, you need to see them really struggling, not getting sugar-coated answers as soon as things start to get slightly rough. PG-13 for language.
HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS (PG) 79 minutes * * 1/2 On his first day in a new school, Billy (Luke Benward) finds himself in trouble with the school bully, and taking a dare to eat ten worms. Will he do it? Not a great deal of depth to the story here, but it's still fun and most pre-teens will find it entertaining. Adapted from Thomas Rockwell's book and rated PG for language.
HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS (PG-13) 110 minutes * * * She's supposed to drive a guy away... he's supposed to get her to go with him to a fancy event in... 10 days. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are terrific here as they play off each other in this comedy of dating do's and don'ts. It's a strong production all around with a witty script, a nice supporting cast and a well-picked collection of songs. Much like her mother though, it's Kate who really lights up the screen. Based on the book of the same title and rated PG-13 for language.
HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT (PG-13) 109 minutes * * * A quilt is made up of bits and pieces, as are our lives. Finn (Winona Ryder) is learning about more and more of her own background through the lives of her female relatives. A stellar cast (Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, Maya Angelou, Kate Capshaw, Alfre Woodard) play background to Ryder, but the script works against Ryder even though the story is hers. The bits of reminiscing are handled with a jerky ineptness that speaks of a poor script and poor direction and make the film hard to follow. Still, there are some wonderful moments that are worth catching. PG-13 for language and sexual topics.
HOWARD STERN: PRIVATE PARTS (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Good biographical film about the life of radio shock jock Stern, with Stern himself doing quite well in the lead role. This isn't for everyone, but even those who might not think they'd like it, may find themselves drawn in. It's part of Stern's appeal. As they inform you at one point in the film, those who don't like Howard Stern actually listen to his programs longer than those who like him. Don't miss the bits at the end of the film during the credits! R for language and nudity.
HOWARDS END (PG) 139 minutes * * * 1/2 Margaret (Emma Thompson) is the chatterbox with a heart of gold. Helen (Helena Bonham Carter) is the impetuous one. These two sisters and their brother Tibby, find their lives increasingly involved with those of another family whose ideals are very different from their own. One family wishes to posses, the other to give. One wishes to work and achieve, the other to relax. The conflict of ideals and lifestyles plays out through the course of the film, complete with beautiful scenery, sets, and costumes. It's a gentle and relaxing film, with a few moments of comic relief, provided by one particular character. It balances things nicely, and balance is what this story is really all about. PG for language.
HUDSON HAWK (R) 93 minutes 1/2 This will probably stay on the books as the worst film Bruce Willis ever made... and he cowrote it. It's a very unentertaining action film about a cat burglar who is stealing artwork. Plenty of doublecrosses and wisecracks from Willis, but little to keep us interested.
THE HUDSUCKER PROXY (PG) 106 minutes * * * 1/2 At the pinnacle of his success, Hud jumps out the window. Now the board must appoint a proxy if they are to maintain control of the corporation... enter Tim Robbins. Joel and Ethan Coen at work with their creative talents find a story that is well-suited for them here. They play it to the extremes, and somewhat similar to "Joe vs. the Volcano" as far as the amount of symbolism and overplayed acting. Not really a mainstream film, but for those who like things a little offbeat, this is a real treat.
HULK (PG-13) 133 minutes * 1/2 Decidedly not one of the better comic book to big screen adaptations. The computer generated animation is well done in all but one sequence, but the story leaves a great deal to be desired. Not only do we once again have a needlessly rewritten story of a character's origin, but this one appears to be done with the sole purpose in mind of creating a role for Nick Nolte as Bruce Banner's father. As well, if you're going to have your main character in an action film only speak two words in the entire film (toward the end), you might consider making the film just a little shorter... say, around 30-40 minutes! PG-13 for violence.
THE HUMAN SHIELD (R) 88 minutes 1/2 Michael Dudikoff gets an Iraqi officer angry enough that five years later, the officer kidnaps Dudikoff's brother to get him back in Iraq so he can take revenge. Wasn't there an easier way to do this? Horrible script and non-existent direction leave Dudikoff floundering.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (G) 84 minutes * * * Slow moving Disney film that doesn't have much appeal for the kids. It's far too wordy and doesn't have enough excitement to interest them. On the positive side, that does mean that they probably won't be very scared by the evil characters, but its because they won't care. Alan Mencken and Steven Schwartz do have a couple of good songs here, but nothing as powerful or memorable as they've given us for other Disney cartoons.
THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER (PG) 136 minutes * * * Tom Clancy's best-seller comes to the big screen, telling the story of a Russian submarine captain who just might be planning to defect to the United States. Full of twists and turns, though none really all that surprising, our interest is kept through strong performances and suspenseful music. Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, Sam Neill, Tim Curry, and Peter Firth lead the cast of this adventure under the sea.
THE HUNTED (R) 105 minutes * * Christopher Lambert is chased by ninja assassins in this typical mid-budget martial arts film. A nice soundtrack by Kodo, but you've seen this all before... several times.
THE HUNTED (2003) (R) 87 minutes * 1/2 Aaron Hallam (Benicio Del Toro) was trained to kill for the government. Now he's crossed the line and it's up to LT (Tommy Lee Jones) as the man who trained him, to bring him in. Del Toro and Jones give us strong performances, but the story falters, dropping the idea of government conspiracy, which would have been more interesting, in favor of pitting the teacher who hasn't killed against the student who has become a killing machine. R for violence and language.
THE HUNTING PARTY (R) 94 minutes * * * Just how quickly do you think someone might be able to capture a war criminal if they were really looking for them? Simon (Richard Gere) and Duck (Terrence Howard) are about to find out. Simon may have lost his job after flaking out on screen, but he still knows how to track down a story. Gere and Howard work well together and Jesse Eisenberg provides a bit of comic relief in spots, though the film is far from comic in nature. The film somehow manages to keep a rather strange balance between drama, suspense, and comedy, Thanks in no small part to writer/director Richard Shepard's gonzo journalistic style. Filmed in Bosnia/Herzegovina and Croatia. R for violence and language.
HURLYBURLY (R) 123 minutes * * * 1/2 Stunning adaptation of David Rabe's play, done by the playwright himself. Set in Hollywood, it's the story of four men who live life in the fast lane. But as things begin to spin out of control, it's Eddie who we begin to focus on for he is the one dealing with the soul searching questions. "I don't know what pertains to me and what doesn't", he says. Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, Garry Shandling, Anna Paquin, Meg Ryan, and Robin Wright Penn comprise the main cast. They do an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Actors love to play characters they can sink their teeth into, and this film is full of them. If you enjoy powerful dramas, don't miss this film! R for language.
THE HURRICANE (R) 138 minutes * * * Wrongly accused of and convicted for a multiple murder, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter publishes his life story. It ends up in the hands of a young man who is inspired by what he reads and is determined to help. It's an inspirational story and Denzel Washington does a wonderful job as Carter. There have definitely been some liberties taken with the story, but that's not abnormal. It's still a solid story and well acted. It's a story we've heard many times before though, so what makes it more interesting are the little touches, like the use of Bob Dylan's song about Carter and a very nice supporting role by Clancy Brown as a prison guard. R for violence, language, and nudity.
HUSBANDS AND WIVES (R) 105 minutes 1/2 By far the worst film Woody Allen has ever made. The cast is a stellar one, as is typical for Allen's films, but he and Mia Farrow BOTH whine their way through this one. One wonders just how parallel to their home life this is, since the story is straight out of the tabloids as far as his affair and the dissolution of their marriage. On top of which, we have photography which was undoubtedly meant to create a feeling with its visual style, but ends up making us feel sick to our stomach. (Unless that's what Allen intended...)
HUSH (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Gwyneth Paltrow finds herself the victim of Jessica Lange's motherly manipulations in this weak entry in the suspense genre. Lange is far from her best here, and Paltrow looks anorexic in several scenes. Complete with a cheap ending that puts this in the sub-genre of low-budget suspense, this is one to stay away from. Debi Mazar is wasted in a supporting role here, as is Hal Holbrook. Filmed in Virginia. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
HUSTLE & FLOW (R) 111 minutes * * 1/2 D Jay (Terrence Howard) has never been able to get very far. He runs a couple of girls, sells a few drugs and has a dream about making some music. Sometimes dreams become reality... and sometimes they remain dreams. Howard and Taryn Manning both do some very nice work here, but seem trapped by a script that doesn't seem to know where to go, and goes on a bit too long. R for language and violence and language.