IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS (R) 89 minutes * 1/2 What is reality but the viewpoint of the majority? Sam Neill plays John Trent, a man who goes searching for a horror author who is somewhat of a recluse. Finding him, he finds reality changing, warping, distorting... There are some great moments early in the film and the special effects are good too, but the story falls apart as we go along, leaving us unsatisfied that we have watched anything in particular. Disappointing entry from director John Carpenter.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER (R) 128 minutes * * * Wrongfully accused of bombing a pub in England and being part of the IRA, Gerry (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his father are the victims of police brutality. The people in political power are sparing no means to rid themselves of terrorists and others who would thwart them. Intense film, based on fact, with an equally intense performance by Day-Lewis. Adapted from the book "Proved Innocent" and with an excellent soundtrack from Trevor Jones.
IN THE NAME OF THE KING (PG-13) 117 minutes * * 1/2 Based on the Dungeon Siege video game, this sword and sorcery film definitely packs in plenty of action. The special effects are a bit repetetive, and the end of the film is rather abrupt and not very strong. the cast is impressive though, with very nice performances from Jason Statham, Claire Forlani, Leelee Sobieski, John Rhys-Davies, Ron Selmour, Burt Reynolds and Kristanna Loken. They lend the film quite a bit of credibility that helps us overlook the less impressive parts of the film. PG-13 for violence.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON (PG) 98 minutes * * * The history of the highly successful Apollo space program is presented through the experiences and memories of the men who travelled to the moon and set foot on its surface. It's somewhat disappointing that an interview with Neil Armstrong isn't part of the film, but his reclusive nature seems to lift up the idea that it was not the fact that a particular individual happened to be the first person to take that step, but that human beings reached out to touch and experience a world beyond their own. PG for language and violence.
IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH (R) 114 minutes * * * 1/2 When his son goes missing from the military base shortly after returning from Iraq, Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) knows that something is wrong. Now, with the help of a young detective (Charlize Theron), he's determined to uncover what happened to his son... and why. War is no picnic, and returning from it to live a "normal" life is not an easy transition. Writer/director Paul Haggis gives us an intense and thought-provoking story that manages to challenge the effectiveness of war and the miliitary while still being patriotic. Excellent work from Jones and a solid performance from Theron as well. R for violence, language, and sex.
INCENDIARY (R) 90 minutes * * 1/2 It's bad enough that her husband and son were more than likely killed in the bombing of the soccer stadium. Even worse that she was having sex with another man at the time of the bombing. Filled with both grief and guilt, she struggles with what it all means and how to move on. Nice work by Michelle Williams, but the story seems to stall a few times. Adapted from the novel by Chris Cleave. R for sex and language.
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (PG) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Filmed version of Al Gore's slide show about global warming. As a film, it leaves a bit to be desired as it basically presents the slide show interspersed with some extra footage. As a message every human being needs to hear, it's stunning. The truth is presented, as inconvenient as it may be for us to hear, and the decision to act upon that truth is left to us. Be sure to watch the credits to see a few of the ways that change can happen. PG for language.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008) (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * Edward Norton stars in this version of the often misunderstood green giant known as "The Hulk". Yet another version of the Hulk's origin, it's somewhat puzzling why Marvel Studios would want to do this again. It's never been a large money maker, and despite the stellar cast, this looks to suffer the same financial fate. At the end of the film, we understand the reason though. This version of the story is meant to tie into the recently released "Iron Man" and leads into an upcoming film with the team of superheroes known as "The Avengers". As with "Iron Man", this is actually one of the better adaptations of a Marvel comic to the big screen, with excellent animation and several sequences that clearly bring the comic to mind. The only piece that seemed to be missing in that sense was having Hulk say, "Make Hulk madder, make Hulk stronger!" Watch for the quick cameo of Lou Ferrigno, who also does the voice of Hulk. PG-13 for violence.
THE INCREDIBLES (PG) 108 minutes * * * Amazing animated film from the ever-talented crew of Pixar Studios! Mr. Incredible's heroic exploits have become too costly and are an insurance nightmare as have those of other "supers". They are asked to retire and live normal lives. That works out fine... until the forces of evil get out of control. Great characters and a fun story that does a nice job of keeping both children and adults entertained. It does run a bit long for an animated film, but it's worth it. And, if you're watching the dvd, be sure to catch "Jack-Jack Attack", the animated short film that shows you what happens when the babysitter was watching Jack-Jack - it's hilarious! PG for cartoon violence.
INDECENT PROPOSAL (R) 110 minutes * * Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore are offered a million dollars for her to spend the night with Robert Redford. The deal seems to work at first, but guilt and bitterness soon set in. There's plenty of glitz and glamour to this film, and John Barry's music helps to keep it watchable, but the characters are plastic and shallow, which makes their attempts to wrestle with the moral issues almost laughable. Redford does little more than stand around looking handsome, and though this might be appealing to some, it does nothing for the story.
INDEPENDENCE DAY (PG-13) 134 minutes * * * It's always a good idea to be a little leery of something being advertised as an epic before it's been released. This is a good film, but there is too little information about the aliens, an ending that fades away into nothing, and an unconvincing performance by Bill Pullman as the president. The special effects are quite good and David Arnold's soundtrack is nice, but this film has little of the staying power it will need to have much in the way of sequels.
THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD (PG) 90 minutes * * * Litefoot and David Keith are outstanding as the Indian and the cowboy from the cupboard, brought to life by magic, and teaching young Omri important lessons. The rest of the acting here isn't very good, but it's a fine story that overcomes most of the acting weaknesses. Adapted from the novel by Lynn Reid Banks.
INDIAN SUMMER (PG-13) 94 minutes * * * A fun film aimed at the 20 to 40 age crowd, and geared to bring back all those fond memories of summer camp. A group of former campers return to their beloved camp for a reunion after a long hiatus, and bask in the glow of treasured memories. Warm and humorous, and sure to bring a few tears to the eyes of those who've had similar experiences. Filmed at Camp Tamakwa in Ontario.
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (PG-13) 116 minutes * * * Indy is getting older, but the stories still have a wonderful quality of fantastic adventure that keep us interested and entertained. It's good to see both Harrison Ford and Karen Allen here, and Shia LaBeouf makes a nice addition to the "family". The story does drift a bit more to the science fiction realm than many fans of the series seem to want, but the sense of adventure and fun remains the same, and we walk away humming the theme, with a smile on our face. PG-13 for violence and language.
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (PG-13) 119 minutes * * * Indy's dad ends up missing while searching for the holy grail in this entry in the series. The story is a bit lacking, though it's nice to see Sean Connery added to the mix. Harrison Ford's performance seems a bit tired, despite all the excitment going on. Good special effects and chase scenes, but the corny humor is a bit much. It's a sure sign that they knew the story was lacking what it needed.
INFAMOUS (R) 113 minutes * * 1/2 More than just the story of the murder of a family, Truman Capote's book "In Cold Blood" was a character study of a town, of a family, and of the two men who killed them. It was Capote's final book, and his most difficult to write. This version of the story emphasizes Capote's personal relationship with one of the killers, somewhat to the exclusion of other factors. Toby Jones' portrayal is well-done, but the film lacks a balance between his behavior and the rest of the story. Too many of the scenes seem far more concerned with impressing us with Capote's sexual orientation and mannerisms than with the story he is working on or how it is troubling him. R for language, violence, and sex.
THE INFORMANT (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 The company Mark (Matt Damon) has been working for is guilty of price-fixing. Pressured into helping by the FBI, Mark begins to thin and even act like he's more important than he really is. He turns a simple fact-gathering mission into a secret spy career, but it's all built on lies. And it's not going to take long for it to all fall apart. Nice work by Damon and a fun soundtrack give this a little spark. R for language.
THE INFORMERS (R) 91 minutes * 1/2 Money. Sex. Greed. They may be rich and beautiful, but few of the characters here have much appeal. The performances are good, but the story is so disjointed that there's nothing to sustain them, and we find it difficult to care much about most of them anyway. Adapted from the novel by Bret Easton Ellis. R for sex and language.
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (R) 150 minutes * * * Quentin Tarantino's remake of the classic war film about a small group of unusual soldiers who are given the task of striking fear into the hearts of Nazi Germany's military structure by using most any means necessary. Tarantino is in his element here, and lets Brad Pitt chew up the scenery as he goes. Similar in style at times to "Kill Bill", fans of Tarantino's work are bound to have fun with this. R for violence, language, and sex.
INKHEART (PG) 94 minutes * * * Adapted from the book by Cornelia Funke, this is the story of Mo Folchart (Brendan Fraser), who has the ability to make the characters he reads aloud come to life. There are consequences though, and Mo has stopped reading out loud. But that won't stop those who want to force him to use his talent to get what they want. The story is full of magic and adventure, and the cast is delightful, having fun with the story and with bringing these characters to life. It's a little scary near the end, but all works out well. PG for violence and language.
THE INKWELL (R) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Nice, gently paced, coming of age story, beautifully set in Martha's Vineyard at the beach reserved for blacks, known as "The Inkwell". It's a look at the past of the 1970's, a time of questioning and finding out what mattered. Nothing spectacular here, but a nice film you won't regret watching.
THE IN-LAWS (PG-13) 89 minutes * 1/2 Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks star in this remake of the 1979 film that featured Peter Falk and Alan Arkin. Douglas doesn't fare nearly as well as Falk in the role of a secret CIA agent, though Brooks and Arkin are equally frustrated as they deal with becoming an in-law in their respective situations. There are a few good moments here, but this remake comes off less spontaneous and feels too strained at times. It does wrap up nicely at the end, but by then, we almost don't care anymore. PG-13 for violence and language.
INNERSPACE (PG) 115 minutes * * * Great special effects, sets, and photography and a fun performance from Martin Short start this off well. The story isn't really that exciting or original, but Short and the rest of the cast work hard to keep it entertaining. Short's physical comedy skills were a "must have" to make this film work. It's hard not to make some comparisons to "Fantastic Voyage", but this is the comic take, and it's worth a look.
INNOCENT BLOOD (R) 107 minutes * * A French vampire decides to start eating Italian when the mob starts a "war". Some interesting effects and fun bits for fans of the genre. This is also full of cameos from the likes of Tom Savini, Sam Raimi, Dario Argento, Linnea Quigley, and Teri Weigel. Directed by John Landis.
AN INNOCENT MAN (R) 111 minutes * * 1/2 Jimmie Rainwood (Tom Selleck) was living a nice, comfortable, middle-class life until two police officers, whose hands are a little dirty with cocaine money, write down the wrong address and end up shooting him. His story is really secondary to that of Virgil Cane (F. Murray Abraham), a con who runs the inside of the prison, and whose story is told to us through the eyes of Rainwood. Virgil knows that innocence and guilt aren't what matter inside the prison walls (and perhaps outside as well). What matters is learning how to survive. Selleck does reasonably well here, but it's Abraham who delivers the better performance and who keeps us watching. R for violence and language.
INSANITARIUM (R) 84 minutes * 1/2 Jack (Jesse Metcalfe) just wanted to see his sister. OK, maybe getting himself committed to the mental hospital where she's also a patient wasn't such a good idea... especially since the director is doing experiments in an attempt to create super-humans but creates flesh-eating zombies instead. The production quality is fine, but the story just doesn't have any depth. R for violence, sex, and language.
INSIDE MAN (R) 121 minutes * * 1/2 It starts out as a bank robbery. Very well-planned, and very precise... almost too perfect to believe. But there are other items in a bank besides money to be stolen. The events unfold slowly enough that it adds to the feeling of reality, but it almost stalls at times. And it all works out a bit too cleanly, and isn't too hard to figure out, which undermines most of the suspense. So, despite solid performances, this just doesn't have much strength. R for language and violence.
THE INSIDER (R) 152 minutes * * 1/2 When a top scientist for a major tobacco company finds out some disturbing information, Lowell (Al Pacino) and his crew are set to get him on "60 Minutes" with the full story. But it isn't going to be that easy... Pacino commands attention throughout the film, but the story drags far too much during the first hour. Too many details and too much background make for a rather dull beginning, though things move along nicely during the second half of the film. Based on the article in Vanity Fair, "The Man Who Knew Too Much". R for language.
INSOMNIA (R) (2002) R 114 minutes * * * In the midst of a new murder investigation, Dorman (Al Pacino) has to worry about covering his own tracks in the accidental shooting of his partner, who was planning on talking to Internal Affairs about one of Dorman's recent cases. Of course the new young detective (Hilary Swank) will eventaully put all of the pieces together, but will it be in time? Pacino and Robin Williams both deliver solid performances and the suspense in a few scenes is quite high. The core of the film is summed up by Maura Tierney's character when she says, "I guess it's about what you thought was right at the time... and what you're willing to live with." R for violence and language.
INSPECTOR GADGET (PG) 70 minutes * * It wasn't a bad idea to start with... though the casting of Matthew Broderick was no help to the project. The cartoonish special effects fit well and remind us that this is geared toward those who watch live-action kids shows. It did deserve a better script than this though. Rupert Everett manages to have fun with his role and give us a character that is fun to watch, playing the evil Claw with gusto. The rest of the film has little to offer until we get to the credits, which have a number of cute bits that are fun to watch. PG for violence.
INSTINCT (R) 118 minutes * * * Ethan Powell (Anthony Hopkins) has lived with the mountain gorillas and, in a sense, become one of them. Accused of murder, he's being examined by psychologists who want to understand his behavior. Hopkins gives another fine performance, though the character is similar to others he's played. He is the teacher, the one who understands far more than those around him, who is always a step or two ahead of the rest. The story uses sensationalism a few too many times to play with the audiences emotions, but otherwise it's a strong film with some interesting things to say. R for violence and language.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS (R) 111 minutes * * * While investigating what is a fairly clearcut case of substance abuse and brutality by a police officer, Raymond Avilla (Andy Garcia) begins to uncover some interesting bits of information about Officer Peck (Richard Gere). The film moves slowly, but director Mike Figgis loves to work characters and show us every facet possible. Gere and Garcia both do well here and give us an interesting film to watch. Interestingly enough, Figgis co-wrote and performed some of the music used here. Not something that you find a director doing very often. R for violence and language.
THE INTERNATIONAL (R) 111 minutes * 1/2 Organized crime, international money laundering, and illegal arms deals. But as Salinger (Clive Owen) begins to dig deeper, he finds that everyone is involved and that the price of truth may be higher than he thought possible. Nice work by Owen and the rest of the cast, but the conspiracy is so large that it becomes impersonal and almost boring. Mostly notable for a lengthy action sequence shot in the Guggenheim Museum in New York. R for violence and language.
THE INTERPRETER (PG-13) 124 minutes * * * Silvia Broome (Nicole Kidman) is an interpreter at the United Nations who overhears an assassination plot. When a secret service agent (Sean Penn) is assigned to investigate, he uncovers much more than that. So many secrets and so many possibilities. The story plays out nicely, with new directions for us to follow as we go along, and strong performances from both Kidman and Penn. Too much of the film relies on them though, and the supporting cast often doesn't have a great deal to do. James Newton Howard's soundtrack does a great job of adding to the suspense, which builds slowly throughout the film. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
INTERSECTION (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 Taking the theme of the title a bit too far, this film jumps around to show us all the intersection points in Richard Gere's mixed up life. The point of the film is lost somewhere along the way, though there are bits of nice film here and there. Sharon Stone and Richard Gere do not the passionate couple make... even in the scenes where they should have. Ah well, take the road of your choice and catch another movie.
INTERSTATE 60 (R) 113 minutes * * * On an interstate that doesn't exist, Neil (James Marsden) is going to have the adventure of his life. He'll learn a few lessons along the way as well, and have lots of stories to tell. Fun and imaginative, though trite in some aspects, this benefits from an earnest performance from Marsden and delightful character performances from Gary Oldman, Amy Smart, Christopher Lloyd, and Chris Cooper. Moe often than not, the journey itself is just as (if not more) important than destination.
INTERVIEW (R) 80 minutes * * * Remake of Theo Van Gogh's 2003 film of the same name. Pierre (Steve Buscemi) has to interview a famous and beautiful actress despite his wishes to do journalism with more substance. The dialogue is heavy and virtually non-stop, making this feel more like a play than a film. The emotional exchanges between Pierre and Katya are rather extreme and more suited to the stage as well. Still, there are interesting turns that the story takes, and as an exercise in acting, this does give both Buscemi and Sienna Miller quite a bit to work with. R for language.
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (R) 117 minutes * * * 1/2 This isn't the gory/scary horror show that some might want or expect. Instead, it is a very elaborate creation of a new way to look at the legend of the vampire. Beautiful sets and photography throughout and an ending that definitely leaves us wanting more. Tom Cruise does better than one might expect, but the shining light is young Kirsten Dunst. Not perfect in it's adaptation of the novel, but it doesn't step too far out of the lines either. R for violence, nudity, and language.
INTO TEMPTATION (R) 90 minutes * * Confessing that she plans to end her life on her birthday, a call girl leaves the confessional and vanishes before Father Buerlein (Jeremy Sisto) can offer more support or assistance. The factual errors here, not the least of which being how a priest would actually handle a situation like this, are a bit distracting, though the ending is fairly strong. It reminds us that we may never know the effect of our actions... who is watching... or who will remember. Filmed in Minneapolis. R for sex and language.
INTO THE BLUE (PG-13) 106 minutes * 1/2 Paul Walker and Jessica Alba star in this tame adventure film with Walker discovering not only a mythical sunken ship, but an airplane with a load of cocaine. Salvage rights, drug dealers, and ethical choices come up next, but the only real treats here are the scenery, including these two young stars. The script gives them little to work with in the way of dialogue and the story itself is pretty thin as well. PG-13 for language and violence.
INTO THE STORM (NR) 95 minutes * * 1/2 TV movie version of the story of Winston Churchill's (Brendan Gleeson) rise to power and his role in the allied victory in World War II. All in just over an hour and a half! Needless to say, much is left out, and the focus is more on the man than on the events of history. Gleeson delivers a solid performance, but the story has been trimmed and packed in a way that leaves it rather dry.
INTO THE SUN (R) 96 minutes * Rip-off of "The Hard Way", this has Anthony Michael Hall tagging along with Michael Pare to learn what it's like to be a pilot for a role he's about to play. Slapped together with little in the way of production values, this just never gets off the ground.
INTO THE SUN (2005) (R) 92 minutes * 1/2 As former CIA agent Travis Hunter (Steven Seagal) works to track down the person who just killed the mayor of Tokyo, he discovers a plot by the Yakuza and the Tong to create a huge drug business. Absolutely nothing new here, unless you're talking about Seagal singing several songs in the soundtrack. In fact, more of the action scenes are done with close shots and quick cut-aways, which make me wonder if Seagal is losing his form already. R for violence, language, and nudity.
INTO THE WEST (PG) 93 minutes * * * This tale of Irish gypsy children and their efforts to save a wild horse that has befriended them is a beautiful piece of work. The horse has its own ideas about being rescued, adding to the fun and keeping the children guessing. Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, Colm Meaney, and Cieran Fitzgerald star in a film with a soundtrack by Patrick Doyle. A wonderful film for the whole family. PG for language.
INTO THE WILD (R) 143 minutes * * * While opinions vary on what led Chris McCandless to make his journey into the wild, it was one he would not be deterred from. He was ill-equiped to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness, though assistance and supplies weren't far from him when he died of starvation. The film adapts Jon Krakaur's version of the story, which has a somewhat sympathetic view of McCandless. The cast all do nice work here, and the natural beauty of the scenery is difficult to ignore. The soundtrack not only features contemplative work by Eddie Vedder, but a nice original song written and performed by Kristen Stewart as well. R for language and nudity.
INTO THE WILD GREEN YONDER (NR) 87 minutes * * The green age is about to begin... unless everything gets destroyed before then. It's up to Fry and the rest of the Futurama crew to save the universe... again. A bit less exciting than the other Futurama films, and not quite as funny. Still, fans of the series should enjoy this, and the story does have some thoughtful humor.
INTOLERABLE CRUELTY (PG-13) 95 minutes * * * Coen brothers film about a lawyer who has devised an "iron clad" prenuptual agreement only to fall in love with a woman who has figured out a way around it. George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones do a great job of keeping this light and playful which makes it fun to watch. Nice supporting work from Geoffrey Rush and Billy Bob Thornton. PG-13 for language.
INTRODUCING THE DWIGHTS (R) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Tim Dwight (Khan Chittenden) is torn between his loving mother (Brenda Blethyn), his brother Mark (Richard Wilson), and his new girlfriend Jill (Emma Booth). He's not the only one struggling with the way life is changing... and the way it needs to change. Humorous yet sensitive coming of age film with fine performances by the cast and a script with some wit, though it does stray into rather vague subplots a few times. R for sex and language.
THE INVASION (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Fourth film version of Jack Finney's novel, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. An alien epidemic is affecting the population of the world and it won't be long before everything will be devoid of emotion. This version tries to be more scientific and believable, and while it succeeds relatively well at that, it falls short of being very much fun to watch. PG-13 for violence.
THE INVENTION OF LYING (PG-13) 94 minutes * * It's a world where everyone tells the truth about everything... until Mark (Ricky Gervais) one day stumbles across something new... a lie... and the world will never be the same! Quirkly and thought-provoking comedy, co-written by Gervais. It's definitely a bit on the talky side, but asks important questions about what truth is, and what it really means for you and the way you live and relate to others. Jennifer Garner's supporting performance is less than stellar, but the ending is cute. PG-13 for language.
INVICTUS (PG-13) 126 minutes * * * When Mandela (Morgan Freeman) took office, the divisions created by Aparteid were still fresh in everyone's minds. Electing a new leader and removing a written policy are only part of what needed to be changed. Mandela knew that something was needed to truly unite the country, and saw in the upcoming World Cup, and in South Africa's rugby team, a way to bring the people together. Transforming an almost all white rugby team, whose colors had come to symbolize Aparteid for so many, into a symbol of change wouldn't be easy, but if could be powerful. A testament to the power of sport, if a bit simplistic on some levels, with another fine performance from Freeman. Adapted from the book, Playing the Enemy by John Carlin. PG-13 for violence and language.
INVINCIBLE (PG) 99 minutes * * * The job situation keeps looking worse and then his wife leaves. Things aren't looking good for Vince (Mark Wahlberg), and the hometown Philadelphia Eagles are struggling too. The new coach has decided to shake things up a bit and have open tryouts, and Vince's friends convince him to go. The rest is football history, and the story of how we look for inspiration in times of struggle. There's nothing new about the struggle of the underdog, but Wahlberg's heartfelt performance goes a long way to give this the extra appeal it needs to stand out. PG for language and violence.
THE INVISIBLE (PG-13) 105 minutes * * Things were just fine, and suddenly Nick (Justin Chatwin) finds that no one can see him. Well, there are a few people who can see him, but they seem to be dead. Eventually Nick figures out what to do about his dilemma, and the twist is somewhat interesting, but Chatwin's performance is far from strong enough to carry the film. If you haven't seen many suspense films you might like this, but seasoned viewers will find it less than memorable. PG-13 for violence and language.
I.Q. (PG) 92 minutes * * Ed (Tim Robbins) falls in love with the ever-attractive and effervescent Catherine (Meg Ryan). Of course, she's engaged, but maybe her uncle Albert will be able to help. Why? Well, he's Albert Einstein, which makes him the most intelligent assistance available. It's a film that's strong on charm, but low on substance, requiring performances that these highly talented actors are able to do in their sleep. It would have been nice to see more depth.
IRA & ABBY (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Ira (Chris Messina) has never had much luck with relationships, but when he runs into Abby (Jennifer Westfeldt), everything seems to work. It's too good to be true. But what is it that makes a relationship work anyway? The story does quite well at finding a middle ground between romance and realism, reminding us that relationships involve work and dedication as well as a little bit of luck. Westfeldt wrote this as well, and seems very comfortable with it, while Messina tends too often to come across as an imitation of Woody Allen and/or Matthew Broderick. R for language and sex.
THE IRON GIANT (PG) 80 minutes * * * A boy goes out to investigate what he believes to be Martians who have invaded the planet and discovers that there is a giant robot who is very willing to become his friend. The animation offers nothing spectacular, but is consistent throughout the production and the story is so interesting that you'll almost forget that you're watching a cartoon. Ted Hughes' book about being what you choose to be, caring about others, and accepting those who are different from ourselves adapts well to the screen and makes for a nice film for all ages. PG for violence.
IRON JAWED ANGELS (NR) 118 minutes * * * The story of the women's suffrage movement and the critical role played by young activists Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O'Connor). While the story is clearly slanted in favor of the suffrage movement, the brilliant performance of Swank would have swayed us in that direction anyway. O'Connor and the rest of the cast do an admirable job as well, but they are clearly carried along by Swank's performance.
IRON MAN (PG-13) 117 minutes * * * Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is an inventor, a millionaire, and someone who finds little time to think of anyone other than himself. When he is captured in Afghanistan and forced to recreate his "ultimate weapon", he begins to wonder if some of his past decisions were correct. It's a different story from the comic books, updating to "present day", some of which works well, while other aspects are questionable. This is one of those films where you need to stay through the credits or you'll miss a critical piece of information that ties this to upcoming films. Great animation and excellent work from Downey Jr. PG-13 for violence and language.
IRON MAN 2 (PG-13) 117 minutes * * 1/2 The more that Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) uses the Iron Man suit, the more it's killing him. Not only is the government pushing for him to turn the suit over, there's someone who just might have figured out how to defeat him. The story isn't quite as strong here as the first film, though it does build on that foundation. Once again, be sure to stay until after the credits for another clue about an upcoming film. PG-13 for violence and language.
IRON WILL (PG) 105 minutes * * * Formula adventure film as a young man enters a 500 mile sled-dog race in an effort to save his mother's farm. Kevin Spacey has a nice supporting role as a journalist, but the power of the film lies in its pacing, which manages to involve us rather well. Filmed in Montana, Maine, and Minnesota.
IRONWEED (R) 139 minutes * * * Adapted from William Kennedy's novel, this is a rather depressing story of a man who is finally trying to deal with the way decisions he made years ago have played out in his life. The acting is definitely first-rate, but the script seems to keep us at arms length for much of the film, almost denying us the in-depth look we need to have to appreciate the struggles these characters are experiencing. Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep are skilled enough that as the film pulls together towards the end, it all seems worth it.
IS ANYBODY THERE? (PG-13) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Raised in a home for the elderly that his parents run, ten-year-old Edward (Bill Milner) has found a new friend in Clarence (Michael Caine). Frustrated that he needs to be in this place, Clarence finds in Edward, a willing student who can learn some of the magic tricks that he used to do. It's always a pleasure to watch Caine, though the sentimental story is likely to sound very familiar. PG-13 for language.
ISHTAR (PG-13) 104 minutes 1/2 A pair of down and out songwriters who don't sing very well, and don't really write songs that well either, go to Morocco to sing. Full of bad dialogue that Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty laugh at to try and get us to laugh as well. We don't. Widely regarded as one of the biggest budget turkeys of all time.
THE ISLAND (PG-13) 130 minutes * * * It's a utopian life where there are no questions, no need to worry, and your prize may be a trip to The Island, a utopia of utopias! But all is not as it seems. While on the one hand, this has some great action sequences that you'd expect to see in a Michael Bay production, the story is sometimes sacrificed in favor of having visual moments that are almost operatic and somewhat distracting. Ewan MacGregor and Scarlet Johannson both do nice work here in a story about the ability to question, the opportunity to dream... the right to live. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU (PG-13) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Intense opening credits sequence! Most of this is the same old classic story with fine new special effects to add to the horror of the story. Fairuza Balk is perfect, and Marlon Brando makes a great Dr. Moreau. Val Kilmer plays his role a bit over the top, making it almost comical in a few scenes. This could have been better, but it's a strange story and hard to translate to film. Director John Frankenheimer has done a reasonably good job with a difficult piece of work. PG-13 for violence.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Charlie is a good cop, and when he makes a promise, he sticks by it, including a promise to split the winnings of a lottery ticket with a waitress. Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda are both fine here, playing this in rather laid-back fashion, but Rosie Perez is all the way at the other end with an performance that is energetic to the point of being irritating. (Similar to her performance in "White Men Can't Jump") It throws the balance of the film off and makes it a chore to watch at times.
IT MIGHT GET LOUD (PG) 92 minutes * * * Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White... three amazing guitarists with very different approaches to their craft. With historic footage, interviews, collaborative guitar riffs, and philosophical discussions about music, this is a treat to watch. Of course it would have been great to see even more footage of them playing together, but what's here is quite nice. PG for language.
IT TAKES TWO (PG) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are look-alikes who trade places to get adults they love to fall in love with each other. No real surprises here, but the twins make it watchable and Steve Guttenberg does a nice job as well. This is one of those films for the kids that most adults won't mind watching. Filmed in Toronto and New York.
THE ITALIAN (PG-13) 97 minutes * * * Vanya (Kolya Spiridonov) is a six-year-old orphan who is quite possibly going to be adopted by a nice Italian family. But Vanya doesn't want to be adopted. He wants to find his mother, and he'll risk anything to reach that goal. Captivating performance by young Spiridonov that helps us overlook the film's technical flaws. Most of those flaws also manage to lend a sense of realism to the film. Winner of several European film awards. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE (R) 99 minutes * Truly unusual film about a young couple about to sign divorce papers and deciding instead that the love they share might be worth trying to hold onto. That doesn't sound so unusual, but the slightly futuristic world in which the story is set, combined with an almost dream-like quality are definitely unusual. While this manages to keep us watching, we're also continually puzzled by the directions the film takes. Joaquin Phoenix and Claire Danes both give this their best effort, but I'm not sure that having the script in hand would give you any more certainty on what is happening. Interesting for curiosity's sake and for fans of Phoenix and Danes, but unlikely to be appealing to most tastes. R for violence and language.
IT'S COMPLICATED (R) 114 minutes * * 1/2 The house is quiet now that the last of the children have grown and moved away, and Jane (Meryl Streep) has been divorced from her husband (Alec Baldwin) for ten years. Just as a romance is showing signs of possibility with Adam (Steve Martin), who is working on some home improvements for her, she has something else to think about... Jake (Baldwin) is showing signs of interest in getting back together, despite his remarriage to another woman. Nice work by Streep and Baldwin, though Martin seems a bit out of place here. And the supporting performances of Rita Wilson and John Krasinski definitely add some sparkle to the story. R for sex and language.
THE ITALIAN JOB (PG-13) 105 minutes * 1/2 Remake of the 1969 film with Donald Sutherland, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Seth Grenn, and... ummm... oh yeah, Mark Wahlberg, who turns in yet another two-dimensional performance. The pacing is awkward through most of the film, with lengthy quiet scenes. The heist's are well done, but the twists need to be better and the story needs to be more tightly structured. PG-13 for violence.
I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG (PG-13) 113 minutes * * 1/2 Released from prison, Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) is staying at her sister's (Elsa Zylberstein) house and trying to find her way again. No one else in the family is very supportive though, and even her sister struggles to understand. Strong and heartfelt performances, though it does tend to belabor the point more than once. PG-13 for language.
JACK (PG-13) 105 minutes * * Jack (Robin Williams) has a condition that will cause his body to mature at an abnormal rate. While this has its share of humorous aspects, there is a serious side as well, reminding us that we should enjoy life while we have it. Williams does his typical good job, but the script leaves a lot to be desired. Not only early on, when the film seems very jerky, but at the end of the film when we need to have some meaningful moments, we come up lacking. PG-13 for language.
THE JACK BULL (R) 116 minutes * * * Myrl Redding (John Cusack) was just trying to take his horses in to town for sale. But in the days before Wyoming's statehood, all kinds of things can happen, especially when you've already locked horns with the biggest landowner in the territory. Cusack does a nice job here. There are aspects that make this much like other westerns, yet there are bits that keep it fresh and exciting to watch. John Badham has always done a fine job directing action films, but the dramatic sequences work well too. R for violence and language.
JACK FROST (PG) 95 minutes * * * Charlie Frost (Joseph Cross) is a popular kid at school and a delight to his parents, but when his musician/father dies in a car accident on the way home for Christmas, Charlie turns inward. Jack (Michael Keaton) gets a second chance to spend some time with his son the next year though, thanks to a harmonica and a little bit of magic. The special effects are nice, but it's the fact that the film makes you care about these characters that makes it work. A strong script, solid performances, and clear direction all add up to a holiday film that most everyone will appreciate and enjoy. PG for some rather out-of-place sex jokes.
JACK THE BEAR (PG-13) 95 minutes * * * It's 1972, and Jack Leary and his dad have just moved to a new town. Making new friends isn't hard for Jack though, because his dad hosts a late night horror show on TV. Even though Jack knows that the monsters in the movies aren't real, he's finding out that life has plenty of monsters that can be just as scary. Robert J. Steinmiller is wonderful as Jack, giving us the humor, the anger, the fear, and the sensitivity in a balance that make this character come alive. It's a film that manages to keep a good balance between entertainment and being thought-provoking as well, with a humorous and touching performance from Danny DeVito as Jack's father. PG-13 for language.
THE JACKAL (R) 119 minutes * * * This modernized version of the film "Day of the Jackal" lays its story out very methodically, as we slowly find traces of the mysterious Jackal on his murderous mission to kill the director of the FBI. It's nice to see Sidney Poitier in a role with some meat to it, but Bruce Willis and Richard Gere both seem miscast. Gere handles it a little better, but Willis seems to give us the same character we've seen so many times before. The real standout is Diane Venora, who gives us a wonderful performance as Major Valentina Koslova. Despite the problems, it's a fun ride that most fans of the spy genre will find worth watching. R for violence and language.
JACKASS: NUMBER TWO (R) 83 minutes BOMB Johnny Knoxville and friends return to remind us how stupid they are. They needn't have worried. We still remember the first film. Some of the fake bits and safety precautions are a little more visible here. Maybe that will help make sure that people don't imitate these stunts. Then again... R for language, violence, and nudity.
JACKASS: THE MOVIE (R) 76 minutes BOMB Johnny Knoxville and friends bring their idiotic stunt show to the big screen. I will admit that I laughed a few times, but it's hard not to laugh a little at people who do such stupid stuff. The warnings about not trying this stuff at home are very much warranted. Many people fail to realize how much training it takes to learn how to fall repeatedly without getting hurt and to be able to vomit at will so that things don't remain in your stomach. Not that this serves as an excuse to film stupid stunts like these... R for language and violence.
THE JACKET (R) 96 minutes * * * 1/2 Jack (Adrian Brody) was a good man. But ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time leaves him almost dead, with partial amnesia, and shuttled away to a mental institution. While undergoing an experimental behavior modifaction treatment, Jack finds himself in another time, and perhaps able to help himself and a few others along the way. It's a fascinating story, with a performance from Brody that just won't let you go. There's definitely a sense of the macabre and unusual, and you may never be sure about... OK, I won't give that part away, but whether you're sure or not doesn't really matter. It will haunt you, but in a way that is more thought provoking than anything else. Very nice soundtrack from Brian Eno that compliments the mood of the film, and a wonderful screenplay by Massy Tadjedin from a story by Tom Bleecker and Marc Rocco. Filmed in Scotland and Canada. R for language, violence and sex.
JACKIE BROWN (R) 150 minutes * * This has the flavor of those old black exploitation films of the late 60s and early 70s, but it also makes us think the director (Quentin Tarrantino) thinks better of himself than he should. It's a bit overly pretentious, though it does begin to pick up the pace after 90 minutes. Cutting 15-30 minutes out of the first part of the film would've done wonders. Pam Grier and Samuel L. Jackson are great, but the rest of the cast are rather two-dimensional and we walk away from this film wondering what Tarrantino was thinking when he made it. R for violence, language, and sex.
JACKIE CHAN'S FIRST STRIKE (PG-13) 77 minutes * 1/2 Fairly typical Jackie Chan film with lots of action and Chan's special brand of humor. The plot gets a bit tangled and hard to follow in a few spots, but Chan's films are more about his special talent of being able to use virtually any object at hand to defend himself and disable his attackers. Not his best work, but still fun to watch if you enjoy martial arts. PG-13 for violence and language.
JACOB'S LADDER (R) 108 minutes * * * 1/2 Tim Robbins stars in this psychological thriller that deals with the subject of death. It takes an intense look at what we call life, what memories are or might be, and what reality is and isn't. It's a film you need to pay close attention to and one that will stay with you long after you've stopped watching. The film's closing moments are packed with powerful images that emphasize the message of the film. R for violence, language, and sex.
JADE (R) 90 minutes * * Better than most of Joe Esterhas' scripts, this gives us a little more tension by focusing on fewer characters for our suspicions. The cheap ending destroys much of the effect though, and this ends up being a film that lacks the punch it needs. It definitely has the look and sound of director William Friedkin, but not the heart. David Caruso, Linda Fiorentino , Chazz Palminteri, Michael Biehn, and Richard Crenna are all here, but nothing effective results.
JAKOB THE LIAR (PG-13) 115 minutes * * * It's World War II, and everyone in the Jewish ghetto where Jakob lives thinks he has a radio. It started as a misunderstanding, but now it gives them hope to "hear" the news about the approach of the allies. Filled with wonderful characters, this is a film about hope and about family. Families of blood, families made up of those we care for, families of faith, and the risks we will take for them. Robin Williams, Alan Arkin, Armin Meuller-Stahl, and Liev Schreiber and many others do fine character work here, but special mention goes to Hannah Taylor-Gordon for her outstanding performance as young Lina, who gives Jakob the best reason to keep hoping. PG-13 for violence.
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (PG) 73 minutes * * A grasshopper, ladybug, spider, centipede, earthworm, and glowworm are companions for James in his travels inside a giant peach on its way to New York. From Roald Dahl's book for children, this is a little offbeat and the music by Randy Edelman isn't as good as it should have been. The animation is entertaining and kids will enjoy that aspect, but it probably won't be listed among their favorites.
THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB (PG-13) 103 minutes * * * 1/2 What starts as a book club to pass the time and perhaps gain a couple of friends becomes much more. In exploring and discussing six Jane Austen books, they discover things about themselves and each other that draw them closer together while sometimes threatening to drive them apart. Writer/director Robin Swicord does an admirable job of adapting Karen Joy Fowler's novel to the screen. The cast works very well together, delivering an ensemble performance that truly works so well together that it's difficult to talk about one of them without talking about another. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE JANKY PROMOTERS (R) 81 minutes * I'll avoid the obvious statement about the film (considering the title), but this is pretty much what you'd expect from the team of Ice Cube and Mike Epps. They're music promoters who don't really know what they're doing. Russell (Ice Cube) is all about business, though he doesn't really have the influence he thinks he does or the skills he really needs to do the job. Jellyroll (Epps) is more free-wheeling, and tends to get himself into trouble by too often failing to follow through on his word. Fans of the two may enjoy this to a point, but it does get tiresome. R for language and sex.
THE JANUARY MAN (R) 94 minutes * * 1/2 This is actually a rather engaging murder mystery. Someone decided that it needed a dose of comedy and nearly ruined the whole film with it. The performances still manage to come off well thanks to the talents of Kevin Kline, Susan Sarandon, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and the rest, but this was sorely in need of a better script and stronger direction. R for language.
JARHEAD (R) 114 minutes * * 1/2 The life of a young man in the U.S. Marines is followed through basic training and into his brief experience in Iraq. The emphasis here is on personal experience and feelings, making it an interesting piece, though there's too much narration. Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard both deliver nice performances, but the atmosphere is equally as important here, nicely created through Roger Deakins' photography and Thomas Newman's soundtrack. The story doesn't really take us as deeply as it needs to though, tending to shy away from most things that could be controversial or more emotional. R for violence, language, and sex.
JASON GOES TO HELL: THE FINAL FRIDAY (R) 84 minutes BOMB This time around, Jason goes body-hopping as well as body-hacking, in a series entry that has almost no connection with any of the others. At least nineteen murders, but nothing new.
JASON X (R) 87 minutes * 1/2 Lookout! It's Jason in space! At least this entry in the infamous and legendary Friday the 13th series has more of a sense of humor than most. Jason and the young woman who put him in cryostasis are found by a group of young research students who promptly thaw them out, letting Jason begin another killing spree. It's really no more far-fethced than normal, but the bits of humor help make it more tolerable. Anyone ready for part 11? R for violence, nudity, and language.
JASON'S LYRIC (R) 113 minutes * Jada Pinkett stars in this rather slow-moving story of drugs and violence. There's a love story here too, though the film drags on too long and suffers from poorly written dialogue that prevents us from connecting very well with the characters. Pinkett and the rest of the cast do what they can, but the material just isn't there. R for violence and language.
JAWBREAKER (R) 81 minutes * A birthday prank gone awry gets Liz choked to death on a jawbreaker. But her friends are the coolest girls in school and life must go on... The film has the edge it needs in a few spots early on, but quickly degenerates as it tries to tie up loose ends of the mystery. The problem is that we don't really care about the mystery. We do want to learn more about these characters, but that isn't what we get. R for language.
JAWS: THE REVENGE (PG-13) 93 minutes 1/2 The child of Jaws is mad about the death of it's parents and wants to exact revenge on the Brody family. If that doesn't sound dumb enough, the shark actually attacks a plane this time... Even Jaws fans are likely to be disappointed here. Except for a couple of shark attack scenes, there's not much here at all.
JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK (R) 93 minutes * Despite the low rating, I really do enjoy Jay and Silent Bob as characters. I don't think they really needed their own film. They work much better as supporting characters. In fact, some people have commented about how much foul language is in the film (which is, by the way, the reason for the R rating). Well, Jay has always had a pretty foul mouth. But when he's only on screen for a couple of minutes every once in awhile, it's not quite as evident. The film is really little more than a collection of cameos from people who've been in other Kevin Smith films along with a few special guests. They manage to work in a few parodies and in-jokes for those familiar with the film industry, but not much in the way of substance. It's definitely more on a par with "Mallrats" than with the rest of Kevin Smith's inventive and humorous films.
JEAN DE FLORETTE (PG) 122 minutes * * * Yves Montand and Gerard Depardieu star in this French film about a farmer who lies and cheats his way into acquiring a neighboring piece of land. The performances give this film life. It's a story that manages to feel real and yet has a very real sense of being a fable. Followed by "Manon of the Spring".
JEEPERS CREEPERS (R) 85 minutes * A brother and sister on their way home from college see somebody dumping that looks like bodies down a drainpipe. They investigate. They are stupid. Very low budget special effects that look anything but real and far too much time early on with the brother and sister talking in the car. we get loads of personal background that we don't need and not enough about what's going on with the bodies. R for violence and language.
JEEPERS CREEPERS II (R) 97 minutes * The creeper is back. The special effects are much better here than in the first film, despite how dark the film is in virtually every scene. One of the biggest problems here is that we still don't really learn that much about the creeper. Still, it ends nicely, with a set-up for a sequel, but in a rather different manner than you might expect. R for violence and language.
JEFFERSON IN PARIS (PG-13) 136 minutes * * 1/2 Sprawling and long-winded tale of Thomas Jefferson's life and loves while in Paris in the 1780s. This definitely has the look, but just lasts too long . A Merchant and Ivory production, but not one of their best. Nick Nolte does better than expected, but Thandie Newton and Greta Scacchi are the real stars here.
JELLYFISH (NR) 74 minutes * * * While this is the story of three different women whose lives intersect, it focuses on Batia (Sarah Adler), as she finds a young girl who doesn't speak, but seems to have been abandoned. As she deals with that situation, and the other stories weave their way in and out, we find ourselves wondering how it is that we connect with one another. Where is it that our destiny will take us? The feeling of the film is both lyrical and almost like a fairytale.
JENNIFER EIGHT (R) 121 minutes * * 1/2 Andy Garcia and Uma Thurman star in this film that has good tension throughout. A good deal is done with an emphasis on light and dark, creating suspense in the older, and still effective style. The editing is a bit choppy in spots, which speaks of some last minutes cutting. It hurts the overall effect, but the ending makes up for most of it.
JENNIFER'S BODY (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Needy (Amanda Seyfried) and Jennifer (Megan Fox) are best friends. They are an unlikely pair, but after a fire at a local bar kills seceral people, they're even more different. Acting, and a script that manages to incorporate a few creative bits, help to elevate this occult horror film over the typical film of the genre. It doesn't hurt to have a good soundtrack like this too! R for sex, violence, and language.
THE JERKY BOYS (R) 76 minutes BOMB Two lazy bums who get their thrills making prank phone calls end up causing trouble for some New York gangsters. Of course they get caught... who cares? The most interesting aspects of the film are seeing a very cleaned up Ozzy Osbourne as a band manager, and that the film has Tony Danza and Emilio Estevez as executive producers.
JERRY MAGUIRE (R) 133 minutes * * * This does run a little long, but it's a great story of how important it is to believe in yourself and then to have others believe in you. Tom Cruise does a great job here, but his supporting cast is terrific, especially little Ray Lipnicki. Their scene together on the couch is perfect! Incredibly well-written by writer/director Cameron Crowe and immensely entertaining, this is sure to be a favorite for many people. R for language and sex.
JERSEY GIRL (PG-13) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Ollie (Ben Affleck) had led the "perfect" life, but when his wife dies during childbirth, he discovers that the pressures of his job and those of being a single parent are more than he can handle. It's no real surprise that the weakest part of this film are the scenes that ask for Affleck to show sensitive emotions. That's never really been his strong point. Liv Tyler on the other hand does a nice job with her supporting role and young Raquel Castro is wonderful as little Gertie. There are cameo bits for Matt Damon and Jason Lee, reminding us that this is a Kevin Smith project. Not his best, but not bad either. PG-13 for language.
JESUS CAMP (PG-13) 81 minutes * * * Very interesting look at an evangelical Christian summer camp program, the adults who lead the program, and the children who attend. No matter where you fall on the theological or philosophical spectrum, this is an important film for you to see. The filmmakers have done a wonderful job of presenting a well-balanced view that offers support and criticism, but mostly focuses on information. PG-13 for language.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (2000) (NR) 107 minutes * * * Fresh and exciting new version of the musical. Stylish sets and talented new faces give this production an energy that that's evident through the entire film. The music is as powerful as ever and its nice to see that care was taken to keep that intact while making this new film.
JESUS OF MONTREAL (R) 119 minutes * * * A young actor is asked to update the local production of the Passion play. He does so, finding a small, talented group of fellow actors with vision and commitment. But this new production is a bit more than the sponsoring church expected, pushing the boundaries of faith beyond what they consider appropriate. The crowds may love it, but the church can't let it continue. The story is powerful and the cast presents it well. For those who love theater, and for those who are willing to stretch their own boundaries, this will be a film you don't forget. Filmed in Montreal, Quebec. R for language and sex.
JESUS' SON (R) 104 minutes * * * Fascinating character study of a young man on a quest for love and self-understanding. Billy Crudup stars as FH, experiencing whatever life lays in his path. Offbeat at times, but never wavering from its course, this will undoubtedly remain a film for Crudup and the rest of the cast to be proud of. Samantha Morton and Jack Black have nice supporting roles here, and we also see Dennis Hopper, Holly Hunter, and Denis Leary. Still, it's Crudup's relaxed performance that carries the film through to it's conclusion. Alison Maclean's gentle direction gives this a nice touch and the soundtrack sets the mood nicely too. R for Sex and language.
JETSONS: THE MOVIE (G) 75 minutes * * 1/2 Though the Jetson family finally made it to the feature film arena, the result is a bit disappointing. The plot revolves around getting along with other species and ecology in general, topics that are positive enough and present a good message, but it rings hollow. The animation is uneven, with some of the brightly colored scenes featuring beautiful backgrounds, while others just look cheap. This uneven quality runs through other parts of the film as well, story, dialogue, music... Younger children may be entertained, but they surely won't understand why mom or dad have such fond memories of this cartoon from their own childhood.
J.F.K. (R) 183 minutes * * This follows the Oliver Stone model for filmmaking, which involves taking an extra long time to beat you over the head with one idea. That aside, the performances are solid throughout the film. There are an abundance of cameo appearances and Kevin Costner's Louisiana accent is a bit off, but the characters are interesting and easy to watch. This really should have been a 3-part TV miniseries, but Stone prefers the big screen. That meant that he had to cut some footage and put in a couple of very long and boring monologues to explain what would have been covered. R for violence and language.
A JIHAD FOR LOVE (NR) 77 minutes * * 1/2 Homosexuality is a sin for those who are Muslim. There are those who disagree with the beliefs and opinions of the majority, and who struggle with what it means to be who they are and to honor their faith tradition that means so much to them. Thoughtful and compassionate documentary.
JIMMY CARTER: MAN FROM PLAINS (PG) 119 minutes * * * Former president of the United States, Jimmy Carter's tour to promote his book, "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" is the focus of this documentary. Carter's presidency and bits of biography are included as well, but the provocative title of the book raises many questions, even from those who have been supporters of Carter for years. Watch the film and draw your own conclusions. At the very least, it is fascinating to watch a man who remains so calm and so dedicated to the cause of world peace. PG for language.
JIMMY HOLLYWOOD (R) 105 minutes * * * An out of work actor and his "mental" friend turn vigilante. It's the first role he actually does a good job with, but he becomes obsessed with it. What was a fun little "bit" turns into a career as a Hollywood mobster/film producer with his sidekick cinematographer. Joe Pesci and Christian Slater work well together, though the film does start off a little slowly.
JIMMY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS (G) 78 minutes * * 1/2 Jimmy is a genius, but his search for extra-terrestrials has led an alien species to the planet. They've kidnapped all the adults and it's up to Jimmy and his friends to save the day. Feature-length cartoon from Nickelodeon that's cute, and fun for parents as well as the kids with a great collection of songs for the soundtrack to to it off.
JINDABYNE (R) 118 minutes * * * Stewart Kane (Gabriel Byrne) and his buddies just wanted a quiet fishing trip in the hills near Jindabyne. When they discover a young woman who has been murdered, they decide to finish their fishing before bothering to report their discovery. The repercussions of their somewhat callous behavior affect all four men as well as their families. Can they rebuild what has been damaged? What will it take? Sensitive story adapted from the short story, "So Much Water So Close To Home" by Raymond Carver. R for language and nudity.
JINGLE ALL THE WAY (PG) 81 minutes * * 1/2 Remember the craze over the Power Rangers, or Cabbage Patch dolls, or...? That's what this is all about, as Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the part of a father who simply MUST get a particular toy for his son for Christmas. Lighthearted fun with a cute, feel-good ending that's really no surprise. Filmed in the Twin cities area with much of the action taking place in the Mall of America. PG for language and violence.
JOAN OF ARC (NR) 180 minutes * * * Leelee Sobieski heads an all-star cast in this production of the story of the legendary Joan of Arc. The film charges ahead, much as Joan did, and slows down only in a couple of spots. Sobieski does an outstanding job and truly does seem to inspire the rest of the cast, which includes Peter Strauss, Peter O'Toole, Jacqueline Bissett, Powers Boothe, Olympia Dukakis, and Shirley MacLaine. It's a lavish production that is both inspiring and classy.
JOE SOMEBODY (PG) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Joe (Tim Allen) works for a pharmaceutical company. He's just a nobody until an employee embarrasses him in the parking lot and he decides that it's time to take a stand. Now he's getting invited to parties, getting promoted, acquiring new friends... he's SOMEBODY. But is he really any different? Nice supporting role for Jim Belushi and several very nicely developed subplots, though the main story is pretty thin. Nice work from young Hayden Panettiere as well, as Joe's rather wise daughter. It's less a comedy and more a family film about the importance of believing in yourself. PG for language.
JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO (PG) 96 minutes * * * 1/2 Joe Banks (Tom Hanks) has a boring job with poor conditions, lousy wages, and little chance for improvement. His work place is like a prison, or perhaps a volcano, throwing a cloud of dust into the sky. Joe always feels sick, but doesn't know why. He's given the chance to give meaning to his life by sacrificing himself for others, but isn't sure he wants to do that. He's struggling to find himself and what gives life meaning. Those struggles are mirrored by the three characters that Meg Ryan plays throughout the film. Dede and her insecurities, the arrogant, impatient, and self-centered Angelica, and Patricia, who is both sincere and mature. Life is a journey, and sometimes it's a volcano. This is a film you'll either love and find great depth of meaning in, or one that just won't interest you. Filled with metaphors, the entertainment value here is in the light- hearted approach the film uses to get you to examine your own life.
JOE'S APARTMENT (PG-13) 75 minutes * * 1/2 Here's one that nobody ever thinks I'd like! OK, call me crazy, but I actually found the singing cockroaches in Joe's apartment rather fun! Creative and fast-paced, this definitely isn't for everyone, but most who enjoy "Saturday Night Live" will find this rather fun. PG-13 for language.
JOHN ADAMS (NR) 474 minutes * * * Paul Giamatti stars as the inimitable John Adams, second president of the United States of America. Solid, historical drama that follows the life of Adams from his early days in colonial politics through the years after his presidency. Giamatti is wonderful here, but the supporting cast deliver fine performances as well, and the script does a nice job of telling Adams' story as well as that of his compatriots.
JOHN Q (PG-13) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Highly unrealistic premise puts John Archibald at the end of his rope and having to take drastic measures to ensure good health care for his son. Definitely a TV movie script that Denzel Washington manages to pump some life into. The characters in the emergency room add a little flavor as well, but the plot is far too thin and unbeliavable for this to get much credit. PG-13 for violence and language.
JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE (PG-13) 86 minutes * * Three girls all find themselves dating the same guy. He may be the hottest one in the school, but they aren't willing to share. They decide to use the new girl in school to take revenge on John Tucker. Light-hearted look at relationships with nice performances from Brittany Snow, Arielle Kebbel, and Sophia Bush. Very predictable, but that's not really a surprise either.
JOHNNY BE GOOD (PG-13) 81 minutes * 1/2 Talented cast that includes Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr., and Uma Thurman, wasted on a piece of fluff about the corruption involved in drafting high school athletes for college.
JOHNNY HANDSOME (R) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Johnny (Mickey Rourke) is far from handsome and has had little in the way of good fortune. The latest bit of bad luck is the death of his only real friend, Mikey (Scott Wilson), killed by fellow thieves in a heist where Johhny is the only one to take the fall. After a fight in the prison where Johnny is almost killed, he has one good piece of luck, a doctor who wants to give him a new chance, a new life, a new face. Ry Cooder's haunting southern music fits the mood of this story, but the villains are overdrawn to the point of being ridiculous. Perhaps they mirror Johnny's distorted view of the world or the distortion of his face, but it doesn't work very well. It's a dark and moody morality play that ends the only way it can. R for sex, violence, and language.
JOHNNY MNEMONIC (R) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Full of cyber-techno effects that are interesting to watch, this story of a courier who carries information in his brain loses us somewhere along the way. We're expected to grasp too much information ourselves and are never allowed to enjoy a story or feel who the characters are. It results in a disconnected and wordy film that leaves us disappointed and confused.
JOHNSON FAMILY DINNER (NR) 68 minutes BOMB Not to be confused with "Johnson Family Vacation", this is a Christian drama about a family and their struggles, highlighted during the times they share meals. Poorly written and badly acted with virtually nothing to recommend it for viewing. Not rated, though basically a G to PG for the topics covered.
JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Nate (Cedric the Entertainer) and his family make their way across the country to the family reunion with just about everything going wrong along the way. Once they finally arrive, they try to win the coveted family of the year competition. It's a poorly written film that's little more than an excuse to get some very talented individuals together. The problem is, without good material, their talents are wasted. Vanessa Williams, Solange Knowles, and Bow Wow deserve better. PG-13 for language.
JONAH: A VEGGIETALES MOVIE (G) 78 minutes * * 1/2 Nice songs highlight a creative production that tells the story of Jonah and emphasizes compassion and mercy as the lessons of the day. Cute bits of humor are sprinkled generously throughout the film. I do think it's a little creepy that these talking vegetables hold things with what appear to be invisible hands...
JONAS BROTHERS: THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE (G) 82 minutes * * Performance footage from several different Jonas Brothers concerts, also including performances from Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift. There's a little background and behind the scenes material here, but not much. And there's clearly no need for this to have been in 3D as it really adds little to the experience.
JOSH AND S.A.M. (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Josh convinces his brother that he's a Strategically Altered Mutant. They steal a car and take a road trip, picking up a hitchhiker along the way. The performances are fair, but the script is horrible, even if you forego the somewhat ridiculous plot.
JOSHUA (R) 102 minutes * * 1/2 Joshua's (Jacob Kogan) mom is having a baby. Joshua isn't really sure he likes that. Since Abby (Vera Farmiga) had post-partum depression after giving birth to Joshua, Brad (Sam Rockwell) doesn't notice Joshua's unusual behavior at first. He's definitely a creepy kid though, and as the film draws to a close, even his most faithful supporters are realizing just how disturbed young Joshua really is. Good performances, but the story is strictly B-movie material. R for sex, violence, and language.
JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * Josie and the Pussycats have a new record deal, but the record company is putting subliminal messages in their music. Will they figure out what's going on before the record company achieves their goal? From the first moments of the film, we are bombarded with product ads, not too subliminal, but the tone is kept light. We're supposed to have fun here, and we do. The music is quality pop material that is mostly performed by the actresses themselves, and the humor is kept on the comic book level. The film plays well to Rachel Leigh Cook's strength, which is her face, but she is well-supported by Tara Reid, Rosario Dawson, and the rest of the cast. PG-13 for language.
JOURNEY FROM THE FALL (R) 127 minutes * * * While wars may mark a date on the calendar as their end, the lives of many continue to be affected long afterwards. Long (Long Nguyen) is separated from his family and struggles to fine a way to see them again while they are struggling to reach the freedom that has been promised by the west. It will be a difficult journey for them all, and their lives and their country will not be the same again. A powerful film with fine, heartfelt performances by all. Intense at times, yet ultimately both gentle and sincere, bringing together legend and history in the face of war and its aftermath. R for violence.
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (2008) (PG) 86 minutes * * 1/2 When his brother goes missing Professor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) goes looking for him. Along for the ride is his nephew Sean (Jush Hutcherson) and their guide (Anita Briem). Fraser's typical light syle of humor gives this adventure a slightly different twist, with mixed results. Hutcherson's sizeable role in the story and the lighter tone make this more of an adventure for the younger set. Released to theaters in 3D. PG for violence.
THE JOY LUCK CLUB (R) 134 minutes * * Although compared to films like "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Beaches" by some, the slow-moving, chapter by chapter method of telling us the story only works to defeat the strength of the film's message. This does end well, but it's a long time to ask us to watch when there are so many other films that tell a similar story in a more effective fashion. R for language and sex.
JOY RIDE (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 A prank gone wrong... Lewis (Paul Walker) pretends to be a girl while talking on a CB radio, enticing a trucker, who decides to play a game of his own... one of a bit more serious and violent nature. All of the standard story twists are present in this rather unimaginative tale, but it is saved from the bottom of the barrel by the sincere performances of Walker, Steve Zahn, and Leelee Sobieski. R for violence, language, and nudity.
JOY RIDE 2: DEAD AHEAD (NR) 87 minutes BOMB With no star power to rescue this, we're left with a simple set of lessons. So let's see... don't travel on deserted roads, don't forget to change your oil, don't break into people's homes, don't steal cars, and don't bother watching this film. Got it?
JOYEAUX NOEL (PG-13) 108 minutes * * * Well-told story of Christmas Eve, 1914, when in several spots along the western front of the war, the troops who were fighting, decided to call a truce for the evening. This is a fictional account (though the truce did indeed happen) of one particular spot along the front, with Scottish, French, and German troops putting down their weapons and recognizing what is common among them. Being able to declare a truce for even those few short hours changed their lives. Powerful film with an excellent message. PG-13 for violence and nudity.
JUDGE DREDD (R) 88 minutes * * Comic book characters hit the big screen again in this story of the perfect lawman and the perfect criminal, genetically fathered by the same man. Sylvester Stallone and Armand Assante (an unlikely pair) duel it out in this action-packed film with a paper-thin story and two-dimensional acting.
JUDGEMENT NIGHT (R) 106 minutes * * Four guys take a wrong turn and end up in the bad part of Chicago, witnesses to a murder and being hounded by the killers. Music, photography, and lighting set the mood very well, but too many other flaws to make this all that interesting. A few engaging performances from Denis Leary, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Emilio Estevez.
JUICE (R) 91 minutes * * The story of four young black boys whose lives revolve around drugs and violence. Some choose to participate, others are trying to break free of what they know will only end up hurting them. It's a slow-moving film, which wouldn't be so bad, except the acting can't withstand the extra emphasis. It's a decent story though, which is more than can be said for a number of films that have been done on this topic. R for language and violence.
JULIE & JULIA (PG-13) 119 minutes * * * 1/2 Julie Powell (Amy Adams) has decided to cook her way through Julia Childs' cookbook. It won't be easy, but she'll learn about more than just food by the time she's done. Adapted from Powell's book about her own journey through the cookbook, and featuring stellar performances from Adams and from Meryl Streep. Streep is extraordinary and delightful as Julia Child, and the story flows nicely between the stories of the two women. As well as being a story about cooking, this is also a love story about food, and about a cook who changed the world. PG-13 for language.
JUMANJI (PG) 98 minutes * * * Jumanji is a board game unlike any other. It's the game kids have always wanted to play, because what happens on the board happens in real life. (It's a little more complicated than that, but we don't want to give too much away!) Exciting special effects and plenty of action are sparked by great performances from Robin Williams, Bebe Neuwirth, and Kirstin Dunst . The computer generated special effects don't always blend well with the scenery, but the animation within each of them is some of the best material available. PG for language and violence.
JUMP IN! (G) 83 minutes * * 1/2 No one hits the sentimenal chord as consistently as Disney, and they do it again with this film. Of course the characters are a little too "perfect", but they show us how we'd like to be and how we'd like others to be as well. Izzy (Corbin Bleu) is a young man who is following in his father's footsteps as a boxer. His neighbor Mary (Keke Palmer) is on a jump rope team. When Izzy ends up helping them, he discovers something new about himself. What will it mean to his father and to his friends? Nice story, aimed at the 6-12 year old crowd.
JUMPER (PG-13) 84 minutes * 1/2 Adapted from Steven Gould's book, this is the story of David (Hayden Christensen) who discovers that he can teleport. It's pretty cool, until he discovers that there are people who want to kill him. Nice work on the visual effects here, but Christensen's wooden performance makes it difficult to watch. The ending is both incomplete and unsatisfactory as well, leaving us disappointed that such an interesting idea was brought to the screen so poorly. PG-13 for violence, language, and sex.
JUNEBUG (R) 103 minutes * * 1/2 Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) travels to rural North Carolina to convince a rather eccentric painter to sign with her art gallery. He happens to live not too far from her in-laws, a rather unusual group of people. There are choices that lie ahead, choices that may put family and work at odds. Interesting mix of comedy and drama with a very nice performance by Amy Adams. R for sex and language.
THE JUNGLE BOOK (1994) (PG) 105 minutes * * * Fairly good and slightly overlong live-action version of the classic Rudyard Kipling story. Jason Scott Lee plays Mowgli with a bit too much humor at times, but the target audience here seems to be between the Disney cartoon and the 1942 adventure film.
THE JUNGLE BOOK 2 (G) 65 minutes * * 1/2 Animated sequel to the Disney classic that picks up shortly after the end of the first. The idea is pretty simple. Mowgli is having a hard time adjusting to life in the village and is missing his friends in the jungle. Voiced by Haley Joel Osment, Mae Whitman, and John Goodman among others, the characters are "played" well. Still, the story has little to offer and the songs are nowhere near as memorable as the ones for the original. All that said, it's reasonably entertaining fluff that most kids will enjoy watching at least a couple of times if they've seen the first one.
JUNGLE FEVER (R) 127 minutes * * 1/2 Director Spike Lee takes a look at interracial relationships with a budding romance between Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra. It's a balanced film as far as looking at both the Italian and African-American sides of the picture, but the drug subplot doesn't fit well in the mix and makes things awkward at the end of the film. Great music from Stevie Wonder and Terance Blanchard sets the mood well.
JUNGLE 2 JUNGLE (PG) 99 minutes * * 1/2 A rather toned-down performance from Tim Allen in this story of a man who discovers he has a son who is a little less than civilized... or so he thinks. The world is full of jungles, which one do you call home? Martin Short gives a supporting performance that is his best work in years, but the film is still only a notch above mediocre. Good video material, but not much more. PG for language.
JUNIOR (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * Don't ask me how, but this far-fetched story of a man becoming pregnant actually works. It's especially surprising when you know that the man in question is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Along with Danny DeVito and Emma Thompson, he makes this fun to watch. James Newton Howard supplies a delightful soundtrack and director Ivan Reitman mixes it all together with his skillful hand. A real treat to watch. PG-13 for language.
JUNO (PG-13) 92 minutes * * * * Juno (Ellen Page) and Paulie (Michael Cera) didn't think much about what they were doing at the time, but now she's pregnant, and having to make decisions she hasn't prepared for. Her parents (J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney) are very supportive and she soon makes plans to give the baby to a young couple(Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner) who have been trying to have a child with no success. The entire cast is superb. Page is charming, funny, passionate, and sincere. Extremely well-written with a wonderful soundtrack as well. It's a coming-of-age story that reminds all of us about the importance of understanding that our decisions, however small they appear at the time, may have a far greater effect than we ever imagined. PG-13 for language and sex.
JU-ON: THE GRUDGE (R) 92 minutes * * * Creepy little story about some spirits who aren't quite ready to rest. Although this starts a bit slow, once the suspense starts, it doesn't let up very much. The story does shift around and remains a bit confusing even at the end, but that somehow doesn't detract from the fact that there are numerous scenes that will give you the chills. This is part three of a four part series. R for violence.
JURASSIC PARK (PG-13) 120 minutes * * * 1/2 Dinosaurs are being cloned from DNA that has been recovered from preserved mosquitos of prehistoric times. Put on an island to study, the inevitable happens when humans and their greed are stirred into the mix. Stan Winston, Phil Tippit, and Industrial Light and Magic are the real stars here, giving us dinosaurs that are real enough to scare us like we've always dreamed about. The only real downfall of the film is that the human characters are not very well fleshed out. We are drawn into the film by our fascination and fear, but don't have characters to tie us into the story when we get there. Still, it's one of the all-time most popular adventure films, and yet another success story for Steven Spielberg. PG-13 for violence.
JURASSIC PARK III (PG-13) 84 minutes * * 1/2 If you decide to go parasailing next to an island with dinosaurs on it... anyway, Dr. Grant and friends are on the island now, trying to rescue a couple of people. The story is little better than we had in "Lost World", and the effects have improved, but only a little bit. What's nice is that instead of going on for two hours like the first sequel, this one has the intelligence to stop much sooner. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE JUROR (R) 114 minutes * * * Though this runs a little long, the pace is fairly good and should keep most people interested. Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin make a good team and James Newton Howard's music helps draw us in as well. The fact that Baldwin is stalking Moore as a threat to sway her vote on the jury isn't a new storyline, but it's worth a look for the performances. R for language, violence, and nudity.
JURY DUTY (PG-13) 82 minutes * Pauly Shore decides that the best way to have a place to stay would be to get jury duty and be sequestered in a hotel. Even Pauly Shore fans will find it difficult to speak very highly of this film... and there aren't too many fans.
JUST CAUSE (R) 98 minutes * * * Paul Armstrong (Sean Connery) is a teacher of law who is asked to come out of his classroom and practice what he teaches. Bobby Earl will be his client, a young man who confessed to murder, but only after he was severely beaten by police. Our suspicions are moved back and forth as various accusations are made and we wait on the edge of our seats for the additional and revealing information that is sure to come. R for language and violence.
JUST FRIENDS (PG-13) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Chris (Ryan Reynolds) and Jamie (Amy Smart) - they're best friends forever! Of course, he wanted there to be a little more to it than that. When he comes back to town after ten years, he finds that not very much has changed except for him. But has he really changed? The supporting performances are what really make this film fun... Julie Hagerty as Chris' somewhat spacey mother, Chris Marquette as his younger brother, and Anna Faris, who must've had loads of fun playing Samantha James, a completely wild and crazy rock star. She and Chris Klein both sing their own songs as well. The story is fairly sentimental at the end, but it still manages to be fairly fun in enough spots to make it worth a look. PG-13 for language.
JUST LIKE HEAVEN (PG-13) 90 minutes * * * Adapted from the novel, "If Only It Were True", this is the story of Dr. Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon), who finds herself displaced from her apartment and only visible to one man (Mark Ruffalo). David (Ruffalo) is having trouble with women in general, so to have one around that no one else can see just adds to his misery. Until he begins to fall for her, of course. Sentimental and romantic, but some nice bits of humor along the way and another charming performance from Witherspoon that manages to win us over in spite of the story. PG-13 for language and nudity.
JUST MARRIED (PG-13) 90 minutes * * Poor boy and rich girl fall in love and get married. Everything is fine until they get married and one bad thing happens after another. It's just pop fluff, but Brittany Murphy is delightful to watch Her performance far outdoes that of Ashton Kutchner, but the script is what really hurts the most. PG-13 for language.
JUST MY LUCK (PG-13) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Ashley Albright (Lindsay Lohan) seems to have everything go her way. But when she kisses a stranger at a masquerade dance, her luck changes... dramatically. Jake Hardin (Chris Pine) has the worst luck of just about anyone, until he kisses this girl at a masquerade dance. Just what is luck anyway? Perhaps its more an issue of perspective than anything else... Cute film, very well played by both Lohan and Pine. Nothing all that new here, but Lohan does a great job with the physical comedy aspects and it makes the film fun to watch. PG-13 for language.
JUST VISITING (PG-13) 83 minutes * 1/2 Rather silly piece of fluff about a Count, played by Jean Reno, who gets transported into the future along with his trusty servant. They are, of course, confused. They manage to stumble across one of the count's descendents who helps them out and everything works out nicely despite how many times believability is entirely thrown out the window. It's as if they couldn't make up their mind whether to play this to the kids or the adults. Christina Applegate does a nice job here, playing two characters, but Reno, Malcolm McDowell and Tara Reid are capable of much better than this film is able to show. PG-13 for language.
JUST WRIGHT (PG) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Physical therapist Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) meets the star player (Common) from her favorite basketball team, but it's her roommate that he falls in love with. But when an injury puts him on the sidelines, Morgan (Paula Patton) has no more use for him. As Leslie helps him recuperate, he finds himself falling for her. No real surprises here as far as the story, but Queen Latifah and Common work well together here and manage to make this a nice, quiet little love story. PG for language and sex.
JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON TWO EARTHS (PG-13) 72 minutes * * 1/2 There are a multitude of parallel worlds, and on one of them, a device has been created that could destry everything. Lex Luthor (a good version) comes to Earth (the one we know) to seek the help of the Justice League in defeating their evil counterparts on his world. Standard animated action/adventure from the Warner Brothers animation team.
K-9 (PG-13) 96 minutes * * Jim Belushi's one-liners keep this film moving along well and give us the laughs we need, but this story about a cop and his canine partner is in desperate need of a really bad villain or two to make the story more interesting.
K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER (PG-13) 128 minutes * * 1/2 The time is 1961 and everyone is sure that nuclear war will happen soon, but no one wants to be the one to start it. In the race to create more and better weapons, the Soviet Union puts a submarine out on a mission... a mission that will put the world at risk. The story is interesting, though similar to ones we've heard before. The performances are a bit too stiff though, and Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson dominate the screen, giving us little time to hear enough about the other characters. Their performances are good, although the Russian accents are a bit uneven at times. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
K-PAX (PG-13) 114 minutes * * Prot (Kevin Spacey) is a most unusual patient. A man who claims he's from the planet K-Pax, he presents a challenge for Dr. Mark Powell (Jeff Bridges). Will he be able to unravel the mental twists and turns that led Prot to this place or is he really from another planet? Spacey and Bridges do some very nice work here, but the structure of the story undermines their work. It moves from the mystical and magical to the medical and then, almost as an apology, back to the mystical again. It just doesn't work very well, though Spacey utters quotable insights on life in almost every scene. Adapted from Gene Brewer's novel and rated PG-13 for language.
KABLUEY (PG) 81 minutes * Salman (Scott Prendergast) has trouble finding work, so he's available to take care of his nephews, but that may not be such a good idea. His latest job is as a mascot for a failing company, which seems to resemble pretty much everything in his life. There are some good ideas here, and the film tries to be witty and clever, but quite clearly misses the mark. Prendergast also wrote and directed this, and might benefit from rethinking a desire to wear so many hats. PG-13 for sex and language.
KANGAROO JACK (PG-13) 83 minutes * Charlie and Louis are supposed to deliver some money for Charlie's mobster step-father. The problem is that Louis put the money in a jacket that he put on a kangaroo that is now hopping through the outback in Australia. If you don't think that's bad enough, try watching Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson as they play these ridiculous characters. The only good part of this is the animation effects on the kangaroo, which are quite nice. What was producer Jerry Bruckheimer thinking? Filmed in Australia. PG-13 for violence and language.
KANSAS (R) 107 minutes * * * 1/2 Doyle Kennedy (Matt Dillon) is a juvenile delinquent whose most recent birthday means that his next mistake will be treated more seriously by the authorities. Wade Corey (Andrew McCarthy), on the other had, is a likeable, easygoing, and pleasant young man who has run across misfortune on his way from Los Angeles across the country to his best friend's wedding. Part of his misfortune just happens to be named Doyle Kennedy. It's an interesting and well-written story of two very unlikely companions. Leslie Hope's supporting role is strong as well, and Pino Donaggio's soundtrack sets the mood quite effectively.
THE KARATE KID (R) 126 minutes * * * 1/2 The first (and definitely best) of the series, this is one of those films that just keep tugging at you till you give in. Ralph Macchio learns karate (and self-confidence) from the Japanese handyman in his apartment house after being harassed by bullies. From John Avildsen, the director of the first "Rocky" film, this one spawned three sequels and an animated TV series.
THE KARATE KID (2010) (PG) 134 minutes * * * The move from Detroit to Beijing is tough on young Dre Parker (Jaden Smith), and it doesn't take long for him to run into bullies who are going to make it even more difficult. Of course, there also happens to be a quirky old man who might be of some help. This remake is interesting, and definitely shows off the acting skills of young Smith, but the updating of the story doesn't work all that well in spots, and the fight scenes are more violent, which isn't really a positive shift. PG for violence and language.
KATE AND LEOPOLD (PG-13) 112 minutes * * 1/2 Stuart (Liev Schreiber) has found a hole in the fabric of time. The only problem is that he's been followed home and now his ex-girlfriend is falling for the guy. Hugh Jackman is terrific here as Leopold. Not really satisfied with the way things were in his own time, not really fitting into the future either, but recognizing the importance of love, he charms Kate (Meg Ryan) in a way no other man ever could. Ryan is good, as she always is in this sort of role. The story is predictable, but Jackman provides plenty of sincere charm and that is what makes it worth a look. PG-13 for language.
KATYN (NR) 118 minutes * * * During World War II, the Katyn Forest was the site of the murder of thousands of Polish citizens, from civilians to military officers. It's an unflinching look at a disturbing time in the history of the world. While we tend not to feel much connection with most of the characters here, the treachery and tragedy are overwhelming.
KAZAAM (PG) 88 minutes * Shaquille O'Neal's first venture as a film star is far from successful. A story that is too involved for the really young ones to follow and too much silliness for the 6-12 crowd. Plenty of good morals slapping us in the face every few minutes and a really weak ending make us overlook that O'Neal's performance isn't really all that bad.
THE KEEPER (R) 88 minutes * * Hired as a bodyguard for a freind's daughter, Roland (Steven Seagal) is going to have his work cut out for him. An old enemy of her father's has already tried to kidnap her once and almost succeeded. But that was before Seagal was protecting her. Seagal smiles more in this film than in all of his others combined, but it still doesn't really help his wooden performance. Of course, the fight scenes are good, which is why most people will be interested in watching anyway. R for violence, language and sex.
KEEPING MUM (R) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Reverend Walter Goodfellow (Rowan Atkinson) is desperately trying to write the sermon that everyone will find inspirational AND fun, but he's so wrapped up in it that he's not noticing a few things at home. His wife (Kristin Scott Thomas) is having an affair with her golf instructor (Patrick Swayze), his daughter (Tamsin Egerton) is hanging out with some questionable boys, and the new maid (Maggie Smith) has a rather interesting way of handling the household problems. Light comedy with delightful performances from Atkinson and Smith, and a fun twist that comes late in the film. R for language and sex.
KEEPING THE FAITH (PG-13) 123 minutes * * 1/2 Three childhood friends, inseperable until one of them moves away, find themselves together again. The two boys have become a priest and a rabbi, while she is a corporate wonder girl. They're both in love with her of course, but how will she deal with it? There's some great dialogue here and Jenna Elfman is wonderful. Edward Norton, who also directed and co-produced this, does a nice job as well. Ben Stiller is not as good here, coming off less than sincere and straining our tolerance of a slightly overlong film that we're already pretty sure we know the end of after we see the first few minutes. PG-13 for language.
KEEPING UP WITH THE STEINS (PG-13) 83 minutes * Benjamin Fiedler's (Daryl Sabara) Bar Mitzvah is approaching and his father wants it to be the best one that anyone has ever had. Benjamin isn't so sure about all the fuss. There's particularly good reason for that concern when we have a hard time really caring about this character. Sabara doesn't seem to know what to do with this role, though that may also be the fault of director Scott Marshall. Despite the fact that this is not his first feature and despite the presence of a fair amount of acting talent (including his father Garry Marshall), the whole film seems to wander amiably through the lives of the Fiedler family without really going anywhere. PG-13 for language and niduty.
KEITH (PG-13) 92 minutes * * * There's just something about Keith (Jesse McCartney). Natalie (Elisabeth Harnois) is one of the most popular girls in school. That's part of why Keith is drawn to her. It's a challenge. But he never really expects to win her over. Pop singer McCartney does a nice job here, as does Harnois. We see the twist coming, but have already been drawn into the story and care enough about the characters to keep watching. PG-13 for sex and language.
KICK-ASS (R) 111 minutes * * * Why is it that we don't see any super-heroes in real life? Mostly because the opposite of the title of this film is what would happen to them. Such is pretty much the fate of Dave (Aaron Johnson). But Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) have been at this for a little longer. The story has an interesting mix of teen angst and gritty action. And it definitely doesn't hold back on the action. In fact, it's quite a violent story, and with a fairly realistic tone throughout. Of course, the real gem here is Moretz. Her character and performance remind us a little of Natalie Portman in "The Professional", though that film was even more realistic. The ending leaves room for more, and Moretz's performance pretty much guarantees more for her as well. R for violence and language.
KICKBOXER (R) 92 minutes * * Well-choreographed fight scenes are the highlight in the Jean Claude Van Damme action film. What there is of the story revolves around him going after the fighter who killed his brother.
KICKIN' IT OLD SKOOL (PG-13) 104 minutes * A tragic accident during a school talent show leaves Justin (Jamie Kennedy) in a coma for twenty years. Now he's awake, and ready to reunite his old teammates for another challenge. Kennedy tries very hard to make this work, but the plot is just so bad and the dialogue doesn't help. It's an old story about growing up and the challenges faced along the way. And it's been told much better, many... many times before. PG-13 for sex and language.
KICKING & SCREAMING (PG) 89 minutes 1/2 Phil (Will Ferrell) takes over the coaching of his son's soccer team, mostly because he wants to beat the team his own father is coaching. If you like those silly comedies with young kids playing sports... oh wait, most of those actually focus on the kids... this one focuses on Ferrell, and is thus, mostly a waste of time. PG for language and violence.
THE KID (PG) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 Russ (Bruce Willis) is an image consultant. He does great work, but his image could use some adjusting as well. When stress causes his inner child to materialize, Russ isn't quite sure how to cope with it. His childhood was something he tried to forget, but maybe that's part of the problem. Willis does an admirable job here, letting us get to know Russ inside and out. It's the most complete role we've seen him play, and it's a pleasure to watch. Spencer Breslin makes a great "little Russ", but we musn't forget Lily Tomlin, whose dry wit adds just the perfect touch. Delightful and charming, this is a great family film. PG for language.
A KID IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT (PG) 87 minutes * 1/2 Dumped into Camelot after Guinevere is gone and the kingdom is falling apart, young Calvin Fuller must use his knowledge of the future (our present) he has come from to save the day. Nice ending, but it's a real chore getting there as we wade through the poor acting of Thomas Ian Nicholas and bad special effects. Paloma Baeza's performance as Princess Katherine is the best part of this. Filmed in Hungary and England.
KIDS (NR) 86 minutes * 1/2 Slice of life film about New York teens and their sexual lives. The issue of AIDS comes up instantly as a one time encounter with Telly infects Jennie. The film ends rather strangely, giving it no more direction or focus than it had throughout. The flow of the film is awkward, as some scenes come off naturally, while others appear very staged. Still, it's a very absorbing, if slightly disturbing film.
KIDS IN AMERICA (PG-13) 91 minutes * It's all about free speech and the right to challenge authority. There's an interesting supporting cast here with Elizabeth Perkins, Rosanna Arquette, and George Wendt. The problem is that the script is far from interesting or well-written. What's really strange is that the filmmaker's include interviews at the end of the film with the real youth who's stories are fictionalized in the film. Here's the real story! Make a documentary with them and it might have been a strong piece of work with something to say instead of just another poor attempt at high school comedy with a message. PG-13 for language.
KIDS IN THE HALL: BRAIN CANDY (R) 85 minutes BOMB Moralistic comedy that drags on forever as the characters work with a drug that will fight depression. Yes, we need the "lows" so we can better appreciate the "highs". I guess that's why we need horrible films like this once in awhile too.
KILL BILL VOL. 1 (R) 102 minutes * * * Moving back to the style of "Pulp Fiction" was a good decision by director Quentin Tarantino. Based on Tarantino's novel, it's the story of a woman who survives a brutal attack and sets about taking revenge on those who attacked her, her fellow members of the "Deadly Viper Assassination Squad". As you might expect, there's plenty of violence, but the film is not only photographed in a style that brings Japanese anime to mind, it even includes anime clips in a few spots. It's an effective style of photography for a film like this. The music is highly effective as well, but the star is, of course, Uma Thurman. Her performance is vicious and amazing. Volume 2 will take us even further into the story and remind us of the importance of the quote that we hear toward the end of the film. Sonny Chiba says, "Revenge is never a straight line, it is a forest. It's easy to get lost and forget where you came in." This film focuses on the beginning of the quote as the bride (Thurman) begins her quest for revenge. R for language and violence.
KILL BILL VOL. 2 (R) 124 minutes * * * Just in case you didn't see the first film, there's a 15 minutes intro that will explain just about everything. In fact, that's the biggest fault of the film, it over-explains quite a bit. It greatly reduces how much fun it is to watch, though the story is still quite interesting and Thurman delivers yet another high caliber performance. R for violence and language.
KILL SWITCH (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Steven Seagal plays a detective, with a very bad Louisiana accent, who travels to Memphis to track down serial killers. There are a few fairly good fight scenes, but the editing and Seagal's trademark style of making it all look so easy tend to bore us rather quickly. R for violence, language, and nudity.
KILLERS (PG-13) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Jen (Katherine Heigl) is on vacation in France with her parents because her boyfriend recently dumped her. And then she meets Spencer (Ashton Kutcher). He seems too good to be true. And she soon finds out why. Tom Selleck and Catherine O'Hara are wonderful as the over-protective parents, and Kutcher does a good job as well. Heigl's performance seems to fluctuate depending on the scene, and the chemistry between the leads is lacking at several points. PG-13 for violence, language, and sex.
KILLSHOT (R) 86 minutes * * A couple (Diane Lane and Thomas Jane)in the witness protection program are targeted by a hitman (Mickey Rourke) and a young hotshot (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) trying to prove himself. Gordon-Levitt's character is annoying to the point that we wonder how he lasts for so long. Adapted from the book by Elmore Leonard, and mostly of interest for Rourke's performance. R for violence, language, and nudity.
KINDERGARTEN COP (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2 This film does a surprisingly good job of mixing the genres of police thriller, comedy, and romance. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a cop who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to find a missing kid. One of the most important things to know about the film is that it is NOT for kids. The PG-13 rating is well deserved due to abundant violence and foul language. It's a fairly good film, just not as light and funny as you might be led to believe.
THE KINDRED (R) 95 minutes * * After a doctor dies, her son discovers the strange experiments she was working on at home. Great special effects and some fairly good acting, but the story degenerates rapidly and the creatures look too much like those from some other films that were created several years before.
THE KING (R) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Making his way to Corpus Christi, Texas after being discharged from the Navy, Elvis (Gael Garcia Bernal) hopes to connect with the father he's never known. Unfortunately, his father has another life and a family and isn't interested. Elvis has other ideas about how to be part of this family, and about how to teach his father an important lesson. Odd and somewhat disturbing film in large part because Bernal's performance creates a character who feels real despite how little we still understand him even at the end of the film. Filmed in Texas. R for sex, violence, and language.
THE KING AND I (1999) (G) 82 minutes * 1/2 Buy the soundtrack - skip the film. Whose idea was it to make this into a cartoon for children anyway? It isn't a kids story and most of them will find it very boring, despite the introduction of a couple of characters who have nothing to do with the story. Uneven animation as well, though some spots are well drawn.
KING ARTHUR (PG-13) 116 minutes * * 1/2 This interesting, alternative version of the story of King Arthur is presented as the story of the real man behind the legend. It's an interesting idea to have Arthur and his friends fighting the Saxons to earn their freedom from the Romans, forming an unlikely alliance with Merlin and his band of followers who dislike the Saxons even more than they dislike Arthur. It works as well as it does, mostly due to Clive Owen in particular and Keira Knightley to a lesser degree. It slows down in too many spots and despite the beautiful Irish scenery, we find ourselves wishing it would move along and tell us something exciting. PG-13 for violence.
KING KONG (2005) (PG-13) 178 minutes * * Remake of the 1933 classic that keeps getting longer each time around. (105 minutes in 1933, 135 minutes in 1976) The added footage does nothing to improve the film. Transitions between live action and CGI effects are not handled well, though the effects themselves are good. The dinosaur bit, which has never made much sense in the scope of the story, is expanded here to a ridiculous level. Naomi Watts does do a nice job as Ann Darrow and Adrien Brody also turns in a strong performance as Jack Driscoll. And the last 15-20 minutes are very nicely done... if you manage to last that long. Filmed in New Zealand. PG-13 for violence and language.
KING OF CALIFORNIA (PG-13) 87 minutes * * * Charlie (Michael Douglas) is back home again after a stay in a mental institution. Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood) has grown up taking care of her father and is familiar with his odd ways of thinking and acting. But when he decides that there is Spanish treasure buried underneath the local Costco, it may just be a bit too much. Then again, what's wrong with having a dream? It just might come true. Both Wood and Douglas deliver fine performances here, but they seem somewhat disconnected from each other. The story itself manages to carry them both along and finishes with more than a little class, giving us an ending that is both tragic and yet sentimental. Nice work! PG-13 for language.
THE KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS (PG-13) 81 minutes * * 1/2 The game is Donkey Kong. The object... to have the highest score. Billy Mitchell has been the reigning champ for years, but there's a challenger on the scene. Can Steve Wiebe break the record? An interesting look at the continued interest in one of the older video games that is still being played. The film focuses almost exclusively on the contest between Mitchell and Wiebe, which is not played side by side and thus both the challenge and the film are a bit less interesting than they could have been. PG-13 for language.
KING RALPH (PG) 93 minutes * * A small-time Las Vegas entertainer finds out that he's heir to the British throne. No, really, it isn't quite as bad as it sounds, though it relies very heavily on John Goodman, who manages to carry it fairly well. Peter O'Toole has a nice part here too. PG for language.
THE KINGDOM (R) 104 minutes * * * When some United States citizens are killed in the bombing of a facility in Saudi Arabia, the FBI sends in a team to investige. However, the politics of the situation ties their hands as to what they can do to uncover who committed the crime. The Saudis must not be perceived to not have control or to be able to solve their own problems. But as the world's largest exporter of oil they also have to maintain good relations with the number one consumer... the United States. It's a delicate balance, and the film does a fairly good job of showing that, though it does have to simplify things a bit as well. Powerful ending that may cause you to think about your own reaction to the situation. Danny Elfman's soundtrack is very different from his usual style and fits quite well. R for violence and language.
KINGDOM COME (PG) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Bud Slocumb was a mean and surly man. When he dies, his family gathers to lay him to rest. Of course, when families gather, there can be tension and conflict, and when grief is involved, emotions can run a bit high. The acting is solid here, and the cast is impressive, with LL Cool J, Viveca Fox, Whoopi Goldberg, and Toni Braxton just to name a few. The difficulty the film has is in knowing how to effectively deal with the emotions that arise in a situation like this. Not to say that it has to be serious all the time, but the humor that we see here, seems nervous and inappropriate and undermines other scenes that could have been even more effective. PG for language.
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (R) 136 minutes * * * During the crusdaes of the 12th century, a young knight, Balian (Orlando Bloom) finds the courage to fight unbelievable odds to save his people. Solid battle scenes and a strong ending really help this somewhat overlong film. Bloom does nice work here as well. Don't expect to see much of Liam Neeson as his character is only in the early part of the film. Ridley Scott gives us a number of sewwping visual sequences that add to the epic feeling of the film, but this still could have used some fine tuning to give it some strength. R for violence.
KINGPIN (PG-13) 109 minutes BOMB Tasteless jokes combined with an uneven mix of comedy and drama make this film about a washed-up bowler (Woody Harrelson) coaching an Amish "boy" (Randy Quaid) to be the next champion a real bore. Harrelson has a way of either hitting or completely missing the mark. This is a miss.
KINGS OF SOUTH BEACH (NR) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Chris (Jason Gedrick) likes the way his new employee thinks, and Andy (Donnie Walhberg) seems like the sort of muscle the club needs. Chris has been trying to avoid both the mafia and the financial troubles he's been having. Of course, Andy has some secrets of his own. Solid drama on a modest budget with reasonably good performances all around.
KINSEY (R) 113 minutes * * * Professor Alfred Kinsey (Liam Neeson) did groundbreaking research on sexual behavior and attitudes in the 1940s and 1950s. No one had dared to do this kind of work before, and the world would not be the same afterwards, because we now understood that our sexual behavior was not so different from what our friends and neighbors were doing, it was just that none of us were talking about it. Hard to believe that it happened in the rather conservative state of Indiana. Very nice work by both Neeson and Laura Linney as well as some nice though fairly brief performances from several others. R for sex and language.
A KISS BEFORE DYING (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Matt Dillon has trouble handling the lead in this story of a young man who works his way to the top of a company by killing off the family of the daughter he plans to marry. Not as thrilling or suspenseful as it needs to be, and the references to Hitchcock only make that more evident. Sean Young doesn't fare any better as twin sisters (one dies very early). Watch the 1956 version if you want to see a better interpretation of Ira Levin's novel. R for sex, language, and violence.
KISS KISS BANG BANG (R) 98 minutes * * * Adapted from the novel "Bodies Are Where You Find Them", this is a very interesting piece of modern film noir that effectively infuses a bit of humor into the story. The narration here is interesting. I don't usually like it much, though it definitely fits fairly well in films of this genre. Robert Downey Jr. is in his element here, turning in another amazing performance, supported well by relative newcomer Michelle Monaghan. If you enjoy films like "Pulp Fiction" and "Snatch" but would like something that's toned down just a little, this is the film for you! R for language, violence, and nudity.
KISS OF DEATH (R) 96 minutes * *Maudlin attempt at 40's film noir as an ex-con ends up back in the mob and then gives information to the D.A. David Caruso does a good job here, and Nicholas Cage is fun to watch, although his part is a bit overplayed. It's the mediocre script that gives this film the real "kiss of death". It's just uninspiring.
KISS OF THE DRAGON (R) 93 minutes * * Liu Jian (Jet Li) drops in to help the French police with a sting operation and finds himself right in the middle of a dirty operation. Of course, since he's the best, it really won't be that much of a problem... Nice action scenes, though sometimes things happen a bit too quickly for us to really appreciate. The dialogue is a bit awkward at times, but it's still a reasonably good entry in the martial arts genre. R for violence and language.
KISS THE BRIDE (R) 92 minutes * * They've drifted apart in the years since high school, but when Matt (Philipp Karner) shows up for Ryan's (James O'Shea) wedding, their old attraction for one another is rekindled. Tori Spelling does some nice work here, bringing a light bit of comedy to a story that is otherwise a bit painful to watch. R for sex and language.
KISS THE GIRLS (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 Girls are disappearing from the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. Forensic psychologist Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) is on the scene and the crime will soon be solved. It's a well-told story, with Freeman and Ashley Judd working well together. Unfortunately, there's nothing much different about how things all wrap up so nicely (and quickly) at the end. Taken from James Patterson's novel, this is somewhat suspenseful, but lacks the strength it could've had with stronger performances and more creative direction. R for language and violence.
KISSING A FOOL (R) 90 minutes * * Max (David Schwimmer) and Jay (Jason Lee) have been friends since childhood, but the one thing you shouldn't ask your friend to do is test the fidelity of the girl you are about to marry. Schwimmer comes off well here, but Lee is his typical camera-aware self and it makes the film awkward in several spots. The real stand-out is Judy Greer, who plays a cousin of Max's fiancee. The framework of having the story told through flashbacks isn't handled very well either. R for language.
KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL (G) 96 minutes * * * More than anything, Kit (Abigail Breslin) wants to be a newspaper reporter. But it's hard to get something printed in the paper, especially when you're only ten years old. Based on the American Girl doll collection and series of books that followed, it's part mystery, part adventure, and part historical drama. A great film for families, with another stellar performance from Breslin.
THE KITE RUNNER (PG-13) 122 minutes * * * As children, they were friends, but it was an unequal friendship and it soon changed. Little did they know how long it would affect both of them and the secret that it held. Life may take many turns and hold many secrets, but there are pieces that we hold close to our hearts no matter what happens. And sometimes we have the opportunity to make up for the mistakes we have made. A truly beautiful film. PG-13 for violence.
KNIGHT AND DAY (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Roy (Tom Cruise) is a rogue secret agent... or is he? He and another agent were protecting an inventor, when the other agent double-crossed him... or did he? June (Cameron Diaz) gets caught up in the adventure, but despite the danger she;s now in, she may be safer staying with Roy than not. Plety of action, though much of it is quite far-fetched. Diaz does a great job of helping to keep the tone light, which helps make this a bit more fun than it might have been otherwise. PG-13 for language and violence.
A KNIGHT IN CAMELOT (NR) 87 minutes * * Disney variation on Mark Twain's "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court", with Whoopi Goldberg as an inventor who travels back in time to the days of King Arthur. Lightweight comedy, but reasonably good family fare.
KNIGHT MOVES (R) 105 minutes * * * Chess expert Christopher Lambert is suspected of being a murderer while at a meet. He has to decipher clues to discover the real killer. This works better than it sounds like it might, with the suspense building rather well. Nice job by young Katherine Isobel as Erica Sanderson.
A KNIGHT'S TALE (PG-13) 128 minutes * 1/2 A strange mix of old english and things more modern as we have all the trappings of knight's and jousting along with songs like "We Will Rock You" by Queen. (Complete with the characters singing along.) But this is no comedy. It's an adventure that features heartthrob Heath Ledger in some streamlined armor that has symbols strangely resembling the Nike swoosh... The tone throughout remains light, which helps, but it's little more than silly when you get to the end. Filmed in Czechoslovakia. PG-13 for violence and language.
KNOCK KNOCK (NR) 85 minutes 1/2 Who's there? Another low-budget slasher flick. Poor script, cheap effects, and annoying camera work and editing in a number of spots. There are some nice sound effects here, which just barely makes this worth a look. R for violence, language, and nudity.
KNOCK OFF (R) 83 minutes BOMB With a cast that includes Paul Sorvino, Rob Schneider, Lela Rochon, as well as Jean Claude Van Damme, you'd expect there to be a little more quality to this picture. Unfortunately, it must have been financed by robbing a three-year-old's piggy bank. I don't think I've ever seen worse camera work, and the sound and special effects are barely a half-step above that. The story idea (involving imitation products and a sting operation) isn't a bad one, but the script and direction do everything they can to undermine it. R for violence and language.
KNOCKAROUND GUYS (R) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Matty Demeret (Barry Pepper) is ready to move up in the mob, but his dad doesn't think he's ready. His dad gives him a job to see how things turn out, and it doesn't exactly go as planned. There are a fwe bits of dark humor here, but this is primarily a gangster genre film, with the younger guys trying to show their mettle to the older crew. Vin Diesel and Barry Pepper are the standouts here, but Seth Green, John Malkovich, and Dennis Hopper are fine as well. There was a lengthy delay before this hit the big screen, but it's a reasonably good entry for the genre. R for violence and language.
KNOCKED UP (R) 124 minutes * * 1/2 Never really lucky at love, much less anything else, Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) never expected his one night stand to turn into something he'd need to be responsible for raising. Rogen's casual performance and rather unlikely leading character give this just enough of a sense of reality and sincerity that we are intrigued. The R rating is for the language, which there is quite a bit of, but there's also a larger than expected dose of charm.
KNOWING (PG-13) 116 minutes * * * Lucinda hears voices. The numbers she scribbles on the piece of paper that goes into the time capsule are a message. When Caleb opens the envelope with Lucinda's message fifty years later, it doesn't take his astrophysicist father very long to figure out the pattern in the numbers. It's a fascinating apocalyptic story, with amazing special effects, especially at the end of the film. Nicolas Cage's performance is a bit uneven, passionate at times, yet at others almost oddly distant. Filmed in Melbourne, Australia. PG-13 for violence and language.
KOYAANISQATSI (NR) 87 minutes * * * * Mesmerizing film that uses the Hopi Indian word meaning "life out of balance as its frame. Absolutely stunning on the big screen, but still very interesting on video. Time-lapse photography is used through much of the film, which really emphasizes the balance found in nature and the lack thereof in much of human creation.
KRIPPENDORF'S TRIBE (PG-13) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Professor James Krippendorf (Richard Dreyfuss) has had a rough time lately. A long, tiring trip to Africa in search of a missing tribe, his wife's death... and now it's time for his presentation, which he has not prepared for at all. Now, with a few offhand comments he made, he's trapped himself into presenting the discovery of the century. Thoroughly predictable, but still quite fun, this is a nice, lightweight film that will keep a smile on your face the whole way through. Jenna Elfman comes off a bit too strong, but the story moves along at a fast enough pace that you're just swept right along to the end. PG-13 for language.
KRONK'S NEW GROOVE (G) 68 minutes * * Kronk is the head chef of his own diner, but trouble begins when he finds out that his father is coming. He wants to make sure everything is just right, which is when it all starts going wrong. Direct to video sequel of "The Emperor's New Groove" that isn't quite as good, but is still fairly fun for the kids.
KUFFS (PG-13) 98 minutes * 1/2 George Kuffs (Christian Slater) decides to take his brother's place as a Patrol Special Officer and bring his brother's killer to justice. Early on, the film does well, creating suspense and interest and giving us a couple of very nice scenes. But then the comic bits start creeping in. It's as if the writers lost interest in the story and decided to just start cracking jokes. Unfortunately, they finished the script and it was filmed. The villains are played well, but we are never really sold on Slater's character, mostly because we don't know whether to take him seriously or not. PG-13 for violence and language.
KULL THE CONQUEROR (PG-13) 91 minutes * Kevin Sorbo brings Kull to the big screen, but this production has little of the quality or class that made the Conan films so much fun. Instead, this leans much more toward the TV productions of Hercules and Xena. Corny dialogue and rock music during the fight scenes are in direct opposition to the theme music and many of the outdoor settings. Karina Lombard adds a touch of class, but it isn't enough to pull this one out of the muck. PG-13 for violence, language, and sex.
KUNDUN (PG-13) 129 minutes * * * 1/2 "You are to love all things, care for all things, have compassion for all things." These are the early words of instruction to the young boy who will become the 14th Dalai Lama. This is the story of the search to find him and his life as the Dalai Lama up until his flight to India from the Chinese. Told in a quiet and compassionate manner that is very befitting the topic, the film gently works its way into your senses and will not be a story that you soon forget. Director Martin Scorsese has delivered another masterpiece, with beautiful photography by Roger Deakins and a stirring soundtrack from Philip Glass. PG-13 for violence.
KUNG FU HUSTLE (R) 94 minutes * * Uneven martial arts/comedy film that starts out with some very funny material and eventually finds itself being rather serious. The story involves the "notorious" Axe gang, and a mean landlady and her husband who both have extraordinary powers. For fans of Stephen Chow only. R for violence.
KUNG FU PANDA (PG) 83 minutes * * * Po (voiced by Jack Black) has a dream. He wants to be a kung fu fighter. Unfortunately, he tends to be a bit lazy. Accidentally chosen to be the hero of the community, Po must learn quickly if he is to defeat Tai Lung. Slick animation and fun characters make this an entertaining film, though a little scary in spots for the youngest folks in the crowd. Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, and Jackie Chan provide other character voices in the film. PG for violence.
KUNG POW: ENTER THE FIST (PG-13) 71 minutes * Steve Oedekerk takes the film "Tiger and Crane Fists", does his own dialogue track (redubbing the voices of all the characters), and edits himself into the movie. Definitely for fans of the Mystery Science Theater approach to movie watching. The only real talent here is in the editing of the film. PG-13 for violence.
