MA VIE EN ROSE (R) 89 minutes * * * Ludovic is a cute little boy... who thinks he was supposed to be a girl. Tender and straightforward story that deals with the idea from both the child's perspetive and the parents'. Golden Globe winner for Best Foreign Film, this is a gem that should not be missed. R for language and subject matter.
MAC AND ME (PG) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Cashing in on the success of "E.T.", is Mac, who makes friends with a boy in a wheelchair who helps him survive an encounter with Los Angeles. Mildly entertaining, but a little obviously commercial with hom much it promotes things like McDonald's and Coca-Cola.
MACBETH (2005) (NR) 86 minutes * * 1/2 James McAvoy stars in this modernization of the Shakespeare play in which Macbeth is a chef at a restaurant. The owner of the restaurant is a famous chef as well, and gets all of the credit for the delicious food though he does none of the work. Part of the "Shakespeare Retold" series from the BBC. Not one of the better entries in the series, but still well worth a look if you want your Shakespeare with a little different flavor.
THE MACHINIST (R) 96 minutes * * Strange film about a machinist who hasn't slept in a year and whose hallucinations are beginning to beginning to become real. Christian Bale lost around 60 pounds to play this role. We're never too sure where this is going, mostly due to a rather muddled script. This has plenty of atmosphere, due in part to Roque Banos' music as well as the cinematography. Definitely not a film for everyone, but it is rather interesting. R for language, violence, and sex.
MAD CITY (PG-13) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Sent out for a fluff story on a local museum, Max Brackett (Dustin Hoffman) finds himself in the middle of a hostage situation. Mild-mannered Sam Baily (John Travolta) reacts badly to being fired from his job and ends up being fodder for the media circus. The film makes its points too quickly and spends little time with subplots that would have kept us more interested. Blythe Danner has almost no part at all and Mia Kirshner switches loyalties so quickly her head spins. Watch quickly for a cameo appearance by director John Landis as a doctor. PG-13 for language and violence.
MAD DOG AND GLORY (R) 93 minutes * * * Mad Dog (Robert DeNiro) is a rather strange cop who ends up saving a mobster's life, only to be repaid by having a Glory (Uma Thurman) delivered to him as a present. All he wants to do now is buy her freedom, but it isn't that simple. A unique and interesting film with wonderful performances by DeNiro and Thurman. Bill Murray is a little miscast as the mobster, but handles it fairly well. R for sex, language, and violence.
MAD HOT BALLROOM (PG) 101 minutes * * * Fascinating look at the dance program that a number of New York public schools are involved in that teaches these young students not only how to dance, but the challenges of competition, the rewards of trying, and what it means to respect each other and themselves. The film follows one season of competition, focusing on three particular teams. Filmed in New York. PG for language.
MAD LOVE (PG-13) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Casey (Drew Barrymore) is a wild one, and when she drops into Matt's (Chris O'Donnell) life, it really turns things around. She's a danger junkie with no sense of responsibility, he's... a bit more quiet than she's used to. O'Donnell and Barry more don't work well together here. They both need a stronger co-star and a better script to help them get through. Lots of the right look here, but not as much depth as we needed.
MAD MONEY 93 minutes (PG-13) * * 1/2 Bridget's (Diane Keaton) life style is in danger of changing for the worse. When she takes a job at the Federal Reserve and sees all of that precious money being destroyed, she has an idea. Now she just needs the help of a couple of other people who work there. Fun cast with Keaton's nervous ebergy offset well by Queen Latifah's calm and Katie Holmes' free spirit. The script plays to their strengths and makes this quite fun to watch, even if it isn't all that original or memorable. PG-13 for sex and language.
MADAGASCAR (PG) 79 minutes * * * They're just a few animals from New York's Central Park Zoo, but now they're in Madagascar, getting a little taste of the wild life. A little violent in spots, but packed with hilarious references to other movies. The younger kids seem to enjoy this, though in many ways it's just as much for adults. Features the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cedric the Entertainer, and David Schwimmer.
MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA (PG) 80 minutes * * Leaving Madagascar to return to New York, our friends get as far as Africa before the plane crashes. The music is definitely fun, but the story is less than exciting. Our friends discover some of their historical roots while in Africa, altough since that wasn't their purpose in visiting, it seems a bit awkward. And the younger set of those watching don't seem that interested. PG for language.
MADE IN AMERICA (PG-13) 103 minutes * * 1/2 Whoopi Goldberg finally admits to her daughter that her father came from a sperm bank. When they manage to track him down, he's a slick, white, and none-too-thrilled car salesman (Ted Danson). This said, it comes off better than you might think, with Danson and Goldberg working rather well together. It's a combination of comedy and drama with a few doses of sentimentality thrown in and it mixes together with a result that manages to be entertaining too.
MADE IN HEAVEN (PG) 96 minutes * Kelly McGillis and Timothy Hutton meet in heaven and fall in love. Now they have to see if they will meet each other when they are back on earth. Uneven and unusual film that doesn't really seem to know where it's going. Tries it's best to give us some style by alternating between black & white, color, and color-tinted scenes. Cameos by Neil Young, Tom Petty, Ric Ocasek, and many more.
MADE OF HONOR (PG-13) 97 minutes * * They've been friends for years, but anything more serious is not something that Tom (Patrick Dempsey) wants to consider. But when Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) leaves for six weeks, he begins to reconsider. Now she's back home, engaged to be married, and asking him, as her best friend, to be her maid of honor. Dempsey still has the charm and Monaghan is quite good here as well. It's a story that we've seen quite a few times already, but a pleasant enough diversion even so. PG-13 for language.
MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Tyler Perry's Madea elaborates on the importance of family and relationships in this comedy based on more of his stage act. The flow of the film is more than a little awkward, with lengthy dramatic sections broken up with little comic bits to relieve the tension. We're also rather tired of the message long before we reach the end. Perry's fans will enjoy this, but the stage presentation of his material is more impressive. PG-13 for language.
MADELINE (PG) 85 minutes * * * Charming adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans' book about young Madeline, an orphan who always seems to find herself in a little bit of trouble despite how hard she tries to be good. She has quite a few adventures throughout the course of the film, falling in the river, getting a dog, going to the circus, and saving the boarding house from being sold. It keeps the story moving along nicely and none of the adventures are very scary, so it's quite well suited for the younger crowd. The PG rating is for some violence, though it's no more than is present in many kids TV shows.
MADHOUSE (PG-13) 85 minutes 1/2 How can a film with John Laroquette and Kirstie Alley be so bad? In a word... script. The story here, if you can call it that, is so poorly written that it isn't funny, just stupid. It's a story about what happens when people you know end up staying at your house for awhile. The few funny moments, which mostly revolve around the cat, are undermined by the rest of the film. Alison La Placa, who play's Alley's sister, is the one who comes off the best here, partially because her character has fewer lines or poorly written dialogue. PG-13 for language.
MADISON (PG) 93 minutes * * Boat racing was Madison, Indiana's last chance to bring some money to the town, let alone give a boost to it's morale. It would take everything that everyone had to give to make it work. This film has good intentions, but it just never quite gets there. Jim Caviezel does a nice job, but the story itself is two-dimensional and doesn't give him much to work with. PG for language.
THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE (NR) 104 minutes * * * Costumer with a sense of humor here, as King George III (Nigel Hawthorne) becomes mentally ill and is in danger of losing his throne to a son who could well be even more inept than a mentally ill King George III. Wonderful performances in this stage-to-screen adaptation that won an Oscar for Art Direction.
MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE (R) 115 minutes 1/2 Madonna makes the statement at one point in this "film" that she doesn't care as much about talent as she does about being provocative and political. She does manage to accomplish that. Too many long concert clips for this to be a good documentary, but too much behind the scenes footage for it to be a concert film. For die hard Madonna fans only. R for language and nudity.
MAFIA (PG-13) 81 minutes BOMB Another in the highly over-populated genre of unfunny parodies, the real shame here is that this was Lloyd Bridges last film. The only remotely humorous parts of the film are the written ones (signs, end credits, etc.) but even these grow tiresome rather quickly. PG-13 for language.
MAGIC IN THE WATER (PG) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Magical tale of a lake monster whose home is being polluted. The story isn't bad, but it doesn't go into much detail, which means a number of questions are left unanswered. Sarah Wayne does a great job as Ashley, but the film doesn't have the magic it needs to make it a great film.
MAGIC OF THE RAINBOW (NR) 71 minutes * 1/2 Part of the Barbie Fairytopia series, this follows "Mermadia" and tells the story of Elina as she joins with a few other select fairies and learns the flight of spring. Several lengthy segments with no dialogue here that are likely to be boring to the younger set. Not one of the better Barbie films.
MAGNOLIA (R) 179 minutes * * * 1/2 You'll find yourself assaulted from the opening moments of this film, stunned with images, words, and characters. The film swarms around you and overwhelms you with strange characters, whose lives are out of control, and yet... P.T. Anderson has created a tapestry that is woven together neatly and completely. As writer and director, Anderson has cautioned against viewers trying to get too much meaning out of the film. Bizarre things happen... coincidence happens, and that's life. As an individual, you may get more meaning out of it, but Anderson isn't trying to make a point, only painting a picture. Divided by weather statements into what work as act divisions for a play, we have an introductory act where we meet the characters and find out how unique they are. The second act follows their lives as they seemingly spin out of control with bizarre and coincidental events, and the third act examines how they deal with those events. The epilogue is somewhat out of place. It's as if Anderson felt the need to explain a few more bits, and I'm not sure that was necessary. It's a magnificent film with an outstanding cast, but it's also a film that many will not enjoy because of its unique story and style. R for sex, language, and violence.
THE MAID (NR) 87 minutes * * * During the seventh month of the Chinese year, the gates of Hell are open and the dead can walk the earth again. Rosa (Alessandra de Rossi) has just started as a maid for a family, and as the seventh month begins, there seems to be a plethora of spirits who are appearing aronud the house. But what are they trying to tell her? Creepy, haunting, and poetic story that is sure to give you quite a few chills at the very least.
MAID IN MANHATTAN (PG-13) 100 minutes * * 1/2 No real surprises here, but a nicely told story about Marisa (Jennifer Lopez), who works as a hotel maid, being mistaken for someone else and falling in love with a wealthy and handsome man. Lopez has a relaxed and natural style that works with this story. But even more importantly, she has a superb cast to work with. Ralph Fiennes, Bob Hoskins, Natasha Richardson, and Stanley Tucci as well as the rest do a great job, and the result is a picture that is both pleasant and entertaining to watch. Filmed in New York. PG-13 for language.
MAID TO ORDER (PG) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Jessie (Ally Sheedy) is a spoiled rich kid who finds herself in big trouble when her fairy godmother grants the wish of Jessie's father... that he never had a daughter. Now she's a "nobody" and has to find a way to make it on her own. Mildly funny morality play made more fun by most of the cast (Beverly D'Angelo, Dick Shawn, Valerie Perrine, Rainbow Phoenix, etc.) Sheedy is a bit too harsh throughout the film, though that may be the fault of the direction, which seems to have its own difficulties.
MAIL ORDER WIFE (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Strange, funny, and oddly compelling... it's a mockumentary about mail order brides with the filmmaker falling for the bride he sets up for his star. But things don't work out so well there either. Amazingly convincing throughout most of the film, it's only a few spots here and there tha make you wonder a bit. Definitely a unique piece of work. R for sex and language.
MAINTENANCE BY ANY MEANS (NR) 98 minutes BOMB Two guys competing for a maintenance supervisor position at an apartment complex... all they have to do is give the manager some positive evaluation notes from the residents, but none of the rather strange assortment of people who live there seem willing to do it. A nice performance from Chip G, as well as a couple of the supporting cast. We almost see too many of the residents, or maybe it's just that we never stay in their apartments long enough to get to know them. There are definitely some problems with sound and light that remind us of the low budget this film is working with, but the idea is fairly original.
THE MAJESTIC (PG) 147 minutes * * * 1/2 After being blacklisted as a screenwriter, Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) goes on a long drive. He never expects to be in an accident, let alone one that causes him to lose his memory. It's the perfect chance to start life over again. His appearance in the town, mistaken for that of a local though lost to the war, brings the town back to life. But as his memory returns, he must make a decision. What is it that gives his life meaning? The story is a classic one, and very well told. The difficulties are with Carrey's performance. At times, it's right on the mark, but there are too many moments where he verges on breaking character. Admitedly, it's nice to see him in a dramatic role, but the story would have been even stronger with the lead being played by a lesser-known actor. PG for language.
MAJOR LEAGUE (R) 100 minutes * * * The Cleveland Indians baseball team has been in a slump for the last 34 years. The new owner wants them to finish dead last in the league so she can move the team to Florida and become a socialite. (Not quite sure how that really works...) They'll show her though, they'll win. They just have one little problem to get past... they really can't play ball very well. The cast is wonderful and the characters manage to keep us interested in what would otherwise be a rather boring, formula film. R for language.
MAJOR LEAGUE: BACK TO THE MINORS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * In this third entry, Scott Bakula finds himself coaching a minor league team that has a few old friends and some new, and undisciplined talent. He whips the team into shape and challenges the struggling Minnesota Twins club in what amounts to a modest film that manages to recapture some of the fun from the first film. The story works a little better here, though the acting isn't the greatest and the budget is obviously not that large. Watch for more of Jensen Daggett, the doe-eyed girl who plays Bakula's girlfriend in the film. Filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. PG-13 for language.
MAJOR LEAGUE 2 (PG) 100 minutes * * This time around, everyone has "gone pro" and changed themselves... for the worse. Otherwise this is mostly a repeat of the first film with performances that are a little less enthusiastic. Randy Quaid still manages to have some fun and make us smile, so it's not a total loss. PG for language.
MAJOR PAYNE (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Standard comedy from Damon Wayans about a military man without a war, who is taking his job as a trainer of juvenile cadets far too seriously . No surprises from Wayans and only a minimum of scenes to make you smile.
MALCOLM X (PG-13) 192 minutes * * * Spike Lee's version of the autobiography of Malcolm X pulls no punches, yet does not attempt to paint an all-wonderful picture of the man either. Malcolm's problems as a young man with drugs, stealing, and running with the wrong crowd are all here. What he had in his favor was a good heart, a keen mind, an understanding of the importance of individuals, and a personal charisma that drew others to him. The film does need some trimming. Still, it's a powerful film and the story had been crying out to be made by talented people such as Spike Lee and Denzel Washington. PG-13 for language and violence.
MALIBU'S MOST WANTED (PG-13) 79 minutes * 1/2 B-Rad (Jamie Kennedy) wants to be a rapper, while his dad wants him to be the upperclass young white man he "should" be. So, his dad hires two actors to "scare the black out of him". (Taye Diggs and Anthony Anderson) The story definitely has heart, but suffer from that old comedy skit syndrome that pretty much ruins things when the story goes on for more than a few minutes. PG-13 for violence and language.
MALICE (R) 102 minutes * * 1/2 It takes this murder/suspense/mystery film a while to get going. When it finally does, it's pretty good, with plenty of twists and turns. Good music from Jerry Goldsmith compliments the mood throughout as well. Most of the problem seems to be from poor direction that has the film tripping over itself early on. R for violence, language, and sex.
MALLRATS (R) 90 minutes 1/2 Two guys with girl problems go hang out at the mall... for the whole film... that's about it. A couple of mildly funny bits in a few spots, but nothing to keep us interested. This is the middle film, between "Clerks" (somewhat better) and "Chasing Amy" (much better).
MALONE (R) 88 minutes * * * Burt Reynolds stars in this well-paced, well-written mystery, adapted from the novel "Shotgun" by William Wingate. Malone is an ex-CIA agent who stumbles across some people who could use his help in a small town. Nice role for Reynolds and solid supporting performances from Lauren Hutton, Cliff Robertson, and Cynthia Gibb.
THE MAMBO KINGS (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Two Cuban musicians head to New York to see if they can make it big on their own. Armand Assante is superb here, but the story has little in the way of energy or interest to keep us watching. There is a nice sequence involving an altered episode of "I Love Lucy" that is fun to watch.
MAMMA MIA! (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * Meryl Streep is marvelous (as usual) in this big screen adaptation of the fun stage musical based on the music of ABBA. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is getting married and wants her father to give her away. She doesn't know who he is, but finds her mother's diary, which uncovers three possibilities, so she invites all three. Funny and charming, with a talented cast that also includes Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. If you enjoy musicals, this is definitely a fun one, and ABBA's music and the colorful costumes just make it better! PG-13 for language and nudity.
THE MAN (PG-13) 79 minutes * 1/2 Samuel L. Jackson and Eugene Levy star in this lightweight comedy about a dental supply salesman who reluctantly helps an ATF agent take down an arms dealer. Levy is a little less abrasive than normal here, but that's Jackson's job in this story. Somehow it all works out, of course, and while not always making a great deal of sense, there is a tiny bit of charm toward the end. Levy fans will enjoy this more than Jackon's, but neither are likely to call this a gem. PG-13 for language and violence.
A MAN APART (R) 104 minutes * * Sean Vetter (Vin Diesel) is part of an anti-narcotic squad of the DEA, but when they take out one of Mexico's big drug cartels, it does little more than create a war over who will take over that part of the drug business. When it gets personal, Sean decides to take it to the next level. Standard action fare with the bonus of having Diesel around. He looks the part and manages to show just enough of a sensative side that he remains appealing even when his character seems to blur the lines between good and bad. R for violence and language.
THE MAN FROM ELYSIAN FIELDS (R) 101 minutes * * * Well-written and superbly acted morality tale that manages to be memorable despite it's familiar story. Andy Garcia is Byron Tiller, a writer who's struggles have brought him to the point of considering a different sort of lifestyle. It will take its toll on him, and teach him far more than he thought he needed to know. Mick Jagger and James Coburn are both quite good here as well. This is one of those rare films that's aimed more at a male audience that is willing to think about relationships and respsonsibility. A bit obvious at times, but subtle enough at others that the story manages to hold us and weave a little cinematic magic. R for sex and language.
THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER (PG) 115 minutes * * * 1/2 Legendary Australian western story about a young man who goes to work for a cattleman and falls in love with his daughter. Filled with breathtaking scenery and fantastic footage of wild horses, this is a beautiful film to watch. Kirk Douglas plays a dual role here too, which is fun to watch. Watch out for that chase down the incredibly steep hill on horseback! PG for language.
THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK (PG-13) 124 minutes * * The story is a classic one, but the script they use this time around is just plain awful. The talents of Jeremy Irons, Gerard Depardieu, and Gabriel Byrne flounder as they try to get a handle on how to cope with it. John Malkovich struggles more than usual with his part too, and Leonardo DiCaprio gives a performance that relies far too much on words and not enough on the mannerisms which are his strong point. Moments of comic relief are handled awkwardly, and the film seems to drag on because of the poor dialogue. The black musketeer costumes used by the four leads at the end of the film are perfect, but it's too bad that the rest of the film is so weak. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE MAN IN THE MOON (PG-13) 97 minutes * * 1/2 A young farm girl in the process of growing up, falling in love... a slice of country family. Reese Witherspoon's first feature role is a nice one, though the conflicts here are treated a bit too tenderly to give the film the strength it needs. But for those who want a gentle film about family, this is a good one to catch.
A MAN NAMED PEARL (G) 74 minutes * * * Documentary about Pearl Fryar, a man with a natural talent for topiary work. Taking shrubs and trees that were discarded by a local nursery, Pearl has not only created a beautiful yard, but transformed a community. Nice, gently inspirational film.
MAN OF THE HOUSE (1995) (PG) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Jack Sturges (Chevy Chase) just wants to be a part of the family. But Sandy (Farrah Fawcett) already has a man around her house, her son Ben (Jonathan Taylor Thomas). Ben doesn't want things to change anymore, but he finds that Jack is different from his father and the other men his mother has dated. Nothing unique here, but this is a nice little film with good supporting performances by George Wendt and crew. PG for language and violence.
MAN OF THE HOUSE (2005) (PG-13) 97 minutes * * 1/2 When a government witness is killed, the act is witnessed by a group of cheerleaders who then fall under protective custody. That may prove a bit more difficult than Roland Sharp (Tommy Lee Jones) first thought. Formula Disney entertainment that does a fair job of entertaining and staying away from being too crude or vulgar. Vanessa Ferlito is the one to watch here. Her performance as Heather is definitely one that draws your attention without stealing the scene. PG-13 for language and violence.
MAN OF THE YEAR (PG-13) 110 minutes * * * It began with a comment from a studio audience member. The next thing everyone knew, comedy show host Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) is running for president. What will happen if a comedian is elected as president? Is the election rigged? Will that really matter? Great comedy/satire with Williams' rapid-fire one-liners hitting the mark almost every time. Still, he does seem to play it with a little caution in spots, reminding us that the comedy here is intended to remind us how important free speech is and how lucky we are to be in a democracy, flawed though it may be. Kudos to Williams and the rest for taking on a risky topic and doing pretty well with it. Now, if we could only find the right comedian to elect as president for real... PG-13 for language and violence.
MAN ON A WIRE (PG-13) 89 minutes * * * Philippe Petit began to walk wires as a young man. It became his passion. When he saw a picture of the World Trade Center towers in New York, he knew what he had to do, and on August 7, 1974, he walked between the towers. Adapted from the book, "To Reach the Clouds" by Petit, this is the story of his journey to one of the most daring feats ever accomplished. PG-13 for language and nudity.
MAN ON FIRE (R) 139 minutes * * * Creasy (Denzel Washington) is hired by a young businessman in Mexico to be a bodyguard for his daughter. Creasy finds himself becoming friends with the girl despite knowing it probably isn't a good idea. When she ends up being kidnapped, Creasy goes after the perpetrators like a "man on fire". The twist in the story is no real surprise and the ending makes little sense either logically or poetically, but the trip there works fairly well. Dakota Fanning turns in another typically admirable performance, but the rest of the cast does nice work as well. R for language and violence.
MAN ON THE MOON (R) 112 minutes * * * The life story of comedian Andy Kaufman as portrayed by Jim Carrey... who does a superlative job. I will admit up front that I never really cared for Kaufman. And the film does not paint a pretty picture of him either. We see a self-indulgent man who always took jokes too far, had little regard for people's feelings, and who was only interested in comedy and practical jokes that he found funny. We also see a man who lost himself in the many characters he created and who had little sense of who he really was. A man who had almost no one to turn to for support while he fought a losing battle with cancer. The cameo appearances throughout the film are a delight, but this film is more for those who want to see Carrey in a strong, dramatic role. R for language.
MAN TROUBLE (PG-13) 95 minutes * * Ellen Barkin gets a guard dog and its trainer (Jack Nicholson) to help protect her after a break in and some other harassment. But she may have taken on a bit more than she can handle. Barkin and Nicholson have good chemistry on screen, but the script has tried to make the characters here far more complicated than necessary. What really makes it hard to watch though, is the shabby editing. Mistakes happen at a steady pace all the way through. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE (PG) 88 minutes 1/2 Wally (Bill Murray) gets a present from his brother for his birthday. It's a new thing in London that involves you in a live theatrical experience. Only Wally gets the first cue wrong and ends up in a real spy adventure. Combining "The Game" with the pink panther series could've been a cute idea, but it doesn't work here. Murray hasn't looked this bad in quite awhile and Joanne Whaley stands around looking lost most of the time. PG for language and violence.
THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE (PG-13) 109 minutes * * * Justin McLeod (Mel Gibson) is content to live alone in a large house on the east coast, hiding his disfigured face from the locals who continue to gossip about him. Gibson gives us a fine performance, but his directing debut isn't as strong as it needs to be when the film reaches for our emotions. Adapted from the novel by Isabelle Holland, it's a story about truth and what lies behind the masks we wear. Filmed in Maine. PG-13 for language and subject matter.
THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (2004) (R) 123 minutes * * Remake of the 1962 political thriller. This time we have Denzel Washington as the man who is trying to uncover the conspiracy that will put Manchurian Global's candidate (Liev Schreiber) in the oval office. Schreiber does a nice job here as does Meryl Streep, playing the part of his mother. The script doesn't leave room for Washington to be much more than a complainer who we aren't all that sympathetic with. Political conspiracy theory stories like this are old material now, unlike when the original was released. We never really understand much about why Manchurian Global wants to control a president. Updating the story and talking about things like "Desert Storm" and terrorism pale in comparison to the preceived threat of communist takeover that was present in the early 1960s. R for violence and language.
THE MANGLER (R) 102 minutes * *From a Stephen King short story... it's the story of the Blue Ribbon Laundry and the machine from hell! Packing a punch from the start, there is plenty of action, suspense, and blood. Unfortunately, the film is just as far-fetched as the story was, and ends up being more ridiculous than scary.
MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY (PG) 105 minutes * * 1/2 Woody Allen's reworking of "Double Indemnity" is adequate, but nothing spectacular. Suffers terribly from Diane Keaton and Woody Allen's verbose nonsense, which some people do find engaging. They do play off each other well, and present a somewhat stronger couple than Allen has in the past with Mia Farrow. The story takes a back seat to the characters, as is typical in Allen's films, but in this case, it isn't a bad idea.
MANNEQUIN TWO: ON THE MOVE (PG) 90 minutes BOMB At least the first film had a little bit of charm. The sequel, this time with a medieval spirit trapped in the form of a mannequin, has nothing to offer except a short scene near the end of the film if you manage to last that long.
MANNY & LO (R) 84 minutes * * * Manny (Scarlett Johansson) and Lo (Aleksa Palladino)... two orphans on the run. Lo is the older of the two and takes charge of things, including the kidnapping of someone who can take care of the baby she's going to have. But it's Manny who understands what really matters. Johansson is a natural here and Mary Kay Place manages to be both quirky and charming. This is one of those films you don't hear very much about but that you should definitely see. R for language.
MANON OF THE SPRING (PG) 113 minutes * * * * Perfect conclusion to the story begun in "Jean de Florette". It's best to see the two films close together as this builds solidly on the first. Manon discovers the truth about what happened to her father, carefully plotting her revenge, and involving us every step of the way.
MAN'S BEST FRIEND (R) 83 minutes 1/2 Max is on the loose. He's a genetic crossbred dog who needs his medicine to keep him from becoming a psychotic killer. His ability to camouflage himself is a bit more than we can take, but so is the rest of the film.
MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES (NR) 83 minutes * * 1/2 Interesting documentary highlighting the photographic work of Edward Burtynsky. His photographs of various ways in which humans have altered the landscape of the planet make for a fascinating study. The industrial revolution brought about many great things, but they did not come without a cost.
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS (G) 77 minutes * * * It's the darkest, driest, windiest, coldest continent on earth, and it serves as home to the emperor penguin. There's almost no other life at all, but a National Geographic film crew working with the French Polar Institute filmed a year in the life of these amazing creatures who march 70 miles to their breeding ground each year. Luc Jacquet's direction clearly shows both the beautiful scenery and the brutal weather that these remarkable animals endure. A fascinating and informative film, narrated by Morgan Freeman.
MARCI X (R) 80 minutes 1/2 Marci's (Lisa Kudrow) father owns a record label with a controversial artist who is about to sink his financial empire. She decides to fix things while her father recuperates in the hospital from a heart attack. Like most films that Richard Benjamin directs, there are moments of humor and long sections of tired story. This is far too preachy to be very entertaining and pretty much wastes the talents of not only Kudrow, but Damon Wayans and Christine Baranksi as well. R for language.
MAREBITO (R) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Creepy little film about a man's search for what drove another man to kill himself. He stumbles across a darker side of this world with creatures he'd never imagined and a young girl who needs blood to survive. Not really scary, but definitely creepy though pacing is a problem at times. R for violence and nudity.
MARGOT AT THE WEDDING (R) 88 minutes * * * Margot (Nicole Kidman) is going to her sister's wedding. But she and Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh) haven't been on good terms for years. It's an interesting character study that gives us a glimpse of a dysfunctional family bent on self-destruction. Not a particularly pleasant film to watch, but very well-acted and writer/director Noah Baumbach delivers another fine film. R for language and sex.
MARIE AND BRUCE (R) 84 minutes * * It's a dysfunctional marriage, and Julianne Moore and Matthew Broderick perform their roles well. The problem is that the characters simply aren't very likeable, which means we have a difficult time really caring whether or not thier marriage will work out well or not. The humor is satirical and almost too understated, and the asides to the camera are distractions that don't help much either. Written and directed by Wallace Shawn. R for language and nudity.
MARIE ANTOINETTE (PG-13) 116 minutes * * Relying on a version of history by novelist Antonia Fraser, this screen biography of Marie Antoinette follows her from a short time before becoming the wife of Louis XVI until the French people revolt against the excesses of the monarchy. She's just a young girl who didn't want to be in France to begin with, let alone be married to someone else who was young and inexperienced. The film takes a long time to not really get anywhere, dealing with little more than appearances and letting us feel a little of her frustration and confusion without much understanding of how or why it wasn't resolved. Sets and costumes are wonderful, and Kirsten Dunst does what she can, there's just not much material to work with. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE MARINE (PG-13) 84 minutes * 1/2 He's a Marine. Discharged for disobeying orders and singlehandedly rescuing prisoners of war, now John Triton (John Cena) finds himself chasing some hard-core criminals who've taken his wife hostage. Plenty of nice stuntwork and explosive effects. The villains are quite vile, but the plot and acting are less than mediocre, and the believability factor is beyond ridiculous. Filmed in Queensland, Australia. PG-13 for violence and language.
MARKED FOR DEATH (R) 90 minutes * 1/2 Lots of action and violence, but this is still one of Steven Seagal's lesser films. The story involves Jamaican drug dealers who are out to get him, but their English is rather difficult to understand. There are no surprises as far as the story, and the only good acting is by Basil Wallace as the villain, Screwface. Unless you're a Seagal fan or just can't get enough martial arts/action films, you might want to skip this one.
THE MARKSMAN (R) 90 minutes * Wesley Snipes plays super soldier in this low-budget film from producer Andrew Stevens. It comes across more like a game of paintball than the military espionage film it tries to be, with Snipes giving a deadpan performance as the only person in the film who seems to know what's going on. R for violence and language.
MARLEY & ME (PG) 112 minutes * * * John (Owen Wilson) and Jennifer (Jennifer Aniston) Grogan decide that getting a puppy would be a good way to learn about how to care for a child. Well... Marley is definitely a handful. And as he grows up, the Grogan family begins to grow as well. Heart-warming and hilarious, it's the story of a family and their dog, and all of the laughter and tears that go with having a family pet that everyone loves. Wilson and Aniston work well together in this adaptation of the book by John Grogan. PG for language.
MARRIED LIFE (PG-13) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Married life can change. And maybe divorce isn't the only answer if things aren't working out. Harry (Chris Cooper) decides that killing his wife might be the more humane way to deal with the situation. But is he the only one for whom this marriage isn't working? Well-acted, and somewhat unusual story. The narration and the 1940s setting tend to give this morality tale and almost fairytale-like quality. Adapted from John Bingham's book, Five Roundabouts to Heaven. PG-13 for language and sex.
MARRIED TO THE MOB (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 After the death of her husband, Angela DeMarco (Michelle Pfeiffer) tries to sever ties with the mob, only to discover that the boss would like for them to have a closer relationship. Very entertaining, though there are editing problems and other difficulties that keep this from being a better film. Nice job by the cast, who keep us smiling pretty much the whole way through.
THE MARRYING MAN (R) 111 minutes * The story here is a fairly typical one for Neil Simon. A man is torn between two loves, inexorably drawn to the one that will cause him more suffering. What isn't typical for Simon, is that the story is overly repetitive and never really comes to life. And then there's Kim Basinger. She does sing her own songs here, but with a voice that carries little emotion and a style that is just boring, though some of that may be the fault of the songs themselves. Her acting skill shows no improvement though, and with two solid strikes against it, the film is a real disappointment.
MARS ATTACKS (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * The first thing you must keep in mind is just how corny this is going to be. If you liked "Matinee" or "Tremors", then this should be something you'll like. Boasting a huge cast of big name stars, most of whom are only in a few scenes, this is loads of fun to watch. Director Tim Burton has delivered another film that sparkles with talent and Danny Elfman's soundtrack recaptures the spirit of the old science fiction films. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE MARSH (R) 90 minutes * Claire Holloway (Gabrielle Anwar) just wanted to get away to the country for a break, but finds herself in the middle of her own terrifying dreams. But who are these troubled spirits and why is she here? It's not that hard to figure out, and despite a fair performance by Anwar, the rest of the film is poorly acted and written with little thought about developing characters or creating real suspense. The photography has a polished look about it, but even that seems to simply highlight the other weaknesses of the film. R for violence and language.
MARTIAN CHILD (PG) 99 minutes * * Ever felt like you just didn't fit in? David (John Cusack) knows what that feels like, so when he decides to adopt Dennis (Bobby Coleman), he's drawn to this strange little boy who thinks he's from Mars. Whether Dennis really is from Mars, or whether he's just trying to make sense of his life, he and David have a great deal to learn from each other. Coleman does a great job here, and the scenes between John and Joan Cusack are both a delight and a rarity to see. Somehow this doesn't seem to have the emotional strength needed to really involve us in the story. Adapted from David Gerrold's novel. PG for language.
MARVIN'S ROOM (PG-13) 95 minutes * * * 1/2 Wonderful adaptation by Scott McPherson of his play which met with so much success on stage. Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio are all superb, but it is the script which has the real strength. The story is so serious and depressing, yet filled with humor. An incredible piece of work that is not to be missed. The closing song by Carly Simon, "Two Little Sisters" is sung by Simon and Meryl Streep. PG-13 for language.
THE MASK (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Full of amazing special effects, but the story begins to slow down a bit too much after an hour. Based on the Dark Horse comic book character, the story revolves around a mystical mask that changes the wearer by accentuating their basic nature and deep desires. Jim Carrey's performance skills are very much at home here. PG-13 for language and cartoonish violence.
THE MASK OF ZORRO (PG-13) 130 minutes * * 1/2 Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas star in this new version of the old classic. As those familiar with the legend are aware, the mask does change owners, but there will always be a Zorro when there is a need. Hopkins plays this well, but Banderas' part has a bit too much comic relief in it considering the direction of the story. It makes for a rather uneven feel to the film at times and paints the characters in a bit more cartoonish fashion than one might have expected. The swordplay is very well-done though, and the horseback stuntwork is excellent. PG-13 for language and violence.
MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (1989) (R) 80 minutes * * 1/2 The misty quality of film and the abundance of greys and browns really helps to set the mood. There is some very good photography here, but there are also some shots that are quite pathetic. The same can be said of the editing and acting. It makes for an uneven production, but many Roger Corman produced films fall in that category. They're done on a low budget and rarely succeed on all fronts. There are enough good spots in this one to warrant some praise and make it worth your time if you enjoy watching classic horror stories on the screen.
MASQUERADE (R) 89 minutes * 1/2 Poor Olivia (Meg Tilly)... everyone is out to kill her for her money. Too bad somebody didn't kill the script. Almost cartoonish, and never really believable or suspenseful, with an absolutely horrible closing line. John Barry's music is nice, but you almost can't hear it.
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD (PG-13) 129 minutes * * 1/2 Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe), commander of the Surprise, has been given the order to capture or stop the Acheron. It's a daunting task as the Acheron is a tough ship. It's a story of war, friends, and the choices that must sometimes be made. It is perhaps a bit too realistic in that it's hard to distinguish who's who in the final battle. As well, a bit too much of the film relies on Crowe's character, which though well played, just isn't enough to give this the extra strength it needs. PG-13 for violence.
THE MASTER OF DISGUISE (PG) 72 minutes BOMB Pistachio (Dana Carvey) is a member of a family whose duty is to protect the world from evil by mastering the art of disguise. At it's best, this is a misguided project that can't seem to decide whether to go for the younger crowd or the adults. An example of this is the cameo appearances that actually tell you who the person is... just in case you don't know. Lots of material during and after the credits, much of it cut from the film, but none of it worth sticking aruond for. PG for language.
MASTERMINDS (PG-13) 100 minutes * * Expelled student Oswald Paxton (Vincent Kartheiser) just happens to be on campus when the new security chief (Patrick Stewart) decides to take the school hostage. Will the ex-British secret agent and his dozens of well-trained men succeed, or will they be defeated by young Kartheiser... Too hard-edged and dark for the kids, but far too hokey for the adults. This ends up being a curiosity with a few good scenes. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE MATADOR (R) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Danny (Greg Kinnear) is working on a business deal, Julian (Pierce Brosnan) just finished a job. They meet in a hotel bar, and an extremely unlikely friendship begins... especially since Julian is a hit man. Unusual role for Brosnan, but the story is interesting, offbeat, and charming in its own way. There are a few scenes that seem a bit gratuitous and pointless, and stronger material in their place would have helped this film tremendously. Richard Shepard tends to direct his own scripts and the weaknesses that can result are evident here, though its still definitely worth a look. R for language, violence, and sex.
MATCH POINT (R) 122 minutes * * * Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a poor Irish boy, taking in London and looking to move up in the world. Teaching tennis to the upper class serves not only as a way to earn a bit of money, but helps him make the right connections as well. Still, no matter who we know or what we become, there's always a bit of who we were that's left. It's an interesting character study from director Woody Allen. Nothing really whimsical or humorous in this story, just a solid drama, well-directed and nicely performed. R for sex.
MATCHMAKER (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Marcie (Janeane Garofalo) goes to Ireland to find the Irish ancestors of the Senator she works for to secure the Irish vote. She arrives in time for matchmaking week and... you can imagine the rest. Garofalo is far from convincing here and aside from some of the smaller Irish characters, nobody is much fun to watch. The story has far too much politics and far too little charm to make it entertaining and leaves us not caring much about the end. R for language.
MATCHSTICK MEN (PG-13) 111 minutes * * * Roy (Nicolas Cage) is a con artist. He's also obsessive/compulsive. While preparing for his latest con with his partner, he discovers that he has a daughter. He also forgets one of the most basic, and most important rules of being a con artist. Cage is amazing... as usual. His performance is intense and fun to watch, if a bit overplayed in a few spots. It's a different sort of film for director Ridley Scott, but he does a nice job with this character study, keeping it entertaining at the same time has its moments of suspense and despair. Alison Lohman holds her own quite well with Cage. It speaks well of everyone involved. PG-13 for language and violence.
MATERIAL GIRLS (PG) 92 minutes * * Hilary and Haylie Duff star as the Marchetta sisters, who have a hard time adjusting the their new reality when the company they inherit goes bust. Not only do they have to learn how to get along without their millions, they need to figure out how to clear their father's name. Duff fluff to say the least, but harmless enough and reasonably fun most of the time. PG for language.
MATILDA (PG) 91 minutes * * * Mara Wilson is outstanding in this adaptation of Roald Dahl's modern fairytale. It's a little extreme in some spots for very young viewers (thus the PG rating), but has wonderful lessons to teach and does so in a very entertaining story. Also starring Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman.
MATINEE (PG) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Lawrence Woolsey (John Goodman) is a producer of low budget horror films, a master showman, and who believes that surviving the scare is what makes life worth living. Set during the Cuban missile crisis, this reminds us of the three-dimensional experience that was unique to films of the 1950s. It also has a lesson to teach us about doing the best you can with what you get. Simon Fenton and Lisa Jakob are the youthful recipients of Woolsey's greatest words of wisdom... "grownups are making it up as they go along, just like you are, kid". How true. PG for language.
THE MATRIX (R) 129 minutes * * * Stunning special effects and absolutely mesmerizing photography! A computer generated dreamworld where people live out their lives as human batteries. There are a few who have awakened, and they are searching for the one who has the strength of mind and will to break free and change the system. Keanu Reeves comes up a little short here, and there are a few story holes. But the effects draw us in quickly and the idea is interesting enough to keep us watching. Good supporting roles help as well, but the real reason you'll want to see this is for the amazing special effects! Filmed in Australia. R for violence and language.
THE MATRIX RELOADED (R) 127 minutes * * 1/2 Heavily relying on the first film, the story continues here with the sentinels drilling their way down to Zion. While Morphius and many other believe that Neo is their savior, there are many who don't. There are, as in the first film, some amazing special effects scenes, but the story is terribly thin here. Fans of the first film will undoubtedly enjoy this, but, as the ending demonstrates, this is really only half a film. R for violence and language.
THE MATRIX: REVOLUTIONS (R) 120 minutes * * * Following the typical pattern of trilogies, this third entry is more exciting and interesting than the second, picking up the pace of the action and resolving many of the unanswered questions. The end is near and Neo (Keanu Reeves) must fulfill his purpose, for everything that has a beginning, has an end. It's a bit too formulaic at the end and it's too bad that someone felt the need to leave the story open for another sequel down the road. Kudos to Jada Pinkett Smith for a very strong supporting performance as an ace pilot! R for violence and language.
MAVERICK (PG) 123 minutes * * * 1/2 Broadly painted satire of the American west (even more than the TV show was), starring Mel Gibson, James Garner, and Jodie Foster. They work very well together and keep us entertained throughout the film. The best surprise of al though, is Graham Greene's show stealing performance satirizing his own previous work as an Indian character actor. It's a show full of laughs and action, with a little romance thrown in for good measure. You'll be glad you saw it! PG for language.
MAX KEEBLE'S BIG MOVE (PG) 80 minutes * * Max (Alex D. Linz) and his friends are the most picked on kids in school. When he learns that his family is moving, he decides that it's the perfect time to turn the tables. His pranks work perfectly and revenge is achieved, but what's that? The family isn't going to move after all? Cute and entertaining, it's a nive little film that most everyone in the should enjoy, though there's nothing outstanding enough to give it a higher rating. PG for language.
MAX PAYNE (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Despite their suspicions of each other, Max (Mark Wahlberg) and Mona (Mila Kunis) find themselves working together to figure out who killed her sister and his family. The story is intense, and doesn't let up much, but also somehow manages to be rather devoid of emotion. Based on the video game, which explains part of why the story is more than a little sketchy in spots. Nice work by Kunis. PG-13 for violence.
MAXIMUM RISK (R) 94 minutes * * Another instance of two characters played by Jean Claude Van Damme, but this time at least the one is out of the picture quickly. Natasha Henstridge is the one to watch here. It's too bad they don't give her a larger role that she could try and do something with. Things don't really get interesting until the last twenty minutes of the film, so unless you're a nut for Van Damme, this won't be your cup of tea. R for violence, language, and nudity.
MCBAIN (R) 99 minutes * Unbelievable and rather boring action/adventure film with Christopher Walken as a Vietnam veteran who reassembles the remaining members of his unit to take up the cause of their old platoon leader who was recently killed in Columbia. The presence of Walken, Michael Ironside, and Maria Conchita Alonso are the only reasons to give this a look.
MCHALE'S NAVY (PG) 103 minutes * 1/2 Based on the old TV show, this film takes things on to the next generation. There are a few cute bits here and there, but the mix of humor and drama is rather awkward at times. It does manage to end fairly well and it's a nice touch to have Ernest Borgnine around. This could have used some trimming though, to keep us better entertained. Filmed in Mexico. Rated PG for violence and language.
ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW (R) 86 minutes * * * * Writer/director/actress Miranda July has created a thought-provoking, humorous, and very original piece of work. On the one hand, it's the story about a recently separated shoe salesman, who finds himself the object of affection of a rather eccentric performance artist. That's only the surface, though. For what lies beneath that is the idea of how we struggle to connect with each other in meaningful ways in a society that is becoming increasingly more digital and distant. The characters stumble and bumble their way through encounters. Sometimes inappropriate, sometimes to no effect, but they continue to try, because that is what makes us who and what we are. Of course, having a sense of humor and a great deal of patience can help! R for sex and language.
ME, MYSELF & IRENE (R) 105 minutes * 1/2 If "Dumb & Dumber" and "There's Something About Mary" are your cup of tea, then you'll probably like this. Charlie (Jim Carrey) has been a nice guy for too long and develops a split personality so that he can handle his anger and frustration. Carrey's talents are evident, as are those of Renee Zellweger, but the script is corny and trite. The songs are well-chosen, but subtlety seems unheard of here, with the songs blasting away rather than gently reaching out from the background. And then there's the pointless narration... R for language.
ME MYSELF I (R) 104 minutes * * * Pamela Drury (Rachel Griffiths) is struggling with her life. It seems unbalanced. She has a successful career, but her love life is going nowhere. What if she hadn't said "No" to Robert all those years ago? What if she had a chance to see what it would be like? Though the idea of exploring alternate realities isn't new, it's handled here with a skill that reminds us that we're watching a character be introspective, analyzing herself in attempt to be a more complete person. Griffiths does her character proud, and the film is both warm-hearted and refreshing. R for nudity and language.
MEAN CREEK (R) 87 minutes George was the school bully, and Sam (Rory Culkin) wishes he could do something about it. His brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan) comes up with a plan for a way to get back at George, but when things go wrong, they and their friends learn a lesson they'll never forget. It's a haunting and tragic story. And even though you just know (even if you didn't know the plot), that something is going to go horribly wrong, the performances by this talented ensemble draw you in and don't let go. Tomandandy provides the moody soundtrack, which helps set the mood quite well. R for language.
MEAN GIRLS (PG-13) 92 minutes * * Cady was home schooled in Africa for years, but now she's going to high school and trying to fit in and make friends. But girls can be MEAN! This coming of age story runs a bit on the harsh side, trying to be sarcastic. Rather than making us laugh, it often just makes us wonder why. Lindsay Lohan does a nice job, but it's a story in major need of a re-write. PG-13 for language.
THE MEDALLION (PG-13) 83 minutes * 1/2 Jackie Chan is at it again, but with a little less action in this outing. There's this medallion, which has tremendous power... but the important part is that aside from a couple of scenes, Jackie doesn't do nearly as much with martial arts in this film. The comic bits don't work too well either and when he and Clair Forlani end up with super powers at the end, we are definitely ready to stop watching. PG-13 for violence.
MEDICINE MAN (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * Dr. Robert Campbell (Sean Connery) has discovered the cure for cancer. It lies deep in the Amazon rain forest where he's spent the last six years. He stumbled across the cure, but he lost it just as quickly. Dr. Rae Crane (Lorraine Bracco) is sent in to help, and now it's a race against the clock to rediscover the cure. Connery's charm goes a long way to making this an enjoyable film. He almost always manages to create a strong on-screen chemistry with his co-stars. It's disappointing that so many interesting subplots are relegated to a few brief comments though. It really would have strengthened the film to include more information. PG-13 for nudity.
MEE-SHEE (PG) 99 minutes * * Large creatures live in the lake and mean adults want to catch them and take them away. How can young Mac convince anyone to help him? Reasonable family-friendly film, but the script doesn't give us much to be excited about, and the acting is less than convincing. PG for violence and language.
MEET BILL (R) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Life isn't going very well for Bill (Aaron Eckhart). His job is meaningless and he's just found out that his wife (Elizabeth Banks) is seeing someone else. They just started a mentoring program at work, and while he doesn't want to do it, the boy (Logan Lerman) he's supposed to work with does seem to have some good ideas. Fun and different sort of comedy from first time writer and co-director Melisa Wallack. R for language.
MEET DAVE (PG) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Traveling to Earth is search of a missing device that is designed to retrieve water to save his own planet, "Dave" is a spaceship that looks like a human being. There are, of course, some difficulties in trying to remain unnoticed by the inhabitants of Earth. Part Eddie Murphy comedy, with lots of physical comedy that he is quite good at, and part kids adventure film. Fairly entertaining on both counts, though nothing that extraordinary. PG for language.
MEET JOE BLACK (PG-13) 174 minutes * * * Suggested by the play, "Death Takes a Holiday", this is the story of death personified, accompanying Bill Parish (Anthony Hopkins) for awhile before taking him. Brad Pitt does a fair job with a character that is definitely hard to get a handle on and Hopkins delivers another of his typically stellar performances. What really gives the film its spark though, is Claire Forlani, who plays Parrish's daughter. She and Joe discover love of a depth and strength neither had realized existed. It's a dark fantasy romance about life and death. Not to everyone's tastes, and it could've used some trimming, but it's an interesting piece that will be hard to forget. PG-13 for language.
MEET THE APPLEGATES (R) 84 minutes * Although the opening to this film is mildly promising, things rapidly deteriorate as giant insects try to protect their home by destroying a nuclear facility. (They're disguised as humans.) This effort to try and poke fun at the old 1950s horror films fails by being too corny and too far out for its intended audience. R for language and sex.
MEET THE BROWNS (PG-13) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Hoping to come into some money, Brenda (Angela Bassett) takes her family to her father's funeral. But the family she has never met is a bit more than she bargained for, in more ways than one. Adapted from Tyler Perry's stage play, with a well-balanced mix of comedy and drama that Perry so often manages. Good performances all around. PG-13 for language and violence.
MEET THE DEEDLES (PG) 90 minutes 1/2 Sent to camp by their father in an effort to make them "men", the Deedles get in an accident and end up being mistaken for park ranger recruits. Of course, they end up saving Yellowstone and Old Faithful from the treacherous plans of Dennis Hopper and his assistant, Robert Englund, but who really cares? Inane, inept "surfer dudes in Yellowstone" film that won't keep many entertained for more than a few minutes. PG for language and violence.
MEET THE FOCKERS (PG-13) 110 minutes * * This sequel to "Meet the Parents" has the two families getting together and getting to know each other. If you liked the first one, you'll probably like this one as well, as it's full of similar humor. Barbra Streisand seems to be having fun here, and Dustin Hoffman has a few good moments as well. Ben Stiller, on the other hand, seems overwhelmed by being in the presence of so much talent, despite how much it's being wasted. PG-13 for language.
MEET THE PARENTS (PG-13) 104 minutes * * Some fathers are rather hard to impress, but Pam's (Teri Polo) is just about impossible. Ben Stiller fills the film with pratfalls, but it's nothing new. Robert DeNiro is not a comedian and appears uncomfortable through much of the film, while Blythe Danner gets lost in the scenery, which is a shame. Stiller's dramatic scenes aren't bad, but they're never given much of a chance by a story that relies on humor instead of drama. The two can mix quite well, but you have to know how to write. PG-13 for language.
MEET THE ROBINSONS (G) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Adapted from the book "A Day With Wilbur Robinson" by William Joyce, this fun adventure film for kids shows just how important it is to make the right choices and keep moving forward. Lewis' inventions are always getting him in trouble, but he keeps trying. And when a mysterious stranger whisks him away into the future, he'll find out how impotant it is to keep trying. Top-notch animation, which you'd expect from Disney, though the songs are a bit weak until the final credits.
MEET THE SPARTANS (PG-13) 65 minutes BOMB Boring satire of "300" with even more boring extra footage and outtakes included during the credits. Definitely among the worst of the genre. PG-13 for language, violence, and sex.
MEET WALLY SPARKS (R) 100 minutes 1/2 Typical Rodney Dangerfield movie... simple script, cheaply filmed, and not all that interesting. The cameo appearances are fun to watch for, but that's about it. Definitely needed to be cut 5-10 minutes shorter. R for language.
MEGIDDO (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Just in case you missed "The Omega Code", the first thirty minutes of this film are spent retelling the early life of Stone Alexander and his rise to power. The story then continues with the world union and Stone's brother, who opposes it, finishing with a battle for the world and revealing Stone's true nature. The animation is amateurish, and the battle scenes are violent enough that they could have earned an R rating. The actors do what they can with a script that has no depth and little unerstanding of how to keep an audience interested. PG-13 for violence.
MELINDA AND MELINDA (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * Are the things that happen to us intrinsically comic or tragic? Or does it depend on what we bring to it and how we interpret it? The story plays out as two writers are given a scenario that they each take in different directions. The transitions are uneven at times, but the material within the segments is very good. It's a typically talky Woody Allen film with a very nice performance from Radha Mitchell as Melinda. PG-13 for language.
MEMENTO (R) 110 minutes * * * Leonard (Guy Pearce) has been in an accident that leaves him with no short term memory. His life is a system of notes and snapshots... constant reminders of what he has done and tips on what he should do next. It's making it more than a little difficult to track down the guy who raped and murdered his wife. This is the second film directed and written by Christopher Nolan, this one from a short story by Jonathan Nolan. Scenes are repeated and presented in a jumbled order in an effort to simulate Leonard's pattern of thought and his experience. It works fairly well and has a hypnotic effect at times. Direction was a bit weak though, and a more experienced hand could have given the story the extra strength needed to move this to the next level. R for violence and language.
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (PG-13) 137 minutes * * * 1/2 Another time, another place, another world... beautiful adaptation of the novel by Arthur Golden. Not only is it beautiful in the visual sense, but the acting and music are stunning as well. John Williams' soundtrack is complimented by the artistry of Yo-Yo Ma and Itkhak Perlman. The performances of Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, and Michelle Yeoh deliver strong performances, but newcomer Suzuka Ohgo is a delight to watch as young Chiyo, giving a memorable performance of her own. The story does wander a bit, but this is still a stunning piece of filmmaking. PG-13 for sex.
MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN (PG-13) 95 minutes * * The life of an invisible man just isn't as much fun as you might think. Nick Halloway (Chevy Chase) is being chased by government agents who think they know a good thing when they see it... or maybe it's that they know how to exploit a good thing they can't see. Chase gives his typical bumbling comedy performance, but receives little support. And John Carpenter is not used to directing comedy. The special effects are nice, but the final result is a memoir that just isn't very memorable. PG-13 for language.
MEMORIES OF ME (PG-13) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Billy Crystal, who co-wrote the script, plays the part of a heart surgeon who, after suffering a heart attack, determines to reestablish a relationship with his father. The mix of comedy and drama is a bit awkward at times, though the heart of the film is definitely in the right place.
THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER (NR) 88 minutes * * 1/2 They are twins, one born with Down's Syndrome and one without. Dr. Henry (Dermot Mulroney) decides to keep the birth of the second child secret from his wife and asks a nurse to take the baby to a home nearby that is known to care for those who are more like her. Instead, she raises the child as her own, and Dr. Henry is haunted by the choice he made for the rest of his life. Sentimental and cliche-ridden TV movie, though not without a few moments of good drama.
MEMPHIS BELLE (PG-13) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Great characters, but weak special effects in this WWII film about the bomber Memphis Belle and her crew. There's just too much use of stock footage and models that just don't look real. PG-13 for violence and language.
MEN AT WORK (PG-13) 97 minutes * Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen are garbage collectors who find a dead body one day while they're working. It's a mystery/comedy film that's never all that funny or mysterious. Estevez wrote and directed the film, and his lack of experience in these areas shows.
MEN IN BLACK (PG-13) 90 minutes * * * Based on the comic book of the same title, this has that tongue-in-cheek flavor of a live-action cartoon. The story is very well-written, but doesn't spend much time in developing the characters though. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, and Linda Fiorentino needed to see more screen time to make this a little more appealing. Danny Elfman has provided another great soundtrack and Rick Baker's special effects are fantastic as usual. PG-13 for violence and language.
MEN IN BLACK II (PG-13) 81 minutes * * * With the world facing a rather extreme crisis and Jay (Will Smith) needing a more experienced partner, Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) is called back from "retirement" to help. He's dealt with these particular aliens before, and it will take some expert handling to save the world this time. The story is well-paced and works in bits of humor all along the way as we learn more about who these aliens are and what they're after. Great special effects (many courtesy of the incredibly talented Rick Baker) and a fun soundtrack from Danny Elfman give this just what it needs to make it a very nice sequel. PG-13 for violence.
MEN OF HONOR (R) 123 minutes * * * Carl (Cuba Gooding Jr.) wants to be a Navy diver. There are few people in the world with the drive and determination it takes to complete the training. Carl plans on being one of them. The man who trains him will be tough, to say the least, but they find themselves bringing out the best in each other, pushing each other to the point of breaking in an attempt to be the best. It's a wonderful character study of two men who are bound to each other by the way they challenge each other. The story does drag a bit as we near the end, trying to milk the drama a bit too much, but it's still a fine film with great performances from Gooding and Robert DeNiro. R for language.
MENACE II SOCIETY (R) 90 minutes * * A poor script and weak acting do their damage to this story of black youth in Los Angeles. Too many obvious short cuts in the production are evident as well, though the camera work is of a noticeably high quality.
MERCENARY FOR JUSTICE (R) 89 minutes * 1/2 Steven Seagal agrees to free the son of a drug lord in exchange for the lives of two people he loves. A fair amount of action, hut Seagal is beginning to show signs of age. The story here is tired as well, with the attempts to have a dramatic story not working very well at all. Then again, Seagal isn't known for being in films with an emphasis on drama. R for violence and language.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (2004) (R) 125 minutes * * * Lavish adaptation of the Shakespearean drama dealing with conflicts over religion, loyalty, debts, and love. Wonderfully played by Al Paciono, Jeremy Irons, and Joseph Fiennes as well as the rest of the cast. This is a very classic presentation of the play, with only an occasional rewording from the original and with the beautifully fitting music of Jocelyn Pook added to the presentation. R for nudity.
MERCURY RISING (R) 105 minutes * * Bruce Willis plays his standard role as a renegade officer in this story of a top secret government code that is deciphered by an autistic child (Miko Hughes). FBI agent Art Jeffries (Willis) is now protecting the kid while everyone is out to get them. The action sequences are predictable and weak, though there is one bright spot late in the film. It's due to Kim Dickens, who plays Stacey, a girl who ends up watching Simon (Hughes) for a while and ends up being a potential romantic interest for Willis. She does a very nice job with a minimal role and leaves you wanting to know more about how things work out between them. R for violence and language.
MERMAIDS (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * Mrs. Flax (Cher) is one of those women who doesn't fit into any particular decade... or town. She's raising two daughters by herself and doing the best she can. Charlotte (Winona Ryder) is 15 and going through LOTS of changes, and Kate (Christina Ricci) is a 9-year-old swimming fanatic. The performances by all three are a treat, and Bob Hoskins gives a nice supporting performance as well. A mother and her daughters growing and learning, combining the best of child and adult, becoming mermaids. Three women, different ages, but three women nonetheless. Women who are learning, loving, and growing. Women who will be more than mother and daughters and sisters... they will be friends. PG-13 for language.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, DRAKE & JOSH (NR) 88 minutes * * Somewhat tired holiday film from Drake Bell and Josh Peck, using the success of their TV show to make another movie. There are a few good sequences between the two of them, but the rest of the cast offers little to speak of and the story isn't that great either, though it does manage to come together a little bit at the end. For die-hard fans of the series and characters.
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE (PG-13) 125 minutes * * 1/2 Jogging along the shore, Theresa (Robin Wright Penn) finds a bottle with a message in it. It's heartfelt and romantic and inspires her to track down the writer. She finds that they are both hurting from broken relationships. Broken in different ways, but it provides a touchstone that gives them an opportunity to reach out and care for one another. It's a relaxing film, with a romance that slowly builds. Things slow down a bit too much in the middle of the film, with the characters becoming so relaxed they almost become uninteresting. It manages to pick back up toward the end, but the damage is already done. Die-hard romantics will still find it to be a tearjerker, but trimming would've helped. PG-13 for language.
MESSENGER OF DEATH (R) 94 minutes * Yet another violent Charles Bronson film, this one has him investigating a murder case involving two sects of Mormons who are having conflicts. Even Bronson fans may find this one less than interesting. R for violence and language.
THE MESSENGER: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC (R) 143 minutes * * 1/2 Joan (Milla Jovovich) looks to God for a reason for the atrocities that beset her people and sees a sign that leads her to believe she has been called to a higher purpose. France desperately needs someone who believes they have been called to a higher purpose. This version of the story plays with the idea of doubt. Not only those who doubt Joan, but her own doubts. The idea that, perhaps, she misinterpreted the sign. Or maybe it wasn't a sign at all. Interesting ideas, but the film drags on a bit too long in some sequences and is needlessly excessive with violence. There are some very nice supporting roles here though, and if you're willing to look at the story from a slightly different angle, you'll find this worth watching. R for violence and language.
THE MESSENGERS (PG-13) 85 minutes * If you've been around children much, it wouldn't surprise you to think that they might be more aware of messages that might come from other "worlds". But do you listen to them if they tell you? Would you listen if they told you not to watch this movie? There are some creepy effects and good suspense sequences here, but there are also lots of cheap noise scares that ruin the real suspense the film might have had. The story never really uses the messenger idea much either, making us wonder why that was ultimately chosen as the title for the film. PG-13 for violence and language.
METRO (R) 113 minutes * 1/2 Uneven action film with some scenes leaving you on the edge of your seat, while others will have you wanting to leave the room. Very weak ending and not too many surprises, but the chase scenes are well-done and are very intense. Eddie Murphy continues to struggle in his attempt to find successful films that last for more than a couple of weeks at the box office. R for violence and language.
METROPOLIS (NR) 87 minutes * * * * The 1984 version of this classic 1926 silent film is a real treat to watch. With color-tinting and a soundtrack by Giorgio Moroder, you will quickly be caught up in the story. It’s a world of the future, where a young man from the upper classes abandons his life of ease to help workers unite together and revolt against mechanized society. Though this cut quite a bit of footage from the original, it makes the film a little less tedious than it was with the extra footage.
THE MEXICAN (R) 116 minutes * * The legend of the cursed pistol, and how much trouble Jerry (Brad Pitt) has holding onto it, could have been more entertaining. James Gandolfini fares the best here, as one of several other people who are trying to get their hands on this unique gun. The film is extrememly uneven, moving from realism to surrealism and occasionally mixing in humor and romance at the most inopportune times. The opening scene really sets the tone. Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts opening argument scene plays like a bad high school drama class project. Badly directed and horribly scripted, this somehow manages to end well. (Not sure who gets the credit for that!) R for violence and language.
MIAMI BLUES (R) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Although the story's focus is on Junior (Alec Baldwin) and how he comes to Miami to continue his stealing and killing, it's really Pepper's story. Pepper (Jennifer Jason Leigh) is the one who is feeling the blues, but we don't really get to hear much of her story except in how it relates to Junior. And Junior is more concerned with continuing his destructive course and avoiding Sgt. Mahoney (Fred Ward) than in anything else. R for violence, sex, and language.
MIAMI VICE (R) 124 minutes * * 1/2 Director Michael Mann wrote the script for this somewhat more gritty adaptation of the 1980s TV show. Colin Farrell is Sonny Crockett and Jamie Foxx is Rico Tubbs and they play the roles quite well, going undercover in the criminal world of Miami, Florida. The film does a nice job of keeping our interest for the first 45 minutes or so, but then the pace begins to shift awkwardly, with too many scenes that just don't go anywhere. The ending is well-played and almost worth the wait, but cutting this down by 10-15 minutes would have worked wonders. R for violence, language, and sex.
MICHAEL (PG) 100 minutes * * * A reporter and a photographer in search of a story... a woman who claims to have an angel living with her... a film with a great deal of charm and appeal... John Travolta is wonderful as Michael, who is not exactly what you might expect from an angel. Jean Stapleton does a superb job in her small part as well. The biggest problem the film has is William Hurt's lifeless performance. He seems to just walk through the entire film without energy or purpose. It really detracts from the effect of the film. The small screen helps lessen this negative effect and most people are really won over by Travolta's charm. PG for language.
MICHAEL CLAYTON (R) 114 minutes * * * Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is a "fixer", handling the problems that arise for a New York law firm by whatever means best fit the situation. He's very good at his job, but still wishes it wasn't something he had to do. His frustration is heightened and his loyalty questioned when the firm deals with a case that causes one of their own to become a whistle-blower. It's not a situation that can be fixed as easily as most, and Clayton finds himself faced with a decision that has far more impact than he first thought possible. The story is very good here, as are the performances, though nothing is really outstanding and the Oscar nominations and awards this film received are not particularly deserved. R for language and violence.
MICHAEL COLLINS (R) 126 minutes * * * Not a story that many Americans are familiar with... the Irish fighting to get Britain out of their country. The plot does wander around a bit much, but Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Aidan Quinn give it the strength it needs to keep us interested. Neeson really seems to have a way of finding roles that are tailor-made for him. R for violence and language.
MICKEY BLUE EYES (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Michael (Hugh Grant) wants to marry Gina (Jeanne Tripplehorn), but she has a secret. Her dad is in the mafia. But he's a really nice guy. In fact, James Caan turns in the best performance here, having a good grasp on how to keep the role light and charming. Grant and Tripplehorn never seem comfortable together and it is the supporting characters of Caan and the rest of the mafia family and friends who supply the interest here. Filmed in New York. PG-13 for language and violence.
MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL (R) 149 minutes * * 1/2 The opulent home of Jim Williams (Kevin Spacey), a collector of fine art and antiquities, and the location for one of Savannah's most high-class Christmas parties. John Kelso (John Cusack) has been given the assignment of writing an article for Town and Country magazine about it. The night after the party, a young man is killed and John decides to stick around to see what happens . It's an interesting story, but Clint Eastwood's direction slows things down to an annoyingly boring pace and make the film overly long. As well, the voodoo element (which is actually a major part of the story), is barely present until the end of the film. R for language and violence.
MIDNIGHT RUN (R) 122 minutes * * * Jack (Robert DeNiro) is a bounty hunter for a bail bondsman in Los Angeles. He used to be a police officer in Chicago, but when the department was corrupted by a drug lord, honest Jack found himself out of a job. His current assignment is to bring in an accountant (Charles Grodin) who stole several million dollars. The problem is... he's a nice guy and the money was given to charity. The banter between DeNiro and Grodin is delightful. Through it, we become familiar with the characters and their struggles, and begin to understand. With the exception of Yaphet Kotto, the supporting characters are the most troublesome part of the film as they are inconsistent. While not the focus of the film, supporting characters can add a great deal, or they can take the edge off, which is what happens here. R for language.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (1999) (PG-13) 111 minutes * * * 1/2 Wonderful new adaptation of the Shakespearean classic. Stanley Tucci is the perfect Robin Goodfellow, but the entire cast is amazing. Rupert Everett, Calista Flockhart, Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer... truly an ensemble cast that has captured the playful feeling of this story. The play within a play toward the end is sheer perfection. This is by far the best version that has seen film so far. It's a fun and lively adaptation that is a treat to watch. Filmed in Italy. PG-13 for subject matter.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (2005) (NR) 85 minutes * * * The classic Shakespearean comedy about love, with Dean Lennox Kelly as the mischevious Puck, who helps Oberon (Lennie James) make a fool of his love, Titania (Sharon Small). Their meddling also stirs up romance, comedy, and quite a bit of frustration between Hermia and Theo, who are about to be engaged, though they don't really love one another. Part of the "Shakespeare Retold" series from the BBC.
THE MIGHTY (PG-13) 100 minutes * * * * Rodman Philbrick's novel, "Freak the Mighty" makes the transition to screen beautifully. Kevin (Kieran Culkin) and Max (Elden Henson) were destined to be friends. Outcasts for different reasons, they find that together, they have more than either could have hoped for. Culkin and Henson are outstanding, and the rest of the cast, which includes Sharon Stone, Gillian Anderson, Gena Rowlands, Harry Dean Stanton, and Meatloaf, make the story come to life. It will charm you and inspire you, and treat you to a look at the power and magic that true friendship can bring. PG-13 for violence and language.
MIGHTY APHRODITE (R) 91 minutes * * * 1/2 More upbeat than most Woody Allen films have been in awhile (and aless self-analytical), this is the story of a man tracking down the biological mother of his adopted son. Of course, when he finds out that she's a hooker and a pornographic film actress it adds a few wrinkles to his plans. Mira Sorvino is perfect as Linda Ash, and the rest of the stellar cast does an outstanding job as well.
THE MIGHTY DUCKS (PG) 100 minutes * * It's "The Bad News Bears" on ice. A group of misfit kids and a coach who hates kids, hates hockey, and wouldn't be here if the court hadn't ordered him to do it as community service. The film does have a few moments of something fresh and new, thanks to Joshua Jackson, who plays the part of Charlie Conway. He has a good feel for the camera and gives the film the energy it needs to stay watchable. It's too bad that these films about the importance of being accepted whether we win or lose always have the underdog win in the end. It sort of defeats the purpose of the moral. PG for language.
A MIGHTY HEART (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Straightforward account of the kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl, based on the book by his wife Mariane. Emotions are somewhat restrained thoughout the film, though the performances are strong enough to keep our interest. Angelina Jolie's accent seems to fluctuate, but otherwise her performance is fine. R for language.
MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (PG) 106 minutes * * Modernized version of the old classic. Unfortunately, the old classic didn't have that much depth. The best things this version has to offer are the quality puppetry work from Rick Baker and his crew and the performance of Charlize Theron. James Horner's music adds a little bit in a few spots too, but the big problem is that the story is just incredibly weak. PG for language and violence.
MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE MOVIE (PG) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Feature film debut of those lovable rangers. Filled with action and villains that are easy to dislike, but aren't all that scary. Good morals served up in large, easy to swallow doses abound as well. This is sure to be a hit with fans of the TV show, but it stand fairly well on its own too. PG for violence.
A MIGHTY WIND (PG-13) 86 minutes * * Folk music promoter Irving Steinbloom dies, and a memorial concert is quickly put together with groups that he used to represent... The Folksmen, The Main Street Singers, and Mitch and Mickey. This satire of folk music and music performance in general, this is much more on target than "Best in Show", another satire from the same team. Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Michael McKean, and Parker Posey are delightful to watch here, though the story begins to lose steam as it moves along. Just in case you're wondering, the actors are singing the songs themselves. PG-13 for language.
MILK (R) 122 minutes * * * 1/2 His visibility as an openly gay political candidate opened the door that so many had tried to keep closed. Once people began to realize that everyone know at least one of "those people", the tide began to turn. Sean Penn delivers an Oscar winning performance as Harvey Milk that is definitely not to be missed. Dustin Lance Black's powerful script also won an Oscar. R for language, sex, and violence.
MILK MONEY (PG-13) 103 minutes * 1/2 When three curious boys decide to pool their money to hire a girl so they can study her anatomy, they get a little more than they bargain for. They get Melanie Griffith, who is on the run from her boss and his cohorts. Lots of subplots here to try and keep things interesting, but much of the acting is weak and we don't really care about the kids. PG-13 for language and nudity.
MILLENNIUM (PG-13) 101 minutes * * 1/2 John Varley adapted his short story "Air Raid" to give us this interesting story about time travellers from the future who "rescue" people about to die in plane crashes. The film goes over the same scenes too often as it tries to explain what's going on and Kris Kristofferson's rather laid-back performance doesn't work very well with the intensity of the story, but it's still intriguing.
MILLION DOLLAR BABY (PG-13) 128 minutes * * * 1/2 She's a woman with heart and a talent for boxing. She may be a bit old for the sport, but she's willing to work. Hilary Swank is simply amazing here, not that Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman are any less amazing, just that Swank is so ready to push herself to go places she hasn't been when she takes on a character. The narration was bothersome, but when you reach the end, the reason for it is clear and adds a great deal to the power of the film. Swank and Freeman picked up Oscars for their performances and it also earned Oscars for best picture and for Eastwood's direction. Adapted from stories from Rope Burns by F.X. Toole. PG-13 for violence and language.
MILLIONS (PG) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Young Danny is playing in a field near the train tracks, when a bag full of money seems to him to fall out of the sky. Convinced it's from God, Danny, who often talks to the saints, begins to give the money away to people in need. His brother is less convinced that this is a good idea. As they begin to explore the ethical issues surrounding their newly discovered wealth, they learn much more than they anticipated. It's a charming idea, but suffers from numerous impracticalities along the way. While some can be forgiven, there are too many to allow the film the strength it needs to keep us believing. While in many ways it's aimed at the younger crowd, the real appeal here may well be for the grandparents of the younger crowd. PG for language.
MIMIC (R) 99 minutes * * 1/2 A deadly new cockroach is bred to kill other cockroaches that are spreading a lethal disease. The new ones are supposed to die out in six months... of course they mutate and turn into monsters instead. As silly as that all sounds, a decent script has turned Donald Wollheim's short story into a fairly scary little film. Rob Bottin designed the human-size creatures and Mira Sorvino leads a capable cast in their search through New York's subways to rid the city of the pest she helped create. R for violence and language.
MINDHUNTERS (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 A handful of FBI profilers are completing their training on a remote island. But when one of their team is killed, they begin to wonder if this training is what they thought it was. Perhaps their trainer is going too far, or perhaps one of them isn't a profiler, but a serial killer. Unimaginative story that follows a plan a bit too obviously and then explains itself too often as well. Don't be fooled by the fact that Christian Slater and Val Kilmer are listed in the cast. They're neither one in the movie for very long at all. R for violence, language, and sex.
THE MINION (R) 91 minutes 1/2 When a key is discovered under the streets of New York by an archaeologist, Lucas (Dolph Lundgren) must get it into the hands of the Knights Templar before The Minion, a body-hopping demon, can get it. Low budget special effects along with a poorly written story are what really ruin this film. Too many parts of the story make no sense and the effects are laughable at best. The half star is for the earnest performances of Lundgren and Francoise Robertson. R for violence.
MINORITY REPORT (PG-13) 136 minutes * * * Adapted from a short story by Philip K. Dick, this is the story of the world of 2054. The crime of murder has all but been erased from Washington D.C., thanks to the efforts of a program that uses three precognitives to see the crimes beforehand so that intervention can take place. The system may have a flaw though, and John Anderton (Tom Cruise) appears to be caught in the middle. Very nice plot twists late in the film, but it does take a bit long to get there. Director Steven Spielberg once again gives us a science fiction film with a message, but the message seems to overpower the intrigue, which weakens the overall effect of the film a bit. Very nice performance by Samantha Morton as Agatha, one of the "precogs". PG-13 for language and violence.
THE MINUS MAN (R) 108 minutes * * 1/2 Adapted from Lew McCreary's novel, this is the strange and offbeat story of a serial killer. Vann (Owen Wilson) is a likeable guy with a very calm presence, and a very methodical approach to killing. Creepy, but almost too subtle at times. We want to forget that he's a killer, which is perhaps, part of what makes Vann so scary... he knows that about us too. R for language.
MINUTEMEN (NR) 89 minutes * * Three high school misfits discover time travel and use it to reset events so that other misfits aren't embarrased or ridiculed by their classmates. One action leads to another, and they discover there are ramifications to their actions. Life happens, and it's really our attitudes that matter and our friends that help us get through it all. Typical Disney TV fare. Not rated, but suitable for families.
MIRACLE (PG) 128 minutes * * * Kurt Russell stars as hockey coach Herb Brooks, who led the 1980 U.S. hockey team to olympic gold. Russell is good here, but it's the standard sports story that really keeps us involved. A group of individuals who are all quite good at what they do who learn to play as a team and overcome the odds to win the championship. No real surprises and nothing outstanding, just a nice, solid film with a well-done, feel good ending. PG for language and violence.
MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA (R) 151 minutes * * * WHen a World War II veteran shoots a stranger at the post office, no one can understand why. The story grows more intriguing when a valuable statue head is found in his apartment. What's the story? Well, forty years earlier, in a country ravaged by the war, there were four soldiers who were separated from the rest of their company... well-acted adaptation of the book by James McBride. The flow of the story is a bit uneven at times, but we do eventually find ourselves drawn in, and it finishes nicely. R for violence, language, and sex.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (NR) 96 minutes * * * * One of my holiday favorites, this is a golden oldie. Santa (the real one) is working in Macy’s and because of his efforts to make young Natalie Wood believe, he ends up going to trial. With the perfect touches of humor, and plenty of sentiment, this is a perfect film for the holidays. Winner of three Oscars, this is a charming film that is sure to entertain. Even if you’ve seen it before, watch it again! It's good any time of the year.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994)(PG) 106 minutes * * * Which is more important, truth or belief? Mara Wilson stars as young Susan Walker in this remake, and her performance makes the film a delight to watch. It does run a bit long, perhaps those scenes without Wilson should have been cut... Not quite the magical film the first one was, but still worth watching.
THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES (PG-13) 123 minutes * * * Two people drawn together by their need for companionship, find that intimacy is part of the picture whether they want it to be or not. Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges both do fine work here, but Lauren Bacall is fabulous! Great music by Marvin Hamlisch, costumes by Theoni Aldredge, and a very romantic story that will charm you. Directed and co-produced by Streisand, and much more appealing than some of her other work. PG-13 for language.
MIRRORMASK (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Helena (Stephanie Leonidas) suddenly finds herself in a strange world where everyone wears a mask and where darkness is in the process of destroying everything in sight. Valentine (Jason Barry) will serve as her guide, but she must find the answers and the mysterious mirrormask to discover how to save the white queen and her world. Meanwhile, in the world she has left behind, Helena's evil twin is trying to prevent her from coming back and her mother is in surgery, fighting for her life. Neil Gaiman's story comes to life, but we get so caught up in the visual presentation, that we get lost as well. It makes for an interesting experience, but not necessarily a great film. PG for violence.
MIRRORS (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 With his marriage in pieces, Ben (Kiefer Sutherland) takes a job as a night watchman of a burned out department store. But there's more than meets the eye as he quickly discovers. There is something in the mirrors of this old building, and a secret he needs to uncover if he hopes to keep his family safe. Moderately creepy in spots, with an interesting twist ending, though some of the details don't quite make sense. Sutherland's typically intense performance carries the film well. Adapted from the Korean film, "Into the Mirror". R for violence, language, and nudity.
LES MISERABLES (PG-13) 129 minutes * * Stiff direction that leaves little room for creativity makes this new version of the classic story rather lifeless. Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jean Valjean is adequate, but Geoffrey Rush's Javert is hollow. And then there's Uma Thurman, who, as Fontine, seems so near death so quickly, that there seems to be little point in including her in the story. The atmosphere is appropriately murky, but there seems to be little to bring us out of the depths, which is an important part of the reason behind the story. Filmed in Czechoslovakia and Paris. PG-13 for language and violence.
MISERY (R) 104 minutes * * * A different kind of horror story from the imagination of Stephen King. A story where the horror lies with the idea that a person who likes what an author writes, could actually value the product over the person. It's a story about our sometimes insatiable desire to "feed" ourselves what we want, regardless of the harm it may do to others. Paul Sheldon (James Caan) feels it is time to put his main character, Misery Chastain, out of his life. But Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) won't let Misery die. Misery loves company. And Misery is loved by Annie, who will inflict misery upon Sheldon if he doesn't cooperate. Less gory than the book and with a fine cast who do an admirable job with a fine script under the near-perfect direction of Rob Reiner. The result is one of the better adaptations of a Stephen King novel. R for violence and language.
MISS CONCEPTION (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Georgina (Heather Graham) wants to have a baby. The clock is ticking and her boyfriend just doesn't understand how important it is to her. Her friends come up with a plan... or several plans... but nothing is working out like anyone expects. There are a few charming moments and a few little laughs here and there, but the script shows little imagination or creativity, which doesn't give the actors too many places to go with their performances. R for language and sex.
MISS CONGENIALITY (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * When a killer threatens to strike at a beauty pageant, Agent Grace Hart (Sandra Bullock) is not really the most likely person to go undercover as a contestant. To say that she's a little rough around the edges is an understatement, but she's going to do her best. Bullock is fun to watch and the film plays well to her strengths as a comedic actress. The pratfalls, the sarcasm... and mix in the tenderness and sincerity that Bullock is also able to deliver and you have a great piece of entertainment. PG-13 for language.
MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS (PG-13) 107 minutes * * 1/2 After the beauty pageant, Agent Hart (Sandra Bullock) can't be a field agent anymore, but she does a nice job being the new face of the FBI. At least, until a couple of her friends are kidnapped. Then, with the help of Agent Sam Fuller, wonderfully played by Regina King, she lands right in the middle of the action again. Not quite as much fun as the first, but as far as sequels go, this isn't really that bad. PG-13 for language and violence.
MISS MARCH (R) 85 minutes 1/2 Tucker (Trevor Moore) and Eugene (Zach Cregger) have been friends since childhood. Ever since they saw their first copy of Playboy, Tucker hasn't been able to stop thinking about sex. It's not as important to Eugene. Fast-forward to a few years after high school. Eugene is coming out of a four-year coma. And he discovers that a few things have changed... like how his old girlfriend is the centerfold in the March issue of Playboy... Not much depth, or much sense of humor either. R for sex and language.
MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY (PG-13) 87 minutes * * * Miss Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) has a little trouble with keeping a job. She manages to snag one last chance, but she has no idea what she's gotten herself into. Delysia (Amy Adams) is a flirtatious young socialite, whose life is a whirlwind of men and money, which has become a rather tangled web. Miss Pettigrew surprises herself by finding both skills and wisdom she never knew she had, and helping Delysia untangle herself. Sweet and romantic film with wonderful performances from both McDormand and Adams. PG-13 for language and sex.
MISS POTTER (PG) 88 minutes * * * Renee Zellweger gives a delightful performance as the eccentric young author, Beatrix Potter. Quaint, cute, and charming, but it is her artistic and storytelling skills that work their way into the hearts and minds of millions of children. The worst part of this film is that it's over so quickly. Focusing mostly on the beginning of her career, with glimpses into her childhood, we wish we had the chance to see even more. Nice supporting performances from Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson. PG for language.
THE MISSING (R) 130 minutes * * * When her daughter is kidnapped by indians, Maggie (Cate Blanchett) has no choice but to rely on her estranged father for help. Still, her pain and her pride manage to get in the way at almost every turn. Adapted from Thomas Eidson's book, "The Last Ride", this never seems to fully develop the characters despite it's length. Blanchett's delivers a strong performance and ehr character comes the closest to developing well enough, but we learn comparatively little about the rest of her family. Jenna Boyd does a nice job here as the younger daughter, boosting the energy level of the film at times. Filmed in New Mexico. R for violence.
MISSING IN AMERICA (PG-13) 99 minutes * * * Jak Neeley (Danny Glover) isn't interested in seeing anyone, least of all an old war buddy who is dying and wants Jake to take care of his daughter. Of course she works her way into Jake's heart and reminds him that living means reaching out to others. It also means remembering, which is something else that Jake would rather not do. A small, quiet sort of film with nice understated performances from Glover, David Strathairn, Linda Hamilton, and Ron Perlman. PG-13 for violence and language.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must enlist the help of other disavowed agents to discover who is causing trouble within the agency. Lots of exciting chase scenes and plenty of tension as this old TV show hits the big screen. The impressively talented cast also includes Vanessa Redgrave, Jean Reno, and Emmanuelle Beart. Are you ready for the sequel? PG-13 for language and violence.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2 (PG-13) 119 minutes * * Far less believable action sequences and a story that beats you over the head with simple points and stretches too many of the exciting parts by using slow motion and/or computerized effects. What an exciting plot too, an agent from within has gone bad and is causing trouble... didn't that just happen in the first film? Tom Cruise turns in a nice performance, but lets give him something more to work with next time! Filmed in Australia, Utah, and California. PG-13 for language and violence.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3 (PG-13) 119 minutes * * 1/2 Ethan (Tom Cruise) is about to retire with his wife, but there's one more mission to go on. As the mission progresses, things get more complicated, especially when his wife is kidnapped. The action sequences get more far-fetched as the film progresses, but it's clearly more inventive and more realistic than the second film. Very nice "evil" performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman. A well-played villain can do wonders for a film. PG-13 for language and violence.
MISSION TO MARS (PG) 105 minutes * * 1/2 The first manned mission to land on Mars finds something a little strange, which quickly kills all but one of them. A recovery team is on the way, but what will they find? The acting here is quite good, with Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, and Don Cheadle being quite convincing. The effects are nice too, but the film is less impressive or inspiring than one might expect and the ending tries to wrap things up too neatly, raising more questions than it raised in the first place. Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia. PG for language and violence.
MISSISSIPPI BURNING (R) 123 minutes * * * Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe star in this dramatization of one of the major civil rights events of the 1960s. The ending is far less dramatic than it needs to be, highlighting the weak script, but the performances and the story itself have enough strength to make this worth watching. R for violence and language.
MISSISSIPPI MASALA (R) 112 minutes * * 1/2 This film begins in Kampala, Uganda in 1972. Adi Amin is removing all non-Africans from the country in an effort to keep Africa black. We follow the struggles of one family from India as they leave and then move to 1990 where their struggles continue in the United States. The story moves along slowly, but it is interesting to watch the problem of racial prejudice played out from this angle. R for sex and language.
THE MIST (R) 118 minutes * 1/2 The mist rolls across the lake and covers the town... but this is no ordinary mist... there are... monsters in the mist! Too many of the monsters here are little more than rubber toys, though the tension of the characters is handled fairly well. Unfortunately this is yet another of Stephen King's stories that works better in print than on screen. Filmed in Shreveport, Louisiana. R for violence and language.
MIST: THE TALE OF A SHEEPDOG PUPPY (NR) 75 minutes * The title basically says it all. Based on the story by David Kennard. Smaller children may find this cute, and at least we don't have to see the annoying animation that makes the "lips" of the animals move while they're talking. But the dialogue is poorly written and sometimes even seems as though it was written to deal with what the animals would be doing rather than getting the animals to do what was needed to tell the story.
MIXED NUTS (PG-13) 91 minutes 1/2 Comedy of errors about the staff of a suicide helpline and their misadventures one Christmas Eve. This is one of those sad examples of a film with an incredible amount of talent that just never gets used. Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Robert Klein, Rob Reiner, Juliette Lewis... this just never gives them what they need to make it come alive.
MO' BETTER BLUES (R) 124 minutes * * * A Spike Lee film about a jazz musician, played by Denzel Washington, who tends to cut himself off from other people. Washington does a nice job here and the film is filled with little vignettes that are very well done. The story is a bit uneven at times and rushes to a conclusion, and Lee still doesn't put much depth into the female characters. Still, it's worth watching for Washington if nothing else. R for language, violence, and sex.
MO' MONEY (R) 86 minutes * 1/2 Love for a woman can motivate you to do all kinds of things... get a job, steal... Damon Wayans' performance saves this from the gutter, but the script is all over the place with little focus, though there are a few good ideas. Wayans' fans may like this, but it's doubtful that anyone else will.
MOBSTERS (R) 99 minutes * * Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey, Richard Grieco, and Chris Penn star in this look at the gangster scene. It's all been done much better many other times. The only reason you might want to watch this one will be for the actors, who struggle with a bad script and amateur direction.
THE MOD SQUAD (R) 89 minutes * * The old 60's TV show gets a 90's makeover. Claire Danes, Giovanni Ribisi, and Omar Epps team up as the three kids who are headed for nowhere, but get a second chance as undercover cops. The acting here is fine, but the story lets them down with awkward pacing and little in the way of complexity. The TV show "21 Jump Street" covered this territory in a much better fashion. R for violence and language.
MODERN LOVE (R) 101 minutes * * * Robby Benson and Karla DeVito star in a story about love, marriage, birth, and death. Benson does a very nice job here, both acting and directing, offering us some powerful sequences and a film that is pleasant to watch overall. Benson and DeVito's real-life daughter, Lyric, plays Chloe and the film was made in South Carolina while Benson was teaching a class there on filmmaking. R for language.
THE MODERNS (R) 120 minutes * * * 1/2 A portrait of Paris in the 1920's, with an intriguing story and fabulous acting by a very diverse and talented cast. John Lone's character is of particular note, but Keith Carradine, Genevieve Bujold, Wallace Shawn, Linda Fiorentino, and Geraldine Chaplin all lend a hand in this interesting film. Filmed in Montreal.
MODIGLIANI (R) 120 minutes * * * Compelling biographical film about the talented artist, Modigliani. Andy Garcia does an admirable job, though the film falls short in doing justice with the supporting roles, giving a reasonable amount of time to a two-dimensional portrait of Picasso, and barely naming Modigliani's other contemporaries. Allowing Garcia more time to show us the artistic temperment of Modigliani and the tragic end of his career would have been a better direction to go. R for language.
MOLIERE (PG-13) 111 minutes * * * 1/2 Imaginative exploration of the few weeks when French playwright Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, also known as Moliere, went missing. Moliere was well-known for his comic talents, but as with many comedians today, did he long to be more respected as a dramatic talent? Or did he already understand that within comedy there IS tragedy, and within tragedy, comedy. What remains is for us to see it and for brilliant artists like Moliere to show us the way. Featuring a delightful performance from Romain Duris as Moliere as well as an excellent supporting cast and a wonderful script. PG-13 for sex and language.
MOLL FLANDERS (PG-13) 118 minutes * * * The story of Moll Flanders, starring Robin Wright, and filmed in Ireland. It is a wonderful and interesting story, based on a character from a Daniel Defoe novel, though Wright falls a bit short in carrying off the lead role. The supporting cast does well though, especially young Aisling Corcoran. Mark Mancina's music sweeps us along through a powerful story which seems to surpass the actors at times as far as its raw power.
MOM AND DAD SAVE THE WORLD (PG) 79 minutes 1/2Jon Lovitz falls in love with a suburban housewife and spirits her away to his planet so she can be his bride. This might have been funny as a five-minute skit, but at this length (which is fairly short for a movie) it's boring and humorless.
MOMMA'S MAN (NR) 95 minutes * * With a little time to spare, though not by his own choice, Mikey (Matt Boren) is spending some time with his parents. Visiting with them sparks childhood memories, and he finds that he has a chance to recapture what he missed the first time around. But what does that really mean? The acting here leaves much to be desired, but the material and the ideas about childhood and adulthood, clearly have an interesting story to tell.
MONA LISA SMILE (PG-13) 111 minutes * * She thought it was a grand opportunity to teach young women, but what Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) discovers is that it's little more than a finishing school. This remains a surface story throughout, never really delving into the issues of education, women's rights, hypocrisy, or anything else. Kirsten Dunst's character is so extreme that she appears cartoonish, and it is only Maggie Gyllenhall's performance that stands out and makes this worth watching at all. PG-13 for language.
MONEY FOR NOTHING (R) 97 minutes * 1/2 Based on the true story of a man who finds a million dollars that has fallen out of an armored car. Mediocre direction and poor acting by all but John Cusack really hurt this film. Cusack is a good actor, but he can't do this all by himself.
MONEY TALKS (R) 91 minutes * * Chris Tucker overplays his role as usual, but this still has a few good moments. In particular, the last fifteen are very entertaining as we watch the Los Angeles coliseum turn into a battlefield as the different groups who are after the diamonds all meet. Charlie Sheen isn't very strong here, but there isn't a great deal for his character to work with. The most interesting character is Tucker's friend Aaron, played by Michael Wright. Too bad we don't get to see more of him. The film struggles to maintain a balance between comedy, action, and drama, and is not entirely up to the job. R for language and violence.
MONEY TRAIN (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 John (Wesley Snipes) and Charlie (Woody Harrelson) are security police for the subway system. But Charlie just can't take the way things are going in his life anymore, so he decides to rob the subway train that carries the city payroll. Though this does deliver plenty of action, and Marc Mancina's music helps keep the atmosphere intense, there aren't really any surprises. It's a thrilling ride, but the characters have little depth. It's too bad, because Snipes and Harrelson work well together, they just needed a better script. R for violence and language.
MONGOL (R) 116 minutes * * * 1/2 The story of Temudjin, a young Mongolian who chooses his own way. It is not a way without difficulty, but his spirit is strong and his honor is steadfast. He eventually became a greater Kahn and a better warrior than his father ever dreamed possible. He was the great, Genghis Kahn. Beautifully photographed and well-scripted, showing the early years of a powerful and honorable leader. A different view of Genghis Khan than most are used to hearing, but is based on "The Secret History of the Mongols", a centuries-old Mongolian text that tells the tale from another perspective. R for violence.
MONKEY SHINES (R) 113 minutes 1/2 Incredibly long and rather boring story of a monkey who is supposed to be helping and instead becomes a terror. Based on the novel by Michael Stewart, this relies far too heavily on cheap noise scares and not enough genuine suspense. Tom Savini provides the special effects.
MONKEY TROUBLE (PG) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Predictable animal film with the ever-talented Thora Birch in charge of a monkey who picks pockets for a living. Birch and the monkey are what make the movie work as well as it does.
MONKEYBONE (PG-13) 86 minutes * 1/2 The story is about a cartoonist who ends up in a coma. The wild and crazy character he created is intent on taking over his body, but we know that can't last forever. We've come to expect quite a bit from the mind of Tim Burton. The set and characters are worthy of Burton's imagination, but the script is sloppy, and the film as a whole is weak and wanders aimlessly. Brendan Fraser does a nice job here, but he always seems to do a good job even when the film falls apart all around him. PG-13 for language and violence.
MONSTER (R) 103 minutes * * * Raised on dreams that never materialized, she could never really see a way to achieve what she hoped for and reality became more and more harsh until anger began to take control. This is a bit heavy with narration, though some of it (especially at the beginning) does help. Charlize Theron gives an amazing performance that is so real it's almost hard to watch at times. Christina Ricci's performance is strong as well, but it's Theron who carries this and who leaves her character imprinted in our memories. Despite a somewhat shaky start, it's a powerful film that is well worth watching. R for language, violence, and sex.
MONSTER CAMP (NR) 78 minutes * * 1/2 This isn't your usual sort of camp. It's for those who want to live out their fantasies and participate in what is known as LARPing. (Live Action Role Play) This documentary explores the planning, execution, and the lives of those who love to spend time with this interesting hobby. Funny and informative look at another sort of world.
MONSTER HOUSE (PG) 83 minutes * * Most neighborhoods have a scary house, but this house is a little different... and a little too scary for those under eight years old. The facial animation is rather lifeless here, which doesn't help us get involved in the story. And while it ends nicely, getting there is definitely a little strange. Perhaps there was more to the story that was edited out of the final film. PG for violence.
MONSTER-IN-LAW (PG-13) 96 minutes * * Charlie (Jennifer Lopez) finds more than she bargains for when she begins to pursue a romantic relationship with Kevin (Michael Vartan). Namely, Kevin's very possessive, neurotic mother (Jane Fonda). This is Fonda's first film in 15 years, and while her acting skills haven't diminished, one wonders why she chose this piece of fluff as a comeback piece. Lopez and Vartan neither one have what it takes to carry a film, and the jokes are all tired ones that have been overused. Wanda Sykes has a few bits that garner some chuckles, but this doesn't have much else to offer. PG-13 for language.
THE MONSTER SQUAD (PG-13) 76 minutes * Every hundred years, the balance between good and evil is tested. Dracula returns and wakes up a few of his monstrous friends to see if they can take over the world. Low budget film with bad costumes and a corny ending. The story seems to be aimed at pre-teens, but there's plenty of foul language here, so it makes you wonder...
MONSTER'S BALL (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 A monster's ball is the name for the special privileges granted to an inmate on the last night before they are executed. The real story here though is about a man and a woman whose lives are undergoing a great deal of change. Hank (Billy Bob Thornton) and Leticia (Halle Berry) are different in so many ways, but events in their lives are drawing them together and showing them the way to make it through. Thornton and Berry both do nice work here, but the story does feel a bit forced at times, showing a bit of heavy-handedness from the writer. Still, it is an interesting film and managed to earn Berry both an Oscar and an Actor (Screen Actor's Guild). R for sex, violence, and language.
MONSTERS, INC. (G) 84 minutes * * * Another superlative animation job from Pixar studios! The story is about the monsters in our closets, the life they live on the other side, and how scared they are of children. There's plenty of cute stuff here and it wraps up well, but the story wanders a bit in the middle and doesn't have the sharp wit that characterized "Toy Story", and "A Bug's Life".
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS (PG) 85 minutes * * For years, the government has been keeping monsters in a safe place, away from prying eyes. But now that aliens have invaded the planet, the monsters may be our only hope. An interesting idea, but too much of the story focuses on Susan and how she copes with turning into Ginormica. Great cast of voices, featuring Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Kiefer Sutherland, Stephen Colbert, and others, but the story just doesn't hold up. PG for language.
MOOG (NR) 66 minutes * * 1/2 Fascinating, though brief, documentary about Robert Moog and the creation of electronic music. Moog's explorations into the idea of electronic music as well as the various ways in which they were put into use are discussed. As a film, this is a little rough around the edges, but the topic is both unique and interesting.
MOON OVER PARADOR (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * Richard Dreyfuss is Jack Noah, an actor hired to play the part of a dictator. When the real dictator dies, Noah is supposed to take over for just a few days until the new dictator can take over. But he's doing such a good job... Quite comical, and with plenty of Hollywood in-jokes, this is a treat for film buffs. It also features excellent supporting performances by Raul Julia and Sonia Braga. Kudos to Paul Mazursky, who directed and co-wrote a film that was vvery obviously fun to make as well as fun to watch.
MOONDANCE ALEXANDER (G) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Moondance (Kay Panabaker) is a bit of a social misfit, but feels very much at home around animals. When she becomes attached to a neighbor's horse, it doesn't take much before she finds herself learning to ride, and discovering what friendship really means. Typical "girl and her horse" film for the 6-12 age crowd. The simplistic script is part of the weakness here, but it's not bad. Filmed in Alberta, Canada.
MOONLIGHT MILE (PG-13) 111 minutes * * * Joe (Jake Gyllenhaal) fiancee is dead and her parents have taken him in for awhile. We all deal with grief a bit differently, and this film delicately and sensitively shows us three characters who have all lost someone very dear to them. Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon both deliver nice performances here, but the story is the strength here, gently moving us along with the characters as they grow and change as the days and weeks go by. PG-13 for language.
MOONSTRUCK (PG) 98 minutes * * * * What a cast! Cher, Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, Danny Aiello, and Olympia Dukakis... in a romantic and entertaining film about the moon, New York, the opera, families, love, and... the moon. The dialogue and characterizations may be difficult for some to deal with, but they are drawn broadly for emphasis, similar in style to an August Strindberg play. Cher, Olympia Dukakis and writer John Patrick Shanley all won Oscars for their work on this delightful film. A real treat!
MORTAL KOMBAT (PG-13) 91 minutes * * Relying a bit too much on an understanding of the characters from the video game, this martial arts film comes up a little short. Adapted from a book based on the game, it runs the characters through their paces as they face and attempt to defeat evil before it takes over the world. Great music and special effects throughout, but the story drags a bit at the beginning. PG-13 for violence and language.
MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION (PG-13) * 1/2 The portal has reopened and the battle must continue... OK... the story seems like it could have easily been addressed by adding another 15 minutes to the first film. The fight sequences are well-done for the most part, but our characters seem more like plastic toys, with James Remar turning in a very stiff performance as Rayden. The emphasis on teamwork is more suited to the Power Rangers and we find ourselves wondering why they bothered making this sequel at all. Filmed in England, Jordan, and Thailand. PG-13 for violence.
MORTAL THOUGHTS (R) 98 minutes * * * Cynthia Kellogg (Demi Moore) is working with the police to help solve a murder case. But as the pieces begin to fall into place, Detective John Woods (Harvey Kietel) isn't sure that they're the right pieces. Although the ending short-changes us, the bulk of the film is intriguing and entertaining, with solid performances and some very nice twists. R for language and violence.
MOST WANTED (R) 92 minutes * 1/2 Keenen Ivory Wayans is about to be executed for killing an officer when he is "rescued" by a covert group of anti-terrorists and drafted into their service. Of course, things aren't what they seem and he's set up to take the fall for another killing. There are holes through this story all the way through the film. It's like we're missing around 20 minutes of the film. Unfortunately, the direction is so bad and the pacing so poor, that the added film would have been too tedious to sit through. A major waste of the supporting talents of Jon Voigt, Paul Sorvino, Robert Culp, and Eric Roberts. R for language and violence.
MOSTLY GHOSTLY: WHO LET THE GHOSTS OUT? (PG) 94 minutes * * From the mind of R.L. Stine comes this spooky story that may be a bit too intense for the younger members of the audience. It also tends to drag on a bit long as it tells the story of Max Doyle (Sterling Beaumon) and the ghosts in his house that only he can see. Max has to figure out who these ghosts are and why they are haunting his house. Most of the age 7-10 crowd will find it fun, if a bit scary at times. PG for violence and language.
MOSTLY MARTHA (PG) 103 minutes * * * Martha (Martina Gedeck) is a chef, one of the best in fact, but she has little time for anything else. Her life is dramatically changed when her sister is killed in a car accident and she has to take care of her niece Lina (Maxime Foerste). Among other things, an additional chef is hired, and Martha can't figure out what his agenda is. It's a whole new world that opens up as she slowly recognizes the important change that needs to take place in her approach to life, though it's also, quite simply, the same attitude she's had toward being a chef. Subtle and sincere, it's a film that slowly works its way into your heart, aided by very nice performances from Gedeck, Foerste, and Sergio Castellito among others. PG for language.
MOTHER (PG-13) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Debbie Reynolds does a lot to make this film endearing and charming. Still, Albert Brooks manages to whine his usual excessive amount throughout the film. The last 20 minutes or so are fairly good, but getting there is a real chore. This is definitely geared toward those women who've had an adult child come home to live with them. PG-13 for language.
MOTHER OF TEARS: THE THIRD MOTHER (R) 94 minutes 1/2 Third in the series following "Suspiria" and "Inferno", though being made almost thirty years later, the stylistic differences are quite large. There is suspense in some parts of the film, but much of the film is just a gore-fest. Some nice work by Asia Argento helps at times, but she can't rescue this by herself. R for violence, language, and sex.
MOTHER'S BOYS (R) 92 minutes * * After being away for three years, Judith (Jamie Lee Curtis) decides to return home. There's another woman in the picture now, but she has plans for someone who's trying to take her boys away from her... Cheap noise scares offer the only real suspense in the film and Curtis isn't convincing. Luke Edwards fares best as the oldest son as his family loyalties are torn in two directions.
THE MOTHMAN PROHPECIES (PG-13) 113 minutes * * Two years after the death of his wife, John Klein (Richard Gere) finds himself being inexplicably drawn to a small town where people have been seeing something strange. He puts his investigative reporting skills to works and begins to uncover the story. Definitely an interesting film that does a nice job of keeping our attention, but leaves us rather unsatisfied with the resolution or even the motivation. The story seems to deal more with the reaction to experiencing the supernatural rather than with the interaction itself. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES (R) 118 minutes * * * Wonderful and unusual sort of real-life adventure film that chronicles the cross-country travels of a young Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his friend Alberto Granada. Their journey, and their discovery of the heart and spirit of Latin America is inspirational. Though they begin on a dilapidated old motorcycle, the point quickly becomes evident that it's not the destination, but the journey itself that will teach these young men some of the most important lessons they'll ever learn. R for language.
MOULIN ROUGE (PG-13) 119 minutes * Definitely a unique piece of work from director Baz Luhrmann. It bears virtually no resemblance to the 1950's film of the same title, though it is set in the same location and does include the character of Toulouse-Lautrec. The dialogue frequently borrows from the lyrics of The Beatles, Elton John, Madonna, etc., and characters are constantly breaking into song. The story is about a poet who falls in love with a courtesan whose affections are being courted by a duke. The poet then writes a musical about the whole thing which is performed for the duke, which is when he begins to figure out what is going on. The film misfires on just about every level except music, though it remarkably manages to deliver an ending which isn't too bad. PG-13 for language and sex.
MOUSE HUNT (PG) 93 minutes * 1/2 Calling this a "Home Alone for Mice" is being nice. After their father's death, Ernie and Lars inherit a house with a mouse that would make Macauley Culkin smile. Nathan Lane needs to stay on Broadway if this is all that Hollywood is willing to give him. This is really geared toward the young adolescent crowd, but even they will probably find it no more than mildly amusing. PG for language and cartoonish violence.
LA MOUSTACHE (NR) 83 minutes * * * It's only a moustache, but when Marc (Vincent Lindon) decides to shave it off one morning, he discovers that no one seems to notice. Did he really shave it off? Did he only imagine he had one? Excellent performance from Lindon that perfectly rides the edge between light humor and mystery/suspense. It's a unique and interesting film, adapted from the novel by Emmanuel Carrere.
MOVING (R) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Richard Pryor gets fired from one job, but ends up in a dream job... of course it requires moving... Fairly typical of Pryor as far as there being moments of brilliant humor surrounded by large segments of far less interesting material. There are some nice cameo appearances, but this definitely shows its low budget when it comes to the editing.
MOVING MCALLISTER (PG-13) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Rick (Ben Gourley) is willing to do just about anything to get in good with his boss (Rutger Hauer). His chance comes when McAllister (Hauer) asks him to move his niece Michelle (Mila Kunis) from Florida to California. There's nothing like a little time on the road to get close to someone... or to get totally frustrated with them... or maybe both? Cute film and Gourley and Kunis work well together. The ending is no surprise, but we don't mind. PG-13 for language.
MOZART AND THE WHALE (PG-13) * * 1/2 Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell both deliver fine performances in this story of two people with Asperger's Syndrome who find that love is not only possible, but perhaps just what they need. Perhaps a bit on the idealistic side as far as the story, but the performances are quite good, by the supporting cast as well. PG-13 for sex and language.
MR. AND MRS. BRIDGE (PG-13) 122 minutes * * * America in the 1930s and 40s, a country where styles and morals are beginning to change. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward are sheer perfection as the leading characters here and are supported well by Austin Pendleton, Kyra Sedgewick and the rest. The story is a bit depressing at times, but it's a unique slice of life film, with vivid characters that bring a piece of the past to life. PG-13 for language.
MR. & MRS. SMITH (PG-13) 112 minutes * * They're both hired killers, who end up meeting and deciding to get married, all the while never knowing what the other really does... until there's a conflict of interests at work. Lightweight fun, with some very nice stuntwork and photography that does a good job of highlighting it most of the time. Far from believable, but it doesn't really try that hard to get you to believe it. Definitely runs a little long, though a bit more background would have been nice. There's almost no screentime for supporting roles, which adds to the weakness of the story. Vince Vaughn manages to get a few minutes, but a little more would have been nice. PG-13 for violence and language.
MR. BASEBALL (PG-13) 104 minutes * * Tom Selleck is a down and out big league baseball player who is traded to a Japanese team. Though his character really enjoys baseball and wants to play, Selleck seems bored with the role and ready to go take a break. PG-13 for nudity and language.
MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY (G) 79 minutes * * Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) wins a trip to France and has many misadventures along the way. Fans of Mr. Bean will probably enjoy this, but there's definitely nothing new or very creative here, especially with the trimming that was done to turn this into a G-rated film. Harmless enough, but not that funny or interesting.
MR. BROOKS (R) 110 minutes * * * There's something a bit unusal about Mr. Brooks. He's a serial killer who sees himself as a man with an addiction. For awhile, he's been able to keep things under control, but it's started again. And now, there's someone who knows what he's doing. Interesting thriller with Kevin Costner's fairly typical laid-back performance fitting quite nicely with a character who is quiet and methodical despite the thrill he gets from killing. Some nice twists and turns, but nothing extreme. The focus is more on Brooks' own understanding of why he does what he does and how and why he might stop. R for sex, violence, and language.
MR. DEEDS (PG-13) 89 minutes * 1/2 Comic modernization of the 1936 classic, "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" does have its moments of both humor and charm, but it bears little resemblance to the original. Adam Sandler tries to give us something similar in tone to "The Wedding Singer", but misses the mark. There are some fun cameos by other comics and friends of Sandler, and the collection of songs for the soundtrack is a nice one. Still, it's a rather unimaginative effort. PG-13 for language.
MR. DESTINY (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * Predictable but entertaining look at how changing one event in our past could affect our present, and whether or not that's a good idea. Jim Belushi and Linda Hamilton lend enough charm and Michael Caine gives a solid supporting performance that make this worth watching. Jon Lovitz, Rene Russo, Courteney Cox, and Kathy Ireland are also featured.
MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS (PG) 136 minutes * * 1/2 Classic story of a teacher who isn't initially interested in teaching, but begins to love it so much that he neglects his own family. Richard Dreyfuss does an excellent job here, but the film's strength really comes from the great supporting work done by so many others. The minor characters are what ruin the film, thanks to the director's inclusion of locals in the film and their inability to stay in character. It breaks the intensity in too many scenes and spoils the effect. PG for language.
MR. JONES (R) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Richard Gere stars as a manic/depressive who has a romantic relationship with his therapist (Lena Olin) who has troubles of her own. "The Prince of Tides" this isn't, but Gere delivers a strong performance that helps cover up many of the films weaknesses. Too much of the film feels "empty", due to a two-dimensional script and mediocre direction.
MR. MAGOO (PG) 83 minutes * Leslie Nielsen brings that lovable, nearsighted old cartoon character to life in this film. Nielsen does quite well with the role, but the story lets him down as it weaves in a theft of a jewel for which Magoo is suspected. This live-action Magoo is a bit too aware of what goes on around him to give us the same sense of humor as we enjoyed in the cartoon. And the supporting performances are the typically overplayed sort we find in most pratfall comedies, cheapening the effect of the story even further. Maybe Nielsen will get another chance with a sequel that will have a better story. PG for cartoonish violence.
MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM (G) 88 minutes * * * Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is thinking of leaving the magical toy store he has owned for the last 113 years. But what will happen to it? Can someone else run it? It's a story that is both magical and serious, with a fun and somewhat atypical performance from Hoffman and with Natalie Portman reminding us of a young Julie Andrews. Remember, "you're life is an occassion, rise to it!" Face tomorrow with determination, joy, and bravery.
MR. NANNY (PG) 79 minutes * 1/2 Reasonable children's fare with cartoonish violence as Hulk Hogan becomes the babysitter for a couple of rich brats. Harmless enough, but not very interesting either.
MR. NICE GUY (PG-13) 80 minutes 1/2 Jackie Chan stars as a nice guy in this low-budget reworking of one of his foreign-released films. Incredibly irritating camera work right from the start, but the bad acting quickly gains the upper hand. The only real entertainment value here is in laughing at how bad this is. Chan fans won't be deterred, but most others will not be interested. PG-13 for violence.
MR. PAYBACK (PG-13) 22 minutes * * 1/2One of a couple of interactive short films that were released to theaters in an attempt to try something different. The film is shown on laser disk and gives the audience the opportunity (through remote controls) to choose the next sequence of events. Mildly entertaining story with poor acting by all but Christopher Lloyd effectively makes this look like a high school film class project.
MR. SATURDAY NIGHT (R) 113 minutes * * * Billy Crystal stars in the story of a comedian who has risen to the top by walking on other people. It's the tragic story of a man who never knew how to get what he really wanted or needed out of life. A man who took every bad break and made it worse. David Paymer and Mary Mara both have excellent supporting roles. R for language.
MR. 3000 (PG-13) 97 minutes * 1/2 Bernie Mac is Stan Ross, one of baseball's heavy hitters. After getting his 3000th hit, he abruptly retires, only to find out a few years later that he's really three hits short of 3000. Determined to redeem himself, he not only has to get three more hits, he has to adjust his attitude. Bernie Mac fans may enjoy this, but few others will. His typically abrasive humor has been toned down a bit, but the negative tone is still there. PG-13 for language.
MR. UNTOUCHABLE (R) 89 minutes * * 1/2 During the 1970s and 1980s, the drug business in New York was run by Nicky Barnes. Nicky and his council not only controlled the drugs in New York, but were able to remain in business and gain an immense amount of power that made them appear to be untouchable. When the empire finally came crashing down, Nicky turned on his former colleagues and testified against them. Numerous interviews with Barnes and those who knew him during his reign as a drug kingpin. R for language, violence, and sex.
MR. WOODCOCK (PG-13) 80 minutes 1/2 Little loser Johnny (Seann William Scott) grows up to be a successful author of a self-help bestseller. When he returns home to celebrate, he discovers that his mother is going to marry the coach who made his younger life a living hell. We don't really care. Billy Bob Thornton plays yet another really unlikeable character, and it's no fun to watch. The real disappointment is watching the talented Susan Sarandon waste her talents on a film like this. PG-13 for language and sex.
MR. WRONG (PG-13) 89 minutes * The story starts out fairly normal here, but begins to get strange and remind us of "War of the Roses" more than anything else. The script gives little hint at the direction it's going and doesn't have the strength to keep us interested for long. Ellen DeGeneres is a wonderful stand-up comedian, but an actress she isn't. PG-13 for language and nudity.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE (PG-13) 119 minutes * * * 1/2 Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) will do anything to be able to see his children after his wife decides they need to separate. So he does. He becomes Mrs. Doubtfire, a housekeeper who will also keep an eye on the kids. Not only hilarious, but sensitive and very well-acted. The kids are great and Sally Field does a fine job. Of course, Williams is the one who really makes it work, but that's no real surprise. PG-13 for language.
MRS. HARRIS (NR) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Curiously lifeless retelling of the murder of Herman Tarnower (Ben Kingsley), the Scarsdale diet doctor. Annette Bening plays the part of Jean Harris, who fell in love with the doctor, but became obsessive and frustrated that he didn't seem to return her devotion. Kingsley's performance definitely seems distant and detached, but so much so that one wonders why Harris would ever stick around. The somewhat stiff performances seem more the result of the script than anything else, but Bening still manages to keep our interest for most of the film.
MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Jusi Dench is Laura Henderson, a recent widow and new owner of a theater in London. It may be wartime, but that's no reason not to provide entertainment for those who are looking for it! And when the standard approach to theater seems to falter, she decides that perhaps nudity might draw a few more people into the theater. Dench and Bob Hoskins are both fun to watch here, but the film is a bit uneven. Setting the story in wartime London and dealing with that aspect in a very serious manner doesn't leave room for the comedy to go very far. There's a tension between the two that can be felt and is never dealt with effectively. R for nudity and language.
MRS. WINTERBOURNE (PG-13) 100 minutes * * From the novel "I Married a Dead Man", this is a story of mistaken identity and true love. Shirley MacLaine and Brendan Fraser make this fun to watch in a few spots, but Ricki Lake needs to go back to her talk show. You won't be sorry that you watched this, but you won't remember it for long either.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (PG-13) 107 minutes * * * 1/2 Director/actor Kenneth Branaugh brings another Shakespearean classic to the screen in grand fashion. From the opening scene on, this is a delight to watch. Comedy, romance, mystery, and suspense... a wonderful story and a very well-made film. Filmed in Italy.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (2005) (NR) 89 minutes * * * Delightful modernization of the classic Shakespeare comedy! Beatrice (Sarah Parish) finds herself in the unpleasant position of having to co-anchor her show with the man she used to have a relationship with. Everyone else loves Benedick (Damian Lewis), and Beatrice does too... if she'll only realize that he really has changed. Wonderful performances and an excellent retelling of the story! One of the better entries in the "Shakespeare Retold" series from the BBC.
MULAN (G) 80 minutes * * * Adapted from Robert D. San Souci's version of the Chinese legend, this is a beautiful film, though not quite as impressive as "Pocahontas" as far as artistic presentation. The story is a bit uneven as well, trying to achieve that precarious balance between drama and comedy and only succeeding part of the time. It's also a bit above the heads of most children, though they will enjoy the Mushu the dragon, well-voiced by Eddie Murphy. Jerry Goldsmith's music makes the soundtrack worth a listen, but this won't be much of a repeat viewing film for the kids.
MULAN II (G) 73 minutes 1 1/2 Mulan and Shang are planning on getting married but must first complete a mission. Conflicts arise and Mushu's meddling first hinders and then helps them get together. Far less interesting or entertaining than its predecessor though there are a couple of nice songs.
MULHOLLAND DR. (R) 143 minutes * * * A dark and moody film with a haunting atmosphere. Just the sort of suspense film you'd expect from director David Lynch. Fans of the Twin Peaks TV series will find the moods and style here to be familiar ones, but the story is fresh and interesting. Those who haven't seen Lynch's work before are in for a treat. This is a delight to watch. Some of the actors here show their lack of experience, but the style overwhelms and impresses us, more than compensating for it in most instances. R for sex, language, and violence.
MULHOLLAND FALLS (R) 102 minutes * 1/2 A transparent plot and a lifeless script really hurt this story of conflict between the Los Angeles Police Department and the United States Government. The cast is full of big names... Nick Nolte, Melanie Griffith, Treat Williams, John Malkovich... but they all seem lifeless and uninteresting. It ends up being just another gangster film, lost among many that are much better.
MULLIGANS (NR) 87 minutes * 1/2 It's only after Tyler (Derek Baynham) brings his friend home from college that he discovers that Chase (Charlie David) is gay. Not really a big deal as far as this family is concerned... until Tyler's dad gets involved with Chase. Two dimensional acting and a script that is rather simple make this difficult to connect with.
MULTIPLICITY (PG-13) 112 minutes * * * Michael Keaton is the key word here. Playing four characters that are all on screen at the same time definitely keeps things entertaining. The story is relatively predictable, but still fun to watch, with a fine cast that work well together. Laszlo Kovacs' work with the camera crew combined with Richard Edlund's special effects present the four Keaton's very effectively and with such ease that we'll undoubtedly see more of this type of work.
MUMFORD (R) 106 minutes * * * Doc Mumford has a great practice, treating half the town, but he isn't really a therapist. Still, he knows how to listen and how to make people feel positive about themselves, and to grant them the right to have a second chance which so few of us are willing to give ourselves. Loren Dean does a nice job with the lead role here and Jason Lee is wonderful as Skip Skiperton. But it's Lawrence Kasdan's script and direction that move this along so well and pull us into the story. There are so many wonderful little bits all along the way that you want to keep watching for more. Filmed in Sonoma and Napa counties, California. R for language.
THE MUMMY (PG-13) 117 minutes * * * The legend of the mummy rises once again in this special effects extravaganza. Brandan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are on the trail, but the descendants of Pharoah's bodyguards will try to prevent them from raising the creature. The effects are superb, but there is far too much comedy here. It takes the edge off of the adventure, suspense, and horror of the story, which were doing such a good job keeping us entertained. Despite that distraction, it's still a wild enough ride that few will be disappointed. Just remember to watch out for those scarabs! PG-13 for violence and language.
THE MUMMY RETURNS (PG-13) 122 minutes * * 1/2 What a showcase for special effects! Plenty of action in this sequel, but we've sacrificed the characters to get it. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and Oded Fehr are still here, but they tend to step out of the way for the effects. As far as story... oh, you wanted a story? The scorpion king's tomb is disturbed and he's pretty mad about it. The bits of explanation we get are just that... "bits", that are crammed in between special effects. Still, the time does fly by and the only effect that doesn't come across well is the scorpion king himself toward the end of the film. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR (PG-13) 101 minutes * * This third entry in the series has a different writing team and a different director, and some of the spark is gone as well. The O'Connell's have retired, but their son Alex is an archaeologist. He's just made one of the greatest, and most dangerous discoveries of all time. And he's going to need his parents' help... Plenty of action here, but the film suffers from having extended battle scenes and not enough plot. PG-13 for violence and language.
MUNICH (R) 146 minutes * * * After the kidnapping and murder of the Israeli athletes at the Olympic games in Munich, those who were responsible for the terrorist plot were tacked down and assassinated by the Mossad. True espionage is dirty, dangerous, and frustrating work. Once begun, it never ends. Retaliation leads to more retaliation, and the cost continues to rise while the reasons retreat further into the background. The film draws us in quickly, and we find ourselves easily able to sympathize with these men who are avenging the death of their fellow countrymen. The puzzling bit here is that director Steven Spielberg, by inserting flashbacks of the kidnapping throughout the film, he seems to be wanting to remind us why the Mossad is doing this work. I think he's missed the point of the story. What does revenge and retaliation accomplish when those you kill are simply replaced by others and when nothing you do seems to make you feel any safer, but instead has almost the exact opposite effect? Nice work by Eric Bana. Adapted from the book Vengeance by Goerge Jonas. Filmed in Malta and Hungary.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (G) 81 minutes * * * 1/2 Great choice of a story for the muppets to adapt. It's a solid adaptation of the original with enough muppet one-liners to make us laugh but still not lose the message of the story. Gonzo plays the part of Charles Dickens and narrates for us, but you'll see just about every other muppet made in this film too. The music is the weakest part here, with some songs quite well done, but others falling short of the mark. And those ghostly muppets may frighten a few of the youngest viewers as well.
MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND (G) 92 minutes * 1/2 They manage to work in just about every muppet you've ever seen into this story, which is sort of fun to watch. However, the boy is a really bad actor and can't sing the songs. Definitely the worst of the muppet films, though it does include an appropriate quote... "It could be worse, we could be stuck in the audience."
MUPPETS FROM SPACE (G) 81 minutes * * 1/2 Gonzo discovers that he is really an alien. As he begins to establish contact with his relatives, the government gets suspicious. Parodies of bits from numerous films are scattered throughout, but there isn't much energy here. There isn't much music and Gonzo just can't carry the film that well as the lead character. Cameo appearances by several well-known actors help keep us interested, but the kids watching this seemed restless and somewhat bored.
MURDER AT 1600 (R) 103 minutes * * * 1/2 Harlan Regis (Wesley Snipes) is a Washington D.C. homicide cop, but this time the murder has taken place at the White House. Of course he finds that a number of things are being covered up by the secret service, but who is being protected and why? A number of tense chase scenes and quality performances fill this very well-written mystery. Our suspicions are moved slowly and carefully until the answer finally falls into place. Snipes, Diane Lane, Dennis Miller, and Daniel Benzali are all to be applauded for their performances. Great soundtrack by Christopher Young too! R for violence and sex.
MURDER BY NUMBERS (R) 116 minutes * * 1/2 A couple of high school kids who are just a little bit socially twisted, decide to commit a murder... the perfect murder. The problem is, the woman investigating is pretty close to perfect herself. As is typical for Sandra Bullock, she is able to create a character that is easy to feel comfortable with and that we care about. The editing is a little weak early in the film, but improves as the film progresses. Much like the title though, the film is a bit methodical and predictable, as though it was made by following along in the book of "how to make a murder/mystery movie". R for violence and language.
MURDER IN THE FIRST (R) 117 minutes * * * A wonderful performance by Kevin Bacon as Henri Young, who is sent to Alcatraz for stealing five dollars. It is under the influence of the prison that he turns into a murderer who spends so much time in solitary that he can barely tolerate the presence of other people. The supporting performances are a little too sketchy, but it's nice to see Bacon in a role that lets him show his talents a little more.
MURIEL'S WEDDING (R) 100 minutes * * * Muriel (Toni Collette) is a plain girl, and not all that bright. So she leaves her home town in the hopes of getting away from her dysfunctional family. Her friends turn out to be not so friendly and... well, I won't give the rest away. Wonderful performances by Collette and Rachel Griffiths and great new arrangements of the music of ABBA give this a quality that will stay with you for a long time.
THE MUSE (PG-13) 92 minutes * * Stephen (Albert Brooks) is a writer who's scripts "lack energy". He's not sure what to do about it until a friend recomends a muse. But is she really a muse, or just someone who understands how exciting life can be and that the excitement can be infectious and inspirational. Andie McDowell's lifeless performance really hurts the film, making us wonder if she rehearsed at all. Brooks is a little less irritating than usual, but the film falls far short of what it might have been with better direction and a script that dealth with its loose ends a bit better. PG-13 for language and nudity.
MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG-13) 98 minutes * * Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is pretty much a musical has-been. But if he can write a song that Cora Korman (Haley Bennett) likes, he just might show that he has a little life left in the music business. The only problem is that he can't seem to find the right lyrics. The young woman who has come over to take care of his plants just might be able to help out with that. Lightweight fun, with Grant and Drew Barrymore playing off each other quite well. They are what make the film entertaining, as the script is too predictable and shallow to offer much. Barrymore, Grant, and Bennett all perform their own songs and the video for "Pop Goes My Heart" is a treat all by itself. PG-13 for langauge and sex.
MUSIC OF THE HEART (PG) 119 minutes * * * Wes Craven doesn't usually direct films like this and it shows a little bit early on as far as the way the story flows. But if you can stick with it for the first 30 minutes or so, you'll enjoy the rest. It's the story of a violin teacher and her students in an area of Harlem. Heartwarming and inspirational, with a nice performance by Meryl Streep. If you enjoy this, be sure to see the documentary it's based on, "Small Wonders". PG for language.
MUSIC WITHIN (R) 98 minutes * * * Richard Pimentel (Ron Livingston) is a naturally gifted public speaker, but when he auditions for Dr. Padrow, he is told that he needs more life experience because his speaking lacks the heart and passion it needs. Pimentel enlists in the military, goes to Vietnam, and after being wounded, becomes an advocate for veterans and a world-renowned public speaker. An amazing amount of story is very well packed into this film, with bits of humor to help us manage the tragedy and frustration at what Pimentel and his friends have to deal with. R for language and sex.
THE MUSKETEER (PG-13) 98 minutes * * Pop entertainment version of the classic story with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. Some fight sequences (choreographed by Xin Xin Xeong) are quite good, but many are filmed in dim lighting or are just too far-fetched to make any sense at all. Tim Roth and Stephen Rea are wonderfully evil in their roles, but this script is well beneath their talents. PG-13 for violence.
MUST LOVE DOGS (PG-13) 94 minutes * * * Sarh (Diane Lane) and Jake (John Cusack) are both single people who have pretty much given up on relationships. They also both have friends and relatives who won't let them quit. On-line matchmaking services bring them together and they discover that there's still a chance that they just might find someone. As well as a delightful supporting cast that includes Dermot Mulroney, Elizabeth Perkins, Stockard Channing, and Christopher Plummer, this is filled with dialogue that sparkles with humor and feels very natural. It's a familiar story, but it still works. PG-13 for language.
MY BABY'S DADDY (PG-13) 79 minutes * Lonnie, Dom, and G have been friends since birth... and now they're going to be fathers themselves. That means they're going to have to be a little more mature than they're used to. It's about priorities, and about 79 minutes too long. Eddie Griffin, Anthony Anderson, and Michael Imperioli play the three friends and Griffin's name is all over the project, which may be part of the problem as well. PG-13 for language.
MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE (R) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Two young men take over the operation of a laundrette in Britain. Not something that first comes to mind when thinking of a story, but these are well-crafted characters. The story doesn't really branch out far enough though, staying a bit too single-mindedly on its topic.
MY BEST FRIEND (PG-13) 91 minutes * * * 1/2 Who is your best friend? Francois (Danny Auteuil) thought he had quite a few friends, and that among them must surely be a best friend. But when his business partner Catherine (Julie Gayet) challenges him to prove it, the task is more difficult than he thought. Auteuil is wonderful in this charming film that easily makes us smile as well as ponder the question for ourselves. Nice supporting work from Dany Boon as well. PG-13 for language.
MY BEST FRIEND'S GIRL (R) 95 minutes * * Tank (Dane Cook) is the jerk guys hire to get their girls to come running back. But when Tank gets hired by his roommate, it doesn't turn out the way either of them expects. Alexis (Kate Hudson) actually falls for Tank and doesn't want to go back to Dustin (Jason Biggs). Cook does a great job here and Hudson is charming and fiery, which works well. Biggs tries to draw too much attention to himself and the script draws these characters so broadly that they lose much of the appeal they might have otherwise had. R for language and sex.
MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING (PG-13) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney star in a story of longtime best friends, lost loves, and the risks involved in doing the right thing. The real star of the show is Roberts' friend George, played by Rupert Everett, who does a fabulous job with his supporting role. Too much of the film is interrupted with comic sequences that don't have anything to do with the story, although most audiences find them appealing. The integrity of the story is damaged though, and we never feel as much a part of this film as we need to for the ending to have the impact it should. PG-13 for language.
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING (PG) 91 minutes * * Tula has a hard time fitting into the mold of what her Greek family expects of her, especially her father, who expects her to just be happy finding a Greek husband and having lots of children. She finally does fall in love, but he's not Greek and the family has to decide what they're going to do. There are a few moments where this film does exhibit some charm, but the story is too often muddled and drags us along through rather tiresome ideas about a late bloomer coming of age. PG for language.
MY BLOODY VALENTINE (2009) (R) 95 minutes * * This remake of the 1981 slasher horror film is pretty much the same film as far as bloody effects and ridiculous story. Add in some 3D special effects, and that's about it. The soundtrack is a bit more energetic than the original, but this is for die-hard slasher fans only. It wasn't really a good film the first time around... and this isn't really much, if any, better. R for violence, sex, and language.
MY BLUE HEAVEN (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Vinnie (Steve Martin) has decided to become an informant and go into the witness protection program. He's a bit harder to handle than Barney (Rick Moranis) had expected. Martin's characterization is wonderful, but with the supporting talents that are here, you'd expect this to be better than it is. Carol Kane, Joan Cusack, Daniel Stern, and William Hickey do their best, but the script is tired and dry through too much of the film and only seems to come to life thanks to Martin.
MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS (PG-13) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Laidback, blues sort of story about a young woman's journey across the country and within herself. Nice performance from singer/actress Norah Jones. The story tends to drift a bit too much, losing us at times, though usually catching us again a bit farther down the road. An interesting film, though it probably won't be one of your favorites. PG-13 for violence.
MY BOSS'S DAUGHTER (PG-13) 80 minutes 1/2 Tom (Ashton Kutcher) thought he was going to get a date, but instead, he ends up housesitting for his boss. And, of course, as the night continues, things get worse... and more stupid. There are a couple of brief funny moments here and a very earnest performance from Kutcher, but this is otherwise a waste of time. PG-13 for language.
MY BOY JACK (NR) 92 minutes * * * War is never easy, but Rudyard Kipling (David Haig) really wants his son to do his duty and serve his country proudly. Haig adapts his stage play to the small screen quite successfully here, with a powerful story that is part war story and part family drama. Daniel Radcliffe plays young John Kipling, caught up in the excitement of trying to please his father. Filmed in counties Laois and Kildare in Ireland.
David Haig adapts his play from stage to the small screen MY BOYFRIEND'S BACK (PG-13) 81 minutes * * Cartoonish story about a boy who comes back from the dead to take his girlfriend to the prom. The corny dialogue makes this mildly fun to watch, but the acting, directing, and production quality in general are sorely lacking. PG-13 for language and violence.
MY BROTHER IS AN ONLY CHILD (R) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Two brothers (Elio Germano & Riccardo Scamarcio) who are often at odds with each other, growing up in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s. Competing for love, for acceptance by others, and for how they feel the country should be run, they remain close, though often frustrated by each other. Writer/director Daniele Luchetti won the David di Donatello award for his screenplay, a wonderful, slice of Italian life during this period of history. R for language and sex.
MY COUSIN VINNY (R) 114 minutes * * 1/2 Vincent Gambini (Joe Pesci) has been a lawyer for six weeks. It took him six years to pass the bar exams. Now he has to defend his cousin, who has been charged with murder in Alabama. There's little here in the way of story, but the dialogue is wonderful. Pesci and Marisa Tomei work very well together, and her outrageous and witty portrayal of Mona Lisa Vito is worth a look on its own. There are some great scenes here, just not enough to make a film. R for language.
MY DATE WITH DREW (PG) 88 minutes * * 1/2 With only $1,100 and a borrowed camera, Brian Herzlinger decides to try to get a date with Drew Barrymore, who he's had a crush on ever since he saw her in E.T. - but is it really possible? Reality-style film that works in large part due to Herzlinger's appeal as an "ordinary guy". It's difficult not to like this, since the whole idea is about taking the risk to see your dream come true, using the limited means that most of us are very familiar with. PG for language.
MY DEMON LOVER (PG-13) 83 minutes * * It isn't the full moon that makes Kaz (Scott Valentine) turn into a demon, but whenever he starts thinking about sex... Cute and mostly harmless look at the difference between love and lust with some nice make-up effects from John Caglione Jr. and Carl Fullerton.
MY DOG SKIP (PG) 91 minutes * * * Predictable tale of a young boy and his dog, growing up together, making friends and having the usual misadventures. The acting is good and the story, taken from Willie Morris' book, is entertaining, but the pacing is off and the makeup is rather poor. What makes this worth a look are the performances of Frankie Muniz as Willie Morris and Caitlin Wachs as Rivers Applewhite. Talented young actors like these are always a treat to watch. PG for violence and language.
MY FAMILY (R) 121 minutes * * This is the story of three generations of the Mexican-American Sanchez family in Los Angeles. Though it is fairly interesting at times, there are minor technical errors throughout and the acting is strictly TV movie caliber. The last half hour makes the film a little more endearing, but it will mostly be of interest to fans of Jimmy Smits, who plays the part of... Jimmy! R for language.
MY FATHER MY LORD (NR) 70 minutes * * Tragic story of Abraham (Assi Dayan) and Esther (Sharon Hacohen) and their young son Menahem (Ilan Griff). Abraham is a Rabbi, and dedicated to the study and teaching of the Jewish faith. Esther understands and respects this, though it's difficult to raise their son, who is beginning to ask questions that she struggles to answer well. A short vacation near the Dead Sea is planned to give them a chance to be together as a family, but Abraham's dedication to his faith is about to have a tragic outcome.
MY FATHER THE HERO (PG) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Andre (Gerard Depardieu) takes his daughter on vacation to Nassau. Having not spent time with her for several years, the behavior of a 14-year-old girl is rather mystifying to him. And he can't figure out why everyone on the island seems to be avoiding him... There isn't a lot of substance to the plot here, but it's still entertaining and good for a few laughs. PG for language.
MY FAVORITE MARTIAN (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Christopher Lloyd stars in this revisitation of the old TV series. The story is fairly inventive and ties in well to its predecessor. It errs mostly in how over-the-top Lloyd's performance is, making the film too slapstick. The special effects are solid though, and it's easy to watch, thanks to the performances of Lloyd, Jeff Daniels, and Daryl Hannah. Watch for a sequel to follow soon! PG for language.
MY FELLOW AMERICANS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Jack Lemmon and James Garner star as two former presidents uncovering a plot of deception in the government. A good dose of "grumpy old man" humor here, but the pace drags too much and the only thing that keeps this going at all is the chemistry between the leads. Surprising waste of talent. PG-13 for language.
MY FIRST MISTER (R) 109 minutes * * * Leelee Sobieski and Albert Brooks star in this interesting look at two very different people. Jennifer (Sobieski) is a seventeen-year-old who is into tattoos, graveyards, and the gothic scene. Randall (Brooks) is a middle-aged salesman who is more than a little uptight about life. But when they meet, something clicks and they begin to open up to each other, providing the connection to another human being that each so desperately needs though they have both refused to admit it. Humorous and heartbreaking, it's not an unfamiliar story, but Sobieski and Brooks do a wonderful job of bringing it to life and making it personal. Director Christine Lahti does an amazing job of tempering Brooks' typically whining performance and made it much more thought provoking and entertaining. Working with Sobieski undoubtedly helped as she is truly a gifted actress and likely to bring out the best in whoever she works with. R for language.
MY GIANT (PG) 98 minutes * 1/2 A small-time acting agent finds himself in Romania, losing his best (only) client, and having to start at the bottom. He stumbles onto a giant, and may have found a new beginning. But we really don't care, because he is an unlikable sort of guy who always puts himself first, though Billy Crystal has a hard time playing that sort of character. The morals here are good, but the film would have been better served by going more directly for the juvenile audience it keeps leaning toward. A formula film, with little to offer, even to fans of Crystal. Filmed in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Prague, Czechoslovakia. PG for language.
MY GIRL (PG) 99 minutes * * * Vada (Anna Chlumsky) is 11 years old, growing up in a funeral parlor with a senile guardian and her father. Her only real friend is a neighborhood boy (Macauley Culkin) who doesn't have any friends either. Dealing with relationships and death wasn't easy for a kid in 1972, but then, it's never easy growing up. Chlumsky is fantastic here, and Culkin manages to turn in one of his better performances as the shy kid next door. The poor editing job muddles the effectiveness of a few scenes, but thanks to the actors and some well-chosen music, we aren't too distracted.
MY GIRL 2 (PG) 94 minutes * 1/2 Vada (Anna Chlumsky) has to do a report for school on a famous person whom she doesn't know very well. She chooses her mother, and goes off to Los Angeles to see what she can find out from people who knew her mother. While the idea is sentimental enough, and the movie does have a heart, it also has a very bad script. Chlumsky has her moments, but the supporting cast is shallow and it is only her own talents that make this bearable to watch. PG for language.
MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS (PG) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Scott Glenn plays a rodeo cowboy who has come home to care for his aging father. But life in the old home town has changed, even though many of the faces are still the same. There's a pleasant feel to the film, but it tends to wander around a bit too much. It's a nice enough cast though, including Kate Capshaw, Tess Harper, Mickey Rooney, and Gary Busey.
MY KID COULD PAINT THAT (PG-13) 80 minutes * * 1/2 When Marla Olmstead began to paint, no one had a clue what would happen. Almost overnight, she became a sensation. But is she really that talented? Are the paintings really hers? Is she truly a child prodigy, or "just a little girl painting in her house"? Interesting documentary that his quite a few interesting things to say about Olmstead and her family as well as the world of art. Could your kid paint like this? PG-13 for language.
MY LEFT FOOT (R) 100 minutes * * * * The life story of Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), an artist with cerebral palsy. Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker both won Oscars for their performances in this powerful film. It's a story that goes beyond seeking your sympathy for someone who doesn't have the advantages most of us do. It's the portrayal of an artist, with all the heart and heartache that come with that territory. R for language.
MY LIFE (PG-13) 113 minutes * * * 1/2 After receiving a fatal cancer diagnosis, Bob (Michael Keaton) sets about making a video to leave his yet unborn child so that he will be able to know his father. Lots of dynamic power here and Keaton plays it all so well. Not so much a tear-jerker as it is dramatic and thought-provoking. PG-13 for language.
MY LIFE AS A DOG (Not Rated) 101 minutes * * * A young Swedish boy is shipped off to live with some relatives in this slice of childhood film set in the 1950's. Director Lasse Hallstrom gives us a film full of the delights, charms, drama, and heartbreak of being a child. Definitely a foreign film not to be missed.
MY NAME IS BRUCE (R) 81 minutes BOMB The Chinese god of bean curd is pretty upset and the local residents decide that Bruce Cambell can help. Yes, they know he's an actor, but he's had all this experience fighting monsters, right? Dumb idea that one of the lowest points in an actor's career... making a film that's a parody of yourself. Fans of Campbell (yes, I know you're out there) will enjoy watching him have fun with this, but mugging for the camera doesn't make for a good film. R for language and violence.
MY STEPMOTHER IS AN ALIEN (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Dr. Mills (Dan Ackroyd) is a dedicated scientist who is searching for extraterrestrial intelligence. When he finds one who decides to visit, he promptly marries her (Kim Basinger). Although Ackroyd and Basinger are both pretty bad here, I suppose part of it can be blamed on the script. However, Alyson Hannigan, in her first film, does a terrific job despite the script. Hmmm... perhaps Bill Murray and Kelly LeBrock, or John Ritter and Daryl Hannah... a different leading couple could have made this a much better film. PG-13 for language and sex.
MY SUPER EX-GIRLFRIEND (PG-13) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Matt (Luke Wilson) just wanted to find a girl to go out with. OK, maybe a little more if things worked out well. What he didn't bargain for was a girl with super powers. Silly and fun film that never tries to be anything but that. Wilson and Uma Thurman have fun with the lead roles here and Anna Faris is a delight in her supporting role as well. With so many superhero films out there, it's refreshing to see one that doesn't try to be so serious. PG-13 for language and nudity.
MYSTERY, ALASKA (R) 115 minutes * * 1/2 Mystery, Alaska is a small town with a Saturday hockey game that has gone on for years. It's a tradition. It's a cornerstone of life for this small community. And now the New York Rangers are going to come and play them. A film like this needs strong secondary characters, which we don't really have here. Russell Crowe does a nice job in the lead role, but there isn't much support. It's nice that the game itself isn't drawn out too long, but the film does get a bit tiresome as we slowly learn about some of the people and watch as things fall into place for the game to happen. Filmed in Alberta, Canada. R for language.
MYSTERY DATE (PG-13) 94 minutes * * Tom McHugh (Ethan Hawke) is home from college for the summer. He can't help but notice his beautiful next door neighbor Geena Matthews (Teri Polo), but he doesn't have the courage to ask her out on a date. Tom's older brother is willing to help. False identities, alibis, stolen property, accidental murders, undercover cops... it just gets deeper and deeper as it goes along. Hawke and Polo deserve better than this poorly directed film can offer, though they make it watchable which speaks well of their talent. PG-13 for violence and language.
MYSTERY MEN (PG-13) 112 minutes * 1/2 What happens when a super hero runs out of villains to fight? That's the plight facing Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear). Will the part-time heroes of the city be able to help when things get out of hand? William H. Macy, Janeane Garafalo, Ben Stiller, Paul Reubens, Wes Studi, Geoffrey Rush, and Claire Forlani comprise the rest of the fine cast, but even a great cast can stumble when the direction is mediocre and the script is weak. The photography is irritating too, with far too many rough edges that make this hard to watch at times. We're all heroes in our own way, but we needed a more polished production to convince us. This just wasn't it. PG-13 for language and violence.
MYSTIC RIVER (R) 133 minutes * * 1/2 Three boys whose lives have drifted apart despite living in the same town... Now as they are older, the death of one of their daughters draws them together. It's a tragic story, that is well played by both Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon, but they deliver the only believable performances in the film. Clint Eastwood's style of direction is a bit too laid back for this story and it allows us to disconnect from the film too easily. The overly repetitve music doesn't help. R for language and violence.