Q & A (R) 130 minutes * * 1/2 As the song used to open and close this films says, "Don't double- cross the ones you love. Don't double-cross the ones you need." It's the story of an investigation of a killing by a police officer. Was it more than just an action taken in the line of duty and in self- defense? Well-written and directed by Sidney Lumet, the suspense is there and the characters are well-drawn. Timothy Hutton gives a less than convincing performance, but Nick Nolte does a nice job. R for language, violence, and sex.
THE QUEEN (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * Helen Mirren delivers a stunning performance as Queen Elizabeth II in a story relating the events surrounding the death of Princess Diana. Mirren's performance is so near perfect that we tend to forget this isn't the queen herself. The script does a great job of navigating the ideas of how Diana's death affected the monarchy, despite their initial unwillingness to allow that change. That change also affected the relationship between the Queen and the Prime Minister. The film does struggle with two-dimensional characters in supporting roles, with the only possible exceptions being those of Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and Robin Janvrin (Roger Allam). Mirren more than carries the film though, and makes it well worth watching. PG-13 for language.
QUEEN MARGOT (NR) 132 minutes * * * It's 1572 in France, and the house de Midici is planning a wedding. Young Margot (Isabelle Adjani) is to wed a non-Catholic young man in an attempt to smooth relations, but the opposite occurs. Paying attention to details, especially in the story, is essential here. It does get a little tiresome during the first hour, but the pace picks up nicely after that. Beautiful sets and costumes as one would expect.
QUEEN OF THE DAMNED (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 It was definitely a mistake to combine the second and third of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles books into one film. That being said, this does a nice job of setting the mood with music, lighting, sets, and acting. Stuart Townsend is a far more impressive Lestat than Tom Cruise, and Aaliyah is sheer perfection as Akasha. The problem with combining the two books is that far too much of the background is missing. Those who haven't read the books will most definitely be lost. The strength and power of some scenes is far less than it could have been simply because we don't hear enough. The narration helps cover a few of the missing pieces, but it's a little annoying that we have to have things explained. R for violence.
THE QUEST (PG-13) 90 minutes * The world's best fighters are summoned to a tournament... again... Not enough of the fight scenes, though they were all rather predictable anyway. The only character with much depth is Jean Claude Van Damme's, the rest are sketched out far too briefly and we don't care what happens to them. Roger Moore's small comic role is wasted on a film that doesn't seem to know what it means to be on a quest to begin with.
QUEST FOR CAMELOT (G) 76 minutes * * The list of actors who provide voices for this cartoon is rather impressive, with Gary Oldman, Jane Seymour, Bronson Pinchot, Frank Welker, John Gielgud, Don Rickles, and Eric Idle just to name a few. The music is fairly good too, though nothing outstanding. The problem is that the story is simply boring. The comical two-headed dragon, who provides much of the comic relief, doesn't make an appearance until 35 minutes into the film! Doubtful that the kids will want to watch this more than once, but the soundtrack will probably fare better.
THE QUICK AND THE DEAD (R) 101 minutes * * 1/2 Sharon Stone ventures into the wild west to revenge the death of her father. Gene Hackman runs this forlorn town and the duel which gives the film its name. It's his way of eliminating his enemies. No surprises, but plenty of wonderful characters in this film from Sam Raimi. Exaggerated camera work and musical highlights that add emphasis to the action are sprinkled throughout the film, making it fun to watch, if nothing else. R for violence and language.
QUICK CHANGE (R) 84 minutes * 1/2 Bill Murray is fed up with New York. So he robs a bank in broad daylight with two accomplices, with plans for the three of them to go vacation in a place where people are more sane. The only problem is that they can't seem to get out of the city... Lots of cute little bits of New York City humor, but much of that will be lost on those who haven't spent time in the city. The ending is nice, but getting there is a bit of a chore, and that's not good when a film is as short as this. R for language.
QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER (PG-13) 115 minutes * * 1/2 Matthew Quigley (Tom Selleck) is hired as a sharpshooter, but finds the real job description not to his liking. The Australian countryside is very interesting, though not what you'd necessarily call beautiful. Laura San Giacomo fares much better than Selleck, having more fun with her role while he stands around not quite sure of what to do. PG-13 for language and violence.
QUINCEANERA (R) 86 minutes * * * Magdalena (Emily Rios) is about to celebrate her 15th birthday. But what should be a wonderful family celebration is drastically altered by the discovery that she is pregnant. Kicked out of her house, she finds herself staying with her uncle and a gay cousin. Wonderful slice-of-life film that reminds us that many life lessons are learned where the road is not so smooth. Editing and pacing are a bit rough in a few spots, but this is still well worth a look. Winner of the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize. Filmed in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles, California. R for language and sex.
QUIZ SHOW (PG-13) 126 minutes * * 1/2 Shallow characters are this film's weakness as we listen to the story of how the trust of the American public was abused when a television game show was discovered to be rigged. John Turturro and Ralph Fiennes give fairly good performances, but this just never has the right "feel" to it, giving us too many scenes that come off staged and as though they were filmed with no rehearsal. The characters plod slowly along on their way to the inevitable conclusion, which takes far too long to reach. PG-13 for language.
RACE THE SUN (PG) 96 minutes * 1/2 Halle Berry and Jim Belushi star in the story of a teacher in Hawaii who tries to provide incentives for kids with no hope. Realistic, in that everything doesn't work out perfectly, but this isn't strong enough to pull us all the way in. Berry and Belushi do alright, but the script lacks the intensity and depth it needs to succeed.
RACING STRIPES (PG) 94 minutes * * An abandoned baby zebra gets raised in Kentucky with horses and develops a love of and a talent for racing. Despite the use of big-name talent to do the voices for the animals (Whoopi Goldberg, Dustin Hoffman, David Spade, Mandy Moore, Steve Harvey, Frankie Muiz, and Snoop Dogg), this never has much appeal. It's just another of those talking animal films for kids. Filmed in South Afria and rated PG for language.
RADIO (PG) 104 minutes * * * The new coach of a South Carolina high school takes a young man with a learning disability under his wing. It's not an easy process as it will involve turning the attitudes of the team, the school, and the entire community to a new direction. The performances are solid, though not outstanding. It's the story that is so strong... about what can happen when attitudes really do change. Be sure to keep watching through the credits and you'll get a chance to see the real Radio and Coach Jones. PG for language.
RADIO FLYER (PG-13) 106 minutes * * * "History is all in the mind of the teller. Truth is in the telling." And so Mike (Tom Hanks) begins to tell his two sons a story from his childhood. It's a story of adventure, excitement, creativity, and imagination. It's about two brothers who are trying to be accepted into a new neighborhood. But there is a tragic side to the story as well, for part of it is also about abuse and the need to escape it. The Radio Flyer wagon becomes a symbol for escape, as do the images of wheels, flight, and even death. This is much more than a film about two boys trying to build something that can fly. It's a film about childhood and how we learn from our experiences. Elijah Wood and Joseph Mazzello play their parts with a wisdom and insight that goes far beyond their years. It's an incredible piece of filmmaking. PG-13 for language and subject matter.
RADIOLAND MURDERS (PG) 103 minutes * 1/2 WBN is a new radio station that is struggling to get on the air on a night when everything seems to be going wrong. A disembodied voice, people that keep turning up dead... a movie that just never seems to hit the right note... Slapstick ala Marx brothers, but without the writing talent behind it. This is a George Lucas story that should have stayed in the files. Loads of acting talent that is completely wasted.
THE RAGE: CARRIE 2 (R) 100 minutes * 1/2 A football player dumps his girlfriend and she commits suicide. But Rachel was her friend, and when she discovers that it's part of a bigger picture, she takes action. Oh, by the way, did we say that Rachel has telekinetic powers? It's a real stretch to bother tying this in with the first film. It's also sort of silly to have the humiliation that sets it all off happen at a party after the first game of the season instead of something really big, like the prom. And what an ending! Giving me a chill like I hadn't had in a good while, but then fading away to nothing. Despite all the problems, Emily Bergl does a fine job as Rachel and I suspect we'll see more of her. R for violence, language, and sex.
A RAGE IN HARLEM (R) 103 minutes * * Strange and uneven film about violence, greed, and love. There are some good scenes here, and fine performances by Gregory Hines, Forest Whitaker, Robin Givens, and Danny Glover. But there are also several scenes that are poorly done and the film falters because of it.
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (PG) 115 minutes * * * * The ultimate adventure film, with loads of excitement and energy as we watch Harrison Ford travel the globe in search of the lost ark, encountering danger at every turn along the way. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas brought this to the big screen with the aid of Lawrence Kasdan's fine script and yet another inspiring soundtrack from John Williams. It's great fun no matter how many times you've seen it!
RAIN MAN (R) 130 minutes * * * * The death of a parent is not something that most of us look forward to facing. Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) doesn't really care when his father dies. They never got along all that well, so his main interest is discovering what he will inherit. What he discovers is that the bulk of the estate, which is around three million dollars, is being held in trust for a brother he never knew he had. Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) was put in an institution when Charlie was very young. Now these two brothers will find each other, and much more. Cruise does a nice job here, but he is definitely overpowered by Hoffman's simply outstanding performance as Raymond. It's a story that cuts to the heart, and director Barry Levinson guides it along with the care and attention it deserves. R for language.
THE RAINMAKER (PG-13) 129 minutes * * * Rudy (Matt Damon) is about to take the bar exam, and has begun working for one of Memphis' most crooked lawyers. Not to fear, he just so happens to have landed a case that could make him famous. Though this stretches the limits of believability early on in the film, it's an entertaining look at the honesty and integrity of a young lawyer. Danny DeVito has a fun part as Rudy's sidekick, and the film keeps us interested almost all the way through. Francis Ford Coppola has done a fine job (director/screenplay) bringing John Grisham's novel to the big screen. Filmed in Memphis and San Francisco. PG-13 for violence and language.
RAISE YOUR VOICE (PG) 101 minutes * * 1/2 How do you find your voice when it feels like life has crushed it out of you? That's the answer Terri (Hilary Duff) must discover in this musical story. No real surprises here, but there are a couple of nice supporting performances from Jason Ritter and Kat Dennings that add some strength to the film. PG for language.
RAISING ARIZONA (PG-13) 91 minutes * * * H.I. McDunnough (Nicolas Cage) never seems to be able to stay out of trouble for long. When he and his wife discover that they can't have children, what better way to get one that to take on of the Arizona quintuplets? Who needs five? And they only want one. Joel and Ethan Coen's dark and unusual sense of humor makes this a fun ride, and it's quite good from the technical side as well. For those who enjoy their humor a little on the strange side, this is a sure hit!
RAISING CAIN (R) 88 minutes * * It's a one-man show here, with John Lithgow playing the parts of twin brothers and various other characters throughout the film. There are a few nice twists and turns as one would expect from director Brian DePalma, but they don't add up to much at the end. Lithgow was not at his best here, and it's a bit much to ask him to carry the whole film.
RAISING HELEN (PG-13) 114 minutes * * 1/2 Helen (Kate Hudson) is the free spirit, whose career in the fashion industry is on the fast track. She soon discovers that there's more to life than she suspected and that some very young relatives are more important to her than she ever dreamed they would be. Hudson is a delight, as usual, displaying her talent for physical comedy as well as her ability to make us like her character. The story runs a bit long, especially considering that it doesn't say anything new, or any better than we've heard before. Nice supporting work from Joan Cusack and Hayden Panettiere. PG-13 for language.
RAMBO III (R) 96 minutes * * Rambo is living and working in a monastery. OK, not for long... the typical far-fetched circumstances arise very quickly, and the bad guys still can't hit a barn with a bazooka. Plenty of action and a few touches of humor as well. All things considered, it isn't really a bad sequel. Not terrific, but fans of Stallone and Rambo will most likely enjoy it.
RANDOM HEARTS (R) 128 minutes * * Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas star in this far-fetched romance. He's an internal affairs officer and she's a congresswoman. Their spouses die in a plane crash and it's discovered they were having an affair. So Ford and Thomas have one... not that this couldn't happen, but it's poorly written and neither one of them plays it well. Things do wrap up nicely at the end, but it's a long and tedious over-two-hour-wait to get there. R for language.
RANSOM (R) 116 minutes * * * 1/2 Fast-paced and intense, with few of the story holes that plague so many other films. This is due, no doubt, to the direction of Ron Howard, who has a great feel for how to bring us to the sensitive side of every person involved in the story. There is a completeness about this film that we don't feel in most films. Mel Gibson and Rene Russo work well together, and have a fine supporting cast led by Gary Sinise, Delroy Lindo, and Dan Hedaya. James Horner's soundtrack is powerful. A wonderful piece of work and not to be missed. R for violence and language.
RAPID FIRE (R) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Jake (Brandon Lee) witnesses a murder and is placed under protective custody until the trial. Of course, that never works in the movies... Lee does a great job in the action segments of the film, but falls a little short of delivering the goods when it comes to sensitivity and drama. Kate Hodge does a wonderful job in a supporting role, and helps to even the film out as far as acting goes. Reasonable entertainment for the action crowd, but nothing outstanding.
RAT RACE (PG-13) 103 minutes * 1/2 The race is on! A randomly selected group of people have been chosen to race from Las Vegas to Silver City, New Mexico where there is a locker with $2 million dollars for the winner. Everything that could go wrong for everyone... does. It's a great cast, with Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Seth Green, John Cleese, Jon Lovitz, and many more. And I do like the little side bets that go on, but otherwise, the story is stale and takes far too long to get us to Silver City. The nice collection of songs used in the soundtrack might make the cd worth picking up, but I'd wait for the movie to TV. The commercial breaks will definitely help. PG-13 for language.
RATATOUILLE (G) 103 minutes * * * 1/2 Remy is a special rat... one who is willing to take a risk, do something different, and experience what life has to offer. He takes to heart the advice of his idol, Auguste Gusteau: "If you focus on what you left behind, you'll never be able to see what lies ahead." Wonderful animation highlights this charming story of friendship and living life to its fullest. There are a couple of spots that might be a bit scary for the youngest viewers, and it might be a little long for them as well. Another gem from Pixar.
RAVENOUS (R) 97 minutes * 1/2 Boyd panics and freezes during a battle, but ends up behind enemy lines, capturing the command post. Now he's been assigned to Fort Spencer in California. It's a strange place where the legend of the Wendigo seems to have become reality. It is said that a man who eats the flesh of other men, absorbs their strength, but once begun, the cycle is hard to stop. Neat idea that is handled very poorly. Lots of two-dimensional characters and footage of the scenery in Mexico and Czechoslovakia, where the movie was filmed. R for violence and language.
RAW (R) 87 minutes BOMB Eddie Murphy comedy "concert" that shows him at his best and worst, unfortunately a bit too much of the latter. His imitations of Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor are fantastic, but too much of the film is spent on jokes about women and sex. It just gets boring after awhile.
RAY (PG-13) 145 minutes * * * 1/2 From the moment he hits the screen, Jamie Foxx has us mesmerized with an absolutely amazing performance as Ray Charles, jazz musician. Director Taylor Hackford shows us all sides of Charles, presenting a well-rounded picture, though it does come off a bit sensationalized in a few spots. There are numerous strong supporting performances here, and Jamie Foxx even sings a few of the songs himself, though most are recordings. This film, along with "Collateral" have gained Foxx the respect he's deserved for quite some time. PG-13 for language and sex.
READ IT AND WEEP (NR) 83 minutes * * 1/2 Jamie (Kay Panabaker) is just an ordinary high school girl... until her journal gets turned in by mistake for a writing contest. Now she's a bestselling author, but her friends are upset when they realize they are the ones she's talking about in the book. Cute Disney TV movie for the family with a bubbly performance from Panabaker.
READY TO RUMBLE (PG-13) 100 minutes * * Gordie (David Arquette) and Shawn (Scott Caan) are wrestling fans, especially of Jimmy King. But King is on his way out... unless Gordie and Shawn can do something about it. Mildy humorous, this is mostly of interest for all the cameo appearances by WCW people. The low budget is evident and it should have been a bit shorter, but it's about what you'd expect from a comedy about wrestling. PG-13 for language, nudity, and violence.
READY TO WEAR (R) 127 minutes * * The world of high fashion comes under the scrutiny of director Robert Altman. As with most of Altman's films, it's always interesting to see all the cameo appearances as the film progresses. This story is a bit harder to follow than others though, and we feel disconnected as we struggle to reach the end. The ending does pack a unique punch, with a new version of the story of the empereor's new clothes parading before us as we listen to the Cranberries sing "You're So Pretty the Way You Are". R for language and nudity.
THE REAL CANCUN (R) 89 minutes BOMB As if reality TV isn't bad enough, the creators of MTV's "The Real World" decided to throw this one at us. Sixteen college age people spend a week in Cancun. Who'll have sex with who and when and where will it happen? Who cares? R for Sex and language.
THE REAL MCCOY (PG-13) 100 minutes * * Kim Basinger is a cat burglar who wants to go straight, but has one last job to pull off. This is definitely one of her best performances, but it's one of Val Kilmer's worst. Far too unrealistic in spots, but still worth catching if you want to see Basinger at her best.
REALITY BITES (PG-13) 92 minutes * * * Lelaina (Winona Ryder) is doing a documentary on her friends and their search for meaning and role models. It's a strange little film, but Ryder and Ethan Hawke both do some great work. The home video style of filming used may irritate some viewers, but it adds to the "reality" of the film. PG-13 for language.
THE REAPING (R) 93 minutes * Katherine Winter (Hilary Swank) investigates what others call "miracles" and provides the sciencetific explanations for what has happened. But the strange things that are happening in Haven, Louisianna, are proving difficult to explain. They seem to echo the ten Biblical plagues, but she isn't going to give up easily. Not a particularly suspenseful film, and the ending is rather anti-climactic, making this a rather boring film, despite quality performances by both Swank and AnnaSophia Robb. R for violence and language.
REAR WINDOW (NR) 112 minutes * * * * One of Alfred Hitchcock’s most memorable films, featuring James Stewart as a wheelchair-bound apartment dweller who spies what might be a murder while watching his neighbors through a pair of binoculars. Stewart’s earnest performance as well as the presence of Grace Kelly, make this stylish thriller a sure-fire classic mystery. Also featuring Thelma Ritter, Raymond Burr, and Wendell Corey. Sit back and enjoy one of Hitchcock’s best. Are your drapes closed?
REBOUND (PG) 83 minutes * * * After losing his cool one too many times on the court, basketball coach Roy McCormick (Martin Lawrence) is given one last chance to stay in the league. He'll be coaching at his old middle school, which happens to have the worst record in the state. Of course, it's no real surprise that he's able to turn the team around and learn some valuable lessons. What is a surprise is that Lawrence does such a nice job here. Sure, it's a bit corny at times, but Lawrence plays it with a great deal of sincerity, and it works very well. The kids do a great job as well, with Tara Correa and Stephen Christopher Parker deserving special mention. A great film for families with children who enjoy sports. PG for language.
RECESS: SCHOOL'S OUT (G) 76 minutes * * 1/2 School is out for the summer, but T.J.'s plans for summer fun have to change when all his friends go off to camp. When something strange starts happening at the school though, it's time to reassemble the gang and take care of the situation. The animation isn't all that good here, but it's a fun story that fans of the TV cartoon will most likely enjoy.
THE RECRUIT (PG-13) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Jams Clayton (Colin Farrell) is recruited by Walter Burke (Al Pacino) to become an agent for the CIA. Training is tough, but Clayton is determined. Bridget Moynahan provides the romantic interest as fellow trainee Layla Moore. As always, it's a pleasure to watch Pacino work. He takes charge of the scenes he's in, commanding your attention without even seeming to try. However, if you can't figure this story out long before it's over, than you either haven't seen many films or you weren't listening when Burke says that nothing is what it seems... PG-13 for violence and language.
RED CORNER (R) 116 minutes * 1/2 In modern day China, Jack Moore (Richard Gere) finds himself accused of a murder he didn't commit. Could it be because he was about to close a deal involving broadcasting rights for American television programming within China? Convoluted plot that makes little sense and gives us a plethora of two-dimensional characters about whom we care very little. The film has the right look, and Thomas Newman's soundtrack is nice, but the story rings hollow the whole way through. R for language, violence, and sex.
RED DRAGON (R) 119 minutes * * * Very well-done prequel to "Silence of the Lambs" that begins with the solving of the Hannibal Lecter case by Will Graham (Edward Norton). Graham retires from the FBI but is called back in on a particularly brutal case that both his skills and the strange mind of Lecter are needed to solve. It's a wonderful character study and well-performed by both Norton and Hopkins. The supporting cast is also quite strong, featuring the talents of Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Kietel, EMily Watson, Mary Louise Parker, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. A much stronger film than Hannibal, this actually leaves us wanting yet another prequel that would follow Graham's budding career and finish where this film begins. Graham has the gift (and curse) of being able to get inside the mind of a killer and Norton plays it supremely well. Danny Elfman's music is quite suspenseful and rather different than his other soundtracks. R for violence, language, and nudity.
RED EYE (PG-13) 77 minutes * * Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams) is just trying to get home on a late flight after going to her grandmother's funeral. She never suspects that the man she keeps bumping into in the airport has kidnapped her father and will have him killed if she doesn't help him with an assassination plot. Cillian Murphy is creepy enough for this, and McAdams does fairly well, considering that the script is far from inventive and doesn't give either of them much to work with. At least it doesn't go on very long! PG-13 for violence and language.
RED HEAT (R) 100 minutes * * 1/2 A good cop who always seems to get in trouble is teamed with a Russian police officer who stops at nothing to get his job done. Jim Belushi and Arnold Schwarzenegger do reasonably good work here, but the villains are terrible. They look the part, but the story doesn't give us any real reason to get passionate about wanting them to be caught or punished. Without that energy, the film tends to drag. For those who watch credits, note the special salute from Schwarzenegger as the film is dedicated to the 2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator... nice!
RED PLANET (PG-13) 102 minutes * * 1/2 Colonization of Mars is esssential as we've polluted the Earth past the point of recovery. We've been sending algae to Mars in an effort to create an atmosphere, but it seems to have disappeared. Time to send some people to check it out. The story is definitely absorbing, despite a few flaws. It's unbearably slow in spots though, and takes far too long to reach the conclusion that we saw coming after the first 30 minutes. Graeme Revell's soundstrack is both inventive and exciting and well worth a listen. PG-13 for violence and language.
RED RIDING HOOD (PG) 76 minutes * * Retelling of the old fairytale that benefits from a fresh look, allowing the children who are hearing the story to make it more interesting by being part of it. What is a bit awkward is the sometimes musical approach. It's not consistent and the material isn't all that good either. Morgan Thompson (who plays Red) does an admirable job and sings her own songs (as do Lainie Kazan and Joey Fatone). It's not their fault the material isn't what it needs to be. PG for language.
RED ROAD (NR) 111 minutes * * Jackie's (Kate Dickie) job is to watch a particular area of her town through closed circuit cameras and help keep people safe. One day, she sees someone she never expected to see. Unresolved issues in her life lead her to contact this person. There is a voyeuristic appeal to this story, but the "reality" of the story is more sensitive than expected at first. It shifts the balance to a point where we tend to feel we may have seen too much, and that Jackie's motivations weren't understood very well despite how much we've seen.
RED SCORPION (R) 100 minutes * 1/2 Dolph Lundgren plays the part of a Soviet officer sent to kill a rebel leader in Africa in this poorly scripted action film. Lundgren is never going to be nominated for an Oscar, but with scripts that seem to be afraid to use words with more than one syllable, no one stands a chance! Lundgren fans will want to see this, but there are only a few scenes with much to offer in the way of quality.
THE RED VIOLIN (NR) 125 minutes * * * There is a legend that talks about the last violin made by Nicolo Bussoti. It was to be for his son, but his son died in childbirth, as did Nicolo's wife, leaving him distraught. Now, the violin, which seems to have almost mystical powers, has reappeared and is being sold at auction. Many of those who have played it have been inspired to play better than ever before. But tragedy also seems to follow the violin and those who play it. It's a fascinating story, although the scattered flashbacks make the film a bit hard to follow.
REDACTED (R) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Brian DePalma wrote and directed this look at the behavior of soldiers during the war in Iraq. The focus is on the rape and murder of a 15 year-old girl and the murder of her family. DePalma uses a pseudo-documentary style by showing us footage "taken" by one of the soldiers as part of his war journal. While there are ways in which this adds to the realism of the film, it also detracts as it provides an almost non-stop narration that we don't need to hear. The photographs of real casualties from the war at the end of the film have even more powerful statements to make and don't need narration. Filmed in Amman, Jordan. R for violence, language, and sex.
REDLINE (PG-13) 88 minutes * 1/2 Fast cars, gorgeous women, bored billionaires... the cars are great and there are some amazing stunts and crash sequences here, but there's no depth to the story. And not much in the way of acting either. This movie may best be known for Eddie Griffin's real-life crash that destroyed an Enzo Ferrari belonging to the film's producer. Griffin was unhurt, but the $1.2 million car was not so fortunate. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
THE REEF (G) 74 minutes * Also known as "Shark Bait", which might be more appropriate, though less appealing to the younger crowd. Unfortunately, the film doesn't really appeal to children either. Young Pi (voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr.) loses both of his parents in the first few minutes of the film and spends the bulk of the film training to defeat a mean shark for the right to court a pretty fish. How is this supposed to appeal to children? Nothing really harmful here, but it probably won't be one that you need to catch more than once.
REEFER MADNESS (2004) (R) 103 minutes * * * Hilarious musical version of the classic 1936 anti-marijuana film, adapted from stage to screen by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, who wrote the stage version. Wonderfully campy performances that capture the spirit of the original, but take it a few steps farther. Kristen Bell and Christian Campbell star as the young couple torn apart by "reefer madness", with Alan Cumming as the government official who warns the town of the approaching epidemic. Other performances of note are Ana Gasteyer, John Kassir, Steven Weber, and Amy Spanger. Rememver, "When danger's near, exploit their fear!" R for sex and violence.
THE REF (R) 92 minutes * * * As a thief, Gus' (Denis Leary) life has become a comedy of errors, but he's not doing so bad as a marriage therapist. The film is a bit uneven in spots as it shifts from comedy to drama and back again, but Leary, Kevin Spacey, and Judy Davis do such a great job that we almost don't notice. Definitely an actor's film, and a good role for Leary.
REGARDING HENRY (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * 1/2 Henry Turner (Harrison Ford) is a lawyer who doesn't lose, regardless of the cost. He isn't always the most loving person to be around. But one evening, something happens that will change his life forever. And while he spends time recovering from a coma caused by a bullet wound, Henry finds that he has some choices to make. Ford's performance is one of subtleties, quiet, yet very intense. Annette Bening does a good job here too, with the only real problem being that Henry's recovery does seem to happen a bit too quickly. Otherwise, it's a fine piece of work from director Mike Nichols. PG-13 for language.
REIGN OF FIRE (PG-13) 97 minutes * * 1/2 So, the theory is that dragons ate themselves out of a food suppy and went into hibernation until they were disturbed by humans, which meant there was a food supply again. A few years later, the food supply is about to run out again. Not a terribly thrilling idea, but it could have made a good story. Note: "could have". There are some nice special effects as far as the dragons are concerned, but we still don't get to see them very much and several of the shots are repeated. Matthew McConaughey delivers a rather unusual but nice performance, but it just isn't enough to give this film the energy and excitement it needs. Filmed in Ireland. PG-13 for violence.
REIGN OVER ME (R) 121 minutes * * * When Alan (Don Cheadle) bumps into his old college roommate, he thinks it might be just what he needs... a good male friend to do some "guy" things with. It might even help his marriage. But Charlie (Adam Sandler) needs Alan even more desperately, and it will be a struggle for both of them to make this old friendship into something they can both benefit from. Cheadle delivers yet another Oscar-worthy performance here, but Sandler's is uneven. There are clearly some moments of brilliance. Unfortunately, there are also times when Sandler can't seem to help himself and brings in too much humor. It's still well worth a look, but not quite the powerful film it might have been. Filmed in New York City. R for language.
REINDEER GAMES (R) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Rudy's (Ben Affleck) cellmate has a female penpal who's going to meet him when he gets out. That's not exactly how things work out though, and now Rudy finds himself falling for the girl despite how her brother wants to use him in a robbery. There are quite a few twists and turns here, but they lay out fairly well. The ending is rather cheesy, but getting there is fun and exciting. Gary Sinise plays the villain well and it's really nice to see Isaac hayes and Clarence Williams III in a couple of supporting roles. Filmed in Prince George and Vancouver, British Columbia. R for violence, language, and sex.
RELENTLESS (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Buck Taylor's (Judd Nelson) dad was the perfect cop. But Buck isn't doing so well. In fact, he's sort of switched sides. The cast does as well as can be expected with a script that gives away all of it's potential surprises in the first few minutes. We needed to hear a little more about what went on in Buck's mind, but if that was written, it ended up on the cutting room floor.
THE RELIC (R) 105 minutes * 1/2 For as much action as takes place, this is an incredibly slow-paced horror film. Director Peter Hyams has done a good job with the action sequences, but cutting 10 minutes out of this would have really helped. There are some nice special effects courtesy of Stan Winston, but the story wanders all over the place without the energy it needs to keep us interested. R for violence and language.
THE REMAINS OF THE DAY (PG) 131 minutes * * * * An aging mansion about to be demolished is purchased by an American millionaire. Over the course of the film we take trips back in time to events surrounding his earlier trips to this once distinguished house. Emma Thompson is spectacular, as is Anthony Hopkins, in this story of a house and those who lived within. PG for language.
REMEMBER THE TITANS (PG) 107 minutes * * * Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) has been hired as the new coach for the football team. It's an effort to integrate schools, but asking two teams that have been segregated by race to integrate, cooperate, and win... well, it isn't going to be easy. The film is well cast with many nice supporting performances including that of young Hayden Panettiere. Football fans will probably enjoy the film a bit more than others, but the story is constructed to sweep you along and lift you up whether you like football or not. It's about teamwork, and living through the tough times. PG for violence and language.
RENAISSANCE MAN (PG-13) 124 minutes * * * Bill Rago (Danny DeVito) finds himself teaching a small group of military rejects during their stint in boot camp. We get to know and care about these characters very quickly due to an extremely well-written script, and the fine performances by everyone concerned, make this a film that will be hard to forget. A fine piece of work, a bit overly dramatic at times, but it does a good job of making the point that "the choices we make dictate the life we lead." PG-13 for language.
RENDITION (R) 114 minutes * * * Extreme rendition... moving a suspected terrorist to a prison outside the United States for interrogation... without filling out the paperwork that is usually required. After a bombing where an American is killed, Anwar (Omar Metwally) is picked up for extreme rendition. At first we are sure he is innocent, but he can't (or won't) explain why there is a record of phone calls from a known terrorist on his cell phone. The timeline of events in the film is a bit difficult to follow, but the questions it asks are powerful. Also starring Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Meryl Streep. R for violence and language.
RENEGADES (R) 102 minutes * * * Buster (Kiefer Sutherland) is a police officer who has become less than law abiding, though there is still a sense of dedication to his job. Hank (Lou Diamond Phillips), though clearly a renegade in the past, has begun to gain a deeper sense of self and destiny. The possibilities for these characters are endless, but the story we see here doesn't offer us much. Sutherland and Phillips work well together, but they are too strong for the script. The dialogue holds them back and we see them struggle with it. Jami Gertz does a nice job too, though her character is limited as well. Michael Kamen's music is a highlight and there is plenty of action, it's just that too much of it rings hollow when the actors are so much stronger than the script.
RENT (PG-13) 129 minutes * * * Though this is definitely a bit less powerful than the stage presentation, there's still strength here that shouldn't be missed. The music has both artistic and emotional messages and the cast does a fine job portraying that. The weakness lies in the overall presentation. The film seems to make the same scene transitions as the stage production and it doesn't work as well. Without even realizing it, we tend to forgive a little when watching a stage production. We understand that set pieces have to be moved and that we're watching this "live". With a film, we expect things to be a bit more seamless, and a bit more dialogue and character development here would have gone a long way toward making this film a stronger production. PG-13 for language and brief nudity.
THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS (R) 84 minutes * * 1/2 The man who runs Chinatown has a problem on his hands. It's his hit man, who turns against him. It seems the hit man's replacements can't take care of the job for their boss either. Lots of action and some fairly good stuntwork, though this is filled with the typically far-fetched material for this genre. Plenty of nasty-looking bad guys and a fine performance from Mira Sorvino as a forger help this have an appeal that carries it through to the end. R for violence and language.
THE REPLACEMENTS (PG-13) 109 minutes * * 1/2 During the last few weeks of the season, the pro football players have decided to go on strike. Replacements are hired to play until an agreement can be reached. It's a chance to play, an opportunity to be noticed, a possibility for those who are willing to give it their all. Gene Hackman gives his typically solid performance as the replacement coach, but the real stars are some of the supporting characters. It's a fun film for those who enjoy the sport. PG-13 for violence and language.
REPOSSESSED (PG-13) 81 minutes BOMB Sometimes spoofs miss the mark and this is one of those times. Linda Blair and Leslie Nielsen star in this attempt to parody "The Exorcist". Weak humor and a poor script give this film little chance right from the start and it seems to grow more desperate as it goes along.
REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (NR) 97 minutes * * * 1/2 Stunning second feature from director Darren Aronofsky that takes us deep into the world of Harry (Jared Leto), his mother, girlfriend, and best friend, as they each pursue their dreams. With destructive determination, they pursue their dreams, and we find ourselves horribly fascinated, as we watch their demise. Jennifer Connolly gives the best performance of her career to this point, with Leto and Ellen Burstyn giving near flawless performances as well. Marlon Wayans rounds out the four tragic characters with a nice performance of his own. Aronofsky's style is powerful and the material he has chosen with both this film and "Pi" is thought-provoking to say the least.
THE RESCUE (PG) 93 minutes * 1/2 Military brats rescue their fathers from a prison in North Korea. Bruce Broughton's music adds some flair and the acting isn't TOO terrible. The story is... well, there just isn't much of one.
RESCUE DAWN (PG-13) 121 minutes * * Based on the experiences of Lt. Dieter Dengler, whose plane went down in Laos during the early part of the Vietnam War. Christian Bale plays the part of Dengler and the film focuses on his time in a small prison camp and eventual rescue. The story tends to drag and Dengler seems to be the only person who has a sense of normality... which tends to undermine the believability of the story. PG-13 for violence.
RESCUE ME (PG-13) 96 minutes * Guy is infatuated with girl, girl gets kidnapped by idiots, boy saves girl. Michael Dudikoff makes a move away from his action films to star in this nearly worthless piece of fluff alongside Ami Dolenz. You may be crying "Rescue me!" yourself before the end.
THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER (G) 74 minutes * * * 1/2 Long-awaited sequel to the adventures of Bernard and Bianca has them travelling to Australia to help a young boy. The story is what wins the most points here, with plenty of excitement but nothing too scary. The amount of computer generated animation is a bit disheartening, but it's still well done.
RESERVATION ROAD (R) 94 minutes * * When Ethan's (Joaquin Phoenix) son is killed in a tragic accident, he struggles to understand and becomes even more frustrated in his grief as the police seem incapable of finding out who is responsible. Turning to lawyers who might be able to help, he has no idea that Dwight (Mark Ruffalo) is actually the person responsible. With his own guilt weighing more heavily every day, Dwight is struggling with what choice to make. Good performances, but a heavy-handed approach to the story makes this a bit difficult to believe. R for language.
RESIDENT EVIL (R) 93 minutes * The world's economy is primarily controlled by one huge corporation that is involved in genetic research, viral weaponry, and the military. An item is stolen from a lab and a virus is released in the main building. The computer takes over the building and a team is being sent in to shut it down and regain control of the building, hoping to discover what went wrong and how security was breached. Early on, this appears to be an interesting sci-fi/action film, but it doesn't take long for it to degenerate to little more than a high-tech zombie film. It does look nice, but there's not much in the way of substance after the first 20 minutes. R for violence and language.
RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (R) 87 minutes 1/2 The virus gets out of the lab and into the general public, the corporation releases Nemesis to "clean up" the situation. Lots of action, but not much in the way of story. Thanks to the photography and costumes, this has a great look, but it rings far too hollow and quickly becomes boring. Some of the fight scenes are edited in a way that removes much of the excitement as well. R for violence, language, and nudity.
RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION (R) 88 minutes * 1/2 The virus continues to spread and has now killed almost all life. Staying on the move is the only way to survive. Alice (Milla Jovovich) holds the key to survival, but at what cost? The action and effects are reasonably good, and the cast does a fair job. It's just that there's barely enough story for the film... and yet they let us know that there will be another one to follow. R for violence, language, and nudity.
RESTLESS SPIRITS (NR) 93 minutes * * * Katie doesn't want to be spending the summer at her grandmother's. But when she takes up a dare to go into the haunted woods, she finds a bit more than expected. It seems that there are some real ghosts there, and they could use her help. A heartwarming story that is very well made in all aspects. It does move a little slowly at times, but it's a film that is both entertaining and educational and one that families will enjoy watching together.
RESURRECTING THE CHAMP (PG-13) 109 minutes * * 1/2 Erik Kernan Jr. (Josh Hartnett) is a sports writer who is struggling to find his voice. Everything he writes seems dry and mechanical. When he stumbles across a former boxing champ who is now homeless, he is able to write a story with heart and compassion. But is Bob Satterfield (Samuel L. Jackson) really who he says he is? What does it mean if he isn't? Definitely an interesting story though there are clearly some gaps in logic. Hartnett does reasonably well here as he has a strong supporting cast that also includes Kathryn Morris, Alan Alda and David Paymer. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE RETURN (PG-13) 80 minutes * 1/2 Sarah Michelle Gellar wanders through this film with little emotion, though the lackluster, predictable script is clearly at fault. Returning to the town of her childhood, Joanna (Gellar) is haunted by visions of violence that are, at least in part, memories. A longer film might have answered some of the questions more clearly, but the visions seem to be more important than the characters, so we never care about Joanna enough to be bothered by the incomplete story. PG-13 for violence and language.
RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD PART II (R) 85 minutes 1/2 Not a sequel to the classic George Romero film, but the comedy of the same title. This time, a cannister with a zombie in it falls off a truck and some kids open it up, releasing its occupant to eat more brains and so on and so on. Of special note is the appearance of Forrest Ackerman as one of the zombies.
RETURN TO HALLOWEENTOWN (PG) 97 minutes * * Fourth installment in what was a somewhat entertaining series of Disney TV movies about a young witch and her adventures. Sara Paxton takes over the role of Marnie Piper in this film, and just doesn't have the same innocent appeal of Kimberly J. Brown. Debbie Reynolds character sees less screen time as well. It would seem that we aren't the only ones who are a bit tired of the idea at this point. PG for violence.
RETURN TO HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (NR) 75 minutes * Gorefest horror film that barely resembles the 1999 "House on Haunted Hill" that it's a sequel to. There are loads of flashback sequences, which are rarely a good sign. The effects are gruesome enough, but the story barely holds together enough for the characters to get into the house and begin to separate from one another so that the ghosts can kill them. (Because ghosts are much like serial killers and they wait until you're alone so they can pick you off one at a time.) Not rated because they didn't want to bother, but it's no worse than any other R-rated splatter film.
RETURN TO ME (PG) 110 minutes * * * Minnie Driver shines in this story of a girl who finds new life, a new heart, and a new love. When Bob's (David Duchovny) wife dies in a car accident, it takes him awhile to get over it. When he does, he finds himself falling in love with Grace, who received his wife's heart as a transplant. The mystical elements here are weak and Duchovny's performance is rather emotionless. Still, Bonnie Hunt's directorial debut is quite solid, and she had the sense to take a role in the film where she excels. In fact, she and James Belushi are major highlights of the film. Filmed in Chicago and Rome. PG for language.
RETURN TO NEVERLAND (G) 65 minutes * * 1/2 Faith, trust, and pixie dust... it's all you need! Sequel to the classic Peter Pan, this might have been better as a straight to video project since that's what it feels like. The animations is pretty good. Lots of bright colors and fairly simple, but better quality than "The Lion King". The music is sorely lacking except for the song, "I'll Try" by Jonatha Brooke, which is used three times. Most of the younger crowd will enjoy this and the scary scenes aren't drawn out and are frequently followed by some humor to help lighten the mood.
RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER (PG) 95 minutes * * * Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson) is back to start his ranch with a hundred horses, and to claim Jessica (Sigrid Thornton) as his bride. Of course there are some difficulties, and the story really offers little in the way of surprises, but it does give us some gorgeous scenery. As with its predecessor, the bigger the screen you can see this on, the more impressive it will be. This sequel does have a few editing problems that detract from the beauty, but it's still a nice, family film that is a pleasure to watch.
RETURN TO THE BLUE LAGOON (PG-13) 98 minutes * Rather ridiculous sequel where the baby from the first film is rescued only to end up stranded on another tropical island with a baby girl and her mother. The two grow up and experience exactly what you'd expect... in a PG-13 variety anyway. The music and photography are nice, but why clutter up the beautiful scenery with the rest of this muck?
REVENGE (R) 120 minutes * * 1/2 Flyboy Kevin Costner retires and falls in love with his friend's wife. Predictable and slow-moving tale of lovers torn apart and friends who can't get along. Costner fans may find it interesting, and I always enjoy Anthony Quinn, but the pacing almost lulls you to sleep.
REVERSAL OF FORTUNE (R) 109 minutes * * * 1/2 This is the story of Claus Von Bulow, who was accused of attempting to murder his wife. Jeremy Irons won an Oscar for his performance in this incredibly well-written and twisting tale of reversals. You do need to pay attention throughout the film, but that shouldn't be a problem. It's far from boring and well acted by all, and Mark Isham's music draws you in from the moment the film begins.
REVOLVER (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Jake (Jason Statham), now out of prison and learning some very important lessons about himself and about life. While on the one hand an action film, this is also very cerebral. It's an interesting mix. The narration is more than a little confusing at times, though by the end of the film, we find that it was more helpful than we thought, much like what Jake learns about himself and being in prison. While this is unlikely to be on your favorite films list, it may well be one that remains with you for awhile. R for violence and language.
RICH GIRL (R) 93 minutes 1/2 A 21-year-old rich girl decides to go it on her own without her father and his money, but doesn't realize how large her father's sphere of influence really is. It's an uninspired formula story with cardboard performances by everyone.
RICH IN LOVE (PG-13) 102 minutes * * * Lucille (Kathryn Erbe) was having a perfect life... until one summer it decided to fall apart. She struggles to hold her life and her dreams together, but the more she tries, the worse things seem to get. It's an absorbing story of a South Carolina family that is struggling against change even while it is happening to them. Yet, even while dealing with issues that would tear other families apart, the Odoms retain the idea that family is important. It's a beautiful film about relationships from director Bruce Beresford, with wonderful southern scenery, and a gentle soundtrack from Georges Delerue. PG-13 for language.
THE RICH MAN'S WIFE (R) 90 minutes * 1/2 Not much to distinguish this film from others. John Frizzell provides a nice soundtrack, with a theme by James Newton Howard that helps keep us in suspense when we need to be, but the mediocre story just never really catches our attention. Halle Berry isn't strong enough to carry a film like this. R for language and violence.
RICHARD III (R) 101 minutes * * Shakespeare's classic story of one man's rise to the top through killing and how it proves to be fatal in the end. The World War II imagery takes over a bit too much at times, but the balance is effective through most of the film. Despite the exquisite sets and striking costumes, the film somehow misses the mark with Ian McKellan's performance as Richard III. Direction is probably the culprit, but this is still worth a look as a modernization of the classic drama.
RICHIE RICH (PG) 90 minutes * * Though this is a little more violent than the comic, it's a little less than Macauley Culkin was used to in the "Home Alone" films. He's a rich kid who doesn't seem to have any real friends at first, but when the chips are down, his true friends surface and they all save the day.
RICOCHET (R) 98 minutes * * A bold and innovative cop who is on the rise in the political arena has both his career and his life put in jeopardy by a felon he caught who has now escaped. John Lithgow plays a great psychotic, but Denzel Washington lacks the presence needed here. R for sex, violence, and language.
RIDING ALONE FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES (PG) 104 minutes * * * Estranged for many years, a father travels to China to film a folk opera for his dying son. But the actor who played the lead is now in prison, longing to see his own son. A gentle and thoughtful film about fatherhood and family from director Zhang Yimou. PG for language.
RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS (PG-13) 123 minutes * * * 1/2 Beverly Donofrio (Drew Barrymore), her life has been far from perfect, but there have definitely been some golden moments along the way. The way we handle the situations that arise in our lives is what makes us who we are, and Bev has done a pretty good job when you look at the big picture. So has Drew. It's marvelous to see how much of her heart Drew puts into this, and to watch her mature along with her character through the course of the film. She has grown as an actress and as a person, and it's a privilege to see a piece of that as it happens. Brittany Murphy's supporting performance plays well next to her, and the adaptation of the real Beverly Donofrio's book to the screen is directed with an understanding touch by the talented Penny Marshall. PG-13 for language.
RIDING THE BULLET ((R) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Alan's (Jonathan Jackson) mom is in the hospital. As he makes his way across the country to see her, his memories and fears take vivid shape. "The Bullet" of the title, is the rollercoaster he could never bring himself to ride when he was younger, but it also serves as a metaphor for life. Adapted from a short story by Stephen King, this reflects much of his own life as well. His own fear of roller coasters and his own relationships to his mother and father are all here. The film has a bit of a dreamlike quality to it, with little diversions into horror, but never all that far. In fact, it never really takes us quite far enough, choosing instead to ride a line between drama and horror, between the sentimental and the suspenseful. We never get the thrill of the first drop, or the fear that we're going to fly off the track. It's a pretty tame ride after all. R for violence, language, and nudity.
RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Lexi (Mary McCormack) leaves for work in downtown Los Angeles and Brad (Rory Cochrane) stays at home. Neither realizes what is about to happen. Moments later, three bombs hit Los Angeles, and the toxic cloud that rises in the air after the explosion will force them and many others to make choices they never thought they would have to face. Nice tension and good performances by McCormack and Cochrane, though the script and direction seem to fade in strength after the first 3- minutes or so. Filmed in Los Angeles. R for language and violence.
THE RIGHT STUFF (PG) 193 minutes * * * * The birth and early years of America's space program are chronicled in this film adaptation of Tom Wolfe's book. It's long, but never boring, as we watch a stellar cast (Dennis Quaid, Sam Shepard, Jeff Goldblum, Ed Harris and many more) bring the story to life. A bit overplayed at times, but that's part of what helps to draw us in and keep us watching.
THE RING (PG-13) 107 minutes * * * Nice, creepy story that starts out nicely with the telling of the legend about a videotape that you die a week after watching. Definitely suspenseful, but also filled with macabre humor both in the story and in the style. It does leave a few things unexplained, but the twist near the end is very nice and young David Dorfman does a very nice job making it a little more creepy. Adapted from the book by Koji Suzuki. PG-13 for violence and gross special effects.
RING AROUND THE ROSIE (R) 84 minutes 1/2 Muddled mess of a horror/suspense film with a number of creepy sequences, but also with a boring and confused story and poor acting. Not much in the way of props or sets either... they must have spent all of the money on the photography. R for violence and language.
THE RING TWO (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Rachel and Aidan have moved to a new town to get away from the curse of the ring, but even after burning a copy of the tape she finds, it only seems to be getting worse. There's a nice, creepy bit part by Sissy Spacek, but the film spends too much time trying to explain the questions raised in the first film and not enough time trying to scare us. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE RINGER (PG-13) 87 minutes * * Steve (Johnny Knoxville) needs money, and so does his uncle. So they decide to run a scam at the special olympics, with Steve pretending to be a mentally challenged partticipant. This does somehow manage to handle the subject matter with some sensitivity, which is a bit of a surprise from Knoxville. Unfortunately it also takes a bit of the life out of the story. There is some nice work by several mentally and/or physically challeneged people who play a variety of roles in the film. Knoxville mentioned in an interview that he learned quite a bit while making this film, including how inferior his own athletic abilities were in comparison to those of so many of the special olympics participants. PG-13 for language.
RINGMASTER (R) 86 minutes BOMB And just whose bad idea was it to make a film about two groups of people on their way to be on a Jerry Springer show? Boring and contrived... just like it's inspiration. The sole point of interest here is the over-sexed performance of Jaime Pressly, who will undoubtedly land a few other roles thanks to her performance here. R for sex and language.
RISING SUN (R) 126 minutes * * * Wesley Snipes and Sean Connery work well together in this story of Japanese and American rival companies. The murder of a girl brings their talents together, but the story is definitely told from a western bias. Michael Crichton co-wrote the screenplay from his novel, and it does unfold nicely, slowly drawing us into the story. R for violence and language.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT (PG) 118 minutes * * * 1/2 Two brothers, their father, and the wild Montana river that runs through their lives. The Montana of the boys' childhood is a land that is wild and strong, but it has its soft side as well. It's a wonderful place to be raised and to learn what life has to offer. The film does move slowly, but time seems to stand still in these Montana hills. We feel calmed and refreshed, and perhaps a little wiser for having listened to this story. There are some places in the film that are a bit less polished, and Robert Redford gets carried away with how much narration he does in spots, but otherwise, this is a beautiful and powerful film that can best be summarized by a quote from the final moments, "Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it." PG for language, violence, and nudity.
THE RIVER WILD (PG-13) 107 minutes * * 1/2 Meryl Streep stars in this story of a woman who takes her son and husband on a rafting trip. The idea is that it will strengthen the family, but along the way they have to deal with a couple of guys who would just as soon see them all dead. The excitement here is mostly thanks to Streep's superlative acting. The camerawork is poor, though the Jerry Goldsmith tries to make up for it with his soundtrack. An adequate thriller, but nothing outstanding.
THE ROAD TO ELDORADO (PG) 81 minutes * * 1/2 Miguel and Tulio not only manage to stumble across a map to the fabled Eldorado, but discover that the map is genuine. The story is a bit thin, almost moving too quickly when our heroes arive in Eldorado. We never get to know all that much about them, so it's difficult to care very much. Lots of bright colors and nicely done animation, but it's unlikely that most kids will want to watch this repeatedly. The songs are by Elton John and Tim Rice, but sound too much like copies of music from "The Lion King" with less memorable lyrics. Featuring the voices of Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branaugh, and Rosie Perez, and rated PG for violence.
ROAD TO PERDITION (R) 112 minutes * * * Mike Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is a man who provides for his family. Things are going fine until his son decides to tag along one time to see what his father does. Only then does he realize that his father kills people for a living. Now his dad has to try and protect him while trying to get out of the business. The trouble is, it's a road that makes changing directions almost impossible. Hanks does a very nice job here and there are some strong supporting performances from Paul Newman, Stanley Tucci, Jude Law, and others. The story does move a bit slowly at first, taking a bit too much time to lay out the initial ideas, but it moves well toward the end. Based on the graphic novel, and rated R for violence and language.
THE ROAD TO WELLVILLE (R) 117 minutes * * 1/2 Bizarre piece of work from director Alan Parker, about the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Michigan where people go to get healthy. Will and Eleanor Lightbody (Matt Broderick and Bridget Fonda) have come here to improve their health... or maybe they aren't unhealthy after all... An interesting cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, Lara Flynn Boyle, Dana Carvey, John Cusack, and Colm Meaney.
ROAD TRIP (R) 88 minutes * John and Tiffany have dated since childhood. Now they're in college and he's being tempted with other relationships. A videotape is made of him and another girl and it's been sent to his girlfriend by mistake. Time for a road trip to retrieve it. Typical teen sex comedy with not much in the way of talent, laughs, or story. R for language and nudity.
ROADHOUSE (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 Although the number one lesson Dalton (Patrick Swayze) swears by is that you can't win a fight unless you stay cool, he sure doesn't seem to live by it. This brawlfest comes off better than some, mostly due to the appeal and moderately good acting talents of Swayze. Ben Gazzara, Sam Elliott, and Kathleen Willhoite have good character roles too, but the film is unimaginative at best, though that's probably not a surprise.
ROB ROY (R) 132 minutes * * 1/2 Overly long retelling of the story of legendary Scottish figure, Rob Roy MacGregor. It takes a long time for these characters to take shape for us, and there's little to keep our interest aside from the beautiful scenery. Liam Neeson does a fine job, but this is a film that many may find less appealing than they might hope. Filmed in Scotland. R for violence.
ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS (PG-13) 99 minutes * 1/2 Typical Mel Brooks fare, with only a few bright spots that make us laugh. It's mostly a boring time inbetween the sight gags and comic lines, though there are a couple of cute cameo appearances.
ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES (PG-13) 137 minutes * * * Outstanding work by the supporting cast in this rather lengthy version of the story of Robin Hood. Some of the sets here are quite beautiful while others are very appropriately mysterious. Good work! A few liberties have been taken with the story, but it's entertaining and easy to tell that the cast enjoyed making it too. Kevin Costner doesn't seem that interested at times, but despite that, it's a fun outing. PG-13 for violence and nudity.
ROBOCOP (R) 96 minutes * * * He's part man and part machine, and the future of law enforecment. Peter Weller stars as Alex Murphy, a police office who returns from near death as a cyborg. Weller's stiff, yet sympathetic performance is complimented by a wonderfully evil performance from Kurtwood Smith as the villain. Special effects makeup by Rob Bottin.
ROBOCOP II (R) 110 minutes * * * 1/2 More action, more violence, and more villains than the first film. The story for this doesn't rely on your having seen the first film either, which is kind of nice. The idea is that the company responsible for making Robocop has gone bad and decides to replace him with a new unit that is better... in their opinion. Great special effects, music, and editing, and how about the fantastic job done by those 57 stunt people! R for violence and language.
ROBOCOP 3 (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Robocop joins the little people, whose land is about to be taken away by a bi corporation. Boring take on a story we've seen over and over. What we don't get to see the original Robocop, whose place has been taken by Robert Burke. Filmed two years earlier than it was released, hard to tell why they waited.
ROBOTS (PG) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Rodney Copperbottom has a dream, but he just can't get the support he needs. He won't quit trying though. Despite this, the story quits trying fairly early on. What we do have is a delightful collection of one-liners and brief comic sketches done by animated robots. Robin Williams is his typically wild comic self, but there are bits for just about everyone. Still, it doesn't really make for a great movie by the time we reach the end. PG for language.
THE ROCK (R) 131 minutes * * * Packed with exciting chase scenes, explosions, and other tense moments, this is not for the faint of heart. Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage work well together and have a terrific supporting cast that give this film the depth it needs. Believability is stretched a bit far at times, but the tension is kept at such a high level throughout the film in spite of that fact. Impressive and exciting and not to be missed! R for violence and language.
ROCK-A-DOODLE (G) 63 minutes * * 1/2 Glen Campbell does the voice for this story of Chanticleer, a rooster who learns the importance of friends. Mediocre animation and a surprisingly boring story make this one that the kids probably won't be that interested in watching.
ROCK 'N ROLL STARSHIP (Not Rated) 72 minutes BOMB Incredible low-budget and low-talent production that attempts to strike a similar chord to that of "Spaceballs". Really pathetic costumes and props and the script isn't much better. If you really want to notice the difference some talent can make, watch "El Mariachi", which only cost about $2,000 more than this to make!
ROCK STAR (R) 100 minutes * * Chris (Mark Wahlberg) always wanted to be a rock star. He finally gets his chance and finds out that in many ways, it's not quite what he imagined. Wahlberg does a nice job, as does Jennifer Aniston, but the characters here are extremely two-dimensional. The story itself could actually get a bit farther if the characters themselves didn't hold it back. Steel Dragon, the band created for the film, plays their own songs. R for language and sex.
ROCKET SCIENCE (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Hal (Reece Thompson) seems an unlikely candidate for the debate team. He stutters and stammers and would be the first to tell you that it wasn't his idea. But Ginny (Anna Kendrick) asked him, and he has a crush on her, so he tries. Quirky, cute coming of age story with plenty of life-truth nuggets scattered throughout the film. We don't really need the narration, though the voice seems to be coming from director Jeffrey Blitz, who also used to have problems with stuttering. R for sex and language.
THE ROCKETEER (PG) 104 minutes * * * * It's Los Angeles in 1938 and Cliff and Peevy (Alan Arkin) have just had a run of bad luck at their airfield that is going to cost them a lot of money. But wait, what's that bundle stuck under the airplane seat? Could it be a jet propulsion system for a person to wear on their back? Might it be a way to make some money? But what about the original owner, the FBI, and the Nazis, who all want to have it for themselves? Fun, exciting adventure film for young and old, with a well-written story, terrific music, and great special effects. Bill Campbell does a wonderful job as Cliff, the good old hometown boy who finds himself in the role of a hero. PG for violence.
ROCKETMAN (PG) 88 minutes * 1/2 Mercifully short live-action feature from Disney with only a few laughs. We follow bumbling and inept Fred Randall (Harland Williams) as he becomes an astronaut, ruins most everything he touches, but ends up saving the mission and the lives of his fellow astronauts. Williams is no Don Knotts, and this film has little to offer aside from a few minor chuckles. PG for language.
ROCKULA (PG-13) 85 minutes * * Cursed to watch his true love die every 22 years because he failed to save her the first time, Rockula (Dean Cameron) is determined to break the chain of events this time around. Being a rock star makes things interesting for him as well. The music is actually fairly good and this looks to have been a fun film to work on. Toni Basil, Thomas Dolby, and Bo Diddley are here and Cameron, Basil, and Tawny Fere all perform their own songs.
ROCKY V (PG-13) 100 minutes * 1/2 Rocky has hit the bottom. Things couldn't be much worse. With no money and little support, he has to fight his way up from the bottom again. Unfortunately, his opponent, Tommy Gunn, is just another cardbard machine. Apollo Creed has been Rocky's only real challenge over the years, because he's the only other fighter who felt the need to fight from the heart. Most of the acting is atrocious, looking as if the scripts were picked up the night before filming for the first time. And Bill Conti's music comes across far too staged to support the film the way it needs to. PG-13 for violence and language.
ROCKY BALBOA (PG) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Another comeback for Rocky, this one prompted by a computer simulation fight between Rocky and the current world champ that projects Rocky to be the winner. Fairly good entry in the series with some very nice scenes between Rocky and his son (Milo Ventimiglia). The film ends well, with a rousing, 10 round bout that does a nice job of bringing us to the edge of our seats. PG for violence and language.
ROGER & ME (R) 85 minutes * * * Michael Moore's cynical and satirical documentary about the town of Flint, Michigan and the effects of General Motors plant closures on the people in and around the town. Moore's efforts are definitely inclined toward picking on GM, but they do give him quite a bit to work with. The "Roger" in the title refers to Roger Smith, a GM executive Moore sets out to interview. R for language amd violence.
ROGER DODGER (R) 101 minutes * * * Roger (Campbell Scott) has been having an affair with his boss. But now Joyce (Isabella Rossellini) is tired of the affair and puts an end to it, but Roger just can't accept it. To make matters worse, his nephew has dropped by to get advice on how to pick up women. This is a bit talky at times, the negative and chauvenistic Roger rings true. Scott delivers the best performance of his career to this point, with a character that is far more complicated than anything he's done before. R for language and sex.
ROLL BOUNCE (PG-13) 107 minutes * * 1/2 Xavier (Bow Wow) loves to skate, and he's good at it too. But the local rink just closed and with his mother's recent death, he has to do more work around the house. But there's this rink on the other side of town... Nothing really remarkable here, but it's a fun trip back to the 1970s with some nice roller skating and a nice supporting performance from Jurnee Smollett. PG-13 for language.
ROLLERBALL (2002) (PG-13) 93 minutes * Remake of the 1975 action film that wasn't terribly great to begin with. The story is slightly different, but not by much. The best scenes are still the ones on the track, while the rest of the story is rather boring. The game itself is an interesting mix of hockey and championship wrestling on roller skates. The costumes are the highlight, but even those are hardly worth sitting through the whole film. R for violence and language.
ROMANCE & CIGARETTES (R) 96 minutes * * * 1/2 A somewhat unusual musical, with James Gandolfini and Susan Sarandon as a couple whose marriage is faltering. Nick (Gandolfini) has strayed into an affair with Tula (Kate Winslet), but still loves Kitty (Sarandon), who might forgive him. John Turturro wrote and directed this film, which is both rough and tender, as well as funny, romantic, and, as noted before, a bit unusual. The amasing cast also features Steve Buscemi, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Bobby Cannavale, and Christopher Walken. R for language and sex.
ROMEO AND JULIET (R) 138 minutes * * * 1/2 Director Franco Zeffirelli still has the best version of this Shakespearean classic on film. Olivia Hussey is perfect as Juliet and the film sweeps us along at a grand pace, catching us up in the story and sweeping along to its tragic climax. This is one of those films that it's very hard to stop watching once you start, thanks to a director, editor, and cinematographer who know how to paint a nearly seamless film.
ROMEO + JULIET (PG-13) 113 minutes * * 1/2 Visually and musically stunning from the very beginning! One of the problems with this film is that the style of humor used in a number of sequences doesn't really fit. Shakespeare definitely had humor, but much of this just doesn't fit. Leonardo DiCaprio also seems to have a great deal of trouble with the Shakespearean language. Strange that they didn't modernize that as well. Still, this is refreshing and unique and worth watching if you're curious. PG-13 for language and violence.
ROMEO MUST DIE (R) 111 minutes * * Big land deals are going down and the atmosphere is becoming rather tense between the blacks and the group from Hong Kong. The idea that people within the organizations are corrupt is no big surprise and we wait in anticipation of seeing the bad guys get what's coming to them. The action sequences are reasonably good, but the story is so stale that we're hardly able to enjoy them. Delroy Lindo is capable of much better than this film shows. And Jet Li and Aaliyah are featured as the rather mismatched "Romeo and Juliet" of the film. R for violence and language.
ROMY AND MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Light, fun look at the life of two girls who have made themselves at home in the valley. Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow are fun to watch as they skip through this film with little regard for anything except how they look. Too bad the script doesn't have the same energy and bright quality. Nice little cynical classmate role for Janeane Garafalo. Should be a bigger hit on video than in the theaters and the soundtrack is a must! R for language.
THE RON CLARK STORY (NR) 89 minutes * * Ron Clark (Matthew Perry) moves from small-town North Carolina to teach in one of the toughest classrooms in Harlem. It's an inspirational story about dedication and teaching. Perry's performance is less than inspirational, and some of the side stories that could add depth are cut to fit into the standard TV movie length. It's a little disappointing as it undercuts the power of the film in general. Not rated, includes some violence and foul language.
RONIN (R) 115 minutes * * 1/2 A team of specialists is assembled for the purpose of retrieving a briefcase. The best sequences here are the car chases, which are among the best since "The French Connection". However, most of the story happens too quickly and with so little explanation that we have a hard time being interested. We care little for the characters, though there is a feeling of reality to the film. Robert DeNiro and Jean Reno do a fine job, but the film has little else to offer. R for violence and language.
THE ROOKIE (R) 117 minutes * * Plenty of action and some good, suspenseful music, but the acting is poor and the story is the same old thing. It's nice to see Raul Julia and Sonia Braga together on screen, but Clint Eastwood sometimes stretches himself a bit thin by being on both sides of the camera. Seeing this on the TV screen shrinks a few of the problems, but it's still not one of Eastwood's better efforts. R for violence, language, and sexual innuendo.
THE ROOKIE (2002) (G) 122 minutes * * * Jimmy (Dennis Quaid) didn't make it to the big leagues when he was younger, but he may get a second chance. But what will he do if they really want him? It's a nice story about the importance of pursuing your dreams, but it moves a little slowly. Quaid does a nice job, but we need a little more from the supporting characters and a few less repeated pitches. It's not a bad baseball film, there are just too many others that are better.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (PG) 98 minutes * 1/2 Thomas Ian Nicholas gets a chance to play in the big leagues when his fastball reaches outlandish speeds in this sports fantasy film for kids. Way too many scenes of Chicago Cubs fans here, but that's just another sign of first-time director Daniel Stern's inexperience. Amy Morton, who plays Nicholas' mother is the star attraction here, earning at least half the rating for this film all by herself.
ROOMMATES (PG) 105 minutes * * * Rocky (Peter Falk) takes his grandson in when his parents die. Years later it's Michael's turn as his grandfather now needs him. Living with someone else is a constant compromise, even when you love them. But Rocky and Michael discover that it's worth all the hassles. Aside from a few slow spots early on, this is a great film. Falk and D.B. Sweeney work well together as does their supporting cast. PG for language.
ROSE HILL (PG) 99 minutes * * * Mary Rose has grown up as an orphan. Found by four boys, themselves orphans, who are very protective of her, they move west and establish their home. It's the story of an unlikely family and the bonds that love fashions whether there is a blood tie or not. The entire cast does a wonderful job, giving the production the depth it needs to endear itself to us. Rose Hill and the family who lives there, a special place and a story you'll continue to think about. PG for violence.
ROSEWOOD (R) 138 minutes * * * 1/2 Set in 1922-23, this is the story of the events that took place in Florida, where a young white woman of very questionable reputation falsely accuses an unnamed black man of raping her. The events her accusation set in motion are shocking and devastating to the small black community nearby. This is a powerful film. Predictable, but intense, with a lesson we all need to learn. Ving Rhames does a great job as Mann, the stranger in town, and Jon Voigt plays John Wright, a white man who plays both sides of the fence. R for violence and language.
ROSWELL (NR) 95 minutes * * * 1/2 Kyle MacLachlan and Martin Sheen star in this TV movie that is by far the best retelling of the UFO incident that occurred in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. Earnestly told story that capture our attention from the very beginning. MacLachlan and Sheen both give great performances that make this one of the more memorable TV productions of the last few years. You may not believe, but give yourself the chance to consider!
ROUNDERS (R) 114 minutes * * Mike (Matt Damon) is a gambler who just can't stay away from the game. Even when he loses it all in an attempt to win the big game. He quits for awhile, but comes back in with stakes that are even higher. The voice-over narration is less than appealing and the film seems to drag in a number of spots. Damon is a bit too "boyish" for the lead here, though Edward Norton does a fine job as his best friend, "Worm", and Famke Jansen's supporting role as Petra is worthy of note as well. Most won't find this a particularly appealing film, nor is it one with much to make it memorable. R for language and violence.
ROXANNE (PG) 111 minutes * * 1/2 The classic love triangle dilemma is portrayed in this up-to-date version of the story of Cyrano de Bergerac. This time around, it is C.D. Bales (Steve Martin) who has the nose, the wit, the romantic skills, and the love for a girl. Of course, she's in love with the new fireman in town... the one who is somewhat less than skilled at the art of romance. The mix of comic and dramatic scenes is a bit off and we come away from this not sorry we've seen it, but not that excited about it either.
THE ROYAL TENNENBAUMS (R) 103 minutes * * 1/2 Bizarre little film, providing a chronicle of the lives of the highly dysfunctional members of Royal Tennenbaum's family. Royal has been away for quite some time and decides that this would be a good time to drop back in, claiming that his life is about to end as a way to initiate the contact. The cast is terrific, with Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ben Stiller, just to name a few. Offbeat, and with it's humor a bit on the darker side, this somehow manages to be touching at the same time. R for language.
RUBY (R) 103 minutes * * There are definitely some interesting ideas in this story of Jack Ruby and the assassination of JFK, but the dialogue is terrible. Danny Aiello does what he can, and manages to make it watchable, but it's still tough going. Johanna Ray assembled a nice cast and John Scott's soundtrack has the right mood, but it still falls short because it's just so poorly written.
RUDE AWAKENING (R) 97 minutes * * 1/2 After twenty years in a South American commune, Jesus (Cheech Marin) and Freddy (Eric Roberts) discover that some things remain the same. Light-hearted look at the 1960s and the desire of that generation to change the world. If you know 60s culture and the references, you'll probably find this a fun film, otherwise, you'll probably be a little bored. R for language.
RUDY (PG) 109 minutes * * * 1/2 From the writing and directing team that gave us "Hoosiers", comes the story of a boy who wanted to play football at Notre Dame. With less-than-superb athletic or academic ability, Rudy makes it on the basis of determination and sincerity. A nice message, and based on a real incident. Sean Astin plays the part well and Jerry Goldsmith's music moves us at just the right times. A fine film for one and all.
RUGRATS GO WILD (PG) 74 minutes * * A notch below the previous two Rugrats movies, this one teams the lovable babies up with the Wild Thornberries for a combined adventure that probably won't excite the fans of either series. The Rugrats and theie families get lost at sea and end up on an island where the Thornberries are doing research. Ho hum...
RUGRATS IN PARIS (G) 72 minutes * * 1/2 Chucky wants a mom and he and everyone else tag along with Mr. Pickles, who has to go to Paris to fix Reptar, which is being used in a stage show. Fairly standard Rugrats fare, with the best lines going to Phil and Lil. It's a bit disappointing that there's so much of an emphasis on needing to have a mother. Not that a maternal role model and/or caretaker isn't important, but some children don't have that and need to be supported (as in The Tigger Movie) rather than made to feel incomplete.
THE RUGRATS MOVIE (G) 75 minutes * * 1/2 A cute story in this first feature film from the Nickelodeon cartoon. The twins Phil and Lil still come off the best as Tommy learns "sponsitility" with the arrival of his new baby brother. The animation is what unnerves us. The style may be an attempt to give us the perspective of babies, but the "in-your-face" jerky approach has a dizzying effect at times on the big screen and should've been toned down a bit. This is definitely one that the kids will like better than the adults, who may find it hard to sit through.
RULES OF ATTRACTION (R) 106 minutes * * Why are you attracted to someone? Sex appeal is both strange and fleeting. Being on drugs of various sorts tends to twist things even more. There is some nice camera work and editing here, but the characters are so unlikeable that it's hard to get very involved in the story. As well, this almost seems to be a test project, trying out some different styles of presentation yet never able to decide what works best. The story suffers and seems to run out of energy at several points along the way. R for sex, language, and drug use.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (R) 119 minutes * * 1/2 It was supposed to be a simple mission. But when the crowd becomes violent and snipers are killing his men, Col. Terry Childers (Samuel L. Jackson) orders his men to fire on the crowd. It's another case of government coverup and whether or not a good officer's character will win in the end. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones fit well in these parts, but it's a tired story that seems relieved when it reaches the end. R for violence and language.
RUMBLE IN THE BRONX (R) 82 minutes * * Bad boy bikers from the Bronx are causing trouble for the owner of a small market. Lucky for her that Jackie Chan happens to be a friend! As with most of Chan's films, it's fun to watch and full of inventive martial arts moves, though the story is rather weak. R for language and violence.
RUMOR HAS IT... (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * THere are quite a few film industry and California in-jokes here, but then again, this is a movie about the "real" story behind the movie "The Graduate". You know, that family from Pasadena where there was that girl who was about to get married but she disappeared and... It's a well-played story with delightful performances from both Jennifer Aniston and Shirley MacLaine as well as some solid supporting work from Mark Ruffalo, Kevin Costner, and Richard Jenkins. It's light-hearted fun, though there is a point. Rob Reiner's direction handles both well and we come away from this with a smile on our face and a tear or two as well. PG-13 for language and sexuality.
RUN (R) 88 minutes * * This is the story of how one man, insane with the power he holds over a town, gets bent out of shape when his son is killed in a fight. He puts the blame on Charlie Farrow (Patrick Dempsey) who just happens to be passing through town, but no one will come to his defense because they're too scared. Dempsey is likeable enough, but how can a person be so unlucky in a situation like this yet have so much luck in avoiding bullets? It's a fast-paced thriller that holds little for us in the way of suspense and relies too heavily on Dempsey's charm to pull it off. R for language and violence.
RUN GRANNY RUN (NR) 75 minutes * * * Doris "Granny D" Haddock was 90 years old when she decided to run for the U.S. Senate... this fun documentary follows the course of a determined woman who feels quite strongly about the importance of politicians not accepting money from special interest groups. It's an inspiring story, and a challenge. If Granny D can do it, so could you or I! It's definitely something to think about!
RUNAWAY BRIDE (PG) 109 minutes * * * Why mess with success? Garry Marshall directed Richard Gere and Julia Roberts so well in "Pretty Woman" that this reunion was a fairly safe bet. Marshall knows how to direct Roberts, keeping the camera on her face where her expressions can be the focus, and Gere approaches this new character with a bit of maturity, charm, and good natured amusement that fit it well. The story itself doesn't really surprise us, but the chemistry between them is good and the pacing is near perfection. Nice supporting roles from Joan Cusack and Hector Elizondo too! PG for language.
RUNAWAY JURY (PG-13) 123 minutes * * * Raskin Fitch (Gene Hackman) is the best at his job, which is helping the defense pick a jury that can be turned in their favor. It may not prove to be so easy this time... The plot twists here are nicely hidden to us (unless you've already read the book by John Grisham). John Cusack and Gene Hackman both deliver strong performances, as does Rachel Weisz. Dustin Hoffman gets a bit lost here, but his role is really only a supporting one as the story is really about Cusack and Hackman matching wits against each other. PG-13 for language.
THE RUNDOWN (PG-13) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Plenty of action and nice bits of humor throughout this fun film featuring "The Rock". Great stuntwork and fun to watch. "The Rock" shows here that he definitely knows how to entertain. The PG-13 is for violence, so even younger fans of "The Rock" can enjoy this.
THE RUNNING MAN (R) 94 minutes * * Arnold Schwarznegger is framed for murder and ends up on a reality show where he must run for his life. The comic lines don't fit here and miss the satirical intent of the book. There are actually a number of changes from the Stephen King book from which this is taken, none of which really help. Richard Dawson's portrayal of the game show host is fun to watch. Other interesting people here... Mick Fleetwood and Dweezil Zappa.
RUNNING SCARED (2006) (R) 114 minutes * * 1/2 Highly energetic and involved story with Paul Walker as a man in trouble with both the mob and the law when a gun he's supposed to have concealed turns up elsewhere. Numerous subplots and twists in the story mean that you need to pay attention here or you'll be lost. Walker continues to improve as an actor and does a nice job here, though there are some solid supporting performances as well. Another nice soundtrack from Mark Isham as well. R for violence, language, and sex.
RUNNING WITH SCISSORS (R) 116 minutes * * * 1/2 Film adaptation of Augusten Burroughs' memoir, detailing his unusual upbringing as part of his mother's therapist's family. The film maintains a darkly humorous edge, in part to cope with the potentially frightening aspects of the story. Despite his mother's tenuous grasp on reality and his father's abandonment, the therapist's family is even worse. Yet somehow, he manages to find a way to hold on and make it through. Amazing performances from Joseph Cross, Annette Bening, Jill Clayburgh, Evan Rachel Wood, Joseph Fiennes, and Brian Cox along with powerful direction from Ryan Murphy, who also adapted the screenplay. It's an unusual and very memorable story. R for language, sex, and violence.
RUSH (R) 113 minutes * 1/2 Slice-of-life film about two undercover narcotics agents (Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh) who run the risk of becoming drug addicts to maintain their cover. The problem is that once you start taking the drugs, your judgement is impaired. The look and feel of the film are gritty enough, but the story just falls flat. R for sex, violence, and language.
RUSH HOUR (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 James Carter is a cop whose ways are a bit unorthodox, like that's a surprise from Chris Tucker! As a punishment for his most recent exploits (he thinks it's a special assignment) he's asked to babysit a cop that the FBI wants out of their way (Jackie Chan). A slightly different setup, but this is still another "Lethal Weapon" clone. Mildly entertaining, Tucker still runs a bit too much at the mouth and makes us wish there were more scenes of Chan's thoroughly entertaining and inventive brand of martial arts. Chan and Tucker do work well together, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see another film with this team. PG-13 for violence and language.
RUSH HOUR 2 (PG-13) 84 minutes * * * Fun sequel that has Carter (Chris Tucker) on vacation in Hong Kong, ending up in the middle of one of Lee's (Jackie Chan) cases. Appropriately evil villains, good action sequences, and plenty of humor make this a sequel that is well worth watching. Pacing here is better than in the first film, and then there are those hilarious outtakes at the end! PG-13 for language and violence.
RUSH HOUR 3 (PG-13) 82 minutes * Even fans of the first two films in this series might find this a little disappointing. While there is plenty of action, the editing and photography are sloppy. The script seems to have been done in a hurry and perhaps re-written in spots to try and add what was missing. What's missing is everything that made the other two films work as well as they did. PG-13 for violence and language.
RUSHMORE (R) 89 minutes * * * This is no ordinary "coming of age" film. Max (Jason Schwartzman) is a strange kid. He's 15 years old and very talented, though he finds schoolwork unimportant. His crush on a school teacher at the academy, turns into war with a local businessman who also likes her. The focus here is not simply on Max, who is experiencing puberty at full force. Instead, we find a story that reminds us that we're always "coming of age". It's just a different age, with different pressures, because life is a process and a journey. Writer/director Wes Anderson has given us a quality film. R for language.
THE RUSSIA HOUSE (R) 117 minutes * * * John LeCarre's novel translates into a fine film that will leave you wondering if the people sitting next to you might not be spies... Sean Connery was no doubt feeling much like he might have when working on one of those old James Bond films. Not as much in the way of fancy gadgets, but plenty of suspense, a beautiful girl, friends who may or may not be trusted, and locations all over the world. London, Moscow, Leningrad, Lisbon, Vancouver... and beautiful scenery in every location. It does start a little slowly, but builds very well. For those who love espionage, this is a sure bet!
RV (PG) 93 minutes * * And you thought YOUR vacation in an RV was bad! Bob Munro (Robin Williams) has to cancel his family's Hawaiian vacation because of his job, and rents an RV to take them to Colorado where he's supposed to make a presentation at a meeting. Of course, not only does he not tell them the real reason why they're in an RV, but every other possible thing goes wrong as well. Williams' performance is less than exciting, but there are funny bits throughout. The supporting performances of Cheryl Hines, JoJo, Josh Hutcherson, Jeff Daniels, and Kristin Chenoweth go a long way to helping this be entertaining. PG for language.