SAAWARIYA (PG) 134 minutes * * * 1/2 Beautiful and magical story of love, full of wonderful music, brilliant colors and fantastic sets that dazzle the senses. Prakash Kapadia's script has both romance and tragedy and an almost fable-like quality. Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor work well together here, drawing us into the story with their appealing performances. PG for language and nudity.
SABRINA (PG) 123 minutes * * * This modernization of the 1954 film works better in some ways than the original. Julia Ormond grows into the part through the course of the film in a much more believable manner than did Audrey Hepburn. Harrison Ford and Greg Kinnear turn in fine performances and Ann Roth's costumes are worthy of an Oscar.
SAFE PASSAGE (PG-13) 94 minutes * * * Susan Sarandon is a single mother of seven boys, in this slice of modern life. Things do seem to work out rather well for this family, but sometimes it's nice to have a picture that gives us that side. What makes it work are the performances of Sarandon, Robert Sean Leonard, Sean Astin, and Nick Stahl. It does feel a little like a TV movie, but a good one.
SAHARA (PG-13) 118 minutes * * Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) and his buddy Al (Steve Zahn) are off on another treasure hunt. This time, they're looking for a lost ironclad ship from the Civil War that somehow ended up in Africa. They just happen to run across some people who are trying to destroy the world, so they need to help out with that too. Needless to say, the plot is more than a bit farfetched, so we're left to just have fun watching the characters, mostly the wise-cracking Zahn, who manages to keep this fairly entertaining. Director Breck Eisner (son of Disney CEO Michael Eisner) doesn't do a very good job here, though to be fair, he hasn't had much experience. PG-13 for violence.
THE SAINT (PG-13) 110 minutes * * * Simon Templar (Val Kilmer) has always worked alone and trusted no one but himself... until now. Dr. Emma Russell, who has come up with the secret to cold fusion, has managed to see right through the wall Simon has hidden behind. Simon isn't used to dealing with these feelings, but he isn't one to give up on anything very easily. Elisabeth Shue and Kilmer work well together and make this film fun to watch. The sound and make-up work is incredible and may both be up for Oscars. Graeme Revell has provided an interesting soundtrack as well, which keeps us on the edge of our seats. A fine piece of work that stands up well against most of the James Bond films. PG-13 for language and violence.
SAINTS AND SOLDIERS (PG-13) 86 minutes * * * Five American soldiers are trying to return to allied territory just after the Malmedy Massacre of World War II. This best picture winner at 14 different film festivals somehow never saw wide general release, but is well worth a look on video. The characters are well-played and the story manages to deal with the war in a very personal sense as well as in the larger sense. Using over one hundred war re-enactors, this is an emotional and thought provoking film and a wonderful addition to the genre of war films. PG-13 for violence.
SALEM WITCH TRIALS (NR) 187 minutes * * 1/2 Overly long TV movie version of the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts. The performances here are nothing outstanding by any standards, but the film does attempt to address the attitudes and beliefs of the time that led to the accusations and what followed. As such, it's a reasonable introduction to the topic.
THE SALON (PG-13) 95 minutes * 1/2 Writer Mark Brown, who also gave us "Barbershop" and "Barbershop 2" now gives us this film, which he also directs. It's more of the same, from a slightly different angle, and not quite as good. The Salon that Jenny (Vivica A. Fox) is running is about to be torn down, unless she can find a reason for them to leave it alone. Yawn... PG-13 for language.
THE SANDLOT (PG) 96 minutes * * * 1/2 Moving to town just two weeks before the end of school can be tough, but Benny takes Scott under his wing. Now, the summer of his life is about to begin. A summer filled with friends, baseball, mean junkyard dogs, beautiful lifeguards, chewing tobacco, and so much more. Well-written story with a wonderful young cast who give us genuine and often humorous performances. Entertaining and memorable film for all ages, this is a real gem. PG for language.
SANTA BABY (PG) 89 minutes * * Jenny McCarthy is Mary Class. Or, you might call her Mary Claus... since her father is Santa. He's having a bit of a health issue and Mary may need to take over the family business for the season. Her business sense is amazing, but not particularly suited to how Santa has been running the operation. Standard holiday fare. PG for language.
SANTA BUDDIES (G) 85 minutes * * 1/2 Christmas is in trouble because not enough people believe. Puppy Paws meets up with the Buddies to find out what's really happened and bring back the Christmas spirit for everyone to enjoy. Sentimental holiday fare with cute puppies and a touch of comedy.
THE SANTA CLAUSE (PG) 93 minutes * * * * Hilarious comedy with Tim Allen as a father who doesn't really believe in all this "Christmas stuff". He's trying to convince his son when events take a rather strange turn and he finds himself believing in everything after all. Hilarious, charming, witty, and thought-provoking entertainment for the whole family. Just remember, as a very wise elf in the movie states... "Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing." PG for language.
THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 (G) 96 minutes * * If Santa doesn't get married by midnight on Christmas eve, he won't get to be Santa anymore. OK, aside from that being a rather important part of the deal, it's a cute idea. What isn't so cute is the subplot involving a robotic Santa that takes his place while he goes to deal with his son and try to find a wife. Watch the first one again and don't worry about this sequel, it pales in comparison.
THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE (G) 85 minutes * * Jack Frost (Martin Short) is trying to trick Santa (Tim Allen) into using the escape clause so he can take over the holiday. As with the second film, it's the subplot that is bothersome. This time it involves Santa's inlaws and a couple of family friends coming to visit at the North Pole. It all ends nicely enough, but still doesn't come close to the first.
SARAFINA! (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * Film version of the anti-Aparteid musical that was so successful on the stage. There is an awkwardness here as the film fluctuates between drama and musical. Both are well presented, but the flow between scenes is forced at times. Where the stage presentation left some of the more violent sequences to the imagination, they are presented here. It's a natural move to make as it's easier to be more explicit on film than night after night in the theater, but perhaps it wasn't necessary. PG-13 for violence.
THE SASQUATCH GANG (PG-13) 83 minutes * * In an effort to save his precious car from being reposessed, Zerk (Justin Long) decides to sell plaster casts of fake sasquatch footprints. In the meantime, three friends who spend their time jousting with weapons they make from styrofoam, plastic, and tape, are trying to prove that the footprints are real. The characters are definitely interesting, but the story doesn't ever get very far off the ground. PG-13 for language.
SAVAGE GRACE (NR) 86 minutes * * A tragic tale of love and family. Barbara Baekeland (Julianne Moore) is an incredibly demanding woman. Her son Tony (Eddie Redmayne) is both torn and twisted by his mother's behavior. She will eventually prove to be his undoing. Based on a true story, and well-acted, but the characters are unappealing and we lose interest fairly quickly.
THE SAVAGES (R) 109 minutes * * * They are the Savage family. Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Wendy (Laura Linney) are almost constantly at each other's throats, like many siblings. Faced with needing to care for their father who has dementia, they must not only figure out how to get along, but how to deal with a father they have never been close to. They must find a way to rise above the family name. In finally accepting who they are and what has helped shape them, they may be able to begin the more difficult process of growing. Strong performances, but not an easy film to watch due to the intensity of the topic. R for sex and language.
SAVE THE LAST DANCE (PG-13) 105 minutes * * When her mother dies on the way to Sara's (Julia Stiles) audition for Julliard, she's ready to give up on dance. She moves in with her dad, who lives in an area of town that Sara is completely unfamiliar with. She soon makes new friends who speak the language of dance, with a slightly different style. And, of course, she grows up and becomes a young woman who learns how to cope and gets into Julliard after all. The script is trite and unimaginative at best, and really lets the cast flounder during the potentially more dramatic moments. They do their best, but coupled with some poor editing and mediocre directing, the script does its damage. Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas get the stars for this one and the small screen will help it look a little better too. PG-13 for language and violence.
SAVE THE LAST DANCE 2 (PG-13) 88 minutes * 1/2 Continuing the story from the first film, Sara (Izabella Miko) is now at Julliard, but finding out just how much it takes to stay there. Will she continue to pursue ballet? Is there room for the other styles of dance she loves? Will we care what happens? Fans of the first will enjoy this somewhat, but it's definitely a step below the first. PG-13 for sex and language.
SAVED (PG-13) 88 minutes * * 1/2 American Eagle Christian High School... it's a wonderful place to get an education. Of course, a great deal of learning happens when you begin to think outside the box, especially if it's a box that someone else has given you. Life can teach us many things if we're willing to allow it the opportunity. Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore) chooses a more limited understanding that fits her experiences, but it doesn't make sense any more to Mary. While in one sense this is a parody that pokes fun at the fundamentalist Christian faith of some of the characters, in another sense, it's also a very real attempt to allow other characters the ability to grow a faith that can grow and change with them as the bumps in the road of life come their way. Great performances from Malone and Moore as well as Eva Amurri and Macauley Culkin. PG-13 for language.
SAVING FACE (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 It seems that everyone here has a bit of a secret, and everyone is trying to keep appearances "normal". But what's normal? And is appearing so worth sacrificing what you love? Joan Chen stars as a 48-year-old woman dealing with a pregnancy and a daughter who is a lesbian in this charming and somewhat offbeat romantic comedy. Nice performance by Michelle Krusiec in the lead role of the daughter. R for sex and language.
SAVING GRACE (R) 91 minutes * * * Grace (Brenda Blethyn) is having a bit of trouble. You see, her husband just died and now she has learned that there isn't any money. In fact, he borrowed so much against their possessions for bad business deals, that she's about to lose everything. Her hobby of growing orchids just may prove useful though, as her groundskeeper asks for some assistance in keeping a struggling plant alive. The plant in question just happens to be marijuana, and with Grace's green thumb, this could soon become a very rich crop! It's a charming little film with fun characters and a story that will keep you smiling all the way through to the end. R for language and nudity.
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (R) 161 minutes * * * 1/2 This film is not for the faint-hearted. The landing at Normandy Beach is almost too realistic for comfort and makes one wonder how anyone survived. The final battle is almost as gruesome but has a little less effect because we've grown accustomed to it by then. The script has been structured around a few very long scenes, which makes the flow of the film a bit awkward despite how powerful those scenes are when viewed. There are also some inconsistencies in how the character of Ryan behaves when we finally do get the chance to meet him near the end of the film. Keep an eye on Barry Pepper, who plays the part of Jackson, the sniper, who's performance is the most outstanding in the film. This is one of the better war films we've seen in awhile, but its intensity makes it a film that not everyone will want to watch. R for violence and language.
SAVING SARAH CAIN (PG) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Sarah (Lisa Pepper) has been having trouble coming up with material for her newspaper column. With the unexpected death of her sister, Sarah finds herself legal guardian for her sister's five children. Her sister's five Amish children. Now she has something to write about, but what does it all mean? Adapted from the sentimental novel by Beverly Lewis, the story is unrealistic and two-dimensional. The actors playing the children are fine, but Pepper and the rest of the adult cast seem to be reading their lines off of the wall. PG for language.
SAVING SHILOH (PG) 86 minutes * * This conclusion to the Shiloh trilogy continues the story of Marty and Shiloh as they learn that Judd, who used to own Shiloh and mistreat him, can change for the better. The acting is mediocre, as it was in the first two films, but the script is not as well-written as the others. This entry is even less about the dog and more about the humans than the first two were, but those who enjoyed the first part of the story will probably be interested in seeing it come to completion. PG for violence.
SAVING SILVERMAN (PG-13) 85 minutes * * 1/2 Darren, Wayne, and J.D. have been buddies since childhood. Darren's new girlfriend is threatening to rip that friendship apart, but Wayne and J.D. aren't going to let that happen. Corny, stupid, and not really all that original, but the performances of Steve Zahn and Jack Black give this the edge it needs to be funny. Amanda Peet plays the domineering girlfriend to the hilt. It's obvious that they had fun making this film and it carries through in their performances. PG-13 for language.
SAW (R) 99 minutes * 1/2 Two young men wake up and find themselves chained to opposite ends of a room with a corpse on the floor between them. They are trapped in a room fashioned by the jigsaw killer, a serial killer who finds ways for his victims to kill themselves while he watches without them knowing. There are a few good creepy moments here, but the story has too little room to move and runs out of steam far too early. There is a nice twist at the end, but it's too little, too late. R for violence and language.
SAW II (R) 87 minutes * * Nicely crafted sequel that ties in with the first very well. We know who jigsaw is, but we still have to figure out the clues about the location of his current "victims". The acting and the script are both a bit on the uneven side, but as a sequel, this isn't too bad. Filmed in Toronto, Ontario. R for violence and language.
SAW III (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 This series just keeps getting a little better each time out. There's a new jigsaw killer on the loose, but something seems a bit different. Maybe the original killer is still around. Maybe there are some new games for people to play. Nice twists and turns here and a catch at the end to set us up for part IV. Filmed in Toronto, Ontario. R for violence and language.
SAW IV (R) 87 minutes * * Continuing with it's inventive storyline, the tests for people to face are more elaborate and the scene changes are well-done. Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) may be gone, but the story continues... and it would appear to have no end. Definitely one of the more clever horror series. Filmed in Toronto. R for violence and language.
SAW V (R) 87 minutes * 1/2 Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson) is on the trail of Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor), who is following in the footsteps of his mentor, and five more people are taking another series of "jigsaw tests". The ending to this entry in the series is rather abrupt, and we are treated to quite a few clips from the earlier films. That may help if you haven't seen them before, but more new footage would be nice too. R for violence and language.
SAW VI (R) 85 minutes * 1/2 Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) is working with Jigsaw's wife to fulfill his final wishes. Six more traps are set, but Hoffman needs to watch his back. Slightly more inventive than part five, but still has far too many flashbacks and too much of Mandylor's one-dimensional acting. R for violence and language.
SAY ANYTHING (PG-13) 94 minutes * * * A romance begins to blossom ever so slowly, but surely, as a persistent Romeo pursues his Juliet. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is sincere, trustworthy, considerate... just about everything a girl could want. Diane Court (Ione Skye) has spent her whole life preparing for the futer while ignoring the present. As Lloyd opens her eyes to the world around her, she begins to realize that it's out of a genuine desire to help her be the best person she can be. Finely crafted story with strong characters that are brought to life well by both Cusack and Skye. More than just another teen romance, this is a truly fine film about relationships and the importance of communication. PG-13 for language.
SAY IT ISN'T SO (R) 90 minutes 1/2 Gilly (Chris Klein) has finally found the perfect girl... if only she wasn't his long lost sister. Rather inane script that pokes fun at ignorance. The performances are too earnest and the jokes are in poor taste. A real shame to waste the talents of Klein, Heather Graham, and Sally Field. R for language.
A SCANNER DARKLY (R) 96 minutes * * * An undercover police officer discovers the dangers of a new drug firsthand as it begins to alter his sense of self and reality. Though not as profound and philosophical as "Waking Life", writer/director Richard Linklater uses the same style of animation drawn over live-action photography to present an interesting film, adapted from the book by Philip K. Dick. The story is both dark and cynical, but manages to elicit a few smiles and chuckles along the way. It's a treat, not only for fans of Linklater and Dick, but for those who appreciate films that are a little different from the normal streams of entertainment. R for sex, language, and violence.
THE SCARLET LETTER (R) 131 minutes * * * As is states at the beginning, this is "freely adapted from the novel". It is a story well-told, though not true to the original, with fine performances by Demi Moore and Gary Oldman and a beautiful soundtrack by John Barry. It could have used a little trimming, but it's a great film for a rainy day. R for violence, language, and nudity.
SCARY MOVIE (R) 80 minutes * * 1/2 This film was orginally titled "Scream if you know what I did last Halloween", which should give you an idea of what to expect. The bulk of the time is spent on parodies of "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer", though there are comments and jokes that cover "The Blair Witch Project", "The Shining", "The Sixth Sense", and many others. It's full of the usual sex jokes and bathroom humor, but also manages to include some nice effects and stuntwork. Anna Faris' performance also provides a steady note that helps hold the film together. R for language and sex.
SCARY MOVIE 2 (R) 74 minutes 1/2 Cindy (Anna Faris) and the rest are reunited at a weekend retreat at Hell House. More sex jokes and bathroom humor than in the first, but the production quality isn't as good. Faris is the only bright spot in the film. R for language and violence.
SCARY MOVIE 3 (PG-13) 75 minutes BOMB Anna Faris and friends return, poking fun primarily at "The Ring" and "Signs", but managing to lampoon a few other suspense films along the way. The rating has changed from R to PG-13, but all that did was switch the humor from foul to tasteless. Lots of big name people do cameos here, but it doesn't help. PG-13 for language and violence.
SCARY MOVIE 4 (PG-13) 75 minutes 1/2 More of the same, with a few chuckles here and there. More big name people doing cameos and Anna Faris is beginning to look a little bored with this. Primarily a parody of "War of the Worlds" with "Saw", "The Grudge", and "The Village" along with a few others thrown in. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
SCENES FROM A MALL (R) 83 minutes * * 1/2 Woody Allen and Bette Midler star as a couple who have been married for sixteen years. Today they're at the local mall, getting into a fight and making up and getting into another fight and making up and... get the idea? There are bits here and there that are good, and the songs are very well chosen, but the film isn't designed well. There seems to be no purpose for the mall setting and there is little interaction between anyone except Allen and Midler. Fans of theirs may be interested, but most people won't. R for language.
SCENT OF A WOMAN (R) 153 minutes * * 1/2 Al Pacino gives a wonderful performance as Lt. Col. Frank Slade, a blind man who gives a new definition to the phrase, "hard to handle". Young Charlie (Chris O'Donnell) ends up learning a great deal from him as they spend time together. Pacino carries the film, which isn't surprising, but it makes for a rather tedious time during the lat hour. This just lasts too long when we don't have a more balanced presentation. Watch it for Pacino and fast-forward through the rest.
SCHINDLER'S LIST (R) 189 minutes * * * * An extraordinarily powerful film that is almost frighteningly realistic. That it is filmed almost entirely in black and white adds even more to the effect because we feel like we're watching old documentary footage of actual events. Fabulous performances by Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and many more. Definitely a modern classic. R for violence and nudity.
SCHOOL DAZE (R) 115 minutes * * An activist on a university campus fights apathy as well as the administration. This Spike Lee project is rather choppy and disorganized, with some sequences very good while others are very poor. There are a number of interesting ideas in here, but they get lost in the confusing and conflicting styles used to present them.
SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Remake of the 1960 film, this one starring Billy Bob Thornton as the teacher and Jon Heder as the loser who needs to learn confidence. Heder plays his part well, but Thornton seems to care as little about the role as his character does about being sensitive. There are a few chuckles here and there, but we're never drawn into the story enough to have much sympathy for Heder's character. PG-13 for language and violence.
SCHOOL OF ROCK (PG-13) 103 minutes * 1/2 Dewey (Jack Black) needs a job and decides that substitute teaching at a prep school might work, especially when he discovers that the kids have some musical talent that he can shape into a band. It's sort of fun, but relies very heavily on Black's energy and comedic talents which begin to wear thin by the end of the film. It does end well, if you last that long. PG-13 for language.
SCHOOL TIES (PG) 104 minutes * * 1/2 A tough prep school is the steeing to explore the topics of loyalty, friendships, and how to get a slice of the good life. Overly dramatic to say the least, but the performances are reasonable and manage to counteract most of the cheap dialogue.
THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP (R) 102 minutes * * 1/2 Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal) is fascinated with his dreams, and with a particular young woman. In his dreams, it all works out well, but will that translate into reality? Unusual, and a visual treat, with a strong performance from Bernal, but this still misses the mark. The movement between reality and dream is puzzling at times, and despite the effort Bernal shows, we have a hard time sympathizing with his character. At times, Stephane is appealingly quirky, then suddenly will veer toward self-destruction for no apparent reason. Writer/director Michel Gondry did much better when collaborating with Charlie Kaufman on "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". R for sex.
SCOOBY-DOO (PG) 80 minutes * * Mildly entertaining live-action version of the classic Saturday morning cartoon. All our favorites are here, but there have been some alterations. Daphne never used to be quite so empty-headed and Scrappy may have been a little annoying, but he wasn't such an egomaniac. There's also a good deal of adult humor here. Somewhat inapproriate, though sufficiently buried as to go unnoticed by most of the younger crowd. Watch the cartoons, they're better. Filmed in Queensland, Australia. PG for violence.
SCOOBY-DOO AND THE SAMURAI SWORD (NR) 72 minutes * * One of the many straight to video animated features starring Scooby-Doo and the rest of the gang. This story involves the legend of the Black Samurai and the gang discovers that they need help from a green dragon and a sword of fate. A little more violent than some entries in the series, but plenty of silly humor as well.
SCOOBY-DOO: THE MYSTERY BEGINS (PG) 76 minutes * * Live-action Scooby-Doo film with a new cast, exploring the first case that the gang has together. Ghosts are haunting Coolsville High, but they seem to have some help. Who is it, and how can they be stopped? Not sure why we need an intro to these characters at this point, but it works OK. PG for violence.
SCOOBY DOO 2: MONSTERS UNLEASHED (PG) 87 minutes * * It's definitely nice to see all of the old villains again. And to not see Scrappy... still, there really isn't much to the story. The younger crowd (6-10) will probably find it entertaining and they probably won't understand the few more adult oriented jokes that are in a couple of spots. For the most part, it's a harmless and mildy entertaining film that will definitely look quite a bit better on video.
SCOOP (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * Sondra (Scarlett Johansson) is picked from the audience to assist with a magic trick for Sid Waterman (Woody Allen) aka Splendini. That's when she's contacted by the spirit of a recently deceased journalist who gives her the scoop of a lifetime. Now she has to put her college journalism skills to use and uncover the rest of the story along with Sid's help. Of course, Sid isn't so sure about all of this... Typical, quirky Allen comedy, with plenty of chuckles throughout. It's heavy on dialogue, as is normal for a film from Allen, but it helps that he wrote it with Johansson in mind. She delivers yet another amazing performance. Definitely one of Allen's more lighthearted and entertaining films. PG-13 for sex.
THE SCORE (R) 118 minutes * * Jack (Edward Norton) has a plan. If he can pull it off, he'll be set for life. But it isn't going to be easy. Nick (Robert DeNiro) is just about to retire, but decides that this is one last job he's up for, but only because the price tag is high and the risk is acceptable. DeNiro and Norton both do great work here, and Marlon Brando has a reasonably good role as well. The script is amazingly boring despite the presence of these talented actors. It also manages to relegate Angela Bassett to an almost non-existent role as Nick's girlfriend. There are a few nice twists toward the end of the film, but we've had so long to think about what might happen, that they are more of a relief than a surprise. Filmed in Quebec. R for language.
THE SCORPION KING (PG-13) 84 minutes * * Spin-off from the mummy films that introduced this character. In this first entry in the series, we get The Rock portraying Mathayus in his early days as he first takes the throne as the Scorpion King. Plenty of swordplay without much in the way of bloodshed keeps this in the PG-13 range. Very nice job by Kelly Hu as the sorceress, and The Rock does a decent job as well. Bits of humor, but not so much that it feels strained. Sets us right up for that inevitable sequel, but manages to be fun enough that we don't mind.
THE SCORPION KING 2: RISE OF A WARRIOR (PG-13) 105 minutes * 1/2 Straight to video prequel with Michael Copon in the role of Mathayus, showing us how he became the Scorpion King. With too much narration and a story that tells us a part of the story we were already well past, we may have seen the last of this series. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
THE SCOUT (PG-13) 97 minutes * 1/2 Another whining performance from Albert Brooks as a baseball scout who may have finally found the dream player he's always hoped for... if he can just smooth out those rough edges. Brendan Fraser and Diane Wiest come off fairly well, but they also seem more relaxed. Brooks is too intense for the story and it ruins the effect of the film is scene after scene. Lots of cameos from baseball professionals throughout the film.
SCREAM (R) 104 minutes * * 1/2 One of the more original horror films in the last several years that manages to poke fun at the genre while still being able to scare us once in awhile. Inventive script, some great music by Marco Beltrami, and fairly good acting. The story does wander a bit too much at times and the ending gets a bit out of hand, but for those who like horror, this is one of the better films that we've seen in awhile. R for violence and language.
SCREAM 2 (R) 112 minutes * * A movie within a movie this time around, and the killings are starting all over. The twists and turns here are much the same as the first. It's a relatively fun film (for those who enjoy horror), mostly thanks to the willingness of the story to poke fun at itself. Several of the first film's cast return, but only a few survive for a possible part three. Marco Beltrami's music sets the mood once again for a sequel that turns out to be better than most. R for violence and language.
SCREAM 3 (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 The killer is looking for Sidney (Neve Campbell) again. Those who survived the first and second films are back for the third and supposedly final chapter of the story. It does wrap up rather well and maintains suspense throughout the film. The dream sequence that occurs at the twenty minute point works very well. All things considered, it's a nice addition to the series and has a better mix of humor and horror than either of the first two. R for violence and language.
SCREAMERS (R) 105 minutes * * It's 2078, and the warring peoples of Sirius 6B have decided to negotiate peace. But the machines they built for defense have other ideas, and they're changing... The ending is ridiculous, and ruins what is otherwise a fine film adaptation of Philip K. Dick's short story, "Second Variety".
SCREWED (PG-13) 75 minutes 1/2 Willard (Norm MacDonald) works for one of the richest, meanest women around and he's tired of it. In an effort to kidnap her dog for ransom, Willard and his buddies make just about every mistake possible. It's bad and boring slapstick comedy that wastes the talents of Dave Chapelle and Danny DeVito as they take a backseat to MacDonald's abrasive and cynical brand of humor. PG-13 for language and nudity.
SCROOGED (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * 1/2 In this modernized version of the classic Dickens tale, we have a cutthroat television executive (played for laughs) who needs to be taught a lesson. The ghosts of Christmas past and present are absolutely hilarious and are great fun to watch. The ghost of Christmas future is a little disappointing though it starts off well. There are also a number of cameos from well-known actors in a stage production of "Scrooge" within the story of the film. The entire film is a delightful diversion that almost lets us forget the message Dickens had for us, but at the end reminds us of it: It is never too late to change, and to give, really IS better than to receive. It's definitely a film that has earned its place as a modern Christmas classic and should not be missed.
SEA BEAST (NR) 85 minutes BOMB Not that the title asks us to expect much her, and by the way, the original title, "Troglodyte" wasn't any better, but even with low expectations, you might be disappointed. A fishing community is losing fish and fishermen and soon discover that the reason is that there are a bunch of weird fish monsters around. Cheap special effects, two-dimensional acting, and a ridiculously bad script are likely to add this to your "worst films" list... if you bother to watch it.
THE SEA INSIDE (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * 1/2 Deeply moving story of Ramon Sampedro, a man who wanted to end his life with dignity after a diving accident left him quadriplegic. Javier Bardem gives an amazing performance that draws us into this powerful story that explores the pros and cons of euthanasia in a way that makes it feel very real. Beautiful cinematography by Javier Aguirresarobe that lends a vibrancy to the film, and sensitive direction by Alejandro Amenabar as well as several heartfelt performances by supporting cast all add up to a film that earned a well-deserved Oscar for Best Foreign Language film. PG-13 for subject matter.
SEA OF LOVE (R) 108 minutes * * * Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin in a very suspenseful murder mystery. He's a cop on the trail of a serial killer and she's the suspect he's begun to fall in love with. Nice roles for both actors and the script and direction keep us interested until the very end. R for language and sex.
SEABISCUIT (PG-13) 132 minutes * * * The story of a champion horse that inspired a nation. Nice work by Tobey Maguire and Chris Cooper and some great bits by William H. Macy as a radio announcer. The narrative bits throughout the film are rather annoying. They mostly pertain to the history of the U.S. at the time and don't offer much in connection with the story. The dialogue does a nice job of mixing personal struggle and societal changes into the story of a horse that few people had faith in early on. The moral here is that true sportsmanship means doing what it takes to bring out the best in our fellow competitors. PG-13 for language.
SEANCE (R) 85 minutes * 1/2 After some rather creepy encounters with something supernatural, a group of college students hold a seance to rid their dorm of it's haunted presence. Unfortunately, they end up creating a way for something even worse to wander the halls. Quite a few very good spooky and creepy bits here, though they tend to be over-used and lose their effectiveness as the film progresses. R for violence, language, and sex.
SEARCH AND DESTROY (R) 87 minutes * 1/2 An absolutely stunning cast is nearly totally wasted in this story of an unlikeable guy trying to finance a film project. The script is awful and the direction sadly lacking the experience we need to carry off a film with dark humor such as this. Even the talents of Martin Scorsese (as executive producer) can't save this one.
SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER (PG) 105 minutes * * * Josh (Max Pomeranc)has a gift for playing chess, a gift like Bobby Fischer, a vision for the game. Taught by both his father and another, each of whom has their own style and reason for helping Josh to be the best, but when it comes gets down to it, Josh is still his own person. Best quote (by Josh): "Maybe it's better not to be the best. Then you can lose and it's OK." Based on fact.
SEARCHING FOR DEBRA WINGER (R) 93 minutes * * * Rosanna Arquette's look at the world of filmmaking and it's effect on women. It begins by asking about the balance, or lack thereof, between art and personal life, career and family. She wonders what happens to women like Jane Fonda and Debra Winger who have left the business. The end result is not only a collection of fascinating interviews with some of the most amazingly talented people in the film industry, but a deeply personal experience of learning for Rosanna. Insightful and thought-provoking, it's a film that reveals the strength and courage it takes not only to be a woman in the film industry, but to be a woman whatever you do. R for language.
THE SEAT FILLER (PG-13) 86 minutes * * He's taken a job as a seat filler to earn some money, she's a wealthy pop star. A lucky turn of events puts him next to her, and a couple of small lies later... but truth wins out in the end. As does love, of course. Light comedy with a twist of romance, nothing special, but pleasant enough to watch. Filmed in Los Angeles. PG-13 for language.
THE SECOND ANIMATION CELEBRATION (NR) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 Unique and eclectic collection of animated short films. A little bit of everything, with "Lazar" and "Finger Wave" tending to the bizarre, and fascinating bits like "Pencil Dance" and "Olive Jr.". Other shorts included are, "Scardey Cat", "ASIFA", "Knick Knack", and "Tin Toy". It's refreshing to see a collection like this that reminds us how animation is still being practiced as an art.
SECOND BEST (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * William Hurt stars in the story of a shy, unmarried postmaster who decides to try and adopt a 10-year-old boy. Fantastic script that takes us through all the struggles of such an attempt. Still, this remains a gentle film overall, quiet and sincere, and well-worth a look.
THE SECOND CHANCE (PG-13) 99 minutes * * 1/2 A minister of music (Michael W. Smith) at a wealthy church and a senior minister (Jeff Obafemi Carr) in an urban church have to learn to work together. Having Michael W. Smith on this project does mean that the music is top-notch, but the characters are two-dimensional stereotypes and the acting needs a good deal of work as well. The more conservative Christian audience at which this is aimed will probably like this, but others are likely to be bored.
SECOND IN COMMAND (R) 88 minutes * 1/2 Sam Keenan (Jean Claude Van Damme) is a former Navy SEAL who has just been stationed in an Eastern European nation where the situation is going from bad to worse. The newly elected president is about to be overthrown by the rebels, the US ambassador is dead, journalists have been taken hostage, and someone has been listening in on all of their plans. Typical Van Damme fare, though there isn't much in the way of martial arts here. The story moves almost too quickly and we don't really ever care much about most of the characters, we just wait to watch people shoot each other and assume that Van Damme and a couple of his friends will make it out alive. R for violence and language.
SECOND SIGHT (PG) 80 minutes * Bronson Pinchot and John Larroquette star in this piece of fluff about a psychic who works for a detective agency. Loads of comic talent here, but the story is far too weak to interest us for long.
SECONDHAND LIONS (PG) 102 minutes * * * 1/2 Delightful story of a young boy whose mother leaves him with his uncles for awhile, uncles who aren't particularly sociable and don't exactly know what to do with a young boy. What they learn from each other are invaluable lessons of life, love, and family. The story feels rushed in a few spots where it's obvious that footage was cut out, but Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Haley Joel Osment are a treat to watch. Classy ending too! PG for violence.
A SECRET (2007) (NR) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Francois has a secret friend, an imaginary brother who helps him sometimes. His family has an even bigger secret about their Jewish heritage and what happened during World War II. As a child, he doesn't understand, but as he gets older and begins to uncover the truth, he will have to decide what to do with the information he learns. Solid French drama about the war and its effect on one particular family.
THE SECRET (R) 87 minutes * * 1/2 After a tragic car accident, Hannah (Lili Taylor), finds herself inhabiting the body of her daughter. Wondering how it happened and if there's something she should or could do to change it, at the same time, she is learning about her daughter from firsthand experience. Based on the film Himisu, it's a sensitive and interesting story that nudges the boundaries of what's acceptable. Nice work by Olivia Thirlby! R for language.
THE SECRET GARDEN (G) 99 minutes * * * * Classic story of a young girl who fins an abandoned garden on the grounds of the dilapidated Victorian estate where she now lives as an orphan. It is full of magical, wonderful secrets for everyone who is willing to see them. Kate Maberly is outstanding as young Mary, and Hayden Prowse and Andrew Knott perform well too. Quality family entertainment at its best.
A SECRET HANDSHAKE (NR) 91 minutes 1/2 Repeatedly waking up in a strange room and finding himself the victim of torture, then mysteriously reappearing at home is a rather unnerving experience for Jacob (Robert Olding). What is real, and who can he trust? The half star here is for the story idea, which isn't too bad. Unfortunately, this film is a great example of how not to do a low-budget film. Poor sound quality, bad editing, and inexperienced direction, along with very mediocre acting, pretty much ruin this film within the first 10-15 minutes... and it never really gets better.
THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES (PG-13) 104 minutes * * * 1/2 Running away from her abusive father, Lily (Dakota Fanning) and her caretaker Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) find themselves taking refuge with the generous Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, and Alicia Keys). They are beekeepers, and there is much to learn from bees. And as August (Latifah) reminds Lily, "Above all, send the bees love. Every little thing wants to be loved." The stellar cast is a pleasure to watch, and Sue Monk Kidd's powerful and memorable novel adapts quite nicely to the big screen. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS (R) 100 minutes * * * David and Dana used to have a wonderful marriage, but somewhere along the line, the passion disappeared. Dana has found new sources for herself, both in a community opera group, and in another romantic relationship. But when their two young daughters begin to notice the tension in their relationship, it becomes something that can't be ignored. Or can it? What happens when secrets like these remain unspoken? It's a nicely handled story, with smart direction and a very capable performance by Campbell Scott. R for language.
THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH (PG) 102 minutes * * * * A magical tale of Ireland, starring Jeni Courtney as a young girl who goes to live with her grandparents on the west coast of Ireland. She discovers the history of her family, wrapped in both myth and magic. Beautiful and memorable, director John Sayles adapted this from the novella The Secret of Ron Mor Skerry, by Rosalie Frye.
SECRET OF THE CAVE (PG) 85 minutes * 1/2 Left by his father in a small Irish fishing village to spend the summer with his uncle, Roy (Kevin Novotny) discovers a mystery. As this is a film from the 7th Day Adventist's organization, it's a pretty tame mystery. The soundtrack is nice, but the performances are rather lifeless and the film itself somewhat uninteresting. PG for language.
THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC GOURD (G) 80 minutes * * * Delightful and magical tale of a young Japanese boy who finds a magic gourd. It will grant any wish as long as you don't tell anyone about it. The problem is that the wishes are often not quite what he expects, and he keeps getting in trouble. Bao Hu Lu (Peisi Chen) soon learns not only to be careful what he wishes for, but that the rewards life has to offer, only come with hard work. Excellent live action/animation mix in this wonderful film for the whole family.
THE SECRET OF THE NUTCRACKER (NR) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Interesting TV movie version of the nutcracker story, changing the battle between the mice and the toy soldiers to a more realistic setting in World War II. Clara (Janelle Jorde) dreams her way to her father, who is being held prisoner by the Nazis. The changes work well, though there are a couple of sequences that are a bit scarier than the usual version of the story. The acting is reasonably good, as are the production values.
SECRET WINDOW (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Feature film adaptation of Stephen King's short story, "Secret Window, Secret Garden". It's yet another of King's stories that reminds us of the ever-constant presence of evil and that sometimes... it wins. Johnny Depp does a nice job here and the music by Philip Glass and photography by Fred Murphy both do an effective job of creating the atmosphere we need to feel here. Still, as is often the problem with stretching short stories to an hour and a half, it gets rather thin in spots. PG-13 for violence and language.
SEDUCING DR. LEWIS (NR) 104 minutes * * * St. Marie-La-Mauderne is a tiny fishing village that has one chance to survive. They desperately need a small factory to employ their townspeople, but the factory won't be built unless the village has a doctor. Can they do it? Can they convince a doctor from a city like Montreal to come to a fishing village that only has one restaurant? Wonderfully charming film that does a grand job of showing us the heart of a community and with a little humor along the way.
SEE NO EVIL (R) 78 minutes * 1/2 Eight juvenile delinquents are "volunteered to help clean up an old hotel. For their three days of work, they'll receive a month off of their sentences... if they survive. Evil walks these halls, though its far less supernatural than you'd think. This fairly typical gorefest does boast some wonderfully grungy, creepy sets and a villain who says almost nothing (Yay!) throughout the entire film! R for Sex, violence, and language.
SEE NO EVIL HEAR NO EVIL (R) 98 minutes * * Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor appear to have had fun making this rather ridiculous comedy about two men, one blind and the other deaf, who witness a murder but end up becoming suspects. Cheap humor that really is below par for these two, but there are a couple of good scenes. R for language.
SEE SPOT RUN (PG) 93 minutes * * Agent 11 is in danger after an undercover operation goes bad. (He's a dog, by the way.) He's supposed to go to Alaska for safe keeping, but ends up at Gordon's (David Arquette) house instead. The trouble is, Gordon already has his hands full with the neighbor's kid, who he volunteered to watch because he's attracted to the kid's mom. The story is pretty thin, but Arquette works well with Angus T. Jones (James, the neighbor's kid) and the film makes its points with a sense of humor. PG for language and cartoonish violence.
SEED OF CHUCKY (R) 80 minutes * Chucky's baby is in England and unaware of who his parents are until fate reunites them. Plenty of Hollywood in-jokes here, with references to other films and actors. It's funny stuff at times, but only if you know all of the references. As with "Bride of Chucky", it's Jennifer Tilly and Tiffany that steal the show... what there is of it... R for violence, language, and sex.
THE SEEKER: THE DARK IS RISING (PG) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Will Stanton (Alexander Ludwig) is the seeker, and now that the darkness is coming, he is the only one who can save the world. But he's just a boy, and it's confusing and frustrating and alot of responsibility to deal with. This is a reasonably good fantasy adventure, adapted from Susan Cooper's book, "The Dark is Rising". The problem is that it resolves a bit too quickly and neatly. Ludwig also isn't really very strong in the lead role here either, but there are some nice special effects. PG for violence.
SELENA (PG) 122 minutes * * * Very likeable and easy-to-watch bioography of Tejano music sensation, Selena Quintanillo and her rise to fame. The editing is a bit choppy in a few sequences, but otherwise everything flows well. Nice costumes throughout and some great supporting performances. The clips at the end are of the real Selena and add to the power felt by the tragedy of her early death. PG for language.
SEMI-PRO (R) 86 minutes * Typically ridiculous Will Ferrell comedy. The Flint Tropics are part of the ABA, which is about to merge with the NBA. Only four teams will survive, and the Tropics are at the bottom of the list. Ferrell rants and whines his way through the film, accomplishing little more than being annoying. R for language and sex.
THE SENSATION OF SIGHT (R) 131 minutes * * * 1/2 David Straithairn gives another powerful performance in this story of a man coping alone... as are so many of the characters here. Each is lonely and isolated, despite the presence of others. In his unusual attempt to cope, Finn (Straithairn) is selling a set of encyclopedias to anyone in town who will buy them... one volume at a time. Remarkable debut from writer/director Aaron Wiederspahn that asks us to not be afraid to question what happens to us and to those we love. R for language.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (PG) 134 minutes * * * Emma Thompson's first attempt at adapting a screenplay turns out splendidly and earned her an Oscar. Her performance is a little weak in spots, though direction may be at fault more than her acting. A bit too much attention is focused on the older women at times, leading us away from the main plot. Still, it's a beautiful film, with a fine soundtrack by Patrick Doyle.
SENSELESS (R) 89 minutes * 1/2 Marlon Wayans stars in the story of a not-too-bright college student who decides to be a guinea pig for a new drug to earn money for college. There are side effects, several attempts at humor, and the cliched "moral to the story". There are a few bits of good physical comedy from Wayans, but too much of this is weighed down by a script with no depth. R for language.
THE SENTINEL (PG-13) 103 minutes * * 1/2 The Secret Service is responsible for protecting the life of the president. Pete Garrison (Michael Douglas) is suspected of compromising that security and plotting to kill the president. To protect the president, he now has to elude those pursuing him and uncover the identity of the real traitor. Nothing all that exciting here, but the performances and action are good, and the story manages to keep us reasonably interested. PG-13 for violence and sex.
SEPARATE LIVES (R) 98 minutes * * Beautiful psychology teacher (Linda Hamilton) asks student (James Belushi) to follow her as she thinks she is being stalked. It's no real surprise to discover that she's leading another life, since that is the topic on which she has been teaching. Sketchy story with shallow characters, that Hamilton and Belushi do their best with. It's watchable, but nothing you'll be raving about. R for language, violence, and nudity.
SEPTEMBER DAWN (R) 107 minutes * * 1/2 As the Mormon's struggle to find a land of their own, the westward expansion continues, forcing confrontation and violence that many will later regret. It's a violent tale with a tragic love story at the center. The story is well-written and well-acted, but it's difficult to decide who might want to watch this film. Most everyone here is presented in a rather negative light, with the only real positive note at the end. Life does go on, and perhaps we can learn from the mistakes that well-intentioned, but over-zealous people have made before us. R for violence.
SERAPHIM FALLS (R) 105 minutes * * 1/2 The Civil War may be over, but Carver (Liam Neeson) has one more thing left to do. He needs to track down Gideon (Pierce Brosnan) to pay him back from what he did during the war. Brosnan and Neeson give this enough life to make it tolerable, but the story is transparent and has little to offer as far as depth. Supporting characters and cameo appearances are not well connected and are almost distracting. Filmed in New Mexico and in Koosah Falls, Oregon. R for violence and language.
SERENDIPITY (PG-13) 85 minutes * * * A chance meeting, a beautiful evening in New York... was it meant to be more? Sometimes fate does a little more than hint... if you keep your eyes open for the signs around you. Though this offers little in the way of originality, John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale work well together and the film is beautifully photographed. These aspects give it a little bit of an edge over similar films. PG-13 for language.
SERENITY (PG-13) 113 minutes * * 1/2 Joss Whedon's TV series "Firefly" generated enough positive buzz to support this fun feature film that follows the crew as they continue to evade the alliance. They are in big trouble now that they have taken a young passenger on board. She is the key to secrets that even she herself doesn't yet realize. With an emphasis on entertainment, this works pretty well. There are bits here and there where logic and plausibility are tossed aside, but we tend not to mind because we're having fun. A bit of trimming would have helped, but I'm guessing that Whedon figured this was his only shot for a feature film for this story, so he put everything into this one. PG-13 for violence and language.
SERIAL MOM (R) 89 minutes * 1/2 Satirical film from John Waters that misfires on most levels. Kathleen Turner delivers a fine performance, but the uneven quality of the story undermines her every step of the way. She's too much the perfect mom and the killing comes a bit too easily. And somehow the satirical barbs lose most of their sting because it all becomes too silly.
A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS (PG) 96 minutes * * * Lemony Snicket's delightful series of children's books hits the big screen with Jim Carrey featured as the evil Count Olaf who is desperately trying to get his hands on the fortune of the Baudelaire orphans. The sets and special effects are incredible, though the story (taken from three of the books) does seem a bit rushed in several spots. The real star of the show is Sunny, the youngest of the Baudelaire orphans, played by twins Kara and Shelby Hoffman. They steal almost every scene they're in. Thomas Newman's sountrack, which was nominated for an Oscar, does an amazing job of capturing a mood that varies from light and comical to somewhat dark and creepy at times. PG for language and general creepiness.
THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 Lots of semi-gross special effects and not much in the way of story or acting in this film about voodoo in Haiti. Wes Craven fans may be interested, but they may be a bit disappointed too.
SERVING SARA (PG-13) 93 minutes * 1/2 Mildly entertaining comedy of errors as Joe (Matthew Perry) first serves divorce papers to Sara (Elizabeth Hurley) and then flips his mark to serve her husband instead. Definitely a low-budget production, though Perry and Hurley do their best to keep us entertained. Too many times the humor feels forced and we find ourselves barely even smiling. PG-13 for language.
SET IT OFF (R) 116 minutes * 1/2 Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah star in this story of four friends who go to the extreme and finding out that crime doesn't pay. Thick with morals, as is usual for this genre, but a very fitting ending helps us swallow this a little better. It would have helped to have cut it by about ten minutes or so. R for language and violence.
SEVEN (R) 121 minutes * * 1/2 The week before he retires, Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) stumbles onto a serial killer case, someone who is punishing people for the seven deadly sins. The story is absorbing, but depressing, and we're ready for the muddled ending when it finally arrives because we want out. It's too dark a film to be very entertaining, and too predictable to be all that scary. But it's well-written and acted, so we're somewhat satisfied with the overall effect.
SEVEN POUNDS (PG-13) 117 minutes * * * In seven seconds, Ben's (Will Smith) world was shattered. Now, he is doing what he can to reach out to seven others in an attempt to make up for his mistake. It's a powerful story, though it runs a little long and tends to wander at times. Smith does a nice job here, especially as we see his plan begin to falter when he discovers that he's becoming more interested in one of the seven people he has chosen. PG-13 for language, sex, and violence.
7 SECONDS (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Wesley Snipes stars in a story of a former Delta Force commando who is planning an armored car heist. He ends up with a painting, a kidnapped crew member, and more trouble than he thought possible. Not the least of the trouble is a plot that is so convoluted that we just want it to be over. There are some nice car crashes, but the best parts are done in slow motion and become a bit boring as well. R for violence, language, and sex.
SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET (PG-13) 132 minutes * * * An impatient member of the German team that is trying to make their way to the top of a mountain near Tibet, Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) finds more than he expected. We follow him through his time in a World War II prison camp, his eventual successful escape, and his arrival at the forbidden city in Tibet. His friendship with the Dalai Lama and what ensues as the Chinese take over Tibet has a profound effect on his life, teaching him the value of peace and a respect for life. Aiming more at entertaining us than informing us of historical events, the film manages to do both in a rather pleasant manner. Filmed in Argentina, Canada, Austria, and the Himalayas, this is a beautiful film, not to be missed. PG-13 for language and violence.
17 AGAIN (PG-13) 92 minutes * * Mike (Matthew Perry/Zac Efron) is going to ge the chance to relive his senior year in high school. That won't come without some problems, but he just may be able to learn the lessons he needs. Nice work by Efron. True, the material is fairly lightweight, but it's still good enough for a few chuckles. Great supporting work from Thomas Lennon. PG-13 for language.
THE SEVENTH SIGN (R) 93 minutes * * It's the end of the world according to the way Abby Quinn (Demi Moore) sees it and she and her baby may be playing key parts. The music and lighting are quite well done throughout the film, but the story is so full of holes that we never believe it. Things do manage to wrap together at the end, but it's too little too late.
SEX AND BREAKFAST (R) 77 minutes * 1/2 Relationships aren't easy. It takes work to keep a relationship healthy. Two young couples decide to take the advice of a sex therapist and try group sex as a way to keep things interesting, fresh and new. It's not the best decision they ever made. Neither is being in this film. While none of the performances are all that bad, it's the script that really falls short here. Much as the sex that's shown in the film, it's shallow, poorly edited and doesn't even satisfy the characters on the screen. R for sex and langauge.
SEX AND DEATH 101 (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 Roderick (Simon Baker) finds himself in possession of a very interesting list of names. It's the women he has had, and will have, sex with before he dies. There are things about having this information that are fun and exciting to Roderick, but there is a down side as well. Especially as he nears the end of the list. Cute story and fun to watch, with Baker doing a nice job. R for sex and language.
SEX AND LIES IN SIN CITY: THE TED BINION SCANDAL (NR) 89 minutes * * Casino owner Ted Binion (Matthew Modine) is dead from an apparent drug overdose. But was it an accidental overdose or was it murder? Suspicion immediately falls on Sandy Murphy (Mena Suvari) and Rick Tabish (Johnathon Schaech), but Binion's sister Becky (Marcia Gay Harden) benefits from his death as well. Fairly standard TV mystery/scandal film with reasonably good performances and a story mostly derived from newspaper headlines.
SEX AND THE CITY (R) 138 minutes * * 1/2 Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) own love life often provides material for her articles on sex and love. This time it's her own engagement and breakup that provide grist for the mill. Nothing really different from the TV series that this film supplements, but as a film, it tends to go on far too long. As well, the narration, that can actually help a little with the constraints faced by a weekly show, serve only to restate the obvious in a film. R for sex and language.
SEX DRIVE (R) 108 minutes 1/2 Driving across the country with his friends and on his way to losing his virginity, Ian (Josh Zuckerman) discovers that true love may be closer than he thinks. Low budget teen sex comedy without all that much humor. Seth Green has a nice bit part, but otherwise, this has little to offer. R for sex and language.
SEX, LIES, AND VIDEOTAPE (R) 97 minutes * * * Writer-director Steven Soderbergh's first feature is a rather talky exploration of relationships. Unique and intense, we are immediately immersed into two triangles of relationship that interlock. Definitely not to everyone's tastes, but Soderbergh takes a talented cast and works them well. James Spader, Laura San Giacomo, Andie McDowell, and Peter Gallagher bring to life characters whose lives are based on lies about sex.
SGT. BILKO (PG) 90 minutes * * * Who says the military can't be fun? You just have to have Steve Martin, Phil Hartman, Glenne Headly, Austin Pendleton and a few others around! Not much depth to this, but it's a fun, light-hearted look at the military, based on the old TV show and in the same spirit as so many of those old military sit-coms. PG for language.
THE SHADOW (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * The ability to clouds men's minds is the specialty of one crimefighter in particular... The Shadow. Big screen adaptation of the pulp novels succeeds is setting the atmosphere very well though the story is a little less than thrilling. Too often people forget that the hero must have a worthy villain to come off very well. Still, this comes off a little better than some other "hero" films. Kudos to Alec Baldwin for a great job as The Shadow.
SHADOW CONSPIRACY (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Good pacing and tension at the beginning of the film, but as things start to fall into place, we get a little bored. The chemistry between Linda Hamilton and Charlie Sheen never gets very far and a number of very talented cast members (Donald Sutherland, Paul Gleason, Ben Gazzara) are wasted on parts that are written without much depth. R for language and violence.
THE SHADOW IN THE NORTH (NR) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Adapted from one of Philip Pullman's mystery series featuring Sally Lockhart (Billie Piper), a young woman who is more than a little persistent, and knows how to uncover the truth. Entertaining British mystery without a lot of flash. Not rated, but suitable for families.
SHADOW MAGIC (PG) 115 minutes * * * The new century has just begun and things are about to change in China. This charming film gives us a glimpse into the world of China as the influence of cinema was just beginning. It clashes with tradition and challenges one man in particular to make choices that will change his life forever. A delightful film with a magic all it's own. PG for language.
SHADOW MAN (R) 92 minutes 1/2 Not only do Steven Seagal's facial muscles seem to not move, his body is moving less and less. Never off balance, never a hair out of place, seeming to fling people across the room with little more than a flick of his wrist. And each new script seems to be nothing more than a reworking of what he's already done, filmed cheaply, and acted poorly, even by the rest of the cast. R for violence, language, and nudity.
SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE (R) 85 minutes * * * Interesting and unique film that explores the filming of the horror classic, "Nosferatu", exploring Max Schreck's obsession with the role of the vampire. The film works much like a documentary and is as much about the director's obsessoin to make the film as it is about Schreck's obsession with the character. It makes us wonder, does what we obsess about become real, or is it merely that our obsessesion makes it appear real to us? Filmed in Luxembourg. R for violence and language.
SHADOWLANDS (PG) 128 minutes * * * 1/2 Biographical film of the life of C.S. Lewis with Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. Aside from Winger's inconsistent New York accent, this is an artistic masterpiece. Anthony Hopkins just seems to keep getting better with each new film he works on. He portrays Lewis as a man who loved his privacy, but realized that there might be more to life... and all thanks to a brash woman who knew what she wanted and spared nothing to get it. PG for language.
SHADRACH (PG-13) 86 minutes * * * Susanna Styron directs the film adaptation of her father's short story about a 99-year-old former slave who returns to the property he was born on so that he can be buried there as he feels death is near. Harvey Keitel is wonderful here as are the children. Strong on emotion, it's a film Styron told her father she would make one day, and it's good that she did. Filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina.
SHAFT (2000) (R) 95 minutes * * * Based on the novel by Ernest Tidyman and the earlier film version, John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) is on the trail of a racist murderer who has already managed to get away from him twice. Solid action sequences, a tightly written story, and very nasty villains make this a great film to watch. One of the nicer touches here is that the film is manages to have that unmistakeable 1970s feel while clearly being set in the 1990s. R for violence and language.
THE SHAGGY DOG (2006) (PG) 92 minutes * * Remake of the old Disney film with Tim Allen as the man who turns into a dog and learns all about what it really means to be a man. Allen definitely makes this fun to watch, playing this as he does most of his comic roles. Some of the computer generated effects make this more than a bit silly at times though. Of course the real star is Cole, the dog who plays the shaggy dog. PG for language.
SHAKEDOWN (R) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Roland Dalton (Peter Weller) and Richie Marks (Sam Elliott) combine forces to combat drugs and corruption in this police-action film. A bit far-fetched at times, but plenty of action and the actors all do fairly good work as well.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (R) 117 minutes * * * 1/2 Shakespeare is writing a play. It's a love story and an adventure, with pirates... and it becomes Romeo and Juliet. Absolutely fascinating story with great performances all around. It does tend to wander a bit during the first half, but builds incredibly with a finish that is stunning, yet fun to watch. This is a film that bridges the gaps that usually lie between costume epics and entertainment films. It manages to be both which is a great achievement. R for sex.
SHALL WE DANCE (1996) (PG) 118 minutes * * * Different things inspire some of us to try and break out of the monotony that our daily lives sometimes become. For one particular man, it is ballroom dancing that draws him into new experiences and a new appreciation for life. Gently directed film that charms you as it goes along, with an ensemble cast that is just wonderful. It runs a bit long, but the charm is there throughout. PG for language.
SHALL WE DANCE (2004) (PG-13) 100 minutes * * Every day John Clark (Richard Gere) helps people decide what's been important in their lives, but as he faces middle age, he wonders what's really important to him. The characters are fun to watch here, but the script is rather shallow and relies heavily on sentimental appeal. In the original version, the main character is also dealing with the social taboo that participating in this sort of dancing presents. That's missing in this version, and the film is weaker as a result. PG-13 for language.
SHALLOW HAL (PG-13) 105 minutes * * 1/2 Hal Larson (Jack Black) is a shallow person. He's only interested in girls who look good to him. What if he could see the inner person? What if we all could? Nice story with very good performances from both Black and Gwyneth Paltrow. Very tactfully handled subject matter though it does run just a little on the long side. Nice to see shots of the production crew during the credits. PG-13 for language.
SHANGHAI KNIGHTS (PG-13) 105 minutes * * 1/2 Chon's (Jackie Chan) father is murdered and Roy (Owen Wilson) decides to lend a hand, so they head off to London for another adventure of mishaps. The story drags a bit too much here though, despite the number of great stunts and fight scenes that we expect when we see a film with Jackie Chan. Somebody had the bright idea of working Arthur Conan Doyle and Jack the Ripper into the story, but it's nto well done or very funny. Still, I'm sure there will be another sequel and there are definitely worse ones out there. Chan and Wilson work pretty well together and make this a fun film to watch. PG-13 for language and violence.
SHANGHAI NOON (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Chon Wang (Jackie Chan) comes to the wild west of America to rescue Princess Pei Pei. Teaming up with Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson), he finds himself in plenty of crazy adventures. It's a typical Jackie Chan film, with lost of action and a good bit of humor. The story isn't much to speak of, but Chan is just fun to watch. And don't miss those outtakes at the end! PG-13 for violence.
SHARK TALE (PG) 81 minutes * * Nice animation and a stellar cast that includes Will Smith, Robert DeNiro, Jack Black, Martin Scorcese, Angelina Jolie, and Renee Zellweger, but Zellweger is the lone stand-out here. The film spends too much time doing parodies of other films and actors and furthering negative stereotypes, and not enough time on the story. It's there beneath all of the garbage, a story about being who you are despite what other people think, but it's hard to see. And most of the humor is completely above the youthful audience this is supposedly aimed at. PG for language and violence.
SHARKWATER (PG) 83 minutes * * * Rob Stewart loves sharks. This documentary not only shares his love of these magnificent creatures, but details how they are essential to the ecosystem of the earth and how their population has, and continues to be decimated. Whether it is through fear, hatred, or a desire to make money, the senseless killing of sharks continues. They pose far less danger than most people realize, with more people actually being killed by soft drink machines each year than by sharks. Stewart hopes to educate enough of us to understand that if our course doesn't change, in killing sharks, we are only killing ourselves. Informative and beautifully photographed. PG for violence.
SHATTERED (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Tom Berenger plays the part of a man who survives a car crash, but can't remember his life before the wreck. As he uncovers the facts of his former life, he discovers that all was not quite well. There's a wonderful twist to this story, but the characters aren't well-developed enough during the film for us to be all that interested. We expect a little more from a cast that also includes Joanne Whalley-Kilmer, Bob Hoskins, and Greta Scacchi.
SHATTERED (2007) (R) 86 minutes * * Everything seems to be going well for Neil (Gerard Butler) and Abby (Maria Bello), but that's only on the surface. Their perfect life shatteres one day when a man kidnaps their daughter and begins to toy with them for reasons they can't seem to understand. Of course, all is not what it appears, and the twists and turns begin to surface. The performances are nice here, but the story is ultimately empty and unbelievable. R for language and violence.
SHAUN OF THE DEAD (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 In the midst of dealing with a broken relationship, Shaun (Simon Pegg) almost doesn't notice all of the people around him who have turned into flesh-eating zombies. As he tries to rescue his mom and his former girlfriend, he finds himself thrust into the unlikely role of "hero"... and he's doing fairly well. Unusual zombie film with a very British sense of humor, and more than a few comments about society in general. R for violence and language.
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (R) 138 minutes * * * * Another of author Stephen King's less horrific and far more powerful stories that has adapted to the screen quite nicely. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins star, but every character here is thought out and played well. It's a fabulous piece of work about what it is that gives you hope and keeps you going through life from day to day. An excellent film that is not to be missed! Filmed in aprt at the Mansfield Correctional facility in Ohio.
SHE-DEVIL (PG-13) 95 minutes * * 1/2 Ruth Patchett's (Roseanne Barr) sleazy husband Robert (Ed Begley Jr.) has been lured away by romance novelist Mary Fisher (Meryl Streep). Well, you know the old phrase... Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned... The characters here have little depth, but they're still reasonably fun to watch. Adapted from Fay Weldon's book, "The Life and Loves of a She-Devil". PG-13 for language and sex.
SHELTER (R) 85 minutes * * 1/2 Zach (Trevor Wright) is struggling with the responsibility he feels toward his sister and her son and at the same time trying to find his own life. In the process, he realizes that the feelings he has for his friend's older brother are something he can't ignore. R for sex and language.
THE SHEPHERD: BORDER PATROL (R) * 1/2 Jack Robideaux (Jean Claude Van Damme) quits his job with the police force in New Orleans to work with the border patrol. It's hard work and Jack is ready for it. He's after a particular person, and he won't stop until he's found him. Typical Van Damme film with the usual action. R for violence, nudity, and language.
SHERLOCK HOLMES (PG-13) 120 minutes * * * 1/2 Amped up version of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective character. This Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is a bit less refined, and there's quite a bit more action than is usually present in a Sherlock Holmes story, but many of the familiar situations and characters are still here. Purists may not find this to their liking because of those changes, but it's definitely an exciting story with witty dialogue and nice work by Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams. PG-13 for violence and language.
SHERRYBABY (R) 92 minutes * * * Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers a superb performance as Sherry Swanson, out of prison and trying to stay clean and take care of her young daughter. But it's not so easy when there are so many ways to fall back down again. Gyllenhaal manages a realism here that is similar to many of Sandra Bullock's performances, but with a harder edge. It immediately draws you into the story and creates a sympathy for the character. The story itself is definitely familiar territory, but Gyllenhaal makes it work a look. R for sex, language, and violence.
SHE'S ALL THAT (PG-13) 91 minutes * * It's the old game... set a guy up with a challenge to turn a toad into a princess and then he'll fall in love with her. Freddie Prinze Jr.'s performance lends an honesty and sincerity to the film even though there are some inconsistencies in the script for his character. And Rachel Leigh Cook does a fine job as the girl whose inner light finally shines through. It would've been nice to see more of a few of the supporting characters here though. Anna Paquin and Kieran Culkin in particular. It's a pleasant enough little film and few will be sorry they took the time to see it. PG-13 for language.
SHE'S HAVING A BABY (PG-13) 103 minutes * * * * Writer, producer, director John Hughes turns hit wits and talents to the life of a young married couple and their experiences with all of the various aspects of the first years of marriage. Great music from Stewart Copeland, amazing performances from both Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern, and a script that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you feel alive.
SHE'S OUT OF CONTROL (PG) 89 minutes * * Doug Simpson (Tony Danza) is just trying to raise his daughters the best way he knows how. Katie (Ami Dolenz) is doing her best to make it more difficult as she gets a little older. The music is great and Danza tries very hard, but this is still pretty much a TV sitcom stretched to feature film length. PG for language.
SHE'S SO LOVELY (R) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn star in this story of two self-destructive lovers. The characters here are fascinating, but are boxed into a story that doesn't let them grow. Sean Penn lives his parts enough, that he should have been allowed to expand the part. As well, young Kelsey Mulrooney looked like she had things she wanted to say to make her part more real, but was told to stick to the script. Inexperienced direction from Nick Cassavettes is to be blamed for weakening what could have been an impressive film. R for language and violence.
SHE'S THE MAN (PG-13) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Viola (Amanda Bynes) decides to masquerade as her brother in order to get a spot on the boys' volleyball team. In the process, she falls for her male roommate... who doesn't know she isn't a guy. Overused idea that Bynes plays fairly well and seems to have fun doing it. Some of the supporting cast do a nice job as well. It's just too bad the script isn't more creative. PG-13 for language.
SHE'S THE ONE (R) 89 minutes * * Continuation of "The Brothers McMullen" has much the same feel, but a little more polish. Likeable enough, but not a film that will stick well in your memory. Stronger direction and a little scriptwork would've helped. Still, not a bad film to watch and you need not see its predecessor first. R for language.
SHINE (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * * A man so totally overwhelmed by a dictatorial father and the passion of music, that life is beyond him... except when his hands touch the ivory. Fascinating biography of David Helfgott, with an amazingly realistic performance by Geoffrey Rush (who does his own keyboard work). Lynn Redgrave plays Gillian, who eventually marries Helfgott, and John Gielgud is his most understanding teacher, Cecil Parkes. PG-13 for language.
SHINE A LIGHT (PG-13) 117 minutes * * 1/2 Rolling Stones concert film directed by Martin Scorsese. Scorsese may be a fan, but this really doesn't have much to offer over most other concert films. Granted, the Stones have more than enough charisma and talent to go around, but concert films are usually just that... concert films. PG-13 for language.
SHINING THROUGH (R) 128 minutes * * * A young woman stumbles into the US spy network and finds herself in a position to be of crucial importance to the war effeort. The story drags out a little too long, leaving Melanie Griffith floundering a bit in the middle, but it starts and finished well. Trimming a few minutes out of this section would have really helped. Michael Douglas and Griffith work well together and Liam Neeson and John Gielgud give solid performances as well. R for violence and sex.
SHIPWRECKED (PG) 90 minutes * * * It's 1859 and a young Norwegian boy must go to sea to earn enough money to pay his family's debt since his father has been injured. It will be a long voyage, and there will be much danger along the way. It will be a voyage that will turn this young boy into a young man. It's nice to see fresh faces doing quality work in a well-told story. Disney studios delivers a quality family-oriented adventure here that barely deserves it's PG rating, and that's nice to see once in awhile.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE (R) 106 minutes * * * 1/2 Shirley (Pauline Collins) is a middle-aged British housewife. Years ago, she said she would leave her husband after the kids had grown. But by the time the kids grow up, she discovers that she has no place to go. The Shirley she once was... exciting and rebellious... is no longer "alive", and she begins to wonder why we get all of those hopes and dreams in our heads if we're never going to act on them. Collins does a fabulous job of bringing us along with her on her jounrey of self-rediscovery. The script is filled with quotable lines which resonate with truth. Pay careful attention to the opening credits as well. Few films take the time to really introduce their story, and it's done quite nicely here. R for language and nudity.
A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM (R) 84 minutes * * 1/2 A businessman on his way to the top, Graham Marshall (Michael Caine) finds himself overlooked for a promotion. So he decides to kill those who are to blame. This strange little thriller serves up solid performances by both Caine and Elizabeth McGovern. A bit laid-back at times, but we aren't really supposed to take it too seriously. R for language.
SHOCKER (R) 105 minutes * Misguided and poorly executed attempt to rip-off the "Nightmare on Elm Street" films. This one has a killer who somehow uses his satanic-like powers to avoid being electrocuted. Now he's able to inhabit the bodies of others and it's up to a kid who is psychically linked to him to stop his murderous rampage. The story is so weak that it just falls apart at the end, though there are a few special effects along the way that are fairly good.
SHOOT 'EM UP (R) 80 minutes * * It all starts out with a pregnant woman who Mr. Smith (Clive Owen) helps. Now he needs to protect the baby, and find out who wants it dead and why. Full of cartoonish violence, this has the feel of a graphic novel on the big screen. Lots of action, lots of emphasis on camera angles and short blurbs of dialogue. It's fun, but it's not something you'll probably remember much either. R for violence, language, and sex.
SHOOT TO KILL (R) 105 minutes * * * The beautiful scenery of British Columbia, Canada is the backdrop for this story. A cop rather reluctantly teams up with a wilderness guide to track down a killer who is on a hiking trip with a group. Nice performances from Sidney Poitier, Tom Berenger, Kirstie Alley, and the rest, though the characters don't seem to relate to each other all that much. The performances have a solitary quality to them which does detract a bit from the overall effect.
SHOOTER (R) 120 minutes * * 1/2 Convinced that he is helping to uncover a plot to assassinate the president, Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) offers his services as one of the world's best sharpshooters. All is not as it seems, and there is a conspiracy that Swagger must uncover quickly, because he is expected to be the fall guy. Wahlberg is fine here, as is the rest of the cast, but the story becomes predictable too quickly, and wraps up too neatly at the end. Adapted from Stephen Hunter's novel. R for violence and language.
SHOPGIRL (R) 102 minutes * * * Mirabelle (Claire Danes) is on her own in Los Angeles, and the singles scene is not something that she's very good at playing. She does meet a guy at the laundromat, but he's a bit on the strange side. Then there's this older man that stops in at Sak's where she works... Adapted from the novella by Steve Martin, this is an interesting film about relationships, presenting the issue in a slightly different light. Relationships are wonderful things. In part, because they are so fragile, so tenuous, so difficult to predict and to maintain... and so worth the risk. We didn't need the narration in the middle or at the end of the film though. R for language and sex.
SHORT CIRCUIT 2 (PG) 106 minutes * * * 1/2 Replacing Ally Sheedy and Steve Guttenberg with Cynthia Gibb and Michael McKean was a move in the right direction for this sequel. On top of that, the dialogue is well-written and the jokes work well to keep things moving along. The focal point of the story seems to have moved as well, putting Fisher Stevens more at the center of things... and it works. Number Five is still getting into trouble, but this sequel has no trouble being better than the first film.
SHORT CUTS (R) 184 minutes * * * Another Robert Altman megafilm with a cast that is a pure delight to watch. The story is a little less satisfying, especially as we near the end. In trying to wrap up some loose ends, even more are created. This is an Altman film that has been painted with large, broad strokes, nad in that aspect, it succeeds.
SHORT TIME (PG-13) 93 minutes 1/2 With only a short time left to serve on the police force, Burt (Dabney Coleman) learns from his doctor that he may have even less time to live. Worried about providing for his family, he begins to take risks in the hope that insurance benefits will take up where he leaves off. It's not a bad idea (taking risks, living life, etc.), but the script is horrible and Coleman has never done all that well in leading roles. Teri Garr does a reasonably good job as his wife, Carolyn, but the dialogue just makes you groan.
SHORTBUS (NR) 96 minutes * 1/2 Sofia (Sook-Yin Lee) is one of many people who frequent Shortbus, an underground sex salon. She's trying to figure out why she can't seem to experience the full pleasures of sex. There are many interwoven, and all sexually explicit stories here. It's more explicit than most people will want to watch, but the end of the film does have some very good things to say, and Sofia's story, in particular, stands out as an important one. Some of the earlier parts of the film are definitely affected negatively by a directorial approach that relied heavily on improvisation for large portions of the story development. Written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell, who also directed "Hedwig and the Angry Inch".
THE SHORTCUT (PG-13) 81 minutes * * So, the moral of the story here is... don't take the shortcut through the woods. Of course, that doesn't stop these teenagers from checking out the old man who lives along the shortcut. They suspect he's killing dogs... and maybe more. While the story isn't terribly original, the characters are somewhat appealing and there are a couple of creative bits. Filmed in Saskatchewan. PG-13 for violence, language, and sex.
SHORTS (PG) 83 minutes * * 1/2 Toe (Jimmy Bennett) gets picked on by bullies at school. But when he finds a wishing stone, things begin to change. It's a fun, family adventure film from director Robert Rodriguez, who is marvelous at creating a good story. The title comes from how the story is told, in shorter pieces, though that method isn't really necessary here. Jolie Vanier is hilarious, and does a great job as the young and terrible... Helvetica Black! PG for violence and language.
A SHOT AT GLORY (R) 110 minutes * * * Football in Scotland has a long tradition, and the small town of Kilnockie has been part of it for 100 years. Their team has never won a championship and the American owner has decided it's time to bring in a star player. The problem is, he's the son-in-law of the coach... and they don't get along very well. It's a great bunch of characters in a wonderful story that transports you to the Scottish fields of football. Kirsty Mitchell is delightful as Coach McLeod's (Robert Duvall) daughter, but everyone does a nice job. R for language.
A SHOT IN THE DARK (NR) 101 minutes * * * * One of the few sequels that is a little better than the original, this is the second "Pink Panther" film with Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau. He's convinced that Elke Sommer is innocent, even though everything points to the contrary. It's a hilarious film that never slows down enough to let us stop laughing.
SHOUT (PG-13) 85 minutes * 1/2 A story about the birth of rock and roll music with John Travolta as a music teacher at a Texas high school. Broadly painted stereotypes manage to do this in fairly quickly. It's mostly fun just to watch Travolta, Heather Graham and the rest as they work their way through it. Gwyneth Paltrow's first appearance is in this film, though it gave little clue as to what would follow.
THE SHOW (R) 87 minutes 1/2 Concert/documentary with poor photography and sound. It's nice that they mix in older hip-hop artists with the new. Those segments provide the most entertainment as they speak of their wisdom from experience.
SHOWDOWN IN LITTLE TOKYO (R) 75 minutes 1/2 Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee star in this action film about the Japanese drug trade in Los Angeles. The action scenes are fine, but the dialogue is atrocious. Lee is apparently supposed to provide some comic relief, but his one-liners are poorly written and poorly delivered. R for violence and sex.
SHOWGIRLS (NC-17) 124 minutes * 1/2 This is a film about the lengths to which people will go to make it to the top. But the top of what? The past can't stay buried forever and whoring can only get you just so far after all. Joe Esterhas's scriptwork has sunk to an all-time low quality with this film. The cast works well toward making this believable, but most folks don't really want to know about this side of life.
SHOWTIME (PG-13) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Mitch (Robert DeNiro) is just trying to do his job. Now he's going to be on a "real cop" TV show and just when he's beginning to really make progress on a big case... The chemistry between DeNiro and Eddie Murphy is good, and the mix of comedy and action is reasonably good as well. The biggest problem is that we've seen it all before. It's entertainment taht's worth catching on the small screen, but nothing to worry about if you don't see it right away. PG-13 for language and violence.
SHREK (PG) 83 minutes * * * Delightful fairy tale based on the book by William Steig. The use of humor based on sexual innuendo makes this a little inappropriate for the youngest in the crowd. I'd recommend they be at least nine years old so that you don't have to explain why you're laughing at something. The animation is wonderful and the story, though not really a surprise, is fun to watch. The soundtrack manages to give us an incredible mix of music that fits the moods of the scenes with both lyrics and style. It all makes for a great combination and fun, modern fairy tale.
SHREK 2 (PG) 81 minutes * * 1/2 Shrek and Fiona return from their honeymoon and accept an invitation to go and meet her parents... with typical results. The story and effects are still aimed more at adults than at children, so be forewarned. Although Puss in Boots is a nice addition to the story, the story just isn't as much fun as the first and there aren't as many little extras in the background either. PG for language.
SHREK THE THIRD (PG) 83 minutes * * Shrek and Fiona are filling in for the king and queen. It's not going very smoothly... especially when Charming convinces the evil fairy tale characters to stage a revolt and take over to create their own idea of a happy ending. There are some great songs here, and moments of "cuteness", but we're missing the subtle bits of humor and sense of playfulness that was more evident in the first two films. PG for language and violence.
SHRINK (R) 98 minutes * * * A psychiatrist to the rich and famous, Henry Carter (Kevin Spacey) is having a crisis of his own and self-medicating with marijuana. Spacey does great work here, but the supporting cast is quite good as well. The story sort of swirls around them all, mixing things together as the characters slowly find themselves and move ahead with their lives. Filmed in Los Angeles. R for language.
SHUT UP & SING (R) 87 minutes * * * In 2003, Dixie Chicks' vocalist Natalie Maines made a negative comment about President George Bush during a concert in England. Faster then they'd ever dreamed, the news made it back to the states and country radio stations were pulling their songs off the air. This film takes a look at the rest of the fallout, how it affected the group, and the creation of their next cd. Already a superstar group that was passing the boundaries of what country music could offer, they were pushed to look ahead and envision new possibilities. Whether you thought you liked the Dixie Chicks or not, if you believe in free speech, this is an important film to see. R for language.
SHUTTER (PG-13) 78 minutes * 1/2 Remake of the 2004 film from Thailand. Strange images keep appearing on pictures that Ben (Joshua Jackson) and Jane (Rachael Taylor) take. There are a few creepy moments, but the story falls apart rather quickly and becomes more silly than scary. PG-13 for sex, violence, and language.
SIBLING RIVALRY (PG-13) 83 minutes * * Mildly entertaining film with Kirstie Alley having a fling with a stranger at the urging of her sister. Lots of talent here, but the film relies too much on Alley, even though she does a reasonably good job.
SICKO (PG-13) 118 minutes * * * As with other Michael Moore films, this documentary on the problems with the health care system in the United States oversimplifies the issue and exaggerates information to strengthen his points. Taking a few people who need health care to Guantanamo Bay to receive the same health care as political prisoners is clearly going over the top, but the points are well taken. The film finishes with a number of strong statements that, even when tempered, clearly show that the system is in dire need of an overhaul with major changes to provide the health care that people really need. PG-13 for language.
SIDEKICKS (PG) 96 minutes * * Daydreaming kid has himself working alongside Chuck Norris and learning the ropes of martial arts and life. "The Karate Kid" this ain't. It also doesn't offer much in the way of acting, or production quality though a few of the daydream fight sequences are fairly good. PG for violence.
SIDEWAYS (R) 123 minutes * * * Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church star in this interesting look at two very different friends as they come to another turning point in their relationship. Jack (Church) is about to be married and Miles (Giamatti) has planned a weekend in California's wine country for them to talk and drink. Jack wants it to be a little more wild than that. Wonderful performances by both men in this nicely adapted script from the novel by Rex Pickett. R for sex and language.
THE SIEGE (R) 110 minutes * * Denzel Washington is FBI agent Anthony Hubbard, a man who has his hands full with the recent bombings in New York City. It seems that there is a terrorist cell operating in the city. Elise Kraft (Annette Bening) seems to know more than she'll share, which is typical of a CIA agent, but where will this end? With martial law declared and General Devereaux (Bruce Willis) in charge? Plenty of action, but the pacing here suffers during the sequences without action. Washington never delivers the intensity we need and Bening's performance is far from her best. It's an awkward film, in part because we just have a hard time believing the characters and the plot. Too much effort was spent on creating conflict between the characters and not enough on setting the story up to be believable. R for language, violence, and nudity.
THE SIGNAL (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Careful with that TV! The signal coming through will convince you that you need to start killing people! Radio transmissions are affected as well. The film is told in three parts, written, directed, edited and photographed by three different people, though featuring the same cast and, for the most part, continuing the story rather than just retelling it. It's interesting and thought provoking at times, though the ending will not be something that most will appreciate. R for violence, language, and nudity.
SIGNS (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * It's been years since crop signs have been found, but now they have begun to occur with alarming frequency. With so many of them appearing so quickly, is it still possible that they are a hoax, or are they actually what some people have claimed all along? It's definitely an interesting story and well-played by the cast. Mel Gibson's performance as Graham Hess draws us in, yet manages to remind us that this is entertainment at the same time. Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin are perfect as Morgan and Bo, Graham's children. We even get a chance to see director, M. Night Shyamalan in a fairly sizeable supporting role. Not only does Shyamalan have the ability to deliver a suspenseful story, the production is strong on all fronts. Ann Roth's costumes, Tak Fujimoto's photography, James Newton Howard's soundtrack... the ending does let us down a little bit, but the trip there is quite entertaining. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (R) 113 minutes * * * Those who are faint of heart - beware! This is an intense and graphic film about two psychopathic killers. Anthony Hopkins is Hannibal Lecter, a cannibalistic killer who is dangerous, brilliant, and about to assist the FBI in their search for another killer. FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) has her mettle tested as she is the only one Lecter will talk to. He wants to "play" with her while he helps her solve the crime. Their interactions are wonderful, but the film wraps up too quickly and neatly, disappointing us a bit as we approach the end. Still, it's wonderful work from Hopkins and Foster, with effective music, photography and direction. R for graphic violence and language.
SILENT FALL (R) 96 minutes * * A boy witnesses the murder of his parents, but is autistic and therefore unable to communicate any information. Despite the presence of Linda Hamilton, John Lithgow, and J.T. Walsh, the film's highlight is Liv Tyler, who manages to bring a breath of fresh air into a stale story. Richard Dreyfuss dominates the screen far too often, with only the autistic child and a story we can see coming a mile away for his companions. Filmed in Baltimore.
SILENT HILL (R) 118 minutes * * 1/2 You have an adopted daughter who has nightmares of a place called Silent Hill. You know there's a town with that name, but when you get there, you discover that it's a deserted ghost town. What do you do? Based on the video game by Konami, there are several scenes that should send a shiver down your spine. The story is more than a little uneven though, with a great deal of journey toward the beginning and lots of explanation later in the film. The ending is interesting, but we needed more of the story woven more skillfully throughout the film. Nice performance by young Jodeell Ferland as Sharon/Alessa. Filmed in Ontario, Canada. R for violence and language.
SILENT TONGUE (PG-13) 98 minutes * Confusing film with Richard Harris trying to negotiate a deal with his dead daughter-in-law's father for her sister to console his own son's grief. This sat on the shelf for two years before being released and probably should've stayed there. A notable cast though, with Alan Bates, Dermot Mulroney, River Phoenix, and Tantoo Cardinal.
SILK (R) 102 minutes * * Though recently married to a beautiful woman, Herve (Michael Pitt) must travel in search of silkworms that will make or break the survival of his town. In the exotic lands of Japan, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful daughter of a Japanese warlord. The photography and settings are truly beautiful here, and there's a hypnotics style to the camerawork that is accentuated by the soundtrack. The story just doesn't offer very much to compliment the picture though and the characters, for the most part, feel like decorations on the wall rather than people whose lives we should care about. Beautiful... but empty. R for sex.
SIMON BIRCH (PG) 110 minutes * * * 1/2 Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith) is a unique person, with a gift and a vision. No matter what people say or do, he knows that one day he will be a hero... and he's right. Endearing film with an incredible cast that includes Joseph Mazzello, Oliver Platt, David Straithairn, Ashley Judd, and Jim Carrey. The story does stray off the main path a bit too much at times, but the performances are so good that we don't notice it most of the time. Suggested by John Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany", this is a film that you will remember for a long time. Filmed in Toronto and Nova Scotia. PG for language.
S1M0NE (PG-13) 109 minutes * * * Viktor (Al Pacino) is desperate to finish his latest film project, and despite everyone's frustration with him, he does just that. The thing is, he does it with the aid of a rather eccentric scientist who is a fan of his films. He gives Viktor his invention... a simulation. It may be a crime against the world of acting, but it's working. Viktor has created the perfect actress. But how long can he continue the masquerade? It's a fascinating look at the world of cinema and the line between imagination and reality. The sarcasm is sometimes so subtle that it's almost lost, but that's part of the beauty of the story. Pacino is great here, but the story and S1m0ne herself are the stars. PG-13 for language.
SIMPLE MEN (R) 105 minutes * * * 1/2 Two brothers go off in search of their father, a former baseball player and 60's anarchist, now a fugitive. Hal Hartley's direction keeps this film constantly off-beat but on target as we taste a slice of life that is refreshingly different and real. R for language.
A SIMPLE PLAN (R) 118 minutes * * * Chasing a fox into the woods, Hank, Jacob, and Lou find a crashed plane with a duffle bag full of money. What begins as a simple plan for how they can keep the money and split it among themselves at a later date becomes more complex as the weeks go by and as the lies begin to accumulate. Billy Bob Thornton gives a solid performance here, but Bill Paxton is a bit weak. That gives the film an uneven feel despite the strength of the story. Thronton apparently loves to play these tragic characters. I hope he continues to do so as he plays them with a depth that warrants an Academy award nomination every time. Filmed in Minnesota. R for violence and language.
A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE (PG-13) 101 minutes * * 1/2 This modernization of the "Silas Marner" story features Steve Martin, who also wrote the screenplay. It's a nice piece of work although the characters lack a depth that might have made the film a stronger piece of work. For those who enjoy watching Martin in roles that are a little more serious, this is a joy to watch. PG-13 for language.
A SIMPLE WISH (PG) 85 minutes 1/2 Martin Short stars, and if that doesn't give you a hint on how this will be... he's a fairy godmother who is constantly messing things up. The idea is a cute one, but Mara Wilson can't keep a straight face when she needs to, and the only spark to the film comes from the performances of Kathleen Turner and Amanda Plummer as the evil Claudia and her sidekick, Boots. Wish for this one to be over quickly! PG for language.
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE (PG-13) 91 minutes * * Amanda runs a restaurant and things haven't been going well since her mother died. A magical crab (no really) and the discovery that she can put her emotions into her food end up turning things around. This starts out well, but loses something along the way as it moves between romantic comedy and pure fantasy. It does end well though, but relies perhaps a bit too much on Sarah Michelle Gellar to carry it through. Filmed in New York City. PG-13 for language.
THE SIMPSONS MOVIE (PG-13) 77 minutes * * 1/2 Once again, Homer makes a mess. This time he puts the one last bit of pollution into the lake that turns it into a toxic danger. The president decides to wipe Springfield off the map and it's up to Homer to stumble across how to make things right. Full of all of the typical Simpson's humor you'd expect, but nothing we couldn't have watched as a two or three part set of episodes on TV. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
SIN CITY (R) 118 minutes * * * Highly stylized film adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novels. An amazing cast has been assembled for this film and one of the few drawbacks is that some of them really aren't used very effectively. Most notably Benicio Del Toro, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Nick Stahl. The film weaves a few stories from life in and around Sin City together as we follow Hartigan (Bruce Willis) protecting a girl (Jessica Alba), Marv (Mickey Rourke) as he tries to avenge the death of his true love, and Dwight (Clive Owen) who helps the girls of Old Town preserve their way of life. Co-directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller with some help from Quentin Tarrantino, those who enjoy film-noir and off-beat mystery that's a little heavier on violence will probably like this film. It's definitely not for everyone, but has some wonderful segments and powerful moments. R for violence and sex.
SIN NOMBRE (R) 92 minutes * * * Young gang members in Mexico cross paths with a girl who is trying to make her way through Mexico to the United States. Loyalty and friendship are tested as Casper (Edgar Flores) finds himself caring for Sayre (Paulina Gaitan) and Smiley (Kristyan Ferrer) yearns for acceptance by the gang. Wonderful work by a young cast in a powerful story. R for violence, sex, and language.
SINBAD: LEGEND OF THE SEVEN SEAS (PG) 78 minutes * * 1/2 Animated adventure with the voices of Brad Pitt (Sinbad), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Marina), Joseph Feinnes (Proteus), and Michelle Pfeiffer (Eris). Sinbad is tricked by the goddess Eris and spends the bulk of the film trying to rescue Marina and save his friend Proteus. A bit too much focus on the romantic interest here and not enough on adventure, but harmless enough overall. PG for violence.
SING (PG) 94 minutes * 1/2 Attempting to capitalize on the success of "Fame", "Footloose", and "Flashdance" among others, this is the story of a school about to close and the last school talent show. The music and costumes are good, but the rehashed script and the poor choreography leave this far behind the films that inspired it. All we end up with are cardboard figures in a shallow story. PG for language.
A SINGLE MAN (R) 94 minutes * * 1/2 When George's (Colin Firth) partner dies in a tragic car accident, his world is shattered. Life becomes dull and grey, with none of the vitality and color that used to be there. Still, there are moments... glimmers of hope and possibility. Great work by Firth, but there's little depth to the supporting characters. While that does help focus our attention on Firth's character, it also removes the depth of the story as a whole. The photography moves from color to almost black and white to reflect the mood and it's artistic and subtle at first, but happens so much as the film progresses that it begins to get a little annoying. Adapted from Christopher Isherwood's novel. R for sex and language.
SINGLE WHITE FEMALE (R) 105 minutes * * 1/2 After her relationship breaks up, Allison (Bridget Fonda) is looking for a roommate. As luck would have it, she picks someone who is more than just a little crazy. Someone who starts killing people when Allison starts patching things up with her old boyfriend. It's a story of contrasts. The story of a girl who thought her life was falling apart, only to realize that she's stronger than she realized. And another girl, who thinks she has it all together, only to discover she has been living a lie. Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh both do good work here, but the story gives away too many of its surprises along the way. R for sex, language, and violence.
SINGLES (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * 1/2 Sometimes, if you're lucky, you get to see a film where the charaters come to life so quickly and so vibrantly that they seem to almost step right off the screen. Director/screenwriter Cameron Crowe is to thank for this powerful aspect of the film, though credit is also due to a fine ensemble cast who create a very believable group of people. Campbell Scott and Kyra Sedgwick are Steve and Linda, and their story is the central one of the film. But just as in real life, we don't live our lives in complete isolation. Our lives are intertwined with others, and we hear some of those stories as well. It's a slice of life of the singles scene in Seattle. A group of people who are living, loving, and learning how to cope with life while being single, together, and single again. PG-13 for language and sex.
SISTER ACT (PG) 96 minutes * * * The witness protection program puts Dolores Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) in a convent. Definitely NOT where one would expect to find her. She tries to liven things up at the convent, while the nuns try to teach her a few things as well. Everyone has fun along the way, including the audience. We get to watch an incredibly talented Goldberg as she gives a memorable performance that oozes talent and energy. OK, the plot is a bit lightweight, but sometimes that's something we can live with. PG for language.
SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT (PG) 101 minutes * * * Sister Mary Clarence (Whoopi Goldberg) starts working in a school that's about to be closed by the "evil" Dr. Crisp (James Coburn). Can she get the act together again and save the school? Charming despite its obvious plot, and filled with music that will make you move, this is good, light-hearted entertainment, and a reasonably good sequel.
THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS (PG) 111 minutes * * * Four girls who are about to part ways for the summer find one pair of jeans that magically fits them each perfectly. They decide to share them over the course of the summer and keep track of the wonderful things that happen. Of course, life sometimes teaches us lessons we weren't expecting. Adapted from the novel for young teens by Ann Brashares, the story offers nothing we haven't seen before. It's pleasant enough, and well acted, though the strongest performance comes from Jenna Boyd's supporting role. PG for language.
THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 (PG-13) 112 minutes * * 1/2 The girls are back, this time going their separate ways for college and the summer break that follows. The pants continue to work their magic, though it's a bit different now and the bitter mixes with the sweet. Friendship is the most powerful magic, though it doesn't happen all by itself. A reasonable sequel, but don't expect to see more. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE SISTERS (R) 110 minutes * * * Modern retelling of Anton Chekov's "The Three Sisters" featuring a well-deserved Golden Globe nominated performance from Maria Bello. Passionate performances from all of the cast, but Bello, Mary Stuart Masterson and Rip Torn get the most kudos here. This is the sort of film that actors tend to enjoy but audiences struggle with the constant negative interaction between characters, many of whom supposedly care for each other. The film does betray it's stage origins, in part by using a limited number of sets. If you enjoy watching actors chew up the scenery and each other, you'll like this film. R for language.
SISTERS (2006) (NR) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Remake of the 1973 twisted classic by Brian DePalma. Stephen Rea is the therapist, Chloe Sevigny the reporter who witnesses the murder and begins to unravel the bizarre story, and Lou Doillon the exotic and unusual Angelique. Doillon does fairly well here, but Rea and Sevigny seem bored and without emotion through the whole film. There are a few spots where it does feel a bit creepy, but this moves too slowly and is missing an effective soundtrack.
THE 6TH DAY (PG-13) 113 minutes * * Due to an unfortunate experiment that failed, human cloning has been banned. Of course it still goes on, and when Adam (Arnold Schwarzenegger) meets his, it creates a bit of a problem. It's an interesting film, with plenty of action, and they do a great job of dropping you into the idea of future technology right from the start. Unfortunately, it's a lot of flash and little else. One of the biggest questions surrounding cloning is the godlike power it gives us and what that means in regard to the concept we have of soul. The film barely notes these questions and the film suffers for it. It's not that we need an answer, but we should see Adam struggling with the questions. PG-13 for violence.
SIX DAYS SEVEN NIGHTS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * Harrison Ford and Anne Heche work well together in this story of a romantic vacation gone awry. Heche and her fiancee (David Schwimmer) have gone to a tropical paradise when she is called away for an important assignment from her job. But she and Ford can't make it through the storm and crash land on a deserted island. Their struggles to find a way off the island are a bit far-fetched at times, but their chemistry makes it entertaining. Filmed on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii, one wonders why anyone would want to leave such wonderful scenery. The film is guilty of not having much in the way of depth, but the appeal of the stars carries it well and most people will find it an entertaining watch. PG-13 for language.
SIX DEGREES COULD CHANGE THE WORLD (NR) 96 minutes * * * Detailed and frightening look at what is likely to happen as the temperature of the earth slowly increases. One degree at a time, the devastating effects are layed out. Global warming has happened in the past and is likely to happen again. Human beings may well survive, but the world will be a dramatically different place when it happens.
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION (R) 108 minutes * * * The Kittridge's (Stockard Channing and Donald Sutherland) play host to Sidney Poitier's son for a night. But is he really who he says he is? Adapted from the stage play, the cast here is superb. Mary Beth Hurt, Heather Graham, Anthony Michael Hall, Richard Masur, Ian McKellan... combined with the wide-angle shots of New York, the film comes alive, making the latter part of the film all that more powerful. A quality piece of work!
SIX REASONS WHY (R) 83 minutes * Attempt at a modern day western that is very heavily influenced by the old Clint Eastwood classics and in no way comes close to giving us the same quality or strength. Strictly a B-movie with bad dialogue, poor acting, and too few people involved in the production. The Campagna brothers are directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, actors, who also did wardrobe, special effects, casting... that's called a home movie, and unlike some, this isn't a good one. R for violence and language.
16 BLOCKS (PG-13) 94 minutes * * * Jack (Bruce Willis) just wanted to get home, but he ends up running a witness from lock-up to court... sixteen blocks. It shouldn't be a problem to go that far in an hour. The catch is that this witness has information about a bad cop, and there are quite a few people on the police force who want him dead. Then again, Jack is one of the best cops there is. If anyone can get this witness to court on time, it's Jack, and if anyone is familiar with a role like this, it's Bruce Willis. Despite the familiarity of the plot, this manages to work quite well, with good intensity, a couple of nice twists, and a very nice ending. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE 6TH MAN (PG-13) 104 minutes * * It was always "A & K all the way" until Antoine dies of a heart attack near the end of a championship game and Kenny has to fin the strength to go on. Typical Disney mix of humor and drama aimed at young adolescents and heavy with message. Kadeem Hardison and Marlon Wayans both do good work here, which keeps this watchable and mildly entertaining for most of us. Things do slow down a bit too much after the first hour, but then pick up speed again during the last few minutes. PG-13 for language.
THE SIXTH SENSE (PG-13) 99 minutes * * * Cole (Haley Joel Osment) is a rather strange little boy, around whom strange things seem to happen. Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is a child psychologist who has hit a crisis point in his career. Will he be able to help the boy who thinks he sees dead people? What if he really does see them? Wonderfully spooky film that drags a little during the beginning, but quickly picks up the pace and neatly wrapping us up as it scurries along. James Newton Howard's soundtrack is both unusual and effective. Willis fits well here, which is nice to see, but it's Osment's earnest face and quiet whispers that really entrance us. R for violence.
61* ((NR) 129 minutes * * * Billy Crystal directed this dramatic recreation of the 1961 challenge by Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle to break the home run record of Babe Ruth. Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane both do fine work. In fact, the film only has problems as it strays away from them at times. Maris' and Mantle's families were used as resources and much effort went into making this a faithful recreation of the positive relationship that existed between the two men despite the efforts by the press to pit them against each other. A quality piece of work that can be enjoyed whether you're a fan of the sport or not.
THE SKELETON KEY (PG-13) 98 minutes * * 1/2 A mysterious old house and an elderly couple who seem to have trouble keeping hired help. Carrie (Kate Hudson) is sure she's up to the job, but she may be in for a surprise. Nice atmosphere, though a Ry Cooder soundtrack would have helped a great deal. The twist ending is no surprise if you've read old horror comics or seen a few episodes of "Tales From the Crypt". PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
SKI PATROL (PG) 86 minutes 1/2 This is from the people who brought you "Police Academy", but it isn't nearly as funny as the first couple of films in that series. A few good stunts on the slopes, but you'd be better off watching the real sport on TV.
SKIN DEEP (R) 96 minutes * * Blake Edwards' comedy about the distractions a writer is plagued with does have a few memorable scenes, but never stays on track long enough to develop into a really good film. R for language and sex.
SKINWALKERS (PG-13) 81 minutes * They are two clans of werewolves. One who loves the hunt and the other who wants to find a way out of the curse. Young Timothy (Matthew Knight) is about to turn thirteen. His blood holds the key to his family's future. Of course we never really understand why either group really cares that much about how the other one thinks or how Timothy's blood is supposed to offer a cure more than some other option. Maybe it's because no one else seems to live in this town besides these werewolves and Timothy and his mother. Slick visuals, but plastic, action figurish werewolves. PG-13 for violence, sex, and language.
THE SKULLS (PG-13) 101 minutes * * Luke (Joshua Jackson) is offered membership in an Ivy League school's secret society. There is a cost, however... there are secrets that must be kept. And secrets have a way of being uncovered at rather awkward moments. The "rules" get a bit muddled late in the film, but more importantly, it's just never all that interesting. The characters are two dimensional and the direction is stale. The photography and music are nice, but they can't give this production the life it needs. PG-13 for violence and language.
SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW (PG) 96 minutes * * When giant robots are taking over the world, who do you need? Sky Captain, of course! Set in the late 1930's, this has all the right look and feel of a film from the period, but the story just never quite grabs our interest. It's also somewhat strange that Sky Captain's former flame Franky (Angelina Jolie) and his mechanical sidekick Dex (Giovanni Ribisi) are more interesting that Sky Captain (Jude Law) himself or his current girlfriend Penny (Gwyneth Paltrow). Nice effects work, courtesy in part from Pixar, but we're still too bored by it all. PG for language and violence.
SKY HIGH (PG) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Growing up is hard enough, but what do you do when your parents are superheroes and you don't have any special powers? Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano) does eventually get some powers of his own, but this cute and creative film for the younger crowd is not just about growing up but also about friendship and family, and the the importance of doing your best. Kurt Russel and Kelly Preston are Will's parents, better known as Commander and Jet Stream, and Lynda Carter, Cloris Leachman, and Bruce Campbell are here in supporting roles. PG for violence.
SLACKER UPRISING (NR) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Filmmaker Michael Moore, toured the United States in the weeks before the 2004 presidential election, using his often controversial tactics to speak in particular to those who might be thinking about not voting, and encouraging them to do so. The film follows the tour, showing bits and pieces of the different events. A bit less inflammatory than many of Moore's films. After all, even though Moore's opinions slant in the more liberal political direction, the core message of the film is "get out and vote". Period. Everyone who is eligible to vote should be counted. That's the way an election is supposed to work.
SLACKERS (R) 79 minutes 1/2 Dan and his two college buddies have managed to get by for years without doing much besides running scams and cons. Now they're being blackmailed by Ethan, a nerd who has evidence that could get them expelled. Unimaginative and annoying at best. The first five minutes are more than enough to completely understand these characters and realize that this will be a waste of time. R for language and nudity.
SLEEPERS (R) 141 minutes * * * 1/2 Stellar cast in this epic story of a childhood prank that goes awry and the effects it has on the children involved. Barry Levinson's direction and writing are evident as he skillfully handles so many sides of each situation without slowing the pace to a crawl. With a finish that is poetic and complete, this is a haunting story that is not to be missed. Great performances by Robert DeNiro, Kevin Bacon, Bruno Kirby, and many more, with music by John Williams. R for language and violence.
SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY (R) 95 minutes * * Disappointing commercial film that is far too slick and uninspired to keep us interested. Jerry Goldsmith's music really helps, but it's mostly for fans of Julia Roberts. It pushes all the right buttons, but with too little feeling. R for violence, language, and sex.
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (PG) 97 minutes * * * * Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks star in one of the most romantic films of the 90's. She's just gotten engaged, but when she hears him (a widower) call into a radio talk show, she has a feeling that she might need to change her plans. Charming and tender, this is a classy piece of romantic film that you'll want to see over and over again. PG for language.
SLEEPOVER (PG) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Four friends just out of Jr High are challenged to a scavenger hunt by four of the "cool" girls, where the winning team gets to eat at the cool spot during lunch at high school the next year. It's all about who's cool, who's not, and who you're real friends are. Cute and lightly romantic Alexa Vega and Mika Boorem definitely carry the film, but the story isn't without it's own charm. Nice soundtrack too! PG for language.
SLEEPWALKERS (R) 85 minutes * * 1/2 Charles Brady and his mother could be the last of a dying breed which feeds off the life force of virtuous young women. They are vampires in a sense, but they are also shapeshifters and can only be killed by the scratching and clawing of your average house cat. It starts out on a serious note, but like many of Stephen King's stories, we are reminded before we finish that this is a story, and we're supposed to be having fun whie we watch. There are plenty of in-jokes and cameo appearances that horror film buffs will love. The production is uneven though. The visual effects are wonderful, but the make-up effects are so-so. At times the story is fun and exciting, and at other times it just doesn't make sense. A bit disappointing, but not as bad as some of the films that King has been connected with either. R for violence, language, and sex.
SLEEPWALKING (R) 96 minutes * * * Joleen (Charlize Theron) has reached the end of her rope.. again. She leaves her daughter Tara (AnnaSophia Robb) with her brother James (Nick Stahl). But James is about to lose his apartment too, and decides to take his niece and head for his dad's farm. Stahl really carries this film, with a performance that is quiet, yet intense. Robb's performance provides the contrast, though there are times when she broods and Stahl moves toward a lighter tone. Nice work, and a thoughtful script by Zac Stanford/ R for language and violence.
SLEEPWALKING THROUGH THE MEKONG (NR) 64 minutes * * 1/2 Dengue Fever's first concert outside the US was in Cambodia, the home country of one of their group's members. In part, a film about the concert, but more than that, it's also a film about culture and music history, and how the members of Dengue Fever have grown to have a greater respect and appreciation for the heritage of one of their own.
SLEEPY HOLLOW (R) 99 minutes * * As always, Tim Burton's touch lends an eerie, creepy feel to the film from the first moments. This may not be the same story you've heard before (Ichabod Crane is a constable instead of a school teacher), but it presents some interesting ideas and manages to keep us interested. Danny Elfman's music helps create the right atmosphere as well. The dialogue is far from effective though, perhaps due to the inexperience of the writers, and undermines the effectiveness of several scenes. And then there's the ending of the film, which wraps up far too neatly and quickly and goes to extremes in the special effects department, making this too much of a cartoon and losing the suspense in favor of the grotesque and somewhat silly. R for violence.
SLEUTH (1972) (PG) 138 minutes * * * * My all-time favorite film, starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine. A gentleman's duel of sleuthing that grows more intense as the story goes along and the characters become more serious about winning. Outstanding acting and a script that is simply perfect make this a must film mystery and suspense buffs!
SLEUTH (2007) (R) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Remake of the classic 1972 mystery/suspense film with Michael Caine switching roles and Jude Law playing opposite him. The set and photography are visually quite impressive, but the focus of the story has shifted a bit. It's a little less sinister, and Caine's performance here never leaves us in doubt that he is clearly orchestrating the whole event. R for language.
SLIDING DOORS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 The door on the tube (subway) slides shut and Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) stands outside, wondering what might have happened if she'd been a few seconds earlier. We find out through the course of the film as the two storylines are traced, sometimes close, sometimes not, but eventually resolving rather nicely at the end. The film is a bit hard to follow in spots, and it's essential that you see it all the way through to appreciate it. Even so, it is Paltrow's performance that carries the film rather than particularly good writing, direction, or anything else. The rest of the cast do a fairly good job of supporting her, but offer nothing outstanding. It's an interesting idea that could've played out better, but is still worth watching for Paltrow if nothing else. Filmed in London. PG-13 for language and sex.
SLING BLADE (R) 130 minutes * * * * Fascinating story that has you in its grip from the very beginning. Billy Bob Thornton has written a very realistic script that is strengthened even more by his performance as Carl Childers and by his direction. Lucas Black is the standout among the supporting actors as Carl's young friend Frank. The story is one of honesty and trust, freedom and captivity, love and sacrifice. An incredible piece of filmmaking. R for language and violence. Filmed in Benton, Arkansas.
SLIPSTREAM (R) 91 minutes * * Felix (Anthony Hopkins) is a writer, and as many writers, he sometimes lives in the world of his characters as he writes. But it seems that now his characters are living in his world instead. Hopkins wrote and directed this unusual, stream-of-consciousness film. As a piece of art, it's fascinating, though a bit difficult to watch if you're expecting a more straightforward sort of story. R for lanaguage and violence.
SLITHER (R) 88 minutes * 1/2 Alien life-form lands on earth, inhabits a body and turns it into a slime monster. It has babies and infects others, but the man it used to be still loves somebody. Lots of slimy special effects that are nicely done, though not astounding by any means. The acting is reasoanble and not too campy except in a couple of spots. Unfortunately, it's not too interesting either. Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia. R for violence and language.
SLIVER (R) 99 minutes * 1/2 Carly Norris (Sharon Stone) has just moved into a new apartment building. Little did she know that the residents and the neighborhood are comprised of voyeurs, child molesters, unemployed authors, call girls, old men who follow people... This is a slick production that definitely has the look it needs thanks to Vilmos Zsigmond's beautioful photography. But the characters have no life or interest outside the apartment building. It could be a commentary on the life of apartment dwellers, but as entertainment, it just doesn't work. In fact, the ending moves this even further into the realm of social commentary. Interesting, but not paced well and definitely misleading to be marketed as a thriller. R for sex, language, and violence.
SLOW BURN (R) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Assistant DA Timmer (Jolene Blalock) has just confessed to killing a man in self defense. But now someone else has offered a different version of the story. To complicate matters, the DA (Ray Liotta) was in the process of cracking the big case of his career. What he didn't know was how complicated it would get. The suspense builds well and the acting is fine, but the plot does get a little convoluted near the end as the final bits of the mystery come to light. Also starring LL Cool J, Mekhi Phifer, and Taye Diggs. Filmed in Quebec. R for sex, violence, and language.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (R) 113 minutes * * * * Arrested for suspicion of cheating, Jamal (Dev Patel) must explain how it is that a boy raised in the slums of Mumbai, India could possibly know the answers to so many of the questions on the Indian version of the game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The film brilliantly intersperses the game show questions with pieces of Jamal's life in a way that not only explains, but immerses us in his story. Nominated for numerous awards and winner of many as well, it's a film that reminds us that dreams CAN come true, and love CAN win out in the end. Adapted from the novel "Q & A" by Vikas Swarup. R for violence, sex, and language.
SMALL SOLDIERS (PG-13) 104 minutes * * A small toy manufacturer is taken over by a big conglomerate. An overly enthusiastic employee decides to put a classified military computer chip into some action figures and before you know it, there's an all-out war going on. The story is almost too simple in one sense, but that does manage to keep things light enough that we can enjoy this a little. Director Joe Dante doesn't really give us his best work here, but there are glimpses of what probably started as a fun idea that just couldn't gel when the time came. Tommy Lee Jones and Frank Langella provide the voices for Chip Hazard and Archer, respectively, and Sarah Michelle Geller and Christina Ricci are the voices of the Gwendy dolls. PG-13 for language and violence.
SMALL TIME CROOKS (PG-13) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Four small time crooks have a great plan for robbing a bank. They'll open a cookie shop next to a bank as a front while they drill into the bank from the basement. Everything that could possibly go wrong happens, except that the cookie store is turning a profit. It's a cute story that is very reminiscent of Woody Allen's earlier films. Tracey Ullman co-stars along with Hugh Grant in this comedy of errors. PG-13 for language.
SMART PEOPLE (R) 89 minutes * * * Cynical, eclectic, widowed professor Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) already has his hands full with an equally cynical and eclectic daughter (Ellen Page) and a son, who seems normal enough. Then his adopted brother (Thomas Haden Church) who is always looking for a handout decides to drop in. Maybe a relationship with a former student (Sarah Jessica Parker) is just what he needs. But does he even know how to be in a relationship? Even when you're smart, there's always more to learn, especially about how to live and how to love. A great cast and strong performances make this worth watching. Filmed in Pittsburgh. R for language and sex.
SMILE (PG-13) 102 minutes * * 1/2 Katie (Mika Boorem) is intrigued by the "Doctor's Gift" program that her teacher describes at school one day, and finds herself drawn to it even more strongly when she begins working on a report about a girl who she shares a birthday with. But when she travels to Shanghai, she finds that reality is a bit different from photographs. It's much more difficult... and much more rewarding as well. Based on the real "Operation Smile" program, it's a film with an uplifting message, though a bit heavy-handed with it as well. Boorem does a nice job, but there doesn't seem to be a great deal of depth to the supporting roles around her. PG-13 for language.
A SMILE LIKE YOURS (R) 91 minutes * 1/2 Jennifer and Danny want to have a baby, but the harder they try, the further apart they begin to drift. Very slow moving story with Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly doing their best with a poorly written story and direction that is sorely lacking. One of theose very forgettable films, though its not unpleasant to watch. R for language.
SMILEY FACE (R) 81 minutes * While I usually enjoy watching Anna Faris, this tiresome comedy is just too much. She puts on a dopey face and plays a pothead who owes too much money, can't keep appointments, and generally has one bad thing after another happen to her. It's cute and mildy funny for about 15 minutes, but relies on Faris to carry the film, which she can't do since the story gives her nowhere to go. R for language and sex.
SMOKE SIGNALS (PG-13) 81 minutes * * Thomas and Victor have been friends since birth. Very different from each other, yet with a journey lying before them that they will take together. Victor's father has died and they must go to bring his remains home. Thomas is the storyteller and Victor is the cynic. This is the story of their journey into adulthood. Set on an Indian reservation in Idaho, the film's biggest problem is the poor quality of camerawork and editing. It has lots of heart, but the polish it needs is lacking. Some films benefit from having rough edges. This is not one of them. Filmed in Idaho and Washington. PG-13 for violence and language.
SMOKIN' ACES (R) 102 minutes * * * Aces (Jeremy Piven) always wanted to be part of the mob. But when things get hot and he gets in trouble, Aces decides to turn state's evidence. Now, everyone seems to want him dead. The script does a wonderful job of setting the stage in the first twenty minutes, introducing us to all of the characters and why they want to be the first to get their hands on Aces. Clint Mansell's energetic soundtrack lends itself well to the wickedly twisted story. Nice work from Piven, Ryan Reynolds, Alicia Keys, Ray Liotta, and a few others. R for violence, language, and nudity.
SNAKE EYES (R) 94 minutes * 1/2 Brian DePalma's latest thriller is anything but. If there's anyone left who hadn't figured it out already, at 45 minutes, we're told exactly the identity of the mysterious fifth person in the conspiracy. No surprises and no inventive camera moves as we've come to expect from DePalma. Nicolas Cage gives us a good performance and is supported fairly well by Gary Sinese, but the film flounders around as if DePalma himself is bored with it. The sappy romantic ending is entirely out of place as well. R for language aand violence.
SNAKES ON A PLANE (R) 99 minutes * 1/2 Not a particularly inventive title, though it is descriptive. Neville Flynn (Samuel L. Jackson) is transporting a witness by plane. It becomes a bit more difficult when the plane is full of snakes who have been provoked to attack. Don't expect too much, though the snake effects are pretty good. Trevor Rabin's music helps a great deal with creating some suspense. R for violence and sex.
SNATCH (R) 99 minutes * * * 1/2 Although this film does bring to mind "Pulp Fiction", it's mostly due to the wonderful way in which both films manage to combine humor and extreme violence. This is a bit more rough around the edges and starts out more slowly, taking time to introduce us to all the characters. Once the dog swallows the chew toy, we start to laugh... and then it just keeps getting better. Gruesome at times and hilarious at others, it's a delight to watch these fascinating characters as they try to snatch a valuable diamond. There really isn't just one person to highlight as the best performer, though Brad Pitt's mumbling performance as Mickey is certainly one that people seem to remember. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you like your films a bit on the unusual side, you won't be disappointed with this! R for language and violence.
SNEAKERS (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * This adventure/thriller has just the right touch of comedy to make it great entertainment. It's unfortunate that Robert Redford's performance lacks the energy it needs to keep things going at times. It's also disappointing that the plot turns so outlandish toward the end. Not that we'd expect everything to be perfectly plausible, but the script here moves a bit too close to the ridiculous. It's a fun ride, but we're ready for a better ending.
SNIPER (R) 95 minutes * * Tom Beckett (Tom Berenger) may be the Marines' best sniper, but this story gives him too little ammunition and targets that are little more than stationary cardboard. The camera trick of following the course of the bullet looks like it was planned for a 3-D film, no sense in using it here.
SNOOP DOGG'S HOOD OF HORROR (R) 80 minutes * * Trilogy of horror tales introduced by Snoop Dogg. The stories are cartoonishly gory, and are similar in style to "Tales From the Crypt" and "Creepshow" among others. As such, they do have some good points, but the acting gives away the lower budget, as do some of the special effects. Not bad as these horror collections go, but not great either. R for violence, sex, and language.
SNOW ANGELS (R) 104 minutes * * * Adapted from Stewart O'Nan's novel, this is the picture of a small town. Annie (Kate Beckinsale) is a waitress, trying to move on with her life. Her ex-husband is trying to prove that he has changed and deserves to see more of their daughter. And Arthur (Micahel Angarano), who Annie used to babysit, is dealing with the divorce of his parents and his attraction to a girl at school. With powerful and realistic performances, it's the story of mistakes, pain, loss, and regret. R for sex, violence, and language.
SNOW BUDDIES (G) 82 minutes 1/2 The puppies are cute. But this ridiculous follow-up to "Air Buddies" even insults the intelligence of 6-year-olds. The story has the puppies accidentally being shipped to Alaska where they end up in a sled dog race which they win, of course. The limited amount of acting by human beings in the film is poor, and the entire project looks like it was made with very little budget and simply to cash in on the popularity of the earlier films... which we've already grown tired of.
SNOW CAKE (NR) 106 minutes * * * 1/2 Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) is working on starting a new life. But after picking up a young hitchhiker, things take a turn he could never have imagined. Sometimes life brings us both challenges and rewards that we don't plan on, and sometimes they are the sweetest and most valuable. Both Rickman and Sigourney Weaver are wonderful, and the script is amazing in its own right. This is one of those gems you might not hear about, but that is well worth watching.
SNOW DAY (PG) 84 minutes * 1/2 The words every child loves to hear on a wintery weekday morning... that it's been declared a snow day and their school is closed. Although the film is full of cute caricatures and does get us to smile, the subplots have little connection with each other and serve to distract us after awhile. The film has the look and feel of something that was thrown together with little experience or concern for quality. Chevy Chase and Chris Elliott are featured, which should also give you an idea about what to expect before you start watching. Filmed in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. PG for language.
SNOW DOGS (PG) 100 minutes * * Mildy entartaining film with Cuba Gooding Jr. heading to Alaska to pick up his inheritance from the mother he never knew, only to find himself the owner of a sled dog team and learning lessons about life he hadn't anticipated. Formula film that has it's moments, most of which involve the dogs. PG for language.
SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS (PG-13) 122 minutes * 1/2 Children from two different cultures fall in love at a young age, but discover that their parents don't approve of the idea. Though they drift apart, they are drawn together again as her husband is accused of a murder, fueled by the communities dislike of Japanese. It's an in-depth story that is told in a rather confused fashion. Sequences are jumbled and moments of photographic artistry are stirred into the mix as well. Another director might have been able to pull this off, but as it stands, this is an over-long muddle of a film that only gives us a glimpse of what it might have been. PG-13 for language and violence.
SNOWGLOBE (NR) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Angela (Christina Milian) discovers her perfect Christmas world inside a magical snowglobe. But when that world begins to interact with her own, she realizes how her wish for the "perfect" Christmas may be getting in the way of actually finding it. Cute Christmas story with solid supporting performances that help Milian carry this off well.
THE SNURKS (PG) 85 minutes * * Nicely animated film featuring the Gayans and the Snurks, two rival groups of creatures on the TV show Gaya, who have just been transported into the real world. Now they have to find a way back, and it might require working together. The story is not particularly imaginative though the characters are somewhat interesting. PG for violence and language.
SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER (PG-13) 89 minutes * Mike Myers is finally getting married, after always finding excuses not to. But now he thinks his wife is an axe murderer. Myers' overplayed character doesn't work well outside the "Wayne's World" format, and this comes off as not all that funny, entertaining, or well-made.
SO MUCH SO FAST (NR) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Chronicles the life of Stephen Heywood, focusing on his last few years. Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), his brother begins a passionate search for a cure.
SOAP DISH (PG-13) 93 minutes * * 1/2 The stars of the fictional daytime soap opera, "The Sun Also Sets" are struggling with distinguishing fantasy from reality. It seems that their lives are becoming more like a soap opera... or is it the other way around? Kevin Kline steals the show here, especially toward the end. Sally Field may be the featured star, but she whines and cries too much and it gets in the way of our enjoying the other characters and watching the story unfold. By the way, you don't have to be a soap opera fan to enjoy this. You might even find it more enjoyable if you'd rather poke fun at them than watch them! PG-13 for language.
SOLARIS (PG-13) 92 minutes * * Something has gone terribly wrong on the Solaris space station. Chris (George Clooney) has been sent for to see if he can negotiate a safe return for the survivors, if there are any, aboard the station. Adapted from the book by Stanislaw Levin, this is a very interesting story, but the balance between philosophy and practical reality is awkward through much of the film. Holes in the story are abundant, but it still makes for an interesting film if you enjoy philosophical science fiction stories. PG-13 for language and sex.
SOLO (PG-13) 90 minutes * Mario VanPeebles plays Solo, a cyborg who has received a message that he is to be reprogrammed. Since that interferes with his prime directive to "preserve self", he goes renegade. A rather dumb ending, but the film manages to deal fairly well with the standard questions about what makes us human, what it means to be alive, etc. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE SOLOIST (PG-13) 108 minutes * * * Just a homeless man who happens to play the violin... but Steve (Robert Downey Jr.) thinks that there might be a bit more to this story... and there is. In a way, both Nathaniel (Jammie Foxx) and Steve are on paths to self-destruction. But Steve continues to choose hope, and that allows him to keep trying. It's much more difficult for Nathaniel to see hope, or to trust what it might be able to offer. Great performances by Foxx and Downey, but the story is lacking a more sensitive and emotional approach that would have made it even better. Filmed in Los Angeles and Cleveland. PG-13 for language and violence.
SOMEONE LIKE YOU (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 How do you get past those broken relationships and move on with your life? That's what Jane (Ashley Judd) is trying to figure out. But as she struggles with trying to understand why men leave her, she is missing the point that the one she really needs to understand is herself. Judd, Marisa Tomei, and Hugh Jackman all do great work here. Tomei in particular adds a sparkle to the film with her scenes. We leave the film dissatisfied by the ending though. Things fall into place far too quickly and it feels like a few scenes are missing that could have helped us believe what happens a little more easily. PG-13 for language and sex.
SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME (R) 102 minutes * * * Assigned to protect a witness to a murder, Mike Keegan (Tom Berenger) finds himself attracted to the witness. Can they find the killer? Will he risk losing his marriage? Is she interested in him as well? Berenger delivers a nice performance here, but it's Ridley Scott's direction that gives this film the character it needs. He loves to work with light and shadow and it gives the film the subtle suspense that goes past the elements of the story. Filled with beautiful shots of New York City!
SOMERS TOWN (NR) 68 minutes * * 1/2 An unlikely friendship between a young immigrant and a homeless boy. They are both learning a great deal about life, and though their perspectives are quite different, their journeys have enough in common to form the basis of a friendship that will last. There will be difficulties, of course, but friends don't let that stay in the way for long. Nice, and somewhat different coming-of-age story.
SOMETHING NEW (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Kenya's (Sanaa Lathan) star is on the rise... everywhere except in her romantic life. She has this list of qualifications that her ideal man must meet. But we all know how THAT goes! Cute and romantic while still working to address the issues surrounding the idea of bi-racial romance. The emphasis is more on entertainment though, so it rarely delves too far into the more serious points. Nice work by Lathan. PG-13 for language and sex.
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT (R) 101 minutes * * * Strong characters populate this film about a woman discovering her husband's extramarital affair and her attempts to cut him out of the family. Set in the south, the film rambles a bit much at times, but offers us an outstanding performance from Kyra Sedgewick and fine work from Julia Roberts, Robert Duvall, Gena Rowlands, and Dennis Quaid.
SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE (PG-13) 122 minutes * * * Reltaionships are funny things sometimes. They happen when you least expect them and change when you aren;t always ready. Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton are delightful and the story is both chaming and sentimental with humor supplied in all the right places. Amanda Peet does a nice job as well. It does lose steam during the last half hour, though it manages to finish well. Predictably, but well. PG-13 for language and nudity.
SOMETIMES IN APRIL (NR) 134 minutes * * * The tragedy of the genocide in Rwanda is shown from a more strictly Rwandan viewpoint here, with less emphasis on the United Nations or United States and more on the issues within Rwanda and relationships of people there. This helps the film be much more powerful in some segments, but the tempo of the film falters at times and it becomes a bit too self-conscious and overlong. It ends quite well though, reminding us that rather than focusing on regret, we should remember... so that it never happens again.
SOMMERSBY (PG-13) 109 minutes * * 1/2 Jodie Foster really seems lost in this film. Her intensity, evident as usual in this character, is out of place. The supporting performances of Bill Pullman, William Windom, and James Earl Jones are quite good, and Danny Elfman shows that he can write music for a genteel romance film as well as anyone. Not the best of the costume/romance genre, but it fares alright on the small screen. PG-13 for sex, language, and violence.
SON IN LAW (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Pauly Shore is brought home over Thanksgiving break by a girl who wants to discourage on old home-town boyfriend. Shore is definitely not for everyone's tastes, but we get a little milder dose this time, thanks to an emphasis by the story on family, tradition, and adding a little (but not too much) spice to life. PG-13 for language.
SON OF RAMBOW (PG-13) 88 minutes * * 1/2 A chance encounter at school leads to an unlikely friendship. Lee (Will Poulter) tends to break the rules, but he wants to make a film to enter a competition for young filmmakers. Will (Bill Milner) is the quiet one whose mother doesn't want him to even watch movies. As they work on the film together, they both learn a great deal about friendship and family. Humorous and touching coming-of-age film set in England in the 1980s. PG-13 for violence.
SON OF THE MASK (PG) 88 minutes 1/2 Nothing will make you appreciate Jim Carrey more than watching Jamie Kennedy in this sequel. It appears that the attempt here was to make this more kid friendly with the reult being that it's lost any sense of intelligent humor. Alan Cumming's performance as Loki, who is trying to get the mask back before Odin gets really mad, offers the only bright spots in the film, but even many of those are more silly than they are truly entertaining. PG for cartoonish violence.
SON OF THE PINK PANTHER (PG) 88 minutes * 1/2 Roberto Benigni stars as the son of bumbling Inspector Clouseau in this attempt to revive the old series. As one might expect, it just doesn't work without Peter Sellers around. Begnini does what he can, but the script and direction just don't hold up. The opening credits are well-worth watching though, and may be the best part of the film. PG for language and violence.
SORORITY BOYS (R) 88 minutes * Cross-dressing comedy with three guys trying to pass for girls until they can dig up the dirt they need on their fraternity president and get back in their old house. There are a few good moments, but the mix of comedy and drama is uneven. Despite the rather short length of the film, it still manages to get tiresome. The best part is the collection of songs on the soundtrack. R for nudity and language.
SORORITY ROW (R) 96 minutes 1/2 Remake of "The House on Sorority Row", which wasn't all that good to begin with. A college prank gone wrong results in the death of one of their classmates. Now the ones who know about it are dying... one by one. The constant stream of stupid decisions and bad dialogue is pretty discouraging. It does have some curiosity appeal for having the children of Bruce Willis, Greg Evigan, and Jim Belushi in the cast. R for violence, sex, and language.
SOUL FOOD (R) 111 minutes * * * A slice of family life among the beautiful and talented black. When Big Mama dies, things begin to fall apart. It's an interesting character study film with strong performances that make it worth a look. Of particular note is young Brandon Hammond's performance as Ahmad. Vanessa Williams and Viveca A. Fox are among the rest of the highly talented cast. R for language and sex.
SOUL MEN (R) 94 minutes * * * They were back-up singers who never made it on their own once their lead singer bailed on them. Now Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd (Bernie Mac) are headed across the country to sing at a memorial service for their former partner. It will be a wild trip, to say the least. A little comedy, a little drama, and lots of talent. Nice job by both leads and more than a little sentimentality tied to this being Mac's last featured role as well as the final role for the great Isaac Hayes. R for language and sex.
SOUL PLANE (R) 85 minutes BOMB Foul-mouthed waste of talent film that tells the story of a man who wins a lawsuit against an airline and decides to start his own. It's more difficult than expected, especially when your employees are like these. D.L. Hughley, Snoop Dogg, Method Man, Monique, and Tom Arnold are among those who apparently had nothing better to do. R for language and sexual humor (if you can call it that).
SOUL POWER (PG-13) 87 minutes * * 1/2 A three day concert in Africa, scheduled to preceed the Muhammad Ali/George Foreman fight. The idea was to bring together both African and African-American musicians in celebration of music and shared history. There's a bit of background information toward the beginning of the film, but the bulk of what's here is the music. It's great stuff, and wonderful to see so many talented musicians sharing the same stage. PG-13 for language.
A SOUND OF THUNDER (PG-13) 94 minutes * * 1/2 What happens if you travel into the past and accidentally change something? What effect would it have? Adapted from the Ray Bradbury short story of the same name, which, incidentally, was also an episode of the Ray Bradbury Theater TV series, this film explores one theory. There are definitely some holes in it, but there were holes in the original story. Bradbury was having fun with an idea and that's what this film attempts to do as well. For the most part, it succeeds in this endeavor, though it's definitely not going to win any awards. Both the effects and the acting are somewhat mixed, some very nice effects, others rather poorly done, some acting fairly good, others... not so good. PG-13 for violence and language.
SOUTH PARK: BIGGER LONGER & UNCUT (R) 76 minutes * * 1/2 Pretty much just as the title tells it. This pokes fun at the South Park TV show and the idea of censorship, promoting freedom of speech and the idea that we are responsible for our own actions. Just as rude, crude, and frequently hilarious as the TV show with wonderful songs created by Marc Shaiman and Trey Parker. As Cartman states, "I'm sorry. I can't help myself. The movie warped my fragile little mind." Of course, if you're already a little warped... R for language and violence.
SOUTHLAND TALES (R) 136 minutes * * * 1/2 From the mind of the creator of "Donnie Darko" comes this unusual tale of the United States in a world where World War 3 is a reality and civil liberties are a thing of the past. Three particular characters are the focus here. Boxer Santaros (Dwayne Johnson), an actor/screenwriter who can't figure out why life seems to be resembling the screenplay he just wrote or why he can't remember what happened over the past few weeks. Krysta Now (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a porn star who now has a talk show, a pop song, a sports drink, and more. And Roland/Ronald Taverner (Seann William Scott), a police officer who is now two people... who probably shouldn't meet each other. It's an amazing, strange, and fun story with more than a little political, social, and entertainment commentary. Not a mainstream film, but if you enjoy films like "Donnie Darko" or "The Hudsucker Proxy", this is not to be missed. Just remember... "Ladies and gentlemen, the party is over... have a nice apocalypse!" Great soundtrack by Moby! R for sex, violence, and language.
SPACE BUDDIES (G) 81 minutes * 1/2 The buddies accidentally hitch a ride on a spaceship headed for the moon. Capitalizing on the past, though definitely dwindling, success of the "Air Bud" film and it's numerous sequels, but the animated bits don't look very good here, and the acting in this series just keeps getting worse.
SPACE CHIMPS (G) 77 minutes * * 1/2 Ham III is the grandson of a great space exploring chimpanzee. His work as a daredevil in a circus is going to come in handy when he ends up recruited by NASA for their latest mission. The aliens they discover need help, and it's up to Ham and friends to save the day. Mildly entertaining cartoon with good animation.
SPACE COWBOYS (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * An old Russian communication satellite has stopped working and is going to crash. THe problem is that it's so old, almost nobody knows how to work with it. Enter the "cowboys", the military team that almost made it into space before NASA became a reality. It's wonderful to see these guys working together... Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner... it makes you smile just to think about it! William Devane has a nice supporting role too. The film itself is a nice change of pace from Eastwood's other directorial works, mixing a bit more action and suspense into the story. His amiable style is still is still evident, but the additional intensity works well. PG-13 for language and violence.
SPACE JAM (PG) 78 minutes * * This film does have its amusing points, but is mostly aimed at making a fast buck by including some sports figures and carttons in a mix that will appeal to kids. Light on story, thick on morals, but fast-paced and brightly colored. Lola Bunny is a nice addition, and the "Pulp Fiction" sequence are among the best moments in the film. PG for language and violence.
SPACEBALLS (PG) 90 minutes * * 1/2 Mel Brooks' send-up of Star Wars has its fair share of hits and misses. Some bits are wonderfully humorous, and others are just stupid, which isn't that uncommon for Brooks' films. Great make-up by Ben Nye Jr., not-so-great costumes though. One of the more interesting casting choices was to use Lorene Yarnell of the mime team Shields and Yarnell as Dot Matrix in a parody of C3P0 with Joan Rivers providing the voice.
SPACED INVADERS (PG) 96 minutes * Spaced investors is more like it. Did they really think this was a good project? Poorly made film about some not-very-bright Martians who invade the earth on Halloween.
SPANGLISH (PG-13) 126 minutes * * * 1/2 Flor Moreno (Paz Vega) and her daughter move from Mexico to the US. Despite Flor's inability to speak English, she starts working for a very high strung woman (Tea Leoni) and her easy-going husband (Adam Sandler). Thus begins a complicated dance of feelings and friendship, cultures and ideas. A dance that will change them all. The script is a fairly typical James L. Brooks work, talky and rather self-analytical, but also very sincere and real. The performances are strong all around, but Cloris Leachman delivers a delightfully scene stealing performance that is worthy of an Oscar. PG-13 for language.
THE SPANISH PRISONER (PG) 110 minutes * * * Joe Ross (Campbell Scott) is the creator of a secret formula. He's afraid that he isn't going to be treated fairly by the company he works for. Little does he know that these are the least of his worries. He's about to become a player in the old "Spanish prisoner" con game. Filled with twists and turns, it's a story that will stay a step ahead of you the whole way. A solid performance from Scott, and it's nice to see Steve Martin in a serious role here. PG for language and violence.
SPAWN (PG-13) 90 minutes * Incredibly disappointing adaptation of the comic book character that not only bears great resemblance to "The Crow" and "Darkman", but is poorly scripted as well. The special effects are nice, but don't really offer us anything we haven't seen already. The worst is Malbogia, whose mouth doesn't do anything but hang open while he's speaking. PG-13 for violence.
SPEAK (PG-13) 90 minutes * * * Melinda (Kristen Stewart) has become a social outcast at her high school for calling the police and breaking up a party. But no one knows the whole story, and Melinda isn't talking. High school can be tough enough, how can she find the strength to deal with this? Stewart does a great job here with a tough role. It's not a role that immediately draws audience sympathy and interest, but she does an admirable job. Nice to see Steve Zahn in a somewhat uncharacteristic role as an art teacher who understands the importance of what lies beneath the surface. Filmed in Columbus, Ohio. PG-13 for language.
SPECIAL (R) 74 minutes * * * 1/2 It's an ordinary and somewhat boring life, but Les (Michael Rapaport) has begun to notice that it seems to be disappearing bit by bit. He decides to join a clinical drug trial for a drug called "Special". Les now feels that he is indeed "special", endowed with powers he never had before. Unfortunately, these powers are causing him some difficulty. Rapaport delivers a wonderful and heroic performance in this bitterweet and sensitive drama. R for language and violence.
THE SPECIALIST (R) 106 minutes * * Standard action film with Sylvester Stallone as a specially trained explosives expert for hire. Sharon Stone is the woman who hires him to wreak vengeance on her enemies. The standard twist to the story comes at the end of the first hour, which is a little long to wait, but the explosions attempt to keep us interested unitl we reach that point. Adapted from John Shirley's Specialist novels, this offers little you haven't already seen. R for violence, language, and sex.
SPECIES (R) 102 minutes * 1/2 Although the special effects here are quite good, the story is a real mess. Instead of exploring all of the interesting possibilities involving why no one tries to be Sil's friend, (when they try to tap the sympathy of the audience early on) or why she stops aging. Instead, we just get the same old "hunt the alien" story one more time. R for violence and nudity.
SPECIES II (R) 88 minutes 1/2 A trip to Mars finds a male mate for Sil's clone, Eve. The baby would supposedly be terrifically destructive. Most of what gets destroyed here is just the idea that this movie has any hope of being any good. The opening special effects are laughably bad, though the sound effects aren't bad. The creatures at the end are interesting, but we don't get to see much of them as the scene is too dark. In the end, this is thoroughly predictable, poorly acted, and not very interesting. R for violence, sex, and language.
SPECTACULAR (NR) 92 minutes * * Rock band or show choir... which to choose... somehow it's not as dynamic of a choice as music or sports (as in "High School Musical" which this is so obviously similar to). The real problem that Nickelodeon has here is that the supporting characters just don't have much appeal. Nikko (Nolan Gerard Funk) does quite well, and the closing musical number is quite good. Not sure how many people are going to stick around that long though. SPEECHLESS (PG-13) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Two speechwriters, drawn together by their love of words, soon finds themselves on opposing sides in an election. Words can be dangerous. Thinking before speaking is not something most people do. But as these characters learn, apologizing and forgiving can do wonders. Geena Davis and Michael Keaton carry the film fairly well, but by it's nature, it's wordy at times, making it a little hard to give us the charm we need.
SPEED (R) 108 minutes * * 1/2 Very fast-paced action film that is likely to keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. The characters are a different story... it seems like the only time we ever learn anything important about them is right before it figures to be an important part of how a problem is solved. We needed to learn more about Dennis Hopper's twisted sense of the life of bombs, Keanu Reeves' brashness, and Sandra Bullock's concern for others and ability to perform under pressure. R for violence and language.
SPEED 2: CRUISE CONTROL (PG-13) 116 minutes * 1/2 Even less realistic than its predecessor, this doesn't have much to offer. There is quite a bit of action, but far too many of the scenes are obviously miniatures. ILM's special effects took a back seat to their work on the Star Wars special edition films... and it shows. Sandra Bullock does what she can, but she can't carry this all by herself. PG-13 for language and violence.
SPEED RACER (PG) 127 minutes * * 1/2 Racing is all Speed racer (Emile Hirsch) has ever thought about. As Speed's career begins to take off, his talents draw the attention of a corporate racing team who makes sure their team always wins. Speed has a different idea of how races should be run. Full of brilliant and flashy colors, making this a visual treat and very appealing to the younger crowd, though it may be a bit violent for them at times. Also starring Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, and Matthew Fox. PG for violence and language.
SPEED ZONE (PG) 92 minutes BOMB This "Cannonball Run" clone has only one thing going for it... the cast. The horrible script, and even worse direction manage to ruin any potential there might have been for a fun film though.
SPHERE (PG-13) 130 minutes * * 1/2 An alien spacecraft has been located beneath the surface of the ocean. A special team is assembled to investigate as it appears the craft landed on earth in the 1700s. What will they discover and what will it mean to humanity? The ideas here are interesting, but are short-circuited by a script that gives us too many inconsistencies and awkward moments. At times, there appears to be little continuity for the actors, which speaks of weak direction. Film studios seem to be in a rush to get every Michael Crichton book onto the screen, with the result being several that are far less than what they could've been. PG-13 for violence and language.
SPICE WORLD (PG) 85 minutes * Part concert film, part British humor, this ends up mostly being just a silly film that features the British pop all-girl group, The Spice Girls. Somehow, the girls still manage to come off as talented, despite the low quality of the production. Spice Girls fans will like this more than most people, but een they may have a hard time with the story. PG for language.
SPIDER-MAN (PG-13) 115 minutes * * * First, the complaints... the Green Goblin's mask is terrible, looking like a left-over from the Power Rangers. The sequences where computer generated images are spliced in between live action sequences just don't look right, though the animation is very nicely done. And finally, the duration of the Green Goblin's character is far too short. Even for those who aren't familiar with the comic book, he is too easily defeated. With those complaints out of the way, this is definitely a fun, comic book adventure and one of the better ones to hit the big screen. Much like the first Batman and the first X-Men film, it captures the essence of the comic well and is entertaining even for the few who might not be familiar with the character prior to seeing the film. Not only does this leave itself open for a sequel, it's tremendous performance at the box office assures that several other comic book characters will be able to make it to the big screen as well. PG-13 for violence.
SPIDER-MAN 2 (PG-13) 123 minutes * * 1/2 This big-budget sequel looks even more like a comic book in some ways, with some segments heavy with story and others crammed with explosive action. It makes for awkward pacing. The transitions between CGI animation and live action sequences of our costumed hero are definitely better than in the first film, as are many of the other effects. But the story as a whole leaves us wondering about far too many things despite trying to explain a great deal. It's an adequate sequel, but Spidey deserves better. PG-13 for violence.
SPIDER-MAN 3 (PG-13) 134 minutes * * After saving the police chief's daughter, Spidey is the talk of the town. Everything is looking great. Of course that won't last for long. Especially not with Sandman and Venom around. The special effects continue to improve, but the story simplifies the villians far too much and they are far too easy to defeat. And then there's the soft, romantic ending... that is completely out of place for a super-hero film. There's room for a sequel, but someone needs to write a better story than we have here. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (PG) 87 minutes * * * 1/2 Wen the Grace family moves into the Spiderwick estate, they have no idea what's in store. When Jared (Freddie Highmore) discovers the journal of Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn), he learns much more than he should. Now the goblin Mulgurath wants the book, and will stop at nothing to get it. Can the Grace family protect the book and save the world? Beautiful, magical, and exciting film, though a bit scary in spots for the youngest ones in the audience. Wonderful special effects and a soundtrack by James Horner that captures all of the excitement and adventure. Adapted from the series of books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. PG for violence.
SPIRAL (PG-13) 86 minutes * * 1/2 Joel Moore co-writes, co-directs, and stars in this chilling story of a young man who is somewhat of a misfit. Mason (Moore) is a telemarketer with few social skills. Berkeley (Zachery Levi) is his only real friend, though sometimes it's a struggle to remain friends with someone who has as many unusual quirks and is so needy. When Mason meets Amber, he confides is Berkeley. This is a girl who seems to understand him. She likes him and he thinks it might be just what he needs. But Berkeley has heard this all before... or has he? Interesting film with a macabre twist. Moore does a nice job despite being so heavily involved on so many aspects of the film. PG-13 for violence, nudity, and language.
THE SPIRIT (PG-13) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Writer/director Frank Miller bring's Will Eisner's classic 1940s comic book hero to the big screen with the same modern noir style he used for "Sin City". It works quite well, though many may make unfavorable comparisons to the later and think that Miller is just copying himself. Truth is, Miller and many others have long respected Eisner and this is Miller's homage to him. "Sin City" is an homage to Eisner as well. This is just a more direct one, and is packed with style and humor, making it well worth a look if you enjoy noir-style comics. PG-13 for violence, language, and nudity.
SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON (G) 75 minutes * * * Beautifully animated film, telling the story of a young stallion's early life. It truly is a beautiful film, but many younger children may not find it that interesting. The story is told through narration from Spirit's point of view, though the human characters in the film do speak. Still, there are a few sequences where only horses are on screen and there is no narration. It's a nice story, but it's not likely to be the sort of film most children will want to see more than once.
THE SPITFIRE GRILL (PG-13) 112 minutes * * * Recently released from prison in Maine, Percy Talbot (Alsion Elliott) chooses nearby Gilead to start her life over again. Working at the Spitfire Grill will teach her how to cook, how to trust, how to begin again... The script lacks a little in the way of polish, but is full of inspiration and does have a few interesting strains in it that keep us wondering. Elliott is superb, and is supported well as she struggles to be accepted. James Horner's sensitive soundtrack helps round out the picture provided by writer/director Lee David Zlotoff. Filmed in Maine and Vermont. PG-13 for language.
SPLINTER (R) 79 minutes * Weird, and completely unexplained, splinter creature attacks and infects people. OK, it's kind of like the zombie virus... There are plenty of holes in the story, but at least they discover that fires destroys it. Now, wasn't that easy? R for violence and language.
SPLIT SECOND (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Rutger Hauer is after the serial killer who took out his partner. It's an alien creature that eats the hearts of its victims. Hauer does a great job with his character here, showing us a wide range of emotions and creating a believable character. Unfortunately, the alien is far less believable and keeps us too distant from the film to get all that excited. R for violence and language.
SPLITTING HEIRS (PG-13) 84 minutes * 1/2 Lightweight comedy from Eric Idle and John Cleese about a lost heir being discovered after the dukedom has already been claimed by someone else. Not even close to their best work, and co-star Rick Moranis seems very out of place. No side-splitting laughs from watching this film.
THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE (PG) 78 minutes * * The new Krusty Krab restaurant is opening and SpongeBob hopes to be the new manager. Meanwhile, Plankton is plotting to steal the secret recipe and take over the world, as usual. Much like the TV show, so if you like that, you'll like this, but there's nothing remarkable or all that interesting here. PG for violence.
SPREAD (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Nikki (Ashton Kutcher) is a boy-toy for the rich women who can afford to keep him. He's trading sex for security, but when he meets Heather (Margarita Levieva), he's thinking about settling down. But what is she really thinking? Kutcher does a good job here, despite the predictability of the story. R for sex and language.
SPRING BREAKDOWN (R) 78 minutes * They are three nerdy girls who have grown up to be three... less than successful adults. Now they have a chance to go on spring break again, but why would they want to? Amy Poehler, Parker Posey, and Rachel Dratch are better than this, and seem to wonder how they ended up in a film that's this bad. Lots of hot young bodies here... and not much story or acting. R for language and sex.
SPRUNG (R) 105 minutes * * 1/2 Love story with Rusty Cundieff and Tisha Campbell in the leading roles. They do a fine job, but the script is uneven and the direction is sorely lacking the energy it needs to keep this film moving along. Trimming it down would have helped, but it still comes off like a made-for-video production. R for sex and language.
SPUN (R) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Bizarre kaleidoscope of images that attempt to recreate the drug-induced euphoria/paranoia of the main characters. Ross (Jason Schwartzman) usually gets his supply from Spider Mike (John Leguizamo), but gets a chance to do business with "The Cook" (Mickey Rourke) who supplies Spider Mike. Various other characters drift in, hang on, leave, trip, whatever... Interesting not only for the experience, but the collection of characters and actors who are here. Also featuring Brittany Murphy, Mena Suvari, Deborah Harry, and Eric Roberts. R for sex, violence, and language.
SPY GAME (R) 121 minutes * * * Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) is about to retire from the spy business. But as he is leaving, Nathan learns that one of his protoges is stranded in an operation that went bad. It just doesn't sound right, so he decides to stick around for one last "game". Redford is in great form here, and works well with Brad Pitt. The story is a little contrived at times, but director Tony Scott has managed to keep the pace at a level that holds our attention throughout. Nice soundtrack from Harry Gregson-Williams too! R for violence and language.
SPY HARD (PG-13) 77 minutes BOMB Mostly a parody of James Bond films, but the only really interesting part is the opening credits, which are sung and acted by Weird Al Yankovic. A complete waste of the talents of Charles Durning and Andy Griffith. PG for language.
SPY KIDS (PG) 81 minutes * * 1/2 They've been out of the spy game for 9 years, but Gregorio and Ingrid have been asked to take on a new mission. They'll need a little bit of help this time. A little help from their kids. Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara do a great job as the kids, and they have an exciting adventure. Robert Rodriguez does a great job directing children and this film shows his skill in that regard. Kids will love the adventure as well as the humor. What seems a bit inappropriate is the emphasis placed on keeping your biological family together. Family IS important, but "The Tigger Movie" and "Pokemon 3" more clearly understand that family means something a little different than those you're connected to by virtue of genetics. PG for violence.
SPY KIDS 2: ISLAND OF LOST DREAMS (PG) 93 minutes * * Carmen and Juni aren't the only spy kids in town anymore. In fact, there's a whole organization and different kids are vying for the best missions. Of course, Carmen and Juni manage to get themselves the most sought after mission: retrieving the stolen transmooger device. And they find that, despite their fancy gadgets, it's their ingenuity and creativity that will save the day. Not quite as inventive as the first film, but a nice sequel. Alexa Vega does a nice job singing the song "Isle of Dreams" during the closing moments of the film too. PG for violence.
SPY KIDS 3-D: GAME OVER (PG) 76 minutes * * Juni is now a private eye, but he ends up working with the OSS again to save his sister who is trapped inside a video game. Not only do we have the additional gimmick of 3-D, we also have Sylvester Stallone and George Clooney... it doesn't help much. At least the definition of "family" has changed to allow other people you care about to be included. PG for violence.
SPYMATE (PG) 79 minutes * * Emma Roberts stars in this adventure film for the younger set. She's an inventor/scientist, kidnapped by Dr. Farley (Richard Kind), who was someone she looked up to. Now she has to rely on Minkey, a secret agent chimpanzee and part of the Spymate program, to rescue her. Not a terrible film, though more screen time for Roberts and less for the chimp would have made it much better. PG for violence.
SQUANTO: A WARRIOR'S TALE (PG) 98 minutes * * * The day after Squanto is married, he is captured and taken to England in this standard live-action historical film from Disney. The noble lesson is that all people are of value and that peace and harmony are what we should strive to achieve. The pace is slow, but the story is told well and doesn't drag on unnecessarily, making this a worthwhile film for all. Filmed in Nova Scotia.
THE SQUID AND THE WHALE (R) 76 minutes * * * 1/2 Writer/director Noah Baumbach's autobiographical film about his adolescence deftly handles the marital struggles of his parents and it's effects on their two sons. Extraordinarily well-written, this does an excellent job of baring the lives of these characters to our view. Excellent use of songs, in particular, Hey You, by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, which embodies much of the angst of the family. Laura Linney is given less of a chance here, but Jeff Daniels, Jesse Eisenberg, and Owen Kline do greta work here. R for sex and language.
STAGE BEAUTY (R) 106 minutes * * * Once upon a time, the roles of women in theater were only played by men. This is the story of when that tradition began to change. Maria (Claire Danes) wants more than anything to act on the stage. Ned Kynaston (Billy Crudup) is the undisputed queen of the stage. But times are about to change. Crudup and Danes do a marvelous job showing us the tension between these two characters, both in their work and in their personal lives as they find themselves drawn together. R for sex and language.
STAKEOUT (R) 114 minutes * * 1/2 All they are supposed to do is stake out the home of an excaped convict's former girlfriend. But when one of them falls in love with her, it begins to get complicated. Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez star in this action/comedy directed by John Badham. The story does have a couple of good twists, but doesn't end well. Dreyfuss and Estevez are fun to watch, and obviously had some fun making the film.
STAND AND DELIVER (PG) 100 minutes * * * Inspiring docu-drama of a dedicated and very talented teacher who inspires confidence in his students allowing them to reach levels no one thought possible. James Edward Olmos and Lou Diamond Phillips are both wonderful here and the film works well on almost every level.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (R) 109 minutes * * * One of several documentaries about the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, the distinction here is the extent and tone of the interviews with the military personel who were prosecuted for misconduct. More than just a recounting of events, this film asks "why?" Not only why did this happen, but why was no one else found to be at fault and why do we act this way at all? Thought provoking and interesting without sensationalizing the events. R for sex, violence, and language.
STANLEY & IRIS (PG-13) 101 minutes * * * 1/2 A quiet, relaxed film, which is a bit of a change for both Jane Fonda and Robert DeNiro. She's a young, grieving widow, he's a loner who can't read. She ends up tutoring him and they slowly become attracted to each other. Martin Ritt's direction and the story itself both draw you in gently and you are kept there by Fonda and DeNiro, whose impressive acting will make this a film you'll be glad you saw.
STAR TREK (PG-13) 118 minutes * * * The action begins with the battle during which James T. Kirk in born. We watch as the rebellious young man wrestles with what it means to be his father's son, and to dream of being the best he can be by enlisting in Starfleet. The humor is a bit much during the first half, and those who follow the science of black holes will clearly find fault with some of the story. But the characters are introduced (or re-introduced) to us quite nicely, and well-played by all. Nicely done, and a great ending! PG-13 for violence and language.
STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * Fun entry in the series, directed by Jonathan Frakes. There are a few things for trekkers to be nit-picky about, but the story moves along nicely and has plenty of room for cameo appearances and in-jokes for those familiar with the series. ILM's special effects are quite good, as expected, and most will find this a pleasant entry in the series and well-worth the time to watch. PG-13 for violence and language.
STAR TREK: GENERATIONS (PG) 112 minutes * * * This film signals the last appearance of the original crew as the focus of the story as Captain Kirk and Captain Picard work together to defeat Dr. Soren. Wonderful special effects as one would expect, and a story that sweeps you along, keeping things interesting and exciting. The extra humor from Data's character is a little much, but they always seem more interested in throwing a little more humor into the theatrical films.
STAR TREK: INSURRECTION (PG) 98 minutes * * * 1/2 A very well-written story can really do wonders. This is probably the most balanced Star Trek feature film in terms of the story. Action, drama, romance, a touch of humor, several strong supporting characters... this has a little bit of everything. There are a few spots with some rather uneven camera work, but otherwise this return of the "Next Generation" crew to the big screen is a wonderful success. Directed by Jonathan Frakes and rated PG for violence.
STAR TREK: NEMESIS (PG-13) 109 minutes * * 1/2 The Remans have overthrown the Romulan government and Picard and his crew are the closest ones to check on the situation. Picard ends up fighting a younger version of himself, but the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of youth find a formidable foe in the wisdom and ingenuity that have come with age and experience. The ending is decidedly weak, but the trip there is not a bad one. PG-13 for violence.
STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER (PG) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Gaping story holes are the real problem here, not the idea that a madman has taken over a planet and is holding an ambassador hostage. Not one of the better entries in the series though it is of interest for being William Shatner's feature film directing debut.
STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY (PG) 104 minutes * * * Boasting an excellent supporting cast, the old Enterprise crew returns with a story about the Klingons becoming a part of the Federation. Much of the story is fairly predictable, but the cast works well together and the special effects, music and other technical aspects of the film manage to compensate for the places where the story runs a little thin. PG for violence.
STAR WARS (PG) 121 minutes * * * * It doesn't much matter which version of this you see, they're all exciting and fun. A classic story of good and evil set in outer space that has become a part of our culture. See it if you haven't, and if you already have... see it again!
STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE (PG) 125 minutes * * * The first chapter in the "Star Wars" saga is a fun adventure film that introduces us to a variety of characters. As one might expect, the special effects are outstanding. There is far too much comedy here though, mostly from the Jar Jar Biggs character. It's also rather strange to see the powerful Jedi knights sitting around a table all the time. Still, it's a solid film that delivers the adventure and entertainment that are a hallmark of the series. PG for violence.
STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (PG) 136 minutes * * 1/2 As with "The Empire Strikes Back", this is a middle-of-the-story piece with a good deal of time spent explaining what will happen in episode three. It makes for boring sections at times, despite our awareness of the need for the explanations. You can make it interesting by making a game of counting how many costumes Natalie Portman manages to wear during the course of the film... There are also problems with too many of the backgrounds looking like paintings (which they are), and with Hayden Christianson's lines, too many of which seem stiff and unnatural. There are some nice effects in several scenes and Portman and most of the rest of the cast manage to keep things interesting, but this and "Revenge of the Sith are the weakest films of the series. PG for violence.
STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH (PG-13) 134 minutes * * 1/2 As with all of the Star Wars films, one of the most fascinating aspects is how detailed the background elements are throughout the film. And, as with Episode II, Hayden Christianson does a really bad job. This time, it even seems to drag Natalie Portman down when they have scenes together. This does have some nice bits for Yoda, but it's definitely not one of the better chapters in the story. The light sabre fights are poorly staged, the wookies have too little screen time, and some of the visual effects are less than the quality we expect from a George Lucas film. PG-13 for violence.
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS (PG) 94 minutes * * 1/2 The dark side is gaining in strength, the clone wars are raging, and the young Jedi knights struggle to keep the balance between good and evil with the help of Obi-Wan and Yoda. It's nice to see what has been a "missing chapter" of the story, but unfortunate that it's an animated film rather than live action. This isn't because the animation is poor, but simply because we've grown used to seeing actors portraying the characters. PG for violence.
STARDUST (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * 1/2 It's a brash promise, made by a young man in love. He's cross the boundary into a magical realm and retreive a fallen star to show his love for a girl. Little does he realize what adventure will occur once he crosses into that magical land. It's a wonderfully magical story with princesses, witches, magical necklaces, true love, secret kingdoms, beautiful scenery, and exciting music. Great character performances from Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer highlight the ensemble cast, and create an amazing film adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel. A beautiful and delightful film. PG-13 for violence, language and sex.
STARGATE (PG-13) 114 minutes * * * The mysteries of a stone gateway are explored in this science fiction film. Kurt Russell and James Spader co-star in this visually stunning film. The big problem here is that sub-plots are almost non-existent, so the one-note story does wear a bit thin in spots. Filmed in Yuma, Arizona and Long Beach, California.
STARGATE: CONTINUUM (NR) 90 minutes * * 1/2 The SG-1 crew has to go back in time and stop Ba'al, who is intent on both destroying the Stargate program and ruling the world. The story here is a little thin, and this feels more like a long TV episode than "Ark of Truth".
STARGATE: THE ARK OF TRUTH (NR) 97 minutes * * * The Stargate crew searches for a mystical weapon that may help them defeat the Ori. Though the story clearly has echoes of many other adventure and/or religious stories, it's fun to watch, with a nice amount of action and tension to keep it that way. Not rated, but clearly in the same category as the TV show.
STARSHIP TROOPERS (R) 119 minutes * * As far as special effects, you will find few films to match this showcase by Phil Tippet and Kevin Yagher. The bugs and the carnage they wreak are graphically delivered. The story bears passing resemblance to the Robert Heinlein novel from which it is taken, but spends little time with explanations or character development. Casper Van Dien, as Johnny Rico is the only one we get to know very well, though Michael Ironside and Clancy Brown have nice supporting roles. Basil Poledouris' soundtrack sweeps us along to the finish of a fun, but shallow, sci-fi thriller. R for nudity and extreme violence.
STARSKY & HUTCH (PG-13) 93 minutes * * 1/2 Much like the Charlie's Angels films, this takes the old TV series and weaves comedy into the story, managing to keep enough of the action in the story to keep it fairly interesting. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson seem to have a pretty good time with this, looking comfortable with the roles and with each other. Cameo and bit parts for Chris Penn, Amy Smart, Will Farrell, Juliette Lewis, Fred Williamson, Carmen Electra, Jason Bateman as well as Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul. PG-13 for violence and language.
STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING (PG) 106 minutes * * * Leonard Schiller (Frank Langella) is rather surprised when a young graduate student asks to do her thesis on his work as a novelist. The flattery leads to other possibilities as well, but Schiller is confused, tired, and not sure that he wants what seems to be coming. Langella does a great job here, both passionate and sensitive, showing us a man whose talent hasn't faded, though it is a bit rusty. Lili Taylor also delivers a fine performance as his daughter, but Lauren Ambrose's character seems to move in and out of the story more as a mechanism for the others to react to and less as a person with feelings of her own. Adapted from the novel by Brian Morton. PG-13 for sex and language.
STATE AND MAIN (R) 106 minutes * * * A film production company moves into a small town in Vermont to begin shooting a film. Of course, just about everything that can go wrong... does. Strong performances from William Macy and the rest, but these are fairly easy parts for them to play. It's great fun for those of us who know the film business, but some of the humor will be lost on others. R for language and sex.
STATE OF GRACE (R) 130 minutes * * 1/2 This is one of those police/mafia films that you don't hear mentioned too often, but it's definitely worth watching. Some nice performances from Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, and Ed Harris. This never received much publicity in the theaters and gets even less attention now, but if you like this genre, you won't want to miss it.
STATE OF PLAY (PG-13) 118 minutes * * * Two murders begin a chain of events that come ot the attention of the Washington Globe newspaper. Cal (Russell Crowe) is experienced enough to smell a big story, but even he has no idea just how big this one is about to become. Based on the BBC television series, the suspense and the story both build very nicely here. High caliber political intrigue and suspense with a wonderful cast that also includes Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, and Jason Bateman. PG-13 for language and violence.
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK (R) 90 minutes * * * Staten Island is home to many things, not the least of which is the largest concentration of mobsters. Three interlocking stories of three men are presented, one who works for the mob, one who is running from the mob, and a mob boss. It's an interesting and unusual piece, with a dark humor that makes itself evident at times. The acting is solid throughout, and the story builds well on the contrasting images of the pleasant neighborhood and the violence of the mob. Featuring Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Seymour Cassel. R for violence and language.
THE STATION AGENT (R) 86 minutes * * * 1/2 Clever and insightful character study of three individuals who find themselves drawn ever closer as the days go by. Fin (Peter Dinklage) has inherited a train station after the death of his only friend and decides to go live there to be by himself. Joe (Bobby Cannavale) works his father's concession truck and loves to talk, and Olivia (Patricia Clarkson) is dealing with a troublesome separation from her husband. First-time writer/director Tom McCarthy has crafted a beautiful story that is both honest and touching. Not to be missed! R for language.
STAY (R) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Dreamlike and slightly disturbing story about a young man who is about to kill himself. Psychologist Sam Foster (Ewan McGregor) is trying to stop him, but Henry's (Ryan Gosling) world is a strange and twisted one. It's hard to tell where his reality begins and imagination ends, and Sam is quickly drawn in to the confusing maze. We never quite get connected to the characters enough for this to have as much effect as it should. Filmed in New York City. R for language and violence.
STAY ALIVE (PG-13) 78 minutes * * It's a creepy new video game that isn't on the market yet... and if you die in the game, you die for real! OK, I'll admit that may sound like a rather insipid story idea, but this is actually a fairly creppy little film. Lots of visual misdirection and scary music by John Frizzell. The story has some fair twists as it moves along, but the ending undermines much of the ground that was gained earlier in the film. It makes no sense and in completely lacking in creativity. It's one thing to tell us that the story isn't over, but it needs to be at least a little plausible. PG-13 for violence and language.
STAY TUNED (PG) 83 minutes * * 1/2 Are you a watcher, or a doer? This lighthearted comedy pokes fun at how much we watch television. John Ritter makes a pact with the devil and ends up inside his TV, and taking us along for the ride. There are some great parodies of TV shows here, although the film does fall a bit short in lasting appeal.
STAYING TOGETHER (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Slice-of-life film about three brothers in a small rural community. Their father has just sold the family business, but chose not to tell them until after the sale was final. They think their lives are going to fall apart, but they don't. The moral of the story? Life goes on. The script here just isn't very strong, and the direction is a bit aimless at times. It looks a little better on the small screen, but it's not one you're likely to remember that well either. R for language and nudity.
STEAL BIG STEAL LITTLE (PG-13) 129 minutes * * Andy Garcia stars in dual roles as twin brothers, the one a nice guy, the other a schemer who is always trying to get ahead no matter who he steps on along the way. Predictable story made watchable by the interesting characters sprinkled throughout the film. Unfortunately it sort of drags along, not flowing well and irritating us with voice-over narration. PG-13 for language.
STEALING HARVARD (PG-13) 78 minutes 1/2 John (Jason Lee) promised to pay for his niece's college education if she made it that far and got accepted. The problem is, he's also supposed to pay for a house for his bride-to-be. His friend Duff (Tom Green) thinks that robbery is the answer... some friend! Jason Lee does reasonably well here, but Green is irritating at best, and definitely not funny. If you actually manage to sit through the whole film, it does get a little better toward the end. PG-13 for language.
STEALTH (PG-13) 113 minutes * 1/2 Three elite Navy pilots, flying the world's best machines now have a fourth member of their team. It's the next generation fighter and it needs no human pilot. Of course it gets out of control and after causing lots of problems ends up working for the side of good. Boring. And the performances of Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx are about as lifeless as the plane. Many of director Rob Cohen's films are fun to watch, even when they are a bit on the wild side. This isn't one of them. Deam Semler's photography is nice, but far too repetitive to keep our interest. The real surprise is W.D. Richter's screenplay, which just isn't very good, leaving little for the actors to work with even if they wanted to. PG-13 for violence.
STEEL (PG-13) 92 minutes * * Shaquille O'Neal stars as a former government weapons specialist, now in the private sector, who becomes a "super-hero" as he tries to keep high-tech weapons off the street. Definitely rings of the TV series M.A.N.T.I.S., although there are frequent comments within the film about Steel's similarity to Batman (probably due to the fact that Batman and Steel are both DC Comic titles). Mild fun with adequate special effects. A good choice for video, but don't worry if you miss it on the big screen. PG-13 for violence and language.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS (PG) 119 minutes * * * * Absolutely wonderful adaptation of the stage play that was such a success on Broadway. It's the story of a small Louisiana town as seen through the lives of the women who gather at a beauty salon. Julia Roberts won a Golden Globe award for her supporting role, but Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, and Darryl Hannah are all terrific. It's a classy piece of work in every aspect and a film that should not be missed. PG for language.
STEEL TOES (R) 88 minutes * * * The tagline for this film is "Rage and intolerance collide with compassion", which is an excellent description of the plot. A skinhead who has been arrested for beating a man who later dies, finds himself being defended by a liberal Jewish lawyer. The well-written script does not shy away from the extremes, though the outcome may be a bit on the idealistic side. Still, it's powerful material that has been nicely adapted to the screen, co-directed and produced by David Gow, who also wrote the play. It's difficult not to see the stage origin in the presentation, but the performances of David Strathairn and Andrew Walker more than make up for it. R for violence and language.
STEELE JUSTICE (R) 100 minutes * 1/2 John Steele (Martin Kove) discovers an old enemy from the Vietnam war is now a drug lord and decides it's up to him to bring the old general to justice. Overly long and preditable vendetta with a silly "Rocky"-like training sequence. The cast do their best, but the script just doesn't have much to offer.
STEEP (PG) 87 minutes * * 1/2 The world of extreme skiing is explored in this documentary. Complete with daring footage of skiers on the steepest and most dangerous mountains in the world, including runs that require the wearing of a parachute. It's amazing material, but we'd like to see more skiing and hear less talk. PG for language.
STELLA (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * It's 1969 and life isn't great for Stella (Bette Midler), but it isn't too bad. She has a job and a place of her own. When she ends up with a child whose father she just can't get along with, she raises the cihld on her own. Midler does a grand job here, rivaling her best performances of the past. The script is definitely flawed, but it doesn't stop Midler from telling us her story. She's going to live life in the best way she knows how, doing the most that she can to give her daughter happiness and to help her achieve success. Adapted from the novel "Stella Dallas" by Olive Prouty. PG-13 for language.
STEP BROTHERS (R) 91 minutes * 1/2 They are 39 and 40 years old and still living at home. Now their parents are getting married and they are step-brothers. Starting out as enemies, they soon learn to be friends... for awhile. Will Farrell and John C. Reilly play the spoiled, badly-behaved childish with ease. The moral, of course, is that it's important to "grow up" but that childhood pleasures don't need to stop altogether. R for language, sex, and violence.
STEP UP (PG-13) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Tyler (Channing Tatum) and his buddies break into a school of performing arts and vandalize the set of a play. Now he has 200 hours of community service to do at the school. Of course he ends up with his own chance to perform and become part of the student body because he's a talented dancer as well. There's some reality for you... The dancing is quite good, both by Tatum and by Jenna Dewan. Definitely not original, but if you're here for the dancing, you won't be disappointed. PG-13 for violence and language.
STEP UP 2: THE STREETS (PG-13) 91 minutes * * Talented street dancers who are attending a performing arts school decide to form their own crew to compete in "The Streets", a local competition. Very good dancing, but an old and tired script that doesn't try very hard. This probably should have gone straight to video, but that could also be said about quite a few sequels... PG-13 for language and violence.
STEPFATHER II (R) 84 minutes 1/2 Terry O'Quinn returns as the stepfather who is trying to find the perfect family. Fresh from his escape from the psychiatric hospital, he sets himself up as a marriage counselor. I'm sure you can guess what happens. Meg Foster's spooky eyes and a couple of O'Quinn's scenes warrant the half-star, but nothing more.
THE STEPFORD WIVES (2004) (PG-13) 87 minutes * 1/2 It's the perfect community... if you're a man who wants a robot for a partner. That's the idea anyway, but what's really puzzling is why someone felt the need to remake the film. The 1975 original is good and does a nice job of translating the book to film. The social commentary no longer has the relevance it did back when the sexual revolution was in its adolesence. The attempt to add bits of comedy only manage to highlight just how out of place the ideas of the story truly are. And then there's the twisted attempt to help by adding a few minutes worth of material at the end that appear to be from one of the sequels to the original. Bad idea. The only reason this rates as highly as it does is due to the performances of a talented cast despite the travesty of a story they are given to work with. Kudos to Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler, Chris Walken, and Matt Broderick. PG-13 for language and violence.
STEPHANIE DALEY (R) 84 minutes * * 1/2 A young girl gives birth while on her high school ski trip, but the baby is ofund in the trash and she seems to have no recollection of what happened. The court-appointed psychologist has issues of her own as she delivered a stillborn child the year before and is pregnant again. Slow-paced film dealing with the emotions and memories of both characters. Well-acted, though the script plods along and tends to be very one-sided. R for language and sex.
STEPMOM (PG-13) 121 minutes * * * Julia Roberts is trying her best to be a good stepmother to Ed Harris' two children. But Susan Sarandon has biology and experience on her side. Still, when the going gets rough, the definition of family may need to have some flexibility. A fine cast, especially young Jena Malone and Liam Aiken, who play Anna and Ben (the children). Their performances draw us in quickly and keep us there. Director Chris Columbus has also shown some improvement here, letting the camera alone do the talking in some sequences. A solid film that does get a tiny bit too perfectly worded toward the end, but is otherwise a fine film. PG-13 for language.
STICK IT (PG-13) 98 minutes * Haley Graham has run into trouble with the law one too many times. So, for punishment she is sent to the Vickerman Gymnastic Academy. She left the sport awhile ago and now has to relearn her discipline and learn the teamwork part she never learned before. There are lots of great songs on the soundtrack, but it takes a bit more to make a film. Aside from Missy Peregrym (Haley), the actresses have all been given characters who are petty and vain, or who barely have an ounce of sense... not the nicest way to portray the athletic sport of gymnastics, especially when the film is a dramatic piece. It's too bad they thought that this was the only way to have fun with the story. PG-13 for language.
STIGMATA (R) 99 minutes * * 1/2 Frankie Page (Patricia Arquette) is experiencing the stigmata, which is rather unusual considering her athiesm. The mystery unravels slowly, as we follow Father Kiernan's (Gabriel Byrne) investigation. Arquette and Byrne do good work here, but the story is detailed enough that distractions will easily cause you to get lost. It does take skill to pack this much information into a shorter film, but there are a few aspects that needed a bit more explanation. R for language and violence.
STILL CRAZY (R) 97 minutes * * * In the flavor of "This is Spinal Tap", this is the story of a 1970's rock band that is trying to reunite, despite the fact that the personality clashes that drove them apart still seem pretty fresh after twenty years. "Strange Fruit" is an appropriate name for the band, and actually would've made a good title for the film as well. The narrated bits manage to fit in well, giving the film a pseudo-documentary feel at times.
STILL LIFE (NR) 103 minutes * * * Sanming (Sanming Han) wants to see his daughter again, but she and her mother have been displaced by the Three Gorges Damn project. The project has also driven a wedge between Shen Hong (Tao Zhao) and her husband as he becomes so involved in his work that he no longer comes home. It's a story of a culture, how it is changed, and the effect it has on these people. Gently paced film that slowly draws us into the story of these characters.
STIR OF ECHOES (R) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Kevin Bacon stars in this adaptation of Richard Matheson's book "A Stir of Echoes", about a man who suddenly has a door opened in his mind that leads him to visions of a murder that occured in the past. There are some wonderfully creepy scenes here, but too much of the film focuses on the murder and not enough on the others who are able to "see". James Newton Howard's music is quite effective in creating the mood for the film. Filmed in Chicago. R for language, violence, and sex.
STIR OF ECHOES: THE HOMECOMING (NR) 83 minutes * 1/2 Bearing little resemblance to the first film, a war veteran returns home to find himself haunted by visions of the dead. Eventually, he figures out what needs to be done to bring these ghosts the peace they are seeking. Rob Lowe does fine here, but the story doesn't have very far to go and becomes boring rather quickly.
STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) 109 minutes * 1/2 Street dancing, gang fighting, the death of a younger brother, and a chance to start over. Nothing new here, and nothing very inspiring until the last thirty minutes of the film where there are some very fine dance numbers. We never find ourselves caring that much for these characters that much, and the film drags terribly since we already know what's going to happen. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE STONE ANGEL (R) 109 minutes * * 1/2 From Margaret Laurence's novel, a look back on the life of Hagar Shipley. Part love story and part biography of a woman who has lived a long and difficult life. Featuring a fine performance by Ellen Burstyn, though the story is a bit depressing. Hagar (Burstyn) tries to make peace with her past, but pride and denial sometimes get in the way. R for sex and language.
STONE COLD (R) 88 minutes * * 1/2 Brian Bosworth makes the transition from ex-football player to the big screen in this action film. There are plenty of motorcycles and some reasonably good stuntwork as he infiltrates a troublesome gang of Mississippi bikers. Nothing you'd expect the Academy to take note of, but that's no real surprise. R for language and violence.
STOP-LOSS (R) 105 minutes * * * Brandon (Ryan Phillippe) thought he was going to leave the military after his tour in Iraq, but finds himself being stop-lossed (ie. returned to active duty without a choice). Typical story about the horrors of war, the shared experience of soldiers, and how difficult it is to do the job and deal with what you've seen and done. The cast does nice work here, with solid direction from write/director Kimberley Peirce. R for violence and language.
STOP, OR MY MOM WILL SHOOT (PG-13) 84 minutes * 1/2 If you like Estelle Getty's bossy, know-it-all character from the "Golden Girls" TV show, you might like this. Sylvester Stallone comes off a little better than you might expect in this comedy, but Getty is just too irritating to make this any fun to watch.
STORM OVER EVEREST (NR) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Documentary of the 1996 climbing of Mount Everest where several people los ttheir lives. Filmmaker and climber David Breashears aided in the rescue efforts in 1996 and mixes shots of that experience with other footage of the mountain and interviews with both the climbers and the Sherpas who returned. The focus is more informative than anything else, but we do get a sense of the dedication of those who climb as well as the danger in which they sometimes find themselves.
THE STORY OF US (R) 91 minutes * * 1/2 A marraige on the rocks, with constant arguing and picking at each other. It's taken a toll and Ben (Bruce Willis) and Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) aren't sure they even want to try and put things back together. Of course, the problem is that we too often try to recapture the "how and why" of when we fell in love the first time, when what needs to happen is a search for new reasons to fall in love again. The montage sequences are the best part of the film. And isn't that what relationships are as we grow older? A montage of moments, both good and bad, that give us a common history. R for language.
STRAIGHT TALK (PG) 86 minutes * * * Dolly Parton plays an honest, if naive, small-town girl who walks through the wrong door at the right time and becomes a radio talk show superstar. It's a love story too, about being honest and talking straight. Parton's charm is what really helps here, keeping us watching and wanting to know how things will work out. PG for language.
STRANGE DAYS (R) 139 minutes * * 1/2 Ralph Fiennes stars as a hustler of mental images in this futuristic thriller. People crave the unusual and unique, and he gets it for them for a price, but now he's mixed up with a murder because of some of the images that are in his possession. Interesting and attention-grabbing at first, but simple-minded in the end. Also starring Angela Bassett, Tom Sizemore, and Juliette Lewis.
STRANGE WILDERNESS (R) 79 minutes * Hiking through the South American wilderness in search of bigfoot, and attempting to save his wildlife TV show. Unfortunately, Peter (Steve Zahn) and his crew probably couldn't find a rock on the ground in front of them. Zahn rants and swears his way through this, but there are only a few bits worth watching if you aren't a Zahn fan. R for language.
A STRANGER AMONG US (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * A Jew from the diamond district in New York disappears and then turns up dead. Melanie Griffith is the cop assigned to the case, going undercover to discover the identity of the killer. Griffith does a nice job here and goes a long way toward making the film believable. The story does drag in a few spots, but it's well-worth a look, especially for a Griffith's performance.
STRANGER THAN FICTION (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * 1/2 Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) begins to hear a voice that seems to be narrating his life. It's only annoying at first, but then the voice mentions his imminent death. That's a little troublesome. Harold begins to search for the source of the voice and his anxiety and confusion increase when he discovers what is really going on. Superbly written by Zach Helm, asking the question of whether it is more important to understand your life or to live it. The cast is nearly perfect, with Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Queen Latifah, Dustin Hoffman, and Linda Hunt. Ferrell is the problem, though this is the best he's done to this point. He tries to make a few of the scenes more humorous, apparently not understanding that it is the situation and not the individual that needs to carry the humor in this story. Filmed in Chicago. PG-13 for sex and language.
THE STRANGERS (R) 80 minutes * * 1/2 Kristen (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) have hit a rough spot in their relationship. The night they were supposed to be spending in romantic seclusion is about to get even worse once they answer a knock at the door. The lack of reason for the attack, and the near silence in many scenes, really adds a great deal of tension and suspense to the film, making it one of the more scary entries in the genre. The end is a little bit of a cheap shot, but getting there is an intense ride. R for violence, language, and sex.
STRANGERS WITH CANDY (R) 81 minutes BOMB Jerri Blank (Amy Sedaris) has finally decided to turn her life around. Now that she's out of prison (again), and her father is on his death bed, she goes back to school to better herself. The only problem is that it's high school she's going back to, and she's 47 years old. Crude and tasteless jokes abound, with Sedaris and friends taking every opportunity to fill the time with racist, sexist, homophobic "humor". Stupid and pointless.. a pretty hard combination to beat. R for language and sex.
STRAWBERRY & CHOCOLATE (R) 102 minutes * * * David is in the Communist Youth League. When Diego makes homosexual advances to him, David is suspicious and begins to investigate Diego's politics. Despite their political and sexual differences, the two become friends. Very well acted and photographed, deservedly earning a best foreign film nomination.
STREET FIGHTER (PG-13) 94 minutes * 1/2 Another video game adapted to the big screen, but this one has more difficulty. It doesn't have the humor that helped "Super Mario Brothers" and it lacks the quality that has made the Batman series so successful. The action really begins to bog down as we reach the middle of the film. More focus on fewer characters might have helped. The group of "good guys" is too large for us to get to know in a film this short.
STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN LI (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Following in the footsteps of the video game that has spun off sequels, this tells the legend of a young female fighter who trains to fight for justice and to rescue her father. The fight scenes are fairly good, but Chris Klein is very miscast here and seems to have forgotten how to act. PG-13 for violence and sex.
STREET KINGS (R) 103 minutes * * * Dirty cops, dirtier deals, and double crosses fill this well-written story of a cop (Keanu Reeves) who finds himself implicated in the death of his former partner. Each of the fellow officers he turns to for help seems to be just another in a long line of those on the wrong side of the law. Reeves plays this with a blank expression on his face throughout, but Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Common, The Game, and Jay Mohr among others, give this more of the depth it needs. We keep wondering if there are any clean cops left, or if Ludlow (Reeves) really isn't any better than the rest. R for violence and language.
STREET KNIGHT (R) 84 minutes * * Jeff Speakman's first martial arts film isn't too bad, though there are some glaring editorial mistakes. His martial arts skills are more than adequate and he can act quite a bit better than Chuck Norris, though that isn't saying a great deal.
STREET THIEF (NR) 83 minutes * * * Fascinating documentary-style drama about Kasper Karr, a fictional burglar in the Chicago area. The filmmakers follow him around as he stakes out various locations and commits the crimes. Director Malik Bader does an amazing job of making this look very real. Since it is presented as fact, it is only as we wonder about how the filmmakers might have dealt with their own responsibility for the crimes that are being committed, that we let ourselves think this might have been staged. Bader even manages to cover that as the plot continues to unfold, drawing us back into the idea that this might all be real. Definitely an interesting piece of filmmaking that is well-worth a look.
STRICTLY BALLROOM (PG) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio) and his partner switch to modern dance in the middle of a ballroom dance contest when they get boxed in. He gets himself a new dance partner (a plain Jane who at first appears to have little or no talent) as he begins to explore this fresh style of dance. It's a likeable, if offbeat film, that will strike a positive chord for those who enjoy dance and/or understand what it means to listen to the beat that comes from within.
STRIKE IT RICH (PG) 81 minutes * 1/2 Mildly entertaining drama of an accountant who spends far too much on his honeymoon. Robert Lindsay isn't bad here, but Molly Ringwald just never seems to fit into her character. Adapted from Graham Greene's novel, "Loser Takes All".
STRIKING DISTANCE (R) 98 minutes * * Detective Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) is a good cop, putting honor before everything else. He even turns in his partner, who is also his cousin, for beating up a suspect. Now he works on the River Rescue team, but still hasn't given up on his last case, the one that got his father killed. A couple of good chase scenes, but too slim on sub-plots to keep us all that interested. Bad editing and poor make-up on Sarah Jessica Parker also take their toll. Not one of Willis' better films. R for violence, language, and sex.
STRINGS (NR) 88 minutes * * * The story of a prince who sets out on a journey to avenge the death of his father. He discovers the truth about his own people, finds love where he didn't expect to, and learns how we are all connected. Fascinating film with a cast of marionettes (stringed puppets). Though their expressions don't change, the photography and soundtrack do a fine job of creating the emotional atmosphere that is needed for the different parts of the story. An intriguing piece of work that is well worth a look.
STRIPTEASE (R) 110 minutes 1/2 Not only is it totally ridiculous to think that someone who had been a secretary for the FBI would decide to go into being a stripper, but this story moves so slowly that its agony! Demi Moore is the only good thing this film has going for it, and she can't carry a film by herself. The ending fight sequence is ridiculous and the comic bits from Burt Reynolds don't help much either. R for sex and language.
STUART LITTLE (PG) 78 minutes * * 1/2 E.B. White's classic children's story moves to the big screen, but lacks the charm of the book. The special effects are very well done, and Michael J. Fox is the perfect choice to give Stuart his voice. But Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie are too patronizing as the parents and the film keeps leaning toward the comic and oversimplifies the sentimental aspects, leaving us a bit disappointed. PG for language and violence.
STUART LITTLE 2 (PG) 70 minutes * * Less inventive than the first film, this time around the story is concerned with Stuart having a friend of his own. The problem is that he gets tricked by a canary who is working for a falcon though she eventually really does become his friend and the falcon ends up, well... I won't go into the gory details. There are some nice songs used in the film and Melanie Griffith does a nice job as the voice for Margalo, but this is a bit on the violent side for the younger kids in the audience.
STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY (PG-13) 94 minutes BOMB Al Franken's self-affirmation advocate from Saturday Night Live hits the big screen in this pathetic attempt of filmmaking. Franken fans will like it, but it quits trying to be funny and becomes preachy and annoying rather quickly.
STUCK (R) 82 minutes * Mena Suvari and Stephen Rea earn points here for ignoring the stupidity of this story and continuing to do their best. Brandi (Suvari) hits Thomas (Rea) with her car. Hanging half in and half out of her windshield, she drives him home and then has to deal with the consequences, since he's still alive. Ridiculous at best, though it tries to be suspenseful. Filmed in Saint John, New Brunswick. R for violence, sex, and language.
STUCK ON YOU (PG-13) 108 minutes * * 1/2 Walt wants to go to Hollywood to be an actor, but it's going to be a little tough with Bob still attached... Part comedy, part very heartfelt tribute to what it means to be trult connected to someone. It's also about looking past the surface and appreciating people no matter how they appear. A rather unusual piece of work from the Farrelly brothers, whose comedy is more frequently far less poignant. PG-13 for language.
THE STUPIDS (PG) 89 minutes * Yes, the story is really stupid and the leads act in a manner that accentuates the stupidity, but unless you're really tired, this isn't funny, it's just stupid. That's the problem with making a film like this. Too much of the material is geared toward adults, but the comedy is far too dumb to be funny for more than a few seconds. PG for language and violence.
SUBLIME (R) 108 minutes * * 1/2 When George Grieves (Thomas Cavanagh) goes into the hospital for a routine procedure, it never occured to him that they might mistake him for a different patient. Now his condition is deteriorating. But why do some of the people never speak, and others seem to appear and disappear without others noticing? What is really happening? Interesting and unusual film with a powerful ending and some strange twists and turns along the way. Acting is mediocre, but the story works nicely. R for violence, language, and sex.
THE SUBSTITUTE (R) 107 minutes * * A former government mercenary (Tom Berenger) decides that substitute teaching is what he needs to do. Especially after his wife, who is a teacher, is threatened at school by some students. More an action/thriller than anything else, although there are a few educational morals thrown in for good measure.
SUBURBAN COMMANDO (PG) 84 minutes * 1/2 Hulk Hogan is a warrior from another world in this film for kids, although most kids will probably find this too corny for their tastes. Christopher Lloyd and Shelley Duvall are here too, but the idea of an other-wordly warrior vacationing in the suburbs just never quite makes it. PG for violence.
SUBURBAN GIRL (PG-13) 93 minutes * * She's a young associate editor and when she finds herself given the attentions of an older man who knows the business and is interested in helping her succeed, she finds him impossible to resist. He comes with a history though, and it could make the relationship more difficult. The story does a good job of working with the pros and cons of relationships with larger age differences, but Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alec Baldwin are... less than believable. There's just not enough passion, which could be just as much the fault of the script as of the performances. It's as if Brett and Alex are dumped into a room and then, "Oh, I guess they'll have a relationship". It's a good idea, just not executed very well despite the likeability of the leads. PG-13 for sex and language.
SUDDEN DEATH (R) 105 minutes * 1/2 The vice-president is being held hostage in a hockey rink, but the real mistake Joshua Foss (Powers Boothe) makes is taking McCord's (Jean Claude Van Damme) daughter hostage as well. Plenty of action, but a mixed bag as far as special effects and characters that are far too two-dimensional to keep us interested. Nothing you haven't seen many times before.
SUENO (PG-13) 103 minutes * 1/2 Antonio (John Leguizamo) moves from Mexico to Los Angeles, California, bringing with him a dream of succeeding in the music business. Almost immediately upon arriving, he falls in love with a girl who seems to have little time for him, though he doesn't give up on the idea of pursuing her. His path also soon crosses that of Mirabella (Elizabeth Pena), who has dreams of her own. They give each other the inspiration not to give up on their dreams and... things work out alright. Not a particularly inspirational or passionate story, though the music is definitely worth listening to. PG-13 for language.
SUGAR (PG-13) 110 minutes * * 1/2 Going to America to play baseball isn't quite what Sugar (Algenis Perez Soto) expected it to be. In the Domincan Republic, he was a star. Now he's struggling in the minor leagues and hoping for a shot at the big time. Solid performances throughout, but the pace is so slow that it's difficult to remain interested at times. PG-13 for language and sex.
SUGAR & SPICE (PG-13) 76 minutes * 1/2 Jack and Diane (You remember the song?) are the perfect couple. He's the quarterback, she's the cheerleader, but they find out that getting married while still so young can be a little rough. So, Diane (Marley Shelton) and her cheerleader friends decide to go out and rob a bank. With the aid of Kansas' (Mena Suvari) convicted mother, they pull off the job, and thanks to a little bribery, things may all turn out just fine. Intentionally corny and full of stereotypes, lighthearted, and a little empty-headed, this delivers just about what you'd expect. It was a smart move to keep it short. PG-13 for language.
SUGAR HILL (R) 118 minutes * 1/2 Roemelo Skuggs (Wesley Snipes) is a mid-level drug dealer who's decided he wants out of the business. But quitting a business like this isn;t something you can usually do without ending up dead. Snipes is fairly good here, but the script is a dud and the budget looks like it was spent on the actors and nothing else. For Snipes fans only. R for violence and language.
THE SUM OF ALL FEARS (PG-13) 117 minutes * * * War is a chess game, full of strategy, anticipation, bluffs, and efforts to outthink the opponent. Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck) has figured out one of the larger pieces to the puzzle, but no one will believe him. Time is running out, and Russia and the U.S. are about to engage in a war where everyone will lose. Adapted from Tom Clancy's novel, this is a well-paced film that will keep you interested all the way to the very end. Ben Affleck delivers a solid performance, as do Morgan Freeman and Liev Schreiber. The topic may be a bit strong for some, but it's handled with a good deal of sensitivity though at times that makes it almost seem even more real. Filmed in Quebec, Canada. PG-13 for violence and language.
SUMMER CATCH (PG-13) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Freddie Prinze Jr. plays the part of a local boy who is getting one last shot at using the college summer baseball leagues as a stepping stone into the big leagues. He's got a few problems though. His temper, a new girlfriend from the other side of the tracks, his game is inconsistent and, if the truth be known, he's scared to succeed. Prinze is fairly good here and Jessica Biel does a nice job as his girlfriend, but this never rises above the stereotypes and gives us the same old story with different faces. PG-13 for language.
SUMMER OF SAM (R) 136 minutes * * * It's the summer of the Son of Sam, the killer who had most of New York City running scared. It's a portrait of a city, and of a summer, of innocence, and innocence lost. It was a time when questions were beginning to be asked and the answers weren't always there. Spike Lee does a nice job with the story here, capturing the feeling with his direction and the photography. He didn't need to be IN the film though, and it could have used a little trimming. In both of those aspects, it's a typical Lee film, but it would be nice if he'd learn from his mistakes in these areas. R for language, violence, and sex.
SUMMER SCHOOL (PG-13) 93 minutes * * Freddie Shoop (Mark Harmon) has to cancel his trip to Hawaii to teach summer school. To make matters worse, if the kids don't pass, he'll lose his job! How to succeed? Bribe the kids! Low budget, light-hearted romp with a decent cast that includes Kirstie Alley, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Shawnee Smith. There are a couple of good scenes, but don't expect too much.
SUNSET (R) 104 minutes * * A fun exploration of what would have happened if Tom Mix (Bruce Willis) and Wyatt Earp (James Garner) were involved in a real murder mystery. It's definitely an unpolished production and verges on silliness more than once, but Garner and Willis are having fun, which makes it at least somewhat entertaining.
SUNSET PARK (R) 95 minutes * 1/2 Nothing new in this story of a poor basketball team trying to be better with the help of a coach who doesn't know basketball. There are some good morals here, but there's no energy from the cast or the script to carry this very far.
SUNSHINE (R) 101 minutes * * Their mission is to reignite the dying sun. It is not the first such mission. They will discover that there is a price to pay for their mission, and an effect that the sun has on many who approach so close. It is not without reason that their ship is named "Icarus II". It's an interesting story, though the film focuses a bit too much on special effects and technical aspects of the mission and not enough on the psychological and philosophical issues. The result is that we find it difficult to connect with or care about the characters. R for violence and language.
SUNSHINE CLEANING (R) 87 minutes * * * Rose (Amy Adams) just wants her life to be a little better. She needs money to take classes so that she can get her real estate license, so at the encouragement of a friend, she starts doing crime scene cleanup. It's dirty work, but it has to be done, and it pays well. Quirky and sweet story that also has an underlying intensity and a dash or two of humor as well. Delightful performances by Adams, Emily Blunt, Steve Zahn, and Alan Arkin among others. R for language, sex, and violence.
THE SUPER (R) 83 minutes * * Sentenced to live in his own slum tenement, Louie Kritski (Joe Pesci) begins to realize that the people who live there are worth getting to know and care about. Pesci is fine here, but the story veers to comedy in all the wrong places and lays the moral on far too thickly. R for language.
SUPER HIGH ME (R) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Following in the footsetps of "Super Size Me", comedian Doug Benson wonders what it would be like to go without marijuana for thirty days and then smoke it for thirty days. There are a few medical comments, but Benson is more concerned with keeping us entertained and making the case for legalized marijuana, at the very least for medical use. R for language.
SUPER MARIO BROS. (PG) 98 minutes * * * Wonderfully fun and inventive adaptation of the video game, with loads of action, and plenty of cartoonish dialogue and characters. The idea is that the meteorite that crashed into earth and destroyed the dinosaurs really just sent them into another dimension where they evolved into humanoids. They're now trying to merge the worlds. Will they succeed? You'll have to watch to find out!
SUPER SIZE ME (NR) 96 minutes * * * Have you ever wondered just how unhealthy fast food might be? This documentary explores what happens when a healthy young man goes on a 30-day diet of nothing but food from McDonald's. It's a bit of a surprise even for the doctors who are monitoring his health throughout the project. There's a nice balance of statistics, anecdotes, and commentary here that keep us watching... and hopefully watching what we eat a little more closely.
SUPER SWEET 16 (NR) 84 minutes * * Aly and AJ star in this glossy and predictable film about two friends who become enemies as they each try to have the best sweet 16 birthday party. This has all the polish, but nothing we haven't seen many times before. Fans of Aly and AJ will enjoy it, the rest of us will just forget. Not rated, but essentially PG for language.
SUPER TROOPERS (R) 93 minutes 1/2 The highway patrol division is about to get shut down and the local cops are willing to do whatever they can to help it happen more quickly. But these are super troopers and they won't go down without a fight. Surprisingly enough, this does have a story that makes sense. What it doesn't have is a director or any actors with much talent. R for language and nudity.
SUPERBABIES: BABY GENIUSES 2 (PG) 85 minutes * 1/2 Kahuna and his old enemy (now going by the name Biscane) are at it again. The cast is filled with twins playing the parts of individual children and teh story is full of... holes. It's also puzzling as to why the legend of Kahuna is told so late in the film. Quickly turns into Spy Babies, though that doesn't seem to help things. PG for violence.
SUPERBAD (R) 108 minutes * 1/2 It's two weeks until graduation, and all Seth (Janoh Hill) can think about is sex... and how he needs to have some before he graduates. When he and Evan (Michael Cera) are asked to provide the alcohol for a party, it may just be the ticket. If they can make it happen. The film definitely drags on too long, but does have a few chuckles and a few moments of truth. R for language, sex, and violence.
SUPERCOP (R) 85 minutes * * 1/2 As usual, Jackie Chan makes martial arts films fun to watch! This time around, there are some great explosive effects, amazing chase scenes and some terrific female martial arts sequences. R for violence.
SUPERCROSS (PG-13) 75 minutes 1/2 The Carlyle brothers are cleaning pools and racing motocross whenever they can. When KC gets a "factory ride" with Nami, Tripp is envious rather than supportive. He's a better rider, but he's a hothead and doesn't think before he acts. But a factory ride isn't always the best deal, and no one wins alone. There's a fair amount of heart here and lots of great racing footage, but not much acting talent and a really weak script. PG-13 for violence and language.
SUPERHERO MOVIE (PG-13) 71 minutes * Rick Riker (Drake Bell) is now a superhero thanks to being bitten by a radioactive dragonfly. Being a superhero isn't all the fun that you might think. Parody of superhero films, mostly the Spider-man series. Worth a few chuckles here and there, but a typical, low-budget parody that is too light on talent and quality. PG-13 for language and violence.
SUPERMAN (PG) 143 minutes * * * 1/2 A romance that began in the comics, moved to TV, and finally to the big screen... Superman and Lois Lane. This is grand fun, with Oscar winning special effects, and appropriately cartoonish performances by one and all. Fun and exciting and a real crowd pleaser, this is a gem to watch.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES (PG-13) 64 minutes * * Lex Luthor becomes president and Superman and Batman find themselves on the wrong side of the law. It' doesn't take too long for them to get things straightened around. Not much creativity in the fight sequences here, with lots of fist-fighting and not much else. PG-13 for violence and language.
SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE (PG) 86 minutes * Superman crusades for nuclear disarmament and battles Lex Luthor's latest creation... Nuclear Man...(yawn). Poorly written, though to be fair, 25% of the film was cut for theatrical release. That's almost never a good sign. The acting is stale and boring and the film even managed to get nominated for a couple of Razzie awards. (Another bad sign.) Even fans of our superhero will wish they had watched a different film once they get a look at this one.
SUPERMAN RETURNS (PG-13) 146 minutes * * 1/2 Brandon Routh dons the cape for this sequel, and we can't really tell if he's a decent actor or not. What we can be sure of is that he learned how to imitate Christopher Reeve. It's no surprise that the best performance of the film is delivered by Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, and Parker Posey is fun to watch as Luthor's partenr in crime, Kitty. It ends well, setting us up for another sequel, but the plastic performace of Routh matches his plastic-looking costume and the lifeless computer generated effects. PG-13 for language and violence. SUPERNOVA (PG-13) 83 minutes * This must have looked like a good project at the beginning. Otherwise, it's hard to believe that Angela Bassett and James Spader would've signed on. The idea is that a salvage operator comes across a Genesis bomb and plans to use it for personal gain. I use the term "Genesis bomb" as it it's effect upon detonation is destruction and then rebirth. Unfortunately, rather than dealing with the scientific, we have a story that dwells on the relationships of the crew, using poorly written dialogue that makes it hard to watch. The camera angles and editing show inexperience and the ultimate effect is that of watching an old grade-B sci-fi flick. PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
SUPERSTAR (PG-13) 77 minutes * Another Saturday Night Live skit comes to the big screen. As with most, it was a better skit than a film. There are a few snickers here and there, but there are far too many well-made coming-of-age films for this to draw much attention. You might want to take a look at "Welcome to the Dollhouse" which has some definite parallels and is a far better film. PG-13 for language.
SURF NINJAS (PG) 82 minutes 1/2 The only moment of note in this entire film is the fight sequence that takes place between Ernie Reyes Sr. and Jr. at one point in the film. Everything else here is just a bad Saturday morning TV show.
SURFER DUDE (R) 76 minutes * * 1/2 Steve Addington (Matthew McConaughey) is the ultimate surfer dude. Unfortunately, he's run out of money to maintain his casual lifestyle. His contract has been sold to a new promoter who wants Steve to star in a reality TV show. But that's like, so not cool. McConaughey is great here, as is Woody Harrelson, who plays the part of Steve's rather relaxed personal agent. Nice bit parts by Willie Nelson and Scott Glenn as well. Fun film that immerses us in the stereotypical surfing lifestyle. R for language and nudity.
SURF'S UP (PG) 78 minutes * * * Cody Maverick is a penguin with a passion to surf. This is his story. It's a pretty cute story too. Well-written with plenty of great comic bits, though it does tend to wander a bit off-track at times. Great voice work from Shia Labeouf, Zooey Deschanel, James Woods, Jeff Bridges, and Jon Heder. The film does a nice job paying homage to real-life surfers, though it would have been to hear even more of their comments about surfing throughout the film. PG for language.
SURRENDER (PG) 93 minutes * 1/2 He's a writer who has great success with books and no luck with women. Will she love him for who he is, or is it (as Randy Newman's song suggests) money that she loves? Simple movie and love and greed that is barely salvaged by the performances of Sally Field and Michael Caine.
SURROGATES (PG-13) 84 minutes * * Surrogates are the way to make the world a safer place... until someone figures out how to kill the operators while they are connected. Adapted from the graphic novel by Robert Venditti and Brett Weldele, this futuristic tale has a simple moral that is easy to see from the beginning. The ending is a bit abrupt as well, though getting there is a fun, if rather brief, ride. PG-13 for violence and language.
SURVIVING CHRISTMAS (PG-13) 85 minutes * Drew (Ben Affleck) decides to rent a family for the holidays since he doesn't want to spend another Christmas alone. The family he picks has plenty of problems of their own and Drew's presence is only making it worse. So, for the first 75 minutes, we have a rich guy who thinks he can buy happiness for the holidays and a dysfunctional family... none of whom we like very much, if at all. Which means, when we get to the sappy holiday spirit ending, we don't really care very much. It's not the fault of the actors here, Affleck, along with Christina Applegate, James Gandolfini, and Catherine O'Hara play their parts well, it's just a lousy story. PG-13 for language and sex.
SURVIVING THE GAME (R) 93 minutes * 1/2 Yet another remake of "The Most Dangerous Game", with Ice-T as the man who is hired to be "the game". His personality lends a good deal to the film, but the rest of the characters are two-dimensional, making this a film that just isn't all that interesting to watch.
SUSPECT (R) 119 minutes * * 1/2 When a judge and his secretary are found dead, homeless deaf-mute Carl (Liam Neeson) is arrested for the crime. Public defender Kathy Riley (Cher) sets out to find the truth and discovers much more than she anticipated. Great performances from Neeson, Cher, and Dennis Quaid as well. Story and direction are lacking a bit though this does manage to have a couple of nice twists along the way.
SUSPECT ZERO (R) 94 minutes * * Suspect Zero - a person who can travel the distance of the country, killing and never being caught because there is no pattern. Is it possible? It's an interesting idea, and the story does its best to try and throw us off track and confuse things, but we never feel close enough to Agent Mackelway (Aaron Eckhart) to really care whether he's on the track of the killer or not. R for violence and language.
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS (NR) 89 minutes * * 1/2 Adapted from James Patterson's novel, this is the tragic and beautiful story of Dr. Suzanne Bedford (Christina Applegate), a young woman with a genetic heart condition, who loves life, her husband, and wants to have a baby. It's also the story of Matt Harrison (Johnathon Schaech), who has loved and lost, and still struggles with that loss. While somewhat predictable, this manages to draw us in and we find ourselves caring for these two tragic figures. Unlike many films in this genre, this one has a very classy ending that remains true to the characters without being overly depressing or emotional. Not rated, but essentially a PG-13 for sex and language.
THE SWAN PRINCESS (G) 81 minutes * 1/2 Boring cartoon with a story that even children seem to find tiresome. There are a few good musical numbers here, but only the youngest children in the audience seem to be entertained at all. Weak animation and little in the way of action to keep their interest. Choose a coloring book instead!
S.W.A.T. (PG-13) 111 minutes * * 1/2 Solid action film based on the television show of the same name, that follows the Special Weapons and Tactics Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. The story takes its time to draw us in, perhaps a bit too much time, but it manages to create a somewhat more realistic feeling than most of the action films that drop you right into the fire. Unfortunately, we don't really get to know enough of the characters. Hando (Samuel L. Jackson) and Jim (Colin Farrell) are fairly well defined, but too many of the others remain in the background and it weakens the overall effect. PG-13 for violence and language.
SWEENEY TODD (NR) 94 minutes * * * A fine, non-musical version of the story of barber-turned-serial killer, Sweeney Todd. Ray Winstone brings the character to life in this British television production, and we see how Todd finds himself cleaning up the streets of London while also being drawn more deeply into a moral dilemma that can only have one outcome. While some may miss the songs, what is here is a solid suspense/drama about a rather unusual "hero".
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (R) 111 minutes * * * Film adaptation of the Broadway musical about Sweeney Todd, who returns from prison with a longing for vengeance against those who have wronged him. This is just as dark and stylized as you'd expect from a Tim Burton film. In many ways, its a perfect fit. But the blood that is thrown in our faces tends to detract from the Stephen Sondheim music which is the real star. Johnny Depp is in his element here, playing Todd with the exaggerated flair he does so well. R for violence and language.
THE SWEET HEREAFTER (R) 110 minutes * * * After a tragic school bus accident, a lawyer tries to convince the locals whose children were killed to sue. All they want to do is put the whole incident behind them. It's a haunting film with subtle and impressive camerawork and solid direction from Atom Egoyan.
SWEET HOME ALABAMA (PG-13) 102 minutes * * * Melanie Carmicahel (Reese Witherspoon) is a very busy and successful girl. She's becoming a successful fashion designer and has just been proposed to by the mayor's son. There is a problem though. You see, she's still married and her success has all been based on a lie and a part of her past that she's still running away from. It's catching up to her now though, and she's about to face some decisions that can't be avoided. It's a very nice romantic comedy with a great performance by Witherspoon and some strong supporting performances by Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey among others. It's not that we haven't seen it before, but when it's well done, it can still be quite entertaining. PG-13 for language.
SWEET LAND (PG) 104 minutes * * * Gentle, quiet, and charming film about a mail-order German bride (Elizabeth Reaser) who has come to Minnesota to marry Olaf (Tim Guineee). Olaf doesn't talk much, and the community isn't that supportive of immigrants, especially Germans. World War II has only recently ended, and many people aren't ready to move on. But times are tough for everyone, and being a good neighbor just may look a little different than it did a few years ago for the people in this small community. Adapted from the short story, "A Gravestone Made of Wheat" by Will Weaver. This may take a little while to find it's way, but when it does, you'll be glad you watched it. PG for language and nudity.
SWEET NOTHING IN MY EAR (NR) 92 minutes * * Marlee Matlin and Jeff Daniels star in this story of a couple wrestling with the pros and cons of giving their son a cochlear implant. Adapted from the play by Stephen Sachs, it's a story that clearly has passion around issues of deafness and identity. Unfortunately, the decision to dub the voices of the deaf actors and actresses removes much of the power of the film. If you have any doubts about that, watch "Children of a Lesser God"... a much more powerful and passionate film... with an even more stunning performance by Matlin.
SWEET NOVEMBER (PG-13) 116 minutes * * 1/2 Nelsonn Moss (Keanu Reeves) was at the top of his game in the ad business. Then one day, he bumps into a strange girl with a rather unique proposition. He thinks nothing of it until he loses his job and his girlfriend on the same day. Now her offer seems a bit more attractive, but he has no idea just how much it will change his life. Reeves does a fairly good job in this tearjerker, playing the part of a man who wants to be in control but can't quite accomplish it. Charlize Theron does a nice job too. It's a familiar story, (a remake of the 1968 film of the same title, actually) but thanks to the acting, it manages to come out on the positive side. The moral of the story is summed up nicely by a friend of Theron's character who states, "If I've learned anything, it's that you should have the people who love you, around you, as long as you possibly can." PG-13 for language and sex.
THE SWEETEST THING (R) 76 minutes * Typical teen sex comedy that follows the story of Christina (Cameron Diaz), who has always been the tease and finds herself falling in love with someone. The story is paper-thin and full of rude and vulgar humor. It's not a surprise, but it does tend to interfere with our ability to enjoy the attractive trio of actresses on the screen. (Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair) If you do manage to make it to the end, there is a point to the story and it wraps up fairly well, but there's just so much garbage to wade through. R for language and sex.
SWEETIE (R) 94 minutes * * * A story of two sisters, whose obsessive and twisted relationship seems to get more twisted and bizarre the more you learn about them. This isn't a film for everyone, but if you enjoy originality, you may find this to your liking. Jane Campion's direction makes this almost too real in spots, but that's part of what gives the film its edge.
SWIMFAN (PG-13) 81 minutes * She's the new girl in town and he's the swim champ. But she's out for more than just a one night stand, she's after for everything. The story here really misses the mark. Madison's (Erika Christensen) brother is a key player in the story and is left on the sidelines until late in the story when his assistance is needed. Not that there are any real surprises anyway, but some character development here would've gone a long way to helping this. The ending is a bit strange as well. PG-13 for language and violence.
SWING KIDS (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2 This story of youth in Nazi Germany changes from a rather elaborate musical production early in the film, to a more dramatic style with little music toward the end. The balance is awkward and the pieces, though well-done, don't fit together. This is one of those Disney films that has sort of "disappeared" from the shelf and might be worth watching for that alone.
SWING VOTE (PG-13) 115 minutes * * * 1/2 The election is a close call. So close that it's going to come down to one state.... one county... one city... one vote. The only problem is that not only does Bud (Kevin Costner) not really care much about the candidates... but his daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll) knows far more than he does about politics in general. Plenty of great questions about political ethics and the definition of democracy. Carroll is terrific here, full of spit and vinegar and easily holding her own with Costner, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Stannley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer and the rest of the cast. Nice work by writer/director Joshua Michael Stern. PG-13 for language.
SWITCH (R) 98 minutes * * * Ellen Barkin does a fabulous job in her role as a man who is reincarnated as a woman. You see, Steve dies, but he's been so mean to women that he isn't allowed into Heaven. But he's been so charitable that they don't want him in Hell. So... director Blake Edwards has dealt with the idea of shifting sexual roles and identities before, but this film tackles the subject with more tact and grace than his others have. It manages to ask us how we can really understand just how meaningful life is when we only see it from one perspective, yet get us to laugh at ourselves and at Steve in the process. R for language.
SWITCHBACK (R) 114 minutes * * * Another murder, another town... but this particular one sets agent Frank LaCrosse (Dennis Quaid) is search of the man who kidnapped his son. The story is fairly predictable, though it doesn't explain things until closer to the end of the film. We've just seen so many films like this it's easy to figure out what's going on. Quaid comes off well, and the photography and music (by Basil Poledouris) keep us in suspense. At least, enough to keep us watching. This will probably come off better on the small screen, minimizing the mistakes, while hopefully keeping most of the intensity. R for language and violence.
SWITCHING CHANNELS (PG) 103 minutes * * * Christy (Kathleen Turner) and Sully (Burt Reynolds) both have newprint for blood. It's what made their relationship work well for as long as it did. But now Christy is in love with someone else and is thinking about getting out of the business. The banter between Reynolds and Turner is very well-done and allows Reynolds the opportunity to shine a bit more than normal. Good, lighthearted entertainment with a very witty script adapted from the play, "The Front Page".
SWORD OF THE STRANGER (NR) 97 minutes * * * A swordsman protects a boy and his dog while taking them to a remote Buddhist temple. The sword fighting scenes are quite good here, but the story and performances don't offer much to distinguish this from other Japanese martial arts films.
SWORDFISH (R) 94 minutes * * This overly talky thriller has far too much of John Travolta explaining the motivations and strategies of his character. We need to see more, not hear him talk about it. I'm sure it saved a few dollars and a few minutes of film, but it slows the film down far too often. The final chase scene is nice, if a bit overdone, but is one of the few segments where things move along at a nice pace for more than a couple of minutes. R for violence, language, and nudity.
SYDNEY WHITE (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2 Or... Sydney White and the seven dorks. With that in mind, this is definitely a cute film. Sydney (Amanda Bynes) is going to college and plans to pledge her mother's old sorority. Having been raised by her father and his construction worker buddies will make it tough, and the fact that the current sorority president is one of the meanest ever won't help. Bynes sense of humor and her charm work well here, and make this a fun little diversion. Best line in the film... "Hi ho!" PG-13 for language.
SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK (R) 120 minutes * * * * Yet another thoughtful and intelligent script from Charlie Kaufman, who takes on the direction here as well. The story is layer upon layer of metaphor, with death as a metaphor for life, life as a metaphor for death, acting as a metaphor for living, living as a metaphor for acting... it's clearly the sort of film that will continue to reveal itself through repeated viewings. The story, and the characters seem to evolve before our eyes as there is a sense in which the story does begin as a story about death. But a story about death must inherently also be about life, about relationship, about success, failure, and love. An amazing and powerful film. R for language and sex.
SYRIANA (R) 121 minutes * * * Powerful film with a very strong political statement. Inspired by the non-fiction book "See No Evil" by Robert Baer, this asks us to think about why the United States uses oil and the countries that produce it as if they will be there forever. What would happen if there were a person rising to power in the Middle East who wanted to make the economy of their country less reliant on oil? Make no mistake, everyone is involved, politicians, industrialists, terrorists, media, and those of us who buy the end product. Solid performances throughout, but this is more about the story than the characters. R for violence and language.