W. (PG-13) 120 minutes * * * Director Oliver Stone turns his attention to the life and career of George W. Bush (Josh Brolin). From his party boy days at college to his rather forceful and single-minded approach to pushing his agenda, we see how the people around him slowly moved from giving sensible advice to simply spitting out what they knew he wanted to hear. Fans of George W. probably won't like this much, despite a fine performance from Brolin. PG-13 for language and violence.
THE WACKNESS (R) 95 minutes * * * It's Luke's (Josh Peck) senior year in high school. He's not really sure where he's going next, but he finds a kindred spirit in his therapist (Ben Kingsley). Trading pot for therapy sessions, they soon become friends, and both of them embark on a journey of self-discovery that will be quite memorable. Unusual and slightly offbeat coming-of-age story. Also featuring Famke Janssen, Olivia Thirlby, and Mary-Kate Olsen and rated R for language and sex.
WAG THE DOG (R) 93 minutes * * The president is up for re-election, but has just been accused of molesting a young girl. What do you do? You call Conrad "Connie" Brean (Robert DeNiro), the fix-it man for the oval office. A producer is hired, a war is staged, a hero is uncovered, and the public will praise the president for his handling of the situation. But is the tail truly smarter than the dog? It's an interesting idea, and the cast is up to the task, but the script lets them down too often. Anne Heche seems to be lost in a bit part with lots of screen time and it becomes a game that DeNiro and Dustin Hoffman are playing against an unseen public. Interesting at times, but ultimately missing the mark. Filmed in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Bakersfield, California. R for language.
THE WAGER (NR) 77 minutes * Michael Steele (Randy Travis) is about to experience one of the most important days of his mega moviestar career. And then everything falls apart. Too bad Travis' performance isn't convincing. We never believe that he is a star, a nice guy, or that he has really reformed and become a sensitive and thoughtful Christian.
WAGONS EAST (PG-13) 101 minutes * Inept film about an inept wagon train leader who has been hired to lead a group of losers as they head back east. John Candy's final film should have been left unfinished rather than becoming this too-long comedy that doesn't offer us much in the way of laughs or creativity. PG-13 for language.
WAIST DEEP (R) 90 minutes * * O2 (Tyrese Gibson) is trying to put his past behind him, but when his car gets jacked with his son asleep in the back, he's thrown headfirst back into the violent world he'd hoped to leave. Along for the ride, unwillingly at first, is Coco (Meagan Good). She ends up helping O2 as he tries to make things right. Gibson and good both do nice work here, but the story is tired and old and gives us an ending that is far too sentimental and unrealistic to fit well with the earlier parts. R for violence and language.
WAIT UNTIL DARK (NR) 108 minutes * * * 1/2 Audrey Hepburn stars in this thriller based on a Broadway play. She’s a blind woman, alone in her apartment, being terrorized by a psychotic Alan Arkin and some others who are looking for some heroin they think has been hidden there. This does a remarkable job of conveying the terror one would feel if you were in the same situation, and still manages to be suspenseful despite showing a little bit of its age (1967). Also starring Richard Crenna, Efram Zimbalist Jr., and Jack Weston.
WAITING (R) 88 minutes BOMB Poor attempt to poke fun at the lives of people who wait tables at a Shenanigans restaurant. (And hard to believe that the restaurant chain agreed to allow their name to be used!) Ryan Reynolds seems to walk through this with a look that says he was wondering what mess he got himself into when he agreed to take the role. Boring to say the least. R for language and sex.
THE WAITING GAME (NR) 78 minutes * * 1/2 Slice-of-life film about a group of actors who are working and waiting for their big break. Work, relationships, and all the little things that make up our lives... there's a little bit of acting in all of it. The film wanders between the characters in short vignettes, some of which are quite good, but we're left feeling somewhat disconnected by the whole experience.
WAITING TO EXHALE (R) 118 minutes * * 1/2 Slow-paced story of four women and their struggles to find a good man. Angela Bassett and Whitney Houston try to shine, but this slice-of-life film really starts to wander after an hour. The music helps set the relaxed pace, but once the film hits that hour mark, we're wondering when we'll fall asleep.
WAITRESS (PG-13) 105 minutes * * * 1/2 Jenna (Keri Russell) would love nothing better than to get out of her current marriage. The new doctor in town just might be able to help. Adrienne Shelly has given us a delightful treat here, in a film filled with great characters and a story that manages to be fun while dealing with some serious topics. Russell has never been better, and the dialogue more often than not, simply sparkles with life. This was Shelly's final film as both actress and director, and she also co-wrote the song "Baby Don't You Cry" for the film. PG-13 for language and sex.
WAKING LIFE (R) 96 minutes * * * Amazing and creative animated feature from director Richard Linklater. It does get a little bit wordy at times, but it's a very interesting explorating of reality and dreams. You find yourself drawn in to the thought-provoking dialogue and the rather unique style of animation that combines the work of numerous animators. It's fascinating and leaves us wanting to see the next project Linklater works with. R for language.
WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY (R) 115 minutes * 1/2 John C. Reilly stars as Dewey Cox, a musical legend, whose life is an inspiration to... well, this is a comedy. With a few nods to "Walk the Line", the story actually focuses less on being a parody of a particular film (or films) and more on just being funny. While it manages that quite well at times, particularly with the music, it just goes on for too long. Reilly does a nice job here, but a 90-minute version would be a more appealing production. R for language, sex, and violence.
A WALK IN THE CLOUDS (PG-13) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Thrown together by chance, they fall in love slowly, but steadily. Anthony Quinn is perfect as usual, and along with the supporting cast, lends this film the credibility it needs. Keanu Reeves seems out of place several times though. He's just not strong enough in his acting to carry it off all the way through the film. It does play a little better on the small screen, becoming more of a charming TV movie. The best part is the beautiful soudtrack by Maurice Jarre. PG-13 for language and nudity.
WALK THE LINE (PG-13) 131 minutes * * * 1/2 Excellent retelling of the life of Johnny Cash, with an extraordinary performance by Joaquin Phoenix and an academy award winning performance by Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. The story is well-rounded, telling us about the struggles and problems and also about the successes. Both Phoenix and Witherspoon perform their own songs here, which lends an added authenticity to the portrayals. This is definitely not just for fans of Cash or country music, but for those who enjoy a good story. A story about people who struggle to succeed despite what sometimes happens in life. Perhaps even because of it. PG-13 for language.
A WALK TO REMEMBER (PG) 98 minutes * * 1/2 Landon (Shane West) is in trouble, and part of his punishment involves being a tutor and being in the school play. This puts him in close and frequent proximity to Jamie (Mandy Moore). Homely and not very popular, Jamie is mysteriously attractive to Landon and he finds himself changing as his love for her opens new doors. West gives an earnest performance and Moore does a fairly nice job as well. The story is familiar territory, but the performances are enough to give this the life it needs. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks' novel. PG for language.
THE WALKER (R) 102 minutes * * Carter Page III (Woody Harrelson) is a "walker" an escort who is used by a number of wealthy and well-connected women. Covering for one of his clients when her lover is murdered, Carter finds himself in the middle of the investigation and begins to solve the mystery himself. The story is interesting, and there are a number of talented actors here... Kristin Scott Thomas, Lauren Bacall and Lily Tomlin to name a few. Harrelson is another matter. His affected manner is over the top and is a curiosity, but never really convincing. R for language, violence, and nudity.
THE WALKING DEAD (R) 85 minutes * * Low budget film about a group of mostly black Marines in Vietnam. Some fine acting helps the heart of the film show through, but the cheapness of the production betrays it every few minutes.
WALKING TALL (2004) (PG-13) 74 minutes * Although this is based on the screenplay from the 1973 film of the same name, it bears only passing resemblance to the original. Chris Vaughn (The Rock) comes back to town after his tour of duty with the military to find that his home town has changed for the worse. His former friend's casino security guards beat him and leave him for dead after which he recovers and takes the town back by force. It's little more than an excuse to watch The Rock beat up on other people. Filmed in British Columbia, which does provide for some nice background scenery, and rated PG-13 for violence.
WALL-E (G) 90 minutes * * * Left for years to clean up the mess that humans left behind, Wall-E gets a visit one day from another robot. Eve is checking to see if Earth is able to support human life again. Wall-E doesn't really care about that, he's in love. Once again, Pixar manages to imbue mechanical objects with entertaining personalities with a minimum of dialogue. It's fun for everyone, though the one piece that is lacking here is a more impressive soundtrack.
WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (G) 78 minutes * * 1/2 Gromit steals the show in this feature-length film from the claymation stars. As their pest control company deals with a rabbit problem, Wallace creates another sort of problem with one of his inventions. Puns and jokes for the adults are scattered throughout the film, but it does tend to drag a bit during the middle of the film. W&G fans will love it, others may not quite so much.
WANTED (R) 98 minutes * * 1/2 After the death of the father he never knew, Wesley (James McAvoy) discovers that the fraternity of assassins, an organization that has been around for 1,000 years, expects him to join them and take his father's place. Based on the comic book series, this is full of intense, slick, hard-core action and stunning car chase scenes. A little on the cartoonish side, but a fast ride that's likely to keep you on the edge of your seat. R for violence, language, and sex.
WAR (2007) (R) 97 minutes * * Jack Crawford (Jason Statham) is trying to find the person who killed his partner. Could it be Rogue (Jet Li)? Lots of nice chase scenes and some good fight scenes as well, but we've come to expect that from Cory Yuen, who choreographed them. It's too bad there's not much depth to the characters here, just a lit of flash. R for violence and language.
THE WAR (PG-13) 119 minutes * * * It's Juliette, Mississippi a few years after the Vietnam war. Young Stu (Elijah Wood) can't seem to get along with many kids his own age. Hating your sister and her friends may be normal enough for a boy, but his hatred for some of the other kids is about to escalate into a war. Can he learn from his father's wisdom before it's too late? Dialogue is a little weak but Wood and Kevin Costner manage to work with it and keep the film going well.
WAR INC. (R) 99 minutes * * * In the near future, wars are run by corporations instead of governments. That way, it's easier to finance, easier to sell to the public, and more people can make a profit from the whole venture. Corporate hitman Brand Hauser (John Cusack) is hired to take out a key member of the opposition. When Hauser gets a look at the way things are going in Turaqistan, he begins to rethink who really might need killing. Satiric and metaphorical look at war, co-written and co-produced by Cusack and co-starring his sister Joan. Hilary Duff has fun playing a spoiled pop music star, and Marisa Tomei is the reporter who is uncovering much more of a story than she thought possible. R for violence, language, and sex.
WAR OF THE BUTTONS (PG) 90 minutes * * * Two Irish boys from neighboring towns are fighting each other and the fight begins to escalate. It begins to include their friends, and might end up including adults. A fun film with very talented children and the flavor of Ireland inescapably running through it. The anti-war message isn't very subtle, but it isn't the focus of the film either. PG for language and nudity.
THE WAR OF THE ROSES (R) 114 minutes * * * Dark comedy film that takes as its theme the idea that "a civilized divorce is a contradiction in terms." Oliver and Barbara Rose (Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner) are used as an example of what can happen in a marriage. Douglas and Turner work well together and create a memorable couple. Perhaps that is why many people are confused about whether they are "real" or whether they are only characters that Gavin (Danny DeVito) has created to give his client an example. It really doesn't matter that much. The point is that relationships change over the years, and unless both people are willing to compromise and continue working toward improving the relationship, it won't last. R for language and sex.
WAR OF THE WORLDS (2005) (PG-13) 109 minutes * * * Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning star in this big budget remake of the classic story by H.G. Wells. Astounding special effects that just never really let up, much like the action in the film. Despite the dated aspects of the story, the modernization works fairly well. How a few certain people manage to survive is more than a bit unrealistic, but not really all that surprising. John Williams' music once again sweeps us along through the adventure. And Dakota Fanning adds yet another strong performance to her list. PG-13 for violence and language.
WARGAMES: THE DEAD CODE (PG-13) 92 minutes * * A young computer gamer is lured into playing a game with Ripley, designed to find potential terrorist threats. Once triggered, Ripley may be difficult to stop. Not all that different from the 1983 film which had a little originality to it at the time. Earnest performances from the young leads (Matt Lanter and Amanda Walsh) help, but this just doesn't have that much strength or appeal. PG-13 for violence and language.
WARLOCK (R) 98 minutes * * A warlock (Julian Sands) gets thrown 300 years into the future, moments before his execution. He's in pursuit of three pieces of a book that will let him become the one and only son of Satan. It's an interesting story, and Sands does a nice job, but it's a bit hard to follow at times. The effects are uneven too, with most of the visual ones being done well, but the make-up effects are rather cheap and sloppy. R for violence and language.
WARLOCK: THE ARMAGEDDON (R) 93 minutes * The idea is that every 600-700 years, we run the risk of Armageddon happening. Julian Sands is reborn and tries to assist in it's coming about. There's little here to do with the first film, except for Sands himself, and little to recommend the film for except a few special effects.
WARM SPRINGS (NR) 116 minutes * * * In the years before he became president, Franklin Roosevelt not only battled with the effects of poliio, but with an attitude that kept him from being truly in touch with the people he would eventually serve as president. (Or so this version of the story claims.) Strong drama with top-notch performances from Kenneth Branagh and Cynthia Nixon and strong supporting performances from Tim Blake Nelson and Kathy Bates.
WARRIORS OF VIRTUE (PG) 97 minutes * * Ryan Jeffers (Mario Yedidia) falls into the world of Tao, where the warriors of virtue are trying to protect the last remaining life spring. Ryan has brought with him the legendary manuscript of Tao, but he is the only one who can read it. There are some important messages here, but why the warriors are kangaroos is never explained. The fight scenes are poorly staged, perhaps because it's rather hard to do martial arts with a big tail hanging off your backside. Kids still seem to like it, but I doubt if it will be a favorite of many. PG for violence.
WASABI (R) 89 minutes * * * Jean Reno plays a cop who gets called to Japan to take care of some personal business... a daughter he never knew he had. The problem is, she's coming into an inheritance that some very nasty people would like to get their hands on. Then again, dealing with bad guys hasn't been a problem for Hubert (Reno). Plenty of action and a role that plays well to Reno's strengths make this a fun film to watch. Nice supporting work by both Michel Muller and Ryoko Hirosue as well. R for violence.
THE WATCHER (R) 91 minutes * * Joel Campbell (James Spader) can't get away from his past. Specifically, he can't get away from a serial killer who has followed him to Chicago. Everybody makes mistakes, but waiting for a serial killer to make a mistake can be hard since you know the killing won't stop until you can be there to capitalize on the mistake and bring them to justice. Spader does a nice job and Keanu Reeves is fairly good as the killer until he starts getting philosophical late in the film. Marisa Tomei is sorely wasted in her small role and looks uncomfortable in the few scenes she has. This should look a little better on video, but it's still not the film it could've been. R for language and violence.
WATCHMEN (R) 155 minutes * * * Once a group of costumed heroes, The Watchmen have disbanded. Now, with the world on the brink of nuclear war, one of them is murdered, and another is convinced that more of them are soon to follow. Adapted from the best-selling graphic novel, this epic story of war and peace, sacrifice and love, truth and silence, splashes onto the big screen. If you haven't already read the book, be prepared to pay close attention. The film is packed with story and back-story. It's not difficult to follow, but you are sure to miss something important if you aren't paying attention. Great special effects and an intriguing story that asks us to consider if there is any price too high to pay for peace. R for violence, sex, and language.
WATER (PG-13) 112 minutes * * * Chuyia (Sarala) has been married to a man who dies soon afterward. It's 1938, and the custom in India is that Chuyia must now go to live at the widow's house, never to marry again. It does not matter that she is not yet in her teens. Customs are beginning to change though, and another of the young widows has fallen in love and is trying to find a way to leave the house. Third in a series by writer/director Deepa Mehta, this film quickly draws us into the experiences of the widows as they struggle to honor their customs and traditions and at the same time with their feelings that something must change. Excellent performances and photography helped this film receive numerous awards and nominations, including an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Filmed in Sri Lanka. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP (PG) 103 minutes * * 1/2 Angus (Alex Etel) finds what turns out to be an egg as he is collecting shells by the shore. It's a special egg, the egg of a water horse. Though he wants to keep the strange and curious animal as a pet, it soon grows far too large to be kept a secret. The bond they share will never die, and the legend of the water horse will continue to grow. Adapted from the book by Dick King-Smith, this is nice family fare with wonderful animation that brings the water horse to life for us all. PG for language and violence.
THE WATERBOY (PG-13) 83 minutes * * 1/2 Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler) is a 31-year-old waterboy for a football team. When he finally decides to stand up for himself, his hidden talents begin to shine. Sandler gives us a fairly typical performance and the film is not without some charm and humor. Kathy Bates and Henry Winkler do their best with what the script gives them, as does Fairuza Balk. All things considered, it's fairly a standard light comedy that could've been better had the script been more substantial. PG-13 for language.
WATERWORLD (PG-13) 125 minutes * * 1/2 In a world covered by water, one man emerges as the guiding light, the ever-resourceful and king of incredibly big budget movies, Kevin Costner. Overly long and pretentious, this does still give us a few thrills. (Though the idea of rowing an aircraft carrier is a BIT much!) James Newton Howard gives us another inspirational soundtrack and Tina Majorino lights up the screen as young Enola.
THE WAY OF THE GUN (R) 112 minutes * * 1/2 They're living on the edge, day to day, taking the opportunities that life offers. Kidnapping a woman who's being paid to have a baby sounds like a good idea when they happen to hear about it. They have no idea what they're getting into, but they continue just the same, for they know no other way to live. It's an interesting film that holds our attention, but it only manages to hint at a deeper and more powerful story that lies beneath. Benicio Del Toro and Ryan Phillipe make an interesting pair, but it's James Caan in a quite, yet powerful role who is the one we remember when it's all said and done. R for language and violence.
WAYNE'S WORLD (PG-13) 91 minutes * As a short skit on Saturday Night Live, Wayne's World works very well. As a full-length film, it's a different matter. The only real entertainment here is watching for all the cameo appearances by musicians and actors. The story is little more than a poor attempt to try and tie different little skits together. Perhaps it would have worked better to just do the skits and forget a plot altogether. PG-13 for language.
WAYNE'S WORLD 2 (PG-13) 89 minutes * Wayne has a dream... a dream of putting on a concert... too bad it wasn't a dream of how to make a better movie. As with the first film, this is only notable for the large number of cameo appearances by other actors and for the number of other films it pokes fun at. PG-13 for language.
WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) 124 minutes * * * How do you rebuild a team when there's no one there? How do you start over when there's so much pain? How can you not? In 1970, a plane crash killed 75 people. Most of the players, coaching staff, and a number of fans of the Marshall University football team were gone in an instant. rebuilding the team would not be an easy task, but would prove to be an important step in the healing process of the community. Sometimes it really isn't about winning, it's about showing up and about trying... about not giving up when the odds are against you. Grief takes time, but if you never start, you'll never get there. Inspirational and well-told tribute story. PG for violence and language.
WE OWN THE NIGHT (R) 110 minutes * * 1/2 The New York City police and the Russian mafia are at war. Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix) finds himself in the middle. His club is a hot spot where plenty of illegal action goes down, but his father and brother are cops... good cops. At the moment, no one at the club is aware of that piece of information, but it won't stay secret for long. Nice performance by Phoenix, but the supporting roles here are mostly two-dimensional. R for violence, language, and nudity.
WE WERE SOLDIERS (R) 128 minutes * * * 1/2 Stunning adaptation of the book, "We were Soldiers Once... and Young". The film takes its time introducing us to the characters, so that when we actually get to the war, we're dealing with people we care about. Two very powerful sequences in the film center around the receiving of telegrams, and a photographer after he puts down the gun he had no choice but to use. These are true gems, and show the depth of understanding that both the director and the actors were able to gain while working on this film. The ending is powerful as well, reminding us that while patriotism was involved, the real motivation for many of these soldiers was to protect those next to them... those who had become their family. It's a film that is patriotic and honest, and willing to wade into the mess that war is in an effort to learn from it. R for language and violence.
WEAPONS (NR) 80 minutes * 1/2 Violence breeds violence in this suburban tale of youth who react before thinking. Grainy, home movie style photography tries to add a level of realism to the story. In some ways it helps, but all of the close facial shots make it look a bit too amateurish. The characters here are difficult to care about as well, since we barely get to know them. They don't really even seem to know each other that well.
THE WEATHER MAN (R) 95 minutes * * 1/2 A failed marriage, kids he doesn't relate to, a father with cancer, and a job that isn't fulfilling or headed anywhere. In spite of how much he'd like for things to change, David (Nicolas Cage) is unwilling to really work for that change, holding on to nearly everything that he needs to let go of for change to happen. It's an interesting, introspective piece, but not particularly pleasant to watch. Nice understated supporting performance by Michael Caine. R for language.
THE WEDDING BANQUET (NR) 103 minutes * 1/2 Gay man tries to fool parents by staging a marriage, but things get out of hand. The ending has a good deal of truth to it, but too much of this is played as a farce that is just never all that funny.
WEDDING CRASHERS (R) 113 minutes * * They've crashed so many weddings that they've lost count, but the wedding of Secretary Cleary's daughter is going to be a bit different from what they've come to expect. Vince Vaughan and Owen Wilson work well together here and there are definitely some very funny bits. There are also some really crude bits that aren't particularly funny. The biggest problem is that the whole (thin) story just drags on for too long. The banter between Vaughn and Wilson moves so quickly that it's contradictory for the film not to do the same. R for language and sex.
THE WEDDING DATE (PG-13) 79 minutes * * Adapted from Elizabeth Young's book, "Asking for Trouble", this is the story of Kat (Debra Messing) who learns about life and love from her male escort date, Nick (Dermot Mulroney) as they attend her sister's wedding where the best man is her ex-fiancee. Messing's off-beat charm has a certain appeal here, as does Mulroney's suave character, but neither are enough to make this very memorable. PG-13 for language and sex.
THE WEDDING PLANNER (PG-13) 99 minutes * * Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey work well together in this mildly entertaining piece of fluff. The bad news is that the story is pure junk. We hear some wonderful dialogue that reminds us how real love isn't always pretty and romantic, but something that grows and changes. But having Lopez end up with McConaughey, instead of the less-than-perfect young man who has loved her for years, is ridiculous. What could have been a sweet story with great appeal to the general public, becomes just another story of two hollywood pretty faces ending up together. PG-13 for language.
THE WEDDING SINGER (PG-13) 92 minutes * * * Right from the start, you can tell that this is an Adam Sandler we haven't seen before. Charming, sensitive, and caring, he is a wedding singer in a small town who is about to be married. But what about the cute and very sweet Drew Barrymore who works with him and is also about to be married? Barrymore hasn't shown us this innocence in a long time, but she does it with style and the film will have you laughing and getting a little teary-eyed as well with its romantic story. We're also treated to a wonderful soundtrack filled with songs from the 1980s and a couple of Sandler originals as well. Cameo appearances by Steve Buscemi, Jon Lovitz, and Billy Idol round out the picture and make this a sure-fire hit. PG-13 for language.
WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S (PG-13) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman star in this farce about two young guys trying to make their way up the corporate ladder. Invited to their boss' beach house, they find him dead, but decide to pretend he's still alive. Thanks to McCarthy and Silverman, this works much better than you'd think, though it's still no gem.
WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S II (PG) 84 minutes 1/2 Terry Kiser does manage to play dead fairly well, but the idea was pretty well tapped by the end of the first film. A sequel was not what we needed to see. Some of you will see this anyway, but don't say you weren't warned!
WELCOME HOME (R) 89 minutes * * 1/2 MIA for 17 years, Jake (Kris Kristofferson) is now back in the US, reunited with his family. But he has a family in Thailand now too. Kristofferson does fairly well here and with the support of JoBeth Williams, Sam Waterston, and Brian Keith, it rises above it's mediocre script at least a little bit. It isn't a particularly memorable film, but the actors keep us interested enough to feel that it was worth watching.
WELCOME HOME, ROSCOE JENKINS (PG-13) 107 minutes * * Roscoe (Martin Lawrence) leaves Los Angeles to go and visit his family in the south. It's a great cast, with James Earl Jones, Margaret Avery, Cedric the Entertainer, Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, and Mo'Nique among others. The story is the same one we've heard so many times, about the importance of family, and how unpredictable but entertaining they can be. PG-13 for language.
WELCOME HOME ROXY CARMICHAEL (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Dinky Bossetti (Winona Ryder) is a rather strange teenager. At least, that would be the conclusion most people would reach. But if you look past the surface, past the social misfit, past the girl who doesn't like to comb her hair and loves the color black... you might find something else. There might be a young girl struggling to become a young woman, trying to find out what is important in life, what friends are, and what love is like. The film never comes together all the way though, leaving us with images and ideas that don't fit well, and with too much time talking about Roxy and whether she might really be Dinky's mother. Despite these problems, Ryder's scenes sparkle with energy. And the film works to an extent, because she has the talent to make you believe in her character.
WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT (PG-13) 106 minutes * 1/2 All former president Cole (Gene Hackman) wanted to do was retire to his vacation home and relax. Instead, he finds himself running for mayor... against the town plummer (Ray Romano). If you enjoy Romano's bumbling and slightly whining style of humor, you may enjoy this. It's definitely not without a little charm and a few chuckles, but it's not enough to really keep us interested. PG-13 for language and nudity.
WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (R) 87 minutes * * * Heather Matarazzo is a 7th grader who is plenty smart, but more than a little on the plain side. Going through puberty is tough enough, but having "friends" and family who are unsupportive doesn't help. Be warned, memories of your youth may come flooding back to you! A quality piece of work from director Todd Solondz.
THE WENDELL BAKER STORY (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2 Small time con man Baker ends up in jail, losing everything he thought he had, but gaining a bit of wisdom. Taking a job at a retirement home after getting out, he begins to make friends, work on putting his life back together, and fighting corruption in the nursing home. Luke Wilson wrote and co-produced and co-directed (with his brother Andrew) this somewhat quirky little feel-good film. Filmed in Austin, Texas. PG-13 for language.
WENDY AND LUCY (R) 75 minutes * * * Adapted from the story "Train Choir" by John Raymond, this is a bittersweet story of a young woman and her dog. On her way to Alaska to look for work, Wendy's (Michelle Williams) life begins a downhill slide. When her car breaks down, her plans are derailed, and the rest of her life soon follows. Great work by Williams, who pours her heart into this role. Filmed in Portland, Oregon. R for language.
WENDY WU: HOMECOMING WARRIOR (PG) 90 minutes * * All Wendy (Brenda Song) wants is be the homecoming queen. She never asked to be a warrior with a special destiny. Can she do both? Like... sure! Disney TV fluff with a few good bits of martial arts worked in. Most of the performances are overacted in a manner fairly typical of Disney TV fare, which is supposed to make them more child-friendly, but actually insults the intelligence of most kids. Otherwise, no real problem here. Nothing very memorable either. PG for violence.
WE'RE BACK: A DINOSAUR STORY (G) 64 minutes * 1/2 A cute cartoon for the younger crowd about some dinosaurs who get to visit modern day New York. The animation is not the best, but the target audience is young enough they won't notice it alot. The problem is that some of the scary bits in the circus freak show may be a bit much for the kids the film is playing to.
WE'RE NO ANGELS (1989) (PG-13) 103 minutes * 1/2 Boring remake of the old classic, with Robert DeNiro, Sean Penn, and Demi Moore. It's hard to believe that David Mamet wrote this heavy-handed script about two convicts who pretend to be priests to avoid being apprehended. The costumes and sets fare better than the actors, though it does end well if you can tolerate it until then.
WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE (R) 101 minutes * * An OK entry in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series, though some might think it a nightmare enough that another sequel was filmed. The story is a bit more creative, especially at the beginning. Plenty of the standard gross special effects that one would expect are present as well, though nothing particularly creative. R for violence and language.
WEST SIDE STORY (NR) 151 minutes * * * * Winner of ten academy awards, this is one of the best musicals on film you'll ever see. The soundtrack is from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim and will stay with you for a long time. Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer star in this Romeo and Juliet story set in 1950's New York. A wonderful adaptation of the Broadway hit!
WHALEDREAMERS (NR) 85 minutes * * * The title refers to a specific group of Australian aboriginal people for whom whales hold a unique and very special place. The encroachment of civilization and the continued practice of whaling nearly destroyed their way of life. Slowly, and with a great deal of work, the situation has begun to change, but it will take continued efforts to save and protect this ancient and beatiful way of life. More than just a film about Australian aboriginal people or about protecting whales, this is a film about the earth, those who live on it, and how we need to work together. Beatiful and magical.
WHAT A GIRL WANTS (PG) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Daphne (Amanda Bynes) is seventeen years old now and all she's ever wanted was to have a father. It doesn't help matters that her mother frequently sings at weddings where there are father/daughter dances that continually remind her of the situation. So, she sneaks away to find her father... and a family complete with a wicked step-mother-to-be, and evil step-sister-to-be. Light-hearted family entertainment with Bynes giving an earnest performance, Colin Firth in a role that's a little different for him, and a nice part for Kelly Preston, who gets to sing her own songs. PG for language.
WHAT ABOUT BOB? (PG) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Multiphobic personality Bob (Bill Murray) harasses his doctor (Richard Dreyfuss) even while he's on vacation... perhaps because the doctor deserves it. Murray does a great job here, though Dreyfuss is a bit irritating to watch. PG for language.
WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU (R) 96 minutes * * 1/2 Writer/director Brian Goodman shares much of his own life in this story of two friends from South Boston. Working as thugs for a mobster, they begin to feel that it isn't enough and try to make some money on the side. Their efforts get them a few dollars, and a lot of trouble. Ethan Hawke does a great job here, but Mark Ruffalo's performance is a bit uneven, perhaps due to Goodman's connection with the character. Filmed in Boston. R for language, violence, and sex.
WHAT DREAMS MAY COME (PG-13) 106 minutes * * 1/2 A love story that spans life and death, heaven and hell, and should have been much better than it is. Robin Williams never seems to connect with his character here, giving us several awkward moments. The special effects are quite nice, but the characters just aren't strong enough to carry the story. The vision of the afterlife is also very much oriented toward an image of the family as it was defined in the 1950s. It makes the film nice and nostalgic for the older crowd, but hard for the younger folks to connect with. PG-13 for language.
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS (PG-13) 89 minutes * * Jack (Ashton and Kutcher) and Joy (Cameron Diaz) stumble into a marriage while partying in Las Vegas. They both realize it was a mistake and are ready to get a quick divorce. But the three million dollar prize that Jack just won with Joy's quarter is going to make it a little more difficult. Kutcher and Diaz do little more than going through the motions here, but the supporting performances of Lake Bell and Rob Corddry keep this alive and even a little entertaining in spots. PG-13 for sex and language.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED (R) 93 minutes * * * Wonderful Hollywood insider film about Ben (Robert De Niro), a producer who is having more than a little difficulty getting his latest film in the can. Meanwhile, his next film is already giving him troubles and his personal life is on the rocks as well. What just happened? Things were going so well, and he used to be one of the great producers... Great insider humor and plenty of star cameos as well. Adapted from the book by Art Linson and a real treat for those who love the business of movies. R for language, violence, and sex.
WHAT LIES BENEATH (PG-13) 123 minutes * * * Are the neighbors just arguing, or is something more sinister going on? Is Claire seeing things, is the house haunted, or is it simply stress taking it's toll on her? Michelle Pfeiffer is off the mark a few times here, though she still manages to do a reasonably good job. Harrison Ford does a nice job, but in many ways it's a supporting role. What makes the film work as well as it does is the atmosphere created by the photography and music. Unique camera angles and a willingness to use silence and gentle strains of music work together to create suspense and an eerie quality that manage to keep us on edge through much of the film. PG-13 for violence.
WHAT LOVE IS (R) 78 minutes * * 1/2 What could be more romantic that proposing to your girlfriend on Valentine's Day? Except Tom's (Cuba Gooding Jr.) girlfriend has packed up her stuff and is ready to leave. Tom had invited a couple of friends over to witness the special event, but now things are different. This feels very much like a play rather than a film, and is incredibly wordy. While the first part of the film is dedicated to the men discussing what love is, the women get a chance during the second half. It's an intelligent script, which allows the actors to get a good feel for their characters, but it's almost more of a reader's theater with not a great deal of interaction between the characters involved. R for language and nudity.
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM? (R) 99 minutes * 1/2 Sent to Earth with the mission of getting a woman pregnant as the first step of taking over the planet, Harold (Gary Shandling) now finds himself married, in love, and not at all anxious to leave. Mike Nichols' direction rescues this from being pure drivel. Still one would expect much more from a cast that also includes Ben Kingsley, Annette Bening, and Greg Kinnear. R for language and nudity.
WHAT REMAINS: THE LIFE AND WORK OF SALLY MANN (NR) 78 minutes * * * Nicely done documentary on photographer Sally Mann. While her early work drew negative criticism from those who felt it was pornographic, the images of her children over the course of several years are both powerful and haunting. She later began to photograph nature and created an exhibit on death and life that is just as controversial as her earlier work. As with any true artist, the work itself is what earns the merit, and Mann's work is undeniably memorable and powerful.
WHAT THE #$*! DO WE KNOW!? (R) 100 minutes * * * Unusual blend of quantum physics theory and mysticism wtih dramatic sequences featuring Marlee Matlin throughout the film. Those who are already familiar with quantum physics and the power of the mind will find less of interest here than those who haven't. It's an interesting introduction to the ideas, presented in an entertaining format. Maybe we don't know what we think we do... R for language.
WHAT WE DO IS SECRET (R) 87 minutes * * 1/2 It's an interesting plan... become a successful band by getting recognition before you really know how to play well. Darby Crash (Shane West) takes his band, The Germs, on a fast ride to the top of the LA punk music scene, and becomes a legend in the process. As his name suggests, the success was not long-lived, but the punk scene would never be the same. Nice, documentary-style drama, though the story and editing make this a bit difficult to really connect with at times. R for language and sex.
WHAT WOMEN WANT (PG-13) 122 minutes * * * Nick (Mel Gibson) is used to getting what he wants and having people do things for him. Still, he finds himself losing the promotion he'd been expecting to a woman. After an accident in his bathroom at home where he nearly electrocutes himself, Nick finds that he can now hear what women are thinking. There are a couple of great subplots here... the bits between Nick and his daughter and the story about the depressed messenger girl where he works. Both of these are great sequences and add much needed depth to the story as a whole. It does meander around a bit much, especially in the middle, but finishes well and is fun to watch. PG-13 for language.
WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY? (PG) 88 minutes * 1/2 Slightly humorous documentary that asks the title question in regard to the Christmas holiday season. Reverend Billy (Bill Talen) tries to recruit people for the "Church of Stop Shopping" with varying degrees of success. The point is good, but we get it after just a few minutes. PG for language.
WHATEVER IT TAKES (PG-13) 91 minutes * 1/2 What it needed was a more creative script... Marla Sokoloff is the sole bright spot in this youthful Cyrano de Bergerac variation. Two boys both attracted to girls who don't like or notice them decide to help each other out with the usual problems resulting from their escapades. Sokoloff is a treat, but the rest of this is a bit tedious. PG-13 for language.
WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE? (PG-13) 115 minutes * * * 1/2 Incredibly well-written film about a rather dysfunctional family. Gilbert (Johnny Depp) is responsible for the care of his retarded brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Their mother is tremendously obese and hasn't left the house in years, and their father committed suicide several years ago. Things would appear hopeless, but we can't give it all away... Also starring Mary Steenburgen and with a wonderful performance from Mary Kate Schellhardt as Ellen. Director Lasse Hallstrom gives us a wonderful adaptation of Peter Hedges' book.
WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (R) 114 minutes * * Great music throughout, and a well-told story, painting Ike Turner in a very negative light and showing us that the real driving force of their early success was Tina. Poor make-up and numerous editing problems really damage the credibility and flow of the film. Angela Bassett does give a good performance, but it isn't enough to carry the film.
WHAT'S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN (PG-13) 94 minutes * * Adapted from Donald Westlake's novel, this has a similar feel to some of Westlake's other 1970's stories that were filmed. (The Bank Shot, Cops and Robbers, The Hot Rock...) This one is about a thief (Martin Lawrence) who gets his lucky ring stolen while he's trying to rob wealthy Max Fairbanks (Danny DeVito). Through the course of the film they continue to stay one step ahead of each other. Who's the better con artist? The more accomplished thief? DeVito is a bit more annoying than usual and it wears thin pretty quickly. This should look a little better on video, though it probably won't make anyone's top ten list. PG-13 for language.
WHEN A MAN FALLS (R) 84 minutes * * * Three men whose lives have not turned out as they expected begin to realize that life doesn't get easier as you get older. In fact, it seems to be disintigrating around them. Dylan Baker gives a wonderful performance here as Bill, who at first glance appears to be the most dysfunctional of the group. Timothy Hutton and Pruitt Taylor Vince are the other two, and though their performances are not quite as good, it's still a strong, introspective story from writer/director/editor Ryan Eslinger. R for violence and language.
WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN (R) 122 minutes * * * Alice and Michael Green have the perfect marriage, complete with two adorable daughters. Or so it would seem at first glance. What lies beneath the surface is the fact that Alice is an alcoholic. The film does a fairly good job with the dynamics this fact presents, but what impresses us most are the actors themselves and not the story in which they participate. Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia make this film worth watching, along with a fabulous performance by Tina Majorino as their older daughter Jessica. R for language.
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (2006) (PG-13) 84 minutes * * Remake of the 1979 suspense film about a babysitter who discovers the harrassing phone calls she's receiving are coming from inside the house. Relies heavily on the acting ability of the star, and Camilla Belle does a respectable job, with some assistance from the soundtrack by James Dooley. Too many cheap noise scares early on, but at least this is a little shorter than the original. That helps. PG-13 for violence and language.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (R) 92 minutes * * * * Relationships are very interesting things. You can never quite predict just when they will begin, or with whom. They may start at times that aren't convenient, or in spite of an already existing relationship. You also can't always tell just how serious they might be in the future. Harry and Sally discover these truths and many more as they bring an extremely well-written script to life. Nora Ephron's script is full of wit and wisdom and Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan perform it to perfection. Sure to be a favorite for many who watch it, this is a classic piece from director Rob Reiner. R for language.
WHERE THE HEART IS (PG-13) 111 minutes * * * Abandoned by her boyfriend while stopping at a Wal-Mart, young and pregnant Novalee Nation (Natalie Portman) finds herself spending the night in the store. It's good to have a roof over her head, but the good things that happen to Novalee seem like tiny drops in an ocean of misfortune. At some point she has to move on though, and let go of what's gone. Portman leads a great cast that includes Ashley Judd, Stockard Channing, Joan Cusack, and Sally Field. The story weaves its way around our hearts as it moves along, but it's Portman's skill as an actress that gives it the strength it needs to stay with us. PG-13 for language.
WHERE THE MONEY IS (PG-13) 84 minutes * * 1/2 Henry Manning (Paul Newman) is a bank robber who has had a severe stroke, making it necessary to move him to a special care facility. As Carol (Linda Fiorentino) is taking care of him, she begins to suspect that things aren't what they seem. What will she do with that information? Newman, Fiorentino, and Dermot Mulroney work fairly well together, but what hurts this is the sketchy story. The laid-back style is effective, but we're left wanting more than the one-note script can deliver. Filmed in Montreal. PG-13 for language and sexuality.
WHERE THE RIVERS FLOW NORTH (NR) 100 minutes * * 1/2 Howard Frank Mosher's novel about a man who will not sell his land for the building of a dam in Vermont makes it to the screen. It's an uneven production with an interesting story, but weak performances by many of the cast and dialogue that cheapens the effect created by the music and photography.
WHERE THE TRUTH LIES (NR) 102 minutes * * Lanny Morris (Kevin Bacon) and Vince Collins (Colin Firth) were a successful entertaining team whose partnership was shattered by the discovery of the body of a young girl in their hotel room. The mystery wasn't solved at the time, but a young journalist is about to uncover the truth. As with most Atom Egoyan films, there's quite a bit of emphasis on sex, though it definitely pertains to the story. Both Colin Firth and Alison Lohman seem unsure of their characters in more than one scene, and Egoyan seems unable to direct them with much success. It makes the film move far too slowly to keep us in suspense, and by the time the mystery is solved, we aren;t really all that interested.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (PG) 99 minutes * * * A wonderful romantic comedy of errors with Sandra Bullock delivering a fabulous performance as Lucy, a dreamer who has fallen in love with a man she sees every day but has never talked to. The strong supporting cast give this film the extra boost it needs and make this a thoroughly enjoyable film. Bullock's quiet and refined charm are refreshing to watch and make this a film not to miss. Pg for language.
WHIPPED (R) 76 minutes * The only eral reason to give this film a look is to see Amanda Peet in action. Not that the role gives her much to work with, but watching her play three guys who think they know all about women and relationships does give us a few minutes of entertainment. The moral of the story is, of course, that you can't outsmart a woman. It's an old story that is given a cursory treatment and a small budget... and it shows. Filmed in and around New York City. R for language and sex.
WHISPERS IN THE DARK (R) 97 minutes * 1/2 Psychiatric thriller with Annabella Sciorra dealing ineffectively with a strange patient. Sciorra does a nice job, but there are no surprises here and the direction is too weak to give her the help she needs to be more effective.
WHITE CHICKS (PG-13) 103 minutes * * Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans play FBI agents who go undercover as rich white girls in order to capture the bad guys. Surprisingly, this isn't quite as bad as it sounds. There aren't any real surprises as far as the story goes, but Shawn and Marlon make it fun to watch as they keep getting themselves in hot water with their disguises. PG-13 for language.
THE WHITE COUNTESS (PG-13) 128 minutes * * * 1930s Shanghai, beautiful, mysterious, and on the verge of war. Todd Jackson (Ralph Fiennes), is a blind American diplomat who opens a nightclub featuring Sofia (Natasha Richardson), a fallen Russian aristocrat. Their relationship in the midst of the changes in Shaghai is the focus of this Merchant/Ivory production. Fiennes and Richardson both do great work here, though the film gets caught in its own style at times and the pace of the story falters. PG-13 for violence.
WHITE FANG (PG) 105 minutes * * * Jack (Ethan Hawke) befriends Alex (Klaus Maria Brandauer) who helps him get to his father's claim to gold in the wilderness of Alaska. A unique bond is also formed between Jack and a wolf/dog that goes by the name of White Fang. It's a continuation of Jack London's classic, "The Call of the Wild", set in the wild beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Some of the special effects here are too obvious and remind us that we are only watching a movie. Still, it's a good story, and one that is told well. A classic story of the bonds that exist between animals and nature, and that can sometimes exist between humans and animals. Filmed in Alaska. PG for violence.
WHITE FANG 2: MYTH OF THE WHITE WOLF (PG) 102 minutes * * 1/2 Continuation of the first story that has a new young prospector working the old mine and helping an Indian tribe search for caribou. Typical Disney nature film with plenty of beautiful scenery, stock characters, and a nice ending.
WHITE LIGHT BLACK RAIN (NR) 82 minutes * * * Powerful documentary about the after-effects of the bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Includes interviews with survivors as well as with people who worked on the bombs and who were in the planes. It's a piece of history that those who lived hope the rest of us will never forget.
WHITE MAN'S BURDEN (R) 85 minutes * The idea here is that it is the black who have the wealth and power, and the white who are struggling for recognition. John Travolta and Harry Belafonte do what they can, but the script stereotypes people too much and gives us a shallow portrait of a mirror-world. Without the talents of Travolta and Belafonte, this would be pure trash.
WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP (R) 111 minutes * * * Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) has a hard time holding on to money. Then he meets Sidney (Wesley Snipes). Sidney is a scam artist. They set up a deal that involves their skills on the basketball courts and they're on their way. There is plenty of action both on the courts and off, with the neighborhood banter running thick and foul. Harrelson and Snipes work well together and make the film interesting as we follow this unique partnership and the troubles that these two get themselves into. R for language and sex.
WHITE NOISE (PG-13) 94 minutes * * 1/2 When Jonathan Rivers' (Michael Keaton) wife goes missing, he's contacted by a man who says he's received a message from her... from the "other side". Jonathan is soon obsessed with EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena), but the messages aren't just coming from those who are dead. Keaton does a nice job here, and there are a number of spooky effects that generate a good share of goose bumps. Unfortunately, the climatic moments of the film are a nonsensical blur of images that leave us confused and a little disappointed. PG-13 for violence and language.
WHITE NOISE 2: THE LIGHT (PG-13) 90 minutes * * After a near-death experience, Abe Dale (Nathan Fillion) is able to hear and see those who have died. He can also see a white light around those who are about to die. Maybe he could save them. Maybe he shouldn't. A step down from the first film, but not a bad little sequel, with sincere performances and reasonably good special effects. The ending is definitely weak, but until then, it isn't too bad. PG-13 for violence and language.
WHITE OLEANDER (PG-13) 106 minutes * * * 1/2 When her mother is arrested for killing her boyfriend, Astrid (Alison Lohman) ends up in the foster care system. Filled with the hatred she's learned from her mother, it takes Astrid awhile before she realizes the effect its having. The film unfolds slowly, taking its time to impress upon us that her mother's "loving" concern is manipulative and filled with hate. We are slowly led into Astrid's life and into an understanding of her struggle. Lohman does an amazing job, holding her own quite well with Michelle Pfeiffer, Robin Wright Penn, and Renee Zellweger. Adapted from Janet Fitch's novel, this is a powerful character study that will stay with you for some time. PG-13 for language and violence.
WHITE PALACE (R) 99 minutes * 1/2 This could also be called, "Mr. young and ultimately practical meets Ms. wild and sexually adventurous". She's the first woman to really cause him to open his eyes since the death of his wife two years earlier. He makes her think as well. Love can make you do strange things, but the problem is that we never really believe this is love. Especially not with the cheap, sentimental ending we're given. A realistic look at two people who wouldn't let go of the past would have made this a far more effective film and taken advantage of two fine performers instead of wasting thier talents. Susan Sarandon and James Spader deserve better.
WHITE SANDS (R) 96 minutes * * * Ray Dolezal (Willem Dafoe) is a sheriff's deputy in New Mexico who stumbles across a murder victim. But when the FBI, and the CIA get involved, and more bodies start turning up, Ray knows he has something pretty big going on. It's a well-told story that leaves no loose ends. The white sands of New Mexico provide a backdrop against which only honesty can stand and survive. Full of plot twists, action, and solid performances, this is bound to keep your attention all the way to the end. R for violence, language, and nudity.
WHITE SQUALL (PG-13) 125 minutes * * * It's 1960 in Mystic, Connecticut and this school takes place at sea under the direction of a captain who can be rather harsh. Some of the students are there for discipline, others for escape, but they must learn to function as one and obey their captain. Director Ridley Scott still gives us a dark picture, as is his style, but it's not in the scenery, it's the darkness of the characters. They are strong characters that will draw you in and let you feel the squalls that lie beneath their surface. PG-13 for language and violence.
WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (PG) 96 minutes * * * Interesting premise to this film with a mixture of live action and animation. Set in 1947, it's a time when cartoons are at their peak. They are living creatures who are almost immortal. Roger Rabbit is the prime suspect in a murder case, though his brash manner makes you wonder why he wasn't the victim. Bob Hoskins does a nice job here as the detective investigating the case, but the animation has some difficulties and Roger's character is just a little too irritating to make us care if he's guilty.
THE WHOLE NINE YARDS (R) 94 minutes * * 1/2 Oz (Matthew Perry) has just met his new next door neighbor, a hit man by the name of Jimmy Tudeski (Bruce Willis). Has he been hired by Oz's wife to kill him? Maybe he should turn Jimmy in to the mob... maybe he should hire Jimmy to kill his wife... maybe he should run away... it's a fun mix of action and comedy, with Willis doing a nice job with tongue-in-cheek humor while Perry does the prat-falls. Definitely corny at times, but the cast makes it work. Rosanna Arquette, Michael Clarke Duncan, Natasha Henstridge, and Amanda Peet are also featured. R for language, nudity, and violence.
THE WHOLE TEN YARDS (PG-13) 93 minutes 1/2 Lazlo is out of jail and coming after Jimmy again. He kidnaps Cynthia to find out where Jimmy is and that manages to drag Oz into the picture as well. There are a few moments here and there, but Bruce Willis's portrayal of Jimmy is too hateful this time and this sequel ends up not being nearly as fun as the the whole nine yards before it were. Filmed in Los Angeles and rated PG-13 for language, violence, and nudity.
WHO'S HARRY CRUMB? (PG-13) 86 minutes 1/2 And of course, the obvious response is... who cares? John Candy cannot carry a film by himself, and the jokes start falling flat after about five minutes. Filmed in Canada.
WHO'S THAT GIRL? (PG) 90 minutes * * 1/2 All he was supposed to do was give her a ride to the bus station to make sure she left town. Now Louden (Griffin Dunne) is trying to find out who really committed the murder Nicole (Madonna) was framed for. Fun and energetic film with lots of little subplots going on, and a vivacious and cute performance from Madonna. In the end, it's still mostly fluff, but it's more entertaining than some.
WHO'S THE MAN (R) 81 minutes * 1/2 Plenty of rap/hip-hop musicians make their cameo appearances here, but that's the only thing that makes this film interesting. It's the same old story about the rich taking over a neighborhood until the locals bond together to save it.
WHO'S YOUR CADDY? (PG-13) 83 minutes * All C-Note (Big Boi) wants os a membership at an exclusive golf club. All Cummings (Jeffrey Jones) wants is to make sure that doesn't happen. Plenty of stereotypes and cheap humor with a few sentimental bits mixed in as well. PG-13 for language and nudity.
WHY DID I GET MARRIED? (PG-13) 113 minutes * * Four couples with a tradition of taking a week-long vacation each year and asking each other the question, "Why did I get married?". The idea is to strengthen their marriage. But there appears to be a problem, and it's not with the couple who are obviously having trouble. Unfortunately, we could tell that pretty quickly and the film takes far too long to get there and even longer to work the situation out. Well-acted, but poorly paced. PG-13 for language.
WHY ME? (R) 84 minutes * * A comic jewelry heist film with Gus (Christopher Lambert) and his crazy sidekick Bruno (Christopher Lloyd), being chased around Los Angeles by everyone imaginable after they steal a sacred ruby. This is adapted from a book by Donald Westlake, which is why the story is good and the performances are good too, though seeing Lambert in a comic role isn't what you'd expect. R for language.
THE WICKER MAN (2006) (PG-13) 97 minutes * * 1/2 Remake of the 1973 film about a policeman who travels to a remote island to investigate the appearance of a girl and finds the residents taking part in some rather strange rituals. The more he uncovers, the more strange it all becomes. Nicolas Cage plays this fairly well, though he does go a bit over the top at times. Angelo Badalamenti's music sets the mood quite well, but the earlier film still has the edge. PG-13 for language and violence.
WICKER PARK (PG-13) 110 minutes * * American remake of the French film L'Appartement with Josh Hartnett as a young investment banker who becomes obsessed with a woman he sees in a restaurant, believing her to be someone he already loved and thought lost. He is not the only one obsessed and in love, and an intertwined triangle quickly takes shape. The flashbacks don't help the pacing of this film and make it somewhat confusing until later in the film as the pace picks up and the characters spin out of control or into true love. There are ways in which we want things to work out well for Hartnett's character, but then again, he is dumping his new fiancee for the possibility to try and rekindle an old relationship. PG-13 for sex and language.
WIDOW'S PEAK (PG) 95 minutes * * * The widows that live on "the peak" are a rather strange lot, especially Catherine (Mia Farrow). Young widow Edwina (Natasha Richardson) just doens't fit into the picture... or does she? This is a charming and interesting film with an emphasis on characters, though the ending does have a nice twist. A nice change of pace for those who enjoy an artistic flavor to their entertainment. PG for language.
THE WILD (G) 76 minutes 1/2 This definitely ranks as one of the worst Disney cartoons ever, soundly outclassed by the very similar "Madagascar". Not only is the animation rather poor, but the characters are far from appealing. There's an annoying koala bear, a not-too-bright snake, a squirrel with a crush on a giraffe... did someone forget that we need to be able to like the characters, or find a reason for our children to like them? The vocal talents of Kiefer Sutherland, Jim Belushi, Patrick Warburton, and William Shatner are the only redeeming bits here. G for your kids, who will enjoy "Madagascar" much more than this.
WILD AMERICA (PG) 101 minutes * 1/2 True story (basically) of how Marty, Mark, and Marshall Stouffer got started on their quest to film wildlife in America. Considering how well-known their show was, it's a real surprise that so many of the shots of human/wildlife interaction shots here are done with badly stuffed animals. It looks pathetically fake and really detracts from the effect of the film. The scenery is nice, but that's about it. Filmed in Savannah, Georgia and Alberta, Canada. PG for violence and language.
WILD AT HEART (R) 121 minutes * * 1/2 Highly stylized film about an ex-con and his girlfriend head across country pursued by her mom and a hitman. Very much a David Lynch film as far as Photography, colors, editing, and the somewhat grotesque. Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern do nice work hereand there are some great characters. The second half of the film is uneven though, and it really hurts the overall effect.
WILD BILL (R) 92 minutes * * Unflattering portrait of Wild Bill Hickock, played by Jeff Bridges, as we follow him through a number of life episodes. The presentation has a disjointed feeling, and we feel more like we're looking at a few pcitures instead of a complete story. Especially considering that this is directed and written by Walter Hill, it has the distinct feeling of a picture that was thrown together far too quickly, giving us only a glimpse of the film it might have been.
WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN (G) 85 minutes * * 1/2 True-life story of a depression-era girl and her dreams of stardom. Standard Disney fare that gives us a well-told story and solid acting, but it has that familiar feel that keeps us from really getting involved. By the way, no horses actually had to do any high dives for the film.
WILD HOGS (PG-13) 94 minutes * * Four buddies decide to go on a cross-country motorcycle trip. Of course, for these guys, nothing seems to go quite like its supposed to. And then they manage to run into a real motorcycle gang... It's a fun and lighthearted look at male friendship with William H. Macy (the most entertaining of the group), Martin Lawrence, Tim Allen, and John Travolta. Keep an eye out for that surprise cameo from someone who just had to be in this because it's a "biker movie"! PG-13 for language and violence.
WILD ORCHID (R) 100 minutes * * Director Zalman King gives us a sexy, but somewhat empty and unoriginal film. Mickey Rourke and Jacqueline Bisset star, and they both have the right look, but the script lets them down. King is a visual director and doesn't deal all that well with dialogue, so we come away feeling unsure of what the story was and why we kept watching though the images are well-done.
WILD ORCHID II: TWO SHADES OF BLUE (R) 103 minutes * * Nina Siemaszko does a nice job here as Blue, a girl who adapts herself to the role she finds herself in. It's a rather different love story and is a bit uneven, but still interesting. It's also not as "steamy" as advertised though the unrated version does as in a few extra (and rather useless) scenes. Nice soundtrack too!
WILD THINGS (R) 99 minutes * * * Sean Lombardo (Matt Dillon) finds himself in a fix after being accused by a student of rape. But there's more than meets the eye with this teacher. Do he and Kelly (Denise Richards) have a plan behind this? Are they really conspiring with Susie (Neve Campbell)? Will Detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) be able to put all the pieces together? The story manages to keep us interested as it twists and turns its way through rape, murder, and more, all the way to the end. (Be sure to watch well into the credits to get all the answers!) Filmed in south Florida. R for sex, violence, and language.
WILD THINGS 2 (R) 90 minutes * 1/2 More conniving and opportunistic people trying to out manuever each other in the pursuit of a $70 million inheritance. If you saw the first one, you've already seen this one, only with better actors. As with the first, there are scenes in the credits that explain the parts you missed and continue the story a bit. R for sex, language, and violence.
WILD THINGS: DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH (R) 82 minutes * Third in the series features more of the same... only the films keep getting shorter. Written by the same team who wrote part two. A bit less violent and a bit more skin than the second one, but otherwise no surprises. R for sex, language, and violence.
THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE (PG) 77 minutes * * Young Eliza, voiced by Lacey Chabert, is responsible for a cheetah cub that ends up getting snatched by poachers. Now she must find a way to put things right. The Wild Thornberrys isn't exactly a cartoon for small children, as there is a good deal of humor present that is more appropriate for teenagers, but the story is harmless enough. In fact, though Eliza is the focus of the story, it's her older sister Debbie's sardonic wit that will keep the parents and older siblings in the audience more entertained. PG, and rightly so, for violence.
WILD WILD WEST (PG-13) 99 minutes * Crammed with special effects to try and impress us, but with little in the way of story to keep us interested. In fact, despite the obvious cost involved with the effects, this has the look and feel of a very low-budget production. As with many comedies of the 90's, this is laden with in-jokes referring to other contemporary films. It would appear that what began as a great idea (bringing a fun old, often over-looked TV series to the big screen) went awry with the same problem that plagues so many films... a lousy script. PG-13 for language and violence.
WILLARD (PG-13) 96 minutes * 1/2 Remake of the 1971 classic with Crispin Glover starring as the friendless Willard Stiles. Does a great job of capturing the right "look" but that's about it. There wasn't really that much substance to the original either, but this struggles with too many slow spots that just kill the pace. It's too bad because Glover really does do a nice job in all but one scene. Be sure to stick around through the end to hear him sing "Ben". PG-13 for violence.
WILLOW (PG) 120 minutes * * * This is the story of a baby princess who is to grow up and conquer the wicked queen who now rules the kingdom. The story is far from original, but still manages to be entertaining. Thanks is due in large part to Warwick Davis, who does an outstanding job as Willow, and to Val Kilmer, who is fun to watch as he portrays the swordsman Madmartigan. The soundtrack by James Horner does a perfect job in setting the atmosphere, at times fierce and dramatic, and at other moments quiet and gentle... a true masterpiece. All in all, a nice fantasy film from director Ron Howard with a story co-written by George Lucas and Bob Dolman.
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (G) 98 minutes * * * A fun fantasy trip through a chocolate factory with Gene Wilder and friends. The sets are a real treat to see and the story, from Roald Dahl's classic children's book, has long been a favorite for many people. There are a couple of scenes that may frighten the littlest viewers for a couple of minutes, but not any more than most children's films have.
WIMBLEDON (PG-13) 93 minutes * * * Peter (Paul Bettany) thought his tennis days were over. One last chance to play at Wimbledon and then it was off to teach tennis at a resort. But when he meets Lizzie (Kirsten Dunst), his game begins to improve. Lizzie's father isn't so excited though. He feels that Lizzie's game will get worse if she's involved with anyone. Is winning the game worth losing the love? Or is it possible to have both? It's a nice story, well-told, and well acted by Bettany. PG-13 for language and sex.
WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON (PG-13) 91 minutes * * 1/2 Tad's image has grown a bit tarnished of late. In an effort to help it along, it's decided that Tad should offr some lucky winner an evening out on the town and raising money for charity at the same time. It's a cute film with a nice ending, covering familiar territory, but pleasant enough to watch. The moral is that there's a "Tad Hamilton" out there for each of us if we'll only keep our eyes and hearts open. If you like your entertainment on the light side, this isn't a bad choice. PG-13 for language.
WIND (PG-13) 121 minutes * * 1/2 The running of the America's Cup provides the background for this film, but it's not just a film about sailing or racing. It's about giving your all to achieve a dream. Matthew Modine's performance is lackluster to say the least. In a film whose story is about committing yourself completely to be able to achieve a lifelong dream, Modine performs like this is a part-time job he decided to take on to earn a little spare cash. The other problem here is that there just isn't enough character development. The scenery is nice and sailing enthusiasts might enjoy it, but it's a little to narrow in focus to be of much interest to others. PG-13 for language and nudity.
WIND CHILL (R) 87 minutes * 1/2 Another of the "what happens when you stray off the main road" horror films. This does have a little more of a thoughtful ending than most in this sub-genre, which helps us feel a little more sympathetic with the main character, and a little more connected to the story. R for violence.
THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY (NR) 125 minutes * * 1/2 The Irish war for independence is the setting for a story of brothers who find themselves on opposite sides. The longer the struggle continues, the more they find their views moving apart. Well-performed by the whole cast, though we find ourselves feeling like we don't really know anyone except Damien (Cillian Murphy) and Teddy (Padraic Delaney). The strength of the story definitely keeps us interested, but stronger and more complete character development of the supporting cast would have strengthened the film.
WINDTALKERS (R) 130 minutes * * * Joe Enders (Nicholas Cage) has a new assignment. His job is to protect the code-talker. Ben Yahzee (Adam Beach) is a young Navaho man who knows the new code, based on the Navaho language, that the military is now using. If any of the code-talkers fall into enemy hands, the code will be compromised. Definitely a graphic war film, this doesn't flinch at showing us how violent war can be. At the same time, it isn't exaggerated, it's just always there. The story does a nice job of showing several different aspects of the war on a larger scope while involving us on a more intimate level with Enders' story. He's just trying to be a good Marine and follow orders, but that becomes more difficult when emotions get involved, and as hard as he tries, that still manages to happen. Nice supporting performances from the rest of the cast and a strong soundtrack from James Horner. R for violence and language.
WING COMMANDER (PG-13) 95 minutes * * 1/2 We're at war with the Kilrathi and they may have acquired the technology that will let them make a jump through space and attack the earth before defenses can be put in place. If you're familiar with the game that inspired this, you may be a bit disappointed with the differences. The film does have heart though, and there's an energy to the acting and story that remind me of some of the better small science fiction films of the 80's. It's nothing that will amaze of astound you with its special effects, but it's fun, and sometimes that's enough. PG-13 for violence.
WINGS OF THE DOVE (R) 98 minutes * * * It's 1910 in London, and Kate (Helena Bonham Carter) has been trying to find a way to get ahead in life. Caught in the web that goal can create, she also finds herself caught in a triangular relationship with Merton and Millie (Alison Elliott). It's a story of manipulation, trust, and love, and the unexpected effect they have on this young woman. A tragic story, that has but one way to end. A bit labored in spots, though that isn't unusual with the source material coming from Henry James. This manages to make for a better film than many of his other novels though. R for sex.
WINTER OF FROZEN DREAMS (R) 87 minutes * * 1/2 Barbara Hoffman (Thora Birch) was a successful student at a midwestern university when she decided to drop out and start working at a massage parlor. Did she kill Harry Berge (Dan Moran)? Or what about Jerry Davies (Brendan Sexton III)? Was she set up? Hoffman is truly a puzzle, and Birch does do a nice job of showing that aspect. We want to understand her, but she does nothing to help. There seems to be little that motivates her except money, but even that motivation doesn't seem particularly strong. Kenneth Lampl's soundtrack is very good, with modds that are often lyrical, but at times moving to a sound that is more mysterious and sinister. R for language and sex.
WINTER PASSING (R) 94 minutes * * * Introspective piece about the daughter of writers, who is given the chance to sell the love letters of her mother. But as she decides what she well do, she discovers much more about her own past, and what that means to herself and to others. Zooey Deschanel does an excellent job as the moody and sometimes cynical Reese, supported nicely by both Ed Harris and Amelia Warner. Will Farrell is somewhat miscast here. He manages to do a fair job, though he resorts to comic bits at times that just don't fit that well. Nice work from first-time director Adam Rapp. R for language and sex.
WINTER SOLSTICE (R) 86 minutes * * Struggling with the recent loss of his wife, Jim Winters (Anthony LaPaglia) also finds his two sons beginning to pull away from him as well. This rather slow-moving slice-of-life film takes us through much of this rough time for a man and his two sons, as they cope with their loss and begin to move on with their lives. Aaron Stanford and Mark Webber play the sons quite well, but LaPaglia seems a bit lost at times. Perhaps that's part of his character, but since that isn't clear, it weakens the film rather than strengthening it. R for language.
WISHMASTER (R) 84 minutes * 1/2 Released from his prison inside a fire opal, the Djinn is now free. He can grant wishes to anyone, though they are twisted to his own ends. The third wish of the one who set him free will release the Djinn's minions. Lots of cheap noise scares and great special effects. Our leading lady is styled after Linda Hamilton, but has none of her acting skills. A very corny ending caps off a weak horror film, rated R for violence and language.
THE WITCHES (PG) 88 minutes * * An imaginative tale of a boy and his grandmother doing battle with a group of witches who are plotting to kill all the children in England. The mix of puppetry and live action is fairly good and the story is entertaining, but it just never really seems to have what it needs to bring it above mediocrity. Anjelica Huston plays the Grand High Witch in this adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel. PG for violence.
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK (R) 113 minutes * 1/2 Three women of differing backgrounds live in the small New England town of Eastwick. They have been friends for years. Only one of them even suspects that there is anything supernatural in their friendship. However, they will soon realize not only that they have a unique power, but that with power comes much responsibility. It sounds like a good story, and John Updike's novel that this is adapted from was well received. What we have on screen is a strange mix of drama, comedy, and horror that is a rather muddled mess. Crass and vulgar at times, this manages to waste the talents of a great cast. (Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer)
WITH HONORS (PG-13) 96 minutes * * * The story of four college roommates during their last semester at Harvard. Their lives begin a dramatic transformation when they get to know Simon B. Wilder (Joe Pesci), who goes through his own transformation as he begins to open up and truly care about these four college students. Memorable and well-written, the film also features Brendan Fraser, Moira Kelly, and Patrick Dempsey. PG-13 for language.
WITHOUT A PADDLE (PG-13) 94 minutes * * Three friends reunited at the funeral of their buddy and decide to go find the treasure they'd dreamed of as children. Of course, things don't go quite as planned and the real treasure they discover is their freindship and life itself. Yawn... Seth Green and Matthew Lillard appear to be having fun with this, but aside from a few scenes, there just isn't much here to keep our interest. The mixture of humor and sentimentality is handled poorly. PG-13 for language and violence.
WITLESS PROTECTION (PG-13) 92 minutes * 1/2 Larry the Cable Guy is a small-town sheriff who stumbles onto a crime that involves a witness who needs protecting. It's pretty much what you'd expect if you're familiar with Larry's style of comedy. PG-13 for language.
THE WIZARD (PG) 96 minutes * * It's a feature-length ad for Nintendo! Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, and Jenny Lewis travel across the country playing video games while being pursued by a host of relatives and other adults. The younger performers fare better than the older ones, but the story (what there is of it) just never manages to be all that interesting. PG for language.
WOLF (R) 121 minutes * * 1/2 This attempt to make a more artistic horror film is not all that successful. The last 30 minutes are very impressive, but for the major part of the film the balance is always off a few beats between the music, the story, the acting... making the film feel rather awkward until the end. Part of the problem is simply that this is a horror film made by people who don't normally work in the genre. Director Mike Nichols and a cast that includes Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader, and Kate Nelligan, with music by Ennio Morricone... they all try their best, with minimal success.
WOLF CREEK (R) 95 minutes 1/2 Three young people go hiking at Wolf Creek. When they are ready to leave, they find their car's battery is dead. The man who stops to help seems nice enough, but appearances can be deceiving. They could have saved a few dollars on this REALLY low budget film by cutting out 15 minutes from the first half hour. Maybe that would have allowed them to get a script rewrite, working the interesting idea that is mentioned as the film ends into the rest of the story where it would have been more effective and suspenseful. Filmed in South Australia. R for violence and language.
WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED (R) 92 minutes * * Michelle (Kimberly Elise) was raised for the most part by her grandmother, and sexually abused by her mother's boyfriend as a child. She's in jail now, but she's also finding a freedom she's never known before. Not nearly as powerful as it might have been due to the way the film is edited. There are too many flashbacks to different times in Michelle's life, and the film is also interspersed with "interviews" with the characters and sermon clips from Bishop T.D. Jakes. It's not bad material, by any stretch, just edited in a way that undercuts the story. R for language and violence.
THE WOMEN (PG-13) 108 minutes * * * Remake of the 1939 classic that was adapted from the play by Clare Boothe Luce. It's wonderful to see so many talented actresses all in the same film, though special kudos go to Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Cloris Leachman, and Candice Bergen. The story centers around Mary (Ryan) who discovers that her husband is seeing someone else. After the surprise wears off, she finds that there are plenty of friends who will not only support her, but help her deal with the situation. PG-13 for language.
WONDER BOYS (R) 105 minutes * * One might hope that a film about writers would be written a little better than this one is. Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is an English professor who has two exceptional students this term. Hannah (Katie Holmes) rents a room in his home, and James (Tobey Maguire) sleeps at the bus station. Grady's marraige has fallen apart, he's having an affair with the head of the department, and he can't finish the book he started several years ago. The story wanders around too much though and we soon stop caring. Douglas does a fine job, but the script and direction leave his character with too many things to focus on. Robert Downey Jr.'s supporting role as his literary agent is the most clearly defined role and deserves mention, but little else is of note here. R for language.
WONDER WOMAN (PG-13) 70 minutes * *
The origin of Wonder Woman, including her battle with Ares, who was being held captive by the Amazons after his defeat, but is released by another of the gods. The mediocre animation is offset somewhat by an excellent voice cast that includes Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Rosario Dawson, Virginia Madsen, Alfred Molina, and Oliver Platt. PG-13 for violence.
A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS (PG) 75 minutes * *
The Rivera family always seems to have something going on. At the moment, dad is having trouble at work, mom is about to have another baby, Josie just HAS to have that Star Wonder doll, and her little brother is being a pest as usual. Harmless holiday entertainment, but far from memorable. PG for language.
THE WOOD (R) 100 minutes * * *
Roland (Taye Diggs) is about to get married and finds that he's getting cold feet. It will take quite a bit of persuading from his best friends Mike (Omar Epps) and Slim (Richard T. Jones) to get him convinced that he should go through with it. Filled with flashbacks to their high school years in the 1980's, the film gives us a picture rich with feeling and character. Though some may call this a "Waiting to Exhale" for men, I think this is the stronger film. Exhale had little to interest men and seemed to wander a bit long, whereas Wood is a tighter production that had the women in the audience laughing and commenting just as much as the men. Jones comes off the best of the three, but Epps and Diggs do quality work as well, making the ensemble believable and memorable. R for language and sex.
THE WOODSMAN (R) 84 minutes * * *
Walter (Kevin Bacon) is trying to get his life back in order after twelve years in prison. His past is haunting him though. Not only is he once again subject to the temptations that led him to be convicted as a sex offender, but he's being hounded by the police and people at work as well. Bacon does a wonderful job with a very sensitive portrayal of a man who is trying his best to rebuild his life, understanding that it can only happen one day at a time. Nice supporting performances from Kyra Sedgwick, Mos Def, and Benjamin Bratt. Director Nicole Kassell co-scripted with playwright Steven Fechter. R for language and subject matter.
WORDPLAY (PG) 83 minutes * * *
Will Shortz has always loved puzzles. It turned into a career and a job at the New York Times and the creation of an annual crossword convention. The film does a wonderful job of not only covering the history of crossword puzzles and their creation, but also celebrity interest and the convention and it's competition. Includes interviews with Bill Clinton, Jon Stewart, the Indigo Girls, Ken Burns, and Mike Mussina. PG for language.
WORKING GIRL (R) 111 minutes * * 1/2
Tess (Melanie Griffith) is a hard worker. Earning her degree by going to night school, she is not the typically hard-nosed and insensitive person who steps on people on their own way to the top. Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver have wonderful supporting roles, and it's fun to watch Griffith in a role that mirrored her own career to an extent. this is a great example of how an often used storyline can be played again and still work rather well. R for language and sex.
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH (PG-13) 120 minutes * * 1/2
The villains just aren't tough enough here. Pierce Brosnan does a nice job and there are the usual number of in-jokes for James Bond fans, but the double-crosses just aren't convincing. Denise Richards scant acting ability is too noticeable here when she's up against people like Brosnan, Sophie Marceau, Judi Dench, and the rest. The move here seems to be toward a newer version of Bond and it just doesn't work. Either bring the old Bond back or step all the way into the present. Quit rehashing old ideas and give us something new. PG-13 for violence and language.
WORLD TRADE CENTER (PG-13) 120 minutes * * *
Sensitive and thoughtful retelling of the events of September 11, 2001, focusing on one small crew of police who respond to the first call. We follow them to the site and stay with them as the day goes from bad to worse. This is clearly the best film Oliver Stone has directed since "Heaven & Earth". Leaving his usual heavy-handed style, Stone carefully and quietly lets the story unfold, often allowing the camera, rather than the dialogue, to once again tell us the story. It makes for a powerful film. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN (PG-13) * * *
Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) loved speed. He longed to build a motorcycle that would go over 200 miles per hour. So he took an old Indian motorcycle, and began to work. Hopkins once again delivers a performance that is both eccentric and endearing, showing us a man who was dedicated, unique, skilled, lucky, and charming. There are moments when the story does seem to stray a bit. Hopkins makes even these moments a pleasure to watch, but they do weaken the story a little. Based on the life of Munro, who travelled from New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to break the land speed record. PG-13 for language.
WORTH WINNING (PG-13) 104 minutes * * *
Taylor Worth (Mark Harmon) makes a bet that he can be engaged to three women at the same time. Things start to unravel as the paths of the women begin to cross. Will he be able to come clean and make a committment to the one he really loves? There's some rather sloppy editing in a few spots, but Harmon does a nice job here. And Madeleine Stowe, Lesley Ann Warren, and Maria Holvoe seem to have had some fun playing these parts. It shows, in a job well done. R for language and sex.
THE WRESTLER (R) 106 minutes * * * 1/2
Portrait of a man in decline. Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a successful professional wrestler at one point. His body is showing signs of the wear and tear he has put it through, but there is only one thing he knows how to do. The fact that continuing to do it may kill him doesn't matter to Randy... it's where he belongs. Bravura performance by Rourke of a tragic character. Rourke won a number of awards for his performance, though the Oscar slipped away. Great supporting work by Marisa Tomei as well. R for violence, sex, and language.
WRESTLING ERNEST HEMINGWAY (PG-13) 122 minutes * * * 1/2
Wonderful character study of two men, one (Richard Harris) is an old
Irish sea captain, and the other (Robert DeNiro) a retired Cuban barber.
Their friendship evolves despite their extreme differences and draws us
into a heartwarming story, complete with the rough edges that befit such
characters. Shirley MacLaine and Sandra Bullock are also featured, but
this is the story of two "grumpy old men" that has chosen to take the
more serious approach, and has fared better for having made that choice.
WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY (R) 85 minutes * * * 1/2
A refreshingly unusual story, to say the least. Adapted from Etgar Keret's novella, "Kneller's Happy Campers", we follow Zia (Patrick Fugit) as he leaves this world and finds himself in another. A world where everyone seems to have committed suicide. He finds new friends, but is still haunted by the memory of his girlfriend, especially when he finds out that she killed herself just a month after he did. Eugene (Shea Whigham) and Mikal (Shannyn Sossamon) help Zia, but they have their own afterlives to deal with. Can Zia find happiness? And what will that mean? Offbeat, comical, and romantic, it's a film that you will definitely find hard to forget. R for language and violence.
WRONG TURN (R) 78 minutes *
The moral of the story is, don't get lost in the woods in West Virginia or you're liable to run into some nasty inbred mountain folk who just might eat you! Aside from the fact that this is a blatent rip-off of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" with far less creative use of props and a far less interesting backwoods family, it's nice to have Eliza Dushku here. She adds some strength to the role of the victim, not content to be the helpless female who screams and dies. Still, it's barely worth a look. R for violence and language.
WRONGFULLY ACCUSED (PG-13) 1/2
Primarily a parody of "The Fugitive", Leslie Nielsen checks in with another of his
standard performances. What's really bad is that they use jokes from other
Nielsen films and just change the film they're making fun of. Even Bill Conti's
soundtrack is wasted here. Filmed in Vancouver. PG-13 for language.
WYATT EARP (PG-13) 181 minutes * * *
Very artistic and well-made production of the story of Wyatt Earp. Does not paint
a pretty picture of our "hero", but we keep watching because the story is so intriguing.
A bit more classy than "Tombstone", which was released a few weeks before this one, but not
as much fun to watch. PG-13 for violence, language, and nudity.
THE X-FILES (PG-13) 113 minutes * * 1/2
The X-file has been closed, and Mulder and Scully are deciding what they'll be doing
with their lives when... did you really expect the file to stay closed? The
story is a bit difficult to follow, jumping to different locations and telling
bits and pieces of the puzzle before finally fitting things together into
a picture that... we've seen several times before. David Duchovny and Gillian
Anderson do good work here, but the story lets them down. Hopefully the
next film will give us a better story that's a little less confusing.
PG-13 for language and violence.
THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE (PG-13) 99 minutes * * *
The FBI wants Mulder (David Duchovny) to help out with a case. They have a priest who is claiming to have visions about a kidnap victim. Mulder agrees with one condition... Scully (Gillian Anderson) has to agree to help too. Aside from the psychic visions, there isn't really much supernatural activity here, just a straightforward serial killer mystery. It's well-told and Duchovny and Anderson are old pros who know how to play it. PG-13 for language and violence.
X-MEN (PG-13) 95 minutes * * *
The best-selling comic book series about mutants makes its debut on the big screen with this action/adventure film. Many of the favorites are here, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey... and the villains, Magneto, Mystique, and Sabretooth. Much like the comics began, we're immediately immersed in this world of the near future, full of
people with unique abilities. Many of the special effects are presented in an almost off-hand manner, but that fits with how we're supposed to accept this as normal. The story does take some liberties with what has been presented in the comics, but most film presentations do that. It's presented well, has a good story, and is acted well by the cast. Look for them to be back soon and add more characters to the mix. PG-13 for violence.
X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (PG-13) 100 minutes * * *
Recruited to serve on a special military team, Logan soon reaches his limit and turns his back on the team. His brother stays, but becomes even more violent, which the team takes advantage of until even they can't keep him in check. Logan eventually finds himself helping Stryker again, as they need to stop Victor (Liev Schreiber). Nice work from Taylor Kitsch as Remy LeBeau/Gambit, but as with most films in the series, we're always wanting to see more of the many characters we only get a quick glimpse of. Nice addition to the series, with plenty of action. PG-13 for violence and language.
X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (PG-13) 97 minutes * *
There's a bit less energy in this film than in the first two, with a story that focuses on Magneto's attempt to "acquire" a young mutant who is able to nullify the powers of mutants who are near. The humans think his genes hold the key to curing mutants of their disease. The plot goes in a few too many directions at once, killing off main characters, deepening relationships between others, introducing other mutants to the story (Beast, Angel, Juggernaut, and more), all while creating a story that is somewhat different than that of the comic book series. It's inevitable that a series of films will have a weaker link here and there. This is one of those, but it sets the stage quite nicely for another entry, so we'll wait to see what happens. PG-13 for violence and language.
X2 (PG-13) 125 minutes * * *
Nightcrawler makes a splashy debut on the big screen in the opening moments of this second X-Men film. A number of additional characters are here as well. Pyro, Iceman, Colossus, Kitty Pryde... and we even get a chance to see some of the good side of Magneto. The story doesn't rely much on part one either. All that remains now is to see if this series can have anything close to the staying power of the comic books. PG-13 fro violence and language.
XANADU (PG) 88 minutes * * *
A beautiful musical/fantasy film that has been overlooked by most.
Watching Gene Kelly is always a delight, and Olivia Newton-John sings and "glamour-shots" her way through the film better than most. Think "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever" and take a trip to "Xanadu"!
XXX (PG-13) 114 minutes * * 1/2
There's a new secret agent in town... his name is Xander Cage (Vin Diesel). The idea isn't new, to take a criminal and get them to work for the law with an offer to clear their record. Of course, what starts as a deal to work one case soon turns into a lifetime career... The stuntwork throughout the film is simply amazing! And, while there are definitely some rough edges to the film, there's an energy to the story and the performances as well. Diesel seems to enjoy himself and lets that show just enough that it carries across and helps us enjoy it as well. Asia Argento does a great job here as well. This should open up some opportunities for her as far as mainstream American film. She's already acted in and directed a number of smaller projects. There's clearly an attempt to model some of the story structure along the lines of the James Bond films, but it's done without trying to recreate Bond, just recognizing that it's a solid format. PG-13 for violence and language.
XXX: STATE OF THE UNION (PG-13) 95 minutes * *
A new XXX is on the job. Darius Stone (Ice Cube) is the new agent... a bit more of a rebel than the previous one, but the real question is whether he can handle the job. A bit more cartoonish than the first film, with silly dialogue at times and characters that are two-dimensional. On the other hand, there is some solid stuntwork and the film definitely has a sense of humor about itself which makes it fun to watch for the most part. PG-13 for violence and language.
THE YEAR MY PARENTS WENT ON VACATION (PG) 97 minutes * * *
Brazil. 1970. Mauro (Michel Joelsas) is ten years old and his parents need to go into hiding. They drop him off at his grandfather's apartment, but don't stay long enough to find out that he's just died. Mauro has nowhere to go, but his grandfather's Jewish community takes him in while he waits for his parents to return. Joelsas earned a well-deserved Young Artist Award nomination for his performance in this touching film about growing up in a country and a neighborhood where conflict and secrecy are part of everyday life. PG for language and violence.
YEAR OF THE COMET (PG-13) 86 minutes * *
Uneven piece about the daughter of a wine collector/seller who finds a million dollar bottle of wine, uncovers a murder, and discovers love, all in the same day. It's interesting and fairly original, but just never flows very well. Tim Daly and Penelope Ann Miller do fairly well, but this is certainly not aged to perfection.
YEAR OF THE DOG (PG-13) 92 minutes * * 1/2
Peggy (Molly Shannon) loves her dog. When he dies, she is devastated. At first, the idea of another pet is unthinkable, but then it becomes an obsession. Shannon does a nice job here, but the other roles in the film tend to be overplayed to try and emphasize the satire. It's too bad because the story itself has more than just satire. It's a bittersweet story of life and love through the eyes of a dog lover. PG-13 for language.
YEAR OF THE GUN (R) 107 minutes * * *
David Raybourne (Andrew McCarthy) is writing a novel. But when it falls into the hands of Italy's Red Brigade, it is taken as fact. And that could mean some trouble. John Frankenheimer's experience at directing thrillers is evident and this is a nice vehicle for the talents of McCarthy, Sharon Stone, and Valeria Golina. R for sex, language, and violence.
THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS (NR) 87 minutes * *
John Goodman stars as Santa in this TV-movie adaptation of the book by the same title. Plenty of big names here, including Delta Burke, Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, and Carol Kane, but the story rushes along too quickly to give any of them much to say or do. Santa is depressed and wanting to skip Christmas until he's convinced that someone still believes. Harmless enough, but not very memorable either. Not rated, but suitable for families.
YES MAN (PG-13) 97 minutes * * *
Finally realizing that his life needs to change, Carl (Jim Carrey) decides to attend a seminar that his friend Nick (John Michael Higgins) recommended. It changes his life. He becomes a "yes" man, taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself... with mixed results of course. It's a fun story and a humorous look at a life philosophy that really does work when used in moderation. Carrey and Zooey Deschanel do their own singing here as well. Adapted from the book by Danny Wallace. PG-13 for language and nudity.
YOU BELONG TO ME (NR) 78 minutes BOMB
Obsessive relationships is the theme here, along with unusual landlords... There are so many suspense films with obsessive stalkers as the focus, you'd be wise to pick a different one than this to watch. The bad cast is only outdone by the bad script and weak direction. Definitely one to miss.
YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN (PG-13) 110 minutes * 1/2
He's the world's best super agent, but what he really wants to do is be a hair stylist. Adam Sandler strikes again, with a film about why we all should just get along. It ends nicely, and is full of fun cameo appearances by a number of famous stars. It also runs on far too long and pushes the boundaries of racist humor more than once. PG-13 for language and sex.
YOU, ME AND DUPREE (PG-13) 104 minutes * * 1/2
Carl (Matt Dillon) is getting married, and his best friend Dupree (Owen Wilson) has lost his job and needs a place to stay for a few days. Of course, a few days, turns into weeks, and things quickly go from bad to worse. Despite his over-stayed welcome, Dupree's free-style approach to life still have a few things to teach Carl about life, love, and friendship. Kate Hudson brightens things up here, but Dillon and Wilson don't really have much to offer. It's not their fault so much as it is the tired script, reworking a very old story. PG-13 for language and nudity.
YOU GOT SERVED (PG-13) 89 minutes * 1/2
Hip hop dance challenges are the fare of the day here. There are definitely some great dance moves here, that do their best to try and make up for a paper thin story that we've heard many times before. Steve Harvey and Li'l Kim have small parts, and there's plenty of B2K music as well. PG-13 for language.
YOU KILL ME (R) 89 minutes * * *
Frank's (Ben Kingsley) work has been getting a bit sloppy lately, and it's because of his drinking problem. His boss sends him out west to sober up. Despite how difficult it is for Frank to make friends, he's more than a little gruff and rather anti-social, he begins to sort of like his AA sponsor as well as a certain young woman he meets at a funeral. But things are getting rough at home and Frank may need to go back and take care of some things... did I mention that he's a hit man? Delightful performance from Ben Kingsley that is well complimented by both Tea Leoni and Luke Wilson. Definitely a little on the offbeat side, but a fun movie with a nice, dry sense of humor. R for language and violence.
YOU MOVE YOU DIE (NR) 87 minutes * * 1/2
Mike (Ketzal Sterling) has everything but the ring. If he doesn't get it back soon, his chance to propose to his girl may be gone. Fast-paced film with a sense of humor very similar to that of "Pulp Fiction". The fight scenes are a bit fake in spots and Sterling wrote, directed, starred and directed photography for this, which is a bit much, though it does help when you're finishing shooting the film in two days. Great soundtrack! Filmed in New Zealand.
YOU SO CRAZY (NR) 83 minutes * *
Typical stand-up comedy film from Martin Lawrence, filled with foul language and sex jokes. The typical messages are here as well... end racism, stay out of jail, don't do drugs... nothing memorable. Filmed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
YOUNG AT HEART (PG) 104 minutes * * *
Documentary about the choral group, Young at Heart, consisting of senior citizens who sing arrangements of music by The Clash, The Ramones, James, Brown, Coldplay and various others. Charming, vibrant, touching, and magical look at the power of music and the joy it can bring to those who sing as well as those who hear it. A wonderful film full of music, life, smiles, and a few tears as well. PG for language.
YOUNG EINSTEIN (PG) 85 minutes 1/2 Rather weak comic effort from writer/producer/director/actor/supervising editor, Yahoo Serious. Based on the idea that Einstein not only discovered the theory of relativity, but invented rock and roll music. What must have been funny to Yahoo, wasn't that funny by the time it hit the big screen.
YOUNG GUNS (R) 106 minutes * * *
A group of delinquent young men are hired as regulators by a British immigrant. When the ranch's owner is killed and they are given special deputy status, things get out of hand rather quickly. The gunfights play well and the action is almost non-stop, but the comic bits seem strained. It isn't that they are inappropriate, just that it seems the actors were uncomfortable. It's as if they were so worried about making a quality film that they forgot to loosen up and have a little fun. The stellar cast includes, Kiefer Sutherland, Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Lou Diamond Phillips, Casey Siemaszko, Dermot Mulroney, and Jack Palance among others.
YOUNG GUNS II (PG-13) 102 minutes * * 1/2
Brushy Bill Roberts begins the film with a story that he claims to be
his own... that he is Billy the Kid, who was supposedly shot and
killed by Pat Garrett in 1881. Emilio Estevez isn't very convincing
though, at least not in his old age makeup. It's a fairly typical
sequel in that the most fun is in seeing the cast of the first film reunited. Lou
Diamond Phillips, Balthazar Getty, Kiefer Sutherland, Christian
Slater, and William Peterson are all back. The story is less than it
should be, but it is entertaining to see the "young guns" of
Hollywood tackling a western and doing a reasonably good job. PG-13
for language and violence.
THE YOUNG VISITERS, OR MR. SALTEENA'S PLAN (NR) 88 minutes * * 1/2
In 1890, nine-year-old Daisy Ashford wrote a story. It took her twelve days, and the result was a remarkably insightful look at victorian society and the behavior of adults. Jim Broadbent stars in this adaptation to film which brings to life the young authors insights and delightful characters.
YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME (NR) 88 minutes * * 1/2
Chronicles the life of Roky Erickson, beginning with his early days with the band, 13th Floor Elevators, who coined the term, "psychedelic rock". Whether it was the drugs or his time inside Rusk State Hospital, Roky's days as a successful musician were numbered. His brothers try to help him do more than shuffle around the house, but with limited success. An almost disturbingly honest portrayal of former talent.
YOURS, MINE & OURS (2005) (PG) 82 minutes * *
Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo star in this remake of the 1968 film that featured Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. Needless to say, that's a hard act to follow and this film is definitely not as good as the older one. Still, it does have a few moments here and there. If anything, it's actually a little short and could have benefited from some additional time for character development. The original was almost thirty minutes longer than this one! PG for language.
YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH (R) 124 minutes * * * 1/2
An unusual film. Dominic (Tim Roth) is an elderly professor whose study of language and philosophy has been his life's passion. Struck by lightning, he finds himself growing younger, and given the opportunity to learn more than he thought possible. Adapted from a story by Mircea Eliade, this is definitely not a film for everyone, and a film that also benefits from repeated viewing. Roth does a fine job in this unique and interesting film. R for sex.
YOU'VE GOT MAIL (PG) 114 minutes * * *
An on-line relationship begins to form between two people. But what they
don't know is that in real life, they are "arch-enemies". The owners of
two rival bookstores, who will eventually meet and fall in love. Not
that this is any real surprise... Meg Ryan's charm is what makes it work
so well though the story was a bit more solid in "Sleepless in Seattle".
In fact, things do drag a bit here and there and the cutting of a few
scenes would've helped the film's overall pace. PG for language.
YU-GI-OH! THE MOVIE (PG) 86 minutes * *
Similar to Pokemon in that this too has both a comic and a card game that came first, there are plenty of differences as well. Not only is this more for a slightly older crowd because of its violence, but it's focus is much more on those who play the card game, playing out battle scenarios and even showing you the cards that are being played. Strictly for fans of the game. PG for violence.
ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO (R) 94 minutes * *
Friends since first grade, Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are living together as roommates and barely making the payments. How can they make lots of money quickly? How about making a porno? It sounds like a great idea, but of course they find out that the impersonal sex they are expected to "perform" for the film, is more meaningful than they thought it would be. There are a few good moments scattered throughout, but this doesn't have the biting edge that other Kevin Smith films have had. R for sex and language.
ZATHURA (PG) 97 minutes * *
It's a creaky old house, and when the boys are left to the care of their sister (who doesn't want to get out of bed), they find even more creepy and strange things in the house... including a game called Zathura! Much like "Jumanji", but more in the science fiction realm. It's reasonably fun, though less creative and with somewhat weaker performances than "Jumanji". PG for violence and language.
ZEUS AND ROXANNE (PG) 93 minutes * *
This is a moderately appealing family film about a dog and a dolphin
who have a friendship. Steve Guttenberg and Kathleen Quinlan are both
likeable enough, and Miko Hughes does a good job as Guttenberg's son.
Mostly the film suffers from a poor script that draws scenes out way
too long. Filmed in the Bahamas. PG for language.
ZIG ZAG (R) 101 minutes * * 1/2
The performances in this film are what makes it worth watching. The story doesn't offer us much, but what a cast of characters! John Leguizamo as a Big Brother volunteer who is dying of cancer, Oliver Platt as an alcoholic restaurant owner, Natasha Lyonne as a prostitute, Wesley Snipes as an abusive father, and newcomer Sam Jones III as a young man with a mental handicap. It's a fascinating group of characters, all well performed and definitely worth a look if you like any of these actors. R for language and nudity.
ZODIAC (R) 154 minutes * * *
Adapted from the Robert Graysmith book about the Zodiac serial killer, whose killings terrorized and mystified San Francisco for years. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Graysmith as the story follows the reporters and the police as they work on the case and try to uncover the identity of the killer. It's a fairly straightforward presentation, but the intensity does build after awhile. Solid performances all around, and those who enjoy detective dramas will find this well worth the time. R for language, violence, and sex.
ZOOLANDER (PG-13) 83 minutes *
Zoolander's modelling career is in trouble since he lost the model of the year competition,
but he might be able to have a career as a secret agent. There are nice cameos and bit
parts throughout the film and Ben Stiller actually does reasonably well as the rather
ditzy Zoolander. The problem is that the script pads a non-existent storyline with
one-liners that demena the intelligence of models. To base a whole film on that idea
just wears thin rather quickly. PG-13 for language.
ZOOM (PG) 83 minutes * *
No one ever expected the Zenith program to start up again, but when it appears that Concussion (Kevin Zegers) is about to return, it appears to be the only hope. They must convince Captain Zoom (Tim Allen) to train a new Zenith team to save the world. Adapted from the book "Zoom's Academy" by Jason Lethcoe, this is a fun adventure film for the younger set, with light-hearted performances and humor they will enjoy. The final battle is a bit anti-climactic and the story resolves too quickly, but getting there is fun. Also featuring Courteney Cox and Chevy Chase, and rated PG for violence.