NEW FILMS FRIDAY
BIG NIGHT - This low-key comedy-drama about two Italian immigrant brothers (Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub) who run a failing restaurant in New Jersey during the 1950s was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival. Reviewed in this section. R (profanity, brief nudity, some mild violence). (Broadway.)
D3: THE MIGHTY DUCKS - Emilio Estevez and the boys return for a second sequel to the surprise 1992 hit. In this one, the Ducks are recruited to play for a prestigious prep school but face a lot of competition from the school's other hockey team. Reviewed in this section. PG (hockey violence, mild vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "A Very Brady Sequel"; Reel, Sandy 9, Trolley Square, Villa.)
THE GLIMMER MAN - Action star Steven Seagal and comedian Keenen Ivory Wayans star as homicide detectives on the trail of a serial killer who is stalking families in suburban Los Angeles in this action-thriller from director John Gray ("Born to Be Wild"). To be reviewed when it opens. R (violence, profanity, sex). (Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Midvalley; Redwood, with "Eraser"; South Towne, Trolley North.)
HIGH RISK - A cast of Hong Kong action stars, including Jet Li, lampoons Jackie Chan in this comedy-thriller, which crosses "Speed" and "Die Hard" with some of Chan's films. In Chinese, with English subtitles. Reviewed in this section. Not rated, probable R (violence, vulgarity, nudity, profanity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
THAT THING YOU DO! - Tom Hanks directed, wrote and co-wrote some of the songs for this musical comedy, a rock'n'roll fable about the '60s. He also co-stars as the manager of a young band trying to make it big on the strength of a hit single. Liv Tyler ("Heavy") also stars. PG (profanity, mild vulgarity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Plaza 5400, Reel, Sandy 9.)
CONTINUING FILMS
THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO - * * * - The Disney cartoon will probably remain the classic version of Carlo Collodi's novel, but Martin Landau shines in this surprisingly watchable and faithful live-action adaptation. Landau is charming as ever as the lonely puppeteer Geppetto and Jonathan Taylor Thomas shows admirable restraint in his performance (he provides the voice of the title character, which was created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop). G. (Kaysville.) (July 26, 1996) - J.V.
ALASKA - * 1/2 - This family adventure film features beautiful scenery and a scene-stealing polar bear cub but is doomed by a unbelievably pedestrian plot, a strictly TV movie of the week script and wooden performances. In it, two teens try to rescue their bush pilot father and befriend a bear cub being hunted by Charlton Heston, playing an evil poacher. Heston's son, Fraser, directed. PG (violence, profanity). (Cinemas 5, Sandcastle.) (Aug. 14, 1996) - J.V.
BASQUIAT - * * * - The tumultuous life of confrontational New York artist Jean Michel Basquiat, who died of a drug overdose in 1988, is brought vividly to the screen by Julian Schnabel, a fellow artist and a friend of Basquiat. Despite its overtly artsy direction, the film benefits from winning performances by its stars and supporting actors, especially rock star David Bowie's scene-stealing turn as pop-art guru Andy Warhol. R (profanity, drug use, vulgarity, violence). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Sept. 13, 1996) - J.V.
BULLETPROOF - turkey - Director Ernest Dickerson ("Juice") mistakenly pairs alleged comedians Damon Wayans and Adam Sandler in this foul-mouthed, unlikable and unfunny action-comedy about an undercover cop and a small-time crook, respectively, who are on the run from a ruthless drug kingpin (James Caan). This has been done a zillion times before but rarely has it been done in such a vulgar, misogynistic and violent manner. R (violence, profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Midvalley; Redwood, with "Last Man Standing"; South Towne.) (Sept. 6, 1996) - J.V.
CAR POOL - turkey - Tom Arnold stars in this awful slapstick comedy as a bumbling robber who accidentally kidnaps harried executive David Paymer and the carload of kids he's taking to school. There are various detours, none of which are even remotely funny. Also plays with "Superior Duck," an inferior new Chuck Jones animated Daffy Duck cartoon. PG (vulgarity, profanity, violence, partial nudity). (Kaysville, Valley Fair.) (Aug. 24, 1996) - J.V.
CHAIN REACTION - * 1/2 - Despite the presence of director Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive"), this action picture about an innocent Chicago man on the run after he is accused of murder (sound familiar?) is dumb to the max. Keanu Reeves is working with a scientific team on the verge of perfecting a cheap, pollution-free source of energy when the chief scientist is killed and the project destroyed. Morgan Freeman is the mysterious head of the foundation funding the project and Rachel Weisz is the woman on the run with him. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (Aug. 2, 1996) - C.H.
COLD COMFORT FARM - * * * 1/2 - This low-key, but witty, comedy, which was actually made for British television by director John Schlesinger ("Midnight Cowboy," "Marathon Man"), is the antithesis of the overblown epic syndrome afflicting Hollywood right now. Kate Beckinsale ("Much Ado About Nothing") plays a pampered young woman in the early '30s who finds herself penniless and moves in with her eccentric, but delightful, relatives on a cursed farm. PG (profanity, sex). (Sandcastle.) (June 14, 1996) - J.V.
COURAGE UNDER FIRE - * * * 1/2 - High-minded, mostly effective contemporary military drama (which tips its hat to the Japanese classic "Rashomon") about an Army colonel (Denzel Washington) recovering from a gulf war tragedy when he is assigned to review the career of a Medivac pilot (Meg Ryan) killed there. She's also the first female candidate for a combat Medal of Honor, but as he investigates, the colonel finds the witnesses' testimonies conflict. So, who's telling the truth? Cliched government conspiracy subplot weakens the film somewhat, but most of the way it's first rate, with a shocking conclusion. Washington is excellent, as is Ryan, and Lou Diamond Phillips is also strong in a supporting role. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity). (Family Center, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (July 12, 1996) - C.H.
THE CROW: CITY OF ANGELS - turkey - Veteran music-video director Tim Pope and producer Edward Pressman have gnawed late actor Brandon Lee's bones clean with this awful, and brutally violent, sequel to "The Crow." Vincent Perez puts on the white-and-black face makeup this time, playing a mechanic who seeks vengeance on those who murdered him during some Day of the Dead celebrations in futuristic Los Angeles. The performances are as lackluster as the script is cliched and confusing. R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex, drug use, vulgarity). (Redwood, with "Independence Day.") (Sept. 5, 1996) - J.V.
EMMA - * * * 1/2 - Light, but very satisfying - and frequently hilarious - period romantic comedy adapted from the Jane Austen novel (which was updated last year as "Clueless"). Gwyneth Paltrow glows in this starmaking role, as the meddling, matchmaking title character. Everyone else is good too, while the film nicely balances romance, humor and attention to period detail. A delightful film for all audiences. PG (nothing offensive). (Broadway, Gateway, Holladay, South Towne.) (Aug. 16, 1996) - C.H.
ERASER - * * - Excessive violence and gore (there are three separate impaling scenes!) rub out most of the fun from the latest Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle. He stars as a federal marshal assigned to erase the identities of witnesses whose testimony puts them in danger, and who is eventually framed as a traitor. There are some exciting, if illogical, action sequences, however. Vanessa Williams, James Caan and James Coburn co-star. R (violence, profanity, gore). (Redwood, with "The Glimmer Man.") (June 21, 1996) - J.V.
EXTREME MEASURES - * * - Despite director Michael Apted revving the engines to spark some exciting scenes, this "Coma"-like hospital thriller is a disappointment, as characters go undeveloped and contrivances get sillier as the film goes along. Hugh Grant is good, eschewing his romantic-comedy persona to play an emergency room doctor who discovers a mystery and dares to investigate, eventually finding himself pitted against nationally renowned neurologist Gene Hackman. When Hackman can't give life to a character, you know the script is weak. (violence, hospital gore, profanity). (Carmike 12, Century, Crossroads, Holladay, Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Maximum Risk"; Sandy 9, Trolley North.) (Sept. 27, 1996) - C.H.
FIRST KID - * * 1/2 - Comedian/actor Sinbad ("Houseguest") is surprisingly charming in this lightweight slapstick Disney comedy, in which he plays a Secret Service agent assigned to watch out for the neglected son of the president. Some sly jabs at the White House and Sinbad's decent performance make it worthwhile, although the last 15 minutes are too violent for young audiences. PG (violence, profanity, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Cinemas 5, Gateway, Olympus, Sandy 9.) (Aug. 30, 1996) - J.V.
THE FIRST WIVES CLUB - * * * - Frequently hilarious farce about three longtime friends (Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton) who get together and plot revenge against the ex-husbands who have discarded them for much younger "trophy" wives. Fast and funny, with terrific turns by the lead players, as well as a number of memorable supporting roles filled with familiar races, including Maggie Smith, Stockard Channing and Sarah Jessica Parker. PG (violence, vulgarity, profanity, nude painting). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Plaza 5400, Reel, Sandy 9, Trolley Corners.) (Sept. 20, 1996) - C.H.
FLY AWAY HOME - * * 1/2 - The fabulous final third of this nature adventure is worth the ticket price, but prior to that it's a by-the-numbers coming-of-age drama about a young teen (Oscar-winner Anna Paquin, of "The Piano") who is forced to live with her long-absent father (Jeff Daniels) while still mourning the death of her loving mother. Eventually she comes across a gaggle of orphaned goslings and becomes determined to help them survive in the wild, even if she has to personally teach them to migrate by leading them in flight. Directed by Carroll Ballard ("The Black Stallion"). PG (profanity). (Century, Cottonwood, Crossroads, Midvalley, South Towne, Trolley North.) (Sept. 13, 1996) - C.H.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME - * * * 1/2 - A light, feel-good take on Victor Hugo's dark classic, though, as you might expect, it's gorgeously animated. Sincere performances and a surprisingly thoughtful adaptation help, with the usual silly touches for young children. But there are dark moments that may be a bit much for the very young in what is arguably the most adult Disney animated feature yet. Voice talents include Tom Hulce, sweet as Quasimodo; Demi Moore, feisty as voluptuous Gypsy dancer Esmerelda; and Kevin Kline, nicely ironic as the reluctant captain of the guard. G. (Cinemas 5.) (June 21, 1996) - C.H.
INDEPENDENCE DAY - * * * 1/2 - This derivative but thrilling "Reader's Digest" mix of every seminal sci-fi thriller you can name has evil aliens systematically destroying the Earth's major cities. Great special effects offer a huge "Wow!" factor but it's the quick pacing, sense of humor and eccentric characters that make it work, as resourceful Americans gather in the Nevada desert to try and find the enemy's Achilles' heel. Terrific performances by Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid and Brent Spiner. PG-13 (violence, profanity, profanity). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Midvalley; Redwood, with "The Crow 2: City of Angels"; Sandy 9, Trolley Corners.) (July 3, 1996) - C.H.
THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU - * 1/2 - Veteran director John Frankenheimer updates H.G. Wells' novel about man's inhumanity, but somehow leaves the message out until the very end. Marlon Brando hams it up as the title character, a mad doctor on a remote island experimenting with half-human/half-animal mutants, as does Val Kilmer, who plays his drug-addled assistant. The "manimal" makeup and costumes, designed by Stan Winston ("Jurassic Park"), are the real stars. PG-13 (violence, drugs, nudity, sex, profanity). (Carmike 12, Sandy 9.) (Aug. 23, 1996) - J.V.
JACK - * * - Robin Williams' goofy performance as an overgrown fifth-grader can't save this uneven comedy-fantasy from Francis Ford Coppola. The premise is promising - Williams' character suffers from a genetic disorder that causes him to age physically four times the normal rate - but the sometimes tasteless and vulgar script seems to have been written by 10-year-olds. Diane Lane and Fran Drescher co-star. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence). (Cinemas 5, Flick, Holladay, Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Phenomenon"; Reel, South Towne.) (Aug. 9, 1996) - J.V.
JOHN CARPENTER'S ESCAPE FROM L.A. - * * 1/2 - Kurt Russell reprises his "Escape from New York" role as muscular, one-eyed felon Snake Plissken, an anti-hero in the post-apocalyptic United States, circa 2013. This time he's on the other coast, after an earthquake has severed Los Angeles from mainland America, making it a prison-island. The plot that is a carbon copy of the first film but wild effects and a zany, dark sense of humor make it work. Terrific supporting cast, most notably Steve Buscemi. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Flick.) (Aug. 9, 1996) - C.H.
KAZAAM - * 1/2 - Even three magical wishes couldn't make this limp fantasy-comedy likable or funny. NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal stars the title character, a 3,000-year-old genie who lives in a boom box instead of a lamp. Unfortunately for him, as well as the audience, the troubled, and particularly irritating, inner-city youth who summons him up (Francis Capra, from "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home") is skeptical of his promise for three wishes. PG (violence, vulgarity). (Family Center, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (July 17, 1996). - J.V.
LAST MAN STANDING - * 1/2 - This idiotic remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1961 samurai classic "Yojimbo" (also the basis of Clint Eastwood's "A Fistful of Dollars") places the action in Depression-era West Texas, where rival bootleg mobsters have taken over a small town 50 miles from the Mexico border. Bruce Willis rides . . . er, drives into town, plays both ends against the middle and dozens of people are blown away. But there is no wit or cleverness to any of this "gangster-Western," written, co-produced and directed by Walter Hill. R (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity). (Century, Cottonwood, Midvalley; Redwood, with "Bulletproof"; Reel, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (Sept. 20, 1996) - C.H.
LONE STAR - * * * * - An excellent, wonderfully textured, multiple-character drama by independent filmmaker John Sayles ("The Secret of Roan Inish"), about a modern-day sheriff in a small Texas border town who tries to solve a murder mystery that dates back to the late '50s. One of the aspects driving him is that his later father - the town's former sheriff and a legendary local hero - may have been involved. Great cast, nice sense of humor, intelligent approach to serious social issues and a shocking revelation at the end make this one of the year's best so far. R (violence, sex, profanity, vulgarity). (Broadway, South Towne.) (Aug. 16, 1996) - C.H.
MATILDA - * * * 1/2 - Though it's not as dark as "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach," Danny DeVito's version of the Roald Dahl fantasy book still has its blackly humorous moments. DeVito directed, produced and stars in this very funny comedy with his wife Rhea Perlman as the dumb parents of a genius child (Mara Wilson), who may or may not be able to move objects with her mind. PG (violence, mild vulgarity). (Family Center, Kaysville, Sandcastle, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (Aug. 2, 1996) - J.V.
MAXIMUM RISK - * * - Haven't we seen this before? Jean-Claude Van Damme plays twins again but this time one's dead and the other one - a soldier-turned-policeman - must uncover the conspiracy that took his brother's life. Acclaimed Hong Kong action director Ringo Lam (whose "City of Fire" inspired Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs") makes his U.S. screen debut with this thriller, which features great action, as well as an extremely dumb plot and script. It's also brutally violent. R (violence, gore, nudity, sex, profanity). (Carmike 12, Century, Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Extreme Measures"; Sandy 9.) (Sept. 13, 1996) - J.V.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - * * * - If you're looking for another "Twister"-like wild ride, this Tom Cruise vehicle is your E-ticket - but if you want story and character, look elsewhere. Cruise (who also co-produced) eschews the teamwork of the TV series, becoming a lone-wolf agent early on. (The film also deals a crooked hand to fans of the series with its treatment of a particular character.) But the action set-pieces are certainly worth your summer entertainment buck. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (May 22, 1996) - C.H.
MULTIPLICITY - * * * - Flawed but frequently hilarious special-effects comedy, lifted by Michael Keaton's performances in four distinctive roles, as a harried businessman who allows a geneticist to clone him - twice. Then the clones get another clone (but you know how bad a copy of a copy can be . . . ). There are moments when you would swear Keaton had to be cloned to pull this one off. Sluggish in places and one sexual sequence is awfully raunchy for the PG-13 rating, but when it's funny, it's really funny. PG-13 (sex, profanity, vulgarity). (Family Center, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (July 17, 1996) - C.H.
THE NUTTY PROFESSOR - * 1/2 - Eddie Murphy is very good in this remake of the 1963 Jerry Lewis comedy, a variation on "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde," especially as the title character, a 400-pound lonely science professor. He also plays six other characters, including the dashing, obnoxious romantic who springs from his potion. But the humor is all fat jokes, flatulence gags and sexual utterances from an elderly woman. A real waste of talent. How'd this one slip by without an R rating? PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief nudity). (Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (June 28, 1996) - C.H.
PHENOMENON - * * * - Reworking of "Flowers for Algernon" (which was filmed as "Charly") casts John Travolta as an ordinary Joe who finds himself thrust into the limelight when a strange blinding flash leaves him with remarkable "off-the-scale" intelligence and telekinetic abilities. Travolta plays it subtly and he's excellent, as are Robert Duvall, Forest Whitaker and Kyra Sedgwick. The film is too long and the windup is certainly protracted (there are at least three endings), but you'll have a great time. PG (profanity, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Cinemas 5, Gateway, Murray, Olympus; Redwood, with "Jack"; Sandy 9.) (July 3, 1996) - C.H.
THE ROCK - * 1/2 - Grotesquely violent, irritatingly directed "Die Hard" clone, set on Alcatraz Island where a disgruntled general (Ed Harris) and his commando team threaten to launch rockets armed with lethal nerve gas into San Francisco. Mild-mannered FBI agent Nicolas Cage and 30-year federal prisoner Sean Connery race to the rescue, though they mostly just gawk at fireballs and shattering glass. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, sex). (Family Center, Sugarhouse.) (June 7, 1996) - C.H.
SHE'S THE ONE - * * 1/2 - Funny, but profane, redundant and sometimes illogical followup to the "The Brothers McMullen" by independent filmmaker Edward Burns, who also co-stars in the ensemble cast as a Brooklyn cabbie who impulsively marries a woman he picks up, only to find he still has feelings for his former fiance. Meanwhile, his former fiance is having an affair with his married brother. Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz and John Mahoney (who steals the show) co-star; Tom Petty did the music-and-song score. R (profanity, vulgarity, sex, violence). (South Towne.) (Sept. 13, 1996) - C.H.
THE SPITFIRE GRILL - * * * - Very well acted and - most of the way - nicely conceived light comedy-drama (which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival) about a troubled young woman (the superb Alison Elliott) who is released from prison and tries to rebuild her life in a small, gossipy Maine town. Falls apart at the end, but utterly charming until then. Ellen Burstyn and Marcia Gay Harden also stand out among the co-stars. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Broadway, Cottonwood, South Towne.) (Sept. 6, 1996) - C.H.
STEALING BEAUTY - * 1/2 - Pretty but empty - and overly familiar - tale of a 19-year-old American (Liv Tyler) who visits a group of bohemian artists (including Jeremy Irons, as a dying playwright) in Tuscany, friends of her late mother. There, she tries to find out who her father was and maybe start up a romance of her own, while revitalizing this group of aging eccentrics. Gorgeously photographed but Tyler is too
aloof and director Bernardo Bertolucci ("Last Tango in Paris," "The Last Emperor") never finds the right mix of comedy, romance and melodrama. In English, and Italian with English subtitles. R (sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity, drugs). (Tower.) (July 12, 1996) - C.H.
STRIPTEASE - * 1/2 - Demi Moore's controversial $121/2 million payday is hardly worth it. She plays a stripper at a Miami strip club desperate to regain custody of her daughter from her lunatic husband, who uses the girl in wheelchair-stealing scams. An uneasy mix of broad comedy, dark and violent thriller elements and poignant drama falls flat most of the way. Burt Reynolds is having fun as an unlikable congressman but it's Ving Rhames who steals the show as a sentimental bouncer. R (violence, nudity, profanity, vulgarity). (Sugarhouse.) (June 28, 1996). - C.H.
A TIME TO KILL - * * - Dense, star-studded adaptation of John Grisham's first book tries to do too much, simply skimming across the surface of its many plots and characters. Sandra Bullock (top-billed but in a supporting role), Donald and Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Spacey, Ashley Judd and newcomer Matthew McConaughey are all good, but Oliver Platt handily steals his scenes with much-needed comic relief, and Samuel L. Jackson is so strong you'll wish he had more screen time. The story has a pair of idealistic lawyers defending a black man after he kills two racist thugs who assaulted his 9-year-old daughter. Manipulative as all get out, and in the end it seems hollow. R (violence, profanity). (Carmike 12, Holladay, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (July 24, 1996) - C.H.
TIN CUP - * * - Light-as-a-feather romantic comedy, with Kevin Costner as a professional golfer who has fallen on hard times and tries to pick himself up by winning the U.S. Open. Amiable, with some amusing moments, and a terrific supporting performance from Cheech Marin. But writer-director Ron Shelton (who worked with Costner on "Bull Durham") misfires by trying to turn the film into a golf version of "The Natural." It's also too long and Costner and Rene Russo have no chemistry. Don Johnson has fun as the villain of the piece. R (sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity). (Holladay, Midvalley, South Towne.) (Aug. 16, 1996) - C.H.
TRAINSPOTTING - * * 1/2 - From the folks who gave us "Shallow Grave" comes this harrowingly dark comedy-drama, adapted from the infamous novel by Irvine Welsh. Set in the slums of Edinburgh, it tells a self-destructive group of heroin junkies who begin a steady downward spiral, eventually leading to death and double-crosses. There are some very good performances and some very funny parts, but these characters aren't sympathetic enough to really care about what happens to them. R (profanity, drugs, violence, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Trolley Square.) (Aug. 9, 1996) - J.V.
TWISTER - * * * - Forget the silly story and just go with the amazing special effects and the thrilling, ridiculously implausible "Indiana Jones"-style narrow escapes. This thriller from Steven Spielberg's production company stars Helen Hunt (at her most charming) and Bill Paxton, who lead a team of on a tornado chase, as they try to catch the biggest storm to hit Oklahoma in more than a half-century. Jan De Bont ("Speed") directed. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (May 10, 1996) - C.H.
TWO DAYS IN THE VALLEY - * * - This extremely derivative and blackly comedic thriller was supposedly written before "Pulp Fiction," which it resembles all too closely. But it wasn't finished before Robert Altman's "Short Cuts," the other film it mines. Despite a fine ensemble cast (including James Spader, Eric Stoltz, Danny Aiello, Jeff Daniels and Teri Hatcher), the film just isn't interesting or compelling, and most of the humor seems forced. R (profanity, violence, nudity, vulgarity, sex, racial epithets). (Broadway, Century, Holladay.) (Sept. 27, 1996) - J.V.
THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBOURG) - * * * * - Charming and disarming, this 1964 French opera holds up beautifully, with new prints that enhance its unique, sometimes garish color scheme. Catherine Deneuve is enchanting in her starring debut at the age of 19, as a young woman who discovers she is pregnant after her boyfriend is drafted and sent to fight the war in Algeria. Excellent music, colorful direction by Jacques Demy, who also wrote the lyrics to Michel Legrand's tunes. Not rated, probable PG (profanity, discreet sexuality). (Avalon.) (Sept. 27, 1996) - C.H.
A VERY BRADY SEQUEL - * 1/2 - The cast of "A Very Brady Movie" (including Shelley Long and Gary Cole) is back again, stretching an already very thin joke - parodying the '70s sitcom - way too far. Tim Matheson co-stars as a man who may be Carol's long-lost husband, a complication that wreaks havoc at the tranquil (but groovy) Brady household. PG-13 (vulgarity, drugs, profanity, violence). (Carmike 12; Redwood, with "D3: The Mighty Ducks.") (Aug. 23, 1996) - J.V.
*****
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