Dates at the end of capsules indicate the film's initial review in the Deseret News.
NEW FILM FRIDAY
LOOKING FOR RICHARD - Al Pacino makes his directing debut with this semi-documentary about Shakespeare's "Richard III," which includes scenes from the play. Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Aidan Quinn, Kevin Spacey, Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, John Gielgud, James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave are among those who appear on-camera. Reviewed in this section. R (violence, profanity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
NEW FILM NEW YEAR'S DAY
TWELFTH NIGHT - Trevor Nunn (a three-time Tony winner) changes the time frame of Shakespeare's gender-bending comedy to the turn of this century, aided by Ben Kingsley, Richard E. Grant and Helena Bonham Carter. To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG (sexual innuendo). (Exclusive, Avalon.)
CONTINUING FILMS
BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO AMERICA - turkey - In this critic-proof animated feature, the MTV generation's favorite headbanging music-video critics search the United States for their beloved television, while commenting as only they can. Unfortunately, none of the hijinks that ensue are even remotely funny, and the lack of taste rivals that of any Jim Carrey comedy. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence, drug use, partial nudity, sex). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Plaza 5400, Reel, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 20, 1996) - J.V. THE CHAMBER - * * * - Though it's less action-packed than his other legal thrillers, the latest John Grisham adaptation features broader and better characterizations. Chris O'Donnell stars as a young lawyer trying to save his grandfather (Gene Hackman), a Death Row killer, from the gas chamber. It's slow at times, but Hackman's terrific and almost makes his bigoted, murderous character likable. R (profanity, racial epithets, violence, brief gore). (Sugarhouse.) (Oct. 11, 1996) - J.V. D3: THE MIGHTY DUCKS - * 1/2 - Talks about dead ducks! The rag-tag team of hockey players returns for a second sequel to the surprise 1992 hit. In this routine comedy, the Ducks are recruited to play for a prestigious prep school but face a lot of competition from the school's other hockey team. Emilio Estevez appears briefly to fulfill his contract with Disney, and the whole thing feels like it was done for the same reason. PG (hockey violence, mild vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 4, 1996) - J.V. DAYLIGHT - * * - This Sylvester Stallone vehicle is "Indiana Jones and the Tunnel of Doom," by way of cheesy '70s disaster flicks. "The Towering Inferno," "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Earthquake" will all come to mind as Sly tries to help disparate survivors escape from a tunnel connecting Manhattan and New Jersey, which has been sealed at both ends, and which is collapsing under the Hudson River. Some exciting sequences, but the story and characters are pretty dumb. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Carmike 12, Holladay, Midvalley, Sandy 9, Trolley Square, Trolley North.) (Dec. 6, 1996) - C.H. 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). (Cinemas 5.) (Aug. 16, 1996) - C.H. THE ENGLISH PATIENT - * * * - Gorgeous, visually captivating but emotionally muted adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's dense novel tells the story of an amnesiac burn victim (Ralph Fiennes) in Tuscany who is cared for by an emotionally scarred Canadian nurse (Juliette Binoche). In flashbacks it is slowly revealed that the patient is an aloof Hungarian mapmaker who had an ill-fated adulterous affair with an independent Englishwoman (Kristin Scott Thomas). Some important characters get short shrift and the soap-opera romance makes for a clunky (and sexually explicit) middle section, but there is much to admire in this visually stunning film, including excellent performances, especially from Scott Thomas and Binoche. R (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity, drugs). (Olympus, South Towne, Trolley Corners.) (Nov. 22, 1996) - C.H. THE EVENING STAR - * * - Shirley MacLaine reprises her Oscar-winning role as meddlesome Aurora Greenway in this sequel to "Terms of Endearment." It's 15 years later and the three grandchildren she raised are grown and driving her to distraction. Meanwhile, she has an affair with a younger man (Bill Paxton), continues to bicker with Patsy (Miranda Richardson) and is supported by her faithful housekeeper (Marion Ross, giving a scene-stealing performance). And, of course, Jack Nicholson returns for a brief cameo. But it never catches fire and largely feels like a rehash of the first film. PG-13 (sex, partial nudity, profanity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Flick, Gateway, Holladay, Plaza 5400, Sandy 9.) (Dec. 25, 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). (Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (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 faces, including Maggie Smith, Stockard Channing and Sarah Jessica Parker. PG (violence, vulgarity, profanity, nude painting). (Family Center, Kaysville, Sandcastle, Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (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). (Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 13, 1996) - C.H. THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS - * * * - Michael Douglas is as winning as ever, playing a big-game hunter tracking a pair of lions who have killed hundreds of railway workers in 19th-century Africa, while Val Kilmer is surprisingly subtle as an Irish bridge engineer aiding him. Stylish and scary at times, this fact-based thriller is definitely too intense for children. R (violence, gore, profanity). (Cinemas 5.) (Oct. 11, 1996) - J.V. THE GRASS HARP - * * * - This delightful low-key character drama, set in the 1940s, has a young orphaned boy taken in by his two eccentric spinster aunts, one who is wealthy but resentful of her lonely life (Sissy Spacek) and the other who is repressed but utterly lovable (Piper Laurie). A great cast of supporting players - Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Edward Furlong, Nell Carter, Mary Steenburgen, Roddy McDowall, Charles Durning. Based on Truman Capote's memoirs; directed by Matthau's son Charles. PG (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Avalon.) (Nov. 1, 1996) - C.H. HARRIET THE SPY - * * * - Michelle Trachtenberg (Nickelodeon's "The Adventures of Pete and Pete") is charming as an 11-year-old who spies on her parents, friends and neighbors. The quick-moving direction and sometimes juvenile humor may try the patience of older viewers, but it's still solid kids' entertainment, especially in light of some of the more unsuitable films being targeted for them. Rosie O'Donnell also stars. PG (mild vulgarity). (Kaysville.) (July 10, 1996) - J.V. HIGH SCHOOL HIGH - * 1/2 - Here's a great lesson in how not to make a parody film. Despite a decent start, this crude and vulgar off-the-wall comedy - which lampoons "Dangerous Minds" and "Blackboard Jungle" - heads in the wrong direction when it actually tries to tell a story. Jon Lovitz can't carry the film by himself and is sabotaged by co-stars Tia Carrere and Louise Fletcher, who are wooden and uninspired, respectively. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, nudity, sex, drug use). (Family Center, Sugarhouse.) (Oct. 25, 1996) - J.V. 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. (Family Center, Murray, Sandy Starships, Valley Fair.) (June 21, 1996) - C.H. IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES - Japan's most controversial director, Nagisa Oshima, explores human sexuality with this very explicit tale about sexual obsession. In Japanese, with English subtitles. Unrated, probable NC-17 (sex, nudity, violence). (Tower.) 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). (Valley Fair.) (Aug. 9, 1996) - J.V. JERRY MAGUIRE - * * 1/2 - This story of a high profile sports agent who is fired when he begins to show early warning signs of integrity boasts some terrific performances, especially from Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. But it's also long-winded and preachy, with a mixed message about money vs. love. And it doesn't help that in the final third the film switches gears from clever comedy to sappy sentiment. The R rating is well-deserved, primarily for sex and profanity. R (violence, sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity). (Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Midvalley, Reel, South Towne, Trolley Corners.) (Dec. 13, 1996) - C.H. JINGLE ALL THE WAY - * * - The funny first half of this Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy (and the final moment, a clever punchline that comes after the end credits) works pretty well, but it gets way too silly. The casting of Schwarzenegger as an ordinary, everyday Joe doesn't help, as he races around town on Christmas Eve in a futile search for a popular toy that has been sold out since Thanksgiving. PG (violence, profanity, mild vulgarity). (Holladay, South Towne, Trolley North, Trolley Square.) (Nov. 22, 1996) - C.H. THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT - * 1/2 - If you can swallow the thought of Geena Davis playing Arnold Schwarzenegger, you might stand a chance of making it through this dumb action-thriller without laughing too hard. Davis plays an amnesiac who finds out she is really a top-secret government assassin. She's aided by Samuel L. Jackson, who co-stars as the down-and-out private investigator who discovers her real identity. Some great stunts but sillier and more implausible than you can imagine. R (profanity, violence, torture, vulgarity, nudity, sex, brief gore). (Family Center, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 11, 1996) - J.V. MARS ATTACKS! - * * * - The early going may be a bit slow, but the mayhem is definitely worth the wait, as director Tim Burton's tiny green Martian hordes nuke much of the country, including most of its all-star cast. Jack Nicholson, in particular, is a hoot as the President of the United States in this offbeat and violent slapstick comedy/sci-fi thriller about an invasion from Mars, based on the 1962 Topps trading card series. Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Jim Brown, Tom Jones and Sarah Jessica Parker co-star. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, sex). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Plaza 5400, Sandy 9.) (Dec. 13, 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). (Valley Fair.) (Sept. 13, 1996) - J.V. MICHAEL - * * * - Although some audiences will be put off by its irrevent, almost sacrilegious premise, John Travolta is very funny and very charming as a hard-fighting, hard-loving archangel living in a motel in Iowa. He's discovered by some down-on-their-luck tabloid journalists (Andie MacDowell and William Hurt), who try to bring him back to Chicago to save their careers. Despite some lapses in taste, this comedy from director Nora Ephron ("Sleepless in Seattle") works most of the way. PG (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief sex). (Century, Crossroads, Holladay, Midvalley, South Towne, Trolley North.) (Dec. 25, 1996) - J.V. MICROCOSMOS - * * * 1/2 - Though its focus - a somewhat skewed look at a day in the insect world, up close and personal - is small, this delightful French documentary has more sheer drama, humor, character development and even passion and humanity than most of the bloated blockbusters being churned out by Hollywood these days. The directors, both of them former biologists, spent 15 years of research, two years in equipment design and three years shooting just to make it. G (some animal violence and mating). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Dec. 6, 1996) - J.V. THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES - * * * 1/2 - Director and star Barbra Streisand looks luminous in this romantic comedy, about the modern myth of beauty and how it complicates relationships, but Jeff Bridges and Lauren Bacall steal things out from under her, playing her love interest and mother, respectively. Though things drag down in the final third, Streisand the director shows a surprising flair for comedy. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Cinemas 5, Olympus, Sandy 9.) (Nov. 15, 1996) - J.V. MY FELLOW AMERICANS - * * 1/2 - James Garner and Jack Lemmon are terrific as former U.S presidents who hate each other but are thrown together in the backwoods of America when their lives are threatened. Mediocre "Grumpy Old Men"-style script, and none of the stellar supporting players (Lauren Bacall, Wilford Brimley, Dan Aykroyd) have enough to do. Meanwhile, Garner and Lemmon raise the material to a higher level than it deserves. PG-13 (violence, sex, profanity, vulgarity). (Century, Cottonwood, Crossroads, Midvalley, South Towne, Trolley North.) (Dec. 20, 1996) - C.H. ONE FINE DAY - * * * - A light but witty romantic comedy with a bright, funny script and sprightly performances from both George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer as antagonistic single parents who are forced to rely on each other during a hectic workday, and who, naturally, fall in love. One wonders if this would fly in lesser hands, but the stars make it work, and Clooney's comic timing is a wonderful revelation. PG (profanity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Midvalley, Reel, Sandy 9.) (Dec. 20, 1996) - C.H. 101 DALMATIANS - * * 1/2 - John Hughes co-produced and scripted this live-action version of the Disney animated classic, and he's grafted his own most famous movie - "Home Alone" - onto the final third. Glenn Close is great as Cruella DeVil, the villain who wants to make a fur coat of those adorable spotted puppies. But when the protracted slapstick climax kicks in, she loses the upper hand and becomes a victim, causing the film to lose its way. G (but rather dark and violent for sensitive little ones). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Plaza 5400, Reel, Sandy 9, Trolley Square, Villa.) (Nov. 2, 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). (Kaysville, Sugarhouse.) (July 3, 1996) - C.H. THE PREACHER'S WIFE - * * - Another '90s update of a Christmas classic proves that modern moviemakers are more cynical and less heartfelt than in Hollywood's golden era. Penny Marshall ("A League of Their Own," "Big") directed this remake of the 1947 romantic comedy "The Bishop's Wife," with Denzel Washington delivering a charming and uncharacteristically loose performance as an angel who both helps and hinders a preacher and his wife. Courtney B. Vance is also excellent as the troubled preacher but Whitney Houston saves all her energy and emotion for her musical performance - and there are plenty of songs for that all-important soundtrack album. PG (violence, mild profanity). (Broadway, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Plaza 5400, Reel, South Towne.) (Dec. 13, 1996) - C.H.
RANSOM - * * * - The script has holes, and it's a low-road thrill to put a child in peril - and especially to repeatedly put a gun to a child's head - but director Ron Howard ("Apollo 13") does keep the tension tight and the pacing in high gear for this Mel Gibson thriller about an airline tycoon who defies the FBI when his son is kidnapped by ruthless thugs. Gary Sinise and Delroy Lindo stand out in an ensemble of terrific performances. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Cinemas 5, Cottonwood, Gateway, South Towne.) (Nov. 8, 1996) - C.H.
SCREAM - turkey - Director Wes Craven attempts to parody the slasher film genre by throwing in tons of cliches. Ironically enough, in trying to spoof all the violent, crummy horror flicks, he's made an even worse one himself. And aside from decent performances by Neve Campbell and Rose McGowan as two prospective victims, the acting is atrocious, especially from Courtney Cox (TV's "Friends") as a gung-ho TV reporter. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, sex). (Carmike 12, Holladay, Midvalley, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 20, 1996) - J.V.
SHINE - * * * * - Here's one of those cases where the film's name really fits. Australian director Scott Hicks' wonderful account of the life of David Helfgott, the brilliant concert pianist, is alternately harrowing and heart-breaking. Geoffrey Rush is superb as Helgott, who was driven mad by his domineering father and his drive for perfection, and there's winning support from Lynn Redgrave, John Gielgud and Armin Mueller-Stahl, as well as a great score. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, nudity, sex). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Dec. 25, 1996) - J.V.
SLEEPERS - * * - Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Brad Pitt head the remarkable ensemble in this drama about four kids who pull a prank that turns deadly and find themselves in reform school, where they are subjected to horrifying abuse. As adults they take decidedly different paths, and when two of them are on trial for murder, another becomes their prosecutor. But he actually has a plan to save his old friends. Ridiculously contrived and occasionally confused, despite some excellent performances. R (violence, gore, profanity, brief nudity). (Family Center, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 18, 1996) - C.H.
SPACE JAM - * * 1/2 - It ain't no "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," but this teaming of NBA superstar Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny (along with the other Looney Tunes regulars) is an OK time-waster. Jordan is less than animated, and the film has some surprising (and ill-advised) vulgarity, but it's fun to see these "toons" in a feature, and there are some very funny bits. Bill Murray has an extended, unbilled cameo; Utah's own Shawn Bradley has a comic supporting role as himself. PG (violence, vulgarity). (Cottonwood, Crossroads, Midvalley, South Towne.) (Nov. 15, 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). (Kaysville.) (Sept. 6, 1996) - C.H.
STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT - * * * 1/2 - Capt. Picard and the crew of the "Next Generation" Enterprise are back - boy, are they back! - in this pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller, the eighth installment of the film series and easily the best one in years. In it, the Enterprise must race back in time to stop the half-human, half-robot Borg invaders from taking over Earth. James Cromwell ("Babe") co-stars as the founder of the United Federation of Planets. The action may be too intense for younger audiences, however. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Cinemas 5, Cottonwood, Flick, Plaza 5400, Sandy 9.) (Nov. 22, 1996) - J.V.
THAT THING YOU DO! - * * * - It's positively lightweight, but Tom Hanks' first feature film does what it sets out to do and does it quite well. Hanks directed and wrote this charming musical comedy (he even co-wrote some of the songs), a rock 'n' roll fable about the early 1960s. He also co-stars as the manager of a young band that becomes an overnight success on the strength of a hit single. PG (profanity, mild vulgarity). (Sandcastle, Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse.) (Oct. 4, 1996) - J.V.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO AND JULIET - * 1/2 - Some good performances (Leonardo DiCaprio and especially Claire Danes in the title role) and some wild-eyed off-the-wall turns (John Leguizamo and especially Paul Sorvino as Juliet's father) help make this an extremely uneven update of Shakespeare's tragedy, but the direction, by Baz Luhrmann ("Strictly Ballroom"), is a headache-inducing cross between "NYPD Blue" and MTV. Maybe it should be "Beavis and Butt-Head's Romeo & Juliet." PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, sex, partial nudity, drugs). (Sandy Starships, Sugarhouse, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 1, 1996) - C.H.
*****
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