NEW FILMS FRIDAY
SLEEPY HOLLOW -- With Tim Burton ("Mars Attacks," the first two "Batman" movies) at the helm, you can guess that this isn't a straightforward adaptation of Washington Irving's classic tale. Johnny Depp stars as detective Ichabod Crane, investigating a series of mysterious beheadings. Christina Ricci co-stars as his love, Katrina Von Tassel. R (violence, gore, sex, mild profanity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz.)
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH -- Pierce Brosnan again takes up the mantle of super suave superspy James Bond in this 19th adventure of the longest-running and most successful film franchise. Denise Richards and Sophie Marceau co-star as the film's Bond girls, while Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty") plays a seemingly invulnerable villain. PG-13 (violence, torture, vulgarity, sex, brief nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz, South Towne.)
NEW FILMS WEDNESDAY
END OF DAYS -- Long-missing action star Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to the big screen with this occult-based thriller about a detective trying to prevent Satan from ending all existence. Gabriel Byrne and Robin Tunney co-star. Directed by Peter Hyams ("The Relic"). To be reviewed when it opens next week. R (violence, gore, sex, profanity, nudity).
FLAWLESS -- Unconventional drama about a stroke victim (Robert De Niro) advised to take singing lessons as part of his rehabilitation program. His teacher? His upstairs neighbor, a drag queen named Dusty (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Directed by Joel Schumacher ("8mm"). To be reviewed when it opens next week. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, drug use).
PRINCESS MONONOKE -- The biggest Japanese-made hit in that country's history, this animated adventure is based on a folk tale about a young woman raised by wolves, who must restore the balance of nature. The voice cast for this dubbed version includes Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Gillian Anderson and Billy Bob Thornton. To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG-13 (violence, gore).
TOY STORY 2 -- Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice computer-animated characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively, in this sequel to the 1995 smash hit. This time around, Buzz and the other toys must rescue Woody from a collector who believes he is a valuable action figure. To be reviewed when it opens next week. G (animated violence, vulgarity).
RE-RELEASES
CALIGULA -- Uncensored "director's cut" of this 1979 cult hit, one of the most controversial films of all time, which stars Malcolm McDowell as Rome's mad emperor. The joint Italian-Penthouse production features an-all star cast, including Sir John Gielgud, Helen Mirren and Peter O'Toole. Not rated, probable NC-17 (sex, nudity, violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, drug use). (Exclusive, Tower.)
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL --***1/2 -- The premise for this warm, funny and ultimately uplifting Italian film, a comedy set in a concentration camp, is truly odd. But Roberto Benigni pulls it off, thanks to his Oscar-winning performance as an Italian Jew who attempts to conceal death-camp horrors from his son. Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. This 1999 re-release has been dubbed from Italian into English. PG-13 (violence, ethnic slurs, brief nudity). (Sugar House.) (Nov. 6, 1998)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
EVEREST -- Probably the most popular "large-format" film of all time, this 44-minute documentary follows a team of explorers on an expedition to climb the world's highest -- and one of its most perilous -- mountains. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Not rated, probable G. (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
THE GOLD RUSH -- **** -- Acknowledged by many as Charlie Chaplin's first great movie, this 1925 farce stars the Little Tramp as an unfortunate fortune hunter who goes through near-starvation and other hazards during the California Gold Rush. Punctuated by several laugh-out-loud scenes, including the famous bit in which Chaplin eats his own shoe. Featuring organ accompaniment by Blaine Gale. Made before ratings, probable G (slapstick violence). (Organ Loft, Friday, 7:30 p.m.)
CONTINUING FILMS
THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND --**1/2 -- Some adults, teens and other grouches may not like this musical/adventure -- about the beloved "Sesame Street" character's efforts to recover his favorite blanket. But it wasn't made for them anyway, and the target audience will probably enjoy its many songs and silly gags. Besides, you have to admire any film that tries to send a positive message these days. G (mild vulgarity, slapstick violence). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9.) (Oct. 1, 1999)
AMERICAN BEAUTY --***1/2 -- Phenomenal performances -- including an Oscar-worthy lead turn from Kevin Spacey -- highlight this scathing but ultimately truthful comic drama about a middle-aged man in a mid-life crisis (Spacey) who decides to risk everything -- and pursue his daughter's best friend. A bit too pat and predictable toward the end, but very well directed and written as well. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, sex, nudity, violence, gore). (Holladay, Jordan Landing, South Towne, Trolley Corners, Trolley North.) (Sept. 24, 1999)
AMERICAN PIE --**1/2 -- Disgusting and unbelievably crude, but very funny tale of four high-school seniors determined to lose their virginity before they graduate. A very appealing cast helps, but the film's definitely not for the easily offended. R (vulgarity, sex, profanity, nudity). (Sugar House.) (July 9, 1999)
ANYWHERE BUT HERE --**1/2 -- Despite some good performances by Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman, playing a bickering mother and daughter transplanted to Beverly Hills, this drama is surprisingly superficial and not nearly affecting enough. Watchable, but nothing special. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
THE BACHELOR --*1/2 -- This contemporary update of Buster Keaton's beloved 1925 silent film "Seven Chances," starts promising enough: Confirmed bachelor Chris O'Donnell has 24 hours to find a bride or forsake his $100 million inheritance. But it quickly goes awry, and a lot of the humor is in questionable taste. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Square.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
BATS -- turkey -- So bad it's not even funny, this dim-witted horror/thriller attempts to recast Alfred Hitchcock's classic "The Birds" with genetically enhanced bats as the primary menace. Lou Diamond Phillips and Dina Meyers are awful as a sheriff and zoologist trying to stop the winged menaces. PG-13 (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity). (Jordan Landing.) (Oct. 22, 1999)
BEING JOHN MALKOVICH -- *** -- Almost too eccentric for its own good, this comedy/fantasy stars John Cusack as a puppeteer who discovers a portal into the mind of the American character actor John Malkovich. So bizarre as to be indescribable, but refreshingly different -- at least until it starts to run out of steam midway through. R (profanity, sex, vulgarity, violence, brief partial nudity, drug use). (Broadway, Century, South Towne.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
BLUE STREAK -- ** -- Comedian-turned-actor Martin Lawrence's first real chance to distinguish himself as a movie lead is a bleached, cluttered photostat of "Beverly Hills Cop" that's only a bit more clever than the original. Some amusing moments, though. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Cinemas 5.) (Sept. 17, 1999) -- Gene Seymour, Newsday
THE BONE COLLECTOR --*1/2 -- The first half of this thriller -- "Rear Window" as a serial killer tale -- is somewhat tense. But it really falls apart in the gory and illogical final 15 minutes. Frankly, Denzel Washington, here playing a paraplegic detective on the killer's trail, can do a lot better than this. R (gore, violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Crossroads, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
BOWFINGER --**1/2 -- Funny but frantic and somewhat mean-spirited comedy starring Steve Martin (who also co-wrote the script) as a shady movie producer who stalks a big-name star (Eddie Murphy) to get him to be in his film. Some laughs but some dry spots as well. PG-13 (profanity, racial epithets, violence, vulgarity, gore). (Kaysville, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Aug. 13, 1999)
BRINGING OUT THE DEAD --**1/2 -- It's not director Martin Scorsese's finest hour, but this uneven reunion with "Taxi Driver" screenwriter Paul Schrader still features a terrific starring turn by Nicolas Cage as a New York paramedic who begins to question his sanity during some especially hectic graveyard shifts. Terrific supporting performances, especially by Ving Rhames as one of his partners, helps, as does the off-kilter humor. R (violence, drug use, profanity). (Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400.) (Oct. 22, 1999)
DEEP BLUE SEA --*1/2 -- It wants to be part "Jaws" and part "Jurassic Park," but this stupid, gory thriller about superintelligent sharks preying on researchers at a floating laboratory is really part "Jaws: The Revenge" and part "The Poseidon Adventure." A few thrills and surprises, but nothing worth seeing this mess for. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity). (Valley Fair.) (July 28, 1999)
DOGMA -- ** -- Filmmaker Kevin Smith's already-controversial comedy about faith and religion starts out very funny. But this too-long farce about an abortion clinic worker who has to stop two fallen angels from unmaking reality quickly runs out of steam, and the wit is replaced crude, unfunny humor. Not worth the furor, frankly. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, gore, drug use, brief nudity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
DOUBLE JEOPARDY -- ** -- As ridiculous as the plot is and as many plot holes are there are, Ashley Judd still injects some needed energy into tars in this thriller about a woman being falsely convicted of murder, who seeks revenge on her "dead" spouse after being paroled. Tommy Lee Jones is wasted in a supporting role as her parole officer, though. R (profanity, violence, gore, sex, brief nudity, vulgarity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Plaza 5400; Sandy 9.) (Sept. 24, 1999)
DRIVE ME CRAZY --**1/2 -- The plot is cliched and the final third is a mess, but young stars Melissa Joan Hart (TV's "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch") and Adrian Grenier somehow make this teen comedy -- sort of "Pygmalion" is reverse -- appealing. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Jordan Landing.) (Oct. 1, 1999)
DUDLEY DO-RIGHT -- ** -- Mixing slapstick, dumb humor and action, this live-action cartoon, starring Brendan Fraser as the dim-witted Canadian Mountie, adds more mediocrity to the dog days of summer. It doesn't come close to the parody standard its animated predecessor set. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, profanity). (Kaysville, Sugar House.) (Aug. 27, 1999) -- Robert Denerstein, Scripps Howard News Service
FIGHT CLUB -- *** -- Depending on your perspective, this ultra-violent dark comedy from filmmaker David Fincher ("Seven," "The Game") is either the most exhilarating film in quite a while or the most irritating one. This kinetic, wild ride follows a yuppie (Edward Norton) who befriends a brawler (Brad Pitt) and is pulled into the anarchic underground. Definitely runs out of steam in the final third, though. R (violence, profanity, gore, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Sandy 9.) (Oct. 15, 1999)
FOR LOVE OF THE GAME -- *** -- It's nearly as long as a real baseball game and equally sappy, but Kevin Costner actually acts in this sports-based romantic drama (based on the best-selling novel) about a professional baseball pitcher who reflects on key moments in his life while pitching in a big game. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, brief gore). (Sandy 9.) (Sept. 17, 1999)
HAPPY, TEXAS --****1/2 -- It's more silly than it is funny, but the comedic hit of this year's Sundance Film Festival features terrific performances from Jeremy Northam and Steve Zahn as two prison escapees who impersonate beauty pageant directors in a small Texas community. The real star, however, is William H. Macy, playing the town's conflicted lawman. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, sex). (Exclusive, Sandy 9.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL -- turkey -- A sorry reincarnation of the 1950s William Castle horror film in which an eccentric millionaire offered five strangers $10,000 each to stay the night in a spooky old mansion. All the special effects in the world cannot compensate for an inability to generate tension, establish and sustain pace or create any character whose survival is worth rooting for. R (violence, gore, nudity, profanity). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Sandy 9.) (Oct. 30, 1999) -- Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times News Service
THE HAUNTING -- *-- The sets are appropriately spooky, and all the parts are in place, but this very loose remake of the 1963 movie of the same name is a lame, special effects-driven piece that isn't even remotely scary. And the cast, which includes Liam Neeson, Lili Taylor and Catherine Zeta-Jones as the unfortunate guests at a haunted mansion, seems uninspired. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore). (Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (July 23, 1999)
THE INSIDER -- *** -- It's much too long (158 minutes, to be precise) and more than a little self-important, but this fact-based drama is an involving piece starring Al Pacino as a producer for "60 Minutes" who arranged for an interview with a tobacco industry scientist (Russell Crowe) with damaging evidence -- a piece suppressed by the network because of legal threats. Excellent performances by the leads help. R (profanity, brief gore). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Corners.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
INSPECTOR GADGET -- *1/2 -- It's been drastically slashed from 100 minutes, but even 80 minutes of this messy live-action comedy, based on the kids' cartoon series, is too long. Inappropriately vulgar humor and awful performances from Matthew Broderick (as the title character) and Joely Fisher certainly don't help. PG (violence, vulgarity, profanity). (Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Valley Fair.) (July 23, 1999)
THE IRON GIANT -- ****-- There's finally a non-Disney animated film that gives the mouse studio a run for its money: this funny, superbly drawn and moving science-fiction adventure film about the friendship between a young boy and the title character, a huge robot of extraterrestrial origins. In a word, terrific. PG (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Avalon.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
LIGHT IT UP -- ** -- Its heart is in the right place, but this urban drama, about a group of inner-city high school students who hold an injured police officer hostage, may be sending the wrong message to its audience. The young cast is appealing, but it's also too heavy-handed and superficial to have a real impact. R (profanity, violence, racial epithets, vulgarity, drug use). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (Nov. 10, 1999)
THE LIMEY --***1/2 -- A saucy thriller starring Terence Stamp as a cockney ex-con who has come to Los Angeles to avenge the death of his daughter. As staged by director Steven Soderbergh ("Out of Sight"), the film is as merciless and swift as its title character. R (violence, profanity, brief nudity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Oct. 22, 1999) -- Elvis Mitchell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
THE MESSENGER: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC -- ** -- There may indeed be a message to this messy biopic, which stars Milla Jovovich ("The Fifth Element") stars as the title character. But director Luc Besson muddles historical "fact," and throws in surprisingly graphic war scenes that give "Braveheart" a run for its money. R (violence, gore, profanity, rape, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Corners, Trolley North.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
MICKEY BLUE EYES --**1/2 -- Take Hugh Grant as a romantic leading man, toss in some mobster elements to shake things up a bit, and you have this slight, but fun romantic comedy. James Caan is terrific as a gangster who is also his prospective father-in-law. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity). (Sugar House.) (Aug. 20, 1999) -- Dainon Moody
MUMFORD -- ** -- Another messy effort by hit-or-miss filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan, an ensemble comedy about a stranger (Loren Dean) who impersonates a psychologist and revitalizes a small town. But things get bogged down with too many characters and unconvincing drama in the second half. R (profanity, nudity, drug use, vulgarity, sex, ethnic slurs) (Valley Fair.) (Sept. 24, 1999)
MUSIC OF THE HEART -- *** -- What else is new? A terrific performance by the always-dependable Meryl Streep help salvage this cliched, superficial drama based on the true story of Roberta Guaspari, a New York music teacher who began a violin program in east Harlem. The direction and script are heavy-handed, but with Streep starring, who really cares? PG (profanity, brief violence). (Carmike 12, Cinemas 5, Creekside, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing.) (Oct. 29. 1999)
MYSTERY MEN --**1/2 -- Delightful, if inconsistent, spoof of such comic-book based action films as "Batman," about a handful of wannabe superheroes (including Ben Stiller, William H. Macy and Janeane Garofalo) trying to save the world. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, nude artwork). (Sugar House.) (Aug. 6, 1999) -- Dainon Moody
THE OMEGA CODE -- Religiously based organization Trinity Broadcasting produced this action-thriller, which stars Casper Van Dien ("Tarzan and the Lost City") as an American motivational speaker who must stop a megalomaniac (Michael York) bent on fulfilling violent Biblical prophecies. PG-13 (violence). (Century, Holladay.)
POKEMON: THE FIRST MOVIE --*1/2 -- Much too dark, disturbing and violent for young audiences, this poorly animated adventure -- based on the popular television series, card game and video game -- is one of the most inappropriate films aimed at families in a long time. Also plays with the animated short "Pikachu's Vacation." G (animated violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz, Trolley Square). (Nov. 10, 1999)
PRIVATE CONFESSIONS -- *** -- It's rather sluggishly paced and a little self-indulgent, but the third of Ingmar Bergman's biographical studies of his parents (actually directed by longtime Bergman collaborator Liv Ullmann) is a well-acted starring Pernilla August ("The Phantom Menace") and Max von Sydow. In Swedish, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable R (brief nudity, brief sex, mild profanity). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
RUNAWAY BRIDE -- **-- "Pretty Woman" stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts are back for this romantic comedy about a reporter (Gere) on the trail of a woman he believes is an unrepentant heartbreaker (Roberts). Unfortunately, the old chemistry isn't there, and the script is awful. PG (profanity, vulgarity, violence). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House.) (July 30, 1999)
SAME RIVER TWICE -- ** -- Good intentions don't always make for good movies. Case in point: this trite melodrama from local filmmaker Scott Featherstone (the Emmy-nominated documentary "Kokoro: The Heart Within"), which follows four men who reunite 13 years after a tragic whitewater rafting accident. Great photography and a decent message, but clumsy and silly at times. Not rated, probable PG (violence). (Exclusive, Villa.) (Oct. 29, 1999)
THE SIXTH SENSE --**1/2 -- Surprise, surprise, surprise. Bruce Willis actually acts in this creepy fantasy/thriller about a child psychologist attempting to treat an 8-year-old (Haley Joel Osment, from "Bogus") who claims he is able to communicate with the dead. The ending is a real shocker. PG-13 (profanity, violence, gore, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Midvalley, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
STIGMATA -- Turkey -- This MTV version of "The Exorcist" is possibly the least scary horror movie in recent history, with headache-inducing editing and an awful performance from Patricia Arquette as a hairdresser suffering from stigmatic wounds. More than a little hateful toward the Catholic Church, too. R (violence, gore, profanity, partial nudity, sex). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 10, 1999)
THE STORY OF US -- ** -- Despite an obvious effort, this surprisingly crude, shrill comedy/drama is no "When Harry and Sally Got Separated." The script is superficial, and there's no real chemistry between Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer, playing a married couple thinking about ending their 15-year marriage. Nice attempt by Willis, though. R (profanity, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief sex). (Sandy 9, Trolley North.) (Oct. 15, 1999)
THE STRAIGHT STORY -- In the hands of director David Lynch, this true story of an elderly Wisconsin man (Richard Farnsworth) traveling cross-country on a riding lawnmower becomes a beguiling case of a man buying into something larger than his demons. So simple, straightforwardly American and unwavering in its trajectory that it seems watched over as opposed to directed, but Lynch's traceless touch demonstrates a newfound faith in emotional truth. G (nothing offensive). (Broadway, Jordan Commons.) (Nov. 5, 1999) -- Wesley Morris, San Francisco Examiner
SUPERSTAR --*1/2 -- Like most of the "Saturday Night Live" movies, this silly comedy can't really make the leap from small to big screen. Put another way, Mary Katherine would be better in a smaller dose than an 82-minute movie allows, even with Shannon doing her best to convince us she's the hardest-working woman in show business. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, slapstick violence). (Cinemas 5, Jordan Landing, Sandy 9.) (Oct. 8, 1999)-- Robert Denerstein, Scripps Howard News Service
TARZAN --***1/2 -- Surely the best big-screen adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' jungle tales since the early Johnny Weissmuller films, this cartoon adventure/musical rivals many of Disney's best in terms of animation and story. Voices include Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close and Rosie O'Donnell. G (animated violence, mild vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 19, 1999)
TEACHING MRS. TINGLE --*1/2 -- "Scream" and "Dawson's Creek" creator Kevin Williamson may have won fans for his writing, but his feature film directing debut is an awful dark comedy/thriller about students (including Katie Holmes) who take their teacher hostage to make sure they don't flunk out of school. Cliched and unfunny. PG-13 (profanity, violence, sex, vulgarity). (Valley Fair.) (Aug. 20. 1999)
THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR --**1/2 -- A good-looking but ultimately unsatisfying remake of the 1968 thriller, starring a too-frigid Pierce Brosnan as a billionaire moonlighting as an international art thief. Rene Russo sizzles as an investigator on his trail but there are too many slow spots, as well as some dumb plotting. R (profanity, nudity, sex, violence, vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
THREE KINGS --***1/2 -- Some audiences will be put off by the politics of this Gulf War-era black comedy, a cross between "Kelly's Heroes" and "Catch-22." But it's riveting stuff, and George Clooney, Ice Cube and Mark Wahlberg are all very good as U.S. soldiers who get more than they bargained when they head off on a quest to steal Iraqi gold. R (violence, profanity, gore, torture, racial epithets, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity). (South Towne.) (Oct. 1, 1999)
THREE TO TANGO --*1/2 -- The "Friends" movie curse strikes again. Despite his best efforts, Matthew Perry can't save this romantic comedy of errors about an architect who falls for his boss's mistress (Neve Campbell) -- even though she believes he's gay. Oliver Platt does gets some laughs as his business partner, though. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, nude photos, slapstick violence). (Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Sandy 9.) (Oct. 22, 1999)
TWIN FALLS IDAHO -- *** -- Though it's hampered by an aloof performance by former model Michele Hicks, this odd fantasy/drama is a promising debut for the talent Polish brothers, who wrote, directed and star in this tale of conjoined twins searching for their biological mother. Similar to the early works of David Lynch, but with real warmth and humanity. R (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Oct. 8, 1999)