NEW FILMS FRIDAY
BEDROOMS AND HALLWAYS -- This British comedy stars Kevin McKidd ("Trainspotting") as a gay twentysomething who raises a ruckus when he joins a men's support group. Directed by Rose Troche ("Go Fish"). Reviewed in this section. Not rated, probable R (sex, vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief nudity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
DEUCE BIGALOW: MALE GIGOLO -- From executive producer Adam Sandler comes this screwball comedy, which features Sandler's "Big Daddy" co-star Rob Schneider as a down-on-his-luck man mistaken for a world-class male escort. Reviewed in this section. R (vulgarity, sex, slapstick violence) (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Sandy 9.)
THE GREEN MILE -- Tom Hanks leads the ensemble cast in this adaptation of Stephen King's multipart best seller, a prison drama/fantasy about a convicted murderer who appears to have healing powers. Written and directed by Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption"). Reviewed in this section. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, racial epithets, gore, sex, drug use, brief nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz, Trolley Corners.)
HEAD ON -- Based on the novel "Loaded," by Christos Tsiolkas, this Australian-made drama follows an Australian teen of Greek descent who is coming to terms with his sexuality and identity. Reviewed in this section. In English and in Greek, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable R (sex, violence, profanity, drug use, nudity, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
SNEAK PREVIEWS
ANNA AND THE KING -- Non-musical version of the fact-based tale, starring Jodie Foster as headstrong British governess Anna Leonowens and Hong Kong action star Chow Yun-Fat as the equally strong-willed King of Siam. Directed by Andy Tennant ("Ever After"). To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG-13 (violence). (Saturday: Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Ritz, South Towne.)
BICENTENNIAL MAN -- Based on the novella by the late Isaac Asimov, this sci-fi based comedy-drama reunites Robin Williams with his "Mrs. Doubtfire" director, Chris Columbus, for the tale of an android household worker who yearns to be human. Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz and Oliver Platt co-star. To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG (profanity, vulgarity). (Saturday: Century.)
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. Show in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable G. (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
MYSTERIES OF EGYPT -- Featuring contributions by several Utahns (including cinematographer Reed Smoot and musicians Sam Cardon and Kurt Bestor), this 38-minute documentary from National Geographic explores the history of and sites in Egypt. Omar Sharif stars and narrates. Shown in the large-screen format. In color and black and white. Not rated, probable G. (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
SCROOGE -- *** -- Albert Finney plays the title character in this rousing, colorful 1970 musical version of the classic Dickens tale, "A Christmas Carol." Alec Guinness contributes a rather fey Marley. Not all the songs are great ("Thank You Very Much" is the most memorable), but Finney's energetic performance makes it an enjoyable ride. G. (Avalon.) -- Chris Hicks
YEELEN -- From West African director Souleymane Cisseis comes this 1987 take on the myths of Oedipus and Parsifal, a drama about a young warrior who systematically brings down his society and family. In Bambara, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable R (violence, gore, nudity). (Salt Lake Art Center, Friday only, 8 p.m.)
CONTINUING FILMS
THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND --**1/2 -- 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 it. Besides, you have to admire any film that tries to send a positive message these days. G (mild vulgarity, slapstick violence). (Cinemas 5, Valley Fair.) (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 Square.) (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). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, 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). (Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
BATS -- turkey -- So bad it's not even funny, this dimwitted 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). (Valley Fair.) (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, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, 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). (Sugar House.) (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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Oct. 22, 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)
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" in reverse -- appealing. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 1, 1999)
END OF DAYS --*1/2 -- Arnold Schwarzenegger's long-awaited return to the big screen is a dumb occult-based thriller about an alcoholic ex-cop trying to prevent Satan from ending all existence. Unfortunately, the script is jaw-droppingly bad, as is Ah-nult's lead performance. What's worse, director Peter Hyams tries to make up for it with bombast, including explosions galore. Bad move. R (violence, gore, profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley North, Trolley Square.) (Nov. 26, 1999)
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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Sandy 9.) (Oct. 15, 1999)
FLAWLESS --*1/2 -- Filmmaker Joel Schumacher's latest fails to live up to it title, as stars Robert De Niro and Philip Seymour Hoffman camp it up in the tale of a stroke victim (De Niro) advised to take singing lessons as part of his rehabilitation program. The unsure tone, which wanders from drama to comedy to thriller, doesn't help. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, drug use). (Broadway, Century, Trolley North.) (Nov. 26, 1999)
FOR LOVE OF THE GAME -- ** 1/2 -- 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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 17, 1999)
HAPPY, TEXAS --**1/2 -- It's 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)
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.) (July 23, 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). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Sandy 9.) (Oct. 30, 1999) -- Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times News Service
AN IDEAL HUSBAND -- *** -- It's lacking the savage bite of its source material -- Oscar Wilde's much-filmed stageplay -- but this comedy of errors is also witty and well-acted with a superb cast that includes Oscar nominee Cate Blanchett, Rupert Everett, Minnie Driver and Julianne Moore. PG-13 (brief violence, brief nudity, mild vulgarity). (Sugar House.) (July 2, 1999)
IN TOO DEEP -- ** -- An admirable but failed attempt to make an urban "Serpico," this violent, fact-based thriller stars Omar Epps ("The Wood") as a detective whose loyalties are torn when he goes undercover to infiltrate a drug ring. The performances are good, especially from LL Cool J as his target, but the script is awful. R (profanity, violence, racial epithets, drug use, vulgarity, nudity, sex, gore, torture). (Valley Fair.) (Aug. 25, 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). (Jordan Landing, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (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, 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). (Cinemas 5.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
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). (Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Trolley North.) (Nov. 12, 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). (Creekside, Gateway, Jordan Commons.) (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). (Cinemas 5.) (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). (Sandy 9.)
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, Ritz, Trolley Square). (Nov. 10, 1999)
PRINCESS MONONOKE -- *** -- This Japanese animated feature -- the biggest hit in the country's history -- is not for children or the weak of heart. In fact, it's extremely violent and even a bit gory. But it's also a well-animated tale with heart and a good message against needless violence and the ecology. Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver and Billy Bob Thornton supply some of the voices for this dubbed version. PG-13 (violence, gore, mild profanity, nudity). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Nov. 26, 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, Valley Fair.) (July 30, 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Carmike 12; Century; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Ritz; Sandy 9.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
SLEEPY HOLLOW --**1/2 -- It's gory and a more than a little silly (particularly the ending), but filmmaker Tim Burton's take on Washington Irving's classic tale is also a very stylish piece. And Johnny Depp seems to be channeling late actor Roddy McDowall in his performance as detective Ichabod Crane, who's investigating a series of mysterious beheadings. R (violence, gore, sex, mild profanity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz.) (Nov. 19, 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). (Cinemas 5, Sugar House.) (Sept. 10, 1999)
STIR OF ECHOES -- ** -- Kevin Bacon is terrific in the lead role and things start out creepy, but this is a pretty routine horror-thriller about a man who begins suffering from terrifying visions -- and gains the power to communicated with the dead -- after being hypnotized at a party. And the ending is much too predictable. R (violence, rape, profanity, sex). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 10, 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). (Jordan Commons, Trolley Square.) (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). (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)
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). (Sugar House.) (Aug. 6, 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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (Oct. 22, 1999)
TOY STORY 2 -- **** -- Contrary to popular belief, sometimes sequels can be every bit as good as the original. Case in point: this very funny follow-up to the 1995 smash hit, which again stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as the voices of computer-animated characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively. Not only is the animation light-years better than that in the original, the story is great, as Buzz and the other toys must rescue Woody from a collector who believes he is a valuable action figure. G (slapstick violence, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Gateway 8, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz, Trolley Corners, Villa.) (Nov. 24, 1999)
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH -- ** -- This Bond-by-numbers action film is a virtual greatest-hits package of scenes from other, better 007 movies. Meanwhile, glacial Bond girls Denise Richards and Sophie Marceau make Pierce Brosnan look downright warm, and Robert Carlyle makes one of the least interest villains in the film series' history. Not unwatchable, but certainly a disappointment. PG-13 (violence, torture, vulgarity, sex, brief nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz, South Towne.) (Nov. 19, 1999)