NEW FILMS FRIDAY
MAGNOLIA -- Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson's follow-up to the acclaimed and controversial "Boogie Nights" is an odd drama with several intersecting story lines concerning abuse, heartbreak and regrets. The ensemble cast includes Tom Cruise, William H. Macy, Jason Robards and Julianne Moore. Jeff Vice interviews Anderson on Page W1; movie reviewed in this section. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, violence, sex, nudity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Century, Jordan Landing, Ritz, South Towne.)
SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS -- Filmmaker Scott Hicks' long-awaited follow-up to "Shine" is this drama, based on David Guterson's best-selling, award-winning novel about a journalist (Ethan Hawke) covering a racially divisive trial in post-World War II-era America. Max von Sydow and Sam Shepard co-star. PG-13 (violence, sex, racial epithets, profanity, gore). (Broadway, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Sandy 9.)
NEW FILMS WEDNESDAY
NEXT FRIDAY -- This comic sequel to the surprise 1995 hit sees Craig Jones (returning star and co-screenwriter Ice Cube) moving from the hood to the suburbs after his relatives win the lottery. To be reviewed when it opens next week. R (profanity, drug use, vulgarity, racial epithets, sex, nudity, violence).
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. Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable G. (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
THE LIVING SEA -- Narrated by Meryl Streep and featuring an original musical score by Sting, this 40-minute documentary from the "Everest" filmmaking team surveys the world's oceans and explores its many ecosystems and creatures. Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable G. (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
MYSTERIES OF EGYPT -- Featuring contributions by several Utahns (including cinematography by Reed Smoot and musical score by Sam Cardon), 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.)
WHO GETS THE HOUSE? -- The latest from Utah's own Feature Films for Families is this comedy-drama about a divorcing couple involved in a dispute over ownership of their home with their own children. The cast includes Carl Marotte ("The Mighty") and in a supporting role, George Takei. Proceeds from this one-night-only screening will benefit Catholic Community Services of Utah. To be reviewed when it opens Jan. 21. G (nothing offensive). (Jordan Commons, Monday only, 7 p.m.)
WORKS FROM ALONG THE WASATCH FRONT -- The monthly open-screening event of the Utah Film and Video Center, this 85-minute program features film and videotape works by local artists, many of whom are having their material publicly screened for the first time. This program is not rated but may contain some PG-13 rated material. (Salt Lake Art Center, Friday only, 8 p.m.)
CONTINUING FILMS
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 midlife 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). (Broadway, Jordan Commons.) (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)
ANNA AND THE KING --**1/2 -- It's too long and actually tries to tell too much story, but this lavish, non-musical version of the fact-based tale benefits from strong performances by Jodie Foster as headstrong British governess Anna Leonowens and even better, Hong Kong action star Chow Yun-Fat as the equally strong-willed King of Siam. Great cinematography and production design also helps. In English and in Siamese, with English subtitles. PG-13 (violence, gore). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz, South Towne.) (Dec. 17, 1999)
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY--**1/2 -- With this gridiron drama filmmaker Oliver Stone has gone out of his way to take a fairly easy-to-understand (not to mention enjoy) story line and make it more complicated by adding some unnecessary subplots, recognizable stars with too-small parts and what seem to be outtakes from a rap music video centered around the sport. R (profanity, violence, nudity, drug use, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley North, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 22, 1999) -- Dainon Moody
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). (Sandy 9.) (Nov. 5, 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
BICENTENNIAL MAN -- ** -- Lacking the subtlety and profundity of its source material -- a short story by the late Isaac Asimov -- this too-long, sci-fi based comedy/drama stars Robin Williams as an android household worker who yearns to be human. A few laughs, but this story's been done better many times before. PG (profanity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 17, 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). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 17, 1999) -- Gene Seymour, Newsday
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). (Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 22, 1999)
THE CIDER HOUSE RULES --**1/2 -- Author John Irving has no one to blame but himself for this superficial adaptation of his controversial best-seller, since he wrote the screenplay. But a good cast, which includes Tobey Maguire as orphan Homer Wells and Michael Caine as orphanage director Dr. Wilbur Larch, still nearly salvages the film from its own worst tendencies. PG-13 (drug use, violence, sex, nudity, gore, profanity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
DEUCE BIGALOW: MALE GIGOLO -- turkey -- It's been too long for us to still be getting "Ace Ventura" rip-offs, yet here comes this mean-spirited, unfunny romp starring Rob Schneider as a fish-tank cleaner who takes a job as a male escort to pay off a huge debt. The crude humor is bad enough, but the attempts to be sweet are even worse. Ugh! R (vulgarity, violence, profanity, nudity, sex) (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley North.) (Dec. 10, 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). (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). (Sandy 9.) (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; Sugar House.) (Oct. 15, 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). (Kaysville.) (Sept. 17, 1999)
GALAXY QUEST -- *** -- A funny spoof of the original "Star Trek" television series, featuring great special effects and a surprisingly good performance by Tim Allen as the former star of a popular television series, who is abducted by real aliens who want him to help save their race. Watch for Utah's Goblin Valley, substituting for an alien planet. PG (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, torture). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Crossroads, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
THE GREEN MILE -- *** -- It's no "Shawshank Redemption" -- it's way, way too long, for one thing -- but Frank Darabont's ambitious adaptation of Stephen King's serialized best-seller still has its share of moments. Tom Hanks stars as a prison guard who discovers one of his inmates may have healing powers. But the supporting cast (especially Michael Duncan Clarke) upstages him. 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.) (Dec. 10, 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (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). (Cinemas 5, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 30, 1999) -- Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times News Service
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). (Sandy 9.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
MAN ON THE MOON -- ***1/2 -- Milos Forman's biography of late comic Andy Kaufman may be a one-man show -- with Jim Carrey portraying the equally loved and reviled comedian. But thanks to Carrey's spot-on impersonation and faithful re-creations of some of Kaufman's wildest routines, it's a fascinating and very watchable one. R (violence, profanity, nudity, vulgarity, racial epithets, brief gore). (Carmike 12, Century, Crossroads, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley North.) (Dec. 22, 1999)
MANSFIELD PARK -- *** -- This adaptation of Jane Austen's novel isn't quite as scandalous as Austen purists would have you believe. In fact, it's a well-acted drama about an impoverished young woman (Frances O'Connor, fabulous in the lead role) who finds love and more when she is sent to live with her wealthy relatives. PG-13 (drug use, nude artwork, profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Jordan Commons.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
MUSIC OF THE HEART -- **1/2 -- 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). (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). (Jordan Commons.) (Nov. 10, 1999)
PRINCESS MONONOKE -- ***1/2 -- 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). (Sandy 9.) (Nov. 26, 1999)
RANDOM HEARTS --*1/2 -- Slow pacing and robotic performances from leads Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas doom this dull, unmemorable melodrama about a cop and a U.S. congresswoman who become romantically attracted as they team up to investigate the deaths of their spouses. R (violence, profanity, sex, vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 8, 1999)
ROMANCE -- Already coming under fire for its graphic depictions of sexual acts, this French drama examines a woman's sexual relationships with several men. In French, with English subtitles. NC-17 (sex, nudity, profanity, rape, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
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.) (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). (Midvalley, 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). (Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400.) (Nov. 19, 1999)
STAR WARS: EPISODE ONE -- THE PHANTOM MENACE --**1/2 -- Not nearly as bad as the initial reviews would indicate, the long-awaited first installment of George Lucas' prequels is a bit icy but OK look back at the early life of Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) as he joins his fellow Jedi knights, including Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Great effects and action help it overcome some of the slow spots. PG (violence, vulgarity). (Cinemas 5, Jordan Commons, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (May 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.) (Sept. 10, 1999)
THE STRAIGHT STORY -- ***1/2 -- 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.) (Nov. 5, 1999) -- Wesley Morris, San Francisco Examiner
STUART LITTLE -- *** -- Despite a couple lapses in taste, this live-action version of E.B. White's beloved family tale is a cute romp starring Michael J. Fox as the voice of the title character, a tiny, anthropomorphic rodent who is adopted by a human family. A great cast helps, especially Nathan Lane, who gets the best lines as Stuart's feline competitor for the family's affections. PG (vulgarity, violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 17, 1999)
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, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 8, 1999)-- Robert Denerstein, Scripps Howard News Service
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY-- **** -- A bulked-down Matt Damon gives the performance of his career as the lethal title character of this Hitchcockian dramatic thriller from writer/director Anthony Minghella ("The English Patient"), based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. Some audiences will be put off by the sight of Damon playing an identity-changing, gay sociopath, but it's very well-crafted and thrilling. R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley Corners.) (Dec. 25, 1999)
TARZAN --*** -- Surely the best big-screen adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' jungle tales since the early Johnny Weissmuller films, this cartoon adventure/musical is among Disney's best later-period works, especially 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, Valley Fair.) (June 19, 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). (Cinemas 5, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 1, 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). (Creekside, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Ritz, South Towne.) (Nov. 19, 1999)