NEW FILMS FRIDAY
THE BEACH -- Heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a pop-culture buff who heads out on a quest to find a mythical island paradise in this adaptation of Alex Garland's controversial novel. French actress Virginie Ledoyen co-stars. Directed by Danny Boyle ("A Life Less Ordinary"). R (profanity, violence, gore, drug use, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Broadway, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz.)
HOLY SMOKE -- The latest from filmmaker Jane Campion (1997's "Portrait of a Lady") is this drama about an Australian family that recruits an American cult expert (Harvey Keitel) to "de-program" their daughter (Kate Winslet), who has fallen under the sway of an Indian guru. R (profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity, drug use, violence). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
SINBAD: BEYOND THE VEIL OF MISTS -- Using some of the same "motion-capture" technology as many of today's hit video games, this feature-length cartoon adventure brings the legendary sailor (voiced by Brendan Fraser) back to the big screen for the first time in more than 20 years. Other voice talents include Mark Hamill, Leonard Nimoy and John Rhys-Davies. PG (animated violence and gore). (Carmike 12, Cottonwood, Plaza 5400, Ritz.)
SNOW DAY -- From the creators of television's "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" comes this family comedy -- a joint Paramount/Nickelodeon production about a New York family, and their adventures during a "snow day" that threatens to cancel school classes. The cast includes Chevy Chase, Jean Smart and Chris Elliott. PG (vulgarity, slapstick violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Trolley Square.)
THE TIGGER MOVIE -- A.A. Milne's beloved creation Winnie the Pooh and his forest pals return to the big screen for the first time in 17 years with this animated feature, about Tigger's efforts to find out whether he really is the only one of his kind. Featuring six new songs by longtime Disney songwriters Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Jeff Vice interviews the Sherman brothers and Utahn Ken Sansom, who voices Rabbit, on Page W1; movie reviewed in this section. G (nothing offensive). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square, Villa.)
SNEAK PREVIEWS
THE WHOLE NINE YARDS -- Matthew Perry (from TV's "Friends") stars in this comedy as a dentist who befriends the hitman (Bruce Willis) living next door but then finds himself falling in love with the hired killer's wife. Natasha Henstridge, Michael Clarke Duncan ("The Green Mile") and Rosanna Arquette co-stars. To be reviewed when it opens next week. R (violence, profanity, vulgarity, sex). (Saturday: Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Trolley Square.)
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.)
GONE WITH THE WIND -- **** -- Up until the release of "Titanic," this 1939 classic was America's favorite sweeping romance, an epic love story between two mismatched rogues (Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable), set among the backdrop of the Civil War. Rarely has justice been done to a novel as it is here, and though there's sympathy expressed for the pro-slavery South, it's more of a subtext than anything else. This reissue features digitally enhanced sound, as well as "restored" color and picture. G (wartime violence, mild profanity). (Jordan Commons.)
HOUR OF THE STAR -- This critically acclaimed 1985 drama, which marked the debut of Brazilian filmmaker Suzana Amaral, follows a naive young immigrant (Brazilian star Marcella Cartoxo) living on little more than hope and fantasies. In Portuguese, with English subtitles. This program is not rated but may contain some PG-13 or R-rated material. (Salt Lake Art Center, Friday only, 8 p.m.)
HOW THE WEST WAS WON --***1/2 -- Forget watching it on television, the big screen is definitely the place to see this epic 1962 western from directing greats John Ford, Henry Hathaway and George Marshall. An all-star cast (which includes Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck, George Peppard, Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne) portrays three generations of Western pioneers. But the real star of the film is the vivid scenic photography and Alfred Newman's stirring score. Spencer Tracy narrates. Made before ratings, probable PG (violence). (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.)
CONTINUING FILMS
ANGELA'S ASHES --**1/2 -- It features some fine performances, particularly by Emily Watson and Robert Carlyle, but Alan Parker'S adaptation of the best-selling, Depression-era memoirs of Frank McCourt is a dreary, "greatest-hits" medley of stories from the book. Not unwatchable but definitely a disappointment considering the source material. R (profanity, violence, nudity, vulgarity, sex). (Midvalley, Sandy 9.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
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). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, 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). (South Towne.) (Dec. 22, 1999) -- Dainon Moody
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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne.) (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
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). (Sugar House.) (Nov. 5, 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). (Carmike 12, Century, Crossroads, 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) (Jordan Landing, Sandy 9.) (Dec. 10, 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 with crude, unfunny humor. Not worth the furor, frankly. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, gore, drug use, brief nudity, racial epithets). (Valley Fair.) (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 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). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 24, 1999)
DOWN TO YOU -- ** -- For further proof that nothing new can be done with the teen romantic comedy genre, look to this chemistry-free dud starring Freddie Prinze Jr. as a student chef trying to reconcile with his true love (Julia Stiles, from "10 Things I Hate About You"). Nearly laughless, but Stiles somehow manages to charm -- despite being paired with walking mannequin Prinze. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, sex, nude artwork, drug use). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
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). (Cinemas 5, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 26, 1999)
THE END OF THE AFFAIR -- *** -- It's not a complete return to form for slumping filmmaker Neil Jordan, but his adaptation of the Graham Greene novel is wryly witty and features a good cast, including Ralph Fiennes as a novelist with an adulterous obsession for his friend's wife (the always-steady Julianne Moore). But be warned that the sex scenes are surprisingly graphic. R (sex, nudity, violence, profanity). (Broadway, South Towne, Trolley North.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER -- ** -- This suspense- thriller starring Ewan McGregor and Ashley Judd -- playing, respectively, a British intelligence agent and his murderous quarry -- does start well. But it quickly gets bogged down by ludicrous, nonsensical plotting. In fact, it would take a real intelligence agent to explain what the whole point of the movie is supposed to be. R (violence, profanity, nudity, gore, sex, drug use). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Crossroads, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Jan. 28, 2000)
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). (Sugar House.) (Oct. 15, 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, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
GIRL, INTERRUPTED --**1/2 -- Despite terrific performances from Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder, director James Mangold's adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's autobiographical novel is a superficial period drama that seems like a rip-off of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Not terrible, but a disappointment. R (profanity, drug use, vulgarity, violence, brief nudity). (Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Trolley North.) (Jan. 14, 2000)
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, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 10, 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). (Kaysville.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
THE HURRICANE -- *** -- It's too "Hollywood-ized" and too long for its own good, but this biographical drama about falsely imprisoned boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter benefits from a powerful performance by Denzel Washington as the title character. Still, it should have been a lot more. R (violence, profanity, gore, racial epithets, brief nudity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne.) (Jan. 14, 2000)
MAGNOLIA --***1/2 -- Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson's follow-up to "Boogie Nights" is a sprawling, self-indulgent mess. But it's also an oddly compelling drama /fantasy with several intersecting story lines concerning child abuse, heartbreak and regrets. The terrific ensemble cast includes Tom Cruise, William H. Macy, Jason Robards, John C. Reilly and Julianne Moore. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, violence, sex, nudity, racial epithets). (Century, Trolley Corners.) (Jan. 7, 2000)
MAN ON THE MOON -- *** -- 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Kaysville; Sugar House; Valley Fair.) (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). (Jordan Commons, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 24, 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). (Sugar House.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
NEXT FRIDAY -- turkey -- Completely lacking in the low-key charm of its predecessor, the 1995 "in-the-hood" comedy, this unfunny sequel brings Craig Jones (returning star and screenwriter Ice Cube) to the suburbs, where he continues to find trouble. Cheap sexual and drug humor and flatulence gags dominate. R (profanity, drug use, racial epithets, vulgarity, violence, sex, partial nudity, brief gore). (Century, Jordan Commons, Midvalley.) (Jan. 12, 2000)
PLAY IT TO THE BONE --**1/2 -- Director Ron Shelton has created funny, entertaining films about sports. But his latest, which delves into the brutal, corrupt world of professional boxing, can only be rated as a split decision. Antonio Banderas and Woody Harrelson star as best friends and boxing rivals driving cross country to qualify for a lucrative prizefight. R (violence, profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity, drug use). (Jordan Landing.) (Jan. 21, 2000) -- Bob Thomas, Associate Press
POKMON: 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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 10, 1999)
SCREAM 3 --**1/2 -- The finale of director Wes Craven's horror-comedy film series is a rather uneven movie-industry parody that starts well but fades badly in the final third. Stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette reprise their roles, but indie actress Parker Posey steals the show as a method actress shadowing Cox Arquette's character. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley Corners, Trolley North.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
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). (Gateway, Jordan Landing, 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). (Gateway.) (Nov. 19, 1999)
SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS -- **1/2 -- Writer/director Scott Hicks' has followed up the acclaimed "Shine" with this great-looking but aloof drama, based on David Guterson's best-selling novel about a journalist (Ethan Hawke) covering a racially divisive trial in post World War II-era America. A bit superficial, but the images are startling, and Max von Sydow steals the show in supporting role. PG-13 (violence, sex, racial epithets, profanity, gore). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Sandy 9.) (Jan. 7, 2000)
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). (Sandy 9.) (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, Midvalley, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne.) (Dec. 17, 1999)
SUPERNOVA -- * -- A funny thing happened to this bubble-headed monster of a movie on its way to the theaters. Its director abandoned ship and was replaced by a phantom. It's too bad that the director could not have been joined by stars James Spader, Angela Bassett and Lou Diamond Phillips, who are trapped aboard this vehicle in the deepest reaches of outer space. PG-13 (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity). (Jordan Landing.) (Jan. 18, 2000) -- Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times News Service
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). (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). (Century, Jordan Landing, Sandy 9.) (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). (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.) (Oct. 1, 1999)
TOPSY-TURVY --***1/2 -- Acclaimed British director Mike Leigh's latest is an affectionate ode to the composing/writing team of Gilbert & Sullivan, who are shown struggling to write and produce "The Mikado" -- their big "comeback" effort. Kind of slow to begin with and the film's definitely too long (160 minutes). But excellent performances by Jim Broadbent and Allan Corduner as the main characters help, as do the sumptuous renditions of "Mikado" musical numbers. R (nudity, violence, vulgarity, mild profanity, drug use). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
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, Century, Crossroads, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz.) (Nov. 24, 1999)
WHO GETS THE HOUSE? -- ** -- This comedy, the latest from Utah's own Feature Films for Families, has an amusing premise about a "custody battle" between a divorcing couple and their kids over the family house. But it quickly gets away from it and instead concentrates on dumb humor and sappy sentiments. Not terrible, but nothing very special or original either. The cast includes Carl Marotte ("The Mighty") and original "Star Trek" veteran George Takei. G (nothing offensive). (Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Ritz.) (Jan. 28, 2000)
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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Kaysville; South Towne.) (Nov. 19, 1999)