NEW FILMS FRIDAY
ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER -- Spain's official entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar is this drama from acclaimed director Pedro Almodovar ("Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down," "Live Flesh"), about a woman's journey to tell her estranged lover that his son is dead. Cecilia Roth and Penelope Cruz star. In Spanish, with English subtitles. R (sex, profanity, vulgarity, nudity, drug use). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
JUDY BERLIN -- Kicking off the Shooting Gallery Film Series, a three-month exhibition of American independent movies and world cinema, is this black-and-white comedy-fantasy about the residents of a Long Island suburb whose lives are disrupted by a solar eclipse. Edie Falco (cable television's "The Sopranos"), Barbara Barrie and the late Madeline Kahn star. A selection of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. Not rated, probable PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
NATURALLY NATIVE -- Written, directed and financed solely by American Indians, this comedy-drama follows three sisters (Irene Bedard, Kimberly Norris and Valerie Red-Horse, who also wrote and co-directed the movie) who try to start up their own cosmetics company. A selection of the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. Jeff Vice interviews Red-Horse on Page W1; movie reviewed in this section. PG-13 (violence, sex, profanity, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
REINDEER GAMES -- Up-and-coming screenwriter Ehren Kruger ("Arlington Road") penned this crime thriller about an ex-con (Ben Affleck) who is being blackmailed into committing one last heist in a casino. Charlize Theron and Gary Sinise co-star. Directed by John Frankenheimer ("Ronin"). R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Corners.)
WONDER BOYS -- Based on Michael Chabon's acclaimed novel, director Curtis Hanson's follow-up to "L.A. Confidential" is this dark comedy about a college professor and once-promising author (Michael Douglas) unable to complete his second novel. Frances McDormand, Tobey Maguire and Katie Holmes co-star. R (drug use, profanity, vulgarity, violence, brief gore). (Broadway, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.)
NEW FILMS WEDNESDAY
THREE STRIKES -- From rapper-turned-filmmaker D.J. Pooh (co-writer of the 1996 hit "Friday") and the producers of "Dumb and Dumber" comes this urban comedy about the misadventures of a recent prison parolee (Brian Hooks, from "Bulworth"). David Alan Grier and N'Bushe Wright co-star. To be reviewed when it opens next week. R (profanity, vulgarity, sex, drug use, racial epithets, violence).
SNEAK PREVIEWS
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM? -- Comedian Gary Shandling co-wrote and stars in this comedy as an extraterrestrial who comes to Earth seeking a mate -- so he can procreate and save his dying race. Annette Bening, John Goodman and Greg Kinnear co-star. Directed by Mike Nichols ("Primary Colors"). To be reviewed when it opens next week. R (vulgarity, sex, profanity). (Saturday: Trolley Corners.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
DIARY FOR MY CHILDREN -- A presentation of the University of Utah's Film Front group, this 1984 Hungarian drama has some echoes of both "The Tin Drum" and "The Diary of Anne Frank" with its story line, about an orphaned girl witnessing the rise of communist hardliners in post-World War II Budapest. In Hungarian, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Orson Spencer Hall, University of Utah; Sunday only; 7 p.m.)
EUROPEAN SUN -- Local filmmaker Christian Robinson interviews several college-aged Americans and other trekking to Europe "to get away from it all" in this tongue-in-cheek documentary, gleaned from the 20-year old writer/director's 1999 trip to that continent. On video. Not rated, probable R (nude artwork, vulgarity, drug use, mild profanity). (Avalon.)
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.)
THE SOUND OF MUSIC -- *** -- It features great songs by Rogers & Hammerstein, as well as an enchanting performance by Julie Andrews, but this Oscar-winning 1965 musical has lost at least a little of its original sheen. Perhaps it's the nearly three-hour running time or the corniness of the tale (based on real-life events), but it's definitely too much of a good thing. Still, it's probably the most crowd-pleasing big-screen musical Hollywood has ever turned out. Made before ratings, probable G. (Jordan Commons.)
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE -- **** -- Tennessee Williams' powerful but disturbing play has been performed numerous times on stage and on television, but now-controversial director Elia Kazan's 1951 version, starring Vivien Leigh as the haunted Blanche Dubois, is probably the one by which all others should be judged. Leigh's terrific, as is Marlon Brando as the brutish Stanley. In black and white. Made before ratings, probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
USC STUDENT FILMS -- A compilation of short works by the students in the University of Southern California's Cinema-Television program, including both live-action and animated short films. USC professor Christine Panushka will be on hand to introduce the program. This program has not been 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 Oscar nominee 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. Nominated for eight Academy Awards. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, sex, nudity, violence, gore). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne.) (Sept. 24, 1999)
AMERICAN MOVIE -- ***1/2 -- Witty, hilarious and surprisingly warm-hearted, the Grand Prize Award winner in the documentary category from the 1999 Sundance Film Festival is a film-within-a-film about a would-be director's efforts to make a low-budget horror movie, using most of his friends and family as cast and crew. Director Chris Smith never has to take potshots at his subject -- especially since they do it for him. R (profanity, violence, gore, drug use). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Feb. 18, 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, Jordan Landing, South Towne.) (Dec. 17, 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). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House.) (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 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
THE BEACH -- *1/2 -- It's not likely to destroy heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio's career but this incredibly superficial fantasy-thriller isn't likely to help it any either. His standoffish performance as a thrillseeker searching for a fabled island paradise doesn't help nor do director Danny Boyle's silly stylistic flourishes. Pretty laughable. R (profanity, violence, gore, drug use, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
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). (Valley Fair.) (Sept. 17, 1999) -- Gene Seymour, Newsday
BOILER ROOM -- **1/2 -- It's derivative of other dramas -- especially "Wall Street" and "Glengarry Glen Ross" -- and it peters out at the end, but newcomer Ben Younger's first feature is a well-acted drama following the newest member (Giovanni Ribisi) of a Long Island stock brokerage struggling with his careers and conscience. Not great, but promising. R (profanity, violence, racial epithets, vulgarity, drug use, nude artwork). (Century, Creekside, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Corners.) (Feb. 18, 2000)
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 (which received an Oscar nomination). But a good cast, which includes Tobey Maguire as orphan Homer Wells and Oscar nominee 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). (Century, Cottonwood, Crossroads, 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) (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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 much of the wit is replaced crude, unfunny humor. Probably not worth all the fuss, frankly. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, gore, drug use, brief nudity, racial epithets). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 24, 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). (Cinemas 5, 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 (Oscar nominee Julianne Moore). But be warned that the sex scenes are surprisingly graphic. R (sex, nudity, violence, profanity). (South Towne.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
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, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
GIRL, INTERRUPTED -- **1/2 -- Despite terrific performances from Oscar nominee 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (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 Oscar nominee 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, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 10, 1999)
HANGING UP -- *1/2 -- An unfortunate example of how even a good cast and crew can make a terrible film, this pointless and nearly unwatchable comedy stars Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow and Diane Keaton (who also directed) as squabbling sisters brought together by the hospitalization of their rather unorthodox father (Walter Matthau). Painfully unfunny, and the performers seem to be making it up as they go along. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Corners.) (Feb. 18, 2000)
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). (Kaysville, Valley Fair.) (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 Oscar nominee Denzel Washington as the title character. Still, it should have been a lot more. R (violence, profanity, gore, racial epithets, brief nudity). (Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne, Trolley North, Trolley Square.) (Jan. 14, 2000)
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 (Oscar nominee Russell Crowe, convincingly playing a much-older character) 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.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (Dec. 22, 1999)
MUSIC OF THE HEART -- **1/2 -- What else is new? A terrific performance by the perpetually Oscar-nominated 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, and Streep probably gives it more credibility than it deserves. PG (profanity, brief violence). (Sandy 9.) (Oct. 29. 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, Midvalley.) (Jan. 12, 2000)
PITCH BLACK -- *1/2 -- Further proof that today's filmmakers don't give their audiences enough credit for being intelligent, this dumb science-fiction thriller rips off nearly every one that came before it, and then compounds the problem with illogical plotting and stale characterizations. A real disappointment, considering it came from writer/director David Twohy ("The Arrival"), who ought to know better. R (violence, profanity, gore, drug use, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley North.) (Feb. 18, 2000)
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 9, 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 method actress shadowing Cox Arquette's character. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Crossroads, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Trolley North.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
SINBAD: BEYOND THE VEIL OF MISTS -- * -- Using some of the same "motion-capture" technology as many of today's hit video games, this terrible, feature-length cartoon adventure looks like a video game too. The problem is, you can't turn it off or change any of the settings. And what possessed actors like Brendan Fraser, Mark Hamill, Leonard Nimoy and John Rhys-Davies to be involved in a movie this bad? Let's hope the pay was good. PG (animated violence and gore). (Carmike 12, Plaza 5400.) (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 (Oscar nominee Haley Joel Osment) who claims he is able to communicate with the dead. The plot's a little contrived, but the ending is a real shocker. PG-13 (profanity, violence, gore, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Century, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
SNOW DAY -- **1/2 -- It falls back on that old bugaboo of kids' films -- flatulence humor -- but there are some surprisingly clever moments in this family comedy about a New York family and their adventures during a "snow day" that threatens to cancel school classes and work. The cast includes Chevy Chase, Jean Smart and Chris Elliott. Not even close to resembling great cinema, but there are far worse films out there. PG (vulgarity, slapstick violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Trolley Square.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
THE STRAIGHT STORY -- ***1/2 -- In the hands of director David Lynch, this true story of an elderly Wisconsin man (Oscar nominee 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (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). (Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne.) (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). (Sandy 9, 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Dec. 25, 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.) (Oct. 1, 1999)
THE TIGGER MOVIE -- *** -- Not as memorable as the earlier adaptations of A.A. Milne's beloved short stories, but this animated feature is still a charming tale about Tigger's efforts to find out whether he really is the only one of his kind. Good animation, but the real stars are six new songs by longtime Disney songwriters Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, as well as a great message. G (nothing offensive). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square, Villa.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
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). (Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz.) (Nov. 24, 1999)
THE WAR ZONE -- *** -- Harder to watch but even more difficult to ignore, this drama is an ironically titled piece about a seemingly loving British family that begins to crumble as dark family secrets are revealed. Great performances by newcomers Freddie Cunliffe and Lara Belmont, and British character actor Tim Roth makes an impressive directorial debut. Not rated, probable R (nudity, profanity, rape, violence, sex, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Feb. 18, 2000)
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). (Jordan Commons, Ritz.) (Jan. 28, 2000)
THE WHOLE NINE YARDS -- **1/2 -- It appears the stars of TV's "Friends" can be funny in movies, after all. Matthew Perry is a hoot 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). Things start slow, and there are some unfortunate R-rated tendencies, but the cast is good, particularly Amanda Peet as a rookie hitwoman. R (violence, profanity, nudity, vulgarity, sex, drug use). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Square.) (Feb. 18, 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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 19, 1999)