NEW FILMS FRIDAY
DROWNING MONA -- Advertised by its makers as a "comic who-didn't-do-it," this dark comedy stars Danny DeVito as a small-town police chief investigating the murder of one of his town's most prominent -- and least-liked -- residents (Bette Midler). Neve Campbell and Jamie Lee Curtis co-star. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity, sex). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Square.)
FORTUNE COOKIE -- Filmed in Utah and featuring a couple of Utahns in its largely unknown cast, this independently produced romantic comedy follows three different couples on dates in the same restaurant on the same night. Written by Rob Thomas ("Next to You," TV's "Cupid"). PG (vulgarity). (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
MY DOG SKIP -- Based on Willie Morris' best-selling memoirs, this family comedy-drama revolves around the misadventures of a Mississippi youngster (Frankie Muniz, from TV's "Malcolm in the Middle") and his dog, circa World War II. Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane co-star. PG (violence, mild profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Trolley North, Trolley Square.)
THE NEXT BEST THING -- Unconventional romantic comedy-drama starring Madonna as a single mother who decides to raise her child with her best friend (Rupert Everett) -- despite the fact that he's gay. Benjamin Bratt and Lynn Redgrave co-star. Directed by John Schlesinger ("Cold Comfort Farm"). PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, partial nudity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne.)
SWEET AND LOWDOWN -- Filmmaker Woody Allen's latest is this comedy set during the Depression, about a fictional jazz guitarist (Oscar-nominee Sean Penn) trying to find work and fight off his own self-doubts. Oscar-nominee Samantha Morton and Uma Thurman co-star. PG-13 (violence, profanity, drug use, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
TUMBLEWEEDS -- Not to be confused with the recent drama "Anywhere But Here," co-writer/director Gavin O'Connor's drama stars Oscar nominated and Tony-winning British actress Janet McTeer as a mother taking her unwilling 12-year-old daughter on a journey of self-discovery. A selection of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence). (Exclusive, Tower.)
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM? -- Comedian Garry Shandling co-wrote and stars in this comedy as an extraterrestrial who comes to Earth seeking a mate -- as part of a planetary takeover scheme. Annette Bening, John Goodman and Greg Kinnear co-star. Directed by Mike Nichols ("Primary Colors"). R (vulgarity, sex, profanity, nudity, violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Corners, Trolley North.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS -- **** -- Deserving in its status as one of the all-time great musicals, this 1951 Oscar winner stars Gene Kelly as the title character, who romances Leslie Caron. Kelly's dancing was rarely better, the Gershwin music is terrific, and director Vincent Minnelli keeps the thing moving so well it seems like it's only a half-hour long. Made before rating, probable G. (Jordan Commons.)
DIARY FOR MY CHILDREN -- A presentation of the University of Utah's Film Front group, this 1984 Hungarian drama has some echoes with both "The Tin Drum" and "The Diary of Anne Frank" with its storyline, 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.)
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.)
GIANT -- *** -- Too long for its own good (more than three hours), George Stevens' 1956 drama looks at the American cattle industry through the perspective of two generations of ranchers. Good lead performances by James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor help, and there are some exciting sequences. But it still needed editing. Made before ratings, probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
GOD'S ARMY -- LDS filmmaker Richard Dutcher wrote, directed and co-stars in this drama about LDS missionaries in Los Angeles whose faith is tested by their experiences. This one-night-only event is a world premiere; the film will open throughout the state on Friday, March 10. To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG-13 (profanity, violence). (Jordan Commons, Wednesday only, 8 p.m.)
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.)
MYSTERY OF THE MAYA -- One of the first films made in the IMAX format, this 1995 documentary from Canadian television producer Barrie Howells examines the ancient Central American civilization. Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable PG (violent images, partial nudity). (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 SACRIFICE -- A presentation of the University of Utah's Film Front group, this 1986 drama -- about a retired intellectual's efforts to save his family on the eve of nuclear war -- was legendary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky's final film. In English and Swedish, with English subtitles. PG (violence, profanity). (Orson Spencer Hall, University of Utah; Sunday only; 7 p.m.)
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 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). (Saturday and Sunday only: Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Ritz.) (Jan. 28, 2000)
XINE & FRIENDS -- A special preview of the upcoming video film "Passacaglia: A Video for Violin and Viola," including live music by Lynn Maxine Rosen, better known as "Xine," violinist/violist with the Utah Symphony. This program has not been rated but would probable receive a G rating. (Salt Lake Art Center, Friday only, 8 p.m.)
CONTINUING FILMS
ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER -- **** -- Spain's official entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar is this absolutely mesmerizing drama from acclaimed director Pedro Almodovar ("Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down," "Live Flesh"), about a woman's journey to Barcelona tell her ex-husband that his son is dead. The story is rich and emotional, and the cast is great. But the real standout is Cecilia Roth, playing the dead boy's mother. In Spanish, with English subtitles. R (vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief nudity, brief sex, drug use). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Feb. 25, 2000)
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, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, 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). (Jordan Landing, 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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships.) (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). (Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, 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). (Jordan Landing, Ritz.) (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). (Sandy 9.) (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, Jordan Landing, Ritz, South Towne.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
CRADLE WILL ROCK -- ** -- You can't blame actor-turned-filmmaker Tim Robbins for wearing his politics on his sleeve. But that doesn't make his latest, an overly earnest comedy/drama about the 1930s New York cultural revolution, any easier to watch. The ensemble cast, which includes Hank Azaria, John Cusack, Bill Murray and Emily Watson, deserved better. R (profanity, nudity, violence, sex, vulgarity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
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, 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). (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)
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, Jordan Landing, Midvalley.) (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). (Century, Crossroads, Jordan Landing, Midvalley.) (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)
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, Midvalley, Trolley North.) (Jan. 14, 2000)
JUDY BERLIN -- *** -- Wonderfully low-key and just quirky enough, this comedy-drama follows the residents of a Long Island suburb whose lives are disrupted by a solar eclipse. Edie Falco (from cable television's "The Sopranos") is good as the title character, but the late Madeline Kahn steals the show in a supporting role. Not rated, probable PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Feb. 25, 2000)
THE KING OF MASKS -- *** -- This 1996 Chinese drama finds a simple frame upon which to hang complicated issues about the role of gender and tradition in Chinese society. One of those movies that mixes exoticism, drama and misty beauty in ways that seldom fail to captivate. In Mandarin, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable PG-13 (profanity). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Oct. 8, 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). (Sugar House.) (Dec. 22, 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, Crossroads, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Feb. 18, 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). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 10, 1999)
REINDEER GAMES -- ** -- Even a good cast can't save this ludicrous thriller, about an ex-con (Ben Affleck) who is being blackmailed into committing one last heist in a casino, from its many plot contrivances. Director John Frankenheimer ("Ronin") does manage to add some suspense at times, though. R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Corners.) (Feb. 25, 2000)
SCREAM 3 --** -- 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). (Century, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz.) (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 Commons, 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). (Avalon, Jordan Landing.) (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). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley.) (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). (Cinemas 5, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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). (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)
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, Crossroads, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne, Villa.) (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, Ritz.) (Nov. 24, 1999)
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)
WONDER BOYS -- *** -- It's bound to pale in comparison to its source -- Michael Chabon's acclaimed novel -- director Curtis Hanson's follow-up to "L.A. Confidential" is well-acted and quirky dark comedy about a college professor and once-promising author (Michael Douglas) unable to complete his second novel. Douglas hasn't been this good in years, and Tobey Maguire and Robert Downey Jr. add needed humor in supporting roles. R (drug use, profanity, vulgarity, violence, brief gore). (Broadway, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Feb. 25, 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 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 19, 1999)