NEW FILMS FRIDAY
EARTH -- Filmmaker Deepa Mehta's controversial 1998 drama -- the source of riots in India -- looks at post-World War II Indian "Independence" from the perspective of an 8-year-old girl witnessing the bloodshed. In English and Hindi, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable R (violence, profanity, sex, vulgarity, racial epithets, gore, brief nudity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
READY TO RUMBLE -- Pro wrestling comedy starring David Arquette and Scott Caan as fans trying to help save the career of their favorite grappler (Oliver Platt). Rose McGowan co-stars, along with pro wrestlers Sting, Goldberg and Diamond Dallas Page. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief nudity, brief sex). (Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Romeo Must Die"; Ritz; Trolley North; Trolley Square.)
RETURN TO ME -- Character actress Bonnie Hunt makes her directorial debut with this romantic comedy-drama starring David Duchovny as a man who falls in love with the woman (Minnie Driver) who received his dead wife's heart. Hunt, Carroll O'Connor and Robert Loggia co-star. PG (profanity, gore). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square.)
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT -- William Friedkin directed this military courtroom drama about a retired Marine (Tommy Lee Jones) who must defend his former comrade-in-arms (Samuel L. Jackson) -- a colonel accused of murder in the Middle East. R (violence, profanity, gore, racial epithets, brief partial nudity). (Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "The Talented Mr. Ripley"; Ritz; Trolley Corners.)
SOUTHPAW -- Documentary filmmaker Liam McGrath followed Irish brawler Francis Barrett around for two years for this look at the world of boxing, which focuses on Barrett's rise to fame. A selection of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and part of the Shooting Gallery Film Series. Not rated, probable R (violence, profanity, ethnic slurs). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
RE-RELEASES
AMERICAN BEAUTY --***1/2 -- Phenomenal performances -- including an Oscar-winning 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 to pursue his daughter's best friend. A bit too pat and predictable toward the end, but very well directed and written. Winner of five Academy Awards. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, sex, nudity, violence, gore). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne.) (Sept. 24, 1999)
REAR WINDOW -- **** -- This 1954 classic suspense-thriller from Alfred Hitchcock finally gets the restoration treatment it deserves with this color-enhanced 35mm re-release. Storywise, it's classic Master of Suspense material, combining dark humor, thrills and romance for the tale of a wheelchair-bound photojournalist (Jimmy Stewart) who spies on his neighbors out of boredom, only to witness what he believes is a murder. Terrific performances from Stewart, Grace Kelly and Raymond Burr, and the final 20-minute sequence is a real nail-biter. PG (violence). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
THE WIZARD OF OZ -- **** -- The beloved 1939 family musical/fantasy returns to the big screen and gets the "Gone With the Wind" treatment, including digitally "restored" color and picture, as well as remastered Dolby digital sound. This is one for the ages, a timeless treasure (based on L. Frank Baum's children's book) that features some guaranteed-to-stick-in-your-head songs -- and an actual message. The cast is terrific, especially Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West. G (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
SNEAK PREVIEWS
KEEPING THE FAITH -- Character actor Edward Norton makes his directorial debut with this romantic comedy about two longtime friends -- one a rabbi (Ben Stiller), the other a Catholic priest (Norton) -- who squabble over a woman (Jenna Elfman), another childhood friend. To be reviewed when it opens April 14. PG-13 (sex, profanity, violence). (Saturday: Crossroads, Jordan Commons.)
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.)
A GEISHA -- Japanese filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi's 1953 drama centers on the friendship between an older geisha and her young apprentice, who is struggling to begin her new "career." In black and white. In Japanese, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable PG (adult themes). (Sunday only: Orson Spencer Hall Auditorium, University of Utah, 7 p.m.)
GRAND CANYON: THE HIDDEN SECRETS -- One of the earliest films made in the IMAX large-screen format, this 1984 documentary takes a look at the 4,000-year history of the canyon and includes footage of a ride down its rapids. Directed by former Utahn Kieth Merrill ("Legacy," "Mr. Krueger's Christmas," the Oscar-winning documentary "The Last American Cowboy"). Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable G. (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.)
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.)
ON THE WATERFRONT -- **** -- The controversy over director Elia Kazan has tarnished the film somewhat, but this Academy Award winning 1954 drama is still a powerful tale of corruption and temptation, highlighted by Marlon Brando's performance (which brought him his first Oscar) as a former fighter turned longshoreman, who is stuck in the middle of dispute between labor unions and organized crime. In black and white. Made before ratings, probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
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: Jordan Commons, Ritz.) (Jan. 28, 2000)
WORKS FROM ALONG THE WASATCH FRONT -- The monthly open screening program for the Utah Film & Video Center, featuring 85 minutes of short videos and films by local artists -- some of whom are having their works exhibited 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 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (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 help. In English and in Siamese, with English subtitles. PG-13 (violence, gore). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Dec. 17, 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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
BLACK AND WHITE --**1/2 -- The latest by always outrageous filmmaker James Toback ("Two Girls and a Guy") features as much good as bad, as he tries to examines race relations and the world of hip-hop music. A cast of musicians, professional athletes and other celebrities is a little too distracting, but some of the points about racial identity are refreshingly honest. R (profanity, racial epithets, sex, violence, vulgarity, nudity, sex). (Century, Crossroads, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne.) (April 5, 2000)
BOYS DON'T CRY --***1/2 -- Featuring a deserved, Oscar-winning lead performance by actress Hillary Swank (TV's "Beverly Hills 90210"), this fact-based drama is a powerful but disturbing portrait of a Nebraska woman who passed herself off as a man -- and was later murdered because of the charade. Swank's the standout, but the performances are all terrific and director Kimberly Peirce establishes herself as a talent to watch. R (profanity, violence, rape, nudity, sex, vulgarity, drug use). (Broadway, South Towne.) (March 10, 2000)
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 won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar). But a good cast, which includes Tobey Maguire as orphan Homer Wells and Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner 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, Creekside, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
DOWN TO YOU -- *1/2 -- 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). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
THE EMPEROR AND THE ASSASSIN --***1/2 -- It may take itself a little too seriously, but Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige's latest is a handsome-looking, historically-based epic drama about a third-century king who was obsessed with unifying China and becoming its first emperor -- no matter what the cost. Great performances (especially from the always luminous Gong Li), and the period costuming and sets make it a feast for the eyes. In Mandarin, with English subtitles. R (violence, gore, profanity, torture). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (March 31, 2000)
ERIN BROCKOVICH -- **** -- There's a whole new Julia -- and that's not just because of the skimpy outfits she wears throughout the film. Roberts is definitely at the top of her game here, and she carries this picture seemingly effortlessly. Just try to leave the movie without feeling invigorated, renewed or just plain good inside. It's not possible. R (profanity, partial nudity). (Broadway; Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Pitch Black"; Ritz; Trolley North.) (March 17, 2000)-- Dainon Moody
FINAL DESTINATION -- * -- If ever there was a vehicle destined to be shown late at night on the USA Network, "Final Destination" is it. What we have here is a movie trying quite hard to achieve the mystery and allure of "The Sixth Sense," while completely lacking that film's subtlety and falling instead into the land of thinly disguised B-movies. R (profanity, violence, nudity, gore). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Mission to Mars"; Ritz.) (March 17, 2000)-- Dainon Moody
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). (Cinemas 5; Kaysville; Redwood, with "The Road to El Dorado"; Sandy 9; Sandy Starships; Sugar House; Valley Fair.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
GOD'S ARMY -- *** -- It's of interest mainly to its target audience, LDS moviegoers, but Richard Dutcher's drama about Mormon missionaries in Los Angeles is surprisingly well-made and acted. Admittedly, it does end in a too-conventional "Hollywood" manner, but it's clearly a labor of love for Dutcher and his cast. PG (brief violence, vulgarity, mild profanity). (Century, Crossroads, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel.) (March 10, 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). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne.) (Dec. 10, 1999)
HERE ON EARTH --*1/2 -- The only difference between this snore-inducing romantic drama and other films aimed at teens is that this one isn't aimed for the funnybone. Not that the awful dialogue and chemistry-free pairing of up-and-coming stars Leelee Sobieski and Chris Klein doesn't earn its share of unintentional giggles, though. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Creekside, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne.) (March 24, 2000)
HIGH FIDELITY --***1/2 -- It's not quite as good as the source material (Nick Hornby's best-selling novel), but this winning comedy is an astute look into the male perspective of romantic relationships -- shown from the viewpoint of an obsessive record store owner (John Cusack, who produced and co-wrote the script) whose life and business fall apart after his girlfriend leaves him. R (profanity, sex, violence, nudity, vulgarity). (Broadway, Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing.) (March 31, 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 Denzel Washington as the title character. Still, it should have been a lot more. R (violence, profanity, gore, racial epithets, brief nudity). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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 (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). (Sugar House.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
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 Oscar nominee Tom Cruise, William H. Macy, Jason Robards, John C. Reilly and Julianne Moore. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, violence, sex, nudity, racial epithets). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Jan. 7, 2000)
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). (Avalon.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
MISSION TO MARS -- ** -- Director Brian De Palma may have gotten over his obsession with ripping off the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. But his latest -- a dull science fiction-thriller about a manned expedition to the Red Planet -- could use any suspense to enliven its cliched story. What a waste of a great cast (which includes Gary Sinise, Don Cheadle and Tim Robbins). PG (violence). (Carmike 12; Crossroads; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Final Destination"; Reel; Ritz; Villa.) (March 10, 2000)
MUSIC OF THE HEART -- **1/2 -- What else is new? A terrific performance by 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). (Kaysville.) (Oct. 29, 1999)
MY DOG SKIP -- *** -- Though it features annoying voice-over narration (by Harry Connick Jr.), this adaptation of Willie Morris's best-selling memoirs is a sweet family comedy-drama about the misadventures of a Mississippi youngster (Frankie Muniz, from TV's "Malcolm in the Middle") and his dog, circa World War II. Muniz is great, as are his adult co-stars Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane. PG (violence, mild profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz.) (March 3, 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). (Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Erin Brockovich.") (Feb. 18, 2000)
PRICE OF GLORY -- *** -- This family boxing drama (starring former television actors Jimmy Smits and Jon Seda as father and son) hits all of the expected combinations but does so in a sincere and committed enough way to pack real emotional punch. It succeeds more often than not. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Broadway, Century, Ritz, South Towne.) (March 31, 2000) -- Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Daily News
THE ROAD TO EL DORADO -- *** -- This reunion for several former Disney animators and songwriters (including Elton John and Tim Rice) may not be quite up to their usual standards -- especially in terms of story and song quality. But Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh have fun voicing 15th-century Spanish conmen searching for the legendary City of Gold. PG (violence, mild profanity, brief nudity). (Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Galaxy Quest"; Ritz; Trolley Square.) (March 31, 2000)
ROMEO MUST DIE --**1/2 -- It ain't great art, but this kung-fu-fighting, hip-hop culture update of Shakespeare does have some spectacular fighting sequences featuring Jet Li ("Lethal Weapon 4") in the title character. A bit slow to begin with, but there's just enough action and singer Aaliyah isn't too bad in a co-starring role. R (violence, profanity, racial epithets, drug use, vulgarity, brief gore, brief nudity). (Century; Crossroads; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Ready to Rumble"; Ritz; South Towne.) (March 22, 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). (Redwood, with "The Skulls.") (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) 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). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
THE SKULLS --*1/2 -- This paranoid suspense-thriller starring Joshua Jackson (TV's "Dawson's Creek") starts out as a guilty pleasure, but by the end, the writing is so bad that it's impossible not to laugh out loud at scenes intended to be scary or serious. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief sex). (Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Scream 3"; Ritz; Trolley Corners; Trolley North.) (March 31, 2000)-- Christy Lemire, Associated Press writer
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). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 19, 1999)
THE SOURCE -- ** -- A surprisingly superficial documentary attempting to trace the beginnings of legendary "Beat" writers Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. The archived interviews with the three are interesting, but there are no new insights and the dramatic readings of famous Beat works (by John Turturro, Dennis Hopper and Johnny Depp) are almost laughable. Not rated, probable R (profanity, vulgarity, drugs). (Exclusive, Tower.) (March 31, 2000)
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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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.) (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). (Redwood, with "Rules of Engagement"; Sandy 9; Sugar House.) (Dec. 25, 1999)
THOSE WHO LOVE ME CAN TAKE THE TRAIN -- ** -- Too many characters clutter this sprawling 1998 drama, which follows the friends and family of a once-famous artist as they travel from Paris to Limoges for his funeral. Unfortunately, too many of the subplots end up in dead ends, and the whole thing suffers as the result. In French, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable R (profanity, vulgarity, violence, nudity, brief sex). (Exclusive, Tower.) (March 31, 2000)
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). (Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne.) (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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
WHATEVER IT TAKES --*1/2 -- A seriously watered-down version of "Cyrano de Bergerac," after the lead character had cosmetic surgery. Shane West, from "Once and Again," stars as a confused hero who has his eye on the most popular girl in school ("She's All That's" Jodi Lyn O'Keefe). PG-13 (vulgarity, sex, profanity, violence). (Carmike 12, Creekside, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley.) (March 24, 2000) -- Robert Philpot, Forth Worth Star-Telegram
THE WHOLE NINE YARDS --**1/2 -- Matthew Perry is a hoot as a dentist who befriends the hitman (Bruce Willis) next door but then finds himself falling for the killer's wife. 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). (Jordan Commons.) (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). (Midvalley.) (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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 19, 1999)