NEW FILMS FRIDAY

BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE -- Comedian Martin Lawrence takes on multiple roles in this comedy about an FBI agent who impersonates the title character to protect a woman (Nia Long) targeted by an escaped convict. Directed by Raja Gosnell ("Never Been Kissed"). PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence). (Broadway; Carmike 12; Century; Creekside; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Love & Basketball"; Ritz; Trolley North.)

THE FILTH AND THE FURY -- Musical documentary about notorious British punk-rockers the Sex Pistols with this musical documentary, which looks at the band's career from the perspective of the surviving members, including opinionated frontman John "Johnny Rotten" Lydon. A selection of the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. R (profanity, vulgarity, violence, drug use, brief sex). (Exclusive, Tower.)

ME MYSELF I -- Shades of "Sliding Doors," this romantic comedy-fantasy from director Philippa Karmel (the 1984 documentary "Ana Who") stars Rachel Griffiths as a single journalist who finds out what her life would have been like had she accepted a marriage proposal years ago. R (sex, profanity, vulgarity, nudity, brief violence). (Exclusive, Broadway.)

MIFUNE -- Part of the ultra-low-budget "Dogme '95" filmmaking movement, this oddball comedy-drama centers around a newlywed whose life becomes infinitely more complicated when he agrees to take care of his late father's farm. Iben Hjejle ("High Fidelity") co-stars. In Danish, with English subtitles. R (profanity, vulgarity, violence, sex, nudity). (Exclusive, Tower.)

UP AT THE VILLA -- Lush period adaptation of the W. Somerset Maugham novella about war intrigue and romance that involves an English widow (Kristin Scott Thomas) who is being courted by several men, including an American playboy (Sean Penn). Co-stars include Anne Bancroft and James Fox. PG-13 (sex, violence). (Exclusive, Broadway.)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

CAMELOT -- ** -- Crucial miscasting helps sink director Joshua Logan's disappointing filmed adaptation of the Lerner and Loewe musical. Both Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave are all wrong in the roles of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, and their amateurish singing ruins several promising numbers. At more than three hours, it's also too long, and the whole thing suffers from a surprising lack of energy. Made before ratings (1967), probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.)

CASABLANCA -- **** -- One of the great films, loaded with colorful characters and an amazing amount of familiar dialogue. Humphrey Bogart is the nightclub owner who tries to stay neutral as World War II bears down. But then sparks are rekindled with an old flame (Ingrid Bergman), who is now married to a freedom fighter (Paul Henreid). Fine support from Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre and Dooley Wilson. Made before ratings (1941), probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.) -- Chris Hicks

MICHAEL JORDAN TO THE MAX -- The greatest professional basketball player who ever lived is profiled in this large-screen documentary, which takes a look at his life and career, including his game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz in the final game of the 1998 NBA Finals. Among those interviewed are Jordan, former Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson and actor Bill Murray, Jordan's co-star in the movie "Space Jam." Not rated, probable G. (Jordan Commons.)

WOLVES -- Veteran large-screen format filmmaker David Douglas ("Survival Island") directed this 1999 documentary about efforts by the National Wildlife Federation and members of the Nez Perce Indian tribe to reintroduce wolves to Yellowstone Park. Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable PG (animal violence). (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)

CONTINUING FILMS

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 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. Winner of five Academy Awards. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, sex, nudity, violence, gore). (Sugar House.) (Sept. 24, 1999)

BATTLEFIELD EARTH -- turkey -- The early front-runner for this year's worst film, this badly acted, preposterous and downright laughable science fiction-thriller is a disastrous pet project from actor John Travolta, who produced and overacts as one of a race of evil extraterrestrials enslaving the inhabitants of 31st-century Earth. Running time: 117 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Carmike 12; Creekside; Midvalley; Redwood, with "U-571"; Ritz; South Towne.) (May 12, 2000)

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). (Valley Fair.) (Dec. 17, 1999)

CENTER STAGE --* 1/2 -- One of the most erratic films in recent history, this wanna-be "Fame" for the Britney Spears crowd features great dancing but horrid acting and dialogue so bad that it's hilarious. Dancer Amanda Schull is a dubious new presence, but the person doing real damage to his career is director Nicholas Hytner. Running time: 114 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Creekside, Crossroads, Jordan Commons, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley North.) (May 12, 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 script (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 saves the film from its own worst tendencies. PG-13 (drug use, violence, sex, nudity, gore, profanity, racial epithets). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Dec. 24, 1999)

DINOSAUR --** 1/2 -- The visuals from Disney's latest, a digitally animated (with live-action backgrounds) prehistoric adventure about the title character, are amazing. But the story's a thin rip-off of "The Land Before Time," and the characters are surprisingly shallow. However, kids will probably eat it up, though some scenes may be too terrifying for really young ones. Running time: 82 minutes. PG (violence). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Mission to Mars"; Ritz; Trolley Square; Villa.) (May 19, 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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 17, 2000) -- Dainon Moody

THE FLINTSTONES IN VIVA ROCK VEGAS --* 1/2 -- The first "Flintstones" live-action movie wasn't exactly a masterpiece, but this unfunny prequel about Fred's efforts to woo Wilma (Kristen Johnson, from TV's "Third Rock from the Sun") is even worse, with cheap gags and little energy or originality. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity). (Holladay, Midvalley.) (April 28, 2000)

FREQUENCY --** 1/2 -- This fantasy-thriller has a good set-up: Solar flares enable a police officer (Jim Caviezel) to communicate with his long-dead father (Dennis Quaid) by two-way radio. But it bogs down in a bad subplot involving a serial killer and tries to make up for it at the end. Not bad, but it should have been better. Running time: 118 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne.) (April 28, 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). (Sandy 9.) (Dec. 24, 1999)

GLADIATOR --*** 1/2 -- It might be a notch below such sword-and-sandal greats as "Spartacus," but director Ridley Scott has made a resounding return to form with this dramatic adventure about the title character (Russell Crowe), a once-honored Roman general forced to fight in the arenas while seeking revenge on his former friend (Joaquin Phoenix). Extremely violent, but also thrilling and a real feast for the eyes. Running time: 154 minutes. R (violence, gore, brief nudity, profanity). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Road Trip"; Ritz; Trolley Corners.) (May 5, 2000)

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). (Jordan Commons, Midvalley.) (March 10, 2000)

HANGING UP --* -- 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). (Sugar House.) (Feb. 18, 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (March 31, 2000)

I DREAMED OF AFRICA -- ** -- The true story of conservationist Kuki Gallmann would probably make an interesting movie, but this lackluster drama starring Oscar winner Kim Basinger as Gallmann is pretty dull, and Basinger's performance is surprisingly flat. Beautiful photography of the wild Kenyan countryside, though. Running time: 112 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, partial nudity, profanity, brief sex). (Holladay.) (May 5, 2000)

KEEPING THE FAITH -- ** -- Too long for its own good, this romantic comedy is an inauspicious directing debut for Edward Norton, who also stars as a priest squabbling with his best friend, a rabbi (Ben Stiller), for the love of another childhood friend (Jenna Elfman). Too many cheap gags, too. Running time: 129 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, sex, violence, profanity, ethnic slurs, nude drawings). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Redwood, with "Shanghai Noon.") (April 14, 2000)

LOVE & BASKETBALL --** 1/2 -- It's a little too sappy for its own good, but up-and-coming star Sanaa Lathan salvages this hoops-centric drama about two talented athletes (Lathan and Omar Epps) trying to take their careers and relationship to another level. A good supporting cast (which includes Alfre Woodard and Dennis Haysbert) also helps. Running time: 118 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, sex, violence, brief partial nudity). (Redwood, with "Big Momma's House.") (April 21, 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). (Kaysville.) (Dec. 24, 1999)

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 2 -- *** -- This sequel to the 1996 smash hit features bigger and better stunts and a much more streamlined storyline. Tom Cruise is a bit aloof in his role as agent Ethan Hunt, who must stop terrorists from unleashing a deadly virus. But co-star Thandie Newton supplies the needed warmth and heat, and the action scenes are spectacular. Running time: 126 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore). (Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Rules of Engagement"; Ritz; Trolley Corners.). (May 24, 2000)

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). (Redwood, with "Dinosaur.") (March 10, 2000)

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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 3, 2000)

READY TO RUMBLE -- * -- Not quite as moronic as the TV ads -- though just barely -- this crude comedy stars the always irritating David Arquette as a pro wrestling fan trying to help save the career of his favorite grappler (Oliver Platt). At least as dumb as it sounds. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief nudity, brief sex). (Cinemas 5.) (April 7, 2000)

RETURN TO ME -- *** -- Character actress Bonnie Hunt doesn't need to steal scenes for a change in this charming romantic comedy (which marks her directorial debut) about a man (David Duchovny) who falls in love with the woman (Minnie Driver) who received his dead wife's heart. PG (profanity, gore). The leads are good, and the supporting cast (which also includes Carroll O'Connor and Robert Loggia) is terrific. (Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (April 7, 2000)

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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 31, 2000)

ROAD TRIP -- * -- As if we needed more reason to dislike "American Pie," this lowbrow sex comedy cops most of the same jokes and makes them even less funny. The cast looks too old, too, especially Breckin Meyer , who stars as a student desperate to retrieve an incriminating videotape that was accidentally mailed to his girlfriend. Running time: 97 minutes. R (vulgarity, sex, nudity, violence, drug use, profanity). (Broadway; Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Gladiator"; Ritz.) (May 19, 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). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 22, 2000)

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT --* 1/2 -- With such a talented cast, William Friedkin's latest -- a military courtroom drama about a retired marine (Tommy Lee Jones) who must defend a comrade-in-arms (Samuel L. Jackson) accused of murder in the Middle East -- should be a lot better. But it's surprisingly dumb and uninvolving, and neither of the leads seems particularly inspired. R (violence, profanity, gore, racial epithets, brief partial nudity). (Redwood, with "Mission: Impossible 2.") (April 7, 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). (Valley Fair.) (Feb. 4, 2000)

SHANGHAI NOON --*** 1/2 -- By far the best of Jackie Chan's American film work, this fast-paced comedy-adventure brings him to the Wild West, as he plays a Chinese bodyguard who comes to America to rescue a kidnapped princess (Lucy Liu, from TV's "Ally McBeal"). Great stunts and gags, but Owen Wilson ("Armageddon") steals the show as a gunslinger aiding him. Running time: 110 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, drug use, vulgarity, racial epithets, brief partial nudity). (Carmike 12; Century; Creekside; Gateway; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Keeping the Faith"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley Square.)

SMALL TIME CROOKS -- *** -- Hearkening back to his early, screwball roots, Woody Allen's latest is a surprisingly funny and sweet comedy about the title characters, an ex-con (Allen) and his wife (Tracey Ullman) who scheme to rob a bank. Great gags and performances, and Elaine May steals the show as a ditsy accomplice. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (profanity, nude artwork). (Broadway, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, South Towne.) (May 19, 2000)

SNOW DAY --** 1/2 -- It falls back on that old bugaboo of kids' films -- flatulence humor -- but there are some 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 worse films out there. PG (vulgarity, slapstick violence). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Valley Fair.) (Feb. 4, 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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Feb. 4, 2000)

TIMECODE -- ** -- The idea behind this blackly comic entertainment industry parody is fascinating -- it was filmed using hand-held digital cameras and utilizes a four-way split screen. However, filmmaker Mike Figgis' latest doesn't have a compelling enough story to make us want to watch all four quadrants. A great performance by Jeanne Tripplehorn, though. Running time: 97 minutes. R (profanity, drug use, sex, violence, brief gore). (Crossroads.) (May 26, 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, mild vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 24, 1999)

28 DAYS -- ** -- Though its premise is a good one, this "Lost Weekend" for the post-Boomer era starring Sandra Bullock sinks in a morass of predictability, and by the end you feel like you've sat through a finger-wagging educational filmstrip shown to adolescents in a high-school auditorium. Aggressively mediocre. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (substance abuse, profanity, sex). (Midvalley.) (April 14, 2000) -- Ted Anthony, Associated Press writer

U-571 -- *** -- This World War II thriller shouldn't work -- the script's full of holes and it conveniently changes historical fact. Yet it's gripping and suspenseful, and stars Matthew McConaughey and Harvey Keitel help bail it out as the crew of a U.S. Navy submarine posing as the crew of a German U-boat. In English and German, with English subtitles. Running time: 118 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Carmike 12; Century; Crossroads; Holladay; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Battlefield Earth"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley North.) (April 21, 2000)

THE VIRGIN SUICIDES -- *** -- Sofia Coppola, daughter of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, makes an impressive directorial debut with this dark comedy-drama about the disturbed daughters of a suburban family, circa the 1970s. The material may be too harsh for a lot of audiences, but stars Kirsten Dunst, Kathleen Turner and James Woods make it very watchable. Running time: 97 minutes. R (profanity, drug use, sex, vulgarity). (Broadway, South Towne.) (May 12, 2000)

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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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 24, 2000) -- Robert Philpot, Forth Worth Star-Telegram

WHERE THE HEART IS -- ** -- Despite a great supporting cast (which includes Ashley Judd, Stockard Channing and Joan Cusack) and a few bright moments Billie Letts' best-selling novel gets a surprisingly superficial treatment, and Natalie Portman's not believable as a teen who goes on to greater things after giving birth in a department store. Running time: 120 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity, brief sex). (Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (April 28, 2000)

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). (Sugar House.) (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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Feb. 25, 2000)

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