NEW FILMS FRIDAY
COYOTE UGLY — A feminist take on "Cocktail," this romantic comedy-drama centers around multitalented bartenders at the title hangout who become overnight successes. The cast includes Piper Perabo ("The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle"), Maria Bello and supermodel Tyra Banks. PG-13 (sex, vulgarity, profanity). (Carmike 12; Century; Creekside; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Gone in Sixty Seconds"; Ritz; Trolley Square.)
GROOVE — A smash hit at this year's Sundance Film Festival, this rave-culture comedy-drama follows several participants of an underground, all-night dance party. The cast includes Rachel True and Steve Van Wormer. Directed by veteran film editor Greg Harrison. R (drug use, profanity, brief sex, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
HOLLOW MAN — Director Paul Verhoeven ("Starships Troopers") returns with this horrific take on H.G. Wells' classic tale about a man (Kevin Bacon) who gains the power of invisibility. Elisabeth Shue and Josh Brolin co-star. R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex, vulgarity). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Scream 3"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley Corners.)
JESUS' SON — Based on the collection of semi-autobiographical short stories by Denis Johnson, this dark, comic independent drama centers around a twentysomething junkie's effort to turn his life around. Billy Crudup, Samantha Morton ("Sweet and Lowdown") and Dennis Hopper star. R (drug use, profanity, violence, nudity, brief sex, gore). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
JOE GOULD'S SECRET — Character actor Stanley Tucci directed and stars in this fact-based comedy-drama about 1940s Bohemian Joe Gould (Ian Holm) and his biographer, New Yorker writer Joseph Mitchell. Hope Davis co-stars. A selection of the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. R (profanity, nudity, brief vulgarity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
SPACE COWBOYS — The title characters of Clint Eastwood's latest are four retired astronauts (Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland and James Garner) who never made it into space but who get their chance when they are needed to repair a malfunctioning satellite that is threatening to crash to Earth. PG-13 (profanity, violence, brief nudity, brief vulgarity). (Broadway; Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "The Perfect Storm"; Ritz.)
SNEAK PREVIEWS
THE REPLACEMENTS — Keanu Reeves leads the title characters, a group of non-union football players who compete during a league-wide strike, in this comedic sports movie from director Howard Deutch ("Neil Simon's The Odd Couple II"). Gene Hackman, Orlando Jones ("MadTV") and Brooke Langton co-star. To be reviewed when it opens Aug. 11. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, sex, profanity). (Saturday: Broadway, Century, Jordan Commons.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIES
MOMMIE DEAREST — ** — Though Faye Dunaway is well-cast as actress Joan Crawford, this cult-adored 1981 drama (based on the tell-all biography by Crawford's adoptive daughter, Christina) quickly lapses into bad camp. Also, despite some good performances, the point of the film seems to be trashing the memory of this screen legend. PG (violence, profanity). (Tower, Friday and Saturday.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
BYE BYE BIRDIE — *** — Fun film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical about a rock 'n' roll star who decides to give a concert in a small town before he heads off to the Army. Good performances by Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margret and scene-stealing Paul Lynde, and the songs ("Put on a Happy Face," "Kids") are winners. Made before ratings (1963), probable G. (Jordan Commons.)
COLD — A fund-raiser and advance screening of this 22-minute supernatural drama, which was shot in Salt Lake City and Tooele. Director James Joel Holmes will be on hand to introduce the film, and composer Gary Spedin Larson will perform music from the movie in a special mini-concert. On video. Jeff Vice interviews Holmes on Page W1. Not rated, probable PG (gore, brief partial nudity). (Avalon, Thursday only, 6:30 p.m.)
FOOTLOOSE — *** — Shot in Utah County, mostly Payson, this 1984 musical has to do with a displaced Chicago youngster (Kevin Bacon) who finds himself in a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned. Naturally, he falls for the daughter of the local fire-and-brimstone minister (John Lithgow). Not particularly original, but some excellent dancing and fine performances (particularly from Bacon, Lithgow and Dianne Wiest). The Utah scenery is beautifully photographed. PG (profanity, nudity, violence). (Gallivan Utah Center, Monday only, 8:30 p.m.) (Feb. 19, 1984) — 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.)
OLIVER! — *** — Good, if a bit overrated (it won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture), musical based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist." Young Mark Lester is a bit stiff as the lead, but the supporting cast makes up for it, especially Oscar nominee Ron Moody, who co-stars as master thief Fagin. Great songs, too, especially "Consider Yourself." G (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
WHALES — Underwater cinematographer Al Giddings ("Titanic," "The Abyss") co-directed this large-screen documentary about sea mammals, which follows a mother whale and her calf during a seasonal migration from Hawaii to Alaska. Featuring music by local composer Sam Cardon and narration by Patrick Stewart. Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable G. (Jordan Commons.)
WILDFIRE: FEEL THE HEAT — Large-screen documentary about crews fighting huge wildfires throughout the West, including specialized teams of smokejumpers and waterbombers. Narrated by actor Andre Braugher ("Frequency"). Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable PG (firefighting violence). (Jordan Commons.)
CONTINUING FILMS
BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE—* 1/2 — Unless you're thrilled by the sight of comedian Martin Lawrence in drag, stay away from this crude and unfunny comedy, about an FBI agent who impersonates the title character to question a woman (Nia Long) who's been targeted by an escaped convict. "Mrs. Doubtfire" meets "Stakeout," but with far fewer laughs. Running time: 101 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief nudity). (Redwood, with "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps.") (June 2, 2000)
CHICKEN RUN — *** — It's not quite as inspired or as clever as its "Wallace and Gromit" shorts, but this clay-animated comedy-adventure from Aardman Studios is an amusing parody of "The Great Escape," following a henhouse trying to escape from a merciless farm owner. Great sight gags and good voice work (from Mel Gibson, Miranda Richardson and others). Running time: 85 minutes. G (violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Square.) (June 23, 2000)
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). (Plaza 5400, Villa.) (May 19, 2000)
DISNEY'S THE KID —* 1/2 — Don't let the title fool you. Instead of a remake of the Charlie Chaplin classic, this is a sappy comedy-fantasy about a self-absorbed image consultant (Bruce Willis), who is visited by his 8-year-old alter-ego (abrasive newcomer Spencer Breslin). Extremely manipulative and unfunny. Running time: 101 minutes. PG (brief violence, mild vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (July 7, 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). (Sugar House.) (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). (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). (Cinemas 5, Valley Fair.) (April 28, 2000)
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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Trolley North.) (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). (Avalon, Jordan Commons, Kaysville.) (March 10, 2000)
GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS —* 1/2 — You don't go into a Jerry Bruckheimer production expecting Shakespeare, but this remake of the '70s cult film is dumb even by his standards. And Nicolas Cage gives yet another irritatingly quirky performance as a retired car thief who is forced back into the business to aid his younger brother. Not nearly exciting enough. Running time: 119 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, sex, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Coyote Ugly"; Villa.) (June 9, 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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (March 31, 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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (April 14, 2000)
LOSER — * — The real loser is anyone unfortunate enough to even see this misbegotten comedy about a nerdy college student (Jason Biggs) who finds it hard to fit in until he falls in love with a hipper classmate (Mena Suvari). Incredibly unfunny, with a "date-rape" subplot that's in extremely bad taste. Running time: 98 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, nudity, brief violence, drug use). (Carmike 12, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing.) (July 21, 2000)
ME, MYSELF & IRENE —** 1/2 — Like its main character, the latest comedy from the Farrelly brothers ("There's Something About Mary") is as mean-spirited and cruel as it is funny and sweet. The real selling point is another over-the-top Jim Carrey performance as a mild-mannered cop with multiple personalities, which both fall for the woman (Renee Zellweger) he's supposed to be escorting. Running time: 116 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, violence, nudity, gore, racial epithets). (Creekside; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "X-Men"; South Towne.) (June 23, 2000)
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). (Jordan Commons, Kaysville.) (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 clich*d story. What a waste of a great cast (which includes Gary Sinise, Don Cheadle and Tim Robbins). PG (violence). (Sandy 9.) (March 10, 2000)
NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS —* 1/2 — Even-cruder and much-less-funny sequel to the 1996 movie, which again stars executive producer Eddie Murphy in several roles — including that of Professor Sherman Klump and his monstrous alter-ego Buddy Love, who is accidentally freed by a genetic experiment. The concentration this time is on sex jokes, few of which hit the mark consistently. Running time: 110 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, sex, violence, racial epithets). (Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Big Momma's House"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley Corners; Trolley North.) (July 28, 2000)
THE PATRIOT —** — Sure, it's "Braveheart in the American Revolution," but director Roland Emmerich's latest tries hard to overcome that and a speech-heavy script. Fortunately, he's enlisted Mel Gibson, who stars as a former war hero who reluctantly joins the struggle against the British Army. Too long and extremely violent, but Gibson and Heath Ledger, who co-stars as his son, are good. Running time: 157 minutes. R (violence, gore). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley North, Trolley Square.) (June 28, 2000)
THE PERFECT STORM — ** — Director Wolfgang Petersen can make just about anything exciting, but he can't bail out this all-star dud (featuring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and Diane Lane) about New England fishermen and rescue workers contending with one of the most destructive storms in history. Some exciting sequences in the second half, but the first half's a snore. Running time: 130 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity). (Broadway; Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "Space Cowboys"; Ritz.) (June 30, 2000)
POKMON THE MOVIE 2000 —* 1/2 — It's not as brutally violent as the first "Pok*mon" film, but this follow-up is another badly animated piece about Pok*mon trainer Ash Ketchum and his pals, who must help restore the balance of nature and stop an evil Pok*mon collector. Basically an advertisement for the trading cards and toys, and a real endurance test for adults. Running time: 102 minutes. G (animated violence). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz.) (July 21, 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. (Kaysville, Midvalley.) (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). (Sandy 9, 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). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (May 19, 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). (Sugar House.) (April 7, 2000)
SCARY MOVIE —* 1/2 — What's really scary about this wildly uneven, off-the-wall spoof of recent horror movies is that the MPAA let it slip by with just an R rating. A handful of guilty laughs at the beginning, but this Zucker brothers-styled comedy becomes so extremely crude it makes the "South Park" movie and "American Pie" look tame by comparison. Running time: 89 minutes. R (vulgarity, violence, nudity, profanity, sex, drug use, gore, racial epithets). (Century; Jordan Landing; Plaza 5400; Redwood, with "What Lies Beneath"; Ritz; South Towne.) (July 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). (Redwood, with "Hollow Man.") (Feb. 4, 2000)
SHAFT —* 1/2 — Shockingly racist and featuring a repellent message about the American justice system, this remake of sorts of the '70s "blaxploitation" hit stars Samuel L. Jackson as the "baddest" detective of them all. However, he seems to be re-doing his "Pulp Fiction" character, and a good supporting cast is squandered. Running time: 98 minutes. R (violence, profanity, racial epithets, gore, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity, brief drug use). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (June 16, 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Cinemas 5; Sandy 9; Sandy Starships; Sugar House; Valley Fair.) (May 26, 2000)
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). (Sandy 9.) (March 31, 2000)— Christy Lemire, Associated Press writer
SUNSHINE —** 1/2 — Its lessons about the importance cultural identity are well-done, but this epic-length drama from acclaimed filmmaker Istvan Szabo (1981's "Mephisto") is much too long, and it keeps driving the same points home in a rather heavy-handed manner. Still, the acting's quite good, especially from Ralph Fiennes (in three different roles) and Rosemary Harris as the members of a Hungarian Jewish family. Running time: 179 minutes. R (sex, violence, profanity, nudity). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (July 28, 2000)
THOMAS AND THE MAGIC RAILROAD — ** — This lethargic, live-action family film, "starring" characters from the children's television series "Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends," comes too late to capitalize on the success of the show. And real-life co-stars Mara Wilson and Peter Fonda look uncomfortable and/or embarrassed to be there. Not terrible but certainly a disappointment. Running time: 85 minutes. G (mild violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley North, Trolley Square.) (July 26, 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). (Kaysville.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
TITAN A.E. — ** — Well-animated but a dull and derivative animated science-fiction thriller about the few remaining Earthlings who are scattered throughout space when the planet is destroyed by invaders. Some good voice work (particularly by Matt Damon), but the one-liners fall flat, and there are too many similarities to other sci-fi films. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (violence, gore, brief nudity). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 16, 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). (Sandy 9, 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). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House.) (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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (April 21, 2000)
WHAT LIES BENEATH — ** — Despite its eerie resemblance to "Rear Window," this supernatural thriller from director Robert Zemeckis starts well. But it basically turns into "Fatal Ghostly Attraction," as a husband and wife (Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer) are haunted by the ghost of his former lover. Too many cheap scares for its own good. Running time: 125 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, sex, gore, brief vulgarity). (Broadway; Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Scary Movie"; Ritz.) (July 21, 2000)
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). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (April 28, 2000)
X-MEN — *** — Probably the best comic-book-to-film adaptation since the first "Batman" movie, thanks to director Bryan Singer's unique spin on the conflict between the title characters against evil mutants trying to subjugate mankind. Exciting and surprisingly heady, with great performances by Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and newcomer Hugh Jackman. Running time: 103 minutes. PG-13 (violence, partial nudity, vulgarity, brief profanity). (Carmike 12; Century; Creekside; Gateway; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Me, Myself & Irene"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley Corners.) (July 14, 2000)