NEW FILMS FRIDAY
ALICE ET MARTIN — Actress Juliette Binoche reunites with her "Rendez-vous" director Andre Techine, for this drama about the romance between the title characters, a repressed violinist and a male model. In French, with English subtitles. R (profanity, sex, violence, brief nudity, brief vulgarity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
REMEMBER THE TITANS — Actor Denzel Washington, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Boaz Yakin join forces for this fact-based drama about a black coach (Washington) put in the unenviable position of leading a football team for a newly integrated high school. PG (sports violence, racial epithets, mild profanity) (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley Corners.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIES
FAUST — Oddball Czech filmmaker Jan Svankmajer ("Conspirators of Pleasure") takes on the much-adapted fable with this live-action fantasy, which utilizes flesh-and-blood actors, as well as animated segments and puppetry. Not rated, probable R (violence, profanity, gore, sex, vulgarity). (Tower, Friday and Saturday.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
FUNNY FACE —*** 1/2 — Stylish musical from director Stanley Donen, starring Fred Astaire as a photographer who turns model Audrey Hepburn into a star. Great songs (including such Gershwin gems as the title track and "S'Wonderful"), as well as some of Astaire's best routines help make what could have been a snooze into something much better than it probably should have been. Made before ratings (1957), probable G (nothing offensive). (Jordan Commons.)
THE MATRIX — *** — Confusing and long (by just a bit) but also thrilling cyberpunk film starring Keanu Reeves as a computer hacker recruited to become a part of an underground resistance movement. Great special effects (which won an Oscar) and action scenes (especially a martial-arts training scene and the exciting climax) overcome the somewhat murky plotting. Shown in 70mm. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, drug use, torture, brief nudity). (Jordan Commons.) (March 31, 1999)
OLYMPIC GLORY — Veteran producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy join forces with Utahn Scott Swofford for this large-format documentary, shot during the 1998 Nagano Winter Games. Among the athletes profiled are the first Kenyan to participate in the Winter Games. Directed by Kieth Merrill. Stacy Keach narrates. Not rated, probable G. (Exclusive, Jordan Commons.)
ONEGIN — ** — The Fiennes family (actor Ralph, director Martha and composer Magnus) join forces for this adaptation of Alexander Pushkin's poem. The aloof performances are only one of several problems with this stilted and dull but good-looking drama. This one-night-only screening is sponsored by the Utah Opera, which is performing Tchaikovsky's "Onegin" this season. R (violence, sex). (Tower, Wednesday only, 7 p.m.)
RETURN TO THE SECRET GARDEN — ** — This unofficial sequel to Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved novel "The Secret Garden," the latest from Utah's Feature Films for Families, features a worthwhile message about the value of friendships. But storywise, it's a pretty uncompelling piece about a 9-year-old American girl who works together with her sickly British cousin to investigate a mystery on her estate. Directed by Scott Featherstone ("Same River Twice"). Running time: 90 minutes. G (nothing offensive). (Saturday and Sunday, Jordan Commons.) (Aug. 25, 2000)
SABRINA —*** 1/2 — Forget the somewhat inferior 1995 remake starring Julia Ormond and Harrison Ford, this 1954 version of the stageplay "Sabrina Fair" is the real deal, a witty and well-acted comedy starring Audrey Hepburn as a chauffeur's daughter who is romanced by wealthy brothers (Humphrey Bogart and William Holden). The odd casting works, thanks to the always-charming Hepburn and great direction by Billy Wilder. Made before ratings, probable G (nothing offensive). (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
THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY & BULLWINKLE — ** — Jay Ward's beloved cartoon characters finally come to the big screen in this live-action/animated comedy (a la "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"), but frankly, it wasn't worth the wait. Running time: 85 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, mild profanity). (Cinemas 5, Sandy Starships.) (June 30, 2000)
ALMOST FAMOUS — **** — Writer-director Cameron Crowe's is a loving look back at his days as a teenaged journalist, a passionate, warm and funny ode to rock music that is far and away the best film so far this year. He's helped considerably by a great score, as well as a terrific ensemble cast that includes Salt Lake native Patrick Fugit, Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson and Oscar winner Frances McDormand. Running time: 122 minutes. R (profanity, drug use, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity). (Broadway, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing.) (Sept. 22, 2000)
THE ART OF WAR — ** — Wesley Snipes' latest action-thriller moves like a commercial during the Super Bowl, as if it only has 30 seconds to catch our attention. Running time: 117 minutes. R (violence, profanity, sex, nudity, brief drug use). (Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Bait.") (Aug. 25, 2000) — Sara Vorhees, Scripps Howard News Service
AUTUMN IN NEW YORK —* 1/2 — Once meant to be a high-profile romance, with Richard Gere and Winona Ryder as its starry lovers, this sappy romantic drama isn't laughably, excruciatingly bad (at least, compared to some of the movies its studio, MGM, has screened recently). But with this cast and filmmaker (Joan Chen), it's certainly disappointing. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, sex). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Midvalley.) (Aug. 15, 2000) — Stephen Whitty, Newhouse News Service
BAIT —* 1/2 — Hardly the starmaking follow-up for Jamie Foxx everyone was expecting after "Any Given Sunday," this supposedly comic thriller wastes his talents in the role of a petty thief who is freed from jail by federal investigators who hope he will lead them to a fortune in gold. Mean-spirited and not nearly funny enough. Running time: 119 minutes. R (violence, profanity, sex, vulgarity, torture). (Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "The Art of War"; Ritz; South Towne.) (Sept. 15, 2000)
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). (Cinemas 5, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 2, 2000)
BLESS THE CHILD —* 1/2 — A movie about a 6-year-old girl being abducted by Satan worshippers is certainly going to be dark, but must the filmmakers bang us over the head with symbolism? Scowling gargoyles, burning candles and ominous chants dominate the imagery, and try to follow the premise without laughing. Kim Basinger and Jimmy Smits star. Running time: 110 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, drug use). (Redwood, with "The Cell.") (Aug. 11, 2000) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
BRING IT ON — *** — The first genuine surprise of August's dog days of cinema, this smart and funny comedy stars Kirsten Dunst as a cheerleader. Running time: 100 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence). (Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps"; Ritz; Trolley North; Trolley Square.) (Aug. 25, 2000)
BUTTERFLY — *** — The material's all too familiar, but this drama — which explores the relationship between a shy young boy and his teacher — features a superb performance by venerated Spanish actor Fernando Fernan Gomez as the warmhearted mentor, as well as a noble message about the importance of educators. In Spanish, with English subtitles. Running time: 95 minutes. R (sex, nudity, violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Sept. 22, 2000)
CECIL B. DEMENTED — * — The only thing worse than your usual John Waters film is a pretentious John Waters film, such as this tasteless, unfunny movie-business parody, about the title character (Stephen Dorff), a would-be filmmaker who kidnaps a movie star (Melanie Griffith) to force her to be in his latest "masterpiece." Running time: 88 minutes. R (violence, sex, profanity, vulgarity, drug use, partial nudity, brief gore). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Sept. 22, 2000)
THE CELL —* 1/2 — A textbook case of "style over substance" filmmaking, this uninvolving thriller has a slick, music-video look (by music video maker Tarsem Singh). But the plot is a blatant rip-off of "The Silence of the Lambs," and the performers, especially Jennifer Lopez, playing a child psychologist who journeys into the mind of a comatose serial killer, are remote at best. Running time: 107 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, nudity, torture, rape, brief drug use, brief sex). (Carmike 12; Century; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Bless the Child"; Ritz.) (Aug. 18, 2000)
CHICKEN RUN — *** — It's not quire as inspired or as clever as their "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). (Holladay, Jordan Commons, Midvalley, Trolley North.) (June 23, 2000)
COYOTE UGLY —* 1/2 — Almost entertaining because of its sheer cheesiness, this combination of "Flashdance" and "Cocktail" gets laughs when it's trying to be dramatic. Running time: 94 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "X-Men"; Ritz.) (Aug. 4, 2000)
THE CREW —* 1/2 — An attempt at doing "OldFellas," this unfunny and at-times smarmy comedy stars veterans Richard Dreyfuss, Burt Reynolds, Dan Hedaya and Seymour Cassel as four retired mobsters who wind up getting back into "the business." Crude humor and traces of racist jabs crop up, and the cast looks bored. Running time: 84 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, partial nudity, ethnic slurs, sex). (South Towne.) (Aug. 25, 2000)
CROUPIER —*** 1/2 — A welcome return to form for veteran British filmmaker Mike Hodges, who directed this smart thriller about a young writer (Clive Owen) who takes a job in a casino to research his novel. Surprisingly engrossing, with sharp dialogue and good performances, as well as a you'll-never-see-it-coming ending. Running time: 93 minutes. Not rated, probable R (profanity, violence, nudity, sex). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (April 21, 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). (Jordan Commons, Ritz.) (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). (Cinemas 5, Jordan Landing, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, South Towne, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (July 7, 2000)
DUETS — * — Hardly an endorsement of karaoke, this so-bad-it's-not-funny comedy-drama wastes the talents of a pretty good cast. Running time: 112 minutes. R (profanity, violence, brief nudity, drug use, brief sex, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Villa.) (Sept. 15, 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). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sugar House, 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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (May 5, 2000)
GODZILLA 2000 — ** — With its cheesy special effects, horrendous dialogue and even worse dubbing, this film is funnier than this summer's comedy hits combined. It's also a welcome return to the monster movies from the Japanese film company Toho, especially after the vapid 1998 computer-graphic remake of "Godzilla." Dubbed. Running time: 97 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity). (South Towne.) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
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). (Cinemas 5, Ritz, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 9, 2000)
HIGHLANDER: ENDGAME — * — The third and supposedly final sequel to the "Highlander" movie series may be the ultimate test of that adage. As incomprehensible as ever. Running time: 88 minutes. R (violence, gore, sex, nudity) (Carmike 12, Jordan Landing, Ritz, South Towne.) (Sept. 4, 2000)— Stephen Whitty, Newhouse News Service
HOLLOW MAN —* 1/2 — Some terrific digital effects, but the only purpose they serve in director Paul Verhoeven's latest is giving him an excuse to show naked females and, toward the end, gore. Possibly the summer's biggest disappointment, considering the premise and cast. Running time: 114 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex, vulgarity). (Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Urban Legends: Final Cut"; South Towne.) (Aug. 4, 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). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 23, 2000)
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II —** 1/2 — This sequel to the 1996 smash hit features bigger and better stunts and a much more streamlined story line. Running time: 126 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (May 24, 2000)
NURSE BETTY —*** 1/2 — A refreshing comeback for Renee Zellweger, who stars in this dark comedy as a Midwest waitress who believes she's the long-lost love of a soap opera character (Greg Kinnear). Director Neil LaBute nicely contrasts the fantasy with a nasty, real-life subplot involving hitmen Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock, and the performances are top to bottom excellent. Running time: 112 minutes. R (profanity, violence, gore, vulgarity, brief sex, racial epithets). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz, Trolley Square.) (Sept. 8, 2000)
NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS —* 1/2 — Even-cruder and much-less-funny sequel to the 1996, 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). (Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Bring It On"; South Towne.) (July 28, 2000)
ORGAZMO — turkey — This controversial, tasteless comedy from the creators of TV's "South Park" isn't worth all the hubbub, frankly. The thin story follows an LDS Church missionary (Trey Parker) who becomes an adult-film star and later, a real-life superhero. The many glaring inaccuracies about church doctrine and practices almost pale in comparison to the amateurish filmmaking techniques and the concentration on cheap sexual humor. NC-17 (vulgarity, violence, nudity, sex, profanity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Oct. 23,1998)
THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY —** 1/2 — Funny, but foul-mouthed and crude — as well as wearying — comedy concert film featuring full-length, stand-up routines by comedians Steve Harvey (TV's "The Steve Harvey Show"), D.L. Hughley (TV's "The Hughleys"), Cedric the Entertainer and Bernie Mac. Harvey and Hughley's bits are probably the best, while Mac may be too abrasive for some. Running time: 117 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Exclusive, Century.) (Aug. 18, 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). (Jordan Commons, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Holladay; Jordan Commons.) (June 30, 2000)
POKEMON THE MOVIE 2000 —* 1/2 — It's not as brutally violent as the first "Pokemon" film, but this follow-up is another badly animated piece about Pokemon trainer Ash Ketchum and his pals, who must help restore the balance of nature and stop an evil Pokemon collector. Basically an advertisement for the trading cards and toys, and a real endurance test for adults. Running time: 102 minutes. G (animated violence). (Cinemas 5, Valley Fair.) (July 21, 2000)
THE REPLACEMENTS — ** — You may think you haven't seen this one before, but trust me, you have. On the surface, the film's premise seems original. But when you get down to it, it's is a retread of an oft-used Hollywood plot, recalling "Major League" and other flicks that bunch crazy personalities together as a team and have them clash before they bond and realize — "Hey, I love you man!" Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman and Orlando Jones ("MadTV") star. Running time: 114 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Ritz, South Towne.) (Aug. 11, 2000) — Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press
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, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (April 7, 2000)
SAVING GRACE — ** — Two-time Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn is as endearingly kooky as ever as the title character, a widow who tries to grow marijuana in her greenhouse, as a way to pay off her mounting debts. But the material's just not funny enough, and things really fall apart in the messy final third. Craig Ferguson (TV's "The Drew Carrey Show") co-stars and co-wrote the screenplay. Running time: 93 minutes. R (drug use, profanity, vulgarity, brief violence, brief nudity). (South Towne.) (Aug.. 18, 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Ritz; South Towne.) (July 7, 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). (Valley Fair.) (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). (Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (May 26, 2000)
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 ditzy accomplice. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (profanity, nude artwork). (Kaysville.) (May 19, 2000)
SPACE COWBOYS —** 1/2 — The material begins to fail them, especially toward the end, but veteran actors Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland and James Garner still have fun as the title characters, four astronaut washouts who get their chance to go into space — so they can repair a malfunctioning satellite that is threatening to crash to Earth. Running time: 123 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, brief nudity, brief vulgarity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Aug. 4, 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). (Sandy 9, Valley Fair.) (July 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). (Sandy 9.) (Nov. 24, 1999)
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). (Sandy 9.) (April 21, 2000)
URBAN LEGENDS: FINAL CUT — * — This dumb and gory sequel to the 1998 pseudo-hit aims higher, but only makes its already-terrible predecessor look better by comparison. An auspicious feature filmmaking debut for movie composer (and editor) John Ottman, who should have known better Running time: 95 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, sex, vulgarity, brief nudity). (Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Hollow Man"; Ritz; Trolley Corners.)
THE WATCHER —* 1/2 — No matter what movie he's in, Keanu Reeves is always Ted from "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure." In his latest film we are asked to suspend all disbelief and accept Reeves as Serial Killer Ted. This is simply impossible — even with stringy hair, he's just too attractive to be a homicidal movie maniac. Running time: 93 minutes. R (violence, profanity). (Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "What Lies Beneath"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley North; Trolley Square.) (Sept. 8, 2000) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
THE WAY OF THE GUN —** 1/2 — Screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie ("The Usual Suspects") makes a shaky directorial debut with this alternatingly amusing and disgusting comedy-thriller, about two thugs (Ryan Phillippe and Benicio Del Toro) who kidnap an expectant mother. A little too cartoonish, which obscures some of the points he's trying to make. Running time: 119 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, torture, brief nudity). (Century.) (Sept. 8, 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). (Carmike 12; Century; Cottonwood; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Bless the Child"; Ritz.) (July 21, 2000)
WOMAN ON TOP — ** — Penelope Cruz, who is beautiful and charming and has tremendous screen presence, makes her big U.S. debut, but it's too bad it couldn't have happened in a better movie. Cruz is about the only thing that makes this romantic trifle watchable. Running time: 85 minutes. R (sex, profanity, nudity, vulgarity). (Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Trolley Square.) (Sept. 22, 2000) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
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; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Coyote Ugly"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley Square.) (July 14, 2000)