NEW FILMS FRIDAY
THE FIVE SENSES — Unusual drama from Canadian filmmaker Jeremy Podeswa, which explores sight, taste, hearing, touch and smell, as embodied by the different characters involved in the search for a missing Toronto girl. The cast includes Molly Parker, Gabrielle Rose and Mary-Louise Parker. R (sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Tower.)
NURSE BETTY — Renee Zellweger plays the title character of director Neil LaBute's latest, a dark comedy about a Midwest waitress who believes she's the long-lost love of a soap opera character (Greg Kinnear). Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock co-star. LaBute is interviewed on Page W1; reviewed in this section. R (profanity, violence, gore, vulgarity, brief sex, racial epithets). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz, Trolley Square.)
THE WATCHER — Thriller starring James Spader as an FBI agent who changes cities, only to find that his serial-killing nemesis (Keanu Reeves) has followed him to Chicago and is planning to pick up where he left off. Marisa Tomei co-stars as a psychologist who may become his next victim. Not screened for local critics; reviewed in this section. R (violence, profanity). (Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "What Lies Beneath"; Ritz; South Towne; Trolley Corners; Trolley North.)
THE WAY OF THE GUN — Filmed largely in the Salt Lake Valley, this tongue-in-cheek thriller stars Ryan Phillippe and Benicio Del Toro as thugs who kidnap an expectant mother (Juliette Lewis). The movie marks the filmmaking debut of screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie ("The Usual Suspects"). R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, torture, brief nudity). (Broadway, Century, Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIE
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE — *** — Extremely controversial when it was originally released in 1971, director Stanley Kubrick's difficult and uneven but blackly comic adaptation of the cultily adored Anthony Burgess novel — about a vicious young thug (Malcolm McDowell, in the role that made him famous) who is "rehabilitated" by the government — is definitely not for all audiences. R (violence, sex, profanity, nudity, vulgarity, drug use). (Tower, Friday and Saturday.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALLANCE — **** — Unfairly dismissed as unoriginal and uninspired at the time of its original release, legendary filmmaker John Ford's final Western isacknowledged as a classic, an engrossing, well-acted Western that pairs Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne, as (respectively) a would-be Western reformer and the experienced gunfighter who aids him. The superb supporting cast includes Vera Miles, Lee Marvin and Lee Van Cleef. In black and white. Made before ratings (1962), probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
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.)
THE QUIET MAN —*** 1/2 — Legendary director John Ford's hokey but charming valentine to Ireland is clearly a labor of love for the filmmaker and his cast, which includes John Wayne as the title character, a retired American brawler who winds up falling for a tempestuous Irish beauty (Maureen O'Hara). Ford won an Oscar for his direction, as did the cinematography. Made before ratings (1952), probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
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 Landing.) (Aug. 25, 2000)
THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER —*** 1/2 — Remade several times, including nearly 60 years later as the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan comedy "You've Got Mail," this 1940 comedy is a sweet-natured piece about two co-workers at a Budapest bookstore who fall in love as pen pals. James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan are as good as ever as the leads, and there's charm to spare. In black and white. Made before ratings, probable G (nothing offensive). (Tower, Sunday only, 11 a.m.)
SPIKE & MIKE'S 2000 SICK & TWISTED FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION — Another serving of rude, crude and just plain tasteless cartoon shorts from the people who "discovered" both "Ren & Stimpy" and "Beavis & Butt-Head." Included are new "No Neck Joe" cartoons, two "Forrest Gump" parodies and "Surprise Cinema" from cartoon auteur Bill Plympton. Not rated, probable NC-17 (vulgarity, violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity, drug use) (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.)
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 smoke jumpers and water-bombers. 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, but frankly, it wasn't worth the wait. Running time: 85 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, mild profanity). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Valley Fair.) (June 30, 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. There's never a dull moment, but it falls back on so many quick edits, camera sweeps and black-and-white flashes to keep the pacing fast, it's hard to follow the story. Running time: 117 minutes. R (violence, profanity, sex, nudity, brief drug use). (Century; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Bless the Child"; Trolley Corners; Trolley North.) (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. But with this cast and filmmaker (Joan Chen), it's certainly disappointing. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, sex). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley.) (Aug. 15, 2000) — Stephen Whitty, Newhouse News Service 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. Running time: 101 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief nudity). (Cinemas 5, Sandy Starships, 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? Kim Basinger and Jimmy Smits star. Running time: 110 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, drug use). (Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "The Art of War.") (Aug. 11, 2000) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
BOYS AND GIRLS — * — An awful, would-be "When Harry Met Sally" for teens, starring Freddie Prinze and Claire Forlani as longtime acquaintances who try to resist falling in love. Painfully unfunny. Running time: 93 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, slapstick violence, brief sex, brief partial nudity). (Valley Fair.) (June 16, 2000)
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 who panics when an inner-city squad "steals back" her team's routines as they prepare for a national competition. A little crude at times, and there are some dead spots, but there are some howlingly funny moments. 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)
THE CELL —* 1/2 — A textbook case of "style over substance" filmmaking, this uninvolving thriller has a slick, music-video look. But the plot is a blatant rip-off of "The Silence of the Lambs." Running time: 107 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, nudity, torture, rape, brief drug use, brief sex). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Hollow Man"; Ritz; Trolley Square.) (Aug. 18, 2000)
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. Running time: 114 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Sugar House.) (May 12, 2000)
CHICKEN RUN — *** — It's not quite 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. Running time: 85 minutes. G (violence). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley.) (June 23, 2000)
CHUCK & BUCK —* 1/2 — An inexplicable hit at this year's Sundance Film Festival, this creepy and unlikable dark comedy features one of the most annoying film debuts of the year — by screenwriter Michael White, who stars are an emotionally stunted 27-year-old who disrupts the life of his childhood friend. Running time: 95 minutes. R (profanity, sex, vulgarity, nude artwork). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Sept. 1, 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 and yawns when it's trying to be funny. Running time: 94 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Century; Gateway; 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." Running time: 84 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, partial nudity, ethnic slurs, sex). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (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. 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). (Carmike 12, Jordan Landing, Ritz, South Towne, Villa.) (July 7, 2000)
FREQUENCY —** 1/2 — This fantasy-thriller has a good setup: 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. Running time: 118 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity). (Cinemas 5, 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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (March 10, 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). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley, 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). (Century, Jordan Commons, Midvalley, Ritz.) (June 9, 2000)
HAMLET — *** — Filmmaker Michael Almereyda takes a lot of risks by updating Shakespeare's classic tragedy and resetting it in today's media-savvy corporate world. But Ethan Hawke is surprisingly good as the melancholy title character, while Kyle MacLachlan, Julia Stiles and, especially, Bill Murray are very good in supporting roles. Running time: 112 minutes. R (violence, gore, brief sex, nude artwork). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Sept. 1, 2000)
HIGHLANDER: ENDGAME — * — You really can't go broke underestimating the American public. The third and supposedly final sequel to the "Highlander" movie series may be the ultimate test of that adage. As incomprehensible as ever, this installment has something to do with an upcoming duel of the immortals. Running time: 88 minutes. R (violence, gore, sex, nudity) (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Midvalley; Redwood, with "Scary Movie"; Ritz; Trolley Corners.) (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. Running time: 114 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex, vulgarity). (Carmike 12; Gateway; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "The Cell"; Ritz; South Towne.) (Aug. 4, 2000)
THE IN CROWD —* 1/2 — Only a vaguely techno score and a pansexual central figure distinguishes "The In Crowd" from summer thrillers of years past. However, this impersonal mishmash about obsessions and jealousies that turn deadly best be described as some community theater mix of "Rebecca" and "Caddyshack." Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, nudity, profanity, drug use). (Sugar House.) (July 21, 2000) — Elvis Mitchell, New York Times News Service
ME, MYSELF & IRENE —** 1/2 — As with 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). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Cinemas 5; Sandy Starships; Sugar House; Valley Fair.) (June 23, 2000)
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II — *** — This sequel to the 1996 smash hit features bigger and better stunts and a much more streamlined story line. 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). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (May 24, 2000)
NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS —* 1/2 — An even-cruder and much-less-funny sequel to the 1996 version, 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. Running time: 110 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, sex, violence, racial epithets). (Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Bring It On"; South Towne; Trolley North.) (July 28, 2000)
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 —** 1/2 — 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. Running time: 157 minutes. R (violence, gore). (Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing.) (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. Running time: 130 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity). (Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing.) (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. Running time: 102 minutes. G (animated violence). (Cinemas 5, Sandy 9, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, 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. (Avalon, Kaysville.) (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. Running time: 93 minutes. R (drug use, profanity, vulgarity, brief violence, brief nudity). (Broadway, Jordan Landing, 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). (Redwood, with "Highlander: Endgame"; South Towne.) (July 7, 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)
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). (Jordan Landing.) (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)
TURN IT UP —* 1/2 — Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, of the hip-hop band the Fugees, makes a very auspicious acting debut in this musically-themed thriller, as he reacts to events with the same indifferent expression and monotone line delivery. But his performance isn't this highly flawed movie's only problem. Running time: 87 minutes. R (violence, profanity, drug use, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Century, Jordan Commons.) (Sept. 6, 2000) — Christy Lemire, 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). (Sandy 9, Sugar House.) (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 "Bless the Child"; Ritz.) (July 21, 2000)
WHIPPED — * — Imagine a cheesy community theater devoted to dramatizing bathroom graffiti and you'll have an idea what to expect from Peter M. Cohen's sigh-concept comedy, which explores the dating game from the perspective of three womanizers who all fall for the same person (Amanda Peet, from "The Whole Nine Yards"). Running time: 82 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, sex, nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (Sept. 1, 2000)— Bob Campbell, Newhouse News Service
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)