NEW FILMS FRIDAY
BROWN SUGAR — This romantic comedy/drama stars Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan as well as a supporting cast of musician-turned-actors (such as Queen Latifah and Method Man). Reviewed in this section. PG-13 (profanity, sex, vulgarity). (Century, Jordan Landing.)
HANDCART — Fictionalized story about the Martin Handcart company. Jeff Vice interviews filmmaker Kels Goodman on Page W1; reviewed in this section. PG (brief violence, mild profanity). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Ritz.)
IGBY GOES DOWN — Writer/director Burr Steers' acclaimed debut is a dark comedy about a young man (Kieran Culkin) who can't seem to grow up. Reviewed in this section. R (profanity, sex, drugs, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Century.)
KNOCKAROUND GUYS — Long-delayed dark comedy-thriller about would-be gangsters who run into trouble in the Midwest. Reviewed in this section. R (profanity, violence, drug use, vulgarity, gore, ethnic slurs). (Carmike 12; Century; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "xXx"; Ritz; Trolley Corners.)
MY WIFE IS AN ACTRESS — Comedy starring real-life couple Yvan Attal and Charlotte Gainsbourg as, what else, a couple squabbling over popularity issues. In French and English, with English subtitles. Reviewed in this section. R (profanity, nudity, sex, vulgarity, ethnic slurs, brief violence). (Exclusive, Tower.)
THE RULES OF ATTRACTION — Filmmaker Roger Avary adapts Bret Easton Ellis's controversial best-seller about sexually promiscuous college students. James Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon and Jessica Biel star. Reviewed in this section. R (profanity, drug use, sex, vulgarity, nudity, violence, brief gore, ethnic slurs). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz.)
TUCK EVERLASTING — Live-action adaptation of the popular kids novel, with a cast that includes Alexis Bledel (TV's "Gilmore Girls") and Jonathan Jackson, as well as Ben Kingsley. Reviewed in this section. PG (brief violence). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12.)
THE TRANSPORTER — From the makers of "Kiss of the Dragon" comes this action-thriller about the title character (Jason Statham), a man who is supposed to deliver "packages," no questions asked. Reviewed in this section. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore, brief sex). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "swimfan"; Ritz.)
WHITE OLEANDER — Ensemble drama based on the best-selling novel about a teen (Alison Lohman) who goes through several foster homes after her mother goes to prison for murder. Michelle Pfeiffer, Renee Zellweger and Robin Wright star. Reviewed in this section. PG-13 (profanity, violence, brief sex, brief drugs, vulgarity, brief gore). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12.)
SNEAK PREVIEWS
THE RING — Remake of the Japanese cult suspense/horror film about a mysterious videotape that brings unfortunate circumstances to anyone who watches it. Naomi Watts ("Mulholland Drive") stars. To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG-13 (profanity, brief violence, brief gore). (Saturday: Century, Jordan Commons.)
RE-RELEASES
OUT OF STEP — ** 1/2 — Likable and genuinely sweet, this locally produced drama could be called the Mormon "Flashdance." Running time: 90 minutes. PG (brief violence, mild vulgarity). (Carmike 12.) (Feb. 15, 2002)
DOUBLE FEATURES
MEN IN BLACK II — ** — Sure, it's got a couple of amusing moments, but this rather lackluster sequel to the 1997 smash hit sci-fi comedy feels more obligatory than original. Running time: 88 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief gore, brief drugs). (With "Spider-Man": 5-Star, Redwood.) (July 3, 2002)
SPIDER-MAN —*** 1/2 — The long-awaited adaptation of the beloved Marvel Comics character is one of the best superheroes films ever. Running time: 121 minutes. PG-13 (violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity, brief gore). (With "Men in Black II": 5-Star, Redwood.) (May 3, 2002)
MIDNIGHT MOVIE
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS — ** 1/2 — Director Jonathan Demme's overrated, Oscar-winner is more notable for the character interplay between Anthony Hopkins' chilling Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter and Jodie Foster's FBI Agent Clarice Starling. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, nudity). (Tower, Friday and Saturday.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIE
AN EVENING WITH ROBERT MUGGE — Kicking off KRCL's October Music Film Series is a screening of films by the blues documentarian, including "Deep Blues," as well as clips from his upcoming feature "Last of the Mississippi Jukes." These films are not rated but may contain some PG-13 rated elements. (Thursday: Brewvies, must be 21 or older.)
BEETLEJUICE — *** 1/2 — Michael Keaton's a hoot as the gross, ghostly title character of director Tim Burton's dark, imaginative 1988 comedy, which has become a cult classic. The inventive visuals — a Burton trademark — are great, as is the cast, especially Winona Ryder as a death-obsessed teen. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, profanity). (Jordan Commons.)
THE GREAT RACE — ** 1/2 — It's incredibly dated but there are a handful of funny gags in this 1965 farce about the first New York-to-California race. A good cast (which includes Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Natalie Wood) helps, though it's way, way too long. Made before ratings, probable G (slapstick violence). (Jordan Commons.)
HAUNTED CASTLE — The first 3-D film shot exclusively for large-screen exhibition is an animated tale about a rock musician offered a too-good-to-be-true deal by the Devil (the voice of Harry Shearer). Shown in the large-screen format. Running time: 38 minutes. PG (animated violence, disturbing images). (Jordan Commons.)
LEWIS & CLARK: GREAT JOURNEY WEST — *** 1/2 — The latest six-story-high movie whisks us away from St. Louis and across the prairie with the Corps of Discovery, and lays out a wide range of facts that will have you shaking your head in amazement. Shown in the large-screen format. Running time: 45 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). (Jordan Commons.) (June 14, 2002) — Diane Urbani
THE LOAF-I FILM FESTIVAL — An independent festival featuring a handful of low, low-budget features and short films, some by local artists and others by out-of-state filmmakers (including Meredith Monk). The event will also include multimedia performances, including poetry from Alex Caldiero. These films have not been rated but may contain some PG-13 rated material. (Broadway, Friday and Saturday.)
MEXICO — Director Lorena Parlee's 1997 minidocumentary on the history and culture of our neighbor to the south looks at the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures, accompanied by the writings of novelist Carlos Fuentes. Narrated by Martin Sheen. Shown in the large-screen format. Running time: 43 minutes. Not rated, probable PG (disturbing images). (Jordan Commons.)
NOSFERATU — **** — It was later remade with similar, chilling results by director Werner Herzog, but F.W. Murnau's expressionistic 1922 vampire tale still features one of the best-ever creatures of the night in Max Schreck's creepy title character. In black and white. Featuring musical accompaniment by Blaine Gale. Made before ratings, probable PG (violence). (Organ Loft, Friday, 7 p.m.)
HORRORFEST 2002 — The Alternative Grounds program presents back-to-back screenings of short and feature-length horror films with local connections, including "Scranton" and "She Lives by Night," both of which star the group's founder, John Woodhouse. These films are not rated but may contain some PG-13 rated material. (Trolley Square, Wednesday and Thursday.)
SOCIAL SUICIDE — Director David A. Wells' ultra-low-budget comedy-drama looks at the misadventures of four college pals (including Kirby Heybourne, from "The Singles Ward"). This program is not rated but may contain some PG-13 rated material. (Salt Lake Art Center, Friday, 8 p.m.)
CONTINUING FILMS
ATANARJUAT (THE FAST RUNNER) — *** — The first-ever Inuit film is a fascinating thriller that updates and retells a legend about a man on the run from killers. In Inuktitut, with English subtitles. Running time: 168 minutes. Not rated, probable R (violence, nudity, sex, rape, profanity, gore, vulgarity). (Broadway.) (Sept. 6, 2002)
AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER — ** — The third Austin Powers movie is more of the same. Running time: 100 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, profanity, brief sex, brief partial nudity, brief drugs). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Sandy; Showcase; Sugar House; Valley Fair.) (July 26, 2002)
THE BANGER SISTERS — ** 1/2 — Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon are charming playing former groupies who have gone their separate ways. Running time: 98 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, drug use, sex, brief nudity, brief violence). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Sept. 20, 2002)
BARBERSHOP — ** — This ensemble comedy gets too serious and often the characters are stereotypes. Running time: 102 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, racial epithets, vulgarity). (Jordan Landing, Ritz.) (Sept. 13, 2002)
THE BOURNE IDENTITY — *** — It bears little resemblance to the best-selling source material, but this engrossing suspense-thriller benefits from a strong performance by Matt Damon. Running time: 117 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, gore). (Redwood, with "Red Dragon.") (June 14, 2002)
THE COUNTRY BEARS — * — Lame live-action musical comedy, based on the old Disneyland attraction about an ursine band. Running time: 88 minutes. G (slapstick violence, mild vulgarity). (Sandy.) (July 26, 2002)
DIAMOND MEN — *** — Robert Forster shines as a veteran jewelry salesman training his new protege and replacement (Donnie Wahlberg) in this low-key character comedy-drama. Running time: 104 minutes. Not rated, probable R (profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Oct. 4, 2002)
DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD — ** — This adaptation of the best-seller is staged in such an affected manner that it cheapens the impact of the film's more subtle and sincere moments. Running time: 116 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, brief violence). (Sugar House.) (June 7, 2002) — David Germain, Associated Press
EIGHT LEGGED FREAKS — * 1/2 — Not as funny or as scary as it should be. Eww! Running time: 99 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, vulgarity, profanity, brief sex). (Valley Fair.) (July 17, 2002)
THE FOUR FEATHERS — ** — The latest version of the much-filmed period tale looks good. But it's dull Running time: 128 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, brief torture, brief sex, brief nudity, mild profanity). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz, Trolley Corners.) (Sept. 20, 2002)
THE GOOD GIRL — *** — Jennifer Aniston shines in this dark comedy. Running time: 93 minutes. R (profanity, sex, drug use, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief violence). (Broadway.) (Aug. 23, 2002)
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST — ** 1/2 — Oliver Parker's adaptation of the Oscar Wilde stage play has its charms. But the tone gets much too serious. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (mild vulgarity, profanity, brief nudity). (Broadway.) (May 31, 2002)
JACK WEYLAND'S CHARLY — ** — Newcomer Heather Beers impresses in this otherwise bland, manipulative adaptation of the best-selling LDS novel. Running time: 104 minutes. PG (mild vulgarity, brief violence). (Carmike 12, 5-Star, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Sept. 27, 2002)
JONAH: A VEGGIETALES MOVIE — ** 1/2 — The first theatrical feature starring the popular kids video characters would have been better with more music and less preaching. Running time: 83 minutes. G (animated violence) (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Oct. 4, 2002)
LIKE MIKE — ** — This fantasy/comedy isn't nearly as terrible as the trailers make it appear. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, mild vulgarity, mild profanity). (Valley Fair.) (July 2, 2002)
LILO & STITCH — ** — Disney's latest animated feature is a surprisingly mean comedy. Running time: 85 minutes. PG (animated violence, vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 21, 2002)
LOVELY & AMAZING — *** 1/2 — Writer/director Nicole Holofcener's second feature is the antithesis of contrived Hollywood "chick flicks." Running time: 91 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, nudity, racial epithets, brief sex). (Broadway.) (July 26, 2002)
MARTIN LAWRENCE LIVE: RUNTELDAT — ** 1/2 — This concert film is not so much a confessional for comedian Martin Lawrence as it is a pulpit from which he can attack his critics. Running time: 104 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity). (Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Aug. 2, 2002) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
THE MASTER OF DISGUISE — turkey — Possibly the least funny movie ever to star a "Saturday Night Live" alum. Running time: 80 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity). (Carmike 12; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "The Tuxedo"; Ritz.) (Aug. 2, 2002)
MINORITY REPORT — ** 1/2 — This science-fiction thriller does have some dazzling action sequences. But what starts out smart gets progressively dumber in the final third. Running time: 140 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, drug use, gore, brief sex, vulgarity). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 21, 2002)
MR. DEEDS — ** — Not quite as awful as 2000's "Little Nicky," but Adam Sandler's latest has only a few laughs. Running time: 93 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 28, 2002)
MOONLIGHT MILE — *** 1/2 — Brad Silberling's dark comic drama features terrific performances, especially that by Jake Gyllenhaal . Running time : 112 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence, brief sex). (Century, Jordan Commons, Megaplex 12.) (Oct. 4, 2002)
MOSTLY MARTHA — *** 1/2 — One of the few sweetly sentimental movies to actually earn its happy ending. In German and Italian, with English subtitles. Running time: 105 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Sept. 27, 2002)
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING — *** — It's pretty much a filmed sitcom, but this romantic comedy has its charms. In English and Greek, with English subtitles. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, brief violence). (Century; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Ritz.) (May 10, 2002)
ONE HOUR PHOTO — ** — The nearly unrecognizable Robin Williams does fine in this thriller as a photo-shop employee who becomes dangerously obsessed with a family. Running time: 98 minutes. R (profanity, nudity, brief gore, brief sex). (Century, Jordan Landing.) (Sept. 13, 2002)
RED DRAGON — ** 1/2 — An excellent cast (including Anthony Hopkins) bolsters this unnecessary prequel to "The Silence of the Lambs," which was already made better as 1986's "Manhunter." Running time: 126. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, nudity, brief sex). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "The Bourne Identity"; Ritz.) (Oct. 4, 2002)
REIGN OF FIRE — ** 1/2 — Refreshingly, this fantasy/thriller about fire-breathing dragons threatening humanity in the near future never pretends to be anything but a B-movie. Running time: 100 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity). (Valley Fair.) (July 12, 2002)
ROAD TO PERDITION — *** 1/2 — Tom Hanks is convincing as a less-than-nice character in this dramatic thriller. Running time: 119 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (July 12, 2002)
SCOOBY-DOO — * 1/2 — As bad as they may be, the Hanna-Barbera cartoons look almost Shakespearean after watching this digital-effects-heavy, supposed family-friendly comedy. Ugh! Running time: 87 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, brief drug content). (Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (June 14, 2002)
SEX WITH STRANGERS — The makers of pay-cable's "Taxicab Confessions" directed this documentary about sexually promiscuous couples and other so-called "swingers." Not reviewed. Not rated, probable NC-17 (sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity). (Exclusive, Broadway.)
SIGNS — *** — Director M. Night Shyamalan's newest thriller is more akin to his "Unbreakable" than "The Sixth Sense." Running time: 106 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore). (Carmike 12; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Sweet Home Alabama"; Ritz.) (Aug. 2, 2002)
THE SINGLES WARD — ** — Essentially a filmed road show, this locally produced romantic comedy relies too heavily on cameos by local celebrities. Running time: 102 minutes. PG (slapstick violence). (Kaysville, Showcase.) (Feb. 1, 2002)
SPY KIDS 2: THE ISLAND OF LOST DREAMS — ** — Whatever rough-hewn, gee-whiz charm "Spy Kids" offered last year is lost in this ill-conceived sequel. Running time: 100 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Jordan Landing.) (Aug. 7, 2002) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
STAR WARS: EPISODE II — ATTACK OF THE CLONES — ** 1/2 — The second prequel is more exciting than its predecessor. But some of the performances are awful. Running time: 142 minutes. PG (violence). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House.) (May 16, 2002)
STUART LITTLE 2 — ** 1/2 — This sequel to the 1999 smash hit is another fanciful, joyously unbelievable, feel-good film about the orphaned mouse. Running time: 83 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, mild profanity). (Kaysville.) (July 19, 2002) — Krisy Gashler
THE SUM OF ALL FEARS — ** — Ben Affleck stars as a younger, blander Jack Ryan in this lackluster adaptation of Tom Clancy's espionage best-seller In English and Russian, with English subtitles. Running time: 125 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, gore, brief sex, vulgarity). (Sandy, Sugar House.) (May 31, 2002)
SWEET HOME ALABAMA — *** — Not funny enough, though Reese Witherspoon is charming as always. Running time: 102 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Signs"; Ritz.) (Sept. 27, 2002)
SWIMFAN — *— This "Teenage Fatal Attraction" tale is all wet. Running time: 85 minutes. PG-13 (sex, violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Kaysville; Redwood, with "The Transporter.") (Sept. 6, 2002)
THE TUXEDO — * 1/2 — Jackie Chan's worst U.S. effort is a surprisingly low-brow action-comedy about a cab driver who becomes a secret agent. Running time: 99 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief gore). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Austin Powers in Goldmember"; Ritz; Villa.) (Sept. 27, 2002)
TWENTY FOUR HOUR PARTY PEOPLE — *** — The killer soundtrack helps sell British director Michael Winterbottom's inconsistent biography of Factory Records owner Tony Wilson. Running time: 115 minutes. R (profanity, drug use, violence, vulgarity, sex, nudity, brief gore). (Exclusive, Tower.) (Oct. 4, 2002)
XXX — ** — As stupid as it is thrilling, star-in-the-making Vin Diesel's break-out vehicle may feature terrific stunts but also has one of the dumbest plots ever. Running time: 124 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, drugs, vulgarity, brief torture, brief gore). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Knockaround Guys.") (Aug. 9. 2002)
Past movie reviews and capsules by Jeff Vice and Chris Hicks are available online; search for MOVIES at deseretnews.com