NEW FILMS FRIDAY
ENOUGH — Thriller starring Jennifer Lopez as a woman who goes on the run — with her young daughter in tow — to get away from her abusive spouse (Billy Campbell). Directed by Michael Apted. Review in this section. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity). (Broadway; Carmike 12; Century; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "The New Guy"; Ritz; Trolley North.)
INSOMNIA — Americanized version of the cult thriller about a sleep-deprived detective (Al Pacino) playing a cat-and-mouse game with a killer (Robin Williams) who attempts to blackmail him. Directed by Christopher Nolan ("Memento"). R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, brief nudity). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Changing Lanes" Ritz; Trolley Corners.)
SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON — The latest DreamWorks animated offering is an adventure tale about a wild mustang. The voice cast includes Matt Damon and James Cromwell, as well as musical "narration" by Bryan Adams. Jeff Vice interviews producer Jeffrey Katzenberg on Page W1; reviewed in this section. PG (animated violence, mild vulgarity). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "The Scorpion King"; Ritz.)
THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE — Based on the 18th-century stage play, this gender-bending period comedy stars Mira Sorvino as a princess who disguises herself as a man as part of a complex plan to return her country's throne to its rightful heir. Ben Kingsley co-stars. PG-13 (brief nudity, brief violence, mild profanity, brief sex). (Exclusive, Tower.)
RE-RELEASES
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST — **** — Disney's wondrous, Oscar-nominated 1991 animated musical has been remastered (both the picture and color) and "blown up" for the large-format screen for this 10th anniversary re-release. The new musical number, "Human Again," only adds to the splendor of one of the studio's all-time classics. G (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL — **** — Steven Spielberg's beloved 1981 science-fiction tale — about the friendship between a young boy (Henry Thomas) and the title character, an alien visitor being hunted by the authorities — has been spruced up and augmented for this 20th anniversary re-release. Despite some questionable edits, it's still a thing of wonder, with a message about acceptance of different cultures that couldn't be better timed. Running time: 120 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity). (Showcase.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIES
CHEECH & CHONG'S UP IN SMOKE — *** — The first — and hands-down funniest — of the comedy duo's films is very much an acquired taste, a silly but extremely raunchy road-trip flick of sorts, with Stacy Keach nearly upstaging the two as a no-nonsense cop. R (vulgarity, drug use, profanity, sex, nudity, slapstick violence). (Tower, Friday and Saturday.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
ESPN'S ULTIMATE X: THE MOVIE —*** 1/2 — It may be merely a big-screen advertisement for the cable sports channel's popular Summer X Games, an extreme-sports exhibition/competition featuring wheeled-sports. But this large-screen documentary is exciting enough to make you forget that little sticking point. Running time: 42 minutes. PG (sports-related violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity). (Jordan Commons.) (May 10, 2002)
FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF — *** 1/2 — Bueller? Bueller? Director John Hughes' delightful school-sluffing comedy features what is arguably Matthew Broderick's best big-screen performance, and Jeffrey Jones is perfect as his hapless principal and nemesis. Clever and funny — one of the best of the '80s youth-oriented comedies. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, slapstick violence). (Saturday-Thursday, Jordan Commons.)
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON — **** — Frank Capra's beloved dramatic fable, laced with plentiful comedy, is about a naive scoutmaster (James Stewart) who finds himself appointed as a replacement for a senator who unexpectedly dies. And it still has plenty of relevance about political corruption and integrity. As always, Stewart is terrific, and the filibuster climax is particularly well done. In black and white. Made before ratings, probable G (nothing offensive). (Saturday-Thursday, Jordan Commons.)
SHACKLETON'S ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE —*** 1/2 — This exploration of Ernest Shackleton's treacherous expedition into the Antarctic wilds is akin to interplanetary travel, with its vistas of the unearthly land — and seascapes surrounding the South Pole. Narrated by Kevin Spacey. In black and white and color. Shown in the large-screen format. Not rated, probable G. (Tuesday-Thursday, Jordan Commons.) (Aug. 26, 2001) — Diane Urbani
THREE FILMS BY LUIS BUNUEL — The Utah Film & Video Center's retrospective of works by the late surrealist filmmaker continues with screenings of three of his shorter-length films, including 1927's infamous "Un Chien Andalou" and 1965's "Simon of the Desert." In black and white. Not rated, probable R (violence, gore, vulgarity, profanity). (Salt Lake Art Center, Friday only, 8 p.m.)
CONTINUING FILMS
ABOUT A BOY — *** 1/2 — The Weitz brothers (the "American Pie" movies) sweeten up considerably with this funny and surprisingly insightful comedy, based on the best-selling novel about a shallow thirtysomething (Hugh Grant) who pretends to be a father to pick up single mothers. Running time: 102 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz, Trolley Corners, Trolley North.) (May 17, 2002)
ALEXANDRE DUMAS' THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO — ** — Jim Caviezel is too bland as the title character of this swashbuckling revenge tale, a sailor who seeks vengeance on his former best friend (Guy Pearce), and there are too many anachronistic touches. Running time: 131 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, torture, brief sex, brief veiled nudity). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House.) (Jan. 25, 2002)
ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS — * 1/2 — Ice Cube and his "Next Friday" co-star Mike Epps try to out-"Rush Hour" those action-comedies. But this is astonishingly mean-spirited and unpleasant stuff. Running time: 98 minutes. R (profanity, violence, gore, torture, racial epithets, vulgarity, nude artwork, brief sex). (Redwood, with "Jason X"; Valley Fair.) (March 8, 2002)
AMELIE — **** — Sure it's a bit off-beat (there are some unfortunate R-rated moments as well), but French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet's comedy/fantasy is also clearly the best foreign film released this year. It's a delightful whimsy about a young woman (star-in-the-making Audrey Tatou) who meddles in the lives of others while neglecting her own personal affairs. In French, with English subtitles. Running time: 120 minutes. R (nudity, sex, profanity, brief violence). (Broadway.) (Nov. 9, 2001)
BLADE II — *** — This sequel to the surprising 1998 horror hit, one in which the title character (Wesley Snipes) must team up with his undead foes to stop an even more terrifying threat, is more exciting but even gorier. Running time: 110 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, drug use, vulgarity, torture, nude photos). (Redwood, with "Jason X.") (March 22, 2002)
THE CAT'S MEOW —** 1/2 — Director Peter Bogdonavich's adaptation of the acclaimed stageplay boasts good performances by Edward Herrmann and Kirsten Dunst as tycoon William Randolph Hearst and his mistress, actress Marion Davies. But it's sluggish, and the supporting cast is awful. Running time: 112 minutes. PG-13 (sex, brief violence, brief drug use). (Broadway.) (April 26, 2002)
CHANGING LANES — *** — This thriller has some unbelievable moments, but it's surprisingly effective, thanks to the performances by Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson as men playing a deadly cat-and-mouse game after a hit-and-run incident. Running time: 99 minutes. R (profanity, violence). (Megaplex 12; Redwood with "Insomnia.") (April 12, 2002)
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE — *** — This big-budgeted adaptation of the first of J.K. Rowling's best-selling children's novels is perfectly cast — especially with newcomer Daniel Radcliffe starring as the young wizard-in-training. But some of the magic is missing, and it's too long for neophytes. Still, Potter-philes will be pleased. Running time: 153 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 16, 2001)
HIGH CRIMES — ** — Yet another by-the-numbers Ashley Judd thriller, which only comes to life when co-star Morgan Freeman is on-screen. Running time: 115 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore, brief sex, brief partial nudity, brief drugs, racial epithets). (Showcase.) (April 5, 2002)
I AM SAM —* 1/2 — Oscar nominee Sean Penn is credible as the title character, a mentally handicapped man trying to regain custody of his daughter. But the film itself is incredibly manipulative and doesn't ring true. Running time: 130 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Jan. 25, 2002)
ICE AGE — *** — The first digitally created cartoon from Fox Animation is a familiar, but still fun comedy about prehistoric animals trying to reunite a human child with its parents. The voice cast (which includes Ray Romano and John Leguizamo) has a ball, and so will most audiences. Running time: 81 minutes. PG (animated violence, vulgarity). (Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing.) (March 15, 2002)
JASON X — * — The final 10 minutes of this gory and rather stupid sci-fi/thriller, the tenth of the "Friday the 13th" movies, is very funny. But the 80 or so minutes that precede it are played straight-faced and are completely awful. Running time: 93 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, sex, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief drug use). (Redwood, with "Blade II.") (April 26, 2002)
KISSING JESSICA STEIN — ** 1/2 — Co-screenwriter Jennifer Westfeldt is a little cold as the title character, a New Yorker who gets cold feet when she begins dating another woman (a terrific Heather Juergensen, who also co-scripted). Running time: 96 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, sex, brief drugs). (Broadway.) (April 5, 2002)
LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT — ** — A good premise is squandered in this so-so comedy/fantasy, starring Angelina Jolie as a superficial TV reporter who begins reassessing her life after receiving a premonition that she's going to die. Running time: 110 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief gore, brief sex, brief violence). (Redwood, with "Unfaithful.") (April 26, 2002)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING — **** — New Zealand director Peter Jackson's big-budgeted adaptation of the first of the much-read fantasy trilogy is also the year's best, an awe-inspiring, thrilling adventure with plenty of "Wow!" moments. Also, the all-star cast (which includes Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler and Christopher Lee) is top to bottom excellent. Winner of four Academy Awards. Running time: 178 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore). (Trolley Corners.) (Dec. 19, 2001)
MONSOON WEDDING — *** 1/2 — Oscar-winning filmmaker Mira Nair's latest is a winning ensemble comedy-drama about a New Delhi family preparing for the wedding of one of its members. Surprisingly touching and not as superficial as you'd probably think. In English, Hindi and Punjabi, with English subtitles. Running time: 113 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex). (Exclusive, Tower.) (May 10, 2002)
MONSTER'S BALL —** 1/2 — The performances by Billy Bob Thornton and, especially, Oscar winner Halle Berry barely save this ludicrous drama about a penitentiary guard who becomes involved with the widow of an executed prisoner. Running time: 108 minutes. R (profanity, sex, nudity, violence, gore, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Broadway.) (Feb. 8, 2002)
MONSTERS, INC. — **** — The Disney-Pixar teaming strikes it rich again with this hilarious, digitally-animated comedy about the mishaps that occur when a little girl wanders into an alternate universe populated by monsters. The voice performers (who include Billy Crystal and John Goodman) have a ball, and so will audiences. Running time: 92 minutes. G (slapstick violence, mild vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 2, 2001)
MURDER BY NUMBERS — ** — This dull thriller features two story lines, the less interesting one starring Sandra Bullock as a homicide detective investigating a murder committed by manipulative teens. Running time: 118 minutes. R (violence, profanity, sex, gore, vulgarity, drugs, nude artwork). (Jordan Landing.) (April 19, 2002)
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING — *** — It's pretty much a filmed sitcom, but this romantic comedy, an adaptation of Nia Vardalos' stage play, has its charms. Vardalos stars as a thirtysomething Greek woman who bucks tradition when she decides to marry a non-Greek. In English and Greek, with English subtitles. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, brief violence). (Century, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12.) (May 10, 2002)
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VAN WILDER — ** — The latest from National Lampoon is not nearly as atrocious as the ads would suggest, though it doesn't come close to the hilarity of their best movies. Running time: 95 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, drug use, slapstick violence). (Showcase.) (April 5, 2002) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
THE NEW GUY — * — This long-delayed, teen-oriented comedy, starring DJ Qualls as a nerdy high school senior who "reinvents" himself at his new school, probably should have gone unreleased. Running time: 89 minutes. PG-13 (sex, profanity, vulgarity, slapstick violence, drugs). (Broadway; Carmike 12; 5-Star; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Enough"; Ritz.) (May 10, 2002)
THE OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN — ** 1/2 — Handsome-looking but too superficial drama, based on the harrowing real-life experiences of an LDS general authority when he was a teenager serving a mission to the Kingdom of Tonga. A good cast, including Anne Hathaway ("The Princess Diaries"), helps, but it's a little too squeaky-clean for its own good. Running time: 113 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, brief gore). (Jordan Landing.) (Dec. 14, 2001)
PANIC ROOM — *** — This thriller, about a woman (Jodie Foster) hiding from a group of robbers who have invaded her home, has some extremely tense moments . . . just enough to make up for the flat ending. Running time: 108 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, drugs, brief torture). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (March 29, 2002)
RETURN TO NEVER LAND — ** — Devoid of the charm and originality of its predecessor, Disney's classic 1953 adaptation of "Peter Pan," this animated sequel about the adventures of Wendy's daughter probably should have gone straight to video. Running time: 79 minutes. G (animated violence, mild vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sandy.) (Feb. 15, 2002)
THE ROOKIE — *** 1/2 — A warm and wonderfully low-key family drama, based on the true story of a once-promising baseball prospect (Dennis Quaid) who decides to give the big leagues one more try as he hits middle age. Refreshingly old-fashioned, with some well-placed humor and sentiment. Running time: 129 minutes. G (mild profanity, mild vulgarity). (Carmike 12; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Spider-Man"; Trolley North.)
THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS — **** — Sure it's quirky, but director Wes Anderson's third film is also his richest and funniest. It's a comedy about a family patriarch (a never-better Gene Hackman) striving to reconnect with his estranged children (including Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Stiller). Running time: 108 minutes. R (profanity, violence, drugs, brief sex, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief gore, racial epithets). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Jan. 4, 2002)
THE SCORPION KING — ** — Professional wrestler The Rock is laughably bad as he reprises his role as an ancient Egyptian assassin. The action's OK, but the dialogue and acting make it a chore to sit through. Running time: 94 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, brief gore). (Broadway; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron"; Ritz.) (April 19, 2002)
THE SINGLES WARD — ** — Essentially a filmed road show, this locally produced romantic comedy relies too heavily on cameos by such local celebrities as Steve Young, Richard Dutcher and Danny Ainge and "inside" humor, though leads Will Swenson and Connie Young do have a certain charm. Running time: 102 minutes. PG (slapstick violence). (Carmike 12.) (Feb. 1, 2002)
SPIDER-MAN —*** 1/2 — The long-awaited, live-action adaptation of the beloved Marvel Comics character is one of the best superheroes films ever, a surprisingly exciting and involving adventure about an unpopular teen (Tobey Maguire) who gets superpowers from a spider bite. Running time: 121 minutes. PG-13 (violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity, brief gore). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "The Rookie"; Ritz.) (May 3, 2002)
STAR WARS: EPISODE II — ATTACK OF THE CLONES — *** — The second of George Lucas's prequels is better and more exciting than its predecessor. But some of the performances are awful — especially Hayden Christensen as heroic Jedi Knight trainee Anakin Skywalker, who begin his descent into the Dark Side of the Force here. A mixed bag, but "Star Warriors" will be pleased. Running time: 142 minutes. PG (violence). (Carmike 12, Century, 5-Star, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz, Villa.) (May 16, 2002)
UNFAITHFUL — *** — "Fatal Attraction" director Adrian Lyne tries his hand at an erotic thriller again with this dull piece about a couple (Richard Gere and Diane Lane) whose marriage is torn apart when she begins an obsessive affair with another man (Olivier Martinez). Running time: 123 minutes. R (sex, nudity, profanity, gore, brief violence). (Carmike 12; Century; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Life or Something Like It"; Ritz.) (May 10, 2002)
A WALK TO REMEMBER — ** — It's sort of refreshing to watch this cornball romance — at least until the third act, which has the kids facing death, albeit with all the consternation of teens spending an entire Saturday with their parents. Running time: 100 minutes. PG (sex, brief violence). (Kaysville.) (Jan. 25, 2002) — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Daily News
WE WERE SOLDIERS — ** — Star Mel Gibson director/screenwriter Randall Wallace turn the best-selling novel about the first battle between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces into a painfully cliched gorefest. In English, Vietnamese and French, with English subtitles. Running time: 141 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 1, 2002)
Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN — ** 1/2 — Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron's coming-of-age road picture is unflinchingly graphic and sexual. But his insights into the culture are no more profound or surprising than the central narrative. In Spanish, with English subtitles. Running time: 105 minutes. Not rated, probable NC-17 (sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity, violence, drug use). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (April 19, 2002) — Hap Erstein, Cox News Service