NEW FILMS FRIDAY
BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE — Steve Martin stars in this comedy as a man horrified to discover that his Internet romance has been with a female convict (Queen Latifah). PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, drug use, racial epithets, brief sex). (Carmike 12, Century, 5-Star, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.)
LAN YU — Based on the infamous Chinese "e-novel," this drama from director Stanley Kwan examines the on-again, off-again homosexual relationship between a successful businessman and a student. In Mandarin, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable R (profanity, nudity, sex, vulgarity). (Tower.)
TEARS OF THE SUN — Bruce Willis returns to macho mode in this action-thriller about a Special Ops commander sent with his troops into the Nigerian jungle to rescue a U.S. physician (Monica Bellucci). R (violence, profanity, gore, rape, brief drugs, brief nudity, brief torture). (Carmike 12, Century, 5-Star, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Megaplex 12, Ritz.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIE
GIMME SHELTER — *** 1/2 — Its main selling point may be the footage of the Rolling Stones (shown performing such hits as "Satisfaction"), but this 1970 documentary from the Maysles brothers is also a compelling examination of concert violence. The focus is on the tragic free concert at Altamont, which ended in chaos and murder. This "director's cut" features violent content and frank language, and has been re-rated from PG to R. (Tower, Friday and Saturday.)
RE-RELEASES
THE LION KING — **** — Disney's most popular animated film, the 1994 musical comedy/drama starring the voices of Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane and Jeremy Irons, is being re-released exclusively in theaters with 70mm screens. It's still good stuff, filled with top-notch animation, voice performances and musical numbers. Shown in the large-screen format. Running time: 89 minutes. G (animated violence). (Jordan Commons.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
GENESIS — The University of Utah's Film Front group presents a special screening of this 1986 drama from Indian director Mrinal Sen, described as "a parable of man's exploitation of his fellow man." In Hindi, with English subtitles. This program is not rated but may contain some R-rated material. (Sunday, 7 p.m., Orson Spencer Hall, University of Utah.)
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 SON OF THE SHEIK — Rudolph Valentino's final film (which was released after his death) is this 1926 romantic epic, a sequel of sorts to "The Sheik," the film that made him a star. Featuring organ accompaniment by Greg Owen. In black and white. Not rated, probable PG (violence). (Organ Loft, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.)
CONTINUING FILMS
ABOUT SCHMIDT — *** — Jack Nicholson's latest, Oscar-nominated performance is in service of a mean-spirited dark comedy about a widower trying to repair his personal relationships. Some good moments. Running time: 125 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief violence, brief drugs, brief sex). (Century, Trolley Corners.) (Jan. 3, 2003)
ADAPTATION. — *** 1/2 — It's possibly too cerebral and too bizarre for its own good, but this off-beat dark comedy features terrific performances, such as those by Oscar nominee Nicolas Cage in dual roles — including one as the film's screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman. Running time: 112 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, sex, violence, brief nudity, brief gore). (Trolley Corners.) (Jan. 10, 2003)
ANTWONE FISHER — *** 1/2 — Sure, Denzel Washington's directorial debut — based on the autobiography of a U.S. Navy sailor — is manipulative and sappy. But it's also moving and very rewarding, and newcomer Derek Luke impresses as Fisher. Running time: 113 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, racial epithets, vulgarity, rape, brief gore). (Kaysville, Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Jan. 10, 2003)
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN — *** 1/2 — Steven Spielberg's latest is also his lightest, most enjoyable movie in many years, a cheeky comedic-thriller about the most successful conman in U.S history (a never-better Leonardo DiCaprio). Running time: 140 minutes. PG-13 (brief sex, vulgarity, profanity, violence). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Carmike 12; Jordan Landing.) (Dec. 25, 2002)
CHICAGO — *** — Renee Zellweger's the one false note in this big-screen musical about celebrity-crazed murderesses. Her co-stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere make up for it, though. Nominated for 13 Academy Awards. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief sex, ethnic slurs). (Carmike 12, Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Jan. 3, 2003)
CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE — * — Rapper DMX and action star Jet Li try to out-act each other — badly — in this awful thriller about a thief and government agent who join forces. Running time: 109 minutes. R (violence, profanity, racial epithets, vulgarity, gore, torture, brief sex). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz, Trolley Corners.) (Feb. 28, 2003)
DAREDEVIL — ** 1/2 — Ben Affleck is fairly bland as the comic-book character, a blind attorney by day and a crime-fighting vigilante by night. TV star Jennifer Garner ("Alias") steals the show as his love interest. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, sex, brief drugs, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Carmike 12, Century, 5-Star, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Feb. 14, 2003)
DARK BLUE — ** — Tailor-made to be a showcase for star Kurt Russell, this so-so cop thriller borrows too heavily from better films like "L.A. Confidential" and "Training Day." Running time: 116 minutes. R (violence, profanity, brief sex, racial epithets, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Feb. 21, 2003)
DARKNESS FALLS — * — Considerably less terrifying than a visit to the dentist, this horror tale about a vengeful Tooth Fairy is laughably awful. And so are the performances. Running time: 85 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, drugs, gore). (Carmike 12.) (Jan. 24, 2003)
DIE ANOTHER DAY — ** 1/2 — Pierce Brosnan's indifferent performance nearly sinks the latest James Bond adventure, but Halle Berry livens things up as a beautiful female spy who teams with 007 to stop a madman. Running time: 132 minutes. PG-13 (violence, torture, vulgarity, sex, profanity, veiled nudity, brief drugs, brief gore). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House.) (Nov. 22, 2002)
DRUMLINE — ** 1/2 — This urban comedy-drama about a street drummer who joins a college marching band plays like a college version of "Bring It On," replacing gymnastics and cheers with snare drums and step drills. Running time: 119 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, sex). (Valley Fair.) (Dec. 16, 2002) — Sean Axmaker, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
8 MILE — *** — Rapper Eminem impresses in his feature-film debut — a rap music-heavy drama loosely based on the life of the "real Slim Shady." Surprisingly smart and affecting. Running time: 106 minutes. R (profanity, racial epithets, violence, vulgarity, sex, drug use, brief nudity, brief gore). (Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 8, 2002)
FAR FROM HEAVEN — *** — Julianne Moore shines as a housewife who discovers her husband is gay in writer-director Todd Haynes' glossy '50s-period piece, essentially a soap opera with racial overtones as well. Running time: 107 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, mild vulgarity, racial epithets, brief sex, brief violence, nude artwork). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Nov. 22, 2002)
FINAL DESTINATION 2 — * — Gorier does not necessarily mean scarier — not for this dopey sequel to the 2000 horror hit, in which the specter of death stalks accident survivors. Running time: 90 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, drugs, nudity). (Ritz.) (Jan. 31, 2003)
FRIDAY AFTER NEXT — * — The same three jokes played over and over again — this time with a holiday theme. Even star/producer/co-screenwriter Ice Cube seems embarrassed. Running time: 85 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, violence, racial epithets, brief sex, brief partial nudity). (Sugar House.) (Nov. 22, 2002)
GODS AND GENERALS — ** — Thanks to its many long-winded speeches, this prequel to the made-for-TV movie "Gettysburg" (which also had a theatrical run), is a real bore. Even the performers seem to be falling asleep. Running time: 220 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, racial epithets, mild profanity, brief drugs). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12.) (Feb. 21, 2003)
A GUY THING — * — This low-brow romantic comedy is a waste of time for everyone involved, especially Jason Lee, who stars as a man who believes he may have slept with his fiancZe's cousin (Julia Stiles). Running time: 101 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, slapstick violence, drugs, brief sex). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House.) (Jan. 17, 2003)
HABLE CON ELLA (TALK TO HER ) — *** 1/2 — Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar's latest (for which he received a Best Director Oscar nomination) is another typically offbeat yet appealing tale, this one about two men whose lovers are comatose. In Spanish, with English subtitles. Running time: 112 minutes. R (nudity, profanity, violence, vulgarity, sex, gore, brief drugs). (Broadway.) (Feb. 14, 2003)
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS — ** 1/2 — This darker, scarier sequel to last year's blockbuster hit is an improvement over its predecessor. But it still lacks the magic of its source material. Good performances by the young stars as supporting performer Kenneth Branagh, though. Running time: 161 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity, brief gore) (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 15, 2002)
THE HOT CHICK — * — This unfunny comedy stars Rob Schneider as the title character, a self-centered teenage girl who is transformed into a thirtysomething male. Ho. Ho. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, slapstick violence, profanity, brief sex, brief nudity, brief drugs). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Dec. 13, 2002)
THE HOURS — *** 1/2 — Three great actresses (Meryl Streep, and Oscar nominees Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman) combine for this well-acted but depressing drama with connections to Virginia Woolf and her novel "Mrs. Dalloway." Running time: 115 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, brief drugs, nude artwork). (Century, Megaplex 12.) (Jan. 17, 2003)
HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS — ** — Stars Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey have no chemistry, which dooms this dull comedy about the romance between a writer and an ad man. Running time: 116 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, violence). (Carmike 12, Century, 5-Star, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Feb. 7, 2003)
THE JUNGLE BOOK 2 — ** — Done solely to cash in on the enduring popularity of the 1967 animated classic, this awful musical adventure features the voices of Haley Joel Osment (as Mowgli) and John Goodman (Baloo) and little else. Running time: 72 minutes. G (animated violence). (Carmike 12, Century, 5-Star, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Feb. 14, 2003)
JUST MARRIED — ** — Though real-life couple Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher have genuine chemistry, this slapstick romantic comedy about their characters' disastrous honeymoon falls flat. Running time: 94 minutes. PG-13 (slapstick violence, vul- garity, profanity, sex, ethnic slurs). (Jordan Landing.) (Jan. 10, 2003)
KANGAROO JACK — * 1/2 — Real-life pals Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson may be having fun with the dumb comedy, about two friends who have to track down a kangaroo with their loot. But few others will. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief drugs). (Carmike 12, Jordan Landing, Ritz.) (Jan. 17, 2003)
THE LIFE OF DAVID GALE — * 1/2 — This thriller, starring Kevin Spacey as an anti-death-penalty activist on death row, might sway a few opinions — but not in the way the filmmakers intended. Running time: 130 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, sex, nudity, violence, brief gore). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz, Trolley Corners.) (Feb. 21, 2003)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS — **** — Better than its predecessor, the second part of director Peter Jackson's ambitious J.R.R. Tolkein adaptations is a constantly enthralling but decidedly much darker adventure, as the Fellowship of the Ring is scattered and is facing a series of different threats. The cast is exceptional. Nominated for six Academy Awards. Running time: 179 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, mild vulgarity). (Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz.) (Dec. 18, 2002)
MAID IN MANHATTAN — ** — Bland and utterly forgettable, the latest Jennifer Lopez stars J-Lo as a single mother being pursued by a senatorial candidate (Ralph Fiennes). There's no chemistry whatsoever between the two stars. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief sex). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Dec. 13, 2002)
MOONLIGHT MILE — *** 1/2 — Not the "American Beauty" knock-off it appears to be, Brad Silberling's dark comic drama features terrific performances, especially that by Jake Gyllenhaal as a young man trying to put his life back together after the death of his wife-to-be. Susan Sarandon also shines in a supporting role. Running time: 112 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence, brief sex). (Sandy.) (Oct. 4, 2002)
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING — *** — It's pretty much a filmed sitcom, but this romantic comedy has its charms. Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nia Vardalos stars as a thirtysomething Greek woman who decides to marry a non-Greek. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, brief violence). (Sugar House.) (May 10, 2002)
NARC — *** — Despite some third-act problems, this gritty police thriller succeeds on the strength of Ray Liotta's performances as an over-the-edge cop whose new partner (Jason Patric) distrusts him. Running time: 102 minutes. R (violence, profanity, drug use, gore, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief sex, torture, racial epithets). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Jan. 10, 2003)
NICHOLAS NICKLEBY — *** 1/2 — A lighter, funnier version of Charles Dickens' massive and rather downbeat novel, featuring an especially strong ensemble cast. Charlie Hunnam stands out as the title character, a young man forced to support his family after the death of his father. Running time: 138 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, mild profanity, nude artwork, brief gore). (Broadway.) (Jan. 24, 2003)
OLD SCHOOL — ** — Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn manage to get a few laughs as thirtysomethings who start their own "fraternity." But it's little more than "Animal House Revisited." Running time: 91 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, nudity, violence, drugs, brief sex, racial epithets). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Feb. 21, 2003)
THE PIANIST — *** — Director Roman Polanski returns with this somewhat overrated period drama, based on the true story of a Polish musician (Oscar nominee Adrien Brody) whose skills helped him escape persecution from the Nazis. Great music and performances help. In English and German, with English subtitles. Running time: 140 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, ethnic slurs, nude artwork). (Broadway.) (Jan. 17, 2003)
POKEMON 4EVER — ** — Yep, there's a fourth "PokZmon" adventure if you're a big fan or a little kid, that's probably good news. For the rest of us, it's a yawn. Dubbed. Running time: 76 minutes. G (animated violence, mild vulgarity). (Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.). (Oct. 25, 2002) — Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press
POOLHALL JUNKIES — * — So bad it's hilarious, this dramatic thriller (which was shot locally) tries to rip off "The Color of Money" and Quentin Tarantino. Only Christopher Walken seems to be having any fun. Running time: 93 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, violence, racial epithets, brief sex). (Century, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Feb. 28, 2003)
THE QUIET AMERICAN — ** 1/2 — Oscar nominee Michael Caine is terrific in this romantic thriller, based on Graham Greene's novel about a British journalist in '50s-era Vietnam. But Brendan Fraser's too one-dimensional as the title character. In English and Vietnamese. Running time: 118 minutes. R (violence, profanity, brief sex, brief drug use, gore). (Broadway.) (Feb. 14, 2003)
RABBIT-PROOF FENCE — *** 1/2 — Even more powerful because it's based on a true story, this heartbreaking period drama follows three Aboriginal girls taken from their home by Australian authorities in an attempt to "civilize" them. In English and Aboriginal, with English subtitles. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity, racial epithets). (Broadway.) (Jan. 31, 2003)
THE RECRUIT — ** — Al Pacino's over-the-top performance sinks this thriller about a man (Colin Farrell) who joins the CIA, only to find his loyalties tested. Running time: 115 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, torture, vulgarity, brief sex, brief gore). (Carmike 12, Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12.) (Jan. 31. 2003)
THE RING — *** 1/2 — This terrific, Americanized remake of the Japanese cult suspense/horror film starring Naomi Watts — about a mysterious videotape that brings death to anyone who watches it — starts creepily but turns frightening over the final fourth. Running time: 115 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, brief violence, brief gore). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 25, 2002)
THE R.M. — ** — A definite improvement on "The Singles Ward," though this LDS-specific comedy about the title character (Kirby Heyborne) seriously bogs down in the second half. Running time: 102 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity). (Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz.) (Jan. 31, 2003)
SHANGHAI KNIGHTS — *** — This action-comedy sequel makes no sense. But it works because of the chemistry between stars Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson. Turn your brain off and have fun with this one. Running time: 107 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, sex). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (Feb. 7, 2003)
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. In its place is a slick, bombastic sense of desperation. Running time: 100 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity). (Valley Fair.) (Aug. 7, 2002) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
STAR TREK: NEMESIS — ** — A half-hearted medley of "hits" from better sci-fi films, this disappointing sequel finds Capt. Picard (Patrick Stewart) facing a threat from his evil clone. Running time: 116 minutes. PG-13 (violence, brief sex, rape). (Kaysville, Sugar House.) (Dec. 13, 2002)
TUCK EVERLASTING — ** — Surprisingly dull, live-action adaptation of the popular kids novel about immortality. Actress Alexis Bledel (TV's "Gilmore Girls") is good, but the material wastes the talents of Ben Kingsley and Sissy Spacek. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (brief violence). (Sandy.) (Oct. 11, 2002)
THE WAY HOME . . . — *** — Despite its intrusive musical score, this heartwarming comedy-drama succeeds on the strength of its story. It follows a 7-year-old boy who is left with his mute grandmother in a remote village while his mother looks for work. In Korean, with English subtitles. Running time: 99 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, mild profanity). (Broadway.) (Feb. 28, 2003)