NEW FILMS FRIDAY
FINDING NEMO — The Pixar folks again team with Disney for this computer-animated, comedy adventure about a clownfish searching for his lost son. The voice cast includes Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres. Filmmaker Andrew Stanton is interviewed on Page W1; reviewed in this section. G (animated violence, mild vulgarity). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Holes"; Ritz.)
HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT . . . — "Amelie" star Audrey Tautou returns in this psychological thriller about a young art student whose relationship with a married doctor becomes obsessive. In French, with English subtitles. Not rated, probable R (profanity, violence, brief gore, brief drugs). (Tower.)
THE ITALIAN JOB — This remake of the 1969 European hit, a caper thriller about crooks who start a traffic jam to pull off a heist, stars Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton and Charlize Theron. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Anger Management"; Ritz.)
WRONG TURN — Horror-thriller with Eliza Dushku, Desmond Harrington and Jeremy Sisto as twentysomethings who encounter trouble when their vehicle breaks down in West Virginia. To be reviewed Saturday. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, drug use). (Carmike 12, Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIE
RUSHMORE — **** — Try to imagine "The Graduate" in reverse, and you might envision this terrifically offbeat comedy. Newcomer Jason Schwartzman, playing a private-school student, is a real find, and Bill Murray has never been better as his mentor, and later, his romantic rival. Running time: 93 minutes. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, nude photos, ethnic slurs). (Tower, tonight and Saturday.) (Feb. 19, 1999)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
ADRENALINE RUSH: THE SCIENCE OF RISK — ** 1/2 — This adventure can't make up its mind between being a documentary or an "extreme-sports" travelogue. Skydiver Adrian Nicholas puts to a real-life test Leonardo da Vinci's 500-year-old sketch for a parachute. Shown in the large-screen format. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). (Jordan Commons.) (April 22, 2003) — Ivan M. Lincoln
BEAVERS — *** 1/2 — Cleverly tagged "the biggest dam movie ever made," this large-screen documentary is timed to be just long enough for most youngsters' brief attention spans — and it's packed with plenty of interesting activity, both on land and underwater. Shown in the large-screen format. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). (Clark Planetarium IMAX Theater.) (May 23, 2003) — Ivan M. Lincoln
DONNIE DARKO — ** 1/2 — SLUG Magazine and Brewvies Cinema Pub presents special screenings of this little-seen 2001 thriller about a confused teen (Jake Gyllenhaal) who believes the world is coming to an end. There are some very interesting ideas here, though the film is wildly uneven and muddled. R (violence, profanity, vulgarity, drug use). (Sunday: Brewvies, must be 21 or older.)
SPACE STATION 3-D — **** — Tom Cruise narrates, but the real stars of this breathtaking 3-D film are the U.S. astronauts, Russian cosmonauts and the global crew assembling the International Space Station. There's humor and suspense in an adventure that blends "in your face" with "larger than life." Shown in the large-screen format. Running time: 47 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). (Clark Planetarium IMAX Theater.) (April 22, 2003) — Ivan M. Lincoln
CONTINUING FILMS
AGENT CODY BANKS — ** — Already done better in the "Spy Kids" movies, this so-so action-comedy stars Frankie Muniz as a teenager trained to be a secret agent. Running time: 110 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sugar House.) (March 14, 2003)
AMANDLA! A REVOLUTION IN FOUR PART HARMONY — *** — Though it does get bogged down in its history "lessons," this documentary still does an effective job of showing the influence of music in South Africa's civil-rights movement. In color and in black and white; in English and Zulu, with English subtitles. Running time: 101 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, racial epithets). (Broadway.) (May 16, 2003)
ANGER MANAGEMENT — ** — The teaming of Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson is a big disappointment. Sandler's a bland straight man, playing a mild-mannered guy who is forced to take anger-management classes. Running time: 101 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief partial nudity). (Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "The Italian Job"; Trolley Corners.) (April 11, 2003)
BASIC — ** — The plot doesn't make a lick of sense, so this re-teaming of "Pulp Fiction" stars John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson winds up being more funny than it is thrilling. Running time: 93 minutes. R (profanity, violence, drugs, vulgarity, brief gore, racial epithets). (Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 28, 2003)
BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM — *** — More cute than it is funny, this still-winning British comedy follows two teens (charming newcomers Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley) whose mothers are horrified when they join a soccer team. The message about tolerance is a welcome one as well. Running time: 112 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, violence, ethnic slurs). (Broadway.) (April 11, 2003)
BETTER LUCK TOMORROW — ** 1/2 — Justin Lin's debut — about a group of Asian-American teens who decide to become criminals — opens smart and closes way over its head. Running time: 101 minutes. R (profanity, violence, drug use, sex, nudity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (April 25, 2003) — Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE — * 1/2 — Steve Martin stars as a man who discovers his Internet romance has been with a convict (Queen Latifah). Shockingly racially insensitive and unfunny. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, drug use, racial epithets, brief sex). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 7, 2003)
BRUCE ALMIGHTY — ** 1/2 — Jim Carrey mines a few guilty laughs from this sloppy, irreverent comedy — a virtual retread of "Oh, God!" in which a man is given omnipotence to teach him a lesson about humility. Running time: 100 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief sex, brief drugs). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Old School"; Ritz.) (May 23, 2003)
BULLETPROOF MONK — ** — More like the "Highlander" movies than "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," this action film wastes Chow Yun-Fat in a go-nowhere plot. Seann William Scott is unconvincing as his pupil. Running time: 103 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (April 11, 2003)
CHICAGO — *** — Renee Zellweger's the one false note in this big-screen musical about celebrity-crazed murderesses. Her co-stars Catherine Zeta-Jones (an Oscar winner) and Richard Gere make up for it, though. Winner of six Academy Awards. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief sex, ethnic slurs). (Kaysville, Trolley Corners.) (Jan. 3, 2003)
CONFIDENCE — *** — This caper thriller is a little too tricky, but the cast is very good, especially Edward Burns, who stars as a cocky con man (Edward Burns) who runs afoul of a sleazy mobster (Dustin Hoffman). Running time: 98 minutes. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, sex, nudity, gore, ethnic slurs). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (April 25, 2003)
DADDY DAY CARE — * 1/2 — Eddie Murphy practically phones in his performance in this lame comedy about a man who, when he is laid off, starts his own day-care center — with predictable results. Running time: 93 minutes. PG (vulgarity, slapstick violence, profanity). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "What a Girl Wants"; Ritz.) (May 9, 2003)
THE DANCER UPSTAIRS — ** 1/2 — John Malkovich's mood-heavy direction undercuts this potentially interesting thriller about a detective (Javier Bardem, terrific as always) investigating a possible revolution in a Latin American country. In English, Spanish and Quechua, with English subtitles. Running time: 128 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, brief nudity, vulgarity, brief drugs). (Broadway.) (May 23, 2003)
DAREDEVIL — ** 1/2 — Ben Affleck is bland as the comic-book character, a blind attorney by day and a crime-fighting vigilante by night. Jennifer Garner steals the show. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, sex, brief drugs, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Redwood, with "X2.") (Feb. 14, 2003)
DOWN WITH LOVE — *** — Though at times it's a bit naughty, this send-up of the glossy romantic comedies of the '60s is a lot of fun. Ewan McGregor stars as a playboy who tries to romance an author (Renee Zellweger) in order to discredit her best-seller. Running time: 94 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, mild profanity, brief violence, brief drugs, nude artwork). (Carmike 12, Century, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Megaplex 12, Ritz.) (May 16, 2003)
GANGS OF NEW YORK — ** 1/2 — Daniel Day-Lewis's riveting performance is the reason to see director Martin Scorsese's otherwise sketchy 19th-century crime drama — about warring factions trying to seize control of the city. Running time: 160 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, racial epithets, nudity, sex, torture, vulgarity, brief drug use). (Sandy, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Dec. 20, 2002)
THE GOOD THIEF — *** — A suave and playful remake of the 1955 French thriller "Bob le Flambeur," starring Nick Nolte as a heroin-addicted thief who must kick the habit if he's going to pull off one last heist. Running time: 108 minutes. R (sex, nudity, violence, drugs). (Broadway.) (April 25, 2003) — Christopher Kelly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
HEAD OF STATE — ** 1/2 — Co-star Bernie Mac helps bail out long-time pal Chris Rock in this sporadically funny comedy about a Washington, D.C., politician who becomes a surprising presidential candidate after a candidate dies. Running time: 93 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, racial epithets, vulgarity, brief drugs, brief sex). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (March 28, 2003)
HOLES — *** — This off-beat adventure/mystery, based on the young-adult novel, has a pleasant "Goonies"-like vibe to it. And Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight have fun in showy supporting roles. Running time: 111 minutes. PG (vulgarity, violence, mild profanity). (Carmike 12; 5-Star; Gateway; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Finding Nemo.") (April 18, 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). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Feb. 7, 2003)
IDENTITY — ** — The unbelievably stupid ending is just one of several problems with this thriller that recalls "10 Little Indians." Shrill, ludicrous and not very suspenseful. Running time: 87 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, brief drugs). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Jordan Landing.) (April 25, 2003)
THE IN-LAWS — ** — Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks are wasted in this lame remake of the 1979 caper comedy about bickering fathers of soon-to-be-marrieds. Rent the original. Running time: 95 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief drugs). (Carmike 12; Century; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Redwood, with "The Matrix Reloaded"; Ritz; Trolley Corners.) (May 23, 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). (Valley Fair.) (Jan. 17, 2003)
THE LIZZIE MCGUIRE MOVIE — * 1/2 — The popular Disney Channel television series spawns a really bad feature film, an unfunny comedy about the title character (Hilary Duff) having a chance to become a European singing star. Running time: 90 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, mild profanity). (Jordan Commons.) (May 2, 2003)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS — **** — The second of director Peter Jackson's ambitious J.R.R. Tolkien adaptations is a constantly enthralling, but decidedly much darker adventure, as the Fellowship of the Ring is scattered and is facing several different threats. The cast is exceptional. Running time: 179 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, mild vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Dec. 18, 2002)
THE MATRIX RELOADED — *** — This sequel to the 1999 smash sci-fi is much like its predecessor: The action scenes are terrific, but the plot is nonsensical mumbo-jumbo. Still, it's a thrill ride. Running time: 138 minutes. R (violence, profanity, sex, vulgarity, brief gore, brief partial nudity, brief drugs). (Carmike 12; Century; 5-Star; Gateway; Holladay; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "The In-Laws"; Ritz.) (May 15, 2003)
A MIGHTY WIND — *** — Writer-director Christopher Guest returns with this gentle send-up of folk music, which not only features funny performances by Guest regulars Fred Willard and Eugene Levy, it also features some surprisingly listenable, original songs. Running time: 92 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, sex, profanity). (Broadway, Century.) (May 9, 2003)
OLD SCHOOL — ** — Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn manage a few laughs as thirtysomethings starting 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). (Redwood, with "Bruce Almighty"; Sugar House.) (Feb. 21, 2003)
PHONE BOOTH — *** — Colin Farrell is terrific in this surprisingly tense thriller about a philandering publicist who finds himself pinned down in a telephone booth by a sniper (Kiefer Sutherland). Running time: 80 minutes. R (profanity, violence, gore, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Showcase, Valley Fair.) (April 4, 2003)
THE RECRUIT — ** — Al Pacino's hammy performance sinks this thriller about a man (Colin Farrell) who joins the CIA and comes to regret it. Running time: 115 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, torture, vulgarity, brief sex, brief gore). (Sugar House.) (Jan. 31, 2003)
SHANGHAI KNIGHTS — *** — This action-comedy sequel 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). (Sandy, Showcase, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Feb. 7, 2003)
THE SHAPE OF THINGS — *** — Writer-director Neil LaBute again looks at sexual politics and power with this lacerating adaptation of his stage play, a well-acted dark comedy about a woman (Rachel Weisz) who tries to give her nerdy boyfriend (Paul Rudd) a complete makeover. Running time: 97 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, sex, brief drug use, brief violence, nude artwork). (Broadway.) (May 16, 2003)
WHAT A GIRL WANTS — ** — This lame rehashing of "The Parent Trap" and "The Princess Diaries" stars Amanda Bynes as an American who visits her biological father (Colin Firth) in England. Running time: 104 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, mild profanity, vulgarity). (Kaysville; Redwood, with "Daddy Day Care"; Sandy; Showcase; Sugar House; Valley Fair.) (April 4, 2003)
X2 — **** — This exciting, enthralling sequel to the 2000 hit "X-Men," in which the mutant heroes and villains join forces, is superior in every way to its predecessor. And the cast is terrific (especially Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen). Running time: 134 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs, brief gore, brief partial nudity). (Carmike 12; Century; Jordan Commons; Jordan Landing; Megaplex 12; Redwood, with "Daredevil"; Ritz.) (May 2, 2003)