NEW FILMS FRIDAY
APRES VOUS . . . —** 1/2 — What makes this French comedy watchable is Daniel Auteuil, the sad-faced French actor who's just as comfortable doing comedy as he is doing drama. French with subtitles. Running time: 110 minutes. R (profanity, brief drugs, violence, vulgarity).
CATERINA IN THE BIG CITY — *** — This delightful, Italian comedy-drama is as much a social satire as it is a coming-of-age story. Italian with subtitles. Running time: 90 minutes. Not rated, probable R (profanity, vulgarity, violence).
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY — *** 1/2 — In many respects, Tim Burton's inventive, delightful and visually rich fantasy is faithful to Roald Dahl's source material. Johnny Depp stars. Running time: 110 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS—*** 1/2 — The acclaimed penguin documentary features a life-and-death struggle that's much more compelling than any similar story line in any film so far this year. Running time: 80 minutes. G (animal violence).
WEDDING CRASHERS —** 1/2 — Mixing sappy sentiment with crude sexual material makes this Owen Wilson-Vince Vaughn vehicle a sweet-and-salty movie snack. Running time: 119 minutes. Complete review on Page W4. R (profanity, vulgarity, sex, violence, nudity, drugs).
KIDS MATINEES
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE — *** — Newcomer AnnaSophia Robb and a scene-stealing pooch star in this winning comedy-drama based on the best-selling novel. Running time: 106 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, mild profanity). (Today-Thursday, Showcase.)
DR. DOLITTLE 2 — ** — This sequel to the 1999 smash hit has a good message about preserving wildlife, but buries it under tons of inappropriate sexual humor. Running time: 88 minutes. PG (vulgarity, slapstick violence, mild profanity). (Tuesday and Wednesday, Movies 10, Layton).
FIRST DAUGHTER — ** — This drama starring Katie Holmes has a tired screenplay and uneventful direction. Running time: 104 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity). (Monday-Thursday, Spanish 8, Spanish Fork.) — Eleanor O'Sullivan, Asbury Park (N.J.) Press
THE INCREDIBLES — **** — Pixar's Oscar-winning, imaginative, superhero adventure/comedy is probably the most exciting animated film ever made. Running time: 121 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity). (Today-Thursday, Towne Cinemas, American Fork.)
LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS — *** — Jim Carrey is delightfully over the top in this dark, sometimes scary comedy based on the popular series of novels about a trio of orphans. Running time: 97 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity). (Today, University Mall, Orem.)
SHARK TALE — ** —The majority of the jokes fall flat in this Oscar-nominated, underwater animated comedy starring the voices of Will Smith and Jack Black. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (animated violence, vulgarity). (Wednesday, Layton Hills.)
THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE — *** — Some inspired moments make up for the slow spots in this cartoon adventure, based on the popular animated television series. Running time: 88 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity, brief partial animated nudity). (Monday-Thursday, University Mall, Orem.)
MIDNIGHT MOVIES
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE — ** 1/2 — Some of the magic is missing, but Potter-philes will be pleased by this big-budgeted adaptation of J.K. Rowling's novel. Running time: 153 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity). (Friday and Saturday, Cinemark, Provo.)
WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER — ** — This summer-camp spoof hearkens back to such comedies as "Meatballs" and "Caddyshack," but has far fewer laughs. Running time: 97 minutes. R (violence, profanity, vulgarity, sex, drug use). (Tower, tonight and Saturday.)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
EDGE OF AMERICA — James McDaniel stars in this fact-based drama about an African-American coach on an Indian reservation. Shot in Utah. Not rated, probable PG (profanity, racial epithets). (Wednesday, 9 p.m., Sundance Village, Provo Canyon, free.)
FINDING NEVERLAND — *** 1/2 — This gentle drama, which stars Johnny Depp as "Peter Pan" creator J.M. Barrie, will probably wring a few tears from even the most cynical, hard-hearted moviegoer. Running time: 106 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, profanity). (Wednesday, 9 p.m., SCERA, Orem, free.)
HARRY POTTER MARATHON — Back to back (to back) screenings of the movie versions of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner and Azkaban." All three films are rated PG. (Today, 3 p.m.-midnight, Salt Lake City Library, free.)
LARCENY, INC. — Edward G. Robinson spoofs his usual tough-guy persona in this gangsters-going-straight comedy from 1942. Black and white. Running time: 95 minutes. Made before ratings, probable PG (violence). (Thursday, 7 p.m., Harold B. Lee Library, BYU, free.)
THE MALDONADO MIRACLE — Salma Hayek made her directorial debut with this pay-cable drama, which was shot in Utah. Running time: 99 minutes. PG (profanity, violence). (Tonight, 9 p.m., Park City Park; Monday, 9 p.m., Gallivan Center, free.)
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER — *** — It's become dated because of its disco soundtrack, but this 1977 drama features John Travolta's breakthrough performance. Running time: 119 minutes. R (profanity, sex, violence, partial nudity). (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Trolley Square.)
LARGE-FORMAT FILMS
ALIENS OF THE DEEP — ** 1/2 — James Cameron's latest 3-D IMAX extravaganza could do with less of him on camera. Running time: 47 minutes. G (nothing offensive). — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
BUGS! — *** — This British-made documentary about insects has plenty of "wow" moments. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (violence).
FIGHTER PILOTS: OPERATION RED FLAG — ** 1/2 — Curiously uninvolving for any viewer who is not already into military flight or video games. Running time: 45 minutes. G (nothing offensive).— Jim Carnes, Sacramento Bee
THE LIVING SEA — *** — Even for the landlocked, this large-screen documentary resonates, reminding us that we're like so many fish in a school. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — Diane Urbani
STRAIGHT UP: HELICOPTERS IN ACTION — Martin Sheen narrates this 2002 large-screen documentary about whirlybirds, as well as their role in rescue operations and other efforts. Running time: 42 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive).
T-REX: BACK TO THE CRETACEOUS — *** — The 3-D headgear may make you feel like Rick Moranis in "Spaceballs," but this IMAX minifeature is a trip. Running time: 45 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — John Anderson, Los Angeles Times
VIKINGS: JOURNEY TO NEW WORLDS — ** 1/2 — As educational as it is, this large-screen documentary feels a little dry and stuffy. Running time: 45 minutes. Not rated, probable PG (some violent imagery).
CONTINUING FILMS
THE ADVENTURES OF SHARK BOY & LAVA GIRL IN 3-D — * 1/2 — This imaginative but silly and headache-inducing adventure film should have been left in the filmmaker's subconscious. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity).
THE ANIMATION SHOW 2005 — *** 1/2 — These imaginative, animated shorts from around the world provide a nice contrast to the formulaic major studio cartoons. Running time: 83 minutes. Not rated, probable R (violence, gore, drugs, vulgarity).
BATMAN BEGINS — *** — Director Christopher Nolan's involving but darker superhero adventure is the best of the big-screen adventures featuring the Caped Crusader (Christian Bale). Running time: 140 minutes. PG-13 (violence, drugs, profanity).
BEWITCHED — ** —The clever clips from the 1960s TV sitcom that are used here only remind us of how disappointing this film is. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, slapstick violence, brief drugs, veiled nudity).
CINDERELLA MAN — *** — Ron Howard's film about Depression-era boxer Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) is a rousing and effective human drama. Running time: 138 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity, ethnic slurs).
CRASH — ** 1/2 —Despite some strong performances, Paul Haggis' directorial debut is too similar to P.T. Anderson's "Magnolia." Running time: 110 minutes. R (profanity, racial epithets, violence, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity, brief drugs).
DARK WATER —** — This Americanized remake of the 2002 Japanese ghost tale, starring Jennifer Connelly, is all wet. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, brief drugs, vulgarity).
FANTASTIC FOUR —** — This superhero adventure is more of a "Mediocre Four." Running time: 110 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, brief gore).
FEVER PITCH — *** — Nothing against Jimmy Fallon, but Drew Barrymore steals this winning romantic comedy. Running time: 103 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, brief drugs).
FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY — *** 1/2 — The violent and sexual content means it's not for all tastes, but this multi-storied thriller is visually stunning. Black and white. Running time: 126 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, torture, nudity, drugs, vulgarity, sex).
GEORGE A. ROMERO'S LAND OF THE DEAD — ** 1/2 — Veteran horror filmmaker Romero's latest installment in his "Living Dead" saga is something of an acquired taste . . . so to speak. Running time: 96 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity, brief drugs, racial epithets).
HERBIE: FULLY LOADED — ** — The addition of some sexually suggestive humor ruins Herbie the Love Bug's return. Lindsay Lohan stars. Running time: 95 minutes. G (vulgarity, slapstick violence, mild profanity).
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY — *** — The long-awaited movie version of Douglas Adams' tongue-in-cheek, sci-fi best-seller may be too faithful for casual fans, but it's still amusing. Running time: 108 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, mild profanity).
THE HOLY GIRL —*** — Argentine filmmaker Lucrecia Martel manages to do Pedro Almodovar-type material every bit as well as her mentor. Spanish with subtitles. Running time: 106 minutes. R (sex, brief nudity, mild profanity).
HOUSE OF WAX — * —This gory remake proves it's actually possible for a movie to get dumber as it goes along. Running time: 105 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, brief drugs, nude artwork).
HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE — *** 1/2 — Hayao Miyazaki's latest is entrancing, with more magical and laugh-out-loud moments than any other animated feature so far this year. Dubbed in English. Running time: 119 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, brief partial nudity, brief gore).
THE INTERPRETER — ** 1/2 — Sydney Pollack's overplotted thriller isn't as smart as it thinks it is, though Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman's performances are effective. Running time: 128 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief nudity).
KICKING & SCREAMING — ** 1/2 — The makers of this formulaic sports comedy were apparently content to let Will Ferrell run wild. Smart move. Running time: 97 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN — ** — Ridley Scott's Crusades-era adventure feels like a 90-minute tease leading up to the climactic battle scene — by which time, it's too late. Running time: 145 minutes. R (violence, gore, mild profanity, brief sex, racial epithets).
KUNG FU HUSTLE — *** 1/2 — This cartoonish martial-arts comedy doesn't want you to think about it — just enjoy the action. Mandarin with subtitles. Running time: 95 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, brief partial nudity, brief drugs).
LADIES IN LAVENDER —** 1/2 —The filmmaker nearly ruins a sure-fire thing by making Judi Dench and Maggie Smith share their scenes with others. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (profanity).
LAYER CAKE — ** 1/2 — As stylish as it is, this film's nastiness gets a little tiresome, as do the attempts to glamorize the drug trade. Running time: 105 minutes. R (drugs, profanity, violence, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief sex, racial epithets, brief gore).
THE LONGEST YARD — ** — Adam Sandler's remake of the 1974 football-in-prison comedy is not quite as awful as his inexplicable 1998 hit "The Waterboy." Running time: 114 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets, drugs, brief partial nudity).
LORDS OF DOGTOWN — ** — The Hollywood "creative" process has turned the origins of skateboarding into a conventional cautionary tale. Running time: 107 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, drugs, vulgarity, brief sex, nude artwork, racial epithets).
LOST EMBRACE —*** — Sort of a shaggy dog story that gently works its way under the skin. Spanish with subtitles. Running time: 100 minutes. Not rated, probable R (profanity, sex, nudity). — Hap Erstein, Cox News Service
A LOT LIKE LOVE — ** 1/2 — Stars Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet are likable in this overly familiar romantic comedy. Running time: 107 minutes. PG-13 (sex, vulgarity, profanity, brief partial nudity).
MAD HOT BALLROOM — *** — Marilyn Agrelo's documentary tries to tell a few too many stories. But the kids' enthusiasm for dancing continually buoys the material. Running time: 105 minutes. PG (mild vulgarity).
MADAGASCAR — ** 1/2 — Heavy on jokes and light on story, DreamWorks' latest computer-animated comedy does fly by quickly. Running time: 86 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, brief drugs, mild profanity).
MILLIONS — *** 1/2 — Danny Boyle's engaging low-key British yarn succeeds by developing characters and situations in an original way. Running time: 97 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).
MONSTER-IN-LAW — ** —Jennifer Lopez has trouble holding her own with Jane Fonda in this strained dark comedy. Running time: 102 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, drugs).
MR. & MRS. SMITH — *** — Celebrity couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie amuse in Doug Liman's action-packed comedy-thriller. Running time: 115 minutes. PG-13 (violence, sex, vulgarity, profanity).
THE PACIFIER — * 1/2 —Vin Diesel tries to ape Arnold Schwarzenegger in this dumber and considerably more crass rip-off of "Kindergarten Cop." Running time: 97 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).
REBOUND — * 1/2 — Martin Lawrence sounds intoxicated in this painfully unfunny, "Bad News Bears" knock-off. Running time: 87 minutes. PG-13 (slapstick violence, vulgarity, racial epithets, mild profanity).
ROBOTS — ** 1/2 — This thinly scripted but brilliantly animated comedy feels as clunky and mechanical as its characters. Ewan McGregor and Robin Williams provide voices. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (vulgarity, slapstick violence).
SAHARA — ** — Matthew McConaughey fails to impress as an action star in this dim-witted adaptation of Clive Cussler's best-selling novel. Running time: 127 minutes. PG-13 (violence, brief drugs, vulgarity, brief gore, brief partial nudity).
SAVING FACE —** 1/2 — Alice Wu's comedy-drama is poised between an exasperating sitcom and a grand classic Hollywood screwball. With subtitles. Running time: 91 minutes. R (sex, profanity). — Wesley Morris, The Boston Globe
THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS — ** — This well-meaning adaptation of the popular teen novel doesn't exactly go out of its way to reach beyond its obvious target demographic of young women. Running time: 120 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs).
STAR WARS: EPISODE III — REVENGE OF THE SITH — *** — The best and darkest of George Lucas' Star Wars prequels is not without its problems, but it has many thrilling moments — and at least it ends the series on a high note. Running time: 140 minutes. PG-13 (violence, brief gore, brief drugs).
UNLEASHED — *** —Jet Li's best film in years is a thriller about a trained killer trying to reform. Morgan Freeman co-stars. Running time: 104 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity).
WAR OF THE WORLDS — *** — Steven Spielberg's dark and creepy version of the classic alien invasion tale may be a bit much for very young audiences. Running time: 118 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity).
XXX: STATE OF THE UNION — * —All this insipid sequel does is make the first film look better by comparison. Ice Cube stars. Running time: 101 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity).