NEW FILMS FRIDAY
ACCEPTED — ** — Call this "Baby Animal House." This collegiate comedy is still surprisingly crude for a PG-13 film. Running time: 90 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, drugs, violence, nude artwork).
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE — ** 1/2 — It's not as hysterical as advertised, but this modes comedy has good performances and amusingly absurd situations. Running time: 101 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, drugs, nude photos).
MATERIAL GIRLS — Sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff star in this comedy about siblings who go from riches to rags overnight. Not screened for critics; to be reviewed next week. Running time: 97 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity).
ONCE IN A LIFETIME — ** 1/2 — Glib analysis plagues this soccer documentary, in which the innuendo and music carry more weight than the reporting. Running time: 97 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, nudity).— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Daily News
THE PUFFY CHAIR — *** — Sheer smarts and emotional sharpness boost this ultra-low budget road-trip/relationship comedy. Running time: 84 minutes. R (profanity).— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Daily News
THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO — ** 1/2 — This examination of soldier abuses is powerful, even if it seems insensitive to release it so close to anniversary of 9/11. With subtitles. Running time: 95 minutes. R (violence, torture, profanity, ethnic slurs, brief partial nudity).
SNAKES ON A PLANE — Samuel L. Jackson has to contend with a passenger airliner full of venomous reptiles in this anxiously awaited thriller. Not screened for critics; to be reviewed next week. Running time: 106 minutes. R (violence, profanity, sex, drugs).
MIDNIGHT MOVIE
THE GOONIES — ** 1/2 —This 1985 teen adventure does have some exciting moments, but it's much too long and sometimes too violent. Running time: 111 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity). (Tonight and Saturday, Tower)
KIDS MATINEES
CHARLOTTE'S WEB — *** — A great voice cast (which includes Debbie Reynolds) and catchy songs make this animated version of the E.B. White tale memorable. Running time: 94 minutes. G. (Today and Saturday, 11 a.m., Towne Cinemas, American Fork)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
THE GLORIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL — This locally run festival spotlights films intended to "stir the soul, heal the heart and enrich the world." A schedule is available online at www.gloriafilmfest.org. These films have not been rated but may contain some PG-level material. (Through Thursday, Radisson Hotel.)
MONSTER HOUSE 3-D — Select theaters are showing the new film in 3-D. (Jordan Landing, Megaplex 17)
STRICTLY BALLROOM — *** — Its plot is cliched, but Baz Luhrman's 1993 hit is a fun look at a dance competition. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (violence, profanity, vulgarity, sex). (Tonight, 9 p.m., Park City Park; Monday, 9 p.m., Gallivan Center; Wednesday, 9 p.m., Sundance Village, free)
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). (Monday, 7 p.m., Salt Lake City Library, free)
LARGE-FORMAT FILMS
ADRENALINE RUSH: THE SCIENCE OF RISK — ** 1/2 —This adventure can't decide if it's a documentary or an extreme-sports travelog. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — Ivan M. Lincoln
THE ANT BULLY 3-D — Select theaters are showing the new film in the large-screen format and in 3-D. (Megaplex 17)
DEEP SEA 3-D — *** — This entertaining documentary minifeature is an up-close look at various forms of aquatic life. Running time: 40 minutes. G (animal violence).
JOURNEY INTO AMAZING CAVES — *** 1/2 — The makers of "Everest" manage to scale new heights in their latest documentary. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive) — Margaret McGurk, The Cincinnati Enquirer
SHARKS 3-D — ** 1/2 — This documentary doesn't offer much depth. Running time: 40 minutes. G (animal violence). — Jim Carnes, Sacramento Bee
THE SUPER SUMMER ADVENTURE FILM SERIES — The Clark Planetarium continues its summer-long kids programming with screenings of the 1997 documentary short "Amazon." Running time: 38 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive).
SUPERMAN RETURNS 3-D — Select theaters are showing the new film in the large-screen format, with a handful of 3-D sequences. (Megaplex 17)
T-REX: BACK TO THE CRETACEOUS — *** — This minifeature about dinosaurs is a trip. Running time: 45 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — John Anderson, Los Angeles Times
WILD SAFARI 3-D A SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE — *** — This cinematic safari's simple pleasures will be best experienced by the littlest ticket-holders. Running time: 45 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — Ned Martel, New York Times News Service
CONTINUING FILMS
AKEELAH AND THE BEE — *** — This low-key, charming drama about spelling bees has something to say about reaping the benefits of an education. Running time: 112 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets).
ANOTHER GAY MOVIE — * — Some of this painfully unfunny, gay-centric comedy's more graphic material wouldn't be out of place in soft-core porn. Running time: 92 minutes. Not rated, probable NC-17 (vulgarity, sex, nudity, profanity, drugs, slapstick violence).
THE ANT BULLY — * 1/2 — A surprisingly mean-spirited and crude animated feature that should be rated PG-13. Nicolas Cage and Julia Roberts lead the voice cast. Running time: 88 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, drugs, brief nudity).
BARNYARD — ** — Another quick-and-dirty "all-star cast" (led by Sam Elliott and Kevin James) animated feature churned out by digital start-ups hired to steal some of Pixar's cash. Running time: 83 minutes. PG (vulgarity). — Roger Moore, The Orlando Sentinel
THE BREAK-UP — ** 1/2 — Your enjoyment of this "un-romantic comedy" will depend on your tolerance for the fast-talking Vince Vaughn and his quip-filled dialogue. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence, brief nudity, brief sex, ethnic slurs).
BRICK — *** — A noirish mystery-thriller set in high school that isn't nearly as precious as its premise would suggest. Running time: 110 minutes. R (violence, drugs, vulgarity, profanity, brief gore).
CARS — *** — This comedy about talking cars is the least of Pixar's animated features but still better than 90 percent of the big-screen cartoons out there. Running time: 116 minutes. G (vulgarity, violence).
CLERKS II — *** — Filmmaker Kevin Smith returns to rude-and-crude form with this funny sequel to his 1994 hit. Running time: 97 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, drugs, sex, violence, brief nudity, racial epithets).
CLICK — * 1/2 — This fantasy-flavored comedy is full of lowbrow humor. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, sex, violence, drugs).
THE DA VINCI CODE — ** — Ron Howard's adaptation of the best-selling theological thriller is an over-plotted, long-winded mess. Running time: 149 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, nudity, vulgarity, drugs, brief sex).
THE DESCENT — *** — This low-budget horror film's vivid, scary, atmosphere is what sustains the characters when the plot becomes predictable. Running time: 99 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs).
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA — *** — Meryl Streep's fiercely funny performance as a fashion-magazine editor is the highlight of this catty but predictable comedy. Running time: 106 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence).
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT — * 1/2 — This film is a very expensive cinematic equivalent of foolhardy boys playing rough with their Hot Wheels cars. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, sex). — David Germain, Associated Press
FINAL DESTINATION 3 — * — Let's just hope that this sequel really is what it claims to be — the last part of this successful but intellectually bankrupt horror series. Running time: 92 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, nudity, vulgarity).
GARFIELD: A TAIL OF TWO KITTIES — * 1/2 — Despite his droll delivery, Bill Murray (who
voices the title character) can't wring many laughs out of this lame sequel. Running time: 80 minutes. PG (vulgarity). — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH — *** 1/2 — This global-warming documentary is well-crafted, compelling cinematic food for thought. Running time: 100 minutes. PG (violence, nude artwork, brief drugs).
JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE — * 1/2 — An idiotic teen comedy that settles for being silly and cutesy when just a little snarkiness could have saved it. Running time: 87 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, profanity, brief drugs, brief partial nudity).
LADY IN THE WATER — ** — The surprise with M. Night Shyamalan's latest is that he's created a convoluted story mythology for this fantasy/thriller that's almost laughable. Running time: 109 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs).
THE LAKE HOUSE — ** — "Speed" stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reunite for this slow-moving, contrived romantic fantasy. Running time: 105 minutes. PG (profanity, violence).
LEONARD COHEN: I'M YOUR MAN — *** — As stirring as the musical performances in this concert film/documentary are, you'll probably find yourself wishing that it was Cohen doing his songs instead of others. Running time: 103 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, nude artwork, drugs).
MIAMI VICE — ** 1/2 — It's at least 20 minutes too long, but this gritty crime thriller is a considerable improvement on the '80s TV show. Running time: 132 minutes. R (violence, profanity, drugs, sex, brief gore, brief nudity, vulgarity).
MONSTER HOUSE — *** — This animated comedy with horror elements turns a bit too dark in its final third, but it's still fun and original. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity, brief drugs).
MY SUPER EX-GIRLFRIEND — * 1/2 — This superhero spoof/romantic comedy mistakes crudity for cleverness, and the whole thing has the air of desperation. Uma Thurman stars. Running time: 95 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, sex, profanity, brief nudity).
NACHO LIBRE — ** 1/2 — Director Jared Hess' comedy about a priest-turned-wrestler is pretty silly. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity).
THE NIGHT LISTENER — ** — This thriller finds Robin Williams trying to maintain dignity while the material becomes more frantic and ridiculous. Running time: 82 minutes. R (profanity, violence, nudity, brief sex, rape, vulgarity, drugs, racial epithets).
OVER THE HEDGE — *** — The voice cast for this animated comedy clearly had a good time making it. And audiences will have a good time watching it. Running time: 87 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity).
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST — *** 1/2 — A considerable improvement over the first "Pirates" movie in the story department, though it is dark, intense and scary in some parts. Johnny Depp stars. Running time: 151 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, brief gore, profanity, brief drugs, torture).
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION — *** — An ambling, rambling, folksy yarn that nicely captures the spirit of Garrison Keillor's music-and-comedy radio revue. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity). — David Germain, Associated Press
PULSE — Kristen Bell (TV's "Veronica Mars") stars in this remake of the Japanese horror hit. Not screened; to be reviewed next week. Running time: 86 minutes. PG-13 (violence).
RV —** — Star Robin Williams and director Barry Sonnenfeld get more mileage out of this silly road comedy than you'd expect. Running time: 98 minutes. PG (vulgarity, violence, profanity, brief drugs).
A SCANNER DARKLY — ** 1/2 — Those who have read the book will find much to like in this animated science-fiction thriller. But others will find it talky and muddled. Keanu Reeves stars. Running time: 100 minutes. R (drugs, profanity, violence, nudity, sex, vulgarity, brief gore, ethnic slurs).
SCOOP — ** — Woody Allen reverts to disappointing lightweight form with this screwball comedy-mystery starring Scarlett Johansson. Running time: 96 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, brief drugs, nude artwork, vulgarity).
STEP UP — ** — The by-the-numbers plot causes crucial stumbles and slips that this dance drama just can't afford. Running time: 98 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, nude artwork).
STICK IT —** — There's a curious lack of energy in this gymnastics comedy's performances and direction. Jeff Bridges stars. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity, racial epithets, brief drugs, nude artwork).
STRANGERS WITH CANDY — ** 1/2 — Basically a stretched-out version of the defunct Comedy Central cable-TV series. Running time: 85 minutes. R (vulgarity, profanity, violence, drugs, brief sex, racial epithets, brief nudity).
SUPERMAN RETURNS — *** — Bryan Singer's continuation of the Superman saga is the first of this summer's movies to actually deliver the goods, with more than a few "gee-whiz" moments. Running time: 154 minutes. PG-13 (violence, mild profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs)
TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY — *** — It's dumb, but this auto-racing comedy starring Will Farrell does have its share of laugh-out-loud moments, questionable as some may be. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, profanity, drugs, brief sex).
WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? — *** — A lively, informative whodunit about an energy-efficient vehicle that debuted with fanfare and went out with a whimper. Running time: 92 minutes. PG (mild profanity). — David Germain, Associated Press
WORLD TRADE CENTER — *** — Oliver Stone sweeps away memories of his recent flops with this gripping 9/11 thriller starring Nicolas Cage as a Port Authority officer trapped in the rubble. Running time: 129 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, drugs, vulgarity).
X-MEN: THE LAST STAND — ** — It doesn't stack up favorably with the first two movies, but the third cinematic X-adventure is certainly not the worst superhero film ever made. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (violence, drugs, profanity, brief sex, brief gore, vulgarity, brief partial nudity).
YOU, ME AND DUPREE — ** — This crass, crude buddy/romantic comedy does what no movie has been unable to do so far — it makes Owen Wilson unlikable. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, sex, brief nudity, brief drugs).
ZOOM — Tim Allen plays a retired superhero who now instructs would-be crime fighters in this comedy based on the "Zoom's Academy" comic series. Not screened; to be reviewed next week. Running time: 89 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, profanity).