Movies

Opening Today

Bring It On — A movie about cheerleading starring Kirsten Dunst. This looks a little lame, but everything is about the teens these days. People like us are not meant to understand it. Rated PG-13.

The Crew — Burt Reynolds and Richard Dreyfuss play two ex-cons who plan on making one last heist. This looks like Space Cowboys without being in outer space. Call it Grumpy Old Mafia. Rated PG-13.

The Art of War — For the umpteenth time in his career, Wesley Snipes plays a man falsely accused of something. He is chased by a group of cold-blooded men, while he tries to prove his innocence and track down the real perpetrator. Are you hooked yet? Rated R.

Now Playing

Autumn in New York — Richard Gere (close to 50) starts to date Winona Ryder (not close to 50) in this drama about a terminally ill girl and the man she falls in love with. Bring a hanky, ‘cause this one is going to have a sad ending. Rated PG-13.

Bless the Child — Kim Basinger stars in this thriller about a child who is “the chosen one”. She must fight to save her daughter from the forces of evil. Jimmy Smits and Christina Ricci also star in this supernatural film. Rated R.

Coyote Ugly — If you oppose Hooters, you should oppose this film about a bar staffed by supermodel-esque babes. If this has a multi-level plot and multi-dimensional characters, I’ll be very surprised. Rated PG-13.

Godzilla 2000 — This is not a sequel to the flop with Matthew Broderick. This is actually the 89th sequel from the Japanese production company that has produced such chilling epics as, “Godzilla vs. Roseanne” I mean, Rodan. Rated PG.

Hollow Man — Kevin Bacon stars as a man who becomes invisible before becoming a raging psycho. This was a very interesting film with incredible special effects. Classic Paul Verhoeven. I recommend it. Rated R.

Nutty Professor II: The Klumps — This movie was horrible. It lacked everything good from the first movie and filled it with humor that was too lowbrow for lowbrow humor. Rated PG-13.

The Cell — Jennifer Lopez enters the mind of a serial killer and Vince Vaughn tries to capture the psycho. This looks visually appealing, but I heard from good sources that it is thin in plot and depth and that Vaughn’s character is completely wasted. Rated R.

The Kings of Comedy — Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer and Bernie Mac perform stand up in this film from Spike Lee. These are four very funny comedians. Rated R.

The Replacements — No, this is not a biopic about Minnesota’s greatest band. This film is about the scab players who played football during an NFL strike. Keanu Reeves stars, but there is probably no slow motion Kung Fu. Rated PG-13.

Space Cowboys — A bunch of old (and incredible actors) play old astronauts that are sent up to space for a rescue mission. We love outer space and we love Clint Eastwood. This film should be very well-made. Rated PG-13.

The Kid — Bruce Willis stars in this Disney movie about a middle aged man meeting himself as a little boy. This movie should be filled with warmth. Rated PG.

The Patriot — Mel Gibson defends his family and his country in the Revolutionary War. The Patriot is brought to you by the makers of another huge 4th of July movie, called... Independence Day. Rated R.

What Lies Beneath — Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer star in this thriller from Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump). The reviews have all been solid and my mom (a good critic in her own right) says this is a Hitchcockian thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Rated R.

Also Playing

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle – This didn’t last in wide release very long and that is usually not a good sign. However, now you can see it for a dollar and lots of movies are worth that price.

Big Momma’s House — This had a long and successful run and pleased a lot of audiences. If you see this, you pretty much know what you’re getting yourself into and you won’t be disappointed. Rated PG-13.

Boys and Girls — Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jason Biggs star in this teenage romantic comedy. This looked pretty bad and did not last long in the big theaters. Rated PG-13.

Center Stage — “You think you can just waltz on this stage and take over Broadway ! You got another think coming !” Rated PG-13.

Frequency — An nteresting and suspenseful drama about a man who connects with his father through a shortwave radio. What makes this interesting is that his father died 30 years ago. Dennis Quaid stars and owns this very well done film. Rated PG-13.

Gladiator — Russel Crowe stars as a slave who fights to defeat the evil Emperor. It is like Star wars in ancient Rome. Probably the most evenly reviewed (and praised) movie of the summer. Rated R.

Me, Myself and Irene — It’s no secret, I think Jim Carrey is a genius. The Farrelly Brothers are also geniuses and this film was good work from all three. It is a film aimed at adults, though, so keep the kids away. Rated R.

Shanghai Noon — Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson star in this film about an Eastern warrior fighting alongside an outlaw in the wild, wild West. Rated PG-13.

Small Time Crooks — Possibly the most accessible film Woody Allen has ever done. There is not a trace of autobiographical nonsense that clutters some of his other films and the cast is a comic tour de force. This is a gem and should be seen by all. Rated PG.

The In Crowd — A poor and unpopular girl gets to hang out with the rich and popular crowd. She may have to kill to stay alive, though, in this dog that lasted all of a week in the big theater. Rated PG-13.

U-571 — An American submarine crew in WWII finds a German submarine and must battle to stay alive. Matthew McConaughey and Harvey Keitel star. Rated PG-13.

Where The Heart Is — Natalie Portman’s character has a baby in a Wal-Mart and the town either loves her or hates her. Ashley Judd also stars. Rated PG-13.

X-Men — Mutants are everywhere and they can kick evil’s butt. All of your favorite X-Men are here: Wolverine, Magneto, Cyclops, Storm and Professor X. This movie, directed by Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, Apt Pupil) lwas the best comic book film since the first Batman. Check it out. Rated PG-13.