Friday, April 5, 2002
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Friday, April 5, 2002 |
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Movies By MICHAEL
BOYLAN Opening Friday Big Trouble A madcap comedy based on a novel by columnist Dave Barry. The cast features Tim Allen, Rene Russo, Andy Richter, Johnny Knoxville and more. This film was originally to be released Sept. 14, but the plot concerning a stolen nuclear bomb at an airport hit a little too close to home for some. I have high hopes for this one. Rated PG-13. High Crimes Ashley Judd plays a defense attorney who teams up with a former attorney played by Morgan Freeman to defend her husband in a military court case. Rated PG-13. National Lampoon's Van Wilder Why is the name National Lampoon's still around? The magazine is defunct and the most recent films with National Lampoon's in the title either starred Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, stunk or both. This looks like a wild and crazy sex comedy set on a college campus. Haven't seen one of these in a while. Rated R. Now Playing A Beautiful Mind This film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Russell Crowe, last year's Best Actor, was nominated again for his portrayal of the brilliant but troubled John Forbes Nash Jr. Jennifer Connelly and Ed Harris also star in this terrific film directed by Ron Howard. Connelly won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Rated PG-13. Blade II Wesley Snipes returns as the half human/half vampire vampire slayer. In this film he must team up with vampires to fight even nastier vampires. If this sounds corny or stupid to you, this is probably not your cup of tea. However, if you liked the original, I hear the sequel is even better. Rated R. Clockstoppers Nickleodeon releases this film about a fantastic invention that allows the wearer to move at lightning speed. The visual effects look amazing and this could be a charming family film . Rated PG. Death to Smoochy Robin Williams stars as a former children's television show host who goes after Smoochy, the rhino who replaced him. This looks like a terrific dark comedy. Ed Norton also stars and Danny DeVito directs. Rated R. E.T. the Extra Terrestrial I can't believe it has been 20 years since this film first hit theaters. We are all getting so old. There are probably hundreds of thousands of children who have not seen this movie before. It will be a magical experience for all. In case you don't know, this is about a little boy named Elliot and his alien friend E.T. A guy named Steven Spielberg directed it. Rated PG. Ice Age A computer-animated film about four prehistoric animals taking a human child back to the human tribe. Denis Leary, Ray Romano and John Leguizamo are just some of the voice talent in the picture. Rated PG. John Q A prediction: Denzel Washington will give yet another Oscar worthy performance in a film which is not Oscar worthy. The plot revolves around a man who takes a hospital hostage when his son is refused treatment due to a lack of the correct medical insurance. Rated PG-13. Monster's Ball Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton star in this film about a guard on Death Row and the girlfriend of a recently executed man. The performances are amazing. Rated R. Panic Room Director David Fincher (Seven, Fight Club) stays dark wth this thriller about a single mom and her child trapped in their house, and their panic room, by three intruders. Jodie Foster stars. Rated R. Resident Evil A movie based on a video game about zombies attacking soldiers. Milla Jovavich stars in this hopefully scary movie. Rated R. The Rookie This was a very good, feel good movie. Dennis Quaid plays Jim Morris in this film which is based on the true story of one of the oldest rookies in the major leagues. I will admit it. I got misty. Rated G. The Time Machine A remake of the classic H.G. Wells film. Guy Pearce plays a scientist who travels 800,000 years in the future and helps fight for humanity. Rated PG-13. We Were Soldiers Mel Gibson stars in this film based on one of the first battles in the Vietnam War. Parts were filmed in Georgia. Greg Kinnear, Chris Klein and Barry Pepper also star. Rated R. Also Playing A Walk to Remember Mandy Moore stars as a bookish, nerdy girl who falls for a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. This is based on Nicholas Sparks' bestselling novel. Rated PG. Big Fat Liar Frankie Muniz, TV's Malcolm, stars in this comedy for the kids. He plays a liar who must get a movie producer to tell the truth. Rated PG. Dragonfly Kevin Costner stars in this film about a man who's late wife is rying to communicate with him. Rated PG-13. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone This film, based on the wildly successful children's book series, is a treat for both children and adults. There are great performances all around and the visual effects are astonding. Rated PG. Jimmy Neutron A computer animated tale about a young inventor who rescues the parents of the world from aliens. Rated G. Kung Pow: Enter The Fist A spoof of martial arts films written and directed by the guy who brought you Ace Ventura. No, not Jim Carrey. I mean the guy who directed the Ace Ventura movie. Rated PG-13. The Mothman Prophecies A spooky tale about people haunted by winged creatures. This film, which stars Richard Gere and Laura Linney, is based on actual events, which just makes the whole thing even creepier. Rated PG-13. Ocean's 11 A very cool film about an intricate heist of a Vegas casino. The cast is full of big name stars, such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Rated PG-13. The Others Nicole Kidman stars in this ghost stroy set in England during World War II. I am looking forward to seeing this film and getting the creeps. Rated PG-13. Snow Dogs Cuba Gooding Jr. inherits a team of sled dogs and enters a race. This is a Disney film, so I'm sure he wins and learns many valuable lessons along the way. Rated PG. Super Troopers A very funny film from the comedy troop, Broken Lizard, about the Vermont state highway patrol. There are lots of good gags aimed at adults. Rated R. Vanilla Sky An odd film about a man who has everything and then has it all taken away from him. The plot is much more complex than that, but all is explained in the end. There are good performances from Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz and a great soundtrack. Rated R.
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