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The
Tailor of Panama (R)
Steve
Bertrand: The Tailor of Panama is a film adaption of a
John le Carre novel that pokes fun at the world of espionage.
Pierce Brosnan is a corruptable british spy exiled to Panama
after exploits that include the wives of diplomats. He determines
to make a splash to return to favor in London and sets out
to do so with the help of a local tailor Harry Pendel played
by Geoffrey Rush. The thing about Pendel is...he lies...and
he spins a web that nearly leads to the invasion of Panama.
There are laughs in this film but also sadness. This Pendel
character has it all, a loving wife, beautiful children and
he is faced with losing it all. 
Nick:
A terrific thriller filled with fine performances by the leads
(Pierce Brosnan had never been better) and directed with flair
by John Boorman. It's a great adaptation of a tightly wound
book, and it's the first really good film of 2001. 
Taking
Lives (R)
Nick: Angelina Jolie stars in this stale but very
stylish serial killer thriller that owes A LOT to David Fincher's
brilliant Seven. What it lacks in originality it
more than makes up for in sheer style and intensity. Director
DJ Caruso (The Salton Sea) keeps the mood creepy
and the twists coming. The cast is terrific: Keifer Sutherland,
Ethan Hawke, Gena Rowlands, Olivier Martinez are all quite
good, and Jolie really shines in the role. If you like this
kind of movie (this one is not nearly as good as Seven,
but fifty times better than Silence of the Lambs),
then you'll probably enjoy this one. Not great, but it does
what it should. 
Tape
(R)
Nick: A much more interesting, accomplished and intense
film than the overrated Waking Life. Richard Linklater's fast,
smart and brilliant new film is based on a three character
play and shot on digital. Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Robert
Sean Leonard star in this creepy and effective drama. The
fact that Linklater took three of my least favorite performers
and made them look great is a testament to his talent. Like
Alfred Hitchcock's Rope, this is a filmmaking experiment that
totally works. 
TARZAN
Nick: 'One of the year's
best movies.' 'Songs are pretty lame.' 'Teaches valuable lessons
about acceptance.' 'Best Tarzan movie ever made! One of Disney's
best animated movies. Don't miss it!
Teacher's
Pet (PG)
Nick: A very entertaining, unusual and imaginatively
animated musical based on a Saturday morning cartoon. It's
not brilliant, but it's vibrant, funny and always cool to
look at. It's also mercifully short (just over an hour) and
the songs are kind of fun. The voice talent is no slouch here
either, with fun work from Nathan Lane, Kelsey Grammer and
Jerry Stiller. It's based on the neat work of illustrator
Gary Baseman. Kids will love it, and parents might like it
too. It is the weirdest film Disney has released since the
wonderful Lilo and Stitch.
TEACHING MRS.
TINGLE
Nick: Misguided but well acted little black comedy written
by the creator of Scream. Kinda fun...kinda stupid. 
Tears
of the Sun - (R)
Steve
Bertrand: Bruce Willis stars a s a Navy Seal who
leads his team into a civil war torn nation to rescue an American
missionary worker. She'll be killed if he doesn't. But she
refuses to leave without her co-workers and refugees. The
question for Willis' character is whether to ignore her pleas,
or extend a hand to the truly misfortunate. This film is interesting
because it has to do with Africa and America's historic neglect
of the continent. The principal African character (named Patience)
repeatedly thanks the Americans for their kindness and swears
she and her people will never forget. Something to think about.
As for the romance stuff, director Antoine Fuqua comes up
a little short there. He's best at the action stuff (Training
Day), at least so far.
Nick: Bruce Willis stars in this military actioner
as a Navy SEAL commander who decides to risk his units lives
to save some refugees. It's a pretty shallow script with plenty
of holes, but for some reason I was compelled during this
movie. Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) keeps the action
moving along and expertly cuts together the very well staged
battle sequences. The problem is that when the charcters actually
talk, the film comes to a screeching halt. Still, there's
enough stuff in here to recommend it though.
The
Terminal (PG-13)
Nick: Steven Speilberg and Tom Hanks team up for
a third time with this Frank Capra wannabe charmer about a
man who is trapped at JFK airport when his country ceases
to exist. With no passport or visa, he lives in the airport
and carves out a life in limbo between America and his homeland.
It's a great idea and Hanks certainly delivers, but the film
suffers from the manipulative Speilberg of old (especially
during the last half hour) and it isn't the least bit plausible.
Still, as a fable steeped in old-fashioned style it works
very well. Stanley Tucci (as the typical Capra villain) and
Catherine Zeta Jones are the other main characters in the
film, while the other supporting characters either have nothing
to do, or are in unconvincing subplots. It's certainly a beautifully
made film, with a great set and crisp photography, but it's
lightweight and ultimately a minor work from all involved.
Terminator
3: Rise of the Machines (R)
Steve Bertrand: John Connor learns that Judgement
Day has not been averted, only put off. And the machines are
after him again. Connor (Nick Stahl) meets his future wife
(Claire Danes) as the two of them flee under the protective
arm of Arnold Schwarzenegger. There is great action here,
but even better suspense. Can Connor and the terminator defeat
the machines again? Or is the end inevitable?
Nick: A surprisingly good second sequel with
great action sequences and nice special effects. The plot
is nicely handled and it's never been more clear that Arnold
was born to ONLY play this part. There are moments that are
dumb and some plot strands that are left dangling, but for
the most part this is rollicking, exciting filmmaking. The
perfect summer movie (with at least two jaw dropping chase
sequences, one involving a wide load truck/crain that tears
up many city blocks), I had a great time. And, by the way,
the ending (dark, nihilistic, and surprising) is a real stunner.
The
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (R)
Nick: The most unnecessary remake since Psycho. This
slick, poorly edited, and generally painful movie, is insulting
to every true horror fan alive. Do yourself a favor, rent
the original, which is a truly scary experience. This is nonsense.
13
Ghosts (R)
Nick: On the other end of the horror spectrum is this
junk. Beautifully photographed, with great sets, special effects
and make up...and it's all for naught. A loud, obnoxious and
supremely dumb shocker about a father, his two kids, a nanny
and a psychic stuck in a glass house/machine inhabited by
the eponymous spirits. Edited so quickly and poorly, that
this might be the first film to actually cause inner ear infections.
Gross for no reason and stupid for countless ones, it also
wastes the talents of Tony Shaloub, F. Murray Abraham (he
won an Oscar in 1984...remember that?) and Matthew Lillard
who is quite annoying as a clairvoyant. Another horrible remake,
or a pretty horrible movie. -
13
Going On 30 (PG-13)
Nick: Despite Jennifer Garner's incredibly charming
screen presence, this dumb "body switch" movie has been done
a million times, and done better (in fact, the infinitely
more charming comedic actress and star of the far superior
Mean Girls, Lindsay Lohan, did a bang up job with
last year's terrific Freaky Friday). What happens
when a 13 year old wakes up in the body of a 30 year old?
Why, wackiness of course. The cultural and musical references
are all wrong, and the laughs are few and far between. A giant
waste of the talents of everyone involved, especially Garner
and the visibly aloof Mark Ruffalo. 
THE 13TH FLOOR
Nick: A well made B-movie
with neat effects and a cool performance form Vincent D'Onofrio.
The script is dumb and the movie resembles many other sci-fi
films too much, but it's still worth a look.
THE 13TH WARRIOR
Nick: Great kills and swordplay, dumb script. If you enjoy
watching quality beheadings and bloodlettings, than this movie
is for you.
THE THEORY OF
FLIGHT
Nick: Helena Bonham Carter and Kenneth Branagh waste their
talents on a sophomoric drama. 
THE THOMAS CROWN
AFFAIR
Nick: Do yourself a favor and rent the original.
3,000
Miles to Graceland (R)
Steve Bertrand: A stateside version of Guy Ritchie's
"Snatch," except louder, more violent and less watchable.
Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell play two ex-cons who set out
to rob a Las Vegas casino during the annual Elvis week. The
idea is, they and their gang will dress like Elvis impersonators
and blend in with the rest of the yahoos in sequins. The robbery
comes early in the film, what follows is a road trip-tussel
over the money. This is one of the most violent films I've
seen and proof that, short of torture, violence alone will
never earn an NC-17 rating. Calling this a guy film is an
insult to men...and a threat to women, given its enduring
misogyny.
Nick: A terrible, loud, obnoxious Tarantino knockoff
that has a great idea that goes very, very wrong. Kevin Costner
sleepwalks and Kurt Russell just seems embarrassed, or at
least he should be.
THE THIN RED
LINE
Nick: A brilliant and gorgeous film about the horrors
of war. Better than Spielberg could ever imagine and smarter
than most films out now. The last half-hour is a little taxing
however.
Thirteen
(R)
Steve Bertrand: This is an incredibly powerful story
of a young 13-year-old girl named Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood)
who, in an effort to fit in, works to garner the affections
of her school's seemingly "it" girl Evie (Nikki
Reed). Given Tracy's troubles at home and Evie's negative
influence, Tracy soon slides into a downward spiral that involves
sex, drugs and self-mutiliation. Her mother (Holly Hunter)
recognizes there is trouble, but has no idea how bad things
are. This is one of those films that it is uncomfortable to
watch, but worthy of your attention.
Nick: A powerful, disturbing,
and yet, strangely naive drama about a thirteen year old girl's
relationship with her mother (a fearless, brilliant Holly
Hunter) and a troubled peer. Like Larry Clark's Kids, this
film seems to think that it's audience still think Ozzie and
Harriet live next door, so in that regard it's a bit off,
but the driving visuals and smart screenplay, accentuated
by the remarkable performances make this a vital and, at times
stunning piece of work. Not quite as profound as it thinks
it is, but it's still a very memorable, thought provoking
experience.
This
Old Cub (NOT RATED)
Nick: Jeff Santo has made a terrific and incredibly
personal film about his father, Cub great Ron Santo. Not just
a nostalgia piece, but an incisive portrait of an incredibly
brave and strong man as he struggles with his health and other
obstacles. Ron Santo has always been one of my heroes and
this movie only confirms it. Not just for Cub fans or baseball
geeks, this is a fine, fine film. 
THE
TIGGER MOVIE
Nick: Nicely animated, but yet another disappointing Pooh
tale. Kids may have fun, but make sure you buy them the books
afterward.
The
Time Machine (PG-13)
Steve Bertrand: This is an unremarkable update of the
HG Wells classic. Guy Pearce (Memento) stars as Alexander
Hartdegen, the mourning scientist who wants to reach into
the past to save his lover. Some of the effects are interesting,
others are a little corny.
Nick: I don't know, but I liked this goofy, old fashioned
throwback to a time when actors wore bad gorilla suits and
Jules Verne-like adventure movies filled the movie theaters.
This is a pretty unremarkable updating of the classic HG Wells
sci-fi story, but it does have an unapologetic cheeese about
it that I enjoyed. I kept waiting for Peter Cushing and Doug
McClure to show up to battle the goofy monsters. By no means
a great film, but I enjoyed myself.
TITUS
Nick: Nice
sets and photography...but that's about it. It's not one of
Shakespeare's best plays and it shows in this style over substance
interpretation. 
Tomcats
(R)
Nick:
One of the worst films I have ever seen. Childish, vulgar
and altogther vile. An insanely misogystic film that does
everything but advocate rape. Made only for the most braindead
of frat boy-morons. 
Tortilla
Soup (PG-13)
Nick: A nicely acted and charming American remake of
Eat Drink Man Woman with a group of wonderful performances.
It'll make you laugh, maybe cry, and definitely hungry. Hector
Elizondo is terrific.
Torque
(PG-13)
Nick: Dumb as hell, but fun to watch...in a bad way.
CGI motorcycles fly around, hot babes wear black leather,
Ice Cube snarls, and a bunch pretty boys beat each other up,
all in the grand tradition of The Fast and the Furious.
Although not nearly a much fun as that film, this thing might
entertain you for a while with all the loud, crazy action,
but I found the effects to be horribly distracting. At times
the movie looks like deleted footage from TRON, and
that's not a good thing.
Touching
the Void (R)
Nick: An incredibly intense docudrama about two mountain
climbers and their struggle for survival when the climb goes
very, very wrong. Based on a true story this is a harrowing
film that had me biting my nails, covering my eyes and squirming
in my seat...all in a good way. You're not likely to see a
more compelling adventure film this year, and you'll never
forget the story of survival and sacrifice. Fantastic filmmaking.
Town
& Country (R)
Nick: A mess. A film that has been delayed, reshot,
reedited...re-everything, finally hits theaters with a thud.
Warren Beatty and an all star cast try to recapture the sexy
fun of Shampoo, but come up short. It has moments, and it's
always a joy to watch this cast work, but the film is an absolute
bust otherwise.
Steve Bertrand: Town and Country has been on
the shelf for a couple of years. Poor shelf. This film is
a mess. They started shooting before the script was even finished
and it shows. The story wanders from Fifth Avenue to Long
Island to Sun Valley, Idaho, dragging the audience along.
Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton play a long married successful
couple seemingly untested in their marriage. Goldie Hawn and
Garry Shandling are long married, too, but they've not only
been tested, they've flunked. Early in the film Shandling's
character is caught having an affair. That unleashes a series
of events that is supposed to be both funny and touching,
but it succeeds at neither.
TOY
STORY 2
Nick: Family
entertainment doesn't get much better than this.
Traffic
- (R)
Steve Bertrand: Traffic consists of three barely interwoven
stories about America's failed war on drugs. Michael Douglas
plays the country's new drug czar whose daughter is home shooting
up while he's talking tough in Washington. Catherine Zeta-Jones
is a well-to-do pregnant wife who learns her husband is drug
dealer only after his arrest by federal agents (Don Cheadle
and others). And Benicio Del Torro is a state cop in Mexico
who plays the corruption game like everyone else in Mexico,
all the while holding out hope for something greater. This
film features cameos from real life politicians who either
don't know or don't care that their drug policies are being
ridiculed by the film.
Nick: A stunning and impressive epic about the drug
war in America and Mexico. Steven Soderbergh does a terrific
job telling the sprawling stories and all of the performances
are great. One of 2000's best. -
Training
Day (R)
Steve Bertrand: After watching "Remember the
Titans," a friend of mine complained he was a little tired
of Denzel Washington always playing the righteous character.
The streak ends with "Training Day." Alonzon Harris
(Washington) is a rogue L.A. cop in a bad spot. He
tries to escape his trouble by manipulating rookie Jake
Hoyt (Ethan Hawke). Hoyt starts the day hoping to
win Harris' acceptance, thinking it will pave the way for
him in the department. He ends the day fighting to
save his life. Director Antoine Fuqua took great pains
to give his story the feel of the real Los Angeles, even
using gang members in some shot locations. He succeeds
in delivering a gritty, compelling adventure.
Nick:
If you like Denzel Washington you CANNOT miss this film.
I think it's the performance of his career and it may go
down in history as one of the most charismatic turns in
film history. As the corrupt cop/villian of this police
thriller, he dominates every moment of the film. The direction
is sharp and smart, and even when the script gets bogged
down with ridiculous coincidences it's never less than thrilling.
Ethan Hawke is even good in it....and so is Snoop Dogg and
Macy Gray who also show up. I really liked this film a lot,
but it's Washington's remarkable, mesmerizing performance
that makes this one of my favorite films of the year. -
The
Transporter - (PG-13)
Nick: Basic action movie schlock. I like Jason Statham,
and the film has a slick feel to it, but just check out
my review of Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever.....ditto here.
Trapped
- (R)
Nick: I would have had more fun during this film
if I weren't so uncomfortable. This movie has the unfortunate
timing of being released during a summer that has included
a rash of child abductions that have really set many of
us on edge, and this film's central focus is on a child
kidnapping plot. Although not entirely like much of what
has happened in the real world (and no one could ever mistake
this wildly unbelievable film as the real world), it does
have a few queasy moments. Kevin Bacon and Courtney Love
(both having a blast playing villains) play a pair of kidnappers
who hatch a plan to extort money from a couple (Stuart Townsend
and Charleze Theron), but it backfires when the couple strikes
back. Standard issue revenge nonsense that moves along quickly
and has enough goofy thrills in it to satisfy fans of the
genre. It's not a good movie and it's certainly not bad....it's
just come out at a bad time.
Treasure
Planet - (PG)
Nick:
A gorgeous, beautifully designed and animated film that
is an incredible treat for the eyes, unfortunately, the
story (obviously taken from Robert Lewis Stevenson's classic)
is lamebrain and filled with two-dimensional characters.
There is very little emotional attachment to anything in
the film, and again the music is a true determent (why do
these Disney movies insist on including these lame songs???!!),
as a result, this movie is a stiff. But, a magnificent stiff
that I am recommending only for die hard animation fans.
Astounding visuals, dumb story.
Triumph
of Love (PG-13)
Steve Bertrand: Triumph of Love is a whimsical retelling
of French playwrite Pierre Marivaux's 18th century work
about a princess (Mira Sorvino) who falls for a young man
bent on ending her reign. The young man Agis (Jay Rodan),
is being raised by a philosopher (Ben Kingsley) and his
scientist sister (Fiona Shaw). The guardians are determined
to raise a man of intellect, devoid of the emotional drains
of love. To prove that love conquers all, the Princess must
woo the boy, the philospher and the scientist. This is a
gender bending, lighthearted romp that requires a leap of
faith from the audience to make the twists work. It's a
fair trade for an entertaining couple of hours.
Troy
(R)
Nick: A monumentally silly film, with some of the
most leaden and laughable dialogue of the year. Based on
Homer's Iliad, this less-than-Cliff's-Notes version
of the epic poem lacks everything that it should have in
spades: passion, magic, anger, history, beauty...and where
are the gods!!!???! Although it's visually stunning and
sports cool battle scenes and some great fights, it never
involves the audience emotionally or more importantly, intellectually.
Brad Pitt (looks great, but it's his worst performance),
Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox (trying very hard to work with
lousy material), Peter O'Toole (wow....bad), Diane Kruger
(as an actress, she's not a bad model) and Eric Bana (the
film's only decent performance) all wander around spewing
idiotic lines waiting for the next special effects laden
battle sequence to begin. This has some great stuff in it
(it's a nice technical achievement), but boy is it an unintentional
laugh riot at times, at it's certainly no Lord of the
Rings. It's all hair and posing, and I'm pretty sure
that's not what Homer had in mind. 
The
Truth About Charlie -
(PG-13)
Steve Bertrand: This is a disappointing remake of
1963's Charade. Thandie Newton stars as a British newlywed
living in Paris, whose husband is killed just before she
can divorce him. It turns out he's a spy and has hidden
a fortune. Now his circle of friends/thugs is after the
money. They think she has it. Along the way she is befriended/challenged
by a world traveler (Mark Wahlberg), a government agent
(Tim Robbins) and a band of bad guys. Director Jonathan
Demme goes for humor here with a little suspense. He gets
too little of both.
Nick: Jonathan Demme's lifeless and unnecessary remake
of Charade stars Thandie Newton and Mark Wahlberg, and it
cements the fact that Wahlberg is one of the worst actors
to have fooled the public into thinking that he was good.
Tim Robbins hams it up, and Demme throws in many allusions
to The French New Wave, and it all adds up to a self-conscious
bore. It's never intriguing, mysterious or even fun. A major
disappointment.
Trying
To Break Your Heart (NR)
Nick: A great rockumentary about the recording of
Chicago band Wilco's latest CD. It's beautifully shot in
black and white and tells a very intriguing story of recording
industry politics (the label didn't think the CD was good
enough to release, and this is captured in the film) and
the creative process. You don't really have to be a fan
of Wilco to enjoy the film, but considering they are one
of the best bands to come out of this city, it wouldn't
hurt to pick up some of their music. A fine, fine piece
of filmmaking by Sam Jones. -
Tuck
Everlasting - (PG)
Steve
Bertrand: Tuck Everlasting is the film adaptation of
Natalie Babbit's novel about a family who has found the
fountain of youth. But while mortals long for the> discovery,
the Tucks have learned that immortality isn't what it's
cracked up to be. Patriarch Angus Tuck (William Hurt) tells
a young intruder named Winnie (Alexis Bledel) that living
forever isn't like living at all. He says his life more
resemble a rock along the stream than a human. It's a warning
to be careful what you wish for. Eventually Winnie must
decide whether to drink from the well and join her new love
Jesse Tuck (Jonathon Jackson) for eternity, or return to
normal life with its promise of death. This is a film appropriate
for children around 10 or so, but it's not necessarily of
kids movie. The absence of offensive material doesn't mean
there's not something here for adults, too.
Nick:
A sweet and genuinely effective family film based on the
classic novel about a family that can live forever thanks
to a magic spring in the woods. A lovely young girl (the
great Alexis Bledel from one of the best shows on TV: Gilmore
Girls) falls for the oldest son of the family and is tempted
to drink from the spring. William Hurt, Sissy Spaceck and
Ben Kingsley (great as the villain) round out the great
cast. It's corny, old fashioned cheese, but I fell for it
hook, line and sinker. -
The
Tuxedo - (PG-13)
Nick:
The latest American misuse of Jackie Chan is this silly
adventure comedy about a taxi driver who is mistaken for
a super agent and must stop a bad guy from poisoning the
world's water supply. Silly, you bet, and I would say: "so
what?" except that this is a very subpar movie. Director
Kevin Donovan uses Jackie as though he were just any run-of-the-mill
action star, and as everyone knows, he certainly is more
than that. Unfunny scenes and needless special effects ruin
the movie. Jackie and the charming Jennifer Love Hewitt
seem to be having fun, to bad the audience doesn't.
Twisted
(R)
Nick: Wow... what turkey this thing is. Director
Philip Kaufman (Quills, The Right Stuff)
is certainly slumming with this moronic, illogical thriller
about an alcoholic cop (Ashley Judd, who is making a career
out of starring in garbage like this) who may or may not
be killing men during her drunken blackouts. The plot makes
absolutely no sense and the plot holes are so big you could
drive a truck through them. Awful stuff that inexplicably
co-stars Andy Garcia, Samuel L. Jackson, David Straitharn
and Camryn Manheim.
28
Days Later (R)
Steve
Bertrand: Director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting)
and writer Alex Garland (The Beach) team up for this zombie
film set in present day London. Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes
from a coma to see his city abandoned. It's residents have
either escaped, or were killed by humans infected by a rage
virus. He eventually teams up with three others who hope
to find safety, but instead are presented with a differenct
danger. In this day of road rage, phone rage and whatever
rage, Boyle and Garland are reminding the audience that
we need each other. This film is an absolute thrill to watch.
It's difficult, at times, but always engaging.
Nick: A terrific zombie
film that owes a lot to other films of its genre, but is
lively enough to earn much praise. A virus has wiped out
most of London, leaving devastation and zombies behind.
The survivors (which include a bike messenger, a father
and his teenage daughter and a group of rouge army
survivalists) struggle to survive and fight off infection
and zombies. Beautifully directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting)
and shot on high definition video, this taut, scary and
very claustrophobic film is entirely effective. It's a great
horror film as well as being a smart and urgent piece of
social commentary. You like zombie movies? Get to the theater
now, this is a doozy.
