Finding forrester
Filled with memorable performances and lots of heart, “Finding Forrester” is a perfect convergence of star and material. Sean Connery is absolutely splendid as the crusty Pulitzer-prize winning author William Forrester, who turned his back on society after publishing just one book. Written by Mike Rich, whose screenplay gained attention when it was submitted to a script contest, “Finding Forrester” is a solid, entertaining film about what happens when two very different people are brought together by the same passion: writing.
Rich’s screenplay is filled with engaging characters and believable exposition, a story about a man who becomes a mentor to a young writer only to learn late in the relationship that he’s actually the student. Connery wasn’t in Rich’s mind when he wrote the character, yet it’s hard to picture anyone else playing Forrester. Please click title for complete review. (Columbia-TriStar)
IF I DIE BEFORE I WAKE (R)
Low budget thriller about a family being terrorized by a group of punks. Even at 77 minutes the film is an exercise in patience. When her family is brutalized during a home invasion robbery, teenager daughter Lori Beth (Stephanie Jones) and her infant sister hide out. When they’re eventually caught, Lori Beth does what ever it takes to save the two. The film is nothing more than an exercise in brutal violence. The plot and character development are non-existent, so you really don’t care about any of these people, even the victims. You know where the film is headed after the first five minutes. You end up wondering why it took so long to get there. (Artisan)
JUST LOOKING (R)
Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) directed this sweet, unassuming nostalgic comedy. Ryan Merriman is quite engaging as 14-year-old Lenny. Lenny is at that age when sex is on the only thing on his mind. He’s not quite ready for it, but he wants to know what it’s like. That’s why he plans to spend his summer vacation trying to catch people in the act. His plan is sidetracked when he’s shipped off to his aunt and uncle’s place in Queens. Lenny doesn’t let the change of scenery deter him from his mission, and with a whole new group of friends, makes a pact to learn the facts of life. Alexander knows pacing and shows an appreciation for his performers. The cast is good, especially young Merriman, whose quest for the truth is so honest and realistic he becomes the character. Patti Lupone is good as his mother. (Columbia-TriStar)
KILL SHOT (R)
If you get the feeling you’re watching a television pilot, you’re right. Originally titled “P.C.H.,” the unsold pilot arrives on home video this week. The film’s calling card is Casper Van Dien and Denise Richards, who were “Starship Troopers” together. Richards pops in for a few scenes, so don’t rent the film because of her. “Kill Shot” is pretty pedestrian. Things get complicated for college students Van Dien and Richards when a jealous ex-husband stalks one of their friends and a sponsor pulls out of the big volleyball tournament. The only thing missing are The Beach Boys, or is it Boy now? (Paramount)
LITTLE NICKY (PG-13)
As punishment for a careless mistake, the gatekeeper to Hell winds up with a pair of breasts on his head. In any other film, this would probably be funny. In “Little Nicky,” it’s redundant. You see, there are more boobs in “Little Nicky” than in a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon’s portfolio. “Little Nicky” is a major misstep for star-writer Adam Sandler, a big-budget mess that is painfully unfunny. After generating big box office and goodwill with “The Wedding Singer,” “The Waterboy” and “Big Daddy,” perhaps no one was willing to say no to Sandler, whose best characters are those grounded in reality. As the Devil’s sweet son Nicky, Sandler finds himself trapped in a mean-spirited parade of trite jokes and lame sight gags. Hiding behind a twisted face and a nerdy haircut, Sandler’s unique charm is lost. That leaves him to carry a film that probably wouldn’t have gotten made without his participation. Please click title for complete review. (New Line)
ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER (R)
Harrowing documentary about the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre won the Oscar for best documentary in 1999. Using interviews and newsreel footage, filmmaker Kevin MacDonald has created a riveting document. The depth of the subject is compelling, providing an instant history lesson to anyone who forgot or wasn’t alive. The subject matter, Palestinian terrorists taking 11 Israel athletes and coaches hostage, is just as relevant today. It’s easy to see why the film won the Oscar. You become part of the experience. (Columbia-TriStar)
SUBSTITUTE, THE: FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION (R)
Treat Williams returns for the third installment of the “Substitute” franchise (taking over from Tom Berenger, who starred in the original). This outing, undercover cop Karl Thomasson (Williams) poses as a teacher at an elite military school where a gang of neo-Nazi’s are threatening the way of life. Pretty much the same thing as the first two films, with the lovely Angie Everhart along for the ride. Premiered on cable last summer. (Artisan)
XCHANGE (R)
An interesting premise gets bogged down in this made-for-cable science-fiction thriller. Stephen Baldwin stars as a futuristic detective who is summoned to San Francisco to investigate a murder. He accomplishes this by having his mind transported into the body of another. It’s a neat trick and saves lots of time, but also had it’s drawbacks. Like when Stefan Toffler (Baldwin) finds his mind trapped inside the body of the terrorist he is tracking. With only two days left before his mind is trapped forever, Toffler has to literally find himself. There’s a modicum of suspense in this thriller, which boasts decent supporting performances from Kyle MacLachlan and Kim Coates. (Trimark)
