DANCING AT LUGHANSA (PG-13)

Even though it failed to create a ripple at the box office when it was released last December (in an effort to garner some Academy Awards heat), the film version of Brian Friel’s award-winning play is a beautiful tale of five Irish sisters living in the 1930’s. Meryl Streep leads the engaging cast, which also includes Catherine McCormack (“Dangerous Beauty”) and Sophie Thompson (“Emma”). Director Pat O’Connor (“Circle of Friends”) does a splendid job of bringing the play to the big screen and opening up, but the film’s modified length takes away some of the original’s impact. (Columbia-TriStar)

ENEMY OF THE STATE (R)

You ever get that creepy feeling that you’re being watched? There is no one else around, but for some reason, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and paranoia sets in. Is that smoke detector really a smoke detector? Is that unusual hum on the other end of the phone just static (are you listening, Linda Tripp)? Big brother is watching, but just whose relative is he? The government? Your boss? The Fox television network? It’s nerve-racking, and so is the new thriller “Enemy of the State,” which takes all of those fears and paranoia and puts them to good use. Most Americans don’t trust the government, and after watching “Enemy of the State,” those fears will grow even stronger. We know they know much more than they let on, but just how far are they willing to go? Click here for complete review. (Touchstone)

FACADE (NR)

Director/co-writer Carl-Jan Colparet does what he can to infuse this familiar tale of love and betrayal with enough dark humor and hip dialogue to distinguish it from the rest of the direct-to-video pack. Unfortunately, all that effort is wasted as “Facade” deserves it DTV status. Eric Roberts plays a businessman whose attempts to eliminate his partner are met with all sorts of unexpected complications (for him, not the audience). Camilla Overbye Roos does manage to induce some much needed sexual tension as the partner’s wife, who decides to take Robert for a ride. (Columbia-TriStar)

FACULTY, THE (R)

“Scream” scribe Kevin Williamson and “From Dusk Till Dawn” director Robert Rodriguez are behind this teenage revamp of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Using an engaging cast of young players who don’t look like clones from every other teen movie, plus a cast of durable adults, the dynamic duo manage to deliver a fun-filled romp that is also scary. Part sci-fi, part horror, all black comedy, “The Faculty” deals with a small high school that seems like every other small town high school. That is until some of the outcast high school students suspect that their teachers are being taken over by an alien life form. Of course they’re right, but convincing the authorities and the other students is another matter. Lots of edgy comedy, outrageous special effects and hip dialogue make “The Faculty” a must-see for fans of the genre. (Dimension)

JANE DOE (R)

“Ally McBeal” star Calista Flockhart goes deep in this talky drama about a writer (Christopher Peditto) who finds himself blocked. Enter Jane (Flockhart), a young woman who unlocks Horace’s (Peditto) writer’s block and inspires him. Unfortunately, Jane is also a self-destructive junkie whose lifestyle and behavior begin to wear thin. Director Paul Peditto manages to get decent performances out of his cast, but the film itself is an ordeal. Based on a stage play, “Jane Doe” seems as confined as its meager beginnings. (A-PIX)

JUST THE TICKET (R)

Even though it didn’t click in theaters, for anyone looking for a whimsical romantic drama-comedy, this movie is “Just the Ticket.” Andy Garcia is fine as Gary, a popular ticket scalper in New York who is willing to give up the business in order to secure his future with girlfriend Linda (Andie McDowell). Before he gives up the ship, Gary plans one final big score, scalping tickets to the Pope’s visit in New York. His shot at redemption is thwarted by a rival ticket scalper moving in on Gary’s turf, and the fact that Linda wants to move to France in order to study cooking. Director Richard Wenk gets excellent performances from his leads, and manages to stock the background with enough colorful characters and New York locales to keep things interesting. (MGM)

LITTLE VOICE (R)

Who would have thought that Jane Horrocks, who played the mousy daughter on “Absolutely Fabulous,” would emerge as such a powerhouse entertainment? Horrocks is absolutely stunning as LV, or “Little Voice,” the much put upon daughter of a brassy mother (Brenda Blythen, so funny it hurts). In order to avoid her mother’s pitfalls in romance, LV hides out in her bedroom and listens to recordings of such musical legends as Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey and Marilyn Monroe. LV becomes so immersed in her imaginary world (where she pines for the father who died) that she can actually mimic the very singers she admires. Her talent catches the ears of local talent agent Ray Say (Michael Caine, always a delight), who wants to represent her. While Ray and LV’s mother carry on, LV tries to work up the courage to stand in front of an audience. She’s helped out of her cocoon by a young man (Ewan McGregor) who is also seen as an outcast by his father. Based on one of London’s most acclaimed plays, “Little Voice” is much more than a big screen adaptation. It’s a celebration of life, with some of the most engaging performances and situations I have seen in some time. A total delight from beginning to end. (Miramax)

MY NAME IS JOE (R)

Peter Mullan won the prestigious Best Actor award at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival, and rightfully so, for his brilliant performance as Joe Kavanagh, a middle-aged man on the brink of salvation. A recovering alcoholic whose days of drinking have taken their toll but has been sober for ten months, Joe breaks the AA code by falling in love before he celebrates his year anniversary. Sarah (Louise Goodall) is a health counselor who finds herself attracted to Joe, even though her senses tell her that he’s trouble. How the two manage to find sanity in their insane lives is one of the strengths of Ken Loach’s film. Working from a tight script by Paul Laverty, Loach once again turns his attention on the working class, this time in Glasgow. Thanks to a literate script, a strong cast and direction, “My Name is Joe” is a slice of life that is both engaging and devastating. Some of the side trips on the journey seem a little contrived (Joe is asked to help bail out a friend who is in debt to a local gangster), yet when the main characters reach their final destination, you will feel as if you have been someplace special. (Artisan)

PATRIOT, THE (R)

Poor Steven Seagal. Once one of the industry’s most reliable action stars, Seagal’s career has gone down the toilet. First there was “Fire Down Below,” which no one saw in theaters, and now “The Patriot,” which couldn’t even get a theatrical release. It went directly to cable several months ago, and now it arrives on video and DVD so those with cable can enjoy it. Right. Seagal plays Dr. Wesley McClaren, a former government immunologist (remember, it’s the movies) turned small town doctor who is forced back into action when a group of extremists steal a biological weapon and unleash it on a small mountain town. It’s pure hokum, without one redeeming performance. Former cinematographer Dean Semler serves as director, and while he manages to get pretty pictures, he has no idea how to evoke a performance out of Seagal or the rest of the cast. (Disney)

PURGATORY (NR)

After a failed bank robbery attempt, outlaw Blackjack Britton (Eric Roberts) and his gang learn that there is hell to pay. Welcome to the town of Refuge, where the local sheriff doesn’t wear a gun and even the most vile outlaw is welcome. What Britton and his gang eventually realize is that refuge is actually Purgatory, the weigh station between Heaven and Hell. Now the gang has one last opportunity to cement their destiny. Made-for-cable, “Purgatory” is a well-made western with a supernatural theme. The cast is excellent, including Sam Shepard as the town sheriff who also happens to be the spirit of Wild Bill Hickok, and Randy Quaid as Doc Holliday. (Warner)

TRUE HEART (PG)

Direct-to-video effort may entertain children, but it’s overly familiar storyline and less than enthusiastic acting and direction may force older viewers into a coma. Kirsten Dunst and Zachery Ty Bryan co-star as Bonnie and Sam, brother and sister who find themselves stranded in the British Columbia wilderness when their plane crashes. August Schellenberg (“Free Willy”) is featured as the wise Native American who guides them back to safety. If I hadn’t seen this plot a dozen times before it might have been more engaging. (MGM)

ALSO NEW THIS WEEK:

EXCEPTION TO THE RULE (R/Artisan)

LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN, A (NR/BWE)

MISSION OF DEATH (R/Artisan)

PARIS CONCERT FOR AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL (NR/Image Entertainment)

SOLDIER’S SWEETHEART, A (PG-13/Paramount)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 11th, 2003 at 12:05 am and is filed under Film Review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.