Films Review March
CHARLIE’S ANGELS (PG-13)
What do you call a movie that is a spoof of a television series that was a spoof of a film series that in itself had become a spoof? I don’t care what else you call it, but the big screen version of “Charlie’s Angels” is bad, real bad, and not bad in a good sort of way. Here’s a film so dumb and stupid you want to yell. It’s supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, but this is a full-throttle French kiss of bad filmmaking. The jokes are immature and filled with the kind of sexual innuendo that feels like it has been lifted from “Three’s Company.” It’s hard to believe that anyone, much less a major Hollywood studio, could be sucker punched into making a film like this. It’s not high concept, it’s no concept. It’s sad to see people like Drew Barrymore (who co-produced the film) and Cameron Diaz in something like this. Either someone had Polaroid’s of their illicit pony shows in Tijuana or their paychecks must have been equally obscene. Click on title for complete review. (Columbia-TriStar)
DEVIL IN THE FLESH 2 (R)
Vixen Jodi Lyn O’Keefe picks up where Rose McGowan left off in this familiar thriller that echoes the original. When we last saw Debbie Strand (O’Keefe), she was locked up in a hospital for the criminally insane for stalking her English teacher. Now Debbie’s escaped, and is anxious to pick up where she left off. This outing she assumes another student’s identity and attaches herself to another teacher. We’ve seen it all before, but fans of O’Keefe and sexy thrillers will appreciate the effort. (A-PIX)
GIRL FIGHT (R)
Powerful directing and acting fuel this coming-of-age drama about a high school student who learns to channel her aggressions in a boxing ring. Michelle Rodriguez, making her debut, is excellent as Diana, a high school bully whose life makes a dramatic turnaround when she enters the ring. Director Karyn Kusama captures all of this with heart and honesty, delivering a film of uncommon emotion and depth. It’s not your run-of-the-mill boxing film. Winner of the Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury prize, “Girlfight” pulls plenty of punches. It avoids the cliches of the genre, and offers a compelling and satisfying love story. (Columbia-TriStar)
GRASS (R)
Actor Woody Harrelson lights up this documentary about the history of marijuana. Harrelson narrates the documentary, which utilizes clips from anti-marijuana propaganda films and interviews to make it’s point. Director Ron Mann has a lot of fun with paranoia over the issue, and the clips from such cult classics as “Reefer Madness” are a real scream. Harrelson’s commentary is honest and funny, and very pointed. I’ve seen numerous documentaries on the evils of marijuana before, but never one as entertaining and informative as “Grass.” The filmmakers never attempt to hide their loyalties, but that doesn’t stop them from presenting a fair and honest portrait of the subject. I was surprised that the video didn’t come with rolling papers. (A-PIX)
GUILTY, THE (R)
Coincidence after coincidence pop up in this entertaining thriller starring Bill Pullman as a dirtball lawyer on the fast track to becoming a judge. So when he drunkenly attacks a secretary (Gabrielle Anwar) who threatens to sue for sexual harassment, he decides the only solution is to have her killed. He makes his third mistake when he hires a local teen to carry out the contract. Things go from bad to worse for Callum Crane (Pullman), who quickly learns that blood is thicker than water. There’s enough twists and turns in “The Guilty” to keep you guessing, and director Anthony Waller makes most of the coincidences vital to the plot and not just devices to move it along. Devon Sawa stands-out as the teen whose ties to Crane go much deeper than they suspect. (Studio)
HENDRIX (R)
Wood Harris is electrifying as Jimi Hendrix in this made-for-cable bio pic. Most people only know Hendrix through his music, but as “Hendrix” shows us, there was much more to the man. Billy Zane slips on his reptile suit to play the manager who discovers and then exploits Hendrix. Never lacking in emotional payoffs and nostalgia, “Hendrix” wades through familiar waters, creating a wake that demands attention. Powerful performances and caring direction bring “Hendrix” back to life. (MGM)
ONCE IN THE LIFE (R)
Despite it’s obvious origins, “Once in the Lifetime” is worth a look due to the riveting performances of the leads. Laurence Fishburne adapted his stage play Riff Raff for the screen, and as a first time director, derives engaging performances from his performers. Most of the action takes place in one room, where brothers 20/20 Mike (Fishburne) and Torch (Titus Welliver) are hiding out after ripping off a local drug lord named Manny Rivera and killing his nephew. When Mike’s friend Tony the Tiger is sent by the drug lord to kill them, his loyalties towards Mike force Rivera to take matters into his own hands. Most of the action is verbal, and while the passages are thoughtful, they do seem to run on. Fishburne and Welliver make good use of the time, you just wish they had more to do. (Trimark)
RUGRATS IN PARIS (G)
I’m not really a “Rugrats” sort of person, but I found it hard not to enjoy this delightful animated feature film. There’s lots of adventure and romance as the Rugrats kids and their parents head off to Paris, where Tommy’s dad, Stu, has been sent to work on a new amusement park. The trip provides the filmmakers plenty of opportunity to poke fun at convention. While the film is filled with laughs and adventure, it also has a huge heart. I was especially touched by Chuckie’s quest to find a new mom for his dad Chas. Susan Sarandon and John Lithgow lend their voices to larger-than-life villain Coco LaBouche and her henchman Jean-Claude. Coco sets her sites on marrying Chas, but not if Chuckie and his friends have anything to say about it. Adults and children will enjoy this very smart and extremely animated adventure that is much better than the first film. (Paramount)
ALSO NEW THIS WEEK:
APPETITE (R/Avalanche)
