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***************************************** TOM'S REVIEWS ********* 06/24/04 ****************************

FILMS VIEWED OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS:

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Ratings

* * * * * * Must See, An Artistic Great Film. Most Highly Recommended

* * * * * Well Worth Seeing, Good Film. Highly Recommended

* * * * Worth the Effort, Good Film. Recommended

* * * Entertaining, Recommended Rental

* * For Personal Tastes Only

* Not Worth You Time

0 Run!

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AT THE MOVIES NOW

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SHREK 2 (2004) * * * * *

Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon; written by Mr. Adamson, Joe Stillman, J. David Stem and David N. Weiss, based on a story by Mr. Adamson and the book by William Steig; edited by Michael Andrews and Sim Evan-Jones; music by Harry Gregson-Williams; production designer, Guillaume Aretos; produced by Aron Warner, David Lipman and John H. Williams; released by DreamWorks Pictures. Running time: 93 minutes. This film is rated PG.

WITH THE VOICES OF: Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), Julie Andrews (Queen), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), John Cleese (King), Rupert Everett (Prince Charming) and Jennifer Saunders (Fairy Godmother).

Other films by Andrew Adamson: Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek in the Swamp Karaoke Dance Party (2001) (V), Shrek (2001)

The film picks up right where the first movie ended... Shrek and Fiona return from their honeymoon to find a letter from Fiona's parents inviting the newlyweds over for dinner. The only problem is that they have no idea that their daughter is now an ogre. Highly recommended!

SAVED! (2004) * * * *

Directed by Brian Dannelly; written by Mr. Dannelly and Michael Urban; director of photography, Bobby Bukowski; edited by Pamela Martin; music by Christophe Beck; production designer, Tony Devenyi; produced by Michael Stipe, Sandy Stern, Michael Ohoven and William Vince; released by United Artists. Running time: 92 minutes. This film is rated PG-13.

WITH: Jena Malone (Mary), Mandy Moore (Hilary Faye), Macaulay Culkin (Roland), Patrick Fugit (Patrick), Heather Matarazzo (Tia), Eva Amurri (Cassandra), Chad Faust (Dean), Elizabeth Thai (Veronica), Martin Donovan (Pastor Skip) and Mary-Louise Parker (Lillian).

Other films by Brian Dannelly: Saved! (2004), He Bop (2000)

Mary is a good Christian girl who goes to a good Christian high school in Baltimore where she has good Christian friends, mainly Hilary Faye, and a perfect Christian boyfriend, Dean. Her life seems perfect, until the day that she finds out that Dean may be gay. After "seeing" a vision of Jesus in her pool, she does everything in her power to help him turn straight, including offering up her virginity. But none of it helps because Dean's caught and sent to a "degayification" center and Mary ends up pregnant. It's during her time of need that she becomes real friends with the school's set of "misfits," including Cassandra, the school's only Jewish girl; Roland, Hilary Faye's wheelchair bound brother, and Patrick, the skateboarder son of the school's principal, Pastor Skip; whilst Hilary Faye turns her into a social outcast. Entertaining.

THE TERMINAL (2004) * * * * * *

Directed by Steven Spielberg; written by Sacha Gervasi and Jeff Nathanson, based on a story by Andrew Niccol and Mr. Gervasi; director of photography, Janusz Kaminski; edited by Michael Kahn; music by John Williams; production designer, Alex McDowell; produced by Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald and Mr. Spielberg; released by DreamWorks Pictures. Running time: 128 minutes. This film is rated PG-13.

WITH: Tom Hanks (Viktor Navorski), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Amelia Warren), Stanley Tucci (Frank Dixon), Chi McBride (Joe Mulroy), Diego Luna (Enrique Cruz), Barry Shabaka Henley (Thurman), Kumar Pallana (Gupta Rajan) and Zoë Saldana (Dolores Torres).

Other films by Steven Spielberg: Terminal, The (2004), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Minority Report (2002), Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001), Unfinished Journey, The (1999), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Amistad (1997), Lost World: Jurassic Park, The (1997), Schindler's List (1993), Jurassic Park (1993), Hook (1991), Always (1989), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Empire of the Sun (1987), Color Purple, The (1985), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) (segment 2), Poltergeist (1982) (uncredited), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), 1941 (1979), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Jaws (1975), Sugarland Express, The (1974), Duel (1971) (TV)

An visitor (Hanks) fleeing the war that ravages his tiny Eastern European homeland finds himself stuck in the terminal of one of New York City's airports when the time of his landing coincides precisely with the point at which the war causes his nation of origin to no longer exist, meaning that his passport and paperwork are no longer valid. As a man without a home, he takes up residence in the terminal itself, befriending the staff of the airport, and falling in love with an airline flight attendant. Most highly recommended!

THE STEPFORD WIVES (2004) * * * *

Directed by Frank Oz; written by Paul Rudnick, based on the book by Ira Levin; director of photography, Rob Hahn; edited by Jay Rabinowitz; music by David Arnold; production designer, Jackson Degovia; produced by Scott Rudin, Donald De Line, Edgar J. Scherick and Gabriel Grunfeld; released by Paramount Pictures. Running time: 110 minutes. This film is rated PG-13.

WITH: Nicole Kidman (Joanna Eberhart), Matthew Broderick (Walter Kresby), Bette Midler (Bobbie Markowitz), Jon Lovitz (Dave Markowitz), Christopher Walken (Mike Wellington), Faith Hill (Sarah Sunderson) and Glenn Close (Claire Wellington).

Other films by Frank Oz: Stepford Wives, The (2004), Score, The (2001), Bowfinger (1999), In & Out (1997), Indian in the Cupboard, The (1995), HouseSitter (1992), What About Bob? (1991), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Muppets Take Manhattan, The (1984), Dark Crystal, The (1982)

Joanna Eberhart, a wildly succesful president of a TV Network, after a series of shocking events suffers a nervous breakdown and is moved by her milquetoast of a husband, Walter, from Manhattan to the chic, upper-class and very modern planned community of Stepford, Connecticut. Once there, she makes good friends with the acerbic Bobbie Markowitz, a Jewish writer who's also a recovering alcoholic. Together they find out, much to their growing stupor and-then horror, that all the housewives in town are strangely blissful, and somehow... doomed. What is going on behind the closed doors of the Stepford Men's Association and the Stepford Day Spa? Why is everything perfect here? Will it be too late for Joanna and Bobbie when they finally find out? A satiric comedy remake of the 1975 horror film. Entertaining.

SUPER SIZE ME (2004) * * * * * *

Directed by Morgan Spurlock; director of photography, Scott Ambrozy; edited by Stela Gueorguieva and Julie (Bob) Lombardi; music by Steve Horowitz and Michael Parrish; produced by Mr. Spurlock and The Con; released by Roadside Attractions and Samuel Goldwyn Films. Running time: 96 minutes. This film is not rated.

WITH: Morgan Spurlock, Ronald McDonald, Dr. Daryl Isaacs, Dr. Lisa Ganjhu, Dr. Stephen Siegel, Bridget Bennett, Eric Rowley, Alexandra Jamieson and Dr. David Satcher.

Other films by Morgan Spurlock: Super Size Me (2004)

What happens when you eat every meal for a month at McDonald's? The rules? For 30 days he can't eat or drink anything that isn't on McDonald's menu; he must wolf three squares a day; he must consume everything on the menu at least once and supersize his meal if asked. An irreverent look at obesity in America and one of its sources - fast food corporations. Most highly recommended!

MONSIEUR IBRAHIM (Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran) (2003) * * * * * *

Directed by François Dupeyron; written (in French, with English subtitles) by Mr. Dupeyron, based on the book and play ''Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran,'' by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt; director of photography, Rémy Chevrin; production designers, Katia Wyszkop and Francis Barrois; produced by Michèle and Laurent Pétin; released by Sony Pictures Classics. At the Landmark's Sunshine Cinema, 139-143 East Houston Street, East Village. Running time: 95 minutes. This film is rated R.

WITH: Omar Sharif (Monsieur Ibrahim), Pierre Boulanger (Momo), Gilbert Melki (Momo's Father), Isabelle Renauld (Momo's Mother), Lola Naynmark (Myriam), Anne Suarez (Sylvie) and Isabelle Adjani (La Star).

Other films by François Dupeyron: Monsieur Ibrahim (Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran) (2003), Officer's Ward (Chambre des officiers, La) (2001), Don't Make Trouble! (segment "Poitiers, voiture 11") (Pas d'histoires!) (2001), What's Life? (C'est quoi la vie?) (1999), Love Reinvented (@mour est à réinventer, dix histoires d'amours au temps du sida, L') (1996), Machine, The (Machine, La) (1994), Beating Heart, A (Un coeur qui bat) (1991), Lamento (1988), Strange Place to Meet, A (Drôle d'endroit pour une rencontre) (1988), Nuit du hibou, La (1984), Dragonne, La (1982), On est toujours trop bonne (1982), Ornière, L' (1978)

During the early 1960s, Paris was an explosion of life. As the old gave way to the new, everything was in flux and the city was filled with an energy that promised cultural shifts and social change. Against this backgound, in a working class neighborhood, two unlikely characters--a young Jew and an elderly Muslim--begin a friendship. When we meet Moses, also known as Momo, he is in effect an orphan even though he his "friends" are prostitutes who treat him with genuine affection. Momo buys his groceries at the neighborhood shop, a crowded dark space owned and run by Ibrahim, a silent exotic looking man who sees and knows more than he lets on. After Momo is abandoned by his father, Ibrahim becomes the one grownup in Momo's life. Together they begin a journey that will change their lives forever. A shining little diamond of a film! Omar Shariff still has "it" forty years (and 65 films) after Lawrence of Arabia and Dr. Zhivago. Most highly recommended!

MAN ON FIRE (2004) * * * * *

Directed by Tony Scott; written by Brian Helgeland, based on the novel by A. J. Quinnell; director of photography, Paul Cameron; edited by Christian Wagner; music by Harry Gregson-Williams; production designers, Benjamin Fernandez and Chris Seagers; produced by Arnon Milchan, Mr. Scott and Lucas Foster; released by 20th Century Fox. Running time: 142 minutes. This film is rated R.

WITH: Denzel Washington (Creasy), Dakota Fanning (Pita), Marc Anthony (Samuel), Radha Mitchell (Lisa), Christopher Walken (Rayburn), Giancarlo Giannini (Manzano), Rachel Ticotin (Mariana) and Gero Camilo (Aurelio Sanchez).

Other films by Tony Scott: Man on Fire (2004), Hire: Beat the Devil, The (2002), Spy Game (2001), Enemy of the State (1998), "Hunger, The" (TV Series episode "The Swords") (1997), Fan, The (1996), Crimson Tide (1995), True Romance (1993), Last Boy Scout, The (1991), Days of Thunder (1990), Revenge (1990), Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), Top Gun (1986), Hunger, The (1983), "Nouvelles de Henry James" (TV mini-series segment "L'Auteur de Beltraffio") (1976), One of the Missing (1971), Loving Memory (1969)

A wave of kidnappings has swept through Mexico, feeding a growing sense of panic among its wealthier citizens, especially parents. In one six-day period, there were twenty-four abductions, leading many to hire bodyguards for their children. Into this world enters John Creasy, a burned-out ex-CIA operative/assassin, who has given up on life. Creasy's friend Rayburn brings him to Mexico City to be a bodyguard to nine-year-old Pita Ramos, daughter of industrialist Samuel Ramos and his wife Lisa. Creasy is not interested in being a bodyguard, especially to a youngster, but for lack of something better to do, he accepts the assignment. Creasy barely tolerates the precocious child and her pestering questions about him and his life. But slowly, she chips away at his seemingly impenetrable exterior, his defenses drop, and he opens up to her. Creasy's new-found purpose in life is shattered when Pita is kidnapped. Despite being mortally wounded during the kidnapping, he vows to kill anyone involved in or profiting from the kidnapping. And no one can stop him. You always know what to expect form Tony Scott. Surprisingly, it's the acting that makes the film. Yet another fine performance from Denzel, Dakota Fanning is adorable, and the ever steady Christopher Walken is more than steady. A good flick. Recommended.

FAHRENHEIT 9/11 (2004) * * * * *

Written and directed by Michael Moore; director of photography, Mike Desjarlais; edited by Kurt Engfehr, Christopher Seward and T. Woody Richman; music by Jeff Gibbs; produced by Mr. Moore, Jim Czarnecki and Kathleen Glynn; released by Lions Gate Films, IFC Films and the Fellowship Adventure Group. Running time: 116 minutes. The film is rated R.

Other films by Michael Moore: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), Bowling for Columbine (2002), And Justice for All (1998), Big One, The (1997), Canadian Bacon (1995), Roger & Me (1989)

Michael Moore's take on what happened to the United States after September 11; and how the Bush Administration used the tragic event to push its agenda. He misses no opportunity to poke the Bush administration. Not so much a documentary as a polemic. Most highly recommended!

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (2004) * * * *

Directed by David Twohy; written by Mr. Twohy, based on characters created by Jim and Ken Wheat; director of photography, Hugh Johnson; edited by Martin Hunter and Dennis Virkler; visual effects supervisor, Peter Chiang; production designer, Holger Gross; produced by Scott Kroopf; released by Universal Pictures. Running time: 115 minutes. This film is rated PG-13.

WITH: Vin Diesel (Riddick), Thandie Newton (Dame Vaako), Karl Urban (Vaako), Colm Feore (Lord Marshal), Linus Roache (Purifier), Keith David (Imman), Alexa Davalos (Kyra), Nick Chinlund (Toombs) and Judi Dench (Aereon).

Other films by David Twohy: Chronicles of Riddick, The (2004), Below (2002), Pitch Black (2000), Arrival, The (1996)

Major bad-ass Riddick (first introduced to us in Pitch Black (2000)), now a hunted man, finds himself placed in the position of savior if he wants to retain his freedom. Humanity is about to succumb to the Necromongers led by their Lord Marshall in a crusade to conquer the galaxy. Can one man make a difference? Just why is Riddick so different? Basically a guy-flick with lot's of fighting and explosions.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (2004) * * * *

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón; written by Steve Kloves, based on the novel by J. K. Rowling; director of photography, Michael Seresin; edited by Steven Weisberg; music by John Williams; production designer, Stuart Craig; produced by David Heyman, Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe; released by Warner Brothers Pictures. Running time: 136 minutes. This film is rated PG.

WITH: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Alan Rickman (Professor Snape), Fiona Shaw (Aunt Petunia), Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall), Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew), David Thewlis (Professor Lupin), Emma Thompson (Professor Trelawney) and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy).

Other films by Alfonso Cuarón: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Children of Men, The (2003), And Your Mother Too (Y tu mamá también) (2001), Great Expectations (1998), Little Princess, A (1995), Love in the Time of Hysteria (Sólo con tu pareja) (1991), Cita con la muerte (1989), Cuarteto para el fin del tiempo (1983)

Harry and gang are back at it. They're a little older, wiser, and now they have to deal with things that are a little darker. It is interesting to see the young actors growing up. It's Harry's third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and he learns that a convicted murderer, Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban prison, and could be coming after him next. While Michael Gambon filled in nicely, I still miss Richard Harris as Dumbledore! Entertaining.

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OUT ON DVD/VHS

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STRAY DOG (NORA INU) (1949) * * * * *

Director: Akira Kurosawa; Producer: Sojiro Motoki; Writer: Akira Kurosawa, Ryuzo Kikushima; Editor: Yoshi Sugihara; Music: Fumio Hayasaka; Art Director: So Matsuyama; Cinematographer: Asakazu Nakai; Country of Origin: Japan; Genre: Crime, Drama; Black & White; Production Co(s).: Shin Toho; Released By: Toho; This film is not rated; Running Time: 122 minutes

WITH: Toshiro Mifune (Murakami), Takashi Shimura (Sato), Ko Kimura (Yusa), Keiko Awaji (Harumi), Reisaburo Yamamoto (Honda), Noriko Sengoku (Girl)

Other films by Akira Kurosawa: Not Yet (Madadayo) (1993), Rhapsody in August (Hachi gatsu no kyôshikyôku) (1991), Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (Yume) (1990), Ran (1985), Kagemusha the Shadow Warrior (Kagemusha) (1980), Dersu Uzala (1975), Clickety-Clack (Dodesukaden) (1970), Red Beard (Akahige) (1965), High and Low (Tengoku to jigoku (1963), Sanjuro (Tsubaki Sanjûrô) (1962), Yojimbo the Bodyguard (Yojimbo) (1961), Hidden Fortress, The (Kakushi toride no san akunin) (1958), Lower Depths, The (Donzoko) (1957), Throne of Blood (Kumonosu jô) (1957), I Live in Fear (Ikimono no kiroku) (1955), Seven Samurai, The (Shichinin no samurai) (1954), Living (Ikiru) (1952), Idiot, The (Hakuchi) (1951), In the Woods (Rashômon) (1950), Scandal (Shubun) (1950), Stray Dog (Nora inu) (1949), Silent Duel, A (Shizukanaru ketto) (1949), Drunken Angel (Yoidore tenshi) (1948), One Wonderful Sunday (Subarashiki nichiyobi) (1947), No Regrets for Our Youth (Waga seishun ni kuinashi) (1946), Those Who Make Tomorrow (Asu o tsukuru hitobito) (1946), Men Who Tread On the Tiger's Tail, The (Tora no o wo fumu otokotachi) (1945), Judo Story II (Zoku Sugata Sanshiro) (1945), Most Beautifully (Ichiban utsukushiku) (1944), Judo Story (Sugata Sanshiro) (1943), Horse (Uma) (1941)

From TV Guide Reviews: STRAY DOG, about a rookie homicide detective named Murakami (Toshiro Mifune) searching for his stolen gun in 1949 Tokyo, is the first great film directed by Akira Kurosawa and is equally superb as a riveting detective thriller, a painstaking police procedural, and a sociological study of the moral and economic conditions of postwar Japan. Kurosawa consciously follows the model of Hollywood films noirs, with lots of moody low-key lighting and the depiction of a morally ambiguous "hero's" descent into the underbelly of society, and as Murakami becomes immersed in his obsessive quest (a favorite Kurosawa theme), the homeless and unemployed, the defeated soldiers, and the black marketers and prostitutes all become a microcosm of Japanese society in the wake of WWII. Stylistically, the film is one of Kurosawa's best and he infuses it with numerous innovative visual ideas, including optical wipes, a mobile, hand-held camera, and most notably, authentic, documentary-like street-scenes, particularly the extraordinary eight-minute dialogue-free sequence where Murakami poses as a returned soldier and wanders through the slums looking for a gun dealer. Probably the longest montage in film history, it consists entirely of close-ups of eyes dissolving into feet and faces as the sun beats down on the sweltering crowds, and was actually shot by Ishiro Honda, the film's second-unit director, who would later gain fame as the director of Toho's classic monster movies, including the original GODZILLA (1956) and most of the sequels. Another excellent example of this quasi-documentary style is the tension-filled baseball game sequence which presents a real game in progress, intercut with Murakami frantically searching for a criminal in the crowd. It's a brilliantly filmed and edited scene that's quite possibly the first time a sporting event was used in the context of a manhunt, something that would later become a staple of crime movies. Highly recommended!

THE LOWER DEPTHS (Donzoko) (1957) * * * * *

Director: Akira Kurosawa; Producer: Akira Kurosawa, Sojiro Motoki; Writer: Shinobu Hashimoto, (based on the play "Na dne" by Maxim Gorky), Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni; Music: Masaru Sato; Art Director: Yoshiro Muraki; Cinematographer: Ichio Yamazaki; Country of Origin: Japan; B & W; Production Co(s).: Toho; Released By: Brandon; MPAA Rating: NR; Running Time: 125 minutes

WITH: Toshiro Mifune (Sutekichi, the Thief), Isuzu Yamada (Osugi, the Landlady), Ganjiro Nakamura (Rokubei, Her Husband), Kyoko Kagawa (Okayo, Her Sister), Bokuzen Hidari (Kahei, the Priest), Minoru Chiaki (The Ex-samurai), Kamatari Fujiwara (The Actor), Eijiro Tono (Tomekichi, the Tinker), Eiko Miyoshi (Asa, His Wife), Akemi Negishi (Osen, the Prostitute), Koji Mitsui (Yoshisaburo, the Gambler), Nijiko Kiyokawa (Otaki), Haruo Tanaka (Tatsu), Kichijiro Ueda (Police Agent)

From TV Guide Reviews: With THE LOWER DEPTHS, Kurosawa once again looked to Russian drama for his source material (having done so before with CRIME AND PUNISHMENT and THE IDIOT, which were only marginally successful). Based on a 1902 play by Gorky and set in 19th-century Japan, this is an ensemble film filled with fine performances (although Mifune, as usual, stands out). The action takes place in a small hostel that houses an odd assortment of eccentric, loquacious characters. The landlady, Yamada, hates her boarders and treats them shabbily, except for Mifune, the thief she loves. Mifune, however, is in love with Yamada's sister, and when the landlady learns of this, she kills her husband in a jealous rage. It is Mifune, however, who is arrested and charged with the murder. While Jean Renoir's 1936 adaptation of the play stresses its social importance, Kurosawa found himself attracted to the material's inherent black comedy. It is the performance of Mifune, with his wildly vulgar and comic style, however, that is the chief contributor to the film's irreverent, humorous tone. The film was released in the US in 1962. (In Japanese; English subtitles.)

Highly recommended!

THE LOWER DEPTHS (LES BAS-FONDS) (1936) * * * * *

Director: Jean Renoir; Producer: Joseph Burstyn, Arthur Mayer; Writer: Charles Spaak, Jean Renoir, E. Zamiatine, Jacques Companeez (based on the play by Maxim Gorky); Music: Jean Wiener; Cinematographer: F. Bourgas; Country of Origin: France; B & W; production Co(s).: Albatros; Released By: Burstyn; Mayer; MPAA Rating: NR; Running Time: 92 minutes

WITH: Jean Gabin (Pepel), Louis Jouvet (The Baron), Suzy Prim (Vassalissa), Jany Holt (Nastia), Vladimir Sokoloff (Kostyley), Junie Astor (Natacha), Robert Le Vigan (The Actor), Camille Bert (The Count), Rene Genin (Luka), Paul Temps (Satine), Robert Ozanne (Jabot), Henri Saint-Iles (Kletsch), Maurice Bazuet (Allochka), Gabriello (The Inspector), Leon Larive (Felix), Nathalie Alexeeff (Anna)

Other films by Jean Renoir: Un tournage à la campagne (1994), Elusive Corporal, The (Caporal épinglé, Le) (1962), Picnic on the Grass (Déjeuner sur l'herbe, Le) (1959), Horrible Doctor Hitchcock, The (Testament du Docteur Cordelier, Le) (1959), Paris Does Strange Things (Elena et les hommes) (1956), Fleuve, Le (1951), Only the French Can (French Cancan) (1955), Golden Coach, The (Carrosse d'or, Le) (1953), River, The (Fleuve, Le) (1951), Woman on the Beach, The (1947), Salute to France (1946), Diary of a Chambermaid, The (1946), Southerner, The (1945), This Land Is Mine (1943), Amazing Mrs. Holliday, The (1943), Man Who Came Back, The (Swamp Water) (1941), Story of Tosca, The (Tosca) (1941), Rules of the Game, The (Règle du jeu, La) (1939), Human Beast, The (Bête humaine, La) (1938), Marseillaise, La (1938), Grand Illusion, The (Grande illusion, La) (1937), Lower Depths, The (Bas-fonds, Les) (1936), Crime of Monsieur Lange, The (Crime de Monsieur Lange, Le) (1936), People of France, The (Vie est à nous, La) (1936), Day in the Country, A (Une partie de campagne) (1936), Toni (1935), Madame Bovary (1933), Chotard and Company (Chotard et Cie) (1932), Boudu Saved from Drowning (Boudu sauvé des eaux) (1932), Night at the Crossroads (Nuit du carrefour, La) (1932), Bitch, The (Chienne, La) (1931), On purge bébé (1931), Bled, Le (1929), Little Match Girl, The (Petite marchande d'allumettes, La) (1928), Tournament, The (Tournoi dans la cité, Le) (1928), Sad Sack, The (Tire-au-flanc) (1928), Marquitta (1927), Charleston (Sur un air de Charleston Charleston ( (1927), Nana (1926), Whirlpool of Fate (Fille de l'eau, La) (1925), Backbiters (Une vie sans joie) (1924)

From TV Guide Reviews: Jean Renoir's adaptation of the famed Gorky play moves the action from its original pre-Revolution Russian setting to the streets of Paris. Louis Jouvet is a baron who has lost his fortune and has nowhere to turn until he meets Pepel (Jean Gabin), a lower-class thief who gains the nobleman's respect. After an all-night card game, the baron and Pepel become great friends, and Pepel offers his "partner" a chance to escape and live in a flophouse with a horde of thieves, drunks, and prostitutes. The slum quarters are run by the old, miserly Kostyley (Vladimir Sokoloff), who lives there with his young mistress, Vassilissa (Suzy Prim). Vassalissa is also Pepel's mistress, though Pepel really loves her sister Natacha (Junie Astor), whom Kostyley is trying to marry off to a nasty police inspector. While THE LOWER DEPTHS is perhaps only mediocre Renoir (its supporting characters and slum world conventionally one-dimensional instead of complex), the relationship between Gabin's Pepel and Jouvet's Baron is a brilliant one--Renoir pointing to their internal similarities by stressing their external differences. Reportedly, Gorky saw the original script by Eugene Zamiatine and Jacques Companeez and gave his approval before his death in 1936. (In French; English subtitles.) Highly recommended!

THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (Passion de Jeanne d'Arc, La) (1928) * * * * * *

Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer; Writers: Joseph Delteil, Carl Theodor Dreyer; Original Music: Ole Schmidt (new score 1982); Non-Original Music: Richard Einhorn (1985 score "Voices of Light"); Cinematography: Rudolph Maté; Film Editors: Marguerite Beaugé, Carl Theodor Dreyer; Country of Origin: France; Silent: Black & White; This film is not rated: Running time: 110 minutes

WITH: Maria Falconetti (Jeanne d'Arc), Eugene Silvain (Évêque Pierre Cauchon), André Berley (Jean d'Estivet), Maurice Schutz (Nicolas Loyseleur), Antonin Artaud (Jean Massieu), Michel Simon (Jean Lemaître), Jean d'Yd (Guillaume Evrard), Louis Ravet (Jean Beaupère), Armand Lurville (Juge), Jacques Arnna (Juge), Alexandre Mihalesco (Juge), Léon Larive (Juge)

Other films by Carl Theodor Dreyer: Gertrud (1964), Castle Within the Castle, The (Slot i et slot, Et) (1955), Word, The (Ordet) (1955), Storstrom Bridge, The (Storstrømsbroen) (1950), Thorvaldsen (1949), They Caught the Ferry (De nåede færgen) (1948), Struggle Against Cancer, The (Kampen mod kræften) (1947), Danish Village Church, The (Landsbykirken) (1947), Water From the Land (Vandet på landet) (1946), Two People (Två människor) (1945), Day of Wrath (Vredens dag) (1943), Good Mothers (Mødrehjælpen) (1942), Esclave blanc, L' (1936) (uncredited), Vampire, The (Vampyr - Der Traum des Allan Grey) (1932), Passion of Joan of Arc, The (Passion de Jeanne d'Arc, La) (1928), Bride of Glomdal, The (Glomdalsbruden) (1926), Thou Shalt Honour Thy Wife (Du skal ære din hustru) (1925), Michael (Mikaël) (1924), Once Upon a Time (Der var engang) (1922), Love One Another (Gezeichneten, Die) (1922), Blade af Satans Bog (1921), Witch Woman, The (Prästänkan) (1920), President, The (Præsidenten) (1919)

The sufferings of a martyr, Jeanne D'Arc (1412-1431). Jeanne appears in court where Cauchon questions her and d'Estivet spits on her. She predicts her rescue, is taken to her cell, and judges forge evidence against her. In her cell, priests interrogate her and judges deny her the Mass. Threatened first in a torture chamber and then offered communion if she will recant, she refuses. At a cemetery, in front of a crowd, a priest and supporters urge her to recant; she does, and Cauchon announces her sentence. In her cell, she explains her change of mind and receives communion. In the courtyard at Rouen castle, she burns at the stake; the soldiers turn on the protesting crowd. Most highly recommended!

WOMAN IN THE DUNES (Suna no onna) (1964) * * * * * *

Director: Hiroshi Teshigahara;Producer: Tadashi Ohno, Kiichi Ichikawa; Writer: Kobo Abe (based on his novel Suna no Onna; ); Editor: Fusako Shyzui; Musical Composer: Toru Takemitsu; Art Director: Masao Yamazaki, Toutetsu Hirakawa; Cinematographer: Hiroshi Segawa; Country of Origin: Japan; B&W; Production Co(s).: Teshigahara; Released By: Milestone; Pathe Contemporary; MPAA Rating: NR; Running Time: 123 minutes; Academy Award Nomination: Best Director - Hiroshi Teshigahara, Best Foreign Language Film

WITH: Eiji Okada (Jumpei Niki--the Man), Kyoko Kishida (The Woman), Koji Mitsui (Villager), Hiroko Ito (Villager), Sen Yano (Villager), Ginzo Sekigushi (Villager), Kiyohiko Ichihara (Villager), Tamotsu Tamura (Villager), Hiroyuki Nishimoto (Villager)

Other films by Hiroshi Teshigahara: Basara - The Princess Goh (Goh-hime) (1992), Rikyu (1989), Antonio Gaudí (1984), Summer Soldiers (1972), Ruined Map, The (Moetsukita chizu) (1968), Explosion Course (Bakuso) (1967), Stranger's Face (Tanin no kao (1966), Woman in the Dunes (Suna no onna) (1964), That Tender Age (Fleur de l'âge, ou Les adolescentes, La) (1964) (segment "Ako"), Pitfall, The (Otoshiana) (1962), Jose Torres (1959)

An entomologist searching for insects in the desert is trapped into a large hole where lives a women in an old house. Then begins a strange relationship between them. Most highly recommended!

MAP OF THE HUMAN HEART (1999) * * * * *

Director: Vincent Ward; Producer: Vincent Ward, Tim Bevan; Writer: Louis Nowra, Vincent Ward; Editor: John Scott; Musical Composer: Gabriel Yared; Production Designer: John Beard; Art Director: Jean Lemire, Jean-Baptiste Tard; Cinematographer: Eduardo Serra; Country of Origin: Australia; Canada; France; U.K.; Color; Production Co(s).: Les Films Ariane; Map Films Ltd; Meridian Films; Polygram; Sunrise Films; Vincent Ward Film Productions; Released By: Miramax; MPAA Rating: R; Running Time: 107 minutes

WITH: Jason Scott Lee (Avik), Robert Joamie (Young Avik), Anne Parillaud (Albertine), Annie Galipeau (Young Albertine), Patrick Bergin (Walter Russell), Clotilde Courau (Rainee), John Cusack (Clark), Jeanne Moreau (Sister Banville), Ben Mendelson (Farmboy), Jerry Snell (Boleslaw), Matt Holland (Navigator), Jayko Pitseolak (Avik's Grandmother)

Other films by Vincent Ward: What Dreams May Come (1998), Map of the Human Heart (1993), Navigator: A Mediaeval Odyssey, The (1988), Vigil (1984)

In 1931, a chartist lands a plane in the Arctic to map unrecorded regions. He takes an Eskimo boy with tuberculosis back to civilisation where he is healed and indoctrinated in a Catholic foster home. The Eskimo meets a "half-breed" girl (father was French, mother was Indian) and they fall in love. They are separated and the Eskimo returns to the Arctic. Years later he encounters the chartist again and sends a message to his love via the chartist. He joins the air force to fight Hitler, and runs into her again, but there are obstacles that threaten his friendships and relationships. Highly recommended!

PICTURE BRIDE (Bijo photo) (1994) * * * *

Director: Kayo Hatta; Producer: Lisa Onodera, Diane Mei Lin Mark; Writer: Kayo Hatta, Mari Hatta (from a story by Kayo Hatta, Mari Hatta, and Diane Mei Lin Mark); Editor: Mallori Gottlieb, Lynzee Klingman; Production Designer: Paul Guncheon; Cinematographer: Claudio Rocha; Country of Origin: Japan.; Color; Production Co(s).: Thousand Cranes Filmworks; Released By: Miramax; MPAA Rating: PG-13; Running Time: 90 minutes

WITH: Youki Kudoh (Riyo), Akira Takayama (Matsuji), Tamlyn Tomita (Kana), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Kanzaki), Toshiro Mifune (The Benshi), Yoki Sugi (Aunt Sode)

Other films by Kayo Hatta: Picture Bride (Bijo photo) (1994)

From TV Guide Reviews: This lyrical Japanese romance (the debut film of woman director Kayo Hatta) tells the story of 16-year old mail-order bride who finds herself wedded to a middle-aged plantation laborer in 1918 Hawaii. Effective as a portrait of the evolution of an unusual marriage; instructive as a reminder of the racist exploitation of Japanese labor that built Hawaii and much of California. Toshiro Mifune's last film. Recommended!

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ANY COMMENTS? SEND THEM TO ME

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COMING ATTRACTIONS IN 2004

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Spiderman 2 - July 2nd http://spiderman.sonypictures.com/

King Arthur - July 7th http://kingarthur.movies.go.com/main.html

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CURRENTLY AND COMING TO THE FLICKS in Boise

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Currently:

Love Me If You Dare

Supersize Me

Wilbur Wants To Kill Himself

The Terminal

Coming:

Farenheit 9/11 6/25

The Notebook 6/25

Napoleon Dynamite 7/2

Young Adam 7/2

BAADASSSSS! 7/9

I'm Not Scared 7/9

The Story of the Weeping Camel 7/16

The Clearing 7/16

Carandiru 7/23

The Mother 7/30

Before Sunset 7/30

Valentin 8/6

The Door in the Floor 8/13

The Return 8/20

Intimate Strangers 8/20

Garden State 8/27

Riding Giants 8/27

Friendship Village 8/31

Boise Showtimes:

Regular Theaters

http://boise.citysearch.com/search?type=theater&flavor_id=1&sorted=dist&histoindex_left=cw1&context=movies&cslink=cs_movies_movie_theaters_all

Flicks http://www.theflicksboise.com/

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PRIMARY FILM LINKS

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Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/

Movie Review Query Engine http://www.mrqe.com/

New York Times Reviews http://www.nytimes.com/ref/movies/currentmovies.html

Roger Ebert http://www.suntimes.com/ebert/ebertser.html

Coming Soon http://www.comingsoon.net/

Foreign Films http://www.foreignfilms.com/

Cinebooks Database http://www.tvguide.com/movies/database/

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