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High
Spy
Cold
war gets hot.
By
Lois Wadsworth
The Sum of All Fears: Directed
by Phil Alden Robinson. Written by Paul Attanasio and Daniel Pyne,
based on the novel by Tom Clancy. Produced by Mace Neufeld. Executive
producers, Tom Clancy, Stratton Leopold. Cinematography, John Lindley.
Music, Jerry Goldsmith. Editor, Nicolas De Toth, Neil Travis. Visual
Effects Supervisor, Glenn Neufeld. Production design, Jeannine C.
Oppewall. Costumes, Marie-Sylvie Deveau. Starring Ben Affleck, Morgan
Freeman and James Cromwell, with Liev Schreiber, Alan Bates, Philip
Baker Hall, Ron Rifkin, Bruce McGill, Ciarˆn Hinds and Bridget Moynahan.
Paramount Pictures, 2002. PG-13. 119 minutes.
 |
| CIA
Director William Cabot (Morgan Freeman) and special agent Jack
Ryan (Ben Affleck) confer. |
However prescient Tom Clancy may be,
even he could not have predicted how todayäs audiences would greet
the movie version of his 1991 espionage thriller. Although ably directed
by Phil Alden Robinson, The Sum of All Fears canät overcome
the awkwardness inherent in trying to fire up the Cold War between
U.S.S.R. and U.S. in todayäs more ambiguous climate of fear. Think
of the movie as a neo-conservative re-do of Stanley Kubrickäs 1961
anti-war comedy, Dr. Strangelove. Only here, war is inevitable,
stereotypical characters play it for real, and thereäs no comic relief.
No brilliance, either.
On the other hand, people seem only
too willing to imagine faceless terrorists plotting nuclear mayhem
and getting away with it, especially when the federal government generates
such fear itself. But because some among us remain traumatized by
the events of Sept. 11, it is only fair to warn viewers that some
sequences may trigger personal grief and fear.
Beneath the filmäs slick veneer, the
story is a Western in the guise of a Cold War showdown between American
President Robert Fowler (James Cromwell) and Russian President Alexander
Nemerov (Ciarˆn Hinds). Each is surrounded by hawks eager to go to
war and very few doves urging caution. Driven by fear, particularly
after an attack aimed at the U.S. president, the men in power must
decide to go for it or to stand down.
But Iäm making the film simpler than
it is. Actually, itäs about Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck), a think-tank
historian, specialist on Nemerov, who is plucked from obscurity to
accompany the director of the CIA, William Cabot (Morgan Freeman),
to Russia to meet the new leader. Surprisingly, Nemerov likes
Ryan. From then on, Ryanäs on a one-man mission to make sure that
the decision makers on both sides have the best information. Also,
the movie is a romance. Ryanäs girlfriend (for three weeks!) is a
Baltimore physician, Dr. Cathy Muller (Bridget Moynahan).
Itäs really about an Israeli plane
that crashes in the desert during the Yom Kippur war of 1973, what
we call a ‘broken arrow.¹ The planeäs nuclear payload is an unexploded
bomb thatäs found, dug up and sold some 29 years later by unsuspecting
desert men trying to make a buck. The new owneräs a real sleazeball,
a South African arms dealer (Colm Feore) who peddles the bomb in Damascus.
The nuke ends up with a neo-fascist in Vienna named Richard Dressler
(Alan Bates), who figures the way to keep Hitleräs memory alive is
to force Armageddon between America and Russia. So he sends the weapon
to a daft, neo-nazi zealot in New York.
Watching the movie is pure escapism.
The special effects are quite good, the action never lets up, and
thereäs one really good performance in the picture. A CIA dirty-tricks
field operative named John Clark, played by the underrated, excellent
Liev Schreiber, is the most interesting role in the film. His secret
mission inside a remote Russian nuclear post is visually the most
ominous in the film. Itäs even more plausible, at least until Ryan
(Affleck) hotdogs in.
This politically conservative film
effort tries to offer something for everyone but ends up being a predictable
Hollywood product, pushing the shock-value envelope. Now playing at
Cinemark and Cinema World.
Back to Top
Thieves
Who's
conning whom?
By Lois
Wadsworth
Nine Queens (Argentina, 2001):
Written, directed and produced by Fabiˆn Bielinsky. Executive producer,
Pablo Bossi. Cinematography, Marcelo Camorino. Costumes, M„nica Toschi.
Editor, Sergio Zottola. Starring Ricardo DarÍn, Gast„n Pauls, Leticia
Bredice and Tomˆs Fonzi. Sony Pictures Classics, 2001. R. 115 minutes.
On the surface, Nine Queens appears
to be a simple tale of two con men who meet during a failed scam in
a convenience store. But as the labyrinthine plot unwinds, what seems
obviously genuine one minute feels fake the next. Such unexpected
surprises crop up right to the filmäs concluding scenes. This mind-muddling
is deliberate, in the manner of David Mametäs twisty little plot-dances
in films such as House of Cards (1987) and The Spanish Prisoner
(1997). Fabiˆn Bielinskyäs stylish chronicle of deception and betrayal
is fun to watch, visually both elegant and gritty.
If you like puzzlers, hereäs a good
one for you. It won MTV Argentinaäs 2001 Peopleäs Choice Award, so
it is appealing to that desirable demographic, the under-30 set. But
the swindler personality in movies has long been loved, as evidenced
by the long, successful career of Paul Newman: The Hustler (1961),
Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Color of Money (1986), Where
the Money Is (1994).
 |
| Marcos
(Ricardo Darin) gets tough with Juan (Gaston Pauls). |
Neither of these charlatans … Marcos
(Ricardo DarÍn), Juan (Gast„n Pauls) … exerts Newmanäs personal charisma,
but they do grow on you. At first you just want to be done with Marcos,
whoäs clearly a bad influence on Juan, the less experienced grifter.
Juan is trying to get together enough money to help out his dad in
prison, while Marcos has swindled his own sister, Valeria (Leticia
Bredice), and brother, Federico (Tomˆs Fonzi), out of their inheritance.
But even as the evidence against Marcos mounts, you notice how quickly
Juan picks up on the slightest clues and just improvises little scams
on the spot. Finally, you see that they are perfect for each other
… Marcos pushy, selfish and obnoxious; Juan soft-spoken, ingratiating
and very slick.
The pace is snappy enough, but these
street artists work the low-end of the scale for a long time before
the chance of a lifetime falls in their lap. Through a sick old con
man, a former partner of Marcos, they come into some forged rare stamps,
the Nine Queens. And a stroke of luck … the mark, a rich, corrupt
politician whoäs being deported, is staying in the hotel where Leticia
and Federico work. Planning is airtight. Theyäre working in concert.
Itäs a go. Or is it? The mark makes extra demands, and the whole thing
nearly falls apart. At this point, you donät know what to believe.
Thatäs right where Bielinsky wants
you. And he also wants you to feel entertained along the way. Recommended
for a light night at the movies … no violence, no special effects,
no guns … this little urban fable opens Friday at the Bijou.
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OPENING
OR RETURNING:
Films open the Friday following date of EW
publication unless otherwise noted.
Animation Explosion: Showcase of UO multimedia
design studentsä animation and interactive work. From 7-10 pm on 6/6
and 6/7 in 177 Lawrence Hall. Free.
Bad Company: The unlikely duo
of Anthony Hopkins and Chris Rock in a spy action/comedy. Directed
by Joel Schumacher, it also stars Peter Sormare and Kerry Washington.
PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World.
Big Trouble: Barry Sonnenfeld
directs Tim Allen, Renee Russo and a host of other recognizable names
in this Elmore Leonardesque comedy based on Dave Barryäs first novel.
PG 13. Movies 12.
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood:
Sandra Bullock plays a NY playwright whoäd like to keep some distance
from her eccentric mother, played by Ellen Burstyn. Also stars Fionnula
Flanagan, Shirley Knight, Maggie Smith and Ashley Judd. PG-13. Cinema
World. Cinemark.
Frailty: Matthew McConaughey
tells an FBI agent he knows the Godäs Hand serial killer. Bill Paxton
plays the fanatical dad, who believes Godäs mission for him and his
young sons is to destroy demons on Earth. Paxtonäs directing debut
is strong evidence of his ability. Chilling and graphic but excellent.
R. Movies 12. Online archives.
Murder by Numbers: Sandra Bullock
stars in this detective thriller which pits her against two clever
teens (Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt). Produced by Bullock herself,
and directed by Barbet Schroeder. R. Movies 12.
Nine Queens: Argentinean film
about two con men who join ranks in the deal of a lifetime; then everything
starts to unravel. Winning performances, clever film. Recommended.
R. Bijou. See review this issue.
Polyester Prince: Super Super
8 tour presented by LA-based contributing filmmaker Paulo Davanzo.
Guerrilla filmmaking. At 7:30 pm 6/8. Call 344-4066.
Psycho (1960): Classic Hitchcock
stars Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin. On the
lawn in front of the Knight Library at dusk (or in case of rain, 180
PLC) 6/7. Free.
Sweetest Thing, The: Looking
for love on the road, Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate star in
this romantic comedy. Thomas Jane stars as Mr. Right, directed by
Roger Kumble. R. Cinemark.
CONTINUING
About a Boy: Nick Hornbyäs popular
British novel about a rich London rake (Hugh Grant) who invents an
imaginary son to meet women who are single parents. But instead he
finds a troubled boy (Nicholas Hoult), who teaches him to grow up.
Directed by Chris and Paul Weltz, it also stars Toni Collette, Rachel
Weisz. Highest recommendations. PG-13. Cinemark. Online
archives.
Beautiful Mind, A: Inspired
by the true story of a mathematical genius who battles mental illness,
Ron Howardäs film stars Russell Crowe, Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly.
Academy Awards for supporting actress, directing, best picture, and
writing. Highly recommended. PG-13. Movies 12. Online
archives.
Blade 2: Directed by Guillermo
del Toro, who also directed Deviläs Backbone. But there the resemblance
ends. Wesley Snipes stars in this vampire horror flick. R. Movies
12.
Dogtown and Z-Boys: Stacy Peraltaäs
great documentary on the scrappy street kids who invented vertical
skateboarding as we know it. Includes early shots of the antics of
skating superstars Jay Adams, Tony Alva and others who learned the
tricks of great surfers and adapted them to the sport. Highest recommendations.
PG-13. Bijou. Online
archives.
Enough: Jennifer Lopez tries
to get away from her abusive husband, played by Billy Campbell (ÜOnce
and Again¹), in Michael Aptedäs drama, written by Nicholas Kazan (Reversal
of Fortune). Also, Juliette Lewis, Noah Wyle. PG-13. Cinemark.
High Crimes: Ashley Judd plays
a woman who finds out her husband is not who he claimed to be. She
and Morgan Freedman must defend him from being framed by the military.
PG 13. Movies 12.
I Am Sam: Sean Penn plays a
mentally-challenged single parent raising his daughter. Michelle Pfeiffer
plays an attorney who takes his case when the girl is put in foster
care by social services. Extraordinary performance by Penn, who received
an Academy nod. PG-13. Movies 12. Online
archives.
Ice Age: Chris Wedge directs
the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Goran Vizjnic
in this digitally animated story of prehistoric creatures trying to
save a human child. G. Movies 12.
Insomnia: Christopher Nolan
(Memento) explores sleep deprivation in this remake of a 1998
thriller from Norway. Set in Alaska, it stars Al Pacino and Robin
Williams, Hilary Swank, Martin Donovan, Maura Tierney, Nicky Katt
and Paul Dooley. Highly recommended thriller. R. Cinemark. Cinema
World. Online archives.
Lord of the Rings, The: The
Fellowship of the Ring: The first book in J. R. R. Tolkienäs literary
trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen,
Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin, Christopher Lee. Academy Award
winner for cinematography, makeup, and visual effects. Highest recommendations.
PG-13. Movies 12. Online
archives.
Monsters Inc.: From Pixar, the
creators of Toy Story, comes a new computer-animated feature
about a scare factory, Monsters Inc., and its top monster, Sulley
(voice of John Goodman). Also voices of Billy Crystal, James Coburn,
Jennifer Tilly, Steve Buscemi and Mary Gibbs. G. Movies. 12. Online
archives.
New Guy, The: DJ Qualls plays
high school senior who has a chance to wipe the slate clean and reinvent
himself. Comedy directed by Ed Decter also stars Eliza Dushku, Zooey
Deschanel, Lyle Lovett and Eddie Griffin. PG-13. Cinemark.
Spider Man: Tobey Maguire stars
in Sam Raimiäs film about one of the most popular comic book superheroes
to come to the screen. Also stars Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin,
Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris and
J.K. Simmons. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World. Online
archives.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron:
Animated Western adventure with the voices of Matt Damon, James
Cromwell and Daniel Studi is an action picture, not a comedy. Co-directed
by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook. G. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones:
George Lucasä second of three Star Warsä prequels comes
to the screen with Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor,
Ian McDiarmid and Samuel Jackson doing all the heavy lifting. PG.
Cinema World. Cinemark.
Sum of All Fears: Ben Affleck
and Morgan Freeman are Central Intelligence agents trying to prevent
terrorists from getting weapons of mass destruction. Also stars James
Crowmell, Liev Schreiber, Alan Bates and Philip Baker Hall. Based
on Tom Clancyäs bestseller. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World. See
review this issue.
Undercover Brother: Action comedy
directed by Malcolm D. Lee and written by John Ridley stars Eddie
Griffin, who adopts the garb of blaxploitation era private detectives
to go undercover. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Unfaithful: From director Adrian
Lyne (Fatal Attraction) comes a film that plays on the fears of married
people. Diane Lane plays a married woman who has an affair (Oliver
Martinez) that leads her husband (Richard Gere) to become suspicious.
Violence lurks. R. Movies 12.
Van Wilder: In the classic tradition
of National Lampoon movies, Walt Becker directs this comedy about
graduation. Staring Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid. R. Movies 12.
We Were Soldiers: Mel Gibson
stars as Lt. Col Hal Moore who led his men in the brutal battle for
La Drang Valley in the Viet Nam war. Based on Mooreäs memoir. Directed
by Randall Wallace, also stars Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear, Sam
Elliot, Chris Klein, Keri Russell and Barry Pepper. The first half
is a WWII movie, while the last half is surprising and moving. R.
Movies 12. Online archives.
Y Tu Mamˆ Tambiþn: Two teens
and an unhappily married woman in a sexy Mexican road movie that also
has a political subtext. Director Alfonso Cuar„n, writer Carlos Cuar„n
and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki create a fabulous movie for stars
Maribel Verdu, Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal. Highest recommendations.
NR Bijou. Online
archives.
MOVIE
THEATERS
Use the links provided below for specific show times.
Bijou
Art Cinemas
Bijou Theater 686-2458 | 492 E. 13th
Regal
Cinemas
Cinema World 342-6536 | Valley River
Center
Springfield Quad 726-9073 |
Cinemark
Theaters
Movies 12 741-1231 | Gateway
Mall
Movies before 12:30 are Sat. Sun. only. $1.50 all shows all days.
Cinemark 17 741-1231 | Gateway Mall
NEW
RELEASES ON VIDEO:
Releases subject to change. Available the Tuesday following
date of EW publication, sometimes sooner:
Black Hawk Down: Ridley Scott
directs this true story based on the mission-gone-wrong of American
special forces in Somalia, 1993. Stars Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor,
Ron Eldard and Sam Shepard. AFI award for best picture; academy nods
for Scott, cinematography, sound, editing. Highest recommendations.
R. Online archives.
Kate and Leopold: Sappy looking
time travel romance stars Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman, who has been
accidentally fast forwarded to New York at the present from the 19th
century. James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted) directs. PG-13.
Monsteräs Ball: Marc Forsteräs
highly acclaimed, powerful drama about a prison guard (Billy Bob Thornton)
who falls in love with the widow (Halle Berry, Academy Award winner
for Best Actress) of a recently executed Death Row convict. Filmed
on location at infamous Louisiana penitentiary in Angola, picture
also stars Heath Ledger and Peter Boyle. Fabulous performances by
Thornton and Berry. Academy Award for Berry. R. Online
archives.
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