Local theater offers ample action, thriller and comedy
JAKARTA (JP): It's Sunday. You'll probably have more time for yourself. Why don't you spend your holiday seeing your favorite movies at local theaters? Before you decide where to go, The Jakarta Post's contributor Joko E.Anwar may help you pick your best choice.
The Accidental Spy. (Action/Adventure, 100 minutes). Starring Jackie Chan, Vivian Hsu, Eric Tsang. Directed by Teddy Chan.
Hong Kong's reportedly most expensive film turns out to be a disappointing Jackie Chan effort.**
The Art of War. (Action/Thriller, 113 minutes). Starring Wesley Snipes, Anne Archer, Marie Matiko, Donald Sutherland, Michael Biehn. Directed by Christian Duguay
Surprisingly competent action/thriller with Snipes playing a fixer secretly hired by the UN. Stylish, good action.**1/2
Cast Away (Drama, 143 minutes). Starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, a volleyball (uncredited). Directed by Robert Zemeckis.
Engrossing, poignant story about a man stranded on a remote and uninhibited island. ***
The Guilty (Thriller, 108 minutes). Starring Bill Pullman, Devon Sawa, Gabrielle Anwar, Angela Featherstone. Directed by Anthony Waller.
Hot shot criminal attorney brutally rapes one of his employees and manipulates his son to kill her.**
The Legend Of Bagger Vance (Drama/Comedy/Romance, 125 minutes). Starring Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron. Directed by Robert Redford.
A once promising golfer seeks help from a mysterious caddy and ends up getting a lot more than he expects.**1/2
The Rapist's Union (Raped by an Angel 4). (Drama/Action, 90 minutes). Starring Nick Cheung Kar-Fai and Athena Chu Yan. Directed by Wong Jing.
Inane, trashy story about an HIV-positive sexual predator Daniel who tortures and kills women. Zero star.
Scary Movie. (Comedy/Horror, 88 minutes). Starring Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Cheri Oteri, Carmen Electra, Jon Abrahams. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans.
Those who enjoy crude humor will enjoy this film, which spoofs everything from Scream to the Blair Witch Project. Others beware!***
Seven Girlfriends. (Drama/Comedy, 99 minutes). Starring Tim Daly, Olivia D'Abo, Jami Gertz, Laura Leighton, Mimi Rogers. Directed by Paul Lazarus. A man who never succeeds in relationships decides to seek help from his former girlfriends. Not funny enough.*1/2
Vertical Limit. (Action/Adventure, 124 minutes). Starring Chris O'Donnell. Bill Paxton, Robin Tunney, Scott Glenn. Directed by Martin Campbell.
Full of gripping, heart-pounding scenes. One of the most satisfying entries about mountain climbing.***
Woman on Top (Drama/Romance/Comedy, 90 minutes). Starring Penelope Cruz, Murilo Benicio, Harold Perrineau Jr., Mark Feuerstein. Directed by Fina Torres.
A food artist deals with love, acute motion sickness and magic realism in this beautiful film.***