"About Schmidt"
Jack Nicholson steals the show as a man who, upon his wife's death, realizes he's wasted his life. The film manages to be warm, sad and funny at the same time, yet can't mask being somewhat dull. Rated R. 3 out of 5 stars
"Adaptation."
A rare flower poacher, a novelist, a screenwriter and his sweetly moronic twin brother intertwine in this offering from director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. It's strange, clever and quite hilarious - maybe too much for its own good. Rated R. 4 out of 5 stars
"Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"
Sam Rockwell shines in this strange film about charismatic producer Chuck Barris' double life as "The Gong Show" host and a CIA assassin. A great cast and beautiful cinematography bring the story to life. Rated R. 4 out of 5 stars
"Darkness Falls"
A bad special effect called The Tooth Fairy stalks kids on the day they loose their last tooth. It's actually much worse than it sounds. Rated PG-13. 1/2 out of 5 stars
"Gangs of New York"
Martin Scorsese's long-awaited historical epic delivers story, beautiful sets and costumes and great cinematography in a brutal tale of vengeance and civil unrest. It's all encompassed by an unbelievably brilliant performance from Daniel Day-Lewis. Easily one of the year's best. Rated R. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
"A Guy Thing"
The comedic great Jason Lee can't save this drivel from romantic comedy hell. Some jokes hit home, but most leave a bad taste in the mouth. Rated PG-13. 1 out of 5 stars
"Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
The second installment in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels manages to surpass the first in story and epic scale. Excellent character and story development and an hourlong battle sequence set this in a class all its own. Rated PG-13. 5 out of 5 stars
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
A quiet Greek woman finally meets her prince charming, whose non-Greek background is a problem for her tradition-obsessed father. It's a very funny modern Cinderella story with heart and charm to spare. Rated PG. 4 out of 5 stars
"Narc"
Ray Liotta breathes life into this gritty, familiar good cop/bad cop movie. It's all been done, but Liotta is so good he manages to make it feel fresh. Rated R. 3 out of 5 stars
"The Recruit"
Al Pacino and Colin Farrell team up in this run-of-the-mill tale of a young man recruited to train for the CIA. A great opening sets up a film that falls on its face in the second half. Rated PG-13. 3 out of 5 stars
Opening this weekend:
"Deliver Us from Eva," romantic comedy. Rated R.
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," romantic comedy. Rated PG-13.
"Shanghai Knights," action. Rated PG-13.
A.P. Kryza is The State News film reporter. Reach him at kryzaand@msu.edu.
