"Basic"
Confusing, poorly written and wholly dissatisfying, this thriller about an investigation into a military murder hits all the wrong notes. Samuel L. Jackson is wasted, John Travolta is ultra-hammy and Connie Nielsen is reduced to the tough sex kitten. For shame. Rated R. 1 stars
"Daredevil"
Ben Affleck stars as the man without fear in this uneven adaptation of the popular comic book. Dark and surprisingly violent, the film has as many good moments as it does bad. Rated PG-13. 2.5 stars
"Dreamcatcher"
Sometimes great, but more often a silly adaptation of Stephen King's story of four friends, psychic powers, a hunting trip and some really angry aliens. Good effects and lots of gore can't cover up a wasted cast and rip-off plot. Still, it's better than "Signs." Rated R. 2.5 stars
"Head of State"
Chris Rock plays a local hero striving to be the first black president. There are some decent laughs, but Rock is capable of more potent comedy. This film seems content to keep touchy issues at a safe point. Rated PG-13. 2 stars
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"
A shallow journalist takes an assignment to get a guy to break up with her in 10 days. A shallow advertising man takes a bet to make a girl fall in love with him in 10 days. Predictable and extremely obnoxious. Rated PG-13. 2 stars
"The Hunted"
Benicio Del Toro and Tommy Lee Jones chase and stab each other to a pulp in William Friedkin's dazzling action entry. It's gruesome, it's stealthy and it's wholly entertaining despite its overwhelming resemblance to "First Blood." Rated R. 4 stars
"The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
The second installment in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels surpasses the first. Excellent character and story development and an hour-long battle sequence set this in a class all its own. Rated PG-13. 5 stars
"Old School"
Will Ferrell is great in this welcome addition to the college comedy genre as a group of thirtysomethings who start their own fraternity. It's as stupid as it sounds, but it is also one of the funnier films in theaters. Rated R. 4 stars
"Tears of the Sun"
Bruce Willis leads a group of Navy SEALs on a rescue mission into genocide-plagued Nigeria. Plodding and insultingly bad, this poor attempt stinks of pro-militaristic propaganda. Rated R. 1.5 stars
Opening this weekend:
"Basic" Rated R, military/thriller
"Head of State" Rated PG-13, comedy
"The Core" Rated PG-13 action/disaster
A.P. Kryza is the State News film reporter. Reach him at kryzaand@msu.edu.
