"A Man Apart"
Vin Diesel stars as a widowed DEA officer vying for revenge in this blood-drenched drug drama. It's wholly entertaining, though its credibility wavers toward the end and Diesel's performance is uneven. Rated R. 3 out of 5 stars
"Anger Management"
Adam Sandler is subjected to Jack Nicholson's rigorous anger management program, in which the two men are together for several weeks. There are some really funny moments, but this flick lacks direction. It's as good as it is bad, which is a shame because sometimes it's really good. Rated PG-13. 2.5 out of 5 stars
"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 out of 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 distance. Rated PG-13. 2 out of 5 stars
"Holes"
This story, about a young man forced to dig holes in a juvenile labor camp, is probably the best of what's out there. It's a film anyone can enjoy. Warm, intelligent and quite original, the film generates a feel of mysticism with its themes of history and destiny, all delivered by a great cast of old pros and promising newcomers. Rated PG. 4 out of 5 stars
"House of 1000 Corpses"
If the thought of graphic torture and seeing Chris Hardwick of "Singled Out" getting scalped appeals to you, you've found your movie. Rob Zombie's plot-free flick is as muddled as they come, which is what it aims to be. Not for the queasy. Rated R. 2.5 out of 5 stars
"Malibu's Most Wanted"
Jamie Kennedy lampoons suburban white kids trying to act ghetto in this uneven comedy. At some points it is very funny, but the film would have fared better as a skit. Rated PG-13. 2.5 out of 5 stars
"Phone Booth"
Colin Farrell is a sleazy publicist trapped by a sniper in a public phone booth. There is nothing particularly believable in this unexciting, preachy piece of star worship. Rated R. 2 out of 5 stars
New This Week
"Confidence" Thriller, Rated R
"Identity" Suspense, Rated R
"It Runs in the Family," Comedy, Rated PG-13
"The Real Cancun," Documentary, Rated R
A.P. Kryza is the State News film reporter. Reach him at kryzaand@msu.edu.
