Opening Films

by Inlander Staff


The Interpreter -- Nicole Kidman is a UN interpreter who overhears a plot to assassinate a bad guy African leader. Sean Penn is the FBI agent who checks her out, isn't sure if she's telling the truth and eventually must protect her. The biggest problems with the film are that it's dragged out to near-boredom territory, and there seems to be some sort of emotional wall between the two lead actors that neither one can climb over. An absurd plot turn near the end doesn't help matters. (ES) Rated PG-13





King's Ransom -- Malcolm King (Anthony Anderson) is large and in charge and ain't no one else can work a pink necktie the way he can. He's also a big pimpin' millionaire with a big problem -- his wife wants to cash in on a major divorce settlement. Rather than pay up, King tries to stage his own kidnapping -- with the help of his girlfriend and her lowlife brother -- only to find that he's attracted the attention of some real kidnappers. Also starring Regina Hall and Jay Mohr. Rollicking good times for all. Rated: PG-13





Kung Fu Hustle -- Hong Kong writer-director-actor Stephen Chow delivers in all three areas in this deliriously ridiculous, action-filled nod to martial arts films, Sergio Leone and old-school Looney Tunes. A small town is visited by members of the Axe Gang, who don't realize the town is home to some retired good guy warriors. Big battles ensue, as does the emergence of a wannabe bad guy (Chow) who ... well, that won't be revealed here. Nor will the secret powers of the town's landlord and landlady. There's plenty of slapstick and visual effects, some terrific fights and some unexpected sweetness. (ES) Rated R





A Lot Like Love -- On the whole it's a bit too precious, and there are characters that just aren't needed (wasn't a deaf, signing brother in Four Weddings and a Funeral enough?), but both Amanda Peet and Ashton Kutcher give winning performances in a story of an on-again off-again boy-girl relationship that stays at the friend level for seven years. They take turns being happy and unhappy, with and without each other, and are just terribly cute together. With the exception of some "drama" near they end, movies don't get much breezier. (ES) Rated PG-13





Millions -- While everyone was waiting for Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) to finish a sequel to 28 Days Later, he made this film instead. Seven-year-old Damian comes across the find of a lifetime -- a suitcase falling from the sky, stuffed with pound notes and other assorted currencies. With the UK scheduled to adopt the Euro in 17 days, Damian and his brother have little time but plenty of schemes for their newfound wealth. Older brother Anthony wants to blow it on all the accoutrements of cool while Damian -- who has a near encyclopedic knowledge of all the saints -- wants to help the poor. Based on the book by Frank Cottrell Boyce (who also wrote the screenplay). Rated: PG





Publication date: 04/21/05