Opening Films

by Inlander Staff & r & & r & Monster House -- This computer-animated film looks like it's for the kiddies, but has moments that are too intense for anyone 5 or younger. Everyone else will likely laugh and scream over the tale of a trio of kids who go up against a truly haunted house. (It has a mind of its own, and it can move.) Spectacular visuals, great performances, excellent accompanying music -- and a story filled not only with surprises but even with a little heart. (ES) Rated PG





Lady in the Water -- Apologists for M. Night Shyamalan have their work cut out defending yet another cinematic killjoy from the "auteur" whose high box office receipts do not reflect the ineptitude of his filmmaking skills. Inflated from an impromptu "bedtime story" that Shyamalan invented for his children, this is a hackneyed tale about a water nymph who resides at the bottom of a swimming pool. (CS) Rated PG-13





My Super Ex-Girlfriend -- Poor Uma Thurman. After Ethan Hawke, she slummed it with nerdy Quentin Tarantino, who crafted a magnum opus for her. It was like watching the prom queen waking up next to the class nerd -- rewarding but ultimately unworkable. She needed to fix her hair and move on. And good on her for choosing the role of a needy, obsessive superhero chick who gets dumped by her ordinary boyfriend.. Rated PG-13





Clerks II -- Kevin Smith returns to the well with this slap to the face for anyone who defended him after Jersey Girl. Dante's life still sucks and he's managed to be demoted to a burger slinger at the fictitious Mooby's. Cameos are cast, lowbrow antics are had and Silent Bob will have just one line. Rated R