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Show DiversionsXht Utaff Statesman •JJ ^.Iliday, Sept 12005 2005 Summer of Movies in Review Nicole Kidman ("The Stepford Wives") stars as a naTve witch named Isabel, trying to make a living on her own in the big city of Los Angeles without relying on her addictive magic use to get what she wants. Early on, she bumps into Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell, "Elf), a failing movie star who's trying to revive his reputation by starring in a revived comedy series of "Bewitched." Isabel is cast as his opposite on the TV show and sparks of animosity and romance soon begin to fly. The latest romantic comedy by director Nora Ephron ("You've Got Mail"), "Bewitched" is perpetually sweet right up to its hurried ending of sugary bliss. Nicole Kidman is adorable and this film allows her to display some comic talent. Will Ferrell has proven, yet again, his knack for playing a neurotic, self-absorbed idiot full of zany outbursts. As a whole, the film is modest with a few surprising moments of humor, but fails to leave a lasting or genuine impression amidst all the fluff. As a result of trying too hard to be creative and cute, "Bewitched" leaves a spell of indifference on audiences. -Reviewed by Casey T. Allen have become notably tainted from all of their adulterous publicity, this film is much better than a National Enquirer cover story. Suave Brad Pitt ("Ocean's Twelve") and sassy Angelina Jolie ("Alexander") play a compfacent married couple whose relationship is rocked when they discover that they are both secret assassins instructed to kill each other. Explosions, gun fights and car chases abound while witty dialogue and sex appeal is mixed in. The film displays a unique formula that actually carries off well for an action/ comedy. Pitt and Jolie (as John and Jane Smith) have effortless chemistry together. Whether sitting through a therapy session or teaming up to kill the bad guys, there are great moments of laughter and even a little heart. The film could have been better if the director (Doug Liman, "The Bourne Identity") didn't let the violence run rampant through the story. The action sequences are fun, but it seemed like they were thrown into the film whenever people couldn't think of anything else to do. Sure, this movie has lots of energy, it just has lots of punching fists to go with it. -Reviewed by Casey T. Allen "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (PG-13) - B Dark Water (PG-13) - C+ "Bewitched" (PG-13) - C+ Although both stars of this film Those of you looking for an intense, gripping horror film should remem ber to stay away from "Dark Water." Since the advertising made this film appear to be a heart-pounding scare fest, there will probably be a lot of disappointed viewers. "Dark Water" is simply a mystery film with a few bits of suspense mat surface every now and then. Jennifer Connelly ("Pollock") plays an emotionally frail mother who nestles into an old, damp apartment with her young daughter while a bitter custody battle ensues with her ex-husband. It doesn't take long for Dahlia to notice the strange noises and leaking pipes coming from the vacant apartment above her. The film's dreary atmosphere is executed perfectly and the story remains moderately entertaining through the creative uses of water, glass and shadows in the cinematography. This isn't so much a ghost story of eerie events as it is an exploration of the psychological structure of the protagonist. Are all these weird things really happening or is Dahlia imagining them? Obscuring the line between reality and nightmare creates notable substance for the movie and allows all the actors to work with good material. "Dark Water" could do a lot more to engage its audience, but it just floats along slowly until we are brought to a very unexpected ending. -Reviewed by Casey T. Allen Must Love Dogs (PG-13) - B Despite being painfully formulaic, Gary David Goldberg's second film (after directing the 1989 drama "Dad") isn't horrible. Sarah (played by a delightful Diane Lane, "Under the Tuscan Sun") is a hopeful but aging divorcee looking for love. Soon after the opening credits, she is practically shoved back into the dreaded dating scene when her older, meddlesome sister (played with simmering excellence by Elizabeth Perkins, "28 Days") places an Internet ad about her on a dating Web site. Sarah then goes into the uncharted territory of blind dates and endures all the moments of awkwardness with a smile. Most of the humor comes from these moments as well as the fast paced banter between her sisters. Amongst all of the hopeless men, Sarah meets the stumbling Jake (John Cusack, "Identity") and their chemistry does not flourish. This is where "Must Love Dogs" is effective. Lane and Cusack gradually develop some chemistry as we watch a series of bumpy conversations and unsatisfied urges. Also adding to the realism is a lack of glamour. Everyone looks noticeably regular and somewhat disheveled. The humble, Summer Movies see page 5 favorite movie summer was... "I really like 'Cinderella Man because it wasn't like a regular movie. It really made me think and feel" —Starla Turner, junior, accounting/ economics "After 'Batman Begins1 was finished, I wanted to watch it again. The intensity never stopped." — Robert Fletcher, senior, history "I like 'Hitch' because it provides a lot of information and insight into the world of women." —Neeladri Vasu, graduate student, economics "My favorite movie was 'Wedding Crashers.11 was laughing from the start to the end of the —Udaikiran Potturi, graduate student, electrical engineer- "I fell asleep during pretty much every movie I watched, but I like 'Mulan' because of Mushu." —Lisa Jones, junior, elementary education |