Catch a Fire (2006)

Drama Rated PG-13

What if the most dangerous terrorist training ground circa 2005 was at Guantanomo Bay? That’s the provocative question posed by this based-on-fact political drama, which tells the true story of a harmless, law-abiding South African man who was wrongly accused of terror, imprisoned and tortured by the country’s apartheid government. Upon his release, he channeled

Stuck on You (2003)

Comedy Rated PG-13

The prospect of a film by Peter and Bobby Farrelly about conjoined twins (Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear) has the distinct feel of a final straw – even they must have limits. Yet here is Stuck on You, one of the most shameless and compassionate comedies you’re likely to find. The leads have a lot

Heaven (2002)

Drama Rated R

An elliptical meeting of two often-elliptical minds. German filmmaker Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) directs a script cowritten by the late, great Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski (Blue) about an English teacher in Italy (Cate Blanchett) who becomes a fugitive after bombing an office building which serves as a front for a drug dealer. The result

Wedding Planner, The (2001)

Romantic Comedy Rated PG-13

The fact that this is a romantic comedy about reasons not to get married makes it slightly more intriguing than your average swoon flick (the climax involves two canceled weddings). And having Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey play the inevitably star-crossed lovers – she’s the wedding planner for his upcoming nuptials – makes it pleasantly

Iron Monkey (1993)

Action/Adventure Rated PG-13

Another Hong Kong martial arts adventure that received a belated release in the United States, but this one – a Chinese take on the Robin Hood legend – deserves a second look. Director Yuen Wo Ping, the fight choreographer for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Matrix, may not have a knack for narrative (the

Without a Paddle (2004)

Comedy Rated PG-13

Seth Green stars – and this is the first problem – as one of three childhood friends who reunite to go on a treasure hunt in the Washington wilderness. That the trip is “inspired” by the death of a fourth friend gives you some idea of the picture’s sense of tact. That there is a

Italian Job, The (2003)

Action/Adventure Rated PG-13

A heist movie with heart, thanks to a strong emotional center and an amiable cast. The thieves in this remake – including Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton and Charlize Theron – banter like the cast of Friends, while their latest job is less about money than avenging the murder of their patriarchal leader. There’s a serviceable

Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever (2002)

Action/Adventure Rated R

Brainless, idiotic action – and somehow still not any fun. Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu play a pair of disgruntled spies, but Thai director Wych Kaosayananda gives the movie’s countless fireballs most of his attention. In the end, it’s hard to decide what’s sillier: the nonsensical back story that explains Banderas’ character or the sight

Jurassic Park III (2001)

Action/Adventure Rated PG-13

“The wonder of the first movie is long gone, but a few thrills still remain.”

Chocolat (2000)

Drama Rated PG-13

A simple fairy tale about tolerance unfolds when the newcomer to a 1959 French village (Juliette Binoche) scandalizes the locals by selling chocolates during Lent. This is the kind of nice, cuddly movie you feel like petting – and Academy members felt like nominating for multiple awards – but it’s not much more than that.