filmland / By Charlie Myers

Kill Me Now

‘Death Sentence’ inspires dread of summer crapmongery

(Sept. 6, 2007) PREVIEWS

Continuing what Hollywood does frequently if not always effectively, the remake of the 1957 film of the same title 3:10 to Yuma opens Friday, Sept. 7. Based on the short story by Elmore Leonard, now well known for his tongue-in-cheek thrillers, the film tells the story of rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale replacing Van Heflin) who agrees to transport notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe replacing Glenn Ford) to a town where he can be put on the train to Yuma, with a tense psychological battle ensuing. The original was very good; maybe this will measure up. Peter Fonda and Gretchen Mol co-star. Rated R for violence and some language. 127 m. At the Broadway and Mill Creek.

If this sounds too serious, then try the comic thriller Shoot ‘Em Up, starring Clive Owen as Mr. Smith, who tries to protect a mother and baby from a group of hit men led by Paul Giamatti. The trailer promises that the film will deliver on its title. Among the many shootouts, one takes place during sex, another during skydiving. And, there’s also a lactating prostitute (Italian actress Monica Bellucci) thrown into the mix. Who can resist this? Rated R for violence, language and some sexual content. 97 m. At the Broadway.

The British farce Death at a Funeral, directed by Frank Oz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), concerns the goings-on during the burial of a family patriarch. Can the old British stiff upper lip be maintained in the face of a mourner on psychedelics and another who is holding a blackmailer hostage close to where the body is being displayed? Rated R for language and drug content. 100 m. At the Broadway.

The 2006 Oscar entry from Switzerland, Vitus, is about a gifted boy pianist whose parents are pushing him into a concert career even though he would rather be doing “normal” boy things. The story is unoriginal, but the film relies on the performances of Fabrizio Borsani as the 6-year-old Vitus and Teo Gheorghiu as Vitus at 12. In Swiss German and English. Rated PG for mild thematic elements and language. 133 m. At the Minor.

The documentary Gypsy Caravan follows Gypsy bands from Romania, Spain, India and Macedonia during their 2001 tour of North America. Directed, written and produced by Jasmine Dellal, the film, shot with multiple cameras, documents the people and the music, which ranges from ragtime to flamenco. In English and a variety of languages. Not rated. 120 m. At the Minor.

Also beginning Friday is the inaugural Wildrivers 101 Film Festival, which continues through September 21. See the Calendar and and separate article for details, or visit their website at wildrivers101filmfestival.com, or call 223-8462.

1 2 3 4 5 6 NEXT PAGE >SHARE