Movie preview

  • 2004-11-01
This week - Mindhunters - Alien Vs Predator - Coffee and Cigarettes

Mindhunters

Director: Renny Harlin

Finnish director Renny Harlin, the king of mediocre movie making, is behind this silly horror-thriller about an FBI-profilers' exercise gone bloodily awry. You can always rely on Harlin for a half-good action scene here and a gross/funny death scene there, but "Mindhunters" is one long exercise in film cliches. "Mindhunters" doubtless thinks it's a very clever psychological thriller, but it's really just an unremarkable horror-flick. The would-be profilers utter absurdly obvious psychological observations while they bicker and turn on each other as they get bumped off one by one. It's not really worth watching at the cinema. Get it out on video instead, get cozy on the sofa, switch off your brain, enjoy it and immediately forget about it.(Julie Vinten)

Finnish-born director Renny Harlin ("The Adventures of Ford Fairlane," "Die Hard 2") delivers a slick, fast-paced whodunit. "Mindhunters" is a tightly knit ball of nerves, just waiting to snap. Fundamentally it's a lightweight murder mystery, which grabs your attention until the cop-out solution starts getting in the way. This bogus conclusion obliterates all the angst, suspense and intrigue that kept you glued to your seat in the first place. However, there are enough eye-popping scenes to satisfy the most cynical fan. The brutality is gruesome, providing at least two unexpected shocks to your nervous system. The stylish cinematography by Robert Gantz is noteworthy. Val Kilmer, Christian Slater and a superb supporting cast make sure the action moves at a clip rate. This throwaway thriller keeps you guessing. (Laimons Juris G)



Alien Vs Predator

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

It's a shame that the merger of these two monster-movie franchises ended up in the hands of the clueless director Paul W. S. Anderson ("Resident Evil"). Even with these fascinating movie-monsters at his disposal, he still manages to make a total mess of the movie. The actors are all horrible and the story downright ridiculous. And although the special effects are okay, the action is extremely bad, and the initial Alien/Predator showdown is a total disappointment. Anderson hasn't enough talent to continue what Ridley Scott, James Cameron and John McTiernan started, and lacks the vision or personal touch to do anything new. He has made a film about monsters he doesn't really understand, and that is why this is not an "Alien" or a "Predator" movie, but simply a lousy monster flick. (Julie Vinten)

In traditional American B-movie-style the exotic premise is established: an enormous ancient pyramid has been discovered in Antarctica. Hi-tech satellite scanners reveal a combination Aztec, Egyptian and Cambodian marvel buried 2,000 feet under the ice-encrusted continent. The richest man in the world wants to be the first inside the temple. Well, just say "Oh brother" as this logic-defying tale coagulates. Then along comes Sanaa Lathan, so memorable in "Out of Time." She blows everyone away by being the most serious player. If you're too intelligent, you may miss the raw fun of this surefire moneymaker from Hollywood. "AVP" has nothing whatsoever to do with the original "Alien" classic or the real "Predator." If you don't like sci-fi flicks - stay away. (Laimons Juris G)

Coffee and Cigarettes

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Between 1986 and 2003, independent-movie director Jim Jarmusch shot 11 black-and-white short films, which he has now assembled together in this feature. It's a collection of funny, quirky and philosophical shorts, some of which are masterful examples of the short film genre. These timeless vignettes, which take place between people sitting and enjoying a bit of caffeine and nicotine, are a study of life and the art of conversation. The short that started the theme is "Coffee and Cigarettes" from 1986 featuring Roberto Benigni and Steven Wright. It's hilarious and well-told and, of course, already a classic. While some shorts are ingenious, others aren't much to speak about, making the movie a bit inconsistent as a whole. But it's well worth watching for the four or five inspired pieces. (Julie Vinten)

A thrown together collage of 11 short films made over a 17-year period serves as Jim Jarmusch's ("Mystery Train," "Dead Man") latest effort. Shot in black-and-white, this production is cute, uninspired and a bit of a bore. "Coffee and Cigarettes" is an uneven collection of vignettes centered on drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes while sitting around talking. Jarmusch employs his deadpan style without offering the viewer any real satisfaction. Nevertheless, energetic professional acting by Cate Blanchett, Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan just barely manages to save the day. Hardcore Jarmusch fanatics will be drooling in ecstasy over this amateur safari featuring everyday addictions. The Akron, Ohio-born director knows a lot of famous people who are willing to appear in any venture with his name attached to it. (Laimons Juris G)