Intellectually inspired teens might be enthralled by “Mrs. Dalloway” (PG-13), which is adapted from Virginia Woolf’s timeless novel. But leave the younger kids at home — it could easily sail over their heads.
Vanessa Redgrave, eons away from her “Mission: Impossible” mode, is a luminous presence in the title role, the heart of a film that never seems to use her enough. If ever there was a performer born to play a Woolfian heroine, Redgrave is it.
Both she and the director understand that this character is far more complex than she appears.
A fine period drama, the film criss-crosses back and forth between Clarissa Dalloway’s day, her memories of the past and the parallel experiences of a shell-shocked young World War I veteran whose path briefly crosses hers. Natascha McElhone plays the young Clarissa Dalloway and Lena Headey plays the young Sally Seaton.
“The Borrowers” (PG) — If you’re looking for effects-loaded comedy-adventure for all the family, then this is your film. It’s a loose, action-packed adaptation of the beloved children’s classic. There are charming visuals, but there’s also crude humor and scenes of mild peril to the tiny “borrowers.”
“Chairman of the Board” (PG-13) — This film is targeted for teenagers, but it’s hard to imagine a child of any age who wouldn’t be bored. The one bright spot is that the film is a showcase for Carrot Top’s wacky inventions, like the Slurpee warmer and the lie detector shirt. But waiting for the laughs in this cliched story of how a surfing bum becomes an overnight success is like waiting for a wave that never comes.
“The Education of Little Tree” (PG) — Reflective kids will enjoy this tender and moving film the most, but any child trying to understand the impact of racism or the life of American Indians will be interested. Steeped in historic detail, it shows an orphaned 8-year-old, part-Cherokee boy, who is raised by his white grandfather and Cherokee grandmother in the Smoky Mountains of rural Tennessee in the 1930s.
“Good Will Hunting” (R) — Director Gus Van Sant once again demonstrates an instinctive feel for younger characters in this tale of a South Boston tough guy and closet genius, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), and the professor (Robin Williams) who breaks down the walls to Will’s troubled past.
“Jackie Brown” (R) — Quentin Tarantino’s film, based on Elmore Leonard’s book “Rum Punch,” is a connoisseur’s crime movie, a smart, tough and stylish noir thriller.
“The Man in the Iron Mask” (PG-13) — This adaptation of the Alexander Dumas novel will probably attract fans of Leonardo DiCaprio, but it’s not stirring enough to make young library cardholders check out the book. Although the film contains scenes of violence and sensuality, the young teen idol remains angel-faced. He plays both an evil king and his noble twin. Niceness triumphs.
“Mr. Nice Guy” (PG-13) — Pit a nice guy against an army of not-so-nice guys and you have a big mess, especially in a Jackie Chan movie. This old-fashioned stunt film was shot in English, so it may be more accessible to American audiences. But the acting is still atrocious. The rating is for violence.
“Wag the Dog” (R) — Spin doctor Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Dustin Hoffman concoct a plan to divert attention from the president after he’s accused of gross sexual misconduct just before Election Day.
“U.S. Marshals” (PG-13) — Maybe if your teens love video games, they’ll get a bang from the action mechanics of “U.S. Marshals.” And if they’re heavy into sarcasm, as most teens are, they’ll enjoy Tommy Lee Jones’ way with a one-liner. Everything about the follow-up to 1993’s “The Fugitive” works with assembly-line proficiency. But moviegoers of any age will sense the new film’s inferiority to “The Fugitive.” The rating is for language and violence.
“The Wedding Singer” (PG-13) — Eighties kitsch is in, and chances are you didn’t have to grow up with it to laugh at it now. Adam Sandler’s humor is as teen-ready as ever, and his charm should appeal to some adults as well. Sexual references and some naughty language come and go quickly, but for the most part it’s no worse than most of what you see on TV every night.
“Wild Things” (R) — Denise Richards is a seductive high school beauty who, along with troubled outsider Neve Campbell, accuses her guidance counselor (Matt Dillon) of rape. At the trial a strange succession of plot twists begins to develop. This film is a well-written whodunit with intrigue, murder and clever dialogue — plus plenty of sexual situations and offensive language.
