Evening (PG-13)
Who’s in it: Claire Danes, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Toni Collette, Patrick Wilson, Mamie Gummer, Hugh Dancy
What it’s about: On her deathbed Ann Lord (Redgrave) dredges up old regrets as her daughters (Richardson, Collette) puzzle over her fever-dream ramblings. In flashbacks, we see the young Ann (Danes) fall for her “true love” Harris (Wilson), her best firend Lila (Gummer) and Lila’s drunk brother Buddy (Dancy), who all hope to pair off with one or another, but nothing is recipericated in kind.
Worth watching? **
” ‘It all went by so fast,’ Redgrave’s Ann moans at one point. If only, Ann. If only.”[ Glenn Whipp, L.A. Daily News ]
Ratatouille (G)
Who’s in it: Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano, Janeane Garofalo
What it’s about: A Parisian rat named Remy (Oswalt) wants to become a famous chef, so with the help of a hapless kitchen boy named Linguini (Romano) and stylish cook Collette (Garofalo), Remy sets out to prove he can cook.
Worth watching? ***
“The real joy of the movie lies in simply rooting for Remy. How will this good little rat, unfortunately a scourge of the restaurant business, achieve his dream? It’s the sheer improbability of it all that makes ‘Ratatouille’ so wonderful.” [ Rafer Guzman, Newsday ]
Rock the Bells (Not rated)
Who’s in it: Chang Weisberg, the Wu-Tang Clan, Redman; performances by Dilated Peoples and Sage Francis, among others
What it’s about: When promoter Weisberg worked to reunite the legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan at his 2004 Rock the Bells festival, he never could have expected a venue fire, malfunctioning equipment, inept security, angry fans and a recalcitrant Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
Worth watching? ***
“‘Bells’ is a flat-out stunner that combines a celebration of hip-hop culture with a disaster film.”[ Kevin Williams, Chicago Tribune ]
Opens Saturday at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
Opening next week – Tuesday: – “License to Wed” – “Transformers” Friday: – “Black Sheep” – “Lady Chatterley”
