[ MOVIE WEEK ]

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 14, 2000 by Capital-Journal

The Patriot --- An epic look at America's war for independence that is more serious and skillful than might be expected from the team that gave the world "Independence Day." But the benefits of star Mel Gibson's charisma aside, its attempt to blend a broad canvas with an intimate family story is not completely successful. (2:38. R, for strong war violence.)

The Perfect Storm --- Creating one of the most terrifying storms in screen history goes a long way toward obliterating flaws in character and dialogue that crop up in this version of the best- selling book about a 1991 Atlantic maelstrom and the people unlucky enough to be caught in it. Wolfgang Petersen directs, George Clooney stars. (2:05. PG-13, for language and scenes of peril.)

Scary Movie --- Keenen Ivory Wayans, with help from his brothers Shawn and Marlon, among many others, sends up the "Scream" franchise, a slew of other horror pictures and skewers the cliches of teen pics with an envelope-pushing dose of raunchy, gross-out humor. Thanks to Wayans' all-crucial light touch, the result is very funny and frequently hilarious. (1:27. R, for strong crude sexual humor, language, drug use and violence.)

Titan A.E. --- A feature-length animated science fiction tale about life in the 31st century, after earth has been incinerated by the sinister Drej, leaving humans to cope with being the homeless people of the universe. While many elements are either standard or ruthlessly calibrated to the likes and dislikes of teen-age boys, Co- directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman have done an excellent job of using computer-generated effects to create a vast and wondrous outer space world. (1:35. PG for action violence, mild sensuality and brief language.)

28 Days --- An empathetic Sandra Bullock performance is squandered in this "Happy Days checks into Wonderland" look at one woman's experience with rehab. Directed in breezy sitcom fashion by Betty Thomas, it's a film with a jones for the obvious and an uncertainty about how seriously to take itself. (1:43. PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving substance abuse, language and some sensuality.)

Where the Heart Is --- A pregnant and abandoned teenager (Natalie Portman) stakes out a corner in a Wal-Mart and finds some new friends. With Ashley Judd, Stockard Channing and Sally Field. (PG-13 for intense thematic material, language and sexual content.)

X-men --- Director Bryan Singer brings the popular comic-book superheroes to life. The cast includes Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen and Anna Paquin. (1:44. PG-13 for violence.)

--- The Los Angeles Times

m o v i e s