Screen Time

by Greg Levrault

Our regular movie critics have gone into hiding after an ill-conceived wager over who could outlast the other through a Gigli/ Marci X double bill. While the authorities continue their search, let's share with you some of the features playing in Cape Girardeau this October:

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN: Diane Lane stars as a heartbroken writer who visits scenic Tuscany and, on a whim, buys an old villa to renovate. As she rebuilds the house, she begins to rebuild her life, discovering new friends and a new strength of self. Based on the best-selling memoir and directed by the creator of "The Truth About Cats and Dogs", this film aims to overwhelm the heart with breathtaking scenery and charming performances.

THE RUNDOWN: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars as an burnt-out enforcer who visits the Amazon in search of his boss' son and, on a whim, buys an old - nah, he ends up treasure hunting. Sean Thomas Scott ("American Pie") tries his best to make the film a buddy movie, and Christopher Walken portrays the villain. A throwback to the crème of 80's action movies, "The Rundown" even includes a cameo that, intentionally or not, signifies the passing of the torch. Of course, this film aims to overwhelm the heart with breathtaking scenery and charming performances. And explosions.

OUT OF TIME: Denzel Washington plays his sixth cop, his second turn as a police chief, and his third time as a cop trying to clear his name. So what makes this one special? Carl Franklin, who directed Denzel in "Devil in a Blue Dress." Eva Mendes, all over 2003's screens ("2 Fast 2 Furious," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico,") also stars.

SCHOOL OF ROCK: Jack Black seems to have found the perfect leading man role, as an aspiring musician who impersonates a prep school substitute teacher. At first glance, the movie looks like "Dead Poets Society" if Robin Williams had just finished "Mork and Mindy". But Joan Cusack ("In And Out", "Working Girl") and director Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused", "Newton Boys") help focus his energy, and a cast of unknown kids prove more than a match.

RUNAWAY JURY: Based on the John Grisham novel, "Runaway Jury" stars John Cusack, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, and Rachel Weisz as players attempting to manipulate the jury of a high-stakes court case. Director Gary Fleder has brought to the screen such thrillers as "Don't Say A Word" and "Kiss the Girls" Insiders tout two of the film's virtues: a return to the sharpness of classic Grisham films, and the first on-screen pairing of Hackman and Hoffman.

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: Few expect this remake to outgore the 1974 original. But it'll be interesting how the current wave of horror films inform this re-interpretation of the pater familias. And with the crop of new faces playing the hapless travelers ("7th Heaven" Jessica Biel being the most recognizable), who knows who's going to make it to the end? Of course, this film aims to overwhelm the heart with breathtaking scenery and charming performances.

SCARY MOVIE 3: The first "Scary Movie" was Keenan Ivory Wayans' skewering of horror movies, a la "Airplane!" So when the Wayans brothers left the franchise, producers recruited "Airplane!" creator David Zucker to direct. The result could be the funniest, more successful "Scary Movie" yet. Or it could be another "Baseketball."

ALIEN: THE DIRECTOR'S CUT: The sci-fi classic Alien celebrates 25 years with a return to theaters, accompanied by several minutes of footage cut from the original film, including the ultimate fates of Ripley's crewmates. This theatrical run may also be a bellweather for the Alien franchise, with two new Alien projects in consideration and possible re-release of James Cameron's "Aliens" in the spring.

In October, the Cape 14 is presenting two horror classics for their late night series: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, directed by George Romero, remains one of the most influencial horror films of all time. 35 years later, the mother of all zombie movies lumbers back onto the big screen in mid-October. The king of the slasher movies, HALLOWEEN, hits the Cape West 14 for Halloween weekend.

Check your theatre for showtimes and ticket prices. Until next time...