“Agent
Cody Banks 2: Destination London”
MGM Pictures
Rated PG
(Not reviewed)
Everyone’s favorite mediocre “Spy Kids” knockoff,
starring Frankie Muniz, returns in “Agent Cody
Banks 2: Destination London.” Expect shots
of Big Ben, the Tower of London and…let’s
say Madame Tussaud’s wax museum.
“The Company”
Sony Picture Classics
Rated PG-13
3.5 reels (out of four)
Robert Altman’s entrancing study of the dance
community opened briefly awhile ago, but the Broadway
is bringing it back.
The ensemble film centers around Neve Campbell as
an up-and-coming dancer in an elite troupe full of
ambitious and tormented ballet dancers. Campbell
was a dancer, so there aren’t any distracting
long shots or examples of obviously poor dancing
(except to experts, I’m sure). Malcolm McDowell
is striking as the company director, who aims to
be simultaneously flattering and intimidating. James
Franco is also good as Campbell’s supportive,
neglected boyfriend.
Altman captures the fragile facts of the business
with his documentary-like style. He doesn’t
attack or praise the ballet community, he just shows
it like it is.
“Japanese
Story”
3 reels (out of four)
Opening at Broadway
See review
“Secret Window”
2.5 reels (out of four)
See review
“Spartan”
Warner Bros.
Rated R
(Not reviewed)
One might think it a bad sign when the new David
Mamet film isn’t screened for critics. But
there is some positive word of mouth from the top
10 markets where there were screenings for “Spartan,” the
great writer’s new thriller. On the Internet
Movie Database, “poetellect” gives it
an A, and if you can’t trust him, who can you
trust?
Val Kilmer stars as an investigator trying to uncover
the complex, labyrinthine truths of the kidnapping
of a prominent political figure’s daughter.
I think the trailer gave away the identity of the
political figure, but I’ll keep it a secret.
jeremy@red-mag.com
