“Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat”
1 reel (out of four)
See review

“Gothika”
2 reels (out of four)—reviewed by Chris Bellamy
See review

“The Human Stain”
Miramax Films
Rated R
Opening at Madstone
(out of four)

“The Human Stain” interweaves past and present in a poignant portrait of people at odds with their roots.

Anthony Hopkins plays an almost-retired college professor who resigns after a student accuses him of racism when he refers to two constantly absent students as “spooks” and they later turn out to be black. His wife dies after hearing the news, and he goes on a mission to clear his name, making friends with a writer (Gary Sinise) whom he tries to get to write his story. He eventually starts an affair with a shady, scarred woman (Nicole Kidman) who left her wealthy family to be in the lower class.

Oscar-winning director Robert Benton’s (“Kramer vs. Kramer”) adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel might not compare to the book, but still creates some very strong dramatic moments about deception and human nature. While some odd casting decisions make some moments a little awkward and Kidman looks a little too sexy for her character, this is still a strong piece, perhaps hindered by its big names and hype.

“OT: Our Town”
Film Movement
Not rated
Opening at Madstone
(Not reviewed)

Scott Hamilton Kennedy’s documentary “OT: Our Town” looks at a Compton, Calif., high school that hasn’t put on a play in 20 years. Two teachers and 24 teachers attempt to produce Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” with no stage or budget. The film looks at art and budget cuts and their impact on pupils. After all, they had to do a junior high play.

“Shattered Glass”
3.5 reels (out of four)
See review

“The Singing Detective”
3.5 reels (out of four)—reviewed by Jamie Gadette
See review

“Sylvia”
Focus Features
Rated R
Opening at the Broadway
(Not reviewed)

Let’s get depressed! Australian director Christine Jeffs follows 2001’s “Rain” with “Sylvia,” based on the life of poet Sylvia Plath. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Plath, with Daniel Craig as her sometimes loving, sometimes philandering husband Ted Hughes. For a special Salt Lake Film Society event, come to the Broadway Centre (111 E. 300 South) at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday for a special reading of Plath’s and Hughes’ poetry before the film.

“Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion”
Artistic License
Not rated
Opening at Madstone
(Not reviewed)

Ten years went into this documentary by Tom Peosay, which looks to explore a wide variety of themes.

Filmed over nine trips to Tibet, India and Nepal (I assumed from the title that the latter two aren’t as important), “Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion” shows “the rooftop of the world” through yak caravans on Himalayan mountains (as recently dramatized in “Himalaya”), Khamba warriors racing on horses, rare rituals and the holy city Lhasa’s slums.
jeremy@red-mag.com