Freeze Frames
The Monitor Movie Guide
MARCH 8, 1996
Movies containing violence (V), sexual situations (S), nudity (N), and profanity (P) are noted. Ratings and comments by the panel (blue stars) reflect the sometimes diverse views of at least three other viewers. Look for more guidance in our full reviews.
EVALUATION SYMBOLS
David Sterritt Monitor Panel Meaning
O O Forget it
s p Only if it's free
ss pp Maybe a matinee
sss ppp Worth full price
ssss pppp Wait in line
New Releases
THE BIRDCAGE (R)
sss Armand and Albert are homosexual, but Armand's son wants to marry the daughter of a conservative senator, so they agree to "act straight" for a while. Based on the popular French movie "La Cage aux Folles," the fast-moving comedy was directed by Mike Nichols from Elaine May's screenplay. Robin Williams and Gene Hackman head the well-chosen cast. Contains a great deal of material about homosexuality. P N
CHUNGKING EXPRESS (PG-13)
sss Two separate stories about Hong Kong policemen with romantic problems. One meets a female smuggler who helps him forget his former girlfriend, and the other gets involved with a music-loving waitress who pokes into his life behind his back. Written and directed by Wong Kar-wai, the film is an imaginative piece of filmmaking and an evocative essay on the mood in contemporary Hong Kong as it prepares for a return to Chinese rule. V S P
DOWN PERISCOPE (PG-13)
ss Kelsey Grammer of TV's "Frasier" commands a crew of misfit submariners in his first big screen role. The loopy plot and hijinks of Grammer's sailors provide some laughs as he captains a 1950s diesel sub in war games against the Navy's best. Critics may consign this farce to the briny deep, but teens could enjoy its good-natured spoof of all things nautical. P S By John Dillin
pp Outlandish, mischievous, coarse jokes.
Page 1 of 10
