Movie Reviews: Quick Takes

The Interpreter (2005) A convoluted political thriller about an interpreter (Nicole Kidman) who overhears a plot to assassinate a fictional African nation's controversial leader. Average compared to other political thrillers such as The Manchurian Candidate. *** (out of 5) Ladies in Lavender (2004) A delightful, gentle comedy/drama set in 1930s Cornish. Two elderly ladies befriend a foreign stranger who is washed up on the beach near their home. Beautiful, sad, funny... it will pull at your heartstrings. **** (out of 5) In Good Company (2004) A middle-aged man (Dennis Quaid) finds himself pushed aside in an advertising agency when a young, inexperienced new boss (Topher Grace) arrives as part of a corporate takeover. Complicating matters -- the new boss falls in love with the middle-aged man's daughter (Scarlett Johansen). Scarlett Johansen is brilliant as usual. Light, superficial, preachy but entertaining. *** (out of 5) The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005) An average movie version of the now-famous work by Douglas Adams. Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) wakes up one morning to discover that one of his friends is an alien and that earth is to be destroyed to make way for a hypespace highway. He goes on a journey through the universe with a guide book that will tell him everything he needs to know. *** (out of 5) Hitch (2005) The best romantic comedy I have seen for ages! Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith) is a highly successfully dating consultant who charges for his services in getting men through the first three dates with someone to show them in their best light. Some have even made it to the altar! But when Hitch meets Sara (Eva Mendes) he finds all his theory doesn't work the way he expects. A delightfully funny and entertaining movie. **** (out of 5)