Do the Right Thing

It's the hottest day of the year in Brooklyn, and the tempers are flaring at Sal's pizzeria. Spike Lee's powerful and entertaining film is full of great characters. Lee poses some difficult questions, and dares us to like his answers.

Dancer, Texas Pop. 81

A quiet little film about four young men poised on the verge of leaving their tiny hometown for Los Angeles. Each has reasons to leave and reasons to stay and one weekend to make their big decision.

Earth Girls Are Easy

Summer Fling

Irish youth (Jared Leto) struggles with fears of the future and dreams of romance in this uneven, but interesting 'coming of age' film. Not a lot of substance to it, but the emotional ups and downs ring true.

Basic Instinct

A cop loaded with personal problems becomes entangled with a woman suspected of murder. This sexy mystery-thriller isn't a terribly good movie, although it can be great nasty, raunchy fun if you can suspend your values, judgement and good taste.

U Turn

Small time scum (Sean Penn) has a string of bad luck while stranded in a hot desert town. Penn is credible and the supporting cast is strong in this exploration of poor judgement and the difference small choices can make.

Scream

Wes Craven's ultra-hip and self-aware horror movie tracks yet another teenage blood bath. In a paradoxical move, Craven mocks horror movie conventions while also indulging in them. Alternatively funny and scary, it’s certainly witty and gruesome, but hardly subversive.

Dirty Dancing

Lovers from opposite sides of the tracks (Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey) dance and struggle with her disapproving parents in this shallow film that's saved by great dancing and an inspirational ending that works if you give it a chance.

In God's Hands

Three surfing dudes cross the world's oceans in search of the ultimate wave. This attractive film by Zalman King will be interesting to surfing fans but painful for anyone who's looking for plot, character development, acting or dialogue.