THE HORSE WHISPERER

Directed abd produced by none other than the lead actor himself, this rustic film centering around a mother, a daughter, her horse and a horse "healer". The cinematic views of Montana adds to the beauty of the plot, complimented by hints of subtle humour. A dramatic picture which deals with family relationships, evolving into the theme of choices people make in life. The ending is unpredictable as the dilemma faced by the lady lead has a no-win conclusion. A fine film that may just earn some Oscar recognitions next year.

THE MASK OF ZORRO

With Steven Spielberg being one of the executive producers of this movie, you should expect nothing less than a spectacular movie experience, at least for this time round. Zorro, played charmingly by Sir Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter himself) and Antonio Banderas, is everyone's favourite mysterious hero. Catherine Zeta-jones plays the step daughter of the villain who is the child of old Zorro and the love-interest of the young lad. Although slightly predictable, typical of movie genres as such, this action-packed film is full of style and wit. Eye-opening stunts (Zorro riding 2 horses with a foot on each), fancy sword-play and sizzling courtship between Antonio and Catherine spices up this movie version of the old hit series. If you've enjoyed The Man In The Iron Mask, you'll probably like this swashbuckling action-comedy.

DOCTOR DOLITTLE

A doctor learns of his innate ability to communicate with animals. This movie basically speaks of him discovering this 'talent', coping with it and finally trying to convince everyone of it. With the real good laughs already seen in its trailer, what remains are mildly funny jokes, some chuckles and many stale moments. Eddie's typically enchanting performance is overshadowed by a loose script. Chris Rock, the voice behind the guinea pig, sparks off most of the laughter with his French sing-along with All Saints, driving Dolittle insane. One expects a movie as hilarious as its trailer but like many other films, this is not the case.

SMALL SOLDIERS

State-of-the-art microchips built for high-tech military warfare are planted into action-figures by a toy manufacturer. The result? Killer one foot tall soldiers wreck havoc as their programmed chip includes the knowledge of utilizing aerosol cans and chain-saws among others in the most destructive ways inmaginable. Despite its far-fetched idea, the witty punchlines of these 'toys' and the non-stop action that entails are most entertaining. Watch out for dozens of pseudo-Barbie dolls becoming alive and fighting humans (Gulliver's Travel?) like a bunch of wacko ninjas. If you don't look out for any deep storylines, with a little verisimilitude, you should enjoy the Toy Story cousin as much as I have.


NIGHTWATCH

Check out Ewan Mcgregor in his 1st prominent role as a Mr Goody-two-shoes. After taking up a job in a medical examiner (morgue), spooky killings start occurring with the clues pointing to him. This thriller is a B-rate one at its best. Not a single boring scene with enough gore and sexual innuendoes to juice up the plot about a perverted pyscho. Unlike the other A-grade B-rate flick, Scream, Nightwatch is solemn and not a tad-bit funny, giving it a classic horror film feel. The talented cast of Nick Nolte and Patricia Arquette is most perfect for the collaboration with Ewan. Make a date with them soon, you'll not regret it.

SNAKE EYES

15 minutes into the starting of the film, the Secretary of Defence attending a boxing match will be assassinated in the stadium and all 14 000 eye witnesses will be detained while Nic Cage and Gary Sinise's characters track down the culprit. A masterpiece. With the film set entirely in a hotel, Brian De Palma turns such restrictions into wonders for his action-thriller. Graceful and clever camera captures, innovative story-telling style, and a steady climbing pace: Snake is a vibrant version of last year's hit, Ransom (coincidentally starring Gary as well).