Under the Tuscan Sun

A bit of late-summer escapism unfolds on the other side of the pond, as a recent divorcee (Diane Lane) flees to Italy, purchases a villa and finds a mysterious foreign love interest. Adapted for the screen by Audrey Well—who also produced and directed—from author Frances Mayes’ bestselling memoir, with a number of departures from the book. In the past, Wells has been responsible for such mixed fare as George of the Jungle, The Truth About Cats and Dogs and The Kid; here she strives to transcend the cliches of the typical romantic romp. An array of complications and subplots flesh out the simple story of one woman falling in love with a countryside estate, a beautiful landscape and a new life. (SWVL)

Veronica Guerin

Director Joel Schumacher’s latest movie is based upon on the life of the Sunday Independent reporter of the same name. The film is the story of her self-imposed mission to clear the streets of drugs and drug pushers, culminating in her brutal death at the hands of gang leaders attempting to protect themselves from the momentum of her crusade. Most important, it is the story of Guerin herself: her character, her motivations, her fears and doubts. Cate Blanchett’s resplendent performance as Guerin seethes with passion and intensity in every scene. It is her skillful work—as well as that of her supporting cast—that compensates for the film’s directorial inadequacies. (GPH)

Wonderland

As Wonderland opens, John Holmes (Val Kilmer) comes to grips with the fading of his fame as the first and biggest hardcore porn star: he has become just another junkie desperate for his next score. Through a variety of mysterious circumstances, he ends up enlisted by both of his drug dealers as they and their gangs attack each other. Holmes’ relative guilt in both actions is questioned in Rashomon-like flashbacks that see the past through very different perspectives. Until the very end, we are only clear about the strong sleaziness that pervades this man. Wonderland demonstrates how truly awful humans can be; it shows us our own world, making it that much harder to take. (ASW)

—Happening was edited by Tiffany I. Hsieh and compiled by Ryan J. Kuo, Vinita Alexander, Gary P. Ho, Jordan Walker, Simon W. Vozick-Levinson, Ben Y. Chung, Sarah L. Solozano, Scoop A. Wasserstein, Melissa R. Robillard, Leon Neyfakh and Steven N. Jacobs.