Awaited chiller, melodrama to sparkle on silver screen
The new motion pictures opening today at a theater near you include: – “Das Experiment”: A poor cab driver (Moritz Bleibtreu of “Run Lola Run”) and some other young German men volunteer to participate in a 14-day psychological program inside a prison. They soon discover that violent methods are being implemented to obtain the results desired by the scientists in charge. Adapted from the novel by Mario Giordano, the unrated European import is loosely based on a real-life experiment conducted by Stanford University three decades ago. Oliver Hirschbiegel directed.
– “Invincible”: This fact-based tale, rated PG-13, chronicles the journey of Zishe Breitbart (Finnish newcomer Jouko Ahola), a muscular Jewish blacksmith from Eastern Poland who travels to 1932 Berlin to perform strong-man acts in a nightclub, operated by a mysterious hypnotist (Tim Roth of “Reservoir Dogs”). Once in the decadent city, the outsider recognizes the rise of the hateful Nazi party and embarks on a journey to warn the Jewish people about the dangers they face from a vicious enemy that seeks to destroy them. Werner Herzog (“Nosferatu”) directed the German import.
– “Moonlight Mile”: A middle-aged couple (Susan Sarandon of “The Banger Sisters” and Dustin Hoffman of “Rain Man”) adjusting to the senseless murder of their daughter invite her fianc’ (Jake Gyllenhaal of “October Sky”) to share in their shattered lives. Various secrets soon surface. Holly Hunter (“O Brother, Where Art Thou?”) and Dabney Coleman (“9 to 5”) co-star. Brad Silberling (“City of Angels”) wrote and directed the PG-13 melodrama, which is loosely based on a tragedy in his life.
– “Red Dragon”: This prequel to “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Hannibal” chronicles the early days of Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) as he pretends to help a police investigator (Edward Norton of “Fight Club”) track a serial killer (Ralph Fiennes of “The English Patient”). Emily Watson (“Gosford Park”), Harvey Keitel (“U-571”), Mary-Louise Parker (TV’s “The West Wing”) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Almost Famous”) co-star. Brett Ratner (“Rush Hour”) directed the R-rated thriller, based on Thomas Harris’ novel. The best seller was previously made into the underrated “Manhunter” (1982), directed by Michael Mann.
At the buck$ office
Reese Witherspoon flexed her box-office muscle last weekend as her fluffy romantic comedy, “Sweet Home Alabama,” opened with more than $35 million.
Hong Kong action superstar Jackie Chan was no match for Witherspoon. His comedy adventure, “The Tuxedo,” barely topped the $15 million mark.
The top 10 films last weekend were:
1. “Sweet Home Alabama” ($37.5 million)
2. “The Tuxedo” ($15.1 million)
3. “Barbershop” ($10.1 million)
4. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” ($9.8 million)
5. “The Banger Sisters” ($5.4 million)
6. “The Four Feathers” ($3.6 million)
7. “One Hour Photo” ($3 million)
8. Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever” ($2.7 million)
9. “Signs” ($2.3 million)
10. “Swimfan” ($1.52 million)