Movie reviews

Reviews of movies playing at local theaters.

Date published: 3/9/2006

aquamarine (PG)

This is a cute turn at a mermaid tale, aimed squarely at an audience of young, teenage girls who’ll appreciate moments of friendship, fascinations with boys and more.

The story, about a teen-age mermaid who washes up into the lives of two best friends, is a little silly.

But it’s done in such a sweet way, and with a winning cast, that the result will be a nice surprise to young viewers.

Joanna “JoJo” Levesque is a breath of fresh air as Hailey, one of two best friends about to be separated after growing up together along the ocean.

And Sara Paxton manages to make her self-sure, dizzy mermaid character believable enough to make this fairy tale work.

Compared to many of the movies aimed at a young, audience, this one has a sweet, refreshing touch.

Rated PG for mild language and sensuality. [RF, RA, M] .

dave chappelle’s block party (R)

This is an odd show, not quite a movie and only partly a concert.

The problem: It doesn’t provide enough of either to make most fans happy.

Without a doubt, Dave Chappelle is one of the funniest and most inspired comics working today. His TV show, now in limbo, has made him a huge star.

This film feature is a different animal. Part of it is little funny bits of Chappelle organizing the party and concert that features performers ranging from Kanye West to The Fugees.

The other part is performances from those musicians and others like Mos Def and John Legend.

The problem is that the bits of Chappelle handing out invitations and welcoming musicians are hilarious, but end too quickly.

And those mainly interested in the music feel the same way about the concert, and feel short-changed to get only bits of performances by these varied artists.

It’s a neat idea, and one of the few chances to see Chappelle now that his show’s stuck in limbo.

But it leaves you wanting more.

Rated R for language. [RF, RA]

16 blocks (PG–13)

When Bruce Willis opens this tale of a cop trying to get a witness through a maze of other cops he’s about to testify against, the star looks tired.

Bone tired. Soul tired. Weary of everything.

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Date published: 3/9/2006