Things to do in Sacramento and Beyond: Meyer's Picks

Things to do in Sacramento and Beyond

The Bee's guide to events, activities, arts and entertainment

August 16, 2007

Each week in Friday's Weekend Ticket, I review the weekend's new movies. I also list recommendations for recently released films in a feature called Meyer's Picks. Now, you can find this feature each Thursday afternoon here at 21Q.

Here are my recommendations:

The Bourne Ultimatum
4 stars
The handheld camera work might unsettle some viewers, but it adds tremendous immediacy to this nonstop-action film. Memory-challenged CIA-trained assassin Jason Bourne is an implausibly resourceful character, but he always compels, in large part because of Matt Damon's performance. Resembling a bullet in build and determination, Damon's Bourne will attempt to eradicate all obstacles. He was trained to do so. But the key to his character's appeal is that he doesn't want to be what he is.
Rated PG-13

Stardust
2 1/2 stars
Shopboy-turned-adventurer Tristan (Charlie Cox) is a fool for a beautiful young woman (Sienna Miller), but not a fool altogether. As played by the likable Cox, he's a wonderful, even ideal, fairy-tale hero. Tristan is handsome and adventurous but sensible as well. As much as he enjoys engaging in witty repartee with a fallen star (Claire Danes) in the crater she created, he insists that they keep moving.
Rated PG-13

Hairspray
3 1/2 stars
John Travolta plays a woman here, but his singing voice was higher, not to mention stronger, in "Grease." Yet his performance, though always a curio, is completely infectious, because Travolta emanates such warmth and delight at being able to put on a show. His scenes with Nikki Blonsky, an 18-year-old newcomer and dynamo, brim with affection.
Rated PG

That's my list. Now let's see what you think. Just click on the comments button below.

By Carla Meyer
- Bee Movie Critic

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