The following are capsule reviews of "The Cookout," "Criminal," "Red Lights," and "Resident Evil: Apocalypse." These movies recently were reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Cookout (Lions Gate)
Forgettable comedy about a young basketball player (Storm P) who, after striking it rich as the NBA's No. 1 draft pick, decides to throw a family barbeque at his palatial new home in an exclusive white suburban community, policed by an overzealous security guard (Queen Latifah). Mayhem ensues when the cookout turns into a tug-of-war between his eccentric relatives, who want to make sure that his newfound success doesn't go to his head, and his gold-digger girlfriend (Meagan Good), who's just after his money. While imparting a message that family is more important than fame, much of Lance Rivera's unfunny directorial debut only serves to reinforce many of the African-American stereotypes it purports to discredit. Some crass sexual and racial humor, drug content and recurring crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Criminal (Warner Independent Pictures)
Smartly crafted scam movie about a veteran con man (John C. Reilly) who takes a young street hustler (Diego Luna) under his wing in order to swindle a wealthy collector (Peter Mullan) into buying a forged, extremely rare currency note. Director Gregory Jacobs' beat-for-beat remake of the 2002 Argentinian film "Nine Queens" fails to match the sharpness of the original, but its clever shell-game narrative still provides enough double-dealing plot twists to keep viewers guessing. However, the movie follows the original's morally muddy lead in suggesting that duplicity pays off. An implied sexual encounter and recurring rough language. (L, R)
Red Lights (Wellspring)
Taut, compelling and very creepy thriller based on a Georges Simenon novel about an insurance salesman (Jean-Pierre Darroussin) and his lawyer wife (Carole Bouquet) traveling on the highway to pick up their children from camp. Their bickering leads the wife to abandon her increasingly inebriated husband who then gives a lift to a man (Vincent Deniard) who may be a dangerous wanted fugitive. Director Cedric Kahn maintains an unnervingly desolate and unsettling mood while Darroussin gives a brilliant performance as the emotionally wrecked husband, making this as much an incisive character study as a superior suspense film. Subtitles. A smattering of crude language and two violent episodes. (A-III, no MPAA rating)
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Screen Gems)
Mindless action/horror sequel taking up where the first film left off, as a ragtag handful of survivors (led by Milla Jovovich, genetically enhanced with superhuman powers this time around) fight their way to safety after the deadly virus unleashed in the first film escapes underground containment, turning the infected surface population into flesh-eating zombies. Based on the ultraviolent video game and directed by Alexander Witt, this "Dawn of the Dead" clone is devoid of anything remotely resembling narrative, character or redeeming moral value, opting instead for nonstop, gratuitous carnage. Excessive graphic violence, desecration of religious objects and brief partial nudity, as well as recurring rough language and profanity. (O, R)
USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classifications: A-I -- general patronage; A-II -- adults and adolescents; A-III -- adults; A-IV -- adults, with reservations (this indicates films that, while not morally offensive in themselves, are not for casual viewing because they require some analysis and explanation in order to avoid false impressions and interpretations); L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling; O -- morally offensive.
-- CNS
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