What’s New

Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001). The “g’day” man wears out his welcome with a flat and listless visit to the City of Angels. Paul Hogan should stick to tourism. Directed by Simon Wincer. Paramount: no list price; DVD: $29.99; (CC); PG, for some language and brief violence.

Driven (2001). An earnest, formulaic, unintentionally silly motion picture set on the international racing circuit. Director Renny Harlin’s visuals, however, are kinetic enough to make even pit stops look thrilling. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. Warner: no list price; DVD: $24.98; (CC); PG-13 for language and some intense crash sequences.

The Luzhin Defence (2001). It has third-act problems, but it features excellent work by John Turturro as an eccentric chess genius and Emily Watson as the woman he loves, plus a superb re-creation of 1929 Italy. Columbia: no list price; DVD: $29.95; (CC); PG-13, for some sensuality and thematic elements.

Someone Like You (2001). The jaunty romantic comedy is a comfortable fit for Ashley Judd, who is surrounded by a stellar supporting cast, including Greg Kinnear, Hugh Jackman, Marisa Tomei and Ellen Barkin. Director Tony Goldwyn gives it buoyancy and breeziness. PG-13 for sexual content, including dialogue, and for some language.

Spy Kids (2001). An engaging premise (two preteens have to rescue spy parents Antonio Banderas and Carla Guigino from the bad guys) is made into a winning family film that has a playful sense of humor. Writer-director Robert Rodriguez is apparently something of a big kid at heart. Miramax: $24.99; DVD: $29.99; (CC); PG, for action sequences.

Startup.com (2001). Documentary about two longtime friends, Tom Herman and Kalil Isaza Tuzman, who start an online business together. Newcomer Jehane Noujaim and veteran Chris Hegedus make “Startup.com” as timeless as it is timely. Artisan: no list price; DVD: $24.98; (CC); R, for language.

The Widow of Saint-Pierre (2001). A complex, superbly told tale, set in 1849 on a French island off Newfoundland, about the transformation of a drunken killer (Emir Kusturica) as he awaits execution by guillotine (which the island does not possess). Stars Juliette Binoche, Daniel Auteuil; directed by Patrice Leconte. Trimark: no list price; DVD: $24.95; (CC); R, for sexuality and brief violence.

What’s Hot

* Last week’s Top 5 VHS rentals:

1. Exit Wounds (2001). Steven Seagal returns to action in this grimy, noisy cop thriller in which he plays a renegade detective chasing down corruption in a rough-and-tumble precinct. R, for strong violence, language and sexuality/nudity.

2. Hannibal (2001). The film is creepy and grotesque rather than terrifying. If Hannibal Lecter isn’t scaring us silly, what’s the point of having him around? Starring Anthony Hopkins and Julianne Moore. Directed by Ridley Scott. R, for gruesome violence, some nudity and language.3. * Memento (2001). Christopher Nolan’s exceptional film is a haunting, nervy thriller about a man who can remember nothing at all. More than a film of ideas, however, it’s a provocatively structured and thrillingly executed film noir. With Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano. R, for violence, language and some drug content.

4. Joe Dirt (2001). Lewdness, scatology and David Spade’s hairdresser rule in this farcical ode to the basic goodness of white trash. PG-13, for crude and sex-related humor, language.

5. 15 Minutes (2001). Audacious and unwieldy, this dark thriller is too long, too violent and not convincing. Yet, its indictment of the nexus of media, crime and a voracious public is a cinematic statement difficult to ignore. Written and directed by John Herzfeld. Robert De Niro, Edward Burns and Kelsey Grammer. R, for strong violence, language and sexuality.* Last week’s Top 5 DVD rentals:1. Hannibal2. 15 Minutes 3. Enemy at the Gates (2001). World War II tale of a sniper duel that parallels the bloody battle for Stalingrad is nothing you’d want to have a conversation about. Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. With Joseph Fiennes, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Bob Hoskins and Ed Harris. R, for strong, graphic war violence and some sexuality. 4. The Mexican 5. The Family Man (2000). This attempt to make an “It’s a Wonderful Life” (with Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni) lacks the honesty to pull it off. PG-13 for sensuality and language. * Last week’s Top 5 VHS sellers:1. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). 2. See Spot Run 3. Pokemon 3: The Movie (2000). G.4. Men of Honor5. Veggie Tales: The Toy That Saved Christmas

* Last week’s Top 5 DVD sellers:1. Exit Wounds 2. Memento3. Hannibal4. Forrest Gump (1994). PG-13.5. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

What’s Coming

Tuesday: “Beautiful Creatures,” “Heartbreakers,” “The Mummy Returns.”

Oct. 9: “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “I’m the One That I Want.”

Oct. 16: “Angel Eyes,” “Cats & Dogs,” “The Crimson Rivers.”

Oct. 23: “About Adam,” “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within,” “Songcatcher,” “Town & Country,” “With a Friend Like Harry.”

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Rental video charts provided by VSDAVidTrac, sales charts by VideoScan Inc.