The Ricochet Reviewer: Books, Movies, and Comics

Writer/Director: George Lucas Stars: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Jake Lloyd, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Pernilla August, Oliver Ford Davies Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his  apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), encounter young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) while aiding Queen Amidala's (Natalie Portman) attempt to break a crippling trade blockade on her planet.   They take the future Darth Vader under their wing, setting the stage for future tragedy.   Clearly, the universe is about to be plunged into war.  The state-of-the-art special effects provide plenty to look at, but otherwise, there is little to recommend this film.  The roles are underdeveloped with the result that the cast, which is packed with fine actors, comes across as dull because they have nothing to do.  I realize that this film is not primarily about characterization, but just think back to the main characters of the original trilogy--Luke Skywalker, Han Solo,...

by Mary Roberts Rinehart Spinster Rachel Innes and her two young wards take  a country house for the summer only to become enmeshed in a complex web of murder and intrigue.   The story itself is quite convoluted, but Rachel is a plucky, resourceful heroine and a good first-person guide to the action.   I’m no authority on early twentieth-century literature, but it seems likely that such a strong, independent woman who spends no time wishing for a male companion must have been an unusual character for the time.   Her affectionate teasing relationship with her maid Libby and the mutual respect she establishes with Detective Jamieson, not to mention the suspenseful climax, are high points. Mary Roberts Rinehart "The Mystery of the Spiral Staircase" (Portuguese) "The Spiral Staircase" (Italian) "Death Staircase" (Turkish) "The Spiral Staircase" (German) "The Spiral Staircase" (Danish)

Director: Mike Nichols Writer: Carrie Fisher, based on her book Stars: Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Reiner, Mary Wickes, Conrad Bain An actress's (Meryl Streep) recovery from drug addiction  is complicated by her difficult, competitive relationship with her mother (Shirley MacLaine), a maintenance alcoholic and former star who misses the limelight.   Based on Carrie Fisher's autobiographical novel, this film attempts a careful balance between comedy and drama and mostly succeeds.  Although it gives short shrift to the seriousness of drug dependence, the comedy is genuinely funny in the capable hands of Streep and (especially) MacLaine.  The ending is too tidy for its own good, but this film remains a funny comedy with glimpses of what could have been a searing drama.

Director: Joel Coen Writers: Ethan Coen & Joel Coen Stars: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid A laid-back slacker (Jeff Bridges) and his high-strung  buddy (John Goodman) get caught up in a complex kidnap scheme.   "The Big Lebowski" has amassed a huge cult following, so I came to this film with high expectations.  I enjoyed it, but I must admit that I don't see why it has inspired such devotion that annual conventions are held, and books have been written in its honor.  However, it has an offbeat rhythm and there may be more than meets the eye at first viewing.  The Coen brothers devote as much screen time (or maybe more) to bowling and the men who enjoy such simple pleasures as they do to the busy machinations of the crime and the schemers behind it, which suggests that they have something to say about what really matters in life.  I own a copy of the film, I will ce...