The low-down on this week’s premieres
Although much is still unknown about the fourth hijacked airplane of the 9/11 tragedy, director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy) brings the first feature film on the topic to theaters with United 93. The Boeing 757, which is said to have been heading to crash into either the White House or the U.S. Capitol, made its final decent into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers decided to attempt to overpower the terrorists who hijacked the plane. `See review, this page.`
Part Spellbound, part Searching for Bobby Fischer, Akeelah and the Bee tells the story of Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), an 11-year-old girl from South L.A., who inspires an entire community by committing herself to win the National Spelling Bee. The film also stars actors Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne (What’s Love Got to Do with It). `See review, page 27.`
After a run-in with the law, rebel teen Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) is forced to re-enroll in a gymnastics academy she walked away from in Stick It. Challenged by coach Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges) to make it to the championship tournament, the flexible Haley must rely on her talent to make a memorable dismount.
In R.V., Bob Munro (Robin Williams) changes vacation plans and decides that instead of taking his family on the promised trip to Hawaii, they will pile into a recreational vehicle and drive to Colorado.
Myspace.com residents beware. Hard Candy is not too sweet. Fourteen-year-old Hayley (Ellen Page) and Jeff (Patrick Wilson), a 32-year-old photographer, meet at a coffee shop after chatting online. The encounter gets shockingly creepy when he invites her back to his home. `Read Cole Haddon’s interview with the writer and director, page 25.`
Wim Wenders directs Sam Shepard in Don’t Come Knocking, a tale of fame and unhappiness that was well-received at SXSW.
In Adam & Steve, two N.Y. couples — one heterosexual and one gay — attempt to understand their respective relationships.
Local premiere dates for limited-release films are tentative and can change at the last minute. Please check your local theater listings to confirm showtimes.
- Kiko Martinez