Get Carter (MA15+) Action Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Rachael Leigh Cook Director: Stephen T. Kay Released: 8 February 2001

Sylvester Stallone stars as Jack Carter, a hitman hell-bent on gaining revenge on those who murdered his brother, in the role that Michael Caine made famous in the original version of this film made in 1971.  I have not seen the original film but those who have have told me that Stallone would not have been their choice to take the role.  Why?  Well, he doesn't exude that understated coolness that Caine did in the original.  Stallone style is "in your face" and that does not seem suited to this role.  Sounds like people who haven't seen the original may enjoy this re-make more so than those who have.

The Legend of Bagger Vance (PG) Drama Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron Director: Robert Redford Released: 8 February 2001

A slow-paced drama about a mysterious golf caddy who helps a World War I veteran prepare for an important golf game does not seem like the ideal choice for Will Smith, who made his name in high-octane action films such as Independence Day and Enemy of the State. This might be Smith's attempt at winning an Oscar nomination or he might have just wanted to try something new.  Either way, he certainly picked the right people to work with.   Director Robert Redford always makes incredibly beautiful films and Matt Damon is one of the best young actors in Hollywood.  Still, word from the States is that this film quite a let down and it certainly hasn't been a hit at the U.S box office.  Maybe Smith will have to wait until after his next film, Ali, for that Oscar nomination.

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Hannibal (MA15+) Thriller Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman  Director: Ridley Scott Released: 15 February 2001

How do you make a follow-up to one of the most successful movies of the all-time (Silence of the Lambs, of course).  Easy, assemble a cast and crew that is one of the most impressive ever seen.  First the cast. Anthony Hopkins returns as Hannibal Lecter, Julianne Moore replaces Jodie Foster as F.B.I agent Clarice Starling and new for this film are Gary Oldman and Ray Liotta.  All are first class actors and their presence is certainly a bonus for a film hoping to live up the huge expectations of the movie world.  Ridley Scott directs and anyone who had doubts about his ability (few, if any) should have been silenced by his efforts on Gladiator.  The script was written by David Mamet (The Winslow Boy, Wag the Dog, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Untouchables) so you know it will, at least, be filled with fantastic dialogue.  Lastly, composer Hans Zimmer (The Thin Red Line, Rain Man, The Lion King, Gladiator) will add the mood with a score that will no doubt be of the highest class.  So will Hannibal be a worthy follow-up The Silence of the Lambs?  We'll have to wait and see, but with this cast and crew it certainly has a fighting chance.

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