The Exorcist (R18+) Horror Starring: Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller Director: William Friedkin Released: 1 February 2001

The classic 1973 horror film has been given the "once over" and 11 minutes of unseen footage has been added.  The improved visuals and audio should add something to a film that many still regard as the scariest movie ever made.  Apparently, one new scene involves Linda Blair's character, Regan, walking down the stairs with her body bent backwards, much like a spider. Scary stuff.  In the U.S, this re-release was titled The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen but it is unknown whether it will go by the same title when it is released down here.  My guess is that they will probably just go with the traditional The Exorcist: Director's Cut.

Miss. Congeniality (PG) Comedy Starring: Sandra Bullock, Candice Bergen, Benjamin Bratt Director: Donald Petrie Released: 1 February 2001

Sandra Bullock is one of those actors that you either love or loathe, so obviously your enjoyment of this film will depend upon   which of those categories you fall into.  Personally, I don't mind her.   Her movies are all good, without being great (except Speed), and she can be relied to provide satisfactory light-weight entertainment.  And that is exactly what Miss Congeniality shapes as being: lightweight entertainment.   Bullock stars as an F.B.I agent who goes undercover as a beauty queen after a group threatens to blow up the event. The plot sounds ludicrous but the film will be harmless fun.

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	Lost Souls (M15+) Horror Starring: Winona Ryder, Ben Chaplin, John Beasley  Director: Janusz Kaminski Released: 1 February 2001
Another film that sees Satan attempting to take over the world.  This film has been "on the shelves' for a while, maybe to avoid conflict with similarly-themed movies like End of Days, The Ninth Gate, Stigmata and Bless the Child, and it is unlikely that Lost Souls will show us anything that we haven't seen before.

 

Duets (M15+) Comedy Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Scott Speedman, Maria Bello Director: Bruce Paltrow Released: 8 February 2001

This film was originally to star Gwyneth Paltrow and, then beau, Brad Pitt, but the film was put on ice when the pair broke-up.   How sad.  However, this film about karaoke hustlers did eventually get made (obviously) and is notable for a couple of reasons.  First, Gwyneth Paltrow does alot of singing in the film and shows considerable talent.  Secondly, 1980's pop-star Huey Lewis (from Huey Lewis and the News) pops up in the role of Paltrow's father.  As for the film itself, sorry, I can't get excited about a karaoke movie.

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