Hartford Courant from Hartford, Connecticut • Page 13

THE HARTFORD COURANT: Saturday, May 16, 1992 B5 Showtimes Mellencamp too mellow in first film i 1 'X A Columbia Pictures John Mellencamp launches his movie career in "Falling From Grace," a Columbia Pictures release, with Mariel Hemingway. -Basic Instinct (Rl 1:50, 4, :05. City of Joy (PG-U) 1:45, 4:10, :45, :10. NEW HAVEN York Square Clntmas Howards End (PG) 1, Fried Green Tomatoes (PG-13) 7:10, :30. The Playboys (PG-13) 7:15, :35.

NEWINGTON Cinema 1, 1 4 3 The Cutting Edge (PG) 1, 7 35 -Th, Babe IPG) 4:15, 35 Frlao Green Tomatoes (PG-13) 1:30, 4. 7, and tht Beast (G) 1:30, 3:15. 7:15. White Sands (R 5, Newlngten Thtattr Tht Prlnct of Tldtt (R) 2, 7, :35. NIANTIC Nlantlc Cinema Fried Green Tomatoes (PG-13) 1:30, :45, Rock-a-Ooodle (G) 1:30 Deep Covtr (R) 7, 0:15.

Tht Cutting Edgt (PG) 1:30, 6:45 Madame Bovary (PG-13 3:30, 1:30 Beauty and the Beast (G) 1:30, 4, :45. Mississippi Masala (R) 4, 1:30. NORTH HAVEN Showcttt Clntmas Split Second (R) 12:25, 4:50, 7:30, 9:40, 11:40 Lethal Weapon 3 (R) noon, 1:15, 2:30, 4:15, 5, 7:20, 7:45, 9 55, 10:15, 12:20, 12:35 Basic Instinct (R) 1, 3:45, 7:10, 45, midnight. Sleepwalkers (R) 2:40. 5:10, 9:10.

11:30 Wayne's World (PG-13) 12:45, 2:50, 7:50, 10:05, 11:55. Beethoven (PG) 12:15. 2:15, 4:15, 7:25 My Cousin Vlnny (R) noon, 2:20, 4:40, 7:15, 12:05. Ottp Cover (R) 5, 7:35, 10, 12:05 Beeuty ind tht Blest IG) 1:10, 3. NORWICH Norwich Cinemas i Lethal Weapon 3 (R) 1:30, 4, 7.

of Joy (PG-13) 1: 15, 3:45. 4:30, 9:10, OLD SAYBROOK Saybrook Twin Cinemas Beethoven (PG) 2, 7, 9. My Cousin Vlnny (R) 2. 7, 9:20. Saybrook Cinemas 4 Lethal Weapon SIR) 1,3:15, 7, 9:35.

Fried Green Tometoes (PG-13) 12 30, 3, 4:45, 9:30 City of Joy (PG-13) 12:30, 3, 4 45, 9 30-Beslc Instinct (R) 12:45. 3. 7:20, 9:40. SUFFIELD Village Clntmt Rock-t-Doodlt IG) 2 Ntwsits (PG) 3:30. The Cutting Edge (PG) 7:15, 9:15.

TORRINOTON Htlldty Clntmas Bttthovtn (PG) noon, 1:40, 3:20, 5 Spilt Second (R) 7, 9. Basic Instinct (R) noon, 2:20, 4:40, 7:10, 9:35. Lethal Weepon 3 (R) 12:10, 2:35, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. The Cutting Edge (PG) 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:25, of Joy (PG-13) 7, 9:25. Thunderheart (R) 7:15, 9:45.

FernGully (G) 12:05, 1:45, 3:25, 5:05. Rock-a-Doodlt (G) 12:15, 1:55, 3:35, 5:10. Parkade Cinema closed VERNON Clnt 1 1 Tht Prlnct of Tides 1:45, 4: 15, 7, 9:30 The Hand That Rocks theCred'e IR) 7:10, (PG) 1:30, 4. WATERBURV Mallvlew Cinemas II Lethal Weapon 3 (R) 1:25, 3:45, 4:05, 4:45, 7:10, 9:20, 9:50 Thunderheart (R) 1, 4:05, 4:50, 9:35. City of Joy (PG-13) 12:45, 3:50, 4:30, Instinct (R) 1:10, 3:50, 4:45, (R) 7:15, 9:55.

FernGully (G) 1, 4. Beethoven (PG) 12:50, 3:45, 9:20. My Cousin Vlnny IR) 1:20, 4.05, 7:05, 9:50. White Men Can't Jump (R) 1:15, 4:15, 7:05, 9:30. Wayne's World (PG-13) 12:55, 4, 9:25 -Slsttr Act (PG) (sneak preview) 6:55.

Far and Away WKOOP mm ISio StL NoEoze By MALCOLM JOHNSON Courant Film Critic Having dropped the menacing Cougar from the middle of his name, John Mellencamp turns to filmmaking as actor and director. His debut with "Falling From Grace," though more than a musician's vanity effort, proves oddly lacking muscle and bite. the screenplay is attributed to Larry McMurtry Last Picture Show," "Lonesome Mellencamp's film is clearly a personal work. Filmed in his hometown of Seymour, dedicated to Joel Emmitt Mellencamp (1929-86) and centered on a country singer's return to his native heath, autobiographical matters obviously loom large here. Hardcore fans of the former Cougar can dope these out, but for the uninitiated this is only a mildly tantalizing variation on "You Can't Go Home Again." Mellencamp has been quoted as saying that his delineation of Bud Parks is no self-portrait, that his character is much more passive than the real Mellencamp even after dropping the catamount.

"Falling From Grace" perhaps would have been a more involving film had Bud been not quite so laid-back and in-. scrutable. With Mariel Hemingway and Kay Lenz as his leading ladies neither in the Katharine Hepburn or Bette Davis class Mellencamp nonetheless has a tendency to fade from the screen when he is in the presence of either actress. "Falling From Grace" never articulates what is festering in Bud Parks' mind, but at the start of the film he returns to his tiny, semi-rural hometown with some hidden agenda other than the 80th birthday of his dirty-old-man granddad. At first Mellencamp and McMurtry parade Bud about as an unassuming local hero, signing autographs and visiting good ole boy haunts.

Soon though, the family reunion darkens, as such things sometimes do. Bud's sister Sally is going through hard times, what with a $62,000 debt still outstanding from a lost farm and a husband who tends to fall asleep in his pickup after a few beers, keeping him away from home for days on end. The Parks women are still somewhat sensitive because Bud's dad, the overbearing and ultra modest interest from time to time. Hemingway, looking alternately regal and strained, helps out with a sharply drawn performance as a woman who has it all but feels she is losing it. Lenz, surprisingly dangerous and sensual as a woman looking for love in all the wrong places, charges the film with its most tense and provocative moments.

And Claude Akins proves especially loathesome and vicious as Bud's Big Daddy. As a director, Mellencamp produces some of the local color of his hometown, but never really establishes a thoroughgoing sense of place as Peter Bogdanovich did in "The Last Picture Show," which "Falling From Grace" sometimes echoes. As an actor, he's unmannered, even true, but a little dull. It does not help that much of the film consists of shots of Bud tooling around town in his two-toned vintage Corvette or aboard his two-toned vintage Harley. And the symbolism of his changing headgear, from a beatup straw cowboy hat to a black leather Civil War kepi, is also elusive.

Even the mysterious sequence that opens the film and then clarifies at the climax in which Bud boozes crazily, fires off a pistol and locks himself in a cage on a pickup seems too ridiculous a test of manhood to be true. But maybe this is how former Cougars scream in the night. Rated PG-13, this film contains some rude talk, adulterous entanglements and moments of violence, with some blood and broken bones. Film review FALLING FROM GRACE, Directed by John Mellencamp; screenplay by Larry McMurtry; director of photography, Victor Hammer; production designer, George Corsillo; edited by Dennis Virkler; produced by Harry Sandler. A Columbia Pictures release, playing at Showcase Cinemas, East Hartford.

Running time: 100 minutes. Vz Bud Parks John Mellencamp Alice Parks Mariel Hemingway Speck Parks Claude Akins Grandpa Parks Dub Taylor P.J. Parks Kay Lenz Ramey Rarks Larry Crane Linda Kate Noonan Sally Cutler Deirdre O'Connell Mitch Cutler John Prine Parker Parks Brent Huff Marian Parks Joanne Jacobson Bobby Tucker Tracy Cowles Terri Jo Parks Melissa Ann Hackman Grandma Parks Mary Tom Crane sv Excellent; Very Good; Good; Fair; 6 Poor macho Speck, adopted his illegitimate son Ramey. Then at a country club party for old granddad, Bud learns that his high school sweetheart, P. J.

(the taut-faced Lenz), now married to his older brother Parker, is carrying on with the eternally womanizing Speck. Even though he has a beautiful wife and lovely little girl, Bud finds himself pulled to P.J. Soon he too is bedding her. Before long, his wife, Alice, (the taut-faced Hemingway) discerns that something is going very wrong with her marriage. As a portrayal of a young man, lionized in a strange business, attempting to connect with his roots, "Falling From Grace" assumes a PS fk I Jrani (PG-13) (sneak preview) 7.

WATERFORO Wattrferd Clntmts I Ltthtl Wttpon 3 (R) 1:30, 4. 4:40. 9:15. The Player (R) 1:15, 4:10, 4:50, 9:40. SfHH Second (R) (PG) 1:40, 4:30.

FtrnGully (G) 1:45. Sleepwalkers (R) 4:20, 7:20, 9:20. White Men Can't Jump (R) 1:25, 4:05. 4:55, 0:30. Basic Instinct (R) 4:05, 4:45, 9:35.

My Cousin Vlnny (R) 1:10, 4:10, 4:50, 9:45 Wayne's World (PG-13) 1:20. 4:15. Far and Away (PG-13) (weak prtvltw) tj Sister Act (PG) (sntak preview) 7:15. WBSTHARTFORO Elm 1 4 2 Tht Prlnct of Tldtt (R) 1:30. 4, 7, 9:40 Father of the Bride (PG) 2, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45.

WILLIMANTIC U.A. Tht Clntmts Bttthovtn (PG) 1, I. Bttk Instinct (R) 7, 9:30. The Cutting Edge (PG) 1:30, 3:45, :45. Lethal Weapon (R) 1:15, 4, 7:15, 9:50.

Thunderheart (R) 1:15, 4, 7, (G) 1:45, 3:30. Deep Cover (R) 7:30, of Joy (PG-13) 1:15, 3:45, 7:15, Act (PG) (sneak prtvltw) 7:30. WINDSOR Plan Tht Prlnct of Tldtt (R 7:30, 9:55. WINSTEO Ollaon Cafe and Cinema JFK (R) 7. IN MASSACHUSETTS WEST SPRINGFIELD Shawcase Cinemas 1-14 White Men Can't Jump (R) 1.

3: 15, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50, 11:55 The Pleyer (R 1:40, 7:10. 9:30, 11:45. Beauty and the Boost (G) noon, 1:45, My Cousin Vlnny (R) 1:10, 4, 7:15, 9:30. 11:45. Basic Instinct (R) 1:30, 4:10, 7:10, 9:35, 11:55.

Sleepwalkers (R) 5:20, 7:40, 9:40, 11:40 Deep Covtr (R) 1, 3:15, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50, 11:55. FtrnGully (G) noon, 2. City of Joy (PG-13) 3:45, 7:10, 9:40, 12:05. Beethoven (PG) 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 11:30. Ltthtl Wtapon (R) noon.

1:15, 2:30, 4:15, 5, 7:20, 7 45. 9:55. 10:15, 12:20, 12:35. Crisscross (R 1, 9:45, 1 1:40 The Cutting Edge (PG) 1:10, 3:15, 5:15, 9:40 Wayne's World (PG-13) 3:10, 5, 7:40, (PG-13) 1:15, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20, 9:30, 11:30. Split Second IR) 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:50, 9:50, 11:40.

DRIVE-INS BARKHAMSTEO Pleasant Valley Drive-In The Hand That Rockt tht Cradle (R at dusk with Medicine Man (PG-13). MANSFIELD Mansfield Drlve-ln Beeuty and the Beast (G) at dark with Father of the Bride (PG). Sleepwalkers (R at dark with The Lawnmower Man (R). White Men Can't Jump (R) at dark with The Commitments (R). NEWINGTON Hartford Drlve-ln Hook (PG) 1:20 with Terminator 2: Judgment Day (R) 10:45.

SOUTHINGTON Southingfen Twin Drive-In Lethal Weapon 3 (R) 10:59 0:30 with The Lest Boy Scout (R) 1:45. Sleepwalkers IR) 10:35 1:30 with Gladiator (R) Fri and Sat 30. (Schedules are published at received from the theaters. The Courant Is net responsible far last-mlnutt changtft or Incemplete listings.) II" 1 ENFIELD CINEMA I raiiJ ie ih n.vm nunnu nvcnuc uu fw PM. shown with COUSIN VINNY START FRIDAY, MAY 29th LANE EAST HARTFORD 568-8810 1SSS BERLIN RTI.

fMIT 22 WtaSTIH DANNY GLOVER ACCEPTED DDUGUS It TR1W CTI I 1 I I i 9 HARTFORD "Art Cinema OMIet Olrli (X) 3:10, 4:15, In Ding, rout PlKtl IX) 4:50, 7:45. Cinema City Tht Playboy, (PG-13) 1:30, 1:40, 7:10, Angtll Fur To TrNd (PGI 1:30, 1:90, 7:10, Oiio-Rhapsody In August IPG) 1, 1:30. 7, 1:35. Howerds End IPG) 1:10, 4, 4:50, CIlMltudlo Tht Prlnct of Tldoi I 7:10. Thi Solly of on Architect 10: IS.

IN OTHIR TOWNS RERUN Clno 1 1-Tho Prlnco of Tldot 4: IS, 1, 30-Th, Hand That Rockt tht Cradlt (R 7:10, IPG) 1:10, 4. Showcase Cinemas 1-11 -My Couiln Vlnny (R) 12:10, 1 35, 4 55, 7:40, 10:05, IG) 11:20, 1:10, Wttpon R) noon, 1:15, 1:10, 4:15, 5, 7:30, 7:45, S5. 10:15, 12:10, 12:15. Sleepwalkers (R) 1:45, 4:45, 0:1, Mtn Can't Jump (R) 12:50, 1:10,5:25.7:50, 10:20, 12:40,2:40, 4:40, 10. Batlc Imtlnct (R) 1:30, 4:10, 7:15.

1:50, 12:10. Way n' World IPG-ID 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7 25, 12:30, 1:45, 4:50,7:55, 10:10, 10. Spilt Second (R) 5:30. 1 10, Covtr IR) 12:25. 2:50, 5:05, 7:10, 0:45, 11:55 -Th, Playtr IR) 4, 7:10, 0:40, mid-night.

City of Joy I PG-13) 11:05. and Away (PG-1!) (mtak prtvltw) 7:10 with Bttthovtn IPG) Act IPG) (mtak prtvltw) 7:35 with RISTOL final Cintmal 14 Thundtrhtlrt (R) 12:05, 2:25, 4:45, 7:15, Imtlnct IR noon, 2:25, 4:50, 7: IS, Wtapon 1 IR) noon, 2:30, 4:55, 7:30, 10 City of Joy (PG-13) 1:40, 4:15, 7, :40 My Cousin Vlnny (R) 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:10, 0:50 Bttthovtn IPG) 1:10, 1:20, 5:05 Tht Babt IPG) 7, FtrnGully IG) 1:50, 1:10. Covtr (R) 7:10. 0:40. CHESHIRE Chtthlrt Clntmt Schedule unavailable EAST NARTFORO uittr'i Pub Cinema Tht Prlnct of Tldtt IR) 7:15,0:30.

Shawcasi Cinemas Ml- Whltt Mtn Can't Jump (R) 12:20,2:45,5:05,7:50, 10:10, 12:30 -My Couiln Vlnny (R) 2:20, 4:45, From Gract (PG-13) 11:10, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15. 11:55 -Split Second (R) 12:10, 2:50, 5:10, 7:55, 10:05, World (PG-13) 12:15, 4:35, 7:35. (G) 1, (R) 4:30, 0:35, Imtlnct (R) 12:50, 4, 7:25. ISO, IPG) 1:10, 3. of Joy (PG-13) Wttpon 1 (R) noon, 1:15, 2:10, 4:15, 5, 7:20, 7:45, 5S, 10:15.

12:20, 12 35 -Th, Playar (R) 12:40, 3:50, 7:10, 10, 12:25. Ottp Covtr (R) 12:05, 2:15, 4:25, 7, 0:25, 11:45. Slttpwalktrt (R) 12:25, 1:35, 7:40, 0:45, midnight. Slsltr Act IPG) (mtak prtvltw) 7:45 with Crisscross (R) 9:15. Far and Away (PG-13) Ontak prtvltw) 7:30 with Bttthovtn (PG) 10:30.

ENFIELD Clnt Enfltld I-Lllhal Weapon 3 (R) 1:05, 1:50, 7:20, 9:45. City of Joy (PG-13) 12:50, 3:30, 4:50, 9:25. Passed Away (PG-11) 9:15. Thundtrhtlrt (R) 1:10, 3:55, 7:15, Cousin Vlnny (R 12:40, 3:40, 9:15. Beethoven (PG) 1, 4, IG) 1:15, 4:05.

White Men Can't Jump (R 7, 9:20 Basic Instinct IR 12:45, 2:15, 6:55, World IPG-ll) 12:55, 2:45, Cover (R) 9:05. Sister Act (PG) (sneek prtvltw) 7:10. KILUNGLY KIHIngly Clntmts 1 Beethoven (PG) 2:15, 7:15, Mm Can't Jump (R) 2:05, 7, Instinct (R) 2, 4:45, 9:05. LITCHFIELD Clntmt IV Shtdows and Fog (PG-11) 7:30, 9:10. MADISON Madlstn Cinemas 1 4 1 Basic Instinct (R) 1:45, 4:45, 9: World (PG-11) 2, 9:20.

Slsttr Act (PG) (sneak preview) 7. MANCHESTER UA Theaters Etst Newsies I PG) 2:20, 7:20 -Straight Talk (PG) 4:40, 9:40 The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (R) 2:10, 4 35, 7:10, 9:15. The Prince of Tides (R) 2, 4:10, 7, 9:40. MERIDEN Mortden Cinemas 10 Deep Covtr (R) 2, 1. Sleepwalkers (R) noon, 4:30, 10:30, Weapon 3 (R noon, 1, 2:10, 1:10, 5, 7, 7:10, 9:30, 10, midnight, 12:15.

Split Second (R) 12:10, 5, 9:45, (PG) noon, 1:15,3:40,5:30, Cousin Vlnny (R) 5:20, 1, Instinct (R) 1:45, 4:15, 7:10, 9:40, 11:50. The Babe (PG) 2:30, 7:15. City of Joy (PG-13) 12:15, 3:30, 7:20, (G) 12:15, 2. (PG-11) 12:15, 2:35, 4:50, 1:45, 11:30. The Cutting Edge (PG) 1:15, 3:30, 5:45, 10:15.

Sister Act (PG) (sneak preview) 7. Far and Away (PG-13) (sneak preview) I. MIDDLETOWN TheMeviohtust Lethal Weapon 3 (R) 1:30, 4, 0:30, 9, Instinct (R) 4, 4:30, 9, (G) 12:30, 2:15. MYSTIC Village Cinema 1, 2, 1-Lethal Wtapon 1 (R) 2, 4:15, 7, NEWSIES Efi. 2:20 7:20 ITIaWTaTT PG 4:40 9:40 2:104:35 7:10 9:35 PRINCE OF TIDES 2:00 4:30 7:00 9:40 lillBiiifiiiiii I I 0 SIPER 7 0Mjl SSSf BERLIN RTC.

fXIT 22) WEBSTER SQUARE HO. 829 t9O0 Shown with BEETHOVEN 3 nirvvinuiun i ill awEMA I I I I iiiMHimffirajwmjM I FRIED GREEN I BEAUTY THE lEASTi TOMATOES ES331 Ell .1:304:007:009:30 1:30 3:15 7:15 1 CUTTING) EDGE IPS WHITE SANDS ITU 12: 7:25 ,5:00 9:00 THE BABE ffij mMzJi say. ,5.... 11 Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Sobi Mr IliriMS WMiiit mr i MciM kotrst iim FrfeMlM, Sttriqtltf KtotM laaisteataj 1-800-854-0070 589-7C70 815 PINE ST. PLAZA, BRISTOL mom tunnies msr wo minnom mm mi THUNDERHEART BASIC INSTINCT 'LETHAL WEAPON 3 'LETHAL WEAPON 3 'CITY Of MY COUSIN VINN1 BEETHOVEN THE BABE fERNGOLLY 'DEER COVER 12:05 2:25 4:45 7:15 9:40 (R) 12:00 2:25 4:50 7:15 9:45 (R) 12:00 2:30 4:55 7:30 10:00 (R) 12:00 2:30 4:55 7:30 10:00 (R) 1:40 4:15 7:00 9:40 (K13) 12:10 2:30 4:50 7:30 9:50 1:30 3:20 5:05 (PG) 7:00 9:20 (PG) 1:50 3:30 5:05 (0) 7:30 9:40 (R) "PASSPORTS NOT ACCEPTED i 4" mi I I 111 ill INTERSTA TE 84 EXIT 58 SILVER LANE EAST HARTFORD 568-8810 7:45 PM.

shown with CRISSCROSS I I I showmsi Bern I iu CMifiiMS tne.in louMi m. iaoo 7:35 PM. shown with SLEEPWALKERS REGULAR ENGAGEMENTS I 1KB IMNIIHUU ai TOM CRUISE TOD i mm THEATRE OPERA ANDRE WATTS The incomparable pianist in concert to benefit Chamber Music Plus. Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford Sunday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30 Box office: 232-0085 HARTFORD CHILDREN'S THEATRE presents THE CRYSTAL: DREAMS OF A YOUNG WIZARD May 28, 7:30 pm May 29, 7:30 pm May 30, 11:00 am May 30, 4:00 pm May 31, 2:00 pm i Roberts Theatre, West Hartford 1 $8.00 adults; $6.00 children seniors CALL NOW 523-4479 MIDDLESEX SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS PRESENT 1 PICNIC by William Inge May 21, 22, and 23 8:00 p.m.

Matinee Performance 2:00 p.m. May 23 i Middletown High School Auditorium Hunting Hill Avenue $7.50 ($5.00 students and seniors) Information: 347-5078 or 6861379 SHUBERT NEW HAVEN The Music Of ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER May 5-May 17 SUBSCRIBE NOW TO OUR 1992 BEST OF BROADWAY AND OPERA SERIES CALL NOW 562-5666 OR 1-800-228-6622 DURUFLE REQUIEM Sunday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA Richard Donohue, Conductor 277 Main Street, Hartford, CT 249-8627, $6 Donation Free Attended Parking To advertise in this weekly feature Call 520-6960 NICOLE KIDMAN INTERSTATE 84 EXIT 58 SILVER BRISTOL 8 ST.IBr MEL GIBSON T4 I HO PASSES CHAEl f7 Ml ft vjw f' FAR and AWAY IMAGINE FILMS ENTERTAINMENT mtstw GRAZER "FAR AND JOMLLAMS DOLMAN eWglHlLj3 rwKmIIK.AEL SALOMON. A.S.C. K1T0DD HALLOttELL BOBDOLMANi RON TOO? DOIAIAN lILtfSiJ crjgar JBRLAN GRAZER RON HOWARD HOWARD A RELEASE RON HOWARD FILM FIRST TIME A A FILMED FOR THE isien INTERSTATE 84 EXIT 58 SILVER LANE EAST HARTFORD 568-8810 A 1.