Classes are just about over, which means it's time to say goodbye to this semester and move on to bigger and better things - otherwise known as finals. It's not like you really needed another reminder of the stress to come in the next two weeks, but we at the Daily figured we'd help you find ways to procrastinate with a few of this weekend's new movie releases. Don't worry, you can thank us later.
Proof Of Life
Director: Taylor Hackford
Starring: Russell Crowe, Meg Ryan, David Morse, David Caruso, and Pamela Reed
There's nothing like a suspense flick to get your mind off the horrors of a chemistry final. Proof Of Life tells the story of Alicia (Meg Ryan), a distraught wife who enlists the aid of professional negotiator Terry Thorne (Russell Crowe) in tracking down her husband, an engineer who has been kidnapped by anti-government guerrillas in South America. Meg Ryan does a lot of growing up in this movie, shedding her Sleepless In Seattle skin and proving her skills as an actress capable of being more then the helpless and hopeless female. Russell Crowe is already a favorite with men and women alike, thanks to a stellar performance in Gladiator and those mysterious blue eyes. A perfect balance between special effects and real acting, Proof Of Life is bound to make you feel a little less guilty about taking a two hour break from your textbooks.
Vertical Limit
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Chris O'Donnell, Bill Paxton, and Robin Tunney
If Meg Ryan just isn't your cup of tea, but you're still in the mood for an action-packed, heart-racing good time, don't give up hope just yet. Vertical Limit just might interest you.. Those of you planning ski trips over winter break, be forewarned - this is probably not a movie you want to see. Most of the action takes place atop K2, the second highest mountain the world, where Elliot Vaughn and Annie Garrett (Bill Paxton and Robin Tunney) are buried in an avalanche. While they fight for their lives, Annie's brother Peter (Chris O'Donnell) puts together a group of volunteers and sets out to save them. It may be slightly reminiscent of The Perfect Storm in that natural-disaster-flick kind of way, but you can't get too picky when you're looking to procrastinate.
