Four new films will vie for moviegoers’ money and attention this weekend as they attempt to knock the juggernaut that is ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ from its perch atop the box office.

Easier said than done. ‘The Matrix Revolutions,’ which opened to much curiosity despite mixed reviews last Friday, earned more than $50 million in its first weekend and has pocketed an impressive total of $93.6 million to date. Hoping to offer an alternative to the science-fiction epic, four new movies – ranging from the sea-faring epic ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’ to the family film ‘Looney Tunes: Back in Action’ – will offer something for everyone.

SEA-FARING EPIC

The biggest release of the weekend is ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.’ It stars Hollywood favorite Russell Crowe, who was last seen onscreen in the critically acclaimed drama, ‘A Beautiful Mind.’ In ‘Master and Commander,’ however, Crowe plays a character that has more in common with ‘Gladiator’ protagonist Maximus, a part for which he won an Oscar.

Crowe stars as Capt. ‘Lucky’ Jack Aubrey, a British naval captain whose heroism during the Napoleonic Wars has made him a legend. But after his ship, the H.M.S. Surprise, is bested in an ambush, Aubrey decides to risk his life and the lives of his crew by chasing his mysterious foe across the globe. Along for the ride is Crowe’s ‘A Beautiful Mind’ co-star Paul Bettany, who plays Dr. Stephen Maturin, the ship’s doctor and Aubrey’s confidant.

While the film’s previews promise plenty of water-soaked battle scenes, ‘Master and Commander’ likely won’t be as fun as this summer’s pirate blockbuster, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.’ In fact, it looks a little bit too much like ‘Gladiator’ at sea.

FAMILY FUN

This weekend’s lighthearted release is ‘Looney Tunes: Back in Action.’ A follow-up of sorts to ‘Space Jam,’ the film features such classic cartoon characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Yosemite Sam yukking it up as they interact with human actors and embark on a zany, PG-rated escapade.

The adventure kicks off when Daffy Duck gets fired by Warner Brothers studio executive Kate Houghton (Jenna Elfman). Latching onto the companionship of wannabe stuntman DJ Drake (Brendan Fraser), the two become partners on a wacky mission to keep a powerful diamond out of the hands of Mr. Chairman (Steve Martin), the head of the sinister Acme Corporation. Following close behind are Kate and Bugs Bunny, who desperately need Daffy to come back to work. Looney Tunes such as Marvin the Martin, Wily E. Coyote and the Tazmanian Devil make their own animated cameos.

Though it likely won’t be as revolutionary as ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit,’ ‘Looney Tunes: Back in Action’ looks like it would make for a fun Saturday afternoon with a little kid – or just a little kid at heart.

OSCAR-WORTHY DRAMA

‘Shakespeare in Love.’ ‘Chicago.’ ‘The Cider House Rules.’ All three were year-end films released by Miramax that went on to grab lots of critical acclaim and Oscar nominations. ‘The Human Stain,’ the new Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman drama opening this weekend, aims to continue the tradition.

Hopkins plays Dr. Coleman Silk, a respected university professor whose life is turned upside down when he gets involved in a sexual relationship with a poor cleaning woman, Faunia Farely (Kidman). Forced time and again into conflict with her violent ex-husband (played by Ed Harris), a misunderstanding at work also has Silk fretting that a secret he has kept hidden for years will be discovered.

If you’re in the mood for an emotional story and strong performances from two of the top actors in Hollywood today, ‘The Human Stain’ seems to be a safe bet.

TUPAC DOCUMENTED

Many documentaries and television specials have been made about deceased rap superstar Tupac Shakur, but ‘Tupac: Resurrection’ is the only film to be authorized and produced by the rapper’s mother, Afeni Shakur. Her seal of approval guarantees that this documentary will tell a more in-depth story than its predecessors.

Produced by MTV Films, ‘Tupac: Resurrection’ will tell Shakur’s story in his own words. It will feature rare video footage, including films of one of his last concerts, and several unreleased songs. In addition, ‘Tupac: Resurrection’ will showcase home movies, private photographs and excerpts from Shakur’s poetry, journals and personal letters.

For Shakur fans, ‘Tupac: Resurrection’ is a must for the weekend.

Christopher Reilly is a senior magazine major. His reviews appear Fridays in The Daily Orange. E-mail him at cgreilly@syr.edu.

Published on November 13, 2003 at 12:00 pm