Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert review six new movies. Two thumbs down for
The Postman (1997), Kevin Costner's "embarrassing" post-apocalyptic epic. Both agree that it is pretentious, self-serving and overlong. Two more thumbs down for
Mr. Magoo (1997), a half-witted kiddie comedy. The only laughs, Siskel says, come at the end with its apology to the near-sighted. Two thumbs up for Quentin Tarantino's long-awaited
Jackie Brown (1997), an adaptation of Elmore Leonard that crackles with great dialogue. Two thumbs down for
An American Werewolf in Paris (1997), the sequel to the 1980s hit horror movie. Siskel is especially contemptuous of the obviously computer-animated werewolves. A split decision on Alan Rudolph's
Afterglow (1997). Ebert enjoyed the quirky characters; Siskel thinks they're way too quirky. Two thumbs up for
The Education of Little Tree (1997), the family drama both critics wish everyone would watch.
—J. Spurlin