Videos dive into the 'Deep'

Daily Arts Writers

Shhhh! Wanna know a secret? Gwyneth Paltrow is trying to be in as many movies as possible before the new millennium. Want proof? Then rent "Hush," and see Jessica Lange torment Gwyneth for moving in on her son.

It will be a horse-race, however, as Nicolas Cage is offering up stiff competition for the title of most-seen. In "City of Angels" he plays an angel trying to be human so that he can take Meg Ryan under his would-be wing. If it were original it would fit in nicely with the new angel fad, yet is simply an inferior American adaptation of Wim Wenders' "Wings of Desire."

Also new on video is Spike Lee's latest joint "He Got Game." The film stars Ray Allen of the Milwaukee Bucks as Jesus, college basketball's soon-to-be savior. Denzel Washington plays the father of Jesus, a convict released from prison in an attempt

Courtesy of Paramount Paul Newman and Susan Sarandon mingle by the pool in "Twilight."

to sway his son's college decision. This is one of Lee's best, and the city's answer to "Hoosiers."

Those who are feeling a little down should turn in for the week's rising double-play. "Deep Rising," which stars Treat Williams as a sea captain who must go to battle with an unknown monster on a sinking cruise ship. How Melvillian. "Rising" is by far the best film about a sinking ship to hit theaters in quite some time (Leo?).

Courtesy of Hollywood Pictures Company Famke Jassen and Treat Williams try to escape the wrath of a bad film.

The second blow in the combo is the suspenseful "Mercury Rising." Bruce Willis plays an FBI agent with a soul trying to protect a young autistic code-breaker. One of the Baldwin brothers plays Willis' evil doppelganger trying to assassinate the young boy. Coupled with "Deep Rising," this packs the most potent one-two punch since Ali left the ring.

Pasta and canine lovers will be happy to know that Michael Eisner has decided to re-release "Lady and the Tramp" on video. This classic strikes a chord with both children and adults alike.

And finally, "Twilight" the post-menopausal film noir stars Paul Newman, Gene Hackman and Susan Sarandon. This murder mystery tests the lengths of friendship in a Hollywood family.

09-15-98