Films opening

Rushmore HHHH One of the best films of 1998 stars Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray, who are competing for the love of a first grade teacher. At Showcase: 12:10, 2:15, 4:20, 6:35, 9, 11:10

Gellar in "Simply Irresistible." Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Simply Irresistible Sarah Michelle Gellar is just that in this new romantic comedy. At Briarwood: 12:40, 2:40, 4:45, 7:10, 9:20

Films holding

A Bug's Life HHHH The best animated film since "Antz." At Showcase: 12, 2.

A Civil Action HH John Travolta takes on corporate polluters in his latest, a legal thriller. At Ann Arbor 1&2: 12:15 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 2:30 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 4:45, 7:00, 9:20. At Showcase: 1:15, 4:25, 6:55, 9:25, 11:45.

Gods And Monsters HHH Ian McKellen delivers a grand performance as gay director James Whale in a film about the last days of his life. At State: 11:30 (Fri & Sat only).

In Dreams HHH Neil Jordan's latest is a psychological thriller staring Annette Benning. At Showcase: 10:25, 12:35

Little Voice HHH Jane Horrocks sings the blues and various other vocal movements while being wooed by pigeon-toed Ewan MacGregor in this British romp. At Ann Arbor 1&2: 12:30 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 2:30 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 5:00, 7:20, 9:35.

Patch Adams H Robin William's performance as a real-life doctor can make all the money in the world, but it's never going to be a good movie. At Brairwood: 1, 3:50, 6:50, 9:30. At Showcase: 1:25, 3:50, 6:30, 8:55, 11:20.

Prince of Egypt HH The Bible finally, finally gets animated. At Showcase: 12:05, 2:10, 4:10, 6:20, 8:20.

Saving Private Ryan HHHH The best film of 1998 returns to theaters. At Showcase: 12:30, 3:45, 7, 10:25.

Shakespeare In Love HHHH Shakespeare falls in love in this aptly titled romantic comedy. At State: 1:30 (Sat & Sun), 4 (Sat & Sun), 7, 9:30, 11:45 (Fri & Sat). At Showcase: 12:20, 2:45, 5:20, 7:50, 10:20, 12:35.

She's All That HHHH Rachael Leigh Cook stars in this update of the Pygmalion story. At Briarwood: 12:50, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:45. At Showcase: 12:40, 1:10, 2:55, 3:25, 5:05, 5:35, 7:25, 7:55, 9:35, 10:05, 11:50, 12:20.

A Simple Plan HHHH A crashed plane with $4.4 million upends the lives of three men. At Showcase: 1:40, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50, 12:15.

Stepmom HH A melodrama about motherhood, staring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. At Briarwood: 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 10. At Showcase: 1:30, 4:05, 6:50, 9:30, 12:05.

The Thin Red Line HHH This year's other World War II film. At Showcase: 12, 1, 3:30, 4:30, 7:05, 8, 10:30, 11:30.

Varsity Blues HH Dawson plays football for Jon Voight in this coming of age story. At Briarwood: 1:30, 4, 7, 9:40. At Showcase: 12:25, 2:50, 5:10, 7:40, 10, 12:30.

Waking Ned Devine HHHH An Irish comedy about a winning lottery ticket and a dead winner. At State: 1:30 (Sat & Sun), 4 (Sat & Sun), 7:15, 9:15 (Sun-Thurs), 9:45 (Fri & Sat).

You've Got Mail HHH Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks and Nora Ephron give it another shot in this romantic comedy about the ups and downs of love that begins over the Internet and e-mail. At Briarwood: 1:40, 7:15. At Showcase: 4:40, 7:10, 9:45, 12:10.

Courtesy Touchstone Pictures Schwartzman (left) in "Rushmore."

Phone Numbers: Ann Arbor 1 & 2: 761-9700; Briarwood: 480-4555; Fox Village; 994-8080; Michigan Theater: 668-8397; Showcase: 973-8380; State: 761-8667.

Showtimes are effective Friday through Thursday. Late shows at Ann Arbor 1 & 2 and State are for Friday and Saturday only. Noon and mid-day matinees at Ann Arbor 1 & 2 are for Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday only; matinees at State are for Saturday and Sunday only.

02-04-99