Films opening

She's All That HHHH "Pygmalion" in high school keeps the spirit of John Hughes alive. At Briarwood: 12:30, 2:50, 5, 7:30, 9:45. At Showcase: 12:40, 1:10, 2:55, 3:25, 5:05, 5:35, 7:25, 7:55, 9:40, 10:10, 11:50, 12:20.

Films holding

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox Tall (Nick Nolte), discusses the imminent battle with his superior officer Barr (John Travolta) in Terence Malik's new film, "The Thin Red Line."

HHHH Excellent

HHH Good

HH Fair

H Not Worth Your Time, or Your Money

At First Sight (No Stars) Val Kilmer is blind in this movie, and you should opt not to see it. At Briarwood: 1:10, 4:10, 7, 10. 12:50, 3:40, 6:40, 9:20, 11:55.

A Bug's Life HHHH The best animated insect movie since "Antz." At Showcase: 12:35, 2:40, 5, 7:30.

A Civil Action HH John Travolta takes on two major polluters in this legal drama. At Ann Arbor 1&2: 12:15 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 2:30 (Sat., Sun., Tues.) 4:40 (Thurs.), 4:50, 7:15, 9:40. At Showcase: 1:15, 1:45, 4:20, 4:50, 7:10, 7:40, 9:40, 10:10, 12:10, 12:35.

A Simple Plan HHHH One of the best films of 1998 involves two brothers and their friend finding $4.4 million and trying to decide what to do with it. At Showcase: 1:40, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50, 12:25.

Enemy Of The State HH The NSA goes hunting Big Willie Style in this action-packed technothriller. At Showcase: 4:45, 7:05, 9:50, 12:20.

The Faculty HH A skewed look at high school care of "Scream"'s screenwriter and "From Dusk Til Dawn"'s director. At Showcase: 10:25, 12:40.

Gloria HH Despite the work of film legend Sydney Lumet and star Sharon Stone, this story of a street savy woman on the run with a small boy doesn't succeed. At Briarwood: 9:40. At Showcase: 8:15, 10:15, 12:15.

In Dreams HHH Neil Jordan drops the ball in his latest film, a psychological thriller staring Annette Benning. At Ann Arbor 1&2: 1 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 3 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 4:50 (Thurs.), 5, 7, 9:10. At Showcase: 12:40, 3:05, 5:25, 8:05, 10:15, 12:25.

Mighty Joe Young A hairy ape of a movie. At Showcase: 12:05, 2:35, 5:05, 7:55.

Patch Adams H Caution: This medical melodrama might induce nausea. At Briarwood: 1, 4, 6:50, 9:30. At Showcase: 1:40, 4:05, 6:30, 9, 9:30, 11:20, 11:50.

Playing By Heart HHH Gillian Anderson and Jon Stewart lead an ensemble cast in this charming comedy. At Showcase: 1:20, 3:55, 6:35, 9:10, 11:35.

Prince Of Egypt HH Dreamwork's disappointing take on Moses and Exodus. At Showcase: 12:15, 2:25, 4:45, 6:55, 9:10, 11:10.

The Rugrats Movie HH A movie for kids and college students. At Showcase: 12:25, 2:20.

Shakespeare in Love HHHH Charming romantic comedy about Shakespeare finding his love and his muse. 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.

Stepmom HH Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts star in this weepy dying-of-cancer flick. At Briarwood: 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:50. At Showcase: 1:35, 4:10, 6:45, 9:15, 11:40.

The Thin Red Line HHH Terrence Malick returns to film with this brilliant WWII movie. At Briarwood: 12:50, 4:30, 8. At Showcase: 12, 1, 3:30, 4:30, 7, 8, 10:30, 11:30.

Varsity Blues HH Dawson. Jon Voight. Football. 'Nuf said. At Briarwood: 12:40, 3, 5:15, 7:40, 10:20. At Showcase: 12:30, 1:30, 2:50, 4:15, 5:10, 7:15, 7:45, 9:35, 10:05, 12, 12:30.

Virus H If only we could take antibiotics to kill this movie. 12:45, 3, 5:15, 7:35, 10, 12:15.

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

You've Got Mail HHH "Sleepless in Seattle" with e-mail. At Briarwood: 1:40, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40. At Showcase: 1:10, 3:45, 6:35, 9:05, 11:35.

Thursday

Gods and Monsters (1998) Ian McKellen stars as gay director James Whale in this film that explores the last days of his life. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty. 7 & 9:15 p.m. $5.25.

MUSIC

American String Quartet The evening's program pairs works by contemporary composers Charles Ives and Aaron Copeland with a piece by Beethoven. Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St., 764-2538. 8 p.m. $16-30.

The Element Combine solid shooting, tough defense and a rowdy crowd to get all the elements for a Michigan win tonight vs. Illinois. Rock cover band opens, hitting the stage at 10 p.m. Touchdown Cafe, 1220 S. University, 665-7777.

Al Hill & the Love Butlers Get pumped for Valentine's Day with A.H. and the butlers of love. Arbor Brewing, 114 E. Washington, 213-1393. 9 p.m.

Open Mic School is hard. Vent your frustrations through the microphone. Your grade point average will go up. Guaranteed. Elbow Room, 6 S. Washington, Ypsilanti, 483-6374. 9:30 p.m. Free.

Starlight Drifters The presence of anyone who aspires to be a big, bright, shining star is requested. Cavern Club, 210 S. 1st St., 332-9900. 10 p.m. $5.

Niacin Jay with special guest, the Almighty Groove Their talent comes from on high and all you are required to do is show up. Alvin's, 5756 Cass Ave, Detroit, (313) 832-2355. 9 p.m. $5.

THEATER

The Wide Open Weekend Basement Arts presents original new plays by University students. Friday features "Certainly" by Steve Horowitz and David Garcia's comedy "Polly Puts Her Foot Down." Arena Theater, Frieze Building. 7 p.m., Free.

ALTERNATIVES

Douglas Kelbaugh University dean and professor talks about his book "Common Place: Toward Neighborhood and Regional Design." Shaman Drum, 313 S. State St., 662-7407. 4 p.m.

Thomas Vranich and Lee Lewis Designers give tips on transforming a rough manuscript into a final product. Barnes & Noble, 3245 Washtenaw, 677-6475. 7 p.m.

Laura Kasischke Author will read from her recent work "White Bird in a Blizzard." Borders, 612 East Liberty St., 668-7652. 7:30 p.m.

Siglind Bruhn Bruhn Author will discuss her latest book "The Temptation of Paul Hindemith: Mathis der Maler as a Spiritual Testimony." Shaman Drum, 313 S. State St., 662-7407. 8 p.m.

"Art in the Public Sphere: New Projects, New Publics This discussion led by Jill Medvedow, of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and photographer Shimon Attie will bring up salient issues about temporary public art installations. Rackham Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m.

Friday

Delicatessen (1992) A tenament house turns to cannibalism after food runs out in post-apocalyptic Paris. Nat. Sci. 7 & 9 p.m. $3.

MUSIC

Deep Space Six with special guest Electric Maji According to inside reports none of the three famous Maji will be present, but that won't stop the good tunes from flowing. Alvin's, 5756 Cass Ave., Detroit, (313) 832-2355. 9 p.m. $5.

Faculty Recital Flautist Jeffrey Zook, oboist Nancy Ambrose King

and pianist Sharon Sparrow perform music by Quantz, Dring, Saint Saens, Tomasi and Muczynski. Britton Recital Hall. 8 p.m.

Fully Loaded Cocked, locked and ready to rock. Maybe Snoop, Dre or Latifah will show up this week. Then again, maybe they won't. Elbow Room, 6 S. Washington, Ypsilanti, 483-6374. 9 p.m. Free.

The Gepetto Files Mulder? This one is looking very spooky. Gypsy Cafe, 214 N. 4th Ave., 994-3940. 9:30 p.m. $5.

Ghetto Billies Props and love for the billies. Come ring in the weekend with this CD release party. With always very special guest The Dopes. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., 996-8555. 10 p.m.

Christopher Laughlin Internationally recognized classical guitarist presents a solo concert sponsored by the Ann Arbor Classical Guitar Society. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., 913-9733, 8 p.m. $5 for students, $8-12 for others.

Mudpuppy Aching for a little pie in the eye? Then come on down and grab hold of this puppy. Cavern Club, 210 S. 1st St., 332-9900. 10 p.m. $5.

Anne Sophie von Otter Accompanied by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Bengt Forsberg on piano, Swedish mezzo-soprano von Otter offers and all-Scandinavian program, including works by Greig, Bernwald and Nielsen. Mendelssohn Theater, 911 N. University Ave., 764-2538. 8 p.m., $20-$35.

Taproot Missed them last week at Detroit's Alvin's? Was not "Mentobe?" No sweat! Heres another chance to catch your "Mirror's Reflection" with Ann Arbor's premiere rap-core act. Cross Street Station, 511 West Cross Street, 485-5050. 8:30pm. $6.

Sunny Wilkinson Yo, the sunny don't shine forever. Bird of Paradise, 207 S. Ashley, 662-8310. 9:30 p.m., 11 p.m., 12:30 a.m. $5.

THEATER

The Wide Open Weekend Basement Arts presents original new plays by University students. Friday features "Certainly" by Steve Horowitz and David Garcia's comedy "Polly Puts Her Foot Down." Arena Theater, Frieze Building, 7 p.m., Free.

ALTERNATIVES

"Grounded: New Approaches to Contemporary Art" Public art expert Jill Medvedow, of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, leads a talk on trends in the visual arts. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 7:30 p.m.

Scott Lax Author will read from his novel "The Year That Trembled," which demonstrates the effects of the Vietnam War. Shaman Drum, 313 S. State St., 662-7407. 8 p.m.

Bill Jacobson Opening Artist Bill Jacobson speaks about his photography exhibit, a collection of figures, portraits and landscapes that embody a transparent and ghostlike aesthetic. Jacobson's work reflects his interpretation of life as influenced by his proximity to the AIDS epidemic. Exhibit runs though March 28. University Museum of Art, 525 South State St. 764-0395. 5 p.m.

Photo-Active Feminist Lecture Series MacArthur Award winner Wendy Ewald talks about her projects with disadvantaged children in which they were given cameras to photograph their environments. These photos were later published in books such as "Portraits and Dreams" and "I Dreamed I Had a Girl in My Pocket," among others. School of Art and Design Lecture Hall, Room 2104, 7 p.m.

Alan Rafkin Former director of The Andy Griffith Show and Murphy Brown will speak about and sign copies of his autobiography "Cue the Bunny on the Rainbow." Call 668-7652 for location information. 7 p.m.

Saturday

The Stranger (1946) Orson Welles film about a war-crimes commissioner in search of an escaped Nazi war criminal living as a history professor in a small Connecticut town. Nat. Sci. 7 p.m. $4, $5 dbl.

Rope (1948) Alfred Hitchcock's experimental film about two killers trying to get away with murder at a dinner party for the victim's father. Nat. Sci. 8:40 p.m. $4 per person, $5 for couples.

In A Lonely Place (1950) Nicholas Ray directs this movie about an embittered Hollywood scriptwriter suspected of murdering a young woman. Nat. Sci. 10 p.m. $4 per person, $5 per couple.

MUSIC

22nd Ann Arbor Folk Festival Double deuce is a solid number, and this a solid festival. Hill Auditorium, 763-TKTS. 6 p.m. $25.

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Go to this concert. Mail your parents the program. It'll give them hope. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, 994-4801 (for information). 8 p.m. $16-29.

Blammo! Which is how you'll feel if you watch a days worth of "Brady Bunch" reruns. Heidelberg, 215 N. Main, 663-7758. 10 p.m. $5.

Blue Dog Hey wasn't this the name of a movie with Patrick Swayze and Meat Loaf? Gypsy Cafe, 214 N. 4th Ave., 994-3940. 9:30 p.m. $4.

Bugs Beddow Band Say this name fast five times and maybe they'll let you in for free. Or maybe not. Cavern Club, 210 S. 1st St., 332-9900. 10 p.m. $5.

Fully Loaded The band name could describe the new look Pistons seeing as they acquired Loy Vaught and Christian Laettner en route to their 1999 championship run. Elbow Room, 6 S. Washington, Ypsilanti, 483-6374. 9 p.m. Free.

Friends of Opera Gala Benefit Concert Past and present winners of the School of Music's Friends of Opera Scholarship celebrate it's 25th anniversary. Performances include renditions of famous arias, as well as various duets and ensembles. Proceeds go to scholarship fund. Mendelssohn Theater, 911 North University Ave., 764-2538. 8 p.m. $10, $5 students.

The Royal Jokers R&B quartet weaves laughter into a set of popular, jazz and soul music classics. Part of a continuing legacy, the Jokers reflect the early traditions of Count Basie, Dinah Washington, and B.B. King, with whom the original members collaborated. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., 913-9733. $12.

THEATER

The Wide Open Weekend See Friday. Saturday's plays are Robert Rokicki's "Under its Spell" and Daniel Kahn's "Open Up and Bleed."

ALTERNATIVES

Craig Holden Author will sign copies of his thriller "Four Corners of the Night." Nicola's Books, 2513 Jackson Rd. 2 p.m.

Greg Hollingshead Hollingshead will read from his latest novel "The Healer." A reception will follow. Shaman Drum, 313 S. State St., 662-7407.. 8 p.m.

We Shall Overcome Detroit's Mosaic Youth Theater honors Dr. Martin Luther King in a performance of various multi-cultural musical pieces. Residential College Auditorium, East Quad. 1 p.m., Free.

INMEDIA 99: Anything Digital Mixed-media presents wide variety of digitally manipulated projects and technologically inspired. Media Union Gallery and Video Studio, 6 p.m., Free.

01-28-99