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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 12, 2008

THE BUCKET LIST **½

The clunky title of this Rob Reiner buddy flick refers to the list of things Morgan Freeman's cancer-stricken mechanic has always wanted to do before dying. Things don't look too promising until he meets a rich fellow invalid (Jack Nicholson), who helps him tick a few experiences off the eponymous list. The inspiring life lessons picked up on the way are just gravy.

PG-13; 97 minutes

JUMPER **

After discovering that he can teleport, a pouty slacker (Hayden Christensen in petulant, obnoxious Anakin Skywalker mode) uses his ability not to fight crime or protect the innocent but to rob banks and woo hot chicks (including Rachel Bilson of "The O.C."). Unfortunately, Samuel L. Jackson and some other haters want to spoil his party.

PG-13; 88 minutes

WITLESS PROTECTION

What clever big-screen conceit has that one-man brand Larry the Cable Guy found to showcase his keen comedic talents this time around? True to form, he plays a portly dim-bulb of a guy - in a policeman's uniform this time - who kidnaps a government witness (Ivana Milicevic) by mistake. The usual tired xenophobic and sexist hilarity ensues.

PG-13; 97 minutes

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL **

Based on the historical romance by Philippa Gregory, this bodice-ripping drama stars Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson as sisters who share a bed with Henry VIII (Eric Bana), though not at the same time (sorry, guys). Sibling rivalry and seduction get more screen time than actual events, though cursory knowledge of English history will tell you how it ends.

PG-13; 115 minutes

JOHN ADAMS

Once again, non-HBO subscribers have some cultural catching up to do. This star-studded miniseries, based on the biography by David McCullough, eschews the usual flag-waving in favor of a nuanced look at the complex early history of this nation. Paul Giamatti plays the title character and Laura Linney is Abigail, his wife of 50-plus years.

Not rated; 501 minutes

NIRVANA: THE DVD COLLECTOR'S BOX

Underneath the pretty packaging, this one-disc set contains two previously released programs: "Nirvana - the Untold Stories" and "Kurt Cobain - the Early Life of a Legend," both of which feature extensive interviews with the band members and various friends and associates, as well as rare footage and photographs from their heyday in the late '80s and early '90s.

Not rated; 120 minutes

Synopses by Amanda Henry; ratings from The Associated Press

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