Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert review three new movies and examine a trend in children's movies. Two thumbs up for Rob Reiner's terrifying black comedy,
Misery (1990), based on Stephen King's novel. Both critics appreciate the sly humor as well as the horror. Two more thumbs up for
Hidden Agenda (1990), a shockingly brave political drama set in Northern Ireland, although both critics bemoan a large hole in the plot. Two thumbs up yet again for
Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), the latest movie adaptation of Rostand's classic. Gene Siskel says that it's better than the 1950 José Ferrer version, but not quite as good as the modernized Steve Martin comedy. Ebert praises Gérard Depardieu and notes that some audience members find the movie corny while others dissolve into tears. Next, the critics examine why children are watching violent and depressing movies, some explicitly and some covertly intended for them. Finally, they recommend two good children's movies on video. Siskel's pick is the socially conscious
Crusoe (1988); Ebert's is the nature film,
The Bear (1988).
—J. Spurlin