Persall's top 5

By STEVE PERSALL, Times Film Critic

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 5, 2000

Recent releases recommended by Times film critic Steve Persall

1 Gladiator -- Sprawling, brawling Roman Empire epic, with Russell Crowe bidding to become the next great action star. Ultra-violent, and equally fun.

2 Frequency -- Dead father (Dennis Quaid) and adult son (Jim Caviezel) solve murders, thanks to a supernatural ham radio. Dumb as it sounds, it works.

3 Where the Heart Is -- Natalie Portman plays a bumpkin who gives birth in a Wal-Mart and becomes a media sensation. Ashley Judd and Sally Field co-star in this eccentric comedy-drama.

4 Keeping the Faith -- Did you hear the one about a rabbi (Ben Stiller), a priest (Edward Norton) and the childhood pal (Jenna Elfman) they love? Maybe you should.

5 Rules of Engagement -- Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones are a formidable acting duo, playing a court-martialed U.S Marine and the lawyer defending him.